《A Baby For Billionaire Knox》


 EPISODE ONE

    THEME: Saved by a good human


    IN THE 	HUMAN WORLD


    Ryan Scott was ying football with some other boys he met on the beach. And when minutes clicked by, they all got tired of ying football. Ryan walked back to his elder brother Oliver Scott.


    ¡°Game over?¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°Yes.. let us go home, I am so tired.¡± Ryan answered.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    Oliver stood up and packed their stuffs into a pic bag and they walked back to the car. But then Ryan felt like he needed to ease himself. ¡°Hey Bro, I want to pee.¡± Ryan said.


    Oliver rolled his eyes. ¡°Can you hold it till we get home?¡± He teased.


    ¡°Come on Olly, you always tell me that it is not good to let pee stay in ones dder for too long.¡± Ryan countered .


    ¡°But why now?¡± Oliver smirked.


    ¡°me it on the junks you bought for me.¡± Ryan replied.


    Oliver eyes searched the area for possible ce Ryan could pee. ¡°Then you should have turned everything down when I offered it.¡± He said.


    ¡°How can I?¡± Ryan stomped his feet.


    Oliver chuckled. ¡°Over there.¡± He pointed towards a ce not too far from where they stood. ¡°You can pee over there, behind the rock.¡± He said.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Ryan raced off.


    And while Ryan was doing his thing, he noticed something. He suddenly saw a hand but the rest of the body was covered up in the heap of sand. He looked closely to be sure and it was indeed a hand.


    ¡°What?! A ghost -¡± His brain processed then Ryan screamed and ran as fast as his legs could carry him. He was scared!


    ¡°Hey what is wrong?¡± Oliver asked with a confused look on his face when he saw his brother running towards him.


    ¡°I.. I.. I saw a ghost.. no.. no.. no a dead body -¡± Ryan stuttered as he exined to Oliver.


    ¡°hey¡­rx your mind.¡± Oliver said and Ryan gasped out for breathes.


    Oliver didn¡¯t waste much time, he spun on his heel towards the direction. When Oliver got there, he saw a human hand but the body wasn¡¯t in view and he wondered who had buried a human on the beach. His impulse told him to search for his phone and report the incident to the police but another look at the hand it looks so pale but still in a good condition.


    ¡°The person is dead, I suggest we call the police.¡± Ryan said as panic filled him.


    ¡°You are right. We should call the cops.¡± And just when Oliver and Ryan were about stepping backward the fingers twitched. Oliver exchanged nces with his little brother.


    ¡°I think the person is alive.¡± Oliver muttered, and he took a step forward.


    ¡°Yes we should save the person!¡± Ryan added.


    And they started putting the sand away until they found the body but they both gasped out in shock on seeing the full view of the body buried in the sea sand. Oliver quickly ced his hands on Ryan¡¯s face. ¡°You.. you.. shouldn¡¯t¡­ see¡­this¡­¡± Oliver stammered.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t see this.. as a little boy.¡± Oliver said, Ryan stood up and turned away.


    They found the body of a beautiful woman in sand, her upper side was covered with strange clothes while from her belly button to her legs was und.


    ¡°Get the towel in the car.¡± Oliver instructed his brother as he also looked away from the nearly naked body.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Ryan rushed back to the car and he came back secondster with a towel.


    Oliver closed his eyes as he wrapped the towel around the woman¡¯s body. He checked her pulse and found out she was breathing fine. And then Oliver lifted her up in bridal style in his arms.


    ¡°Who is she?¡± Ryan asked.


    Oliver looked down at his little brother with a raised eyebrows. ¡°How can you ask me such a question when you found her. I don¡¯t know her.¡± Oliver answered with a shrug.


    ¡°So why are you carrying her away?¡± Ryan asked.


    Oliver breathed out heavily. ¡°She is breathing.¡± He answered.


    ¡°So what are you going to do with her?¡± Ryan asked.


    ¡°Where else? I am taking her to our home.¡± Oliver answered.


    ¡°What?! Our home? Why do you want to bring a stranger to our home?!¡± Ryan asked with a wide eye.


    ¡°To help her regain consciousness.¡± Oliver peered down at his brother.


    ¡°Why not take her to the hospital?¡± Ryan asked as he opened the car door and Oliver ced the body gently in the backseat.


    Oliver chuckled. ¡°Yeah you are right bro and I was only joking about taking her to our home.¡± He replied.


    Ryan rolled his eyes. ¡°You always tease me at every chance you get.¡± They entered the car. Oliver started the car and drove down to the hospital where he worked as a surgeon.

 EPISODE TWO

    THEME: Knowing the Martins


    Mrs ina Martins is one of the most influential women in America. She is a widow.  ina lost her husband in a ne crash that killed a thousand of people when her son was just ten years old.  ina Martins is bossy, dominant and she always wants  to be in control of the lives of the people around her. She took over the family businesses but she hasn¡¯t been in good terms with her son ever since her husband¡¯s death.


    Knox Martins is twenty six years old, he is the next in line to take over ¡°The Martin Empire¡± a sessful multi-billionaire business. He is handsome, cool but so full of himself. Knox also mes his mother for his father¡¯s death. Why? How did  Mr Benjamin meet an early death?


    Mr  Benjamin Martins had an argument with his wife that morning after she used him of having an affair with his secretary at work. The argument was a tough one with Mrs ina threatening to divorce her husband and to also take Knox away. This resulted in Mr Benjamin Martins travelling out of the state the next day on an unprepared vacation.


    And ina and Knox  expected his return for weeks until they saw the news about the ne crash and it happened that Mr Benjamin was on the list of members on board. Mr Benjamin Martins died in the ne crash on his way back from Italy.


    Knox was very young at that time, he thought his mom killed his father.  Knox concluded that his mom caused his father¡¯s untimely death after the secretary confessed that she never had an affair with her boss.  Knox med his mother and that resulted in the break of bond between them.


    When Knox came of age he made it clear to his mom that he wasn¡¯t interested in taking over thepany because he thought his mom would boss him around and try to control him like she did to his father, so he kept his distance.


    Mrs ina Martins feels  guilty for her husband¡¯s death and so she tried to make things up to him by taking over thepany and taking care of their only child.


    Knox Martin at eighteen, he travelled out to study in Italy just to be away from his mom and he returned at the age of twenty four. After Knox returned to America, he moved out of the family mansion and bought a house by the beach because he loved the view of the sea.


    ina Martins never liked the Idea of Knox residing by the beach but she had no choice other than to ept his decision. So she in turn hired maids to work at Knox¡¯s home to be sure he was doing fine. Knox gets mad each time a new maid showed up in his house and as a result he gave them tough and hard time until they quit. They neversted 24 hours in his home before giving up. But that didn¡¯t stop ina from hiring more maids to work for her son.  She is always on the look out for someone who can work for her in Knox¡¯s home and help her convince him that her husband¡¯s death wasn¡¯t her intention.


    Knox Martins sits by the sea whenever he is less busy at work. He is known as a famous child actor, a popr model  and one of the most sessful men in the entertainment industry. He intends to focus more on establishing an entertainment agency to help young and talented people to  achieve their dreams. Of all these things, Knox forgets his pains and grudge whenever he is by the sea.


    Who is Knox Martins? The man who never believed love truly existed or maybe he gave up on love the very moment he heard about the news about his father¡¯s death.


    *********


    KNOX MARTINS BEACH HOUSE


    Knox heard the doorbell from the kitchen. ¡°Who could it be?¡± He mumbled to no one in particr. The doorbell jangled again causing Knox to look down at the watch on his wrist. The time was 10:00 p. m.


    Knox Martins switched off the running tap and moved out of the Kitchen. He motioned towards the Inte and checked to see who was at the door. ¡°What is she doing out there?¡± He muttered after seeing the bold face waiting to be let in.


    It was Betty Lawson. His childhood friend.


    Betty Lawson, a young and strikingly beautiful twenty five years olddy. She is the daughter of one the most Influential business men in America, Albert Lawson. Betty is an actress and International Model. She is a famous celebrity in the country which a derogatorybel, ¡°beauty of the media.¡± She has been in love with Knox Martins since she knew what love meant.


    She was there at his home to make ns for his 26th Birthday and give feedback to Mrs ina Martins ording to ns.


    Knox punched in the passwords and the door opened. ¡°Hi Knox.¡± She greeted cheerfully.


    ¡°Hello Betty,¡± He replied.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Betty stepped closer and hugged him. ¡°Did that olddy send you here?¡± He asked.


    Betty pulled back to look at him. ¡°No..¡± she lied. ¡°Can¡¯t Ie over to say hi to you whenever I don¡¯t have a tight schedule?¡± She smiled.


    Knox stepped backward and gestured to her toe inside. He walked back to the couch. Betty stepped in and closing the door behind her.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you check the time?¡± He picked up his phone on the table.


    ¡°Yes I know the time is 10:00 p. m. And I came on my own after my photo shoots.¡± Betty replied with a shrug.


    ¡°You are lying, Betty.¡± Knox looked up at her.


    Betty rolled her eyes and moved to the couch he sat on. ¡°There was traffic on the highway.. that¡¯s why I arrivedte.¡± She stylishly moved to rest her head on his chest.


    ¡°Did you run away from your mom again?¡± Knox asked when he noticed the box she had brought in.


    Betty was fond of running away from her mom. Sometimes  she would stay in Knox¡¯s family home or at her friends ce just to go to club during high school days.


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t run away from home and I am not hiding from mom.¡± Betty replied.


    ¡°So what¡¯s in the box?¡± Knox demanded.


    ¡°My clothes and -¡±


    Knox interrupted her. ¡°Are you traveling?¡± He asked.


    ¡°No I am not traveling and I said it earlier that I just finished a photo shoot session. So I am here to stay with you and also spend some time with you. Mom and dad are too busy at work and these days I am always alone at home if there are no shoots for me at the agency. So I figured -¡±


    ¡°Betty -¡± he called.


    Betty raised her head to look at him. Knox shifted and repositioned himself to look straight at her eyes.


    ¡°Also Knox, I don¡¯t want you to be alone.¡± She added.


    ¡°Listen Betty, you have to stop caring about me.¡± Knox stated clearly.


    ¡°Knox, I can¡¯t stop caring about you and I always want to be with you.¡± Betty said with a serious look on her face.


    ¡°Well you know how much I like being alone. I so much cherish my privacy.¡± Knox reminded her.


    ¡°You need toe out of that shell. Do you want to be like this forever?¡± Betty demanded.


    Knox stood up. ¡°Betty, I am not in for an argument this night. And you can spend the night and leave tomorrow. I know  that olddy sent you here so tell her not to hire any worker or else I will call the cops on whoever she hires. Good night.¡± He walked away.


    ¡°Are you leaving me out here, Knox?¡± Betty said in a sad tone as she stood up and followed him.


    ¡°Knox!¡± She called but he didn¡¯t respond.


    Knox mmed the bedroom door and she stopped .¡±Son of a bitch..¡± She muttered.


    ¡°I am not going to leave!¡± Betty screamed and hissed  before walking back to the living room angrily. She knew right from time that her seduction wasn¡¯t going to work on him.

 EPISODE THREE

    THEME: Beauty of the media


    Betty Lawson pressed the doorbell outside Martin¡¯s family home. The door opened and she was weed by a maid whom she recognized to be Rachel. ¡°Good morning, Miss Betty.¡± Rachel greeted cheerfully.


    ¡°Good morning, Rachel.¡± Betty replied as she walked into the luxurious living room. ¡°Where is Mrs ina?¡± She asked.


    ¡°She is in her bedroom.¡± Rachel answered.


    ¡°Please tell her I am around.¡± Betty sniffed.


    Rachel motioned towards Mrs ina¡¯s bedroom and she knocked on the door softly. ¡°Ma¡¯am, Miss Betty is here to see you.¡± She said.


    ¡°Oh Betty!¡± Mrs ina said happily. She was preparing for her friend¡¯s birthday party. ¡°Please tell Betty I will be out soon.¡±


    ¡°Okay ma¡¯am.¡± Rachel replied and walked away.


    Mrs ina Martins added blush to her cheeks before turning away from the mirror and she moved out of her room. She hoped to hear good news from Betty concerning Knox¡¯s birthday ns.


    ¡°Betty?¡± Mrs ina called.


    Betty turned to face ina and she gasped in shock at the look on her face. ¡°Oh my God Betty! What is wrong with you?¡±  the olddy gasped out.


    Betty¡¯s face was swollen from tears. She had cried all the way from Knox¡¯s beach house down to his family home. ¡°Knox -¡± Her voice trailed and she swallowed hard to get the lump pass her throat.


    ¡°What did he do to you?¡± ina demanded with the worried look on her face.


    ¡°He.. he.. he..¡± Her voice broke off


    ¡°No.. please don¡¯t tell him my son hit you.¡± ina said.


    Betty didn¡¯t respond and all she did was cry. ¡°Wait.. let me get my purse. I will go to his house right now and talk sense into his head¡­ and I better call the cops on him too.¡± ina said, annoyance clear in her tone.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    She was almost leaving for her room when Betty spoke up. ¡°No don¡¯t call the cops, Knox didn¡¯t  hit me.¡± Betty wiped her tears with her fingertips.


    Mrs ina Knox heaved  a sigh of relief. ¡°Then what is it?¡±


    ¡°Mrs ina.. I am just here to tell you that.. I want to give up on Knox. I will try to stop loving him.¡± Betty sobbed.


    Mrs ina stared at her in shock.  ¡°Give up? Why?  Why do you want to give up on him?¡±? Why the sudden change of mind?¡± She went to Betty and pulled her to sit on the couch.


    ¡°Knox doesn¡¯t loves me.¡± Betty mumbled.


    ¡°No Betty, you are wrong. Knox loves you.¡± Mrs ina held her hands.


    Betty shook her head in disagreement. ¡°No he doesn¡¯t -¡±


    ina interrupted her. ¡°Did Knox spill it out that he doesn¡¯t love you?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No he didn¡¯t tell me that he doesn¡¯t love me.¡± Betty replied.


    Mrs ina shot her a confused look. ¡°So what Betty?  Knox didn¡¯t tell you that he doesn¡¯t love you, but  you just jump into conclusion?¡±


    ¡°I can feel it that he doesn¡¯t love me. It¡¯s like Knox doesn¡¯t want to love anyone.¡± Betty expressed.


    Mrs ina heaved a sigh. ¡°Listen Betty, I know it is hard to tell his feelings but as his mother I can tell you that Knox loves you. He is only trying to act tough.¡± She exined in a calm voice.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. Betty objected to the fact that Knox loves her.


    ¡°Tell me the reason Betty.¡± Mrs ina requested.


    ¡°Last night Betty asked me to stop caring about him.¡± Betty started off but soon stopped talking.


    ¡°But you spent the night at his ce, why can you just seduce him or do something to make him crazy about you? I am sure my son is not an impotent.¡± Mrs ina pointed out.


    ¡°I did everything but he told me to just spend the night and leave this morning like I am a piece of trash.¡± Betty exined.


    ¡°Did you sleep in his bedroom?¡± ina asked.


    ¡°No he left me in the living room and he avoided me this morning. Mrs ina, I tried getting him to talk to me but I ended up getting insults from him.¡± Betty sobbed.


    ¡°He insulted you?¡± Mrs ina furrowed her eyebrows.


    ¡°Yes.. he said my face is too thin and my body doesn¡¯t look good and everything makes me ugly. And he also said that I wasn¡¯t good enough for him¡­¡± Betty sobbed uncontrobly.


    ¡°What?! Knox said that to you?! He body shamed you!¡± Mrs ina froze up.


    ¡°Yes.. I went straight to the room and packed my box to leave and he didn¡¯t even try to stop me. Instead he waved me goodbye and told me to nevere around again.¡± Betty buried her face in her palm.


    ¡°Unbelievable!¡± Mrs ina covered her mouth.


    ¡°Knox doesn¡¯t love me.¡± Betty mustered.


    Betty had spent close to ten minutes in the car crying because of Knox¡¯s words to her. It pained her that Knox doesn¡¯t feel the same way she feels for him. She loved him dearly but it was so obvious that Knox doesn¡¯t have a hint of feelings for her.  He doesn¡¯t care! He was only concerned about himself.


    ¡°Hold on.. Betty,¡± Mrs ina picked her phone on the table. She dialed his number and when he didn¡¯t pick up anger crashed over her. ¡°He is not picking my calls.¡± she said.


    ¡°I think I have to leave now, I am runningte. I have to shoot amercial by 12:00 p. m.¡± Betty wiped her face.


    ¡°Betty, I apologize on his behalf. I will go and see him and I promise you that Knox will give you a call and apologize to you.¡± ina gave Betty¡¯s hand a small squeeze.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Betty nodded and stood up from the couch.


    ¡°Let me walk you to the door.¡± Mrs ina offered.


    ¡°Thank you ma¡¯am.¡± Betty feigned a small smile.

 EPISODE FOUR

    THEME: Mother and son broken bond


    KNOX BEACH HOUSE


    Once again Knox moved to the inte when he heard the doorbell. ¡°What is she doing here?¡± He muttered on seeing his mother. He went back to the couch to grab his cellphone, her call came in almost immediately and he picked it.


    ¡°Hey Knox! I know you are in there! Open the door!¡±  She screamed in annoyance.


    Knox walked back to the inte. ¡°Olddy you can¡¯t tell me what to do, say whatever it is you here for on phone.. I am listening.¡± He said in a calm voice.


    ¡°What?!.. Knox open up!¡± She hit the door.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you into my house toin and nag and yell at me. I am too tired for all that and -¡±


    She cuts him off his sentence. ¡°Knox, do you realize I am your mother and you clearly know what I am capable of doing. Don¡¯t be rude to me!¡± She shouted.


    ¡°Olddy, I know what you are capable of doing to me. Remember it was easy for you to send your husband to his early grave then it won¡¯t be a problem doing the same to me. But I won¡¯t allow it.¡± He gritted.


    Through the inte. he saw the anger and pain in her expression and he knew that he had touched her with his words. But he couldn¡¯t keep her waiting outside or else she would go crazy at his entrance or explode like a time bomb. Seconds clicked by, Knox punched in his password and the door opened.


    ¡°How dare you treat me like this?!¡± Mrs ina pped him across his face.


    Knox gasped in surprised. ¡°Irrespective of what has happened I am still your mother and you should respect me!¡± She grimaced in anger.


    He shouldn¡¯t have let her into his house. Knox thought as he move back to the couch and settled on it. ¡°Olddy say what you have to say and leave.¡± He focused on his phone.


    Mrs ina huffed trying to calm down. ¡°Why did you say such horrible words to Betty It is not nice to body shame someone and you know that. So why did you do it?¡± She asked.


    Mrs ina was used to Knox¡¯s unusual and rude attitude towards her since his father¡¯s death. She could hardly believe Knox, her lovely son could turn against her and disregard her like she had never done any good to him. She has tried all her best to renew the bond they once shared, the closeness and all. She has tried to make him see that her husband¡¯s death was not her intention, she craved for his attention, but Knox¡¯s mind was made up. He was finding it hard to forgive her and nothing she did for him was good in his eyes.


    ¡°Knox, why did you say such words to Betty? She came home crying like you raised your hands at her.¡± Mrs ina repeated but she got no response to her question. ¡°I believe I am talking to someone.¡± She narrowed her eyes. And when he didn¡¯t respond, so she went to him and snatched his phone which he didn¡¯t expect it.


    ¡°Let me have my phone.¡± He gestured sharply at her.


    ¡°I will give it back after our discussion.¡± She sighed contentedly.


    ¡°What were you saying?¡± He spoke up after some minutes of silence.


    ¡°I was talking about Betty Lawson.¡± she said.


    And Knox yawned trying to tell her that he wasn¡¯t interested in the discussion. Mrs ina shot him a re at her son before dropping his phone into her bag.


    ¡°Fine.. what¡¯s up with her?¡± Knox pretended to care.


    ¡°She told me everything you said to her.¡± Mrs ina replied.


    ¡°And so?¡± Knox snorted and folded his arms.


    Mrs ina shook her head in disappointment. ¡°Why are you being so cold towards the innocent girl? For goodness sake she is your friend and you both grew up together. So why are you treating her like a stranger?¡± she demanded.


    ¡°I just don¡¯t want to have anything to do with her, is it hard? Why is it so hard for her to understand simple bodynguage? Why do I need to spell things to her before she gets the picture?¡± He picked up the remote and turned on the television.


    Mrs ina stood at akimbo wondering how rebellious her sweet son had be. ¡°Listen to me boy, whether you like it or not you are getting married to Betty.¡± She blurted out.


    ¡°What?!¡± His eyes widened and jaw droppedpletely.


    Mrs ina pointed at him. ¡°Yes and it is either Betty or no one else!¡± She spat out angrily.


    Over time ina hase to realize that the only way to make her sone to his senses is by pestering him to start a family because she knows that he doesn¡¯t like that idea. And Mrs ina doesn¡¯t care if it seemed like she was controlling him or trying to force him into marriage.


    ¡°You can¡¯te in here and tell me what to do.¡± He red at her.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    ¡°But I can make you do what I want.¡± She shot back at him.


    Knox frown deepened. ¡°No you can¡¯t control me, I don¡¯t love Betty. Oh very good choice olddy, so you expect to get married to someone I don¡¯t love?¡± He pped his hands.


    ¡°Well you will grow to love her, I don¡¯t know how you want to do it just start growing your feelings for Betty.¡± She held an eye contact with him.


    ¡°Never I won¡¯t force myself to love any woman.¡±  Knox clenched his fists.


    ¡°Fine but I will only consider you if you are seeing someone .¡± Mrs ina stated.


    Knox thought for some seconds trying toprehend his mother¡¯s words. ¡°Yes I have a girlfriend and she is the one I want to marry.¡± He blurted out.


    Mrs inaughed. ¡°So who is she?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Well it is none of your business, Olddy.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°Fine.. tell your girlfriend to not get her hopes high because I won¡¯t ept her! And if I find out who she is, I will make sure this town turns into a living hell for her.¡± She threatened.


    Knoxughed. ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it because I don¡¯t n to introduce her to you.¡± He stared at his mom intently.


    ¡°I will find her if you have one.¡± Mrs ina said in the sternest voice she could muster.


    ¡°Olddy, do you realize that I am not a kid anymore. I am twenty six and I have every right to make decision.. my own decisions. And why on earth will you not just let me be?¡± He blurted out in frustration.


    ¡°I will stay out of your decisions the moment you start making ones that are reasonable and also decisions that will make me happy too.¡± She responded.


    ¡°This is my life -¡±


    Mrs ina interrupted him. ¡°Save me the lectures, I want you to call Betty right now and apologize to her.¡± She instructed giving his phone back to him.


    ¡°Why should I do that?¡± He asked with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°You did her wrong by saying those harsh words to her. Betty is more than good enough for you.¡± Mrs ina replied.


    ¡°Look stop getting her hopes high, I will only make it clear to her that I am not interested in her and I don¡¯t love her and I will never love her.¡± Knox said as he clicked on his phone.


    Mrs ina was quick to snatched the phone from him again.


    ¡°What do you think you are doing?¡± He questioned.


    ¡°I want to you to call Betty and tell her the truth.¡± Mrs ina hissed.


    ¡°What truth?¡± He asked with a raised eyebrows.


    ¡°Whatever truth I tell you!¡± Mrs ina copied Betty¡¯s number from her phone to Knox¡¯s and she dialed it.


    Knox had saved Betty¡¯s number as drama queen but she changed it to my heart. And Betty picked on the second ring. ¡°Hello Betty,¡± Mrs ina said.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Knox asked his mom.


    ¡°What does it look like I am doing?¡± She whispered to him.


    ¡°Betty, Knox wants to talk to you.¡± ina handed him the phone.


    Knox hesitated but then she pushed the device into his hand. ¡°Talk to her now.¡± She mouthed.


    Knox heaved a sigh of frustration. ¡°Hello.¡± He said.


    ¡°Hi.¡± Betty replied coldly.


    ¡°How are you doing?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I am fine.¡±  She answered.


    ¡°Hey you don¡¯t have to sound like that.¡± Knox said. Betty didn¡¯t reply. ¡°Fine.. I am sorry.¡± he apologized.


    ¡°For what?¡± Betty asked.


    ¡°For.. for.. everything I said to you this morning.¡± He responded.


    ¡°I am seriously mad at you for calling me such names.¡± Betty said sharply.


    ¡°Come on! I know that I sounded rude to you earlier but I.. I was joking- ¡± Knox paused. But that¡¯s the truth, you are indeed not that pretty to me, he wanted to tell her but he bit back the rest of his words and tried hard not tough. He has always teased Betty since they were little.


    ¡°But you said it with a serious face.¡± She reminded him.


    ¡°I am sorry.¡± Knox apologized again.


    A smile formed on her face, she was happy. ¡°What.. what about the part you said.. I am not good enough for you.¡±Betty mumbled but enough for him to hear her.


    Knox was tired of this discussion. ¡°Uhmm.. that too.. you are good.. I mean Betty is a good woman. Let us hang out some other time.¡± he rushed out hisst words.


    ¡°When?¡± She asked with excitement in her tone.


    ¡°Maybe tomorrow or whenever you are less busy.¡± He replied.


    ¡°Okay I have a shoot tomorrow but I will make out time for us.¡± She said happily.


    ¡°Bye.¡± he disconnected the call.


    ¡°Good.¡± Mrs ina said to her son.


    ¡°Are you happy now?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± she responded with a half smile.


    ¡°So you can leave now.¡± Knoxy back down on the couch with his eyes closed.


    ¡°No, I am not done talking.¡± Mrs ina said.


    ¡°Suit yourself olddy.¡± He mumbled.


    ¡°Your birthday is in three days time.¡± Mrs ina pped her eyes.


    ¡°Yeah.. olddy everything is fine now.. please leave I need to rest. I will be very busy tomorrow.¡± He stood up from the couch again.


    ¡°What about your ns with Betty?¡± Mrs ina demanded. she didn¡¯t realize that he had only put up an act so they could let him off the hook and just let him be in peace.


    ¡°We can always reschedule or I will try to make it up to her. And please don¡¯te around in three days time or even think of throwing a party for me because I won¡¯t show up for it.¡± He said in a serious tone.


    ¡°Well let us wait till then.¡± Knox replied with a shrug.


    ¡°And don¡¯t hire any maid for me again, I am capable of taking care of things around here.¡± He pointed out.


    ¡°If I get a good maid that can withstand your troubles then you have no choice. See you in three days time.¡± Mrs ina picked her bag and walked out of the house. Knox heaved a sigh of relief when he heard the m of the door.

 EPISODE FIVE

    THEME: The mermaid survived


    TWO WEEKS LATER


    SAINT PETER HOSPITAL


    Ade opened her eyes slowly observing the surrounding through her blurred vision from waking up. ¡°Where am I? What¡¯s going on?¡± She thought as her vision became clearer.


    Ade turned her head towards the beeping sound of the machine next to the bed. ¡°How did I get here?¡± She asked herself.


    Minutester the door opened and Oliver Scott walked in with a nurse behind him. Ade looked up at them, her eyes widened in surprise and shock when Oliver opened his eyes full and her breathe caught! Then she stared intensely at him while a smile yed on his lips. Ade¡¯s eyes did a slow crawl on Oliver¡¯s his lips that was full and plump, his hair fell on his eyes and she figured that he didn¡¯t have a tail but legs!


    She gasped as realization hit her. ¡°I am in the human world!¡± She screamed out suddenly, cing her hand over her mouth.


    Ade¡¯s lower abdomen clenched at the vivid memories of how everything had happened and she shivered.


    FLASHBACK TO THE UNDERWORLD


    Ade was weak, she had refused to eat and the concoction Abijam  gave her had affected her. Her entire world was upside down as she couldn¡¯t cast a spell to free herself.  She could feel that her body was shutting down rapidly, her eyes closed slightly but she blinked severally. No! She didn¡¯t want to die! Then Ade began to sing the song she sang on her birthday in her mind. She pleaded with the sea to grant her wish.


    At the same hour she had said the wish seven days ago, suddenly her tail became translucent.  Ade felt the emptiness and her eyes opened, her eyes widened when she saw that her body was different. It was more transparent! She couldn¡¯t make out what was happening to her and she wanted to scream for help but her mouth was sealed


    Minutes clicked by and then Oceanus, na, Aztec, Arran and Azizi came into her room to see her and their jaws dropped when they saw Ade¡¯s features. She was extremely translucent. na rushed to her child trying to reach out to her but she couldn¡¯t feel Ade.


    ¡°Ade, can you hear me?¡± na asked with a worry in her wide eye.


    All Ade could do was nod, Arran went to her and unbind the tools. ¡°What did you do to yourself?!¡± Oceanus questioned in a high tone.


    Ade opened her mouth to speak but her voice failed her, she was confused. ¡°Get Abijam!¡± Oceanus ordered no one in particr but Arran rushed out of the room.


    ¡°How did you be like this?¡± na asked but no response came from Ade.


    ¡°You can hear us right?¡± Azizi asked.


    Ade nodded again and they were stunned at her appearance.  ¡°Don¡¯t leave me Ade, I am so sorry for hitting you and I promise you that you won¡¯t get married to someone you don¡¯t love. Please take back your wish.¡± na pleaded.


    ¡°Mother rx.. Ade-¡± Morrissey was interrupted.


    ¡°Please stay with me.¡± na sobbed.


    ¡°What is happening to me?¡± Ade asked but since they couldn¡¯t hear her, so she got no response. Ade made an attempt to touch her mother¡¯s cheeks to wipe her tears but she couldn¡¯t feel anything. She was transparent! Abijam jaw droppedpletely when his gaze fell on her, he was stunned! All his years as a sea wizard he had never seen a translucent mermaid, it was like she was a spirit mermaid.


    ¡°Abijam do something!¡± Oceanus ordered.


    The sea wizard tried several spells to revive Ade but nothing worked. He only realized that the special mermaid was leaving the underworld.


    ¡°What is going on?¡± Oceanus asked.


    ¡°Lord Oceanus, I am as confused as you are now.¡± Abijam mumbled with confusion on his expression


    ¡°Confused?¡± na cried.


    ¡°Yes it seems the sea has finally granted the princess wish.¡± Abijam said.


    Ade gestured to her family to help her out but they all stayed on a spot stunned by her new appearance.


    ¡°The princess will leave our world soon.¡± Abijam added.


    na cried out. Now Ade couldn¡¯t make out what the sea wizard was saying to her family anymore.


    ¡°But.. you gave her concoction.¡± Azizi said, their words fading in Ade¡¯s ears.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Yes my princes, but the concoction was to weaken her so she could stay a bit longer and that¡¯s why shested seven days.¡± He exined how the concoction worked.


    ¡°What?!¡­ So are you saying Ade is going to the human world?!¡± Murron snarled.


    ¡°Forgive me my prince.¡± Abijam bowed in respect.


    ¡°No.. no.. no¡± na said unsteadily when she noticed Ade¡¯s disappearance from her tail.  ¡°Please don¡¯t leave me, Oceanus.¡± She begged tearfully.


    na couldn¡¯t stop her child, they watched as Ade disappeared to the unknown world leaving just her sea-bud crown behind on her bed.


    ¡°No!!¡± na screamed while Murron held her tightly. ¡°My child!¡± She cried. They were all heartbroken! ¡°Abijam bring my.. child back.¡± na held on to the sea wizard.


    ¡°I am sorry my queen.¡± Abijam kept on apologizing  to the queen.


    ¡°She is a little child, Oceana can¡¯t survive in that world.. that wicked human world.¡± Oceanus said.


    ¡°Please bring my child back, Abijam.¡± na pleaded in tears.


    ¡°I am sorry queen na, there is nothing I can do to bring her back. All we have to do is give her our blessings and ask the sea to protect her in that world. She may never return back to our world.¡± The sea wizard said sincerely.


    And on hearing the sea wizard¡¯s words, queen na fainted. ¡°Mother! Wake up!¡±  The princes rushed to their mother and she was taken to her chambers.


    Ade was gone, the special mermaid left the under world to experience human life.

 EPISODE SIX

    THEME: Oh my sea! I have legs!


    SAINT PETER HOSPITAL


    ¡°How are you feeling now?¡± Doctor Oliver¡¯s soft voice stunned her out of thought.


    She looked up at him without saying a word. Ade couldn¡¯t believe she was really in her dream world.


    ¡°Oh my sea! The human world was my dream world and now I am in it!¡± She eximed within herself. She was still finding it hard to believe it.


    Doctor Oliver moved closer to the bed when she didn¡¯t respond to his uestion. ¡°Can you hear me?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Unbelievable! A human is talking to me!¡± Ade thought with a wide eye.


    Oliver held her wrist to feel her pulse and she was fine. Ade blinked severally. ¡°Oh my sea! A human touched me!¡± She eximed within.


    Oliver ced his hand on her forehead and her temperature was normal. ¡°Oh my sea! His hand is so warm.¡± She closed her eyes at his touch feeling his warmth.


    Ade reopened her eyes when she couldn¡¯t feel Oliver¡¯s touch on her forehead again. ¡°Wait.. do I have a tail?¡± She wondered.


    ¡°Her temperature is normal and she is fine.¡± Doctor Oliver said the the nurse.


    And while he was talking to the nurse about her vitals, Ade peered under the cover to see if she has a tail but she saw two long and beautiful legs.


    Then she screamed. ¡°Arggghhhh!¡± Her heart beating rapidly against her chest.


    Oliver jumped in fear and turned to Ade as she screamed. ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked trying to calm her down.


    Ade stopped screaming. ¡°Miss, are you okay?¡± Oliver asked again.


    Ade nodded impatiently and she looked again to be sure the legs are really there. ¡°I have legs!¡± She screamed out again as she beat her chest gently.


    Oliver didn¡¯t know what to do with her.


    ¡°Doctor, are you sure we don¡¯t need to check her in a mental home?¡± The nurse asked.


    ¡°All the test revealed that she is fine.¡± Oliver answered.


    Ade removed to soft cover over her leg to a better view. ¡°Oh my sea, my legs are so beautiful.¡± She covered her mouth.


    Doctor Oliver raised an eyebrow at her words. ¡°Well.. I.. I think you need to rest.¡±


    ¡°No I am fine.¡± she replied sharply. Ade moved her legs on the bed. Ade gasped out again as she was surprised that she could talk to a human and he responded.


    ¡°I really do have legs right?¡± Ade asked the doctor to be sure that she wasn¡¯t hallucinating.


    Oliver was confused. ¡°Yes, you have legs because you are a human. So as a human you need legs to walk.¡± Oliver exined.


    Ade rxed. ¡°Oh my sea! Now I am a human! I have legs to walk like a human and I can even talk like.. like.. like a human!¡± She bbed. ¡°I am a human!¡± She giggled.


    ¡°You should rest now.¡± Doctor Oliver pushed her gently to rest her back on the bed and she did. ¡°Miss, what is your name?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Name?¡± Ade repeated with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°Yes, what is your name?¡± Oliver asked again.


    And she gave him a short nod while looking around the room ¡°What is your name?¡± She asked him, trying to repeat the question he asked her.


    ¡°I am Doctor Oliver Scott.¡± He replied.


    ¡°I am¡­ Doc-tor Oli -¡± Ade  paused when she couldn¡¯t pronounce his name.


    The nurse stiffed back augh and Ade looked at her. ¡°What is your name?¡± She pointed to the nurse.


    ¡°Nurse Jane.¡± The nurse replied.


    Ade made a tsk tsk sound. ¡°Ja¡­ de..¡± She repeated wrongly.


    The word sounded like a precious jewel in her world, she even had one in her box. ¡°Miss, it is Jane.¡± The nurse corrected her.


    ¡°Jade¡­ Ja.. ne.. Strange.¡± Ade muttered but she pped excitedly.


    ¡°Nurse Jane, can you please excuse us? I need to talk to her alone.¡± Oliver requested.


    ¡°Okay Doctor Oliver.¡± The nurse replied and exited the room. Ade fixed her gaze on the nurse¡¯s legs as she walked away.


    ¡°Can.. you.. please.. remove this?¡± Ade pointed to the ster at the back of her right palm as she shifted ufortably in bed.


    Ade was anxious to see her legs properly and she wanted to walk like the nurse. She liked how the nurse had gracefully walked with her legs.


    ¡°No it is for -¡± Oliver tried to object but Ade removed the ster, pulling out the scalp vein in the process and she yelped at the sharp pain.


    ¡°Why did you do that?!¡± Doctor Oliver scolded and moved closer to her.


    Ade stared at him. ¡°Oh! I am bleeding! I have a blood now too¡­ blood.. what do I do, it hurts.. so much.¡± She panicked.


    Ade had always hated the sight of blood and that¡¯s why she couldn¡¯t train in the royal infirmary in her world when her father suggested it.


    ¡°Wait here.. don¡¯t touch it. Let me cotton wool.¡± Doctor Oliver walked out of the room.


    ¡°Cotton ¨C Wool.¡± She repeated correctly.


    And Ade pped happily that she pronounced a human word correctly. ¡°This is a dreame true¡­ thank you my sea!¡±


    Ade hopped out of bed, she took the first step, second and third.  ¡°Finally! I have human legs and no more tail!¡± She walked to and fro and all around the room.


    Ade jumped happily. ¡°I am in the human world!¡± She looked down at the cloth she had on. It was the hospital gown. ¡°Pretty.¡± She said.


    Ade swirled around checking out her legs. ¡± I should sing to my sea for granting my wish.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    She went to the holter machine next to the bed and she began to beat it like a drum as she sings along.


    I am a fair mermaid


    Singing alone


    In the human world


    Oh how fun is it? So fun!


    I would kiss you my sea


    For granting my wish


    Oh Great ¨C


    Ade was interrupted by the opening of the door and Oliver rushed towards her. ¡°Miss stop that!¡± He pulled her away from the machine.


    ¡°Why? I was just singing to my sea for -¡±


    Oliver interrupted her. ¡°It is a machine and not a drumset. Sit down.¡±  he ordered.


    Ade shook her head to object as she tried to walk to the door but then he pushed her towards the bed andy er down forcefully.


    Ade¡¯s hands went around his waist and he fell on her. She checked him out, his beautiful eyes, well sculpted nose, his lips, well tightened jaw ¨C He was handsome! She concluded.


    They stared at each other for some seconds before Oliver pushed her down and stood up. ¡°What is wrong with you?!¡± He asked with a deep frown on his face.


    Ade pouted. ¡°I am so happy.¡± She giggled, stillying back in bed.


    Doctor Oliver shook his head. ¡°You are weird.¡± he muttered.


    Then she covered her face with her palms. ¡°You are weird.¡± she mimicked him and giggled at the sound of her voice.


    Doctor Oliver grabbed her wrist to wipe the blood at the back of her palm. He removed the nylon gloves in his hands and went ahead to dump them in the bin at the corner of the room.


    Ade used that chance to stand up from the bed and stamped her feet. She wanted to leave the room to see other parts of the human world.


    He walked back to the bed. ¡°You need to rest. And miss I was asking -¡±


    Ade ran out of the room while Oliver was trying to adjust the machine. She was fast.


    ¡°Miss!¡± Oliver called out.


    In the hallway Ade saw people dressed in the same uniform. ¡°Wow! Human.. so many humans.¡± She waved at a baby.


    ¡°Come back miss!¡± Doctor Oliver ran after her.


    Then Ade spun on her heels when she heard his voice. He had a second thought on what nurse Jane had said earlier, he thought if she really need to be checked into a mental home. Ade ran fast.. too fast and soon he lost track of her. He couldn¡¯t let her go like that because someone might hurt her. And all he wanted to know was how she ended up being buried in the sand on the beach.

 EPISODE SEVEN

    THEME: Psychody


    Ade bursted out of the hospital exit door, it waste in the night. The area was so busy as she walked on and her eyes kept looking around in excitement. She giggled at the sight of the people she saw on the streets. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± She asked no one in particr.


    Five high school girlsughed as they passed by Ade. She studied them closely and she realized that she was different from them, totally different from most on the people on the street. They were neatly and nicely dressed like the ones she used to see those times she swam up to the beach . And to Ade she didn¡¯t care about her look instead it was an affirmation that she was truly in the human world and that she wasn¡¯t just dreaming.


    ¡°Yes! I am in the human world!¡± She screamed into the skies. ¡°It is so beautiful in here!¡± She added with excitement in her tone.


    The people around stared at her and they whispered into each others ears.


    ¡°I think she is crazy.¡±


    ¡°She is from the mental home just take a look at the gown.¡±


    ¡°Should we call the cops on her?¡±


    Many handfulments she walked pass the humans but she wasn¡¯t moved by their words.


    Ade walked faster, turning around with her head tossed back.


    ¡°I feel like a human!¡± Then she began to hum a song as she walked on.


    I would be a good human


    I would sing to myself the whole day


    I wouldb my hair with theb of pearl¡­. Ade paused to think for a second.


    ¡°Comb of pearl? That¡¯s for my world.¡± She scratched her hair. ¡°There can¡¯t beb of pearl here.¡± She pped her cheek. ¡°Come on Ade, don¡¯t sing anything that might take you back to the merworld, you have to be careful.¡± She said out loudly to herself.


    I would be a good human


    I would sing to myself the whole day


    I wouldb my hair with.. Ade paused again to figure what the humans use in keeping their hair clean but not urred to her.


    Ade continued with her eyes closed as she swirled around in excitement.


    I willb my hair with the humanb


    And still as Ib it, I would sing and say,


    I would be a good human


    I wouldb my hair till my ringlet could fall,Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Low a down, low a down ¨C


    The song stopped abruptly when Ade bumped into someone and followed by a thud. A phone just dropped to the ground, shattering the screen in the process.


    ¡°Hey!¡± The person she bumped into shouted in sheer surprise as he bent down to pick up his cellphone.


    Ade reopened her eyes quickly while the man she bumped into uttered a profanity. But she overlooked him and walked away without apologizing or even saying a word to him. Ade continued to hum her song in a low tone as she swirled herself around.


    The man went after her, grabbed her clothes and pulled her back. ¡°Hey miss -¡±


    Ade jerked free from his grip. ¡°Let me go!¡± she snapped at him.


    He stood in front of her to block her pathway and then he couldn¡¯t help but take in her features. Ade¡¯s long brown hair swept over one shoulder, she had incredible bone structure and skin that was nothing less than luminous. Her full lips, nice nose and eyes with long thickshes ¨C they were aquamarine!


    He noticed she was dressed in hospital gown and she was barefooted ¨C No shoes. She must be insane, he concluded. Ade made an attempt to leave again but he blocked her pathway.


    ¡°You stepped aside..¡± Ade pointed at him stamping her feet on the ground.


    ¡°You should apologize miss.¡± He said.


    ¡°A ¨C po ¨C lo ¨C gize?¡± She repeated carefully.


    The man rolled his eyes.¡±Yes¡­ like say sorry.¡± He said.


    Ade raised her eyebrow at him. In the merworld, you only say sorry whenever you do something bad like when you talk bad about someone. But she didn¡¯t do anything bad to this man so why would she apologize to him?


    ¡°Sorry? for what?¡± She folded her arms.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± He showed her his broken phone.


    ¡°Who are you? And why should I apologize or say sorry?¡± Ade questioned him with a pout on his lips.


    ¡°You bumped into me and you ruined my phone.¡± He stated.


    ¡°It was your fault!¡± She pointed a finger at him ¡°You were busy -¡± she paused and pointed to his phone but she didn¡¯t know what he had called it.


    ¡°Miss! Miss!¡± A familiar voice called out to her.


    Ade turned back and saw Oliver, he found her again! ¡°Doctor -¡± Ade paused again as she had already forgotten his name again.


    ¡°Are you her guardian?¡± The man asked when Oliver was close.


    ¡°Not really, I am just a doctor in the hospital where she is receiving treatment.¡± Oliver exined.


    He turned to face Ade. ¡°Why did you run out of the hospital like that?¡± He scolded.


    ¡°I¡­ I.. wanted to see the human world.¡± Ade answered with shrug.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± He checked her out to see if she wasn¡¯t hurt anywhere.


    ¡°Yes I am fine.¡± Ade pushed him away.


    ¡°Excuse me young man, I don¡¯t think she is fine. She bumped into me and ruined my phone. And she is refusing to say sorry.¡± He exined.


    Ade huffed. ¡°I didn¡¯t.. do anything wrong.¡± She said to Oliver. ¡°I was just singing and then-¡±


    ¡°You bumped into me.¡± The manpleted her unintended sentence.


    Oliver studied the man and immediately he knew his identity despite the disguise. Oliver wondered what a man like him was doing on the streette night. He had even tried to hide his identity with the face mask and change of hairstyle to disguise but only a true fan of his could tell that he was one of the best international models and top most celebrity in the country.


    Oliver wasn¡¯t a fan of celebrities but Ryan had done a good job at pestering him to buy him posters of celebrities so he would put them up in his bedroom. And Knox Martins was Ryan¡¯s favorite celebrity and his demands had made Oliver to know some other famous celebrities in their country.


    ¡°Now.. you ruined my phone¡­¡± Knox scoffed.


    Ade stood defensively. ¡°I didn¡¯t ruin your.. Pho-ne.¡±


    Oliver wondered why Knox Martins was making a fuss over a phone when the big time celebrity could afford to buy hundred of phones if he wanted to and even more.


    ¡°You did.¡± Knox countered.


    ¡°No.. I didn¡¯t ruin it!¡± Ade and Knox argued.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, I will pay you for the broken screen of the phone.¡± Oliver said. Luckily he had his wallet on him. So he did well by bringing out his wallet to pay Knox for the broken phone.


    Knox felt insulted by the gesture. ¡°Hey doctor, do you know who I am? I can as well buy hundreds of this phone so I don¡¯t need your money. She only needs to apologize to me and I will let it go.¡± He said with pride in his tone.


    ¡°Okay fine, the patient is unstable at the moment so I will apologize on her behalf. I am sorry.¡±  Oliver apologized.


    Ade eyed Knox. ¡°Why take sorry so personally?¡± She hissed and concluded that she doesn¡¯t like this type of human.


    He wasn¡¯t kind like the doctor and he was so full of himself that he doesn¡¯t have respect for anyone. Who does he think he is? She fumed.


    ¡°I will only ept your apology because you said she is unstable. Someone like her shouldn¡¯t be out in the opening, you should use the money you are offering to me to check her into a proper mental home and buy her a shoe or better still just confine her to a mental home for life so she won¡¯t go about hurting people.¡± Knox Martins said in a harsh tone.


    Anger crashed over Oliver at the Knox¡¯s words but he did a good thing at hiding it. More reasons why he doesn¡¯t like celebrities, they are so full of themselves and don¡¯t have respect for others.


    ¡°Thank you for the advice but you can as well learn how to talk to people properly and learn some manners. Being a celebrity doesn¡¯t give you the chance to be rude to others.¡± Oliver held Ade¡¯s hand and pulled her along with him.


    ¡°Who is he? I don¡¯t like him¡­ he is a bad guy right? I hate bad guys.¡± Ade bbed.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°Yes, I am fine.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Did he hit you?¡± Oliver asked again.


    ¡°No.¡± She responded.


    ¡°So why didn¡¯t you just apologize to him?¡± Oliver demanded.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t my fault!¡± She countered.


    ¡°You should have said sorry to him for ruining his phone.¡± Oliver scolded her.


    Ade clenched her teeth as she looked back at the man. In her world he would have bowed to her as the Princess of Merivi kingdom and special mermaid of all seas.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± She asked.


    ¡°To the hospital.¡± Oliver replied.


    ¡°Where is the hospital?¡± She asked again.


    ¡°The ce you ran -¡±


    ¡°No!¡± she jerked free of his hold on her wrist.


    Oliver tried to hold her but she stepped away. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go back there.¡± She objected.


    ¡°You need to get better.¡± Oliver said in the calmest tone he could muster.


    ¡°No I said I am fine! I don¡¯t want to go back there.¡± She stamped her feet.


    ¡°Then I will be forced to carry you.¡± Oliver replied with a serious look on his face. He was responsible to her now so if anything goes wrong then it would be on him.


    ¡°What?!¡± Ade gasped out.


    Oliver crouched down in front of her. ¡°Hop on my back,¡± he instructed her.


    ¡°What?¡± Ade stepped aside.


    ¡°Come on! As a patient it is not good to be out like this.. you don¡¯t even have a shoes on.¡± He coaxed.


    ¡°Can¡¯t I stay in that thing?¡± She pointed to the moving taxi.


    ¡°No.. not now please.. let¡¯s go.¡± Oliver said.


    There was no arguing with him so she climbed on his back and he carried her up. ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yes I am fine.¡± Ade moved.


    Knox Martins watched from where he stood as he realized that the doctor knew his identity. Then he thought about thedy with the doctor.


    ¡°Are they dating?¡± He asked but not loud enough for anyone to hear him.


    ¡°No¡­ what responsible man would leave his psycho girlfriend to roam the street at night.. with no shoe.¡± He thought.


    Knox waved it off. It was none of his business. Knox concluded but he still found himself drawn to the Psycho Lady.

 EPISODE EIGHT

    THEME: She has nned it all along


    MERWORLD  ¨C  QUEEN ALANA¡¯S CHAMBER


    The merleader heaved a sigh on seeing his wife stillying on the bed. ¡°My queen get up and eat so you can be strong.¡± Oceanus tried persuading his wife.


    ¡°No I won¡¯t eat until you bring back Ade. My child has been gone for seven weeks now and you haven¡¯t done anything about it.¡± na cried.


    ¡°You heard what Wanwisa said when she asked the sea, Ade is gone for now but the sea will bring her back whenever he needs her.¡± He answered.


    ¡°When is the sea going to need her?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know my Queen.¡± He said in a rasp.


    ¡°I want my child or else I will die.¡± She sobbed.


    He sat on her sea moss bed and stroked her face. ¡°na, please ept the fact that Ade is gone for now, I need you to be with me. And please don¡¯t die before Ade returns back home.¡± He carressed her beautiful tail.


    ¡°I want to see my child. What is she doing in that world? What if they find out she is a mermaid and they try to destroy her? My titan, you know how wicked they are, the humans are heartless. My child.¡±


    She sobbed in her palms.


    ¡°No don¡¯t think like that the great Merivi sea will protect her.¡± Oceanus consoled her.


    ¡°I hope the sea really protects her.¡± She nodded in agreement.


    *********


    ¡°Get up Chantae, let us go and y.¡± Calista shook her sister up.


    ¡°I am not interested.¡± Chantae replied soberly.


    ¡°Why?¡± Calista asked.


    ¡°I want to be alone.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Is this about the princess? Come on! it has being seven weeks since she went into the human world and it is obvious she isn¡¯ting back again.¡± Calista folded her arms.


    ¡°Says who?¡± Chantae asked with a raised eyesbrows.


    ¡°It was her wish. We all know the princess liked that world.¡± Calista replied.


    ¡°Just spill it that you don¡¯t want her toe back again so you won¡¯t have to work as a maid in the pce!¡±  Chantae screamed at her triplet sister.


    Calista became frightened by her sudden outburst. ¡°I want her toe back! How can you think of me that way?¡±


    ¡°No you don¡¯t want her back and I can¡¯t believe you have forgotten about her so quickly.¡± Chantae used.


    ¡°No that¡¯s not true.¡± Calista countered.


    ¡°I am sure you are happy now.¡± Chantae said with a re.


    ¡°Happy? Happy about what?¡± Calista asked with a confused look on her face.


    ¡°You are happy that princess Ade is gone and now you are the most beautiful mermaid in our kingdom!¡± Chantae screamed again as tears dropped from her eyes.


    Calliope and Calista exchanged confused nces. ¡°Calm down Chantae¡­ we want the princess back in our world.¡± Calliope said in a calm tone.


    ¡°You are wrong, whatever Calista is thinking in her head is not right. I know she doesn¡¯t want the princess back but don¡¯t forget your ce. We are just pce maids.¡± Chantae grimaced.


    ¡°No.. Chantae.. you are mistaken!¡± Calista snapped back.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want her back!¡± Chantae insisted.


    ¡°Let her think whatever!¡± Calliope hissed.


    ¡°Princess Ade ising back and you will see.¡± Chantae screamed as Calliope and Chantae swims away angrily.


    *****


    PRINCE AZIZI CHAMBER


    A beautiful mermaid swims to her matrimonial bed. ¡°My lord, why are you still in bed at this hour?¡± Meltem asked.


    Meltem, she is the wind of the sea and the 13th princess of Merleader Bhupendra and Queen Calista. She is married to Prince Azizi.


    ¡°Nothing I just need to rest.¡± Prince Azizi replied his wife.


    ¡°My Lord, you haven¡¯t been yourself since the princess disappearance. Since the past few weeks you have neglected your duties. How long do you n to stay like this? Do you want to be like forever?¡± Meltem demanded, a sober look on her face.


    ¡°Meltem, I want to be alone.¡± Prince Azizi said in a low tone.


    Meltem ced her hands on her thin waistline connecting to her sparkling pink tail. ¡°Everyone is worried about the princess. But you.. My lord you have to be strong for the queen.¡± She added.


    ¡°I should have stopped her.¡± Prince Azizi muttered after some moments of silence.


    ¡°My lord, you tried your best and it was princess Ade¡¯s wish to leave our world.¡± Meltem replied in a persuasive tone.


    ¡°No I should have done so many things before it got to her making such a wish.¡± Prince Azizi said soberly.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Meltem settled on the bed. ¡°Azizi-¡±


    He cuts him off. ¡°It was all my fault.¡± He said in a tight whisper.


    ¡°My lord, what do you mean?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Listen Meltem, one day I saw Ade swimming up beyond the merboundary.¡± Prince Azizi exined.


    ¡°Where was she headed?¡± Meltem questioned with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°Probably to the human world.¡± Prince Azizi answered as he sat up on the bed abruptly.


    Meltem gasped out. ¡°What?! But that¡¯s impossible! The human world is far from our world!¡±


    ¡°Yes that was my thought until she went missing for days.¡± Azizi reminded his wife.


    Meltem reasoned his words. ¡°So you think the princess went to the human world during those times she went missing in our world?¡± Meltem questioned frantically.


    ¡°Yes but back then it didn¡¯t bother me. I thought she was connecting with the sea somewhere far from our kingdom.¡± Prince Azizi sighed. Guilt was written all over his expression.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell lord Oceanus about it?¡± Meltem demanded.


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell my father, Meltem.¡± Prince Azizi replied as he swims out of the sea moss bed.


    ¡°Why?¡± Meltem curled up her tail so the fin touched the bed.


    ¡°I know what my father is capable of doing to me if he finds out.¡±  Prince Azizi responded as he paced the area.


    Meltem swims towards her husband. She held his hand and squeezed it gently. ¡°Please don¡¯t me yourself.¡±


    ¡°It is all my fault, Meltem. I take the me for everything.¡±  A tear slid down his well defined cheekbone.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t persuade father to cancel her marriage to one of the princes from other seas. Truly Ade didn¡¯t want to get married because she felt it was too early for her. And thinking about it now that must have been the reason why she made such a wish to the sea. You know things would have been different if the marriage issue was not in the picture in the first ce.¡± Prince Azizi expressed his thoughts to his wife.


    Meltem shook her head in disagreement. ¡°No I don¡¯t think it is all just about the marriage alone.¡± She countered.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Prince Azizi let go of her hand.


    ¡°Well if it is true that princess Ade swims up to the human world then maybe she fell in love with that world. And when you broke the news that father was determined to get her married then I think she used the wish as a chance to be free from getting married and also be in the human world. The princess used one arrow to kill two mackerels.¡± Meltem exined.


    Prince Azizi nodded in agreement. ¡°She must have nned everything for a long time.¡± He said.


    ¡°Can you see now? So please be at peace my lord.¡± Meltem hugged him.

 EPISODE NINE

    THEME: Shiny bracelet


    HUMAN WORLD


    Doctor Oliver Scott opened the car door for Ade to enter into it but she didn¡¯t understand what he was trying to say. ¡°Get in.¡± He said.


    Ade arched her eyebrows. ¡°Me? Why should I enter into this thing? Oh.. wow -¡± She paused to admire the car.


    Ade has been discharged from the hospital. After series of test has been done on her and a little therapy section with a psychologist, she was diagnosed of Amnesia which means loss of memory.  She couldn¡¯t tell them her address, family background or close friends the hospital could contact to let them know she was in the hospital. She only told them her name which they found strange.


    Ade had said ¡°Eretia¡± and then she pointed at the name on a nurse badge ¡°Jones¡± as her surname.


    ¡°Eretia Jones.¡± Oliver had pronounced and she nodded.


    Ade didn¡¯t want to disclose her true identity to anyone even after Oliver exined the meaning of amnesia to her and she knew they were wrong. Her memory was fine and intact, she remembered everything that had happened in her world, who she used to be and how she ended up in the human world.


    The hospital director suggested that she should be turned in to the welfare center while the cops worked on finding her family but Oliver objected. Oliver pleaded with his boss not to do that and he decided that he would help her regain her memory but with a promise that if her conditiom doesn¡¯t change they would turn her in.


    Doctor Oliver exined things to Ade and she didn¡¯t like the idea of staying away from him because in a short while she already grew fond of him. Oliver asked if Ade would move into his home so he could be her temporary guardian although he was still oblivious of the fact that Ade was a mermaid.


    And without wasting time and thinking too much Ade agreed to live with him since she doesn¡¯t have anywhere to go or anyone to turn to in her new world.


    Doctor Oliver signed a form at the hospital to be responsible for whatever happens to Eretia Jones.


    Along the line, Eretia pleaded with her guardian to teach her what normal humans could do and Oliver agreed even though he found her a bit strange. But he was determined to help regain her memory so she could reunite with her family.


    ¡°What is this?¡± She asked.


    ¡°It is a car.¡± Oliver answered.


    She closed the front door. ¡°Car?¡± Eretia moved forward, arched her back and pressed her right ear on the body of the car. ¡°Wow! This is for what?!¡± She knocked on it.


    ¡°Stop it¡­¡± Oliver went to her. ¡°This is a car and I will drive it to take us home.¡± Oliver answered.


    Etetia stood up straight and ced her hands on her waist with a pout on her lips. ¡°Strange.. things around here.¡± She mumbled.


    ¡°Please get into the car.¡± He instructed after reopening the car door.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t we go home with our legs?¡± She asked stamping her feet on the ground.


    ¡°No, the drive to my home is about an hour drive.¡± He replied.


    ¡°What is an hour drive?¡± Eretia sked again.


    Oliver rolled his eyes. ¡°No more questions from you.¡± He pushed her into the car and shut the door. ¡°Stay in there.¡± He went round to get into the driver¡¯s seat.


    Eretia looked around the car. ¡°What is this?¡± She reached out to take a toy from the backseat. ¡°Oh! It is a boy! Who is this boy? Why is he so tiny? Why can¡¯t he talk to me?!¡± She questioned frantically.


    ¡°Seat belt.¡± Oliver said without looking at her. She didn¡¯t answer.


    Eretia screamed in surprise when Oliver started the car and it glided into motion. ¡°Calm down we are moving and that is a superman¡¯s toy.¡± He replied


    Eretia rxed and smiled at him. ¡°What is su.. soup.. no¡­ super ¨C man toy?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Please use your seatbelt.¡± Oliver ignored her question.


    ¡°Seat belt? Is that a scent?¡± Eretia sniffed the air.


    ¡°No.. I mean.. selt belt and it is right beside you.¡± He pointed still keeping his eyes on the road ahead.


    ¡°Where?¡± Eretia searched the car.


    ¡°There.. no over there.¡± Oliver tried to show her, she tried to stand on the seat until her head hit the headboard.


    ¡°No.. stay calm Eretia¡­ oh.. no.. no..¡± She turned and poked her ass towards him.


    ¡°I can¡¯t find the sea bell!¡± She said.


    ¡°No be careful.. no.. don¡¯t turn like that.. Eretia please just sit down and let me help you.¡± Oliver said, stopping the car.


    ¡°Huh? Why did it stop?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Traffic sign says stop. Here this is it.¡± He showed her the seatbelt and helped her with it.


    Eretia removed it and did it herself again.


    ¡°Good Girl.¡± he roughened her hair with his hand.


    Eretia smiled. ¡°Good girl..¡± she repeated roughening her hair the same way he did to her.


    ¡°You are such a fast learner.¡± He pinched her cheek gently and she blushed.


    Eretia picked the toy again and stick out her tongue at it. ¡°Good boy.. you are such a fast learner.¡± She said to the toy and Oliver stiffed back augh.


    ¡°Oliver, what is a traffic sign?¡± She asked.


    ¡°That device over there.¡± He pointed to three light post on the highway.


    Eretia bent her head to see. ¡°Which device?¡±


    ¡°That light over there,¡± Oliver pointed again.


    When Eretia didn¡¯t see it she popped her head out of the window to get a better view of the device.


    ¡°No.. you shouldn¡¯t do that -¡± he tried to stop her but his hands were on the wheels.


    ¡°Wow! The road is so beautiful! It is the human world!¡± She shouted.


    ¡°Sit down Eretia!¡± He snapped, annoyance clear in his tone and she sensed it.


    Eretia settled in the car back. ¡°Okay.¡± She said in a low tone.


    Eretia fixed her gaze on the toy but soon dropped it on herps so she could fiddle with her fingers. She was so used to Oliver scolding her these past weeks but he has never yelled at her in annoyance.


    After about two minutes of silence, Oliver took a quick nce at Eretia and he noticed she was not happy. ¡°Eretia,¡± He called her name but no response came from her.


    He did not want to hurt her.


    ¡°I am sorry for yelling at you.¡± Oliver apologized.


    Eretia nodded slowly without looking up at him. ¡°Listen it is okay if you want to know some certain things you see around here. I will always answer you.¡± He said.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± She asked in a low tone without looking at him.


    ¡°Yes and I promise to always give you answers.¡± Oliver responded.


    Then her face brightened a bit and she shed him a beautiful smile. ¡°Why are there so many car? Where are they headed? To the sea?¡± she demanded.


    The traffic post signaled green light and all the cars moved.


    ¡°Uhmm probably to work -¡± Oliver replied.


    ¡°Walk? What is walk? Do you walk? Oh yes you do.. I can walk too.¡± She questioned frantically.


    ¡°No.. not walking with your legs. I mean work like what you do for a living. I work as a surgeon at the hospital.¡± Oliver exined calmly.


    Eretia nodded in understanding. At least she knew that fact about the stranger who helped her.


    ¡°We all work to earn money.¡± Oliver added.


    ¡°Money? What is money?¡± She furrowed her eyebrows.


    Oliver looked at her as if she had grown two heads but she was really serious about not knowing what money is. He realized that she wasn¡¯t joking about it as she waited for his response.


    ¡°Money is like a currency.. and ahm it is a means of exchange, like you buy something and pay for the items bought.. basically we spend money.¡± He answered.


    ¡°So why do humans need money?¡± Eretia asked. ¡°I don¡¯t need money.¡± She said with a shrug.


    In the merworld there was nothing like money. You get things by exchanging your precious treasure and jewels for whatever you need. A trade by barter method was the system used in the merworld. As a princess she has never traded anything because all she ever needed was in the pce.


    Oliver chuckled at her words. It felt like he was talking to a toddler who doesn¡¯t know anything. ¡°Listen we all need money to pay bills, feed ourselves and buy good stuffs.¡± Oliver replied.


    ¡°So why are you not at work?¡± She asked again.


    ¡°I am on leave now.¡± He responded.


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Eretia focused her gaze on the road ahead.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°When you take a break from work to relieve your stress.¡± He answered.


    ¡°Stress? Exin it.. I don¡¯t know.¡± She shook her head, a confused look on her face.


    ¡°Stress is a state of mental tension resulting from overworking.¡± He exined the best way he feels she would understand.


    ¡°Stress is a.. state of mental tension resulting from.. over working.. like when you work too much?!¡± She asked with a wide eyes.


    ¡°Yes when you overwork yourself.¡± Oliver nodded.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Eretia pped for the things she just found out about the human world.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry you will get to know more things.¡± Oliverughed.


    ¡°Do you have family?¡± She blurted after seconds clicked by in silence.


    ¡°Yes I have a younger brother.¡± He replied.


    ¡°What is his name?¡± Eretia picked up the toy again.


    ¡°Ryan, he was the one that found you on the beach.¡± oliver replied.


    ¡°Then I have to say thank you to him right?¡± She stated trying to pull the stuffed toy legs.


    ¡°Yes.¡± He nodded.


    ¡°So what about your mother and father?¡± She looked at him.


    They exchanged nces for a second before he focused on the road ahead. ¡°They both died in car crash when I was eighteen.¡±


    ¡°Oh.. I am sorry for asking.¡± She said in a low tone.


    ¡°No it is fine to want to get to know me.¡± Oliver shook his head and smiled.


    Eretia cleared her thoat. ¡°So are you married?¡± She asked.


    ¡°No, I am not married.¡± Heughed.


    ¡°Why?¡± Eretia itched the bridge of her nose.


    ¡°I am not ready to -¡±


    She cuts him off and with a wide eyes she countered him. ¡°But you are more than twenty years old clearly you are old enough to get married.¡±


    Eretia was judging from the rules in the merworld. A merman at twenty six would have started a family even before that age.


    ¡°Let us just say I haven¡¯t found the right woman.¡± He took a quick nce at her.


    His gaze met hers but Eretia looked away quickly. ¡°I am sure you will find one.. someday.¡± She stuttered.


    ¡°I hope so too. So tell me about this bracelet.¡± He pointed to the bracelet on her wrist.


    ¡°This bracelet is -¡± She stopped to look down at the bracelet.


    It was the Neifion bracelet Azizi gave to her in the merworld. Howe it didn¡¯te off when she left the merworld like her crown did? She can¡¯t tell him about it, no one must know her identity.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember anything about it.¡± Eretia lied.


    ¡°It is beautiful but at the same time I must say that it is strange.¡± Oliver said.


    ¡°Yes it is beautiful but not strange. Let me take it off.¡± Eretia tried to remove it from her wrist but it didn¡¯te off instead the bracelet glowed.


    ¡°Is that a light?¡± Oliver¡¯s forehead creased.


    ¡°No it is not a light¡­ I.. I.. I think it is the ray of the sun on it, trust me.. it is nothing.¡± sheughed and hid her hand away from him.


    ¡°Really?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yes.. it.. is really.. nothing.¡± She stuttered and faked a smile on her face.


    ¡°Then what about your eyes?¡± He almost pulled the car to a stop when she looked at him. But he managed to manuever his way to a street and pulled the car to a stop.


    ¡°My eyes?¡± Then Eretia remembered her eyes do respond to the bracelet.


    Eretia cursed under her breathe and closed her eyes. ¡°That¡¯s-¡±


    ¡°Is this bracelet some kind of magic?¡± Oliver asked with widened eyes.


    ¡°No.. it is not magical!¡± She said in an unusually raised tone.


    ¡°Please.. please.. you damn bracelet.. and shiny eyes. She pleaded internally.


    Then the glow faded and her eyes became normal.


    ¡°It is strange.. very strange.¡± he whispered.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to meet your brother.¡± she said to stop him from thinking about the bracelet.


    Oliver thought he was hallucinating as he started the car again.

 EPISODE TEN

    THEME: The clumsy mermaid


    HUMAN WORLD ¨C OLIVER¡¯S SCOTT APARTMENT


    Oliver punched in the password to unlock the door while Eretia gasped in surprised at the technology. ¡°Doctor Oliver how did you do that?¡± She demanded with a wide eye.


    Oliver closed the door again. ¡°This is how you do it.¡± He pressed the buttons and showed her the password to his home.


    ¡°Oh! This is really cool!¡± Eretia eximed. ¡°Can I try it?¡± She blinked her eyes severally.


    ¡°You can¡¯t tell anyone the password okay?¡± He said.


    ¡°Okay.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Promise?¡± Oliver asked again in order to tease her.


    Eretia raised her right hand up. ¡°I promise.¡± And she gave him a high five.


    ¡°How did you learn to do this?¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°It is my little secret.¡± She ced a finger on her lips.


    ¡°So you won¡¯t tell me?¡± He teased.


    Eretia closed the door and pressed the password and it unlocked the door. She pped her hand in excitement.


    ¡°Let us go in.¡± She said.


    The night they were returning back to the hospital, she had seen two high school students doing the high five while pping their hands together. Eretia liked it so she asked Oliver to teach her but he didn¡¯t  pay much attention to her because he thought she was joking about it.


    ¡°Hello.¡± Ryan greeted when his older brother walked in with Eretia behind him.


    ¡°Wow!¡± Her jaw dropped at the beauty of the luxurious living room.


    ¡°Why is she with you?¡± Ryan asked arching his brows.


    Oliver ced a finger on Ryan¡¯s lips to silence him.


    ¡°Eretia meet Ryan, my younger brother.¡± Oliver introduced.


    ¡°Oh! You are the one that saved on the beach!¡± Eretia went over to Ryan with a bright smile on her face.


    ¡°Yes it is nice to see to you again.¡± Ryan forced a smile.


    Eretia stretched her hand towards him for a handshake ¡°Thank you for saving my life.¡±


    Ryan shook hands with her. ¡°You are wee but you can also say it is nice to see you too or it is a pleasure or likewise.¡± Ryan corrected.


    Eretia shot Ryan a confused look. ¡°I.. was.. thanking you for saving.. my life.. on the beach.¡± she stuttered.


    Ryan forehead creased. ¡°Oh! Okay.¡± He nodded impatiently.


    ¡°Perhaps.. can.. I touch.. that thing?¡± She pointed to the green couch


    Ryan exchanged nces with Oliver. ¡°Eretia will be staying with us for now.¡± Oliver said to his younger brother.


    Ryan shot his brother a what the hell are you talking about look. ¡°Be nice to her.¡± Oliver mouthed.


    ¡°Oh! You are wee to our home!¡±  Ryan let out a feigned chuckle.


    Oliver grabbed Eretia wrist and led her to the couch while Ryan did the signnguage to him. ¡°You better have a good reason for bringing a stranger into our home.¡±


    ¡°You can take a seat.¡± Oliver said to Eretia.


    Eretia sat on the couch gently but stood up immediately. ¡°Doctor Oliver! Tell me what is this thing!?! What if I drown in it? Can it swallow me up?!¡±


    ¡°Come on it is a couch. Sit down.. it won¡¯t bite you.¡± Oliver replied.


    Ryan was shocked and confused at the same time. ¡°You don¡¯t know what a couch means?¡± He asked with a wide eyes.


    ¡°Ryan.¡± Oliver shot him a re.


    The couch was different from the sea moss chair in her world. Eretia sat down again and sank into thefy couch.. ¡°Wow! I think.. this is nice. It is sofortable.¡±


    ¡°I am finding it hard toprehend what is going on here.¡± Ryan threw his hand up in surrender.


    Eretia blinked. ¡°I am just getting use to things in this world.¡± she mumbled to herself.


    Oliver picked the remote on the table and pointed the remote towards the big sma television on the wall.


    Eretia was stunned at the device, she stood up and went to the television.  ¡°Doctor Oliver what is this? Is this another human world?¡± She brought her face closer to the screen.


    ¡°It is a television.¡± Oliver responded.


    ¡°Tv for short.¡± Ryan added as she touched the screen.


    ¡°Eretia, you shouldn¡¯t touch it.¡± Oliver chuckled trying to caution her.


    ¡°Wow! Doctor Oliver this is so beautiful but who are these people? Are they like us?¡± She pointed to the figures in the television.


    ¡°They are actors.¡± Ryan replied.


    Eretia soon jumped in fear when Oliver increased the volume a bit. She ced her hands on her mouth.


    ¡°He is talking to me!¡± She turned towards Oliver.


    Ryan rolled his eyes. ¡°No they are not talking to you.¡±


    ¡°How did they all get in there?¡± She asked when multiple people appeared on the screen too.


    ¡°Come here.¡± Oliver dragged her gently away from the big screen.


    ¡°He is so cute!¡± She pointed to the actor in the screen.


    Eretia sat down calmly to watch the movie, Ryan stared at her with a surprised look on his face. ¡°She is so dumb.¡± He whispered to himself.


    Then the movie showed a scene where the main actor kissed the actress. Eretia pped excitedly. ¡°Oh they are bonding!¡± She knew what they were doing because she had seen one of her brothers named Fairfax kissing Nakendra his mate. And her other brother did the same during their bonding ceremony and also some other Mercouples.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Are they getting married?¡± She asked no one in particr.


    ¡°No.¡± Ryan replied.


    Eretia stood up from the couch as she pointed at the television. So ¡°why are they kissing without bonding?¡± She asked in a confused tone.


    In the merworld only married couples shared kisses on the lips but unmarried ones shared kisses on the forehead and cheeks since they haven¡¯t bonded yet.


    Ryan raised his eyebrows in confusion. ¡°They are just acting.¡± He said.


    ¡°Acting?¡± She repeated.


    Oliver helped her to sit on the couch again. ¡°You must be really tired.¡±


    ¡°Can I do that too?¡± She asked.


    ¡°What?!¡± Oliver asked thinking she wanted to kiss him.


    ¡°Acting?¡± She answered.


    Ryan chuckled. ¡°She¡¯s so funny. I bet she can consider being aedian.¡± He said within.


    ¡°I am not sure but I know that you need to rest.¡± Oliver answered.


    ¡°I want to be inside the television too.¡± Eretia pouted her lips.


    ¡°You have to be an actress to be on tv.¡± Oliver sat next to her on the couch.


    ¡°I want -¡±


    Ryan interrupted her. ¡°You are pretty and I think you will make a good actress, maybe aic actress.¡± Ryanughed trying make jest of her.


    Eretia didn¡¯t find his words offensive because he called her pretty, her cheeks flushed pink and she covered her face shyly. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Oliver did the click sound when she stood up from his side and went to sit beside Ryan. ¡°You are handsome too.¡± she said.


    ¡°Better than him?¡± Ryan pointed at his brother who was now busy on his phone.


    ¡°Huh?¡± She looked at Oliver. ¡°Doctor Oliver is so cool and smart, he always have answers to all my questions.¡± Eretia giggled and stood up from Ryan¡¯s side.


    Ryan did the signnguage with his brother. ¡°Bro why does she have to stay with us?¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t have a ce to go.¡± Oliver signed back.


    Eretia went to the ceramic flower vase which had the image of a mermaid imprinted on it. It reminded her of who she was in the merworld and wondered if they were all doing fine without her. To be honest, Eretia was worried about her mother and she suddenly wished that they could all move to the human world and live together but none of them liked the human world except her.


    ¡°Why?¡± Ryan asked.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t remember anything about herself or family and all.¡± Oliver replied.


    ¡°Too bad but why does it have to be you helping her out?¡± Ryan signed with a furrowed eyebrows.


    ¡°I can¡¯t take her to the welfare center because it won¡¯t be good for her condition, so I am going to help her regain her memory. For now she doesn¡¯t have anyone except me.¡± Oliver exined.


    ¡°When will that be?¡± And all of a sudden Ryan felt pity for Eretia.


    ¡°Only time will tell but it definitely won¡¯t take forever.¡± Oliver signed.


    Eretia turned back at them and Ryan dropped his hands from signing again. ¡°Doctor Oliver, I want to work.¡± she said with a serious face.


    ¡°What? Why?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I want to work like those people we saw on the road.¡± Eretia settled down beside Oliver.


    He held her small hands in hisrge ones. ¡°Eretia, you can¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± She asked.


    ¡°You need to get better.¡± Oliver answered.


    ¡°So what am I going to do?¡± Eretia huffed.


    Oliver thought for a second. ¡°Ryan is on holiday so you can help him with studies.¡±


    ¡°What?! She doesn¡¯t even know a tv or couch and you want her to help me.¡± Ryan gasped out in disbelieve.


    Oliver blinked at his brother to stay quiet. ¡°Eretia will help you out with your homework like she is your tutor.¡± Oliver said.


    ¡°I am saying no to that.¡± Ryan objected.


    ¡°I can help you.¡± Eretia spoke up after they argued for a while.


    ¡°Really?¡± Ryan asked.


    ¡°Yes, I know so many things because¡­¡± her voice trailed off. ¡°I am a special mermaid who can speak with the sea and I can speak differentnguages too.¡± Eretia wanted to say but she held her words at bay.


    ¡°Hold up¡­ I will be right back.¡± Ryan stood up and motioned towards his room.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°I am fine.¡± She responded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind my brother, he can be very naughty at times.¡± Oliver said.


    ¡°No I like him.¡± She smiled.


    ¡°Would you like something to drink? Tea? Soda? Wine?¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°I am fine.¡± She answered.


    Ryan came back with his arithmetic textbook. ¡°So I have here with me an arithmetic textbook, so can you please solve this equation, Miss Eretia?¡± He opened a part of the textbook.


    It was the arithmetic his teacher gave them in ss as an assignment but no one could solve it.


    Eretia took the textbook and notepad from him and started to write things down. Oliver peered to look at what she was writing in the notepad and it looked like she was solving the equation.


    ¡°Done!¡± She dropped the pencil and passed the arithmetic textbook to Ryan. ¡°Simple as a spell song.¡± she said with pride in her tone.


    ¡°What?!¡±  They chorused.


    Eretia realized what she had just said and she ced her hand on her mouth. ¡°I meant to say¡­ simple to solve.¡±


    Ryan collected the books from her and cross checked it with the correction his teacher gave to him. And in deed Eretia didn¡¯t miss out on any step, she was correct!


    Ryan eyes widened in shock. ¡°She got it right.¡± He looked up at his brother. ¡°But how did you manage to solve it when you don¡¯t even know -¡± he trailed off.


    ¡°Are you convinced that she can help you?¡± Oliver asked though he was stunned that she could solve the equation.


    ¡°Yes she can coach me.¡± Ryan answered.


    ¡°Doctor Oliver can¡¯t I do other things aside helping Ryan with his homework?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°Let us work with Ryan for now, I will provide you with anything you need. Just-¡±


    Eretia interrupted him. ¡°Books!¡± She screamed out.


    ¡°You want books?¡± Oliver asked and she nodded.


    Eretia already figured out that she needed books to know more about the human world. So reading more books here could help her in some ways.


    ¡°Do you like reading?¡± Ryan asked.


    ¡°Yes I want books about humans.¡± She replied.


    ¡°I love reading too, so what genre is your favorite?¡± Ryan asked.


    ¡°Genre?¡± Eretia raised her eyebrows to think.


    ¡°I like adventure, fantasy and supernatural books!¡± Ryan said.


    ¡°I like human books.¡± Eretia smiled sheepishly.


    ¡°We have books about human anatomy in the library, Ryan will show them to you.¡± Oliver said.


    ¡°Human anatomy? Are you also a medical student? Oh never mind you don¡¯t even know who you are.¡± Ryan folded his arms and leaned back in the couch.


    ¡°Anything else?¡± Oliver asked Eretia.


    Her face turned red. ¡°And I also want that thing you ce on your ear and talk to it.¡±  She demonstrated by cing her hand to her ear.


    Ryan shook his head in disbelieve. ¡°It is called a smartphone.¡± he said.


    ¡°Oh you mean this one.¡± Oliver showed her his phone.


    She nodded. ¡°I notice that everyone around here has it.¡±


    ¡°I will get you one tomorrow.¡± Oliver said.


    ¡°And can I have some shoes too?¡± She smiled.


    Eretia recalled the look on the man¡¯s face when she had bumped into him. She didn¡¯t like that look of disgust he shot at her for walking around barefooted.


    ¡°Our guest wants so many things, so why don¡¯t you go to the mall to pick some stuffs for her.¡± Ryan suggested.


    ¡°Mall?¡± She repeated.


    ¡°It is a ce where you can buy variety of goods.. like an enclosed shopping centre.¡± Ryan exined.


    ¡°Ryan will you like toe with us to the mall?¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°I would love that!¡± He answered excitedly.


    ¡°Then go and change your wears into a presentable one.¡± Oliver snapped his fingers, signifying that Ryan shouldn¡¯t take too much time.


    ¡°Okay.¡± He raced off to his room.


    Eretia went to the television again. ¡°Can we go with the this thing?¡± She asked.


    ¡°No.¡± Oliver replied.


    ¡°Why? We should take it with us because I love it.¡± She grumbled.


    ¡°You can¡¯t carry the television round like it a cellphone.¡± Oliver countered.


    ¡°But I can carry it.¡± Eretia made an attempt to reach for the television set but Oliver was quick enough to get out of the couch and stop her.


    ¡°Eretia, we can¡¯t bring it with us but it will be right here when we get back home.¡± He pulled her away from the television.


    ¡°The actor won¡¯t be happy that we are leaving him behind.¡± She said with a sad face.


    ¡°The actor doesn¡¯t know you, he can¡¯t even hear you now.¡± Oliver sat her back on the couch.


    ¡°Why?¡± She questioned looking at the big screen again.


    ¡°Time to go to the Mall!¡± Ryan announced.


    ¡°You know what?¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You will y with the superman toy in the car.¡± Oliver said and her face brightened forgetting about the big screen.

 EPISODE ELEVEN

    Theme: Birthday Parties


    KNOX MARTINS BEACH HOUSEThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    It was a cool Saturday morning, there was nothing much to do and Knox Martins climbed back into bed after a quick breakfast of bacon and eggs. He was about to plug in his earphones to listen to music when the doorbell jangled.


    Knox silently prayed that whoever was at the door shouldn¡¯t be his mother or Betty Lawson and at the same time he wondered who could it be?


    Knox hopped out of bed and slipped on his soft slippers which had the ears of rabbit. He moved out of the room to the living room. And Knox eyes widened in surprise when he saw the person on the porch through the video inte. Mary Ann was there, looking beautiful as ever!


    Mary Ann was the closest female friend Knox Martins had when he was in Italy. He had convinced Mary to move to United States of America to run her master¡¯s degree but she had refused. Mary Ann wanted to run the program in another country.


    Two years has passed and they haven¡¯t really being in contact but now she was there on his porch! Knox watched as she applied more lips gloss on her full lips.


    ¡°Still the old, Mary Ann.¡± Knox mustered as he unlocked the door.


    Mary Ann has this habit of applying make up on her face and lipstick to her lips every now and then and she hasn¡¯t changed.


    ¡°Knox!¡± Mary Ann hugged him immediately as soon as the door opened.


    ¡°Hi, Mary Ann.¡± Knox greeted. He tried to pull back from the embrace but she held him tightly.


    ¡°I missed you so much, Knox Martins!¡± Mary Ann said in excitement.


    ¡°I missed you too, Mary Ann.¡± Knox admitted.


    Mary Ann pulled back to look at him. ¡°Now look what we have here! Hot and sexy as ever!¡± She teased him.


    Knox Martin chuckled. ¡°Come in, Mary.¡± He stepped aside for her to walk into his apartment.


    ¡°Nice apartment.¡± Sheplimented.


    ¡°Oh thanks, please have a seat Mary.¡± Knox smiled and gestured for her to sit down on one of the couches.


    Mary Ann settled on the couch and crossed her legs. ¡°Wow.. this ce is beautiful! I love the view of the sea.¡± She said with awe on her expression.


    ¡°What would you like to drink? Soda? Wine? Carbonated drink or¡­ yoghurt? I know you love it.¡± Knox smirked remembering that yogurt was her favorite drink and Mary had managed to make him love it too.


    Mary Ann gasped out. ¡°Oh you still remember I love yogurt?!¡±


    ¡°Was I meant to forget that fact about you?¡± Knox chuckled.


    ¡°No, I am just surprised you still remember.¡± She beamed.


    ¡°So it is yogurt.¡± He said.


    ¡°Yeah yoghurt.¡± She answered.


    ¡°I will be right back with your order ma¡¯am.¡± Knox Martins gave her a mock bow.


    Mary Ann giggled as she watched him motion towards the kitchen. Knox grabbed thest carton of yogurt from the fridge, took a ss cup and ced them in a tray.


    Knox went back to the living room. ¡°Here you go..¡± He poured yogurt into the ss and gave it to her.


    ¡°I could have poured it myself.¡± Mary said.


    ¡°But I choose to help you, moreover you are my guest so I should be nice to you.¡± He stered a smile on his face.


    ¡°I think Knox Martins is a different man now, like I am happy you served me yogurt and you haven¡¯t forgotten some stuffs about me.¡± Mary said with a bright smile on her face.


    ¡°Am I a different man now? I doubt that.¡± Knox winked.


    And they bothughed. ¡°Still I am curious.¡± Mary said dropping the ss back in the tray on the table.


    ¡°So how did you find me?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°Come on, Knox!¡± Mary Ann giggled.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t even call me to let me know that you areing over.¡± His mouth twitched.


    Mary Ann leaned forward and poured herself yogurt. ¡°I wanted it to be a surprise.¡± She gulped down a whole ss of yoghurt.


    ¡°Come on, you know I don¡¯t like surprises.¡± Knox chuckled.


    ¡°Okay you are famous, a superstar, so it was not hard for me to find you.¡± Mary Ann replied.


    Their gaze met. ¡°It still doesn¡¯t add up, Mary.¡± He said.


    Mary Annughed. ¡°Okay, fine.. you got me right there. I will tell you.¡±


    Knox rolled his eyes. ¡°Come on, I am listening.¡±


    ¡°I flew in two days ago, but before that I saw the news -¡± she pursed her lips.


    ¡°What news?¡± Knox snapped his eyebrows together.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know? Of course you do know about it.¡± Mary¡¯s eyes twinkled.


    ¡°Okay tell me about the news you saw.¡± He leaned back into the couch.


    ¡°Your birthday pictures, I saw the pictures of you sharing a kiss with Betty Lawson.¡± Mary Ann pointed out.


    (FLASHBACK TO FEW WEEKS AGO)


    Ding! Ding! Ding! The shrieking sound of the rm woke Knox up from his deep sleep. His hand reached over to the snooze button pressing it down to stop the noise. He rolled on his side and hopped out of bed and slipped on his soft rabbit like slippers and headed to the bathroom. He brushed his teethzily and rinsed his mouth after brushing his teeth.


    The doorbell rang and he heaved a sigh. Knox moved out of his room to the living room and strode towards the door. He saw his mom, Betty and Mrs Precious, her mom on the porch through the video inte.


    ¡°What are they up to this time?¡± He grumbled though he was surprised to see Betty¡¯s mom.


    Then it struck him immediately ¡ª His birthday! Today is his birthday! He went to the window and pulled at the curtains to check the view of the sea but then he gasped out in shock. The area was full of people and paparazzi.


    Knox uttered a profanity at the sight, he had warned his mom sternly not to throw a party but she didn¡¯t listen. He unplugged his phone to call his mom tosh out on her, then he saw twenty missed calls and loads of messages from Betty and his family and friends.


    Knox went back to the video inte. Betty was dressed in a crimson knee length gown. She had put more effort on her makeup to impress him.


    He dialed Mrs ina number. ¡°Happy -¡± He cuts off her intended statement.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on out there?!¡± He snarled.


    Mrs ina Martin wasn¡¯t moved by the snarl. ¡°Happy Birthday son!¡± shepleted her intended sentence.


    ¡°Tell everyone to leave or else I will call the police.¡± He threatened.


    ¡°Police? For what? It is your day and everyone is here to celebrate with you. Don¡¯t let us ruin today with argument and look Mrs Precious Lawson is out here with me.¡± Mrs ina Martins said.


    ¡°Listen to me, I don¡¯t need anyone to celebrate with me. You can¡¯t party outside my home and I am not letting anyone into my house.¡± Knox rubbed his temples. His mom was really a pain in his neck. He thought.


    ¡°Come one Knox, everyone is out here waiting for you.¡± Mrs ina Martins pestered her son happily.


    ¡°I thought I told you not to organize any party today. Mrs ina Martin, take your guests somewhere else, probably to your mansion surely it is big enough to amodate them.¡± He said.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do this, Knox.¡± Mrs ina said in a low tone.


    ¡°I am serious. I don¡¯t want to party with anyone.¡± Knox grounded out.


    ¡°Okay but at least open up and say hi to Betty and Mrs Precious Lawson.¡± Mrs ina¡¯s voice pleaded.


    Know was silent. He watched his mom ce a finger on her lips to silence Betty who was trying to listen to the conversation with her ear pressed closely to the phone.


    ¡°Please Knox just this once listen to me.¡± She pleaded.


    Seconds clicked by before he answered. ¡°Okay.¡± He sighed.


    Mrs ina Martins face brightened and he had no idea why he had agreed to her pleadings. ¡°We are waiting.¡± She added.


    ¡°Let me freshen up.¡± Knox said.


    ¡°Thank you son.¡± And Mrs ina disconnected the call.


    Knox Martins realized the reason why he had agreed to his mom pleads. He didn¡¯t want the people outside to humiliate his mother but Knox had no idea why he cared if she was humiliated or not after he had warned her not to organize a party.


    Knox walked back to the bathroom to take a shower.


    ¡°What did he say?¡± Betty asked Mrs ina.


    ¡°He will join us soon.¡± Mrs ina replied with a bright smile on her face. She was happy that her son had agreed to join the party without a fight.


    Betty Lawson pped her hands excitedly. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see him!¡±


    ¡°Let us just wee the guests for now.¡± Mrs Precious Lawson suggested.


    Mrs ina nodded in agreement and they walked back to the party.

 EPISODE TWELVE

    Theme: A kiss for Knox


    (FLASHBACK TO FEW AGO)


    Happy Birthday to you


    Happy Birthday to you


    Happy Birthday to you, Knox


    Happy Birthday to you.


    The people present at Knox¡¯s party sang for him, paparazzis shing pictures and it was great. But Knox Martins hated the fact that they were here. He didn¡¯t want any of the media houses to know his ce of residence that¡¯s why he has never disclosed it on any of his interviews on screen.  But now, his mom had invited them all without his consent.


    ¡°Thank you very much.¡± Knox managed to get words out.


    And that¡¯s all he could say to them. He saw the prepared ce to entertain the guests somewhere far from his home which caused him to utter a profanity. He wondered when his mom had sent someone to put the area up without him finding out.


    Knox Martins looked wonderful as he greeted some familiar faces in the crowd. He was dressed in a casual andfortable dark fitted jeans and a ga colored polo shirt that hugged his broad shoulders and sculpted chest.


    ¡°Excuse me, Knox.¡± Betty called at his attention.


    Knox turned to face Betty and she leaned in closely to him. They stood face to face because she was on a stiletto high heels.


    ¡°Happy Birthday, Knox Martins.¡± Betty Lawson gave him a brown paper bag.


    Knox peered into the bag and saw a box in it. ¡°Thank -¡± But Betty kept his words at bay with a kiss on his lips.


    Knox Martins gasped out and his eyes widened in shock. Mrs ina Martins started the p and others joined in and people took pictures. Knox was annoyed and he didn¡¯t respond to the kiss. And just when he tried to pull back, Betty slid her hands up the back of his neck, pulling him closer to deepen the kiss.


    Mrs ina Martins and Mrs Precious Lawson were d that Betty took the bold step to kiss Knox hoping he would be able to realize that she loved him.


    Knox never expected it, he had never even dreamt of kissing Betty. Now everyone would get the idea that they are dating whereas it was just a stupid act and a meaningless facade. Knox pulled back from her and stared at her with anger crashing over him but he controlled himself.


    ¡°Thank you, Knox.¡± Betty said happily.


    The brightest smile found it way to her lip. She was happy that they just shared a kiss!


    Knox Martins turned away from her and motioned towards his home and the pping stopped abruptly. Betty followed him immediately.


    ¡°Oh! please let us move to the venue for merriment.¡± Mrs ina Martins pointed towards a direction reserved for the guests.


    ¡°Thanks foring!¡± Mrs Precious Lawson added.


    And they led everyone to the ce decorated to entertain the guests.


    ¡°Wait up Knox..¡± Betty tried to catch up with his fast pace.


    Knox stopped after he was sure nobody would see them and Betty nearly bumped into him. ¡°Knox-¡±


    Knox turned to face her. ¡°What is it?¡± He asked with annoyance clear in his tone.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Knox? You left the party without -¡±


    Knox cuts her off. ¡°Why did you have to kiss me in front of everyone like that?¡± He asked, clenching his fist and his jaw tightened.


    Betty leaned in closely but Knox stepped backward to avoid her touch. ¡°Do you realize what you did you out there?!¡± He yelled.


    Betty was surprised by his outburst. ¡°Knox.. I.. love you and I wanted to tell everyone about us.¡± She said.


    Initially Betty wanted to confess how she felt for him since it was hard to tell his feelings. But since his mom assured her that Knox loved her so she just concluded that he didn¡¯t have the courage to confess his feelings.


    ¡°About us?¡± He snorted.


    ¡°Yes Knox.¡± She confirmed.


    ¡°What is between us Betty? Nothing, we are not even in a rtionship.¡± He pointed out clearly.


    ¡°Yes I know.. but.. we are in love.¡± She countered.


    His forehead creased. Betty was totally mistaken. ¡°Love?¡± His frown deepened.


    ¡°Yes Knox.¡± Betty nodded.


    ¡°Betty, I don¡¯t believe in love.¡± He said.


    ¡°I want to prove to you that it does¡­ love exist.¡± Betty tried to touch him but Knox pushed her hand away.


    Knox shook his head slowly. ¡°You think you love me and you think I love you in return, that was why you kissed me right? And took away my first -¡± He stopped and swallowed hard.


    ¡°First what?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Never mind.¡± Knox started to walk away as he felt bile rose up in his throat.


    ¡°Knox!¡± She called out to him.


    ¡°Leave! I want to be alone!¡± Knox unlocked his apartment and rushed to the bathroom.


    He poured the content in his mouth into the toilet. When he was done, he rinsed his face and brushed his teeth again.


    He could hardly believe Betty just took away his first kiss. Just like that! And now pictures of them kissing would be everywhere soon!


    He clenched his fists. ¡°Damn it! I can¡¯t take that as my first kiss¡­ Never!¡± He brushed his teeth harder.


    Knox pointed to his reflection in therge mirror. ¡°It was a mistake! She kissed me but I couldn¡¯t respond to her false kiss. It was an act! No a mistake?! A mistake! Aish! That¡¯s not my first kiss!¡± He concluded with a grumble and stomped his feet.


    (FLASHBACK ENDS)


    ¡°You and Betty made it to the number search trends on celebrity blogs.¡± Mary Ann said.


    Acknowledgement registered on his expression. ¡°Oh! That stupid news.¡± Knox huffed.


    ¡°Is it a stupid news?¡± Mary Ann nced up at the ceiling in a facade to think. ¡°But it helped me find you.¡± She added.


    ¡°Come on Mary, you won¡¯t locate this ce with those pictures. And I made it clear to the reporters that I would sue whoever disclosed my residence to the public.¡± He grimaced.


    ¡°You got me again.¡± Mary Ann threw her hands up in surrender.


    ¡°Let me guess, you made use of your father¡¯s connections.¡± Knox said.


    ¡°Not really, I met your mom yesterday so she gave me your address.¡± Mary Ann eyes sparkled with happiness.


    ¡°How did you find my mom? You did not forget my family home address?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Thest time you gave it to me, I wrote it down in my diary. And I am d that your mom remembered me even though we met just once. Oh Knox! I am super excited to see you again!¡± She beamed in excitement.


    ¡°I am happy to see you too.¡± Knox said.


    Theypsed into silent for some seconds before Mary Ann spoke up. ¡°Knox, I don¡¯t mean to prey¡­¡± she bit her lower lips.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you settled things with your mom?¡± Mary Ann questioned.


    Knox smile slipped away and was reced with a frown. ¡°Can we not talk about that woman?¡±


    ¡°Knox, she is your mom and not just any woman.¡± Mary Ann lifted up her brows.


    Knox¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°I am the one who gets to decide that.¡±


    ¡°Well your mom told me some certain things about -¡±


    Knox interrupted her. ¡°Same words she told you years back.¡±


    ¡°Maybe.. but I think you are taking things too far.¡± Mary Ann said with a serious face.


    ¡°Just the same lines you said two years ago after you met my mom. Mary can we discuss something else please?¡± The corners of his mouth turned up.


    ¡°Like what?¡± She asked with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°Anything else.. maybe about you.¡± He replied with a smirk.


    Mary Ann sighed, giving up on trying to convince Knox to get back with his mom. In the first ce she wasn¡¯t here to reconcile mother and son.


    ¡°How have you been? How was getting a degree in Germany like?¡± He asked.


    ¡°No let us start with you, from the kiss with Betty Lawson. How was it?¡± She teased him with a half smile on her lips.


    Knox drew his lower lip between his teeth. ¡°That kiss with Betty was absolutely nothing.¡±


    Mary¡¯s mouth set in a hard line. ¡°It was nothing?¡±


    ¡°Yes.. nothing but everyone thinks we are in a serious rtionship. All the articles on the inte are not true. And thinking about it now I should have sued those people.¡± He gritted his teeth.


    ¡°So you guys are not in a serious rtionship?¡± She demanded.


    ¡°Betty Lawson is not my girlfriend.¡± He answered.


    ¡°Oh.. okay I believe you.¡± Her mouth curved into a smile.


    ¡°I should do something about all these fake news.¡± Knox¡¯s face screwed up.


    ¡°So why don¡¯t you arrange an interview with the press to let them know that they are mistaken about your rtionship with Betty Lawson.¡± Mary Ann suggested.


    ¡°I hate interviews.¡± He responded.


    ¡°But it would really help clear up the misunderstanding.¡± Mary Ann countered.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time and moreover it would die down in few weeks time.¡± He answered.


    ¡°Well if you say so.¡± Mary Ann stood up, moved around the living room, checking out the paintings on the wall.


    ¡°Those art works and painting are worth thousands of dors.¡± Knox boasted.


    Maryughed. ¡°I know you can spend all your money on artworks.¡± She went back to him.


    Knox checked his phone to reply some messages from his designer.


    ¡°So.. I need to know if you still the same old Knox Martin.¡± Mary stood in front of him.


    Knox nced up at her. ¡°What do you mean?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I mean.. the Knox Martin I used to know, tough, boastful-¡± She settled beside him on the couch.


    Knox chuckled. ¡°Can you go straight to the point, Mary.¡±


    ¡°Well don¡¯t you want to know anything about me aside my degree program?¡± She asked.


    Knox thought of questions to ask her and only one urred to him. He looked down at her fingers and there was no ring.


    ¡°I am not married.¡± Mary said in a tight whisper with a big smile on her face as if she had read his mind.


    ¡°Are you in a rtionship?¡± He asked.


    ¡°No I am single.¡± She answered.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Then theypsed in silence with Knox concentrating back on his phone. It was needful for him to have a chat with his designer.


    ¡°You are single right?¡± She asked.


    He nodded. ¡°You should know that answer even before asking me.¡±


    ¡°You might have changed, who knows if you are love with someone now maybe secretly.¡± She said with a shrug.


    Knoxughed. ¡°In love with someone secretly? Unbelievable.¡±


    ¡°So you are telling me that you haven¡¯t been with any woman all these years?¡± Mary Ann demanded.


    ¡°Never have I been with any woman.¡± He responded.


    ¡°Why Knox?¡± Mary forehead creased.


    Knox pursed his lips and grew silent. An image shed through his mind but he tried to block the image from his mind¡¯s eye but failed at it. The image was engraved in his mind that he has been finding it hard to think straight.


    ¡°Knox?¡± Mary Ann called at him snapping him out of reverie.


    And he jerked back to life. ¡°Sorry.. what were you saying?¡± He sniffed.


    ¡°I know that look on your face, are you in love with someone?¡± She blurted out.


    ¡°Come on, Mary Ann.. you know love -¡±


    ¡°Love doesn¡¯t exist in your world.¡± Shepleted his intended statement


    He snapped his finger. ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°Knox, I understand that what happened between your parents changed your mind about love. But seriously? I don¡¯t think it should change your perspectives about love. Take a look, you are getting older. Knox.. you are twenty six, clearly old enough to start a family.¡± She said.


    ¡°Save the lectures, Mary. Ann. You are also twenty six clearly old enough to get married.¡± He smirked.


    ¡°Yes I know.¡±  Mary nodded.


    ¡°So why are you still single?¡± He asked again.


    ¡°I am waiting for the right guy.¡± She responded.


    ¡°Oh great! I am sure the right guy for you wille along.¡± Knox pped his hands.


    ¡°Yes and I think have found him.¡± She said.


    Knox¡¯s forehead creased.  ¡°So tell me about mr perfect.¡± He pinched her cheeks and folded his arms.


    ¡°I am serious, Knox.¡± She giggled.


    ¡°And I am serious, Mary Ann.¡± He grinned.


    ¡°Do you know the reason why I moved back to America?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I was about asking the same question.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°So do you know?¡± She asked again.


    ¡°No.. I don¡¯t know but let me guess-¡± he pursed his lips to think. ¡°You want to spend some time here and enjoy America breeze for a while. I know you like traveling and seeing new ces, so you will probably be leaving to another country soon. Tell me I am right.¡± He pouted.


    Mary Ann sighed and held his hands. ¡°No, that is not the reason.¡±


    His face fell in disappointment. ¡°Then why are you in America, Miss  Mary Ann?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Well the good news is that, I won¡¯t be touring countries anymore. I have decided to stay in America.¡± She responded.


    Knox stered a smile on his face. ¡°Oh that¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°And I made that decision because of you.¡± She nibbled in her bottom lip.


    Knox¡¯s smile faded. ¡°Me?¡± His jaw went ck.


    ¡°Yeah..¡± she nodded.


    ¡°You must be kidding.¡± The corner of his mouth quirked up.


    ¡°To be honest Knox, I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about you since you left Italy.¡± She admitted sincerely.


    No! He didn¡¯t want to hear her telling him about love! Knox shifted ufortably on the couch.


    ¡°Mary -¡±


    She ced a finger on his lips to silence him. ¡°Knox, I think  I am in love with you.¡±


    He shed her a half smile. ¡°Mary, you can¡¯t be serious about what you are saying right now.¡±


    ¡°I am serious, Knox. And when I saw that picture of you and Betty, I thought it was true and I felt sad that I had lost you to another woman. I med myself for not telling you about my feelings when we were together.¡± Mary Ann expressed herself.


    ¡°Mary, you don¡¯t have to -¡±


    She interrupted him ¡°And.. I couldn¡¯t tell you how I feel back then because I did not want ruin our friendship. And I also had thought traveling to Germany would make me forget those feelings.. but no.. I was wrong. It kept growing and I regretted noting with you to America when you asked me to. Maybe things would have been different now.¡± She bit her lower lip.


    Knox Martins was surprised! He never knew Mary Ann was in love with him! Oh! maybe she did a good job at hiding her feelings for him! Mary never acted like she wanted something more than just being friends with Knox during his stay in Italy and he never thought of her as more than a friend too.


    ¡°So are you saying for two years now, you didn¡¯t love or date any other guy?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I did.¡± she replied honestly.


    ¡°So what is this feeling about?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Listen Knox, every rtionship I had didn¡¯t turn out the way I wanted it to be. I never loved my men the way I love you, Knox.¡± She replied.


    He ran his hand into his hair. ¡°What do we do now?¡±


    ¡°It is simple. Knox, open your heart to love and give me a chance to show you that love truly exists.¡± She answered.


    Knox stood up from the couch. ¡°I don¡¯t think it is a good idea.¡± He answered.


    ¡°Why not? Knox, this is going to work if only you are ready to let go of everything you have against your mother.¡± She pointed out.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He nodded impatiently. ¡°No, you are wrong.¡±


    This wasn¡¯t about his mom! Mary Ann wasn¡¯t the right woman for him and same goes with Betty Lawson and there was no doubt in his mind about that. The feeling of love was the missing puzzle between their rtionships and even if he changed his mind and decided to fall in love then the woman would be different from the women in his lives.


    A woman that would make his heart flutter at the mere sight of seeing her and thinking about her. A woman that would make him realize that love existed without being told. He thought deeply


    ¡°I am sorry, Mary Ann.¡±  He apologized.


    Sadness clouded her features. ¡°No.. no Knox, you don¡¯t have to turn me down now. I will give you enough time to think about it.¡± She stood up from the couch and went to him.


    ¡°No Mary it just can¡¯t work. Let us just be friends.¡± He said.


    Her face went nk. ¡°I cherish our friendship and I don¡¯t wanna lose you.¡± He added.


    Tears shimmered in her eyes. ¡°But I want to be more than that. Knox, I want you to see me as a woman and not just a friend.¡± she responded in a tight whisper.


    ¡°Mary -¡± He screwed up his face.


    Mary Ann leaned in closely. ¡°Think about it Knox. I will take my leave now.¡± She said.


    Knox shook his head in response. But he knew in his mind, there was absolutely nothing to think about. Knox Martins doesn¡¯t love her and he wasn¡¯t ready to love any woman! He can only regard them as friends not lovers!

 EPISODE THIRTEEN

    THEME: Finding a job


    TWO MONTHS LATER


    OLIVER SCOTT HOME


    It was on Sunday evening and there is no much to do. Oliver, Ryan and Eretia had dinner around 6:30 p. m. They all sat around the ss table filled with stack of advert papers.


    Eretia was getting used to the Human world. Being a fast learner and desperate to know things about her new world, she was able to learn what normal humans could do with the help of Oliver and Ryan. And even though she was happy and satisfied in the human world, the merworld had still popped into her mind again and again. Eretia liked her new life and world and she has a very good body. And she was forced to ask if her body was the same as that of being an eighteen years old human. Ryan had replied her, saying she does not look like any of his high school seniors.


    Then Eretia realized that an eighteen years old mermaid was trapped in the body of a twenty six years old human. And Eretia enjoyed the fact that she was not treated as a little mermaid or the eighteen years old baby sister that she was in the merworld. Instead she was an adult in the Human world. A twenty six years olddy, matured enough to make decisions on her own without any interference and she had no idea how to thank Oliver and Ryan for making her a real andplete human.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to work in a bar or clubhouse.¡± Oliver frowned at the paper in his hands.


    ¡°Why? Is there something wrong with working in any of those ces?¡± Eretia asked.


    Oliver looked up at her. ¡°You can¡¯t understand.¡± He muttered.


    ¡°Tell me the reason why I can¡¯t work in any of those ces?¡± Eretia pestered him.


    ¡°Oh! You don¡¯t know?¡± Ryan asked.


    Eretia pouted. ¡°I don¡¯t know the reason but if the pay is good then I will go for it. I just want to earn money so I can help in paying the bills too.¡± She replied.


    Oliver heaved a sigh. ¡°Listen Eretia, I don¡¯t have any problem in paying the bills.¡±


    ¡°I know but I also want to make contributions. I can take care of our feeding when I start work.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°No.. I am notining -¡±


    Eretia interruptrd him. ¡°But I don¡¯t like the fact that you are the only one doing everything for us.¡±


    Oliver stared at her.  ¡°Ryan, is there something wrong in me wanting to help him?¡± Eretia asked turning to face the little boy.


    ¡°No there is nothing wrong in it but -¡± Ryan stopped and bit his lower lips.


    ¡°But what?¡± Eretia forehead creased.


    ¡°I won¡¯t advice you to work in such ces.¡± Ryanpleted.


    ¡°Why?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°You look too innocent to work in a clubhouse or bar. Or let me just say that you are too beautiful to work there and it is really dangerous for a woman like you.¡± Ryan answered.


    ¡°Why? Is it that bad?¡± She questioned frantically.


    Ryan shook his head. ¡°Not that bad but men won¡¯t let you rest. And I think they might want to take advantage of you.¡± He replied with a shrug.


    ¡°I am old enough to protect myself.¡± Eretia said with confidence in her tone.


    ¡°And how do you n to protect yourself?¡± Oliver asked.


    Eretia balled her fists as if she wanted to throw bad punches at someone. ¡°This way¡­¡± She tried to throw a punch at Oliver but he dodged her.


    Oliver and Ryan rolled inughter. ¡°I think watching of wrestling, boxing and America movie stunts has thought you a few fighting skills.¡± Ryanmented.


    Eretia nodded in agreement. She was sure that she could take down any man with the help of her super strength. That was the only power she possessed in the Human world. It seemed strange at first because she didn¡¯t exhibit such ability in the merworld.


    ¡°Well those tricks won¡¯t work in this real world. Beautiful women are not safe in Clubhouses and Bars.¡± Oliver said as he opened more pages in the paper.


    ¡°Then I am not beautiful -¡±


    Ryan cuts her off. ¡°You are beautiful Miss Eretia Jones.¡± He said.


    A blush crept up her well defined cheeks. Ryan leaned forward on the table and ced his hand on her hands. ¡°And I suggest you try modeling, it would suit you better than working in those ces. You have the qualities, trust me I see you bing miss world.¡± He said with a serious face.


    Eretia furrowed her eyebrows and said, ¡°Me?! Miss World?!¡± Ryan nodded in response. She shook her head in disagreement. ¡°No.¡± She said.


    Eretia knew what he meant but she wondered if it was possible for a mermaid like her to be a model not to talk of bing miss world. And she was not ready to ask them about it because they might think she is crazy again.


    ¡°No she can¡¯t go into modeling.¡± Oliver objected before Ryan could say anything else. His voice stunned her out of thought.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± She asked.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be a model.¡± Oliver answered.


    Eretia frowned. ¡°But why?¡± She demanded.


    ¡°You can¡¯t because -¡± Oliver¡¯s voice trailed off and he thought of what to say to her.


    ¡°I think my brother likes you.¡± Ryan blurted before his brother could utter the next words.


    ¡°What?!¡± Oliver red at his brother.


    ¡°No.. no.. I mean.. he cares a lot.. about you.¡± Ryan said quickly.


    ¡°I like him.. I mean I like you too. And we all like each other like a family.¡± Eretia nodded.


    Ryan exchanged nces with Oliver. Eretia didn¡¯t understand Ryan¡¯s statement and she couldn¡¯t tell where he was driving at.


    ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t mean that.. sort of likeness. It -¡± Ryan was interrupted by a clearing of throat from his brother.


    ¡°So what sort of likeness?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Never mind. He just cares about your¡­ wellbeing.¡± Ryan focused his attention on the paper in his hands.


    Eretia rolled her eyes. ¡°Well it seems you don¡¯t want me to work. It is really boring staying at home alone all day. I want to work like a Human.¡± She grumbled.


    ¡°Eretia, I am not asking you not to work.¡± Oliver countered.


    ¡°Then why do you keep saying I can¡¯t do this and I can¡¯t do that.¡± Eretia cried out.


    ¡°Well I suggest you go into tutoring.¡± Oliver spoke up after some seconds of silence.


    ¡°Tutoring?¡± She raised her eyebrows im confusion.


    Oliver nodded. ¡°Yes Ryan can tell his friends to sign up for extra sses after school and during weekends. The sses can take ce right here.¡± He suggested.


    ¡°No I am not doing that. I don¡¯t want to be with a bunch of school kids.¡± Eretia declined the suggestion.


    Ryan raised his right hand up too. ¡°Yes I object to the suggestion bro. I can¡¯t bring my naughty ssmates to our home.¡±


    ¡°Then let us keep checking out for more decent jobs.¡± Oliver said after he realized there was no way he could win against these two.


    Seconds clicked by and Eretia screamed out, sending some papers flying around the room and startling her family.


    ¡°I found it!¡± She said loudly.


    ¡°What?!¡± Oliver and Ryan asked in unison.


    ¡°A job!¡± She replied.


    Ryan touched his chest ¡°Oh my God! You startled me, Eretia!¡±


    ¡°I  am sorry.¡± She apologized in a low tone.


    ¡°Let me have it.¡± Oliver stretched out his hand and she gave him the paper.


    ¡°Here.¡±  She tried to point at the area.


    ¡°Got it.¡± Oliver mumbled.


    ¡°GOLDMYNES MODELING AGENCY. AUDITION TO BE HELD AT THE AGENCY ON 29TH OCTOBER.¡±  Oliver read loudly.


    ¡°No.. not that one. There is a job vacancy on the left side.¡± She said.


    ¡°WORKERS NEEDED AT THE MARTIN EMPIRE.¡± Oliver read again.


    ¡°They put up two adverts under the samepany.¡± Ryan asked.


    ¡°The samepany? But they have different names.¡± Eretia mumbled.


    ¡°The modeling agency belongs to the son while the mother runs the empire.¡± Oliver replied.


    Eretia nodded in understanding. ¡°What is Goldmynes?¡±  She got no response. ¡°Never mind.¡± She picked her phone and pressed on  the screen and went to Google. A tiny blue microphone appeared on the Google page.


    She tapped on it and said, ¡°Google give me details about the Martin Empire and Goldmynes agency in United State of America.¡±


    And it answered with a beep. Google showed several articles and series of pictures.


    Eretia clicked on the first article. ¡°The Martin Empire is one of the most sessfulpany in America. It was founded by Late Mr Benjamin Martin. A sessful multibillionairepany that dabbles in several businesses.¡± She read out loudly from the phone.


    ¡°Mrs ina Martins is one of the most influential women in America. She lost her husband in a ne crashed that killed thousand of people when her son was just ten years old.¡± Eretia looked Oliver. ¡°This is sad.¡± She felt pity for ina and as she looked at her family.


    ¡°Have you guys read it before?¡± Eretia asked when she noticed they weren¡¯t really paying attention to her.


    Oliver was lost in thought.


    ¡°We know about it. Everyone know about the Martin empire and Goldmynes.¡± Ryan replied.


    ¡°Well I need to know more about it too if I want to apply for a job there.¡± Eretia said.


    Ryan responded with a shrug. Eretia nced back at her cellphone. ¡°And her only son, Knox Martins is the next in line to take over the Martin Empire. He is currently the CEO of Goldmynes Modeling agency.¡±  Eretia scrolled down to see more images.


    ¡°He is a model, actor and famous celebrity who doesn¡¯t enjoy publicity and would rather keep his life private.¡± Ryan said lines from the article he had read some time ago. ¡°That¡¯s why I like him.¡± He added.


    Eretia saw more of ina and Knox pictures but mostly Knox¡¯s pictures. ¡°Wow! He is so handsome!¡±  She eximed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t remember him?¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Eretia smiled broadly. ¡°I haven¡¯t met him. He is a big time celebrity so how do you expect me to meet someone like him!¡± She replied.


    Oliver nodded.


    ¡°Wow! He is a model.. an international and top most Model in USA. He has featured in few movies and made special appearances in music videos.¡±  Eretia read but soon gasped out. ¡°Oh.. I remember him! He looks like that guy¡¯s picture in your room!¡± She turned to face Ryan.


    ¡°He is the one.¡±  Ryan smiled.


    ¡°I know those facts about him. Everyone knows him very well except you.¡± He said again.


    ¡°Yeah I don¡¯t know him too well.¡± She responded.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°So which one do you want to go for?¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°I will opt in for the workers vacancy. I don¡¯t want to be a Model.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°Why?¡± Ryan asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go around in tight dresses that will make me look like a grilled fish.¡± Eretia responded.


    Oliver and Ryan rolled intoughter.


    ¡°Oliver, do you have any idea of the type of work I would do at thispany? They didn¡¯t specify it here.¡± Eretia itched the bridge of her nose.


    ¡°Uhmm.. I don¡¯t know.. but probably a secretary.¡± Oliver answered.


    ¡°Secretary? I don¡¯t have any qualification. No I don¡¯t remember anything about myself.¡± Eretia said in a low tone.


    ¡°We already nned to work on it.¡± Oliver replied.


    ¡°Yes I know.¡± Eretia nodded.


    ¡°Then maybe.. a Janitor or delivery girl or errand girl.. they don¡¯t require any qualification in somepanies.¡± Ryan said.


    ¡°It is better than working in a clubhouse or bar right?¡± She asked.


    They nodded in unison.


    ¡°So what do I do now?¡± Eretia stared at them.


    ¡°Put a call through to the advert agency. I am sure they will link us up.¡±  Oliver answered.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Eretia sniffed.


    Oliver picked up his phone and dialed the number attached to the advert. A man picked on the other end.


    ¡°Good Evening Sir, I am Oliver Scott.¡±


    ¡°Good Evening Mr Oliver.¡±


    ¡°Actually I saw this advert just now that the Martin empire needs workers.¡± Oliver said.


    ¡°Okay.. are you the one applying for the job?¡± The man asked.


    ¡°No my friend.¡± Oliver replied.


    ¡°Is your friend a female or a male?¡± The man asked again.


    ¡°Female.¡± Oliver answered.


    ¡°Good.. exactly what they need.¡± The man said.


    ¡°Can I at least know what job she would be doing at thepany?¡± Oliver requested.


    ¡°Well I can¡¯t disclose that until you fill the application form.¡± The man said.


    ¡°And how so we get that done?¡± Oliver asked looking at Eretia.


    ¡°I will send a link to you now. You click in it and fill in her profile then make the submission to the site.¡± The man exined the process to him.


    ¡°So what happens after that?¡± Oliver demanded.


    ¡°They might select her for an interview with the Chaidy.¡± The man answered.


    ¡°Okay¡­ Thank you.¡± Oliver hangs up. ¡°Eretia -¡± He was interrupted by a beep on his phone. The man forwarded the link to him.


    ¡°Did I get the job?¡± She asked with a broad smile.


    ¡°No.. not yet.¡±  Oliver answered causing her smile to drop. ¡°We have to do some certain things before you can get the job.¡± He added.


    ¡°Like what?¡±


    ¡°Going for an interview.¡± Ryan responded.


    ¡°Interview? You mean I will have to go to thepany to answer questions.¡±  Panic crossed her expression.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared miss Eretia, you will get the job.¡± Ryan sounded so confident.


    ¡°How can you say that when I have no idea what they will ask me or what to say?¡± Eretia cried out again.


    ¡°You are smart. And I am sure you will pass whatever test they will give you especially if it is an IQ test.¡± Ryan shrugged.


    ¡°Stop the ttery.. it is scaring me now.¡± She said.


    Oliver yawned. ¡°Keep quiet Ryan, I need to concentrate please.¡± He said.


    ¡°Okay Bro¡­ I guess we won¡¯t be needing these papers anymore.¡± Ryan stood up to pack up the whole papers while Eretia sat close to Oliver to see how he filled the application on the Martin Empire site.

 EPISODE FOURTEEN

    THEME: Signing a deal


    THE MARTIN EMPIRE : Mrs ina Martins Office


    Mrs ina Martins couldn¡¯t take her eyes off the document on her desk. She leaned forward to look at the resume on it. No doubt Knox won¡¯t object to this idea.


    ¡°I am pretty sure he will convince her to work for him or even be a model at his agency.¡± Mrs ina thought deeply.


    The chaidy was stunned out of thought when she heard a sharp knock on the door. ¡°Come in,¡± Mrs ina said and her secretary walked in.


    ¡°I am sorry to interrupt you ma¡¯am but a young woman is here to see you.¡± Tracy said.


    ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡± Mrs ina asked.


    ¡°She is here for an interview. Her name is Eretia -¡±


    ¡°Eretia Jones.¡± Mrs inapleted.


    ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am.¡± Tracy nodded.


    A smile formed on Mrs ina lips. ¡°Please let her in.¡± She couldn¡¯t wait to see Eretia.


    ¡°Okay Ma¡¯am.¡±  Tracy exited the room and soon she came back with Eretia. She stepped out for Eretia to walk in before closing the door gently behind her.


    ¡°Good Morning Ma¡¯am.¡± Eretia greeted.


    ¡°Oh! Good Morning!¡±  Mrs ina Martins greeted cheerfully.


    ¡°I am here for an interview.¡± Eretia stered a smile on her face.


    Mrs ina pointed to the chair facing her directly. ¡°Please take a seat.¡± Eretia sat down as the chaidy stared at her for seconds. Different thoughts flooded her mind. She was extremely stunned by Eretia¡¯s beauty.


    Eretia waited for the chaidy to say something but nothing came from her. ¡°Excuse me, I am here for the interview ma¡¯am.¡± She said.


    ¡°Oh.. Yeah I know you are her for an interview.¡± Mrs ina picked the Resume on her desk. ¡°You are twenty six years old.¡±


    ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am.¡± Eretia nodded.


    Mrs ina read out more information about her. ¡°Perhaps have you worked as a care worker. before?¡± She asked.


    ¡°No Ma¡¯am.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°Maid?¡± Mrs ina asked again.


    Eretia raised her brows. ¡°No.¡±


    Mrs ina dropped the file and looked at Eretia with a serious look on her face. ¡°There is nothing much to see in your resume.¡±


    Eretia¡¯s heartbeat elerated. ¡°I.. I don¡¯t have too much working experience.. but trust me I can do anything because I am a very hardworking woman.¡± She said the words that came right into her mind.


    Mrs ina leaned back in the swivel chair and rxed. ¡°I don¡¯t employ people with low or no qualification.¡±


    ¡°But I could work as a janitor or¡­ an errand girl for workers. I am pretty good at cleaning stuffs until you can see your reflection on the surface.¡± Eretia bbed.


    Mrs ineughed causing Eretia to furrowed her eyebrow. She saw it a sign that she might get hired for making the chaidyugh this much.


    Mrs inaughter faded and she turned serious again. ¡°Then let us talk business. I mean let us put the interview aside.¡± She closed the file.


    ¡°What do you mean ma?¡± Eretia heartbeat elerated. Is this the end? Won¡¯t she get a job? She thought.


    ¡°I will tell you what the work is all about.¡± Mrs ina said.


    Eretia heaved a sigh of relief. She would get the job! ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°I want to hire you to work for my son personally.¡± Mrs ina said in a low tone.


    Eretia remembered her son is a big time celebrity and her eyes widened. ¡°Your son?!¡± She gasped.


    Mrs ina shook her head positively. ¡°That¡¯s a great privilege!¡± Eretia said with a half smile on her face. She was still nervous because of the serious look on the chaidy¡¯s face.


    ¡°Yes it is a privilege to work for my son but most people I have hired don¡¯t know that.¡± Mrs ina said.


    ¡°So do I have to work as his secretary?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°No.¡± Mrs ina answered.


    ¡°Driver or errand girl or delivery girl?¡± Eretia questioned frantically.


    ¡°None of that my dear.¡± Mrs ina responded.


    Eretia shot the olddy a confused look. ¡°Then what?¡±


    Mrs ina cleared her throat. ¡°Sixteen years ago, I used my husband of having an affair with an employee and our argument led him to travel out of the country. My son and I awaited his return but we only heard the news of his death. I lost my dear husband in a ne crash. I  felt guilty after I found out my husband was loyal and he didn¡¯t have an affair with his secretary. And my son med me for his father¡¯s death. We have been apart for years now and he doesn¡¯t regard me as his mother.¡± Mrs ina stopped to study Eretia¡¯s face. She paid close attention to what the olddy was saying.


    Mrs ina continued. ¡°My son stopped believing in love after his father¡¯s death. He felt like if I could use the one I love till death and also use his father unjustly then love never existed between us. He said I never loved my husband dearly.¡±


    ¡°So what do you want me to do for you?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°I need your help. My som has withdrew himself from the worldpletely, and aside the fact that he is a celebrity he still doesn¡¯t act one. I need someone who can change my son¡¯s outlook and make him believe in love again.¡± Mrs ina exined what she wanted Eretia to do.


    Eretia scrunched up her face. ¡°No I don¡¯t think I can help you.¡±  She felt the olddy was asking her to make her son fall in love with her.


    ¡°No.. listen to me, from where I am sitting, I am looking at someone with a brain and beauty. A woman who knows how to get whatever she needs. A woman who is definitely my son¡¯s type, I am pretty sure he will like a tall, leggy and beautiful woman. And I know you have got the extra something that can make the difference.¡± Mrs ina Martins studied her expression.


    She took in Eretia¡¯s features. She was beautiful. Her hair straight and long in a single braid that ended down her back. She wore no make up and her very sharp chin was cute. Eretia happened to wear what she had, simple gray woolen dress, long sleeved and tight around her hips with sandals.


    And without warning Isobel was out of her chair. ¡°Look you are what is going to make this happen.¡± Her hands rested on Eretia¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I have hired so many women to work for him. Everyone tried everything but gotten nowhere. Knox is like a cemented wall and he is tough. And I got to thinking that my son has to have a weakness. Something that will get him and make him change his mind. And from everything I think his weakness must be an extremely beautiful woman like you with a good heart.¡± She tried to persuade her.


    ¡°I am not sure about that. And I don¡¯t think I am the right person for the job.¡± Eretia declined.


    ¡°You also know that I am right.¡± Mrs ina Martins said right from behind her. .


    Eretia has never really considered herself beautiful. Since she found herself in the human world everything about her has changed. No more sharp hair but straight and long brown hair. She had a sharp chin, t stomach, long legs, breast that were big enough to make any man look twice, eyes with long thickshes and full lips. But one thing didn¡¯t change which is her vibrant aquamarine eyes!


    Over the past months she has spent in the human world, she has seen beautiful humans. Women that are pretty! So No! She can¡¯t be a celebrity type of woman no matter ina¡¯s words. She thought deeply.


    Eretia stood up from the chair. ¡°I am not the right person for your son.¡± She said meeting the olddy¡¯s gaze with a frown.


    ¡°No make up, no imnts, no falseshes. I am too thin, too tall I guess and too pale and I have got strange eyes too.¡± Eretia pointed at her eyes.


    Mrs ina frowned at her. ¡°You have to stop scowling like that and put on a bit of make up with maybe your hair loose with those beautiful eyes. Even without makeup you would stop traffic!¡±


    Eretia nodded impatiently. ¡°No, I can¡¯t do it.¡±


    Mrs ina held Eretia¡¯s hand. ¡°Please help me. I can tell that my son is hurting deep inside but he can¡¯t tell anyone. Work for me and help my son crawl out of that lonely shell.¡± She squeezed Eretia¡¯s hands gently.


    ¡°Please.¡± She pleaded.


    Then the thought of her mother flooded her mind. Images of when na was begging her to stay shed through her mind. The case was different but she saw the same pain in Mrs ina¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°What do I have to do?¡± Eretia asked in a low tone.


    A small smile disyed on her face.  ¡°You¡¯ll be like his personal assistant but you have to move into his house.¡±


    ¡°What?! Why.. why do I have to live with him?!¡± Eretia gasped.


    ¡°By so doing you will be able to get close to him and talk to him.¡± Mrs ina replied.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s like I am going to work as his maid too.¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°Not really -¡± Mrs ina paused. ¡°Yes. My son lives alone by the beach and it worries me that he is far away from home. I just want to know if he is doing fine.¡±


    ¡°How old is he?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°Twenty six years old.¡± Mrs ina replied.


    ¡°He is not a kid anymore.¡± Eretia mumbled.


    ¡°I know Eretia but I care so much about him. Please just ept the job and help me renew the bond between me and my son.¡± Mrs ina¡¯s eyes pleaded with her.


    ¡°I am sorry.. I can¡¯t do it.¡± Eretia knew Oliver wouldn¡¯t like the idea of moving into her boss house.


    ¡°Why?¡± Mrs ina asked.


    ¡°Nothing.¡±  Eretia replied with a shrug and she let go of the olddy¡¯s hand. She motioned towards the door to leave.


    ¡°Ten thousand dors if youst a week in his house!¡± Mrs ina blurted out.


    Eretia stopped at the door.


    ¡°And I know you can do this Eretia.¡± Mrs ina offered.


    Eretia twisted around to face the olddy. ¡°Eretia¡­. ept it as a challenge.¡± Mrs ina was determined to convince Eretia to take on the job.


    Familiar tingle of excitement started to grow in her at the challenge of getting Knox to talk when no one else could and even let him know about love. She was yet to know about love too but she wanted to try.


    ¡°I am not doing this for the money.¡± Eretia cleared her throat.


    She had seen the pain in the olddy¡¯s eyes and desperate to reunite with her son. Mrs ina was also ready to do anything to have her old son back. And Eretia felt Knox needs to forgive his mother and learn to love.


    So she went back to the olddy. ¡°What assurance do you have for me to know that I will get the money?¡±


    ¡°We can sign a contract.¡± Mrs ina went round her desk.


    Oh! She was serious about the money! Eretia said to herself.


    Mrs ina reached for a folder and held it out to her. ¡°This is the contract.¡±


    Eretia took it from her. It was a thick Man folder with the Martin Empire in bold type on the right edge. She opened the cover and shuffle through the document. ¡°This won¡¯t be easy.¡± Ereria muttered.


    ¡°Sorry if it were that easy someone would have done the job for me.¡± Mrs ina said.


    Eretia nodded in agreement. There was nothing much in the contract.


    ¡°But there has to be a way to make him stick his head out of the bunker. Getting him to talk and making him see that his father¡¯s death wasn¡¯t my fault and intention is your main job.¡± Mrs ina exined.


    The pay in the contract was huge. ¡°Okay.¡± Eretia mumbled.


    ¡°And you can as well use what you have to get what you want.¡± The olddy added.


    Eretia raised her brow. She couldn¡¯t make sense of the olddy¡¯sst statement.


    ¡°There is a bonus attached to the job.¡± She said.


    ¡°Bonus?¡±


    ¡°I will pay you the ten thousand dors if you survive one week with him. And I will pay double of it after two weeks. And you also get the chance to shop at Gold mall without paying for the items.¡± Mrs ina listed.


    ¡°I get all of that?!¡± Eretia gasped out in surprise.


    ¡°Yes but under one condition.¡± Mrs ina said.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What condition?¡± Eretia demanded.


    ¡°You will get all these bonuses if I see some changes in my son. All I want is to be a mother to my son and see him smile again.¡± Mrs ina exined.


    Eretia nodded in understanding. The olddy was offering too much. She thought. Eretia didn¡¯t want to do the job but at the same time she remembered that she was indebted to the Scott. She could use the money to repay Oliver for saving her life and taking her in. That was the main reason she wanted to work.


    ¡°And you also get paid at the end of the month. Eretia, I will reward you greatly if things changes.¡± Mrs ina reassured her.


    Then Eretia thought of what she would do with all the money. Ryan¡¯s tuition, bills and probably go on a vacation with her family if she works for a month or two.


    ¡°Do you have family?¡± Mrs ina asked.


    ¡°Yes. Perhaps can I go and see my family in the process of working with your son?¡± Eretia asked too.


    ¡°Yes after I see changes. And you don¡¯t have to give in now. I can give you sometime to think about it.¡± Mrs ina said.


    ¡°What do I have to do?¡± Eretia cleared her throat.


    ¡°Are you epting the offer now?¡± Mrs ina demanded.


    ¡°Yes but you have to give me a day or two to talk to my family.. and spend more time with them.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Mrs ina nodded.


    ¡°So when should I start work?¡± Eretia questioned.


    ¡°You have to move in with him to start work.¡± Mrs ina responded with a bright smile on her face.


    ¡°Will he let me in?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s part of your job. Get him.. convince him to let you move in.¡± Mrs ina replied.


    Eretia shook her head. ¡°Okay.. I¡¯ll try my best.¡± She collected the pen from the olddy and signed the document. And Mrs ina did the same too.


    ¡°Is that all?¡±


    ¡°For now that¡¯s all.¡± The olddy stood up from the swivel chair.


    Eretia stood up. ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Mrs ina shook hands with Eretia. ¡°It is nice meeting you, Eretia.¡±


    ¡°Likewise.¡± Eretia replied.


    Mrs ina gave her a card. ¡°Give me a call whenever you are ready.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±  Eretia shook her head before walking out of the office.


    ¡°It is going to work this time. And I can¡¯t wait to have my son back.¡± Mrs ina heaved a sigh. She silently prayed over and over again that Eretia would be able to move Knox¡¯s heart.

 EPISODE FIFTEEN

    THEME: I won¡¯t allow it


    OLIVER SCOTT HOME


    Eretia punched in the password and the door came opened. ¡°How was the interview?¡± Oliver asked.


    Eretia settled down beside Oliver on the couch. ¡°It was fine.¡± She answered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Oliver exited the living room to the kitchen and he came back with a ss of apple juice.


    ¡°Here, drink this to help you rx.¡± He handed the ss over to her.


    ¡°Thank you, Oliver.¡± She sipped from the drink.


    ¡°Did it go well? I mean¡­ the job.¡± Oliver asked again.


    Eretia didn¡¯t know how to tell Oliver about the offer she got from the chaidy.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Oliver noticed the perturbed look on her face.


    ¡°No.. why?¡± She asked.


    ¡°You look disturbed.¡± Oliver replied.


    ¡°The interview went well Oliver and I got the job.¡± Eretia said.


    A small smile formed on his face. ¡°That¡¯s good news.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± She shook her head in agreement.


    ¡°So tell me about the job.¡± Oliver requested.


    ¡°Like you know I met with Chaidy of Martin Empire.¡± She paused.


    He nodded. ¡°What job did you get?¡±


    Eretia spoke up after a faint sigh. ¡°Mrs ina Martin wants me to be her son¡¯s personal assistant.¡±


    Oliver raised his eyebrows. ¡°She wants you to work for her son who is a celebrity¡­ that sounds good.¡± He said with a half smile on his face.


    ¡°Yeah it sounds good.¡± Eretia toyed with the rim of the ss.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to take the job?¡± Oliver asked as he rubbed his palms together.


    ¡°Yes.. but James that¡¯s not all about the Job.¡± Eretia mumbled.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°So what else?¡± Oliver questioned.


    ¡°As.. Knox¡¯s personal assistant, I have to move in with him.¡± Eretia picked her choice of words carefully.


    ¡°What?!¡± His jaw dropped slightly and his gaze met hers.


    Eretia studied his expression. He was furious.


    Oliver stood up. ¡°What kind of job is that?¡± He demanded.


    Eretia stood up and went to him.  ¡°Listen to me Oliver, I won¡¯t stay with him for too long. I just want to help Mrs ina reconcile with her son.¡± She exined the offer to him.


    ¡°Her family problem is none of your business. Mrs ina should find a way to settle things with her son. And why did you sign that document without consulting me first?!¡± He demanded in a slightly raised tone.


    ¡°I -¡±


    ¡°You signed it because of the money right? Do you even know who Knox Martin is?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know him.¡± Eretia replied sincerely.


    ¡°Fine, he doesn¡¯t care about anyone but himself. So Eretia you are not taking that Job.¡± He blurted out.


    ¡°But Oliver I need to work. I don¡¯t want to be a burden to you. I -¡± Her voice trailed off when Oliver went to her and cupped her face in his hands.


    Oliver whispered. ¡°You are not a burden to me. And remember you have to regain your memory -¡± He paused and rested his forehead on hers.


    Eretia withdrew from him. ¡°I am fine¡­ Oliver.¡± Eretia snapped in immediately.


    ¡°I can¡¯t allow you live with someone you barely know.¡± Oliver countered.


    ¡°Please Oliver.¡± Her eyes pleaded with him.


    ¡°We can get another job. We will look for other decent jobs.¡± Oliver said with a serious look on his face. ¡°As a matter of fact, you can also enroll in a college for now. I will pay for all the expenses and you can start your life over again with me and Ryan.¡±


    ¡°No Oliver.¡± Her objected was sharp and immediately. That was his way of stopping her from taking the job.


    ¡°Why do you insist on taking this job?¡± Oliver demanded.


    ¡°Listen Oliver, you took me in without knowing me, same thing applies to me working for Knox and -¡±


    ¡°It is different. You don¡¯t remember anything about yourself.¡± Oliver ran his hand through his hair.


    ¡°No you barely knew who I was back then but you helped me. I don¡¯t know Knox Martins that well but I am ready to work for him. It is all about taking the risk and -¡±


    He cuts her off again. ¡°Risk? No I can¡¯t allow you take such risk. You are not doing this Eretia.¡±


    ¡°I already signed the document and I have to resume work on Wednesday.¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°Wednesday? You even agreed without consulting me? Without bothering to talk to me about it first.¡± He had an angry look on his face.


    ¡°I am sorry.¡± Eretia apologized.


    Oliver cursed under his breathe. ¡°Damn it Eretia!¡± And he stormed out of the house.


    Eretia felt sad. She sank onto the couch slowly. She did not like the fact that Oliver was mad at her.


    FIVE HOURS LATER


    Eretiay on the couch waiting for Oliver. She was worried about him. The door clicked and she stood abruptly. It was Ryan Scott.


    ¡°Hi Miss world,¡± Ryan greeted with a smile on his face.


    ¡°Wee Ryan.¡± Eretia replied and shey back on the couch.


    Ryan noticed her tone was different and her face was sad. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Her answer was immediate.


    ¡°Where is Oliver?¡± Ryan asked.


    ¡°He stepped out five hours ago.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°To where?¡± Ryan questioned.


    She sat up again. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Something is wrong. So tell me what happened.¡± Ryan requested.


    Eretia sighed. ¡°Oliver and I had an argument earlier.¡±


    ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°The job.¡± She mumbled.


    ¡°Yeah how was the interview?¡±  Ryan asked.


    ¡°Good.. and I got the job.¡± She looked down and fiddled with her finger.


    A smile crept on his face. ¡°I knew it! This is great news. So what type of job is it?¡± Ryan asked.


    ¡°I have to work as Knox Martins personal assistant.¡± She answered.


    ¡°Wow! That¡¯s awesome!¡± Ryan gasped out with a surprising look on his face.


    ¡°Yeah.. but the thing is I have to move in with him.¡± She added quickly.


    Ryan smile disappeared immediately. ¡°What? Why? I mean¡­ why¡­ that.. condition?¡± he stuttered.


    ¡°I need to help Mrs ina convince her son that her husband¡¯s death was not her intention.¡±  She exined.


    ¡°So Oliver was mad at you for epting the job?¡± Ryan questioned.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± She nodded.


    ¡°My brother is scared of losing you.¡± Ryan blurted out after some minutes of silence.


    ¡°Scared of losing me? What do you mean?¡± Eretia furrowed her eyebrows.


    He didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°But Ryan, I am not leaving forever. I will alwayse around as soon as Mrs ina sees changes in her son.. and I can do the same whenever I am less busy at work for the main time.¡± She looked straight at the boy.


    ¡°It seems you don¡¯t understand Oliver. And I am not in the best position to tell you anything. But don¡¯t worry I will talk to him.¡± Ryan said in a calm tone.


    ¡°Thank you, Ryan.¡± Eretia said in a tight whisper.


    The door clicked again and Oliver stepped in. ¡°Oliver-¡± she stood and went to him.


    He tucked his hands out of his pocket and walked towards his bedroom. Eretia followed him immediately.


    ¡°Can we talk?¡± She asked but he didn¡¯t respond.¡±You know it is fine if you don¡¯t want me to take the job. I can-¡±


    He mmed the bedroom door at her face which interrupted her words. She stood outside for seconds. She had no idea why Oliver was acting differently.


    Eretia turned and saw Ryan staring right back at her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry I will talk to him.¡± He said.


    Eretia shook her head and walked into her room.


    IN OLIVER¡¯S BEDROOM


    When Ryan walked into the room, he met Oliver staring out through the window.


    ¡°Hello Bro.¡± Ryan greeted.


    Oliver didn¡¯t respond. Ryan dropped his school bag in the wardrobe and dashed off into the bathroom to take a quick shower. When he was done, Oliver sat on the bed rubbing his palms together anxiously. Ryan knew his brother was disturbed by Eretia¡¯s new job.


    ¡°Can we talk?¡± Ryan asked.


    ¡°I want to be alone.¡± Oliver replied.


    And Ryan said after a long pause. ¡°I think you went too hard on Eretia. I mean when she tried to talk to you earlier.. you ignored her and now she is sad.¡±  He said in a low tone.


    Oliver met his gaze. ¡°I am sorry Ryan. But I don¡¯t know what hase over me to act this way.¡± He admitted sincerely.


    Ryan went closer to James and sat beside him on the bed. ¡°I know how you feel for her.¡±


    Oliver frowned at him. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Come on bro¡­ I know you are in love with her and you are scared of losing her.¡± Ryan said with a shrug.


    ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡± Oliver denied.


    ¡°Then why won¡¯t you let her take the job?¡± Ryan snorted.


    ¡°She is still getting better.¡± Oliver answered.


    ¡°No I think she is fine now¡­ I know what¡¯s going on in your mind. You don¡¯t want to confess your feelings to her because you are thinking it would change your rtionship with her and at the same time you don¡¯t want her to work so you won¡¯t lose her to another man like how you lost your ex girlfriend.¡± Ryan stopped to look at his brother.


    ¡°You know too much than your age.¡± Oliver mumbled.


    ¡°Am I right?¡±


    Oliver shook his head in agreement. ¡°Yes, you are right.¡±


    ¡°Miss Eretia wants to work so that she can help you.¡± Ryan said.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t want her to repay me for anything. You know our inheritance is more than enough for us even if I decide not to work for years.¡± Oliver countered.


    ¡°Yes I know but you should let her do whatever she wants.¡± Ryan said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a problem with the job but I am only concerned about her moving in with Knox Martins. I don¡¯t trust that guy, someone who doesn¡¯t have any regard for his biological mother then how is he going to respect ady who will be a personal assistant at work and maid at home but Eretia doesn¡¯t understand. Ryan, you might think I am selfish because I want to keep her around me but this is beyond that or my feelings for her.¡± He stood up from the bed.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just put her interest first?¡± Ryan asked.


    ¡°Then what if she somehow falls in love with Knox Martins?¡± Oliver asked.


    Ryan was silent.


    ¡°If she ends up falling in love with Knox then I have to let her go again.. just like what I did with the other women in my life.¡± Oliver replied in a tight whisper after sitting back on the bed.


    Ryan ced his hand on Oliver¡¯sp and pats him gently. ¡°Hey bro if Eretia is the woman for you then no one will take her away. If you guys are meant to be together, even Knox Martins won¡¯t be able to take her away.¡± Ryan responded.


    Theypsed into silence. Ryan was aware that his brother has been through many breakups in the past. The women he loved and dated, somehow they ended up dumping him. Hisst girlfriendined that he was too busy with work and he never had time for her, so she cheated on him and broke up with him the day he found out she was cheating on him. Then he decided to remain single till he finds a woman who would make him fall in love again. A woman who will love him, Ryan and understand the nature of his work and also be loyal to him.


    And then Eretia came into the picture and he found himself falling in love with her while he was teaching her things humans could do. Oliver couldn¡¯t confess his feeling simply because he doesn¡¯t want Eretia to think he was taking advantage of the fact that he helped her. He clearly knew that Eretia doesn¡¯t love him. She liked him as someone who saved her life and also sees him as a family.


    ¡°She might end up running away from you if you don¡¯t let her work.¡± Ryan said after a long momentary pause.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let that happen¡­ even though I keep having this feeling that sooner orter Eretia would end up leaving us someday.¡± He answered.


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Ryan asked.


    ¡°It is just a feeling.. or maybe my instinct.¡± He forced a smile on his face as he looked at Ryan.


    ¡°So will you let her work for Knox Martin?¡± Ryan questioned.


    Oliver heaved a faint sigh. ¡°I have no choice.¡± He answered.

 EPISODE SIXTEEN

    THEME: Letting her go


    OLIVER SCOTT HOME


    Eretia rolled on her bed when she heard a soft knock on the door. She looked at the time on the rm, the red light beeped 6:30 am. Then she hopped out of bed and wore her soft slippers.


    ¡°Good Morning, Ereria.¡± Oliver greeted when she opened the door.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± Eretia replied.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Can we talk?¡±  He asked.


    Eretia nodded. ¡°Come in.¡± She stepped aside for Oliver walk in. ¡°Oliver, I have decided that I would call Mrs ina and turn down the job.¡± She said before he could say anything.


    Oliver tucked his hands into pocket as he studied her expression.


    ¡°Look, I am not going to do anything you do not support.¡± She added.


    ¡°What about you?¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°I will be fine.¡± Eretia answered with a sober look on her face.


    ¡°So you want to turn down Mrs ina Martins offer because of me?¡± Oliver demanded with a cold stare.


    ¡°I am willing to turn it down. I don¡¯t want you to be mad at me or us fighting because of a job. I value our rtionship than the job. And you are right, Mrs ina family¡¯s problem is none of my business. So let us leave it that way.¡± Eretia fiddled with her fingers.


    Oliver stared intently at her.


    ¡°And I will stay at home too if you don¡¯t want me to work. It is okay by me because with that I can do more cleaning and ourundry. And I can spend more time learning how to cook so many dishes.¡± Eretia rushed out her words.


    Eretia sighed and moved closer to him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry I won¡¯t take the job.¡± She expected him to say something but no words came from him. So she concluded that he was probably still mad at her.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll go ahead and wash up.¡± Eretia was almost leaving to the bathroom when Oliver spoke up.


    ¡°You can take the job.¡±


    Eretia turned to face him quickly.


    ¡°I am saying that you don¡¯t have turn Mrs ina Martins¡¯s offer down.¡± Oliver added almost immediately.


    Eretia walked back to him fastly. ¡°I thought you said¨C¡±


    ¡°I changed my mind.¡± Oliver interrupted her statement.


    Eretia studied Oliver¡¯s face and his expression was serious.


    ¡°Are you sure that I can take the job, Oliver?¡± She asked to be sure.


    Oliver covered the inch left between them. ¡°I know you want to do this, Eretia.¡± He whispered.


    ¡°No.. no.. I don¡¯t.. like the job.. anymore.¡± Eretia stuttered.


    ¡°Take the job. And I don¡¯t want you to think I am caging you around here.¡± Oliver brushed strands of hair from her face.


    ¡°Oliver¨C¡±


    He cuts off her sentence again. ¡°I am sorry for how I acted yesterday.¡± He apologized.


    Eretia nodded as he reached out to hold her right hand.


    ¡°I want you to work and earn your own money.¡± Oliver forced a small smile on his face as their gaze locked.


    Eretia almost burst of happiness. She was happy so she hugged him tightly. And suddenly Eretia swept Oliver off his feet and swirled him around.


    Oliver was shocked. And Eretia didn¡¯t even realize it until she dropped him.


    ¡°What.. just.. happened¡­¡± Oliver gasped.


    ¡°Sorry.. I.. I.. didn¡¯t..¡± Eretia has forgotten that she has super strength.


    ¡°How.. how did you manage to lift me like I weigh nothing?¡± Oliver asked in a surprised tone.


    ¡°I.. I don¡¯t know. I.. just¡­ carried you.. now.. I feel so tired.¡± Eretia lied. She feigned tiredness and ced her head on her forehead.


    ¡°Are you sick?¡± Oliver tried to touch forehead but she avoided him.


    ¡°I am fine!¡± Eretia said in an unusually raised tone.


    ¡°Thank you, Oliver for letting me take the job.¡± Eretia ced a kiss on his cheek quickly.


    ¡°Alright. I am leaving to work now. Pack your things so I can drop you at the Martins Empire before heading to work tomorrow.¡± Oliver said.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Eretia shook her head.


    ¡°Take care.¡± Oliver leaned in and ced a kiss on her forehead.


    ¡°You too.. and have a nice day at work.¡± Eretia followed him to the living room.


    ¡°Call me if you need anything.¡± Oliver grabbed his car keys and cellphone on the couch.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± Ryan greeted her.


    ¡°Good morning, Ryan.¡± Eretia shed him a bright smile.


    ¡°Let us go, Ryan.¡± Oliver headed towards the door.


    ¡°Ryan, have fun at school! Oliver, get back on time so we can hang outter in the day!¡± Eretia waved at them.


    ¡°My shift ends by 1:30 pm so I should be home by 2.¡± Oliver replied.


    ¡°See youter, Miss Eretia.¡± Ryan waved.


    ¡°Bye Ryan.¡± The two brothers walked out of the house.


    Eretia tried to stop the scream that welled up in her throat by cing her hands on her mouth knowing that if she screamed right there Oliver woulde rushing inside like something bad had happened to her.


    She was extremely happy that Oliver agreed to let her work!


    Eretia looked down at her wrist when she felt the power around it. The bracelet glowed and she rushed to her room and locked the door. She saw her reflection in the mirror and her eyes was glowing brightly too.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you, Neifion?!¡± She asked the bracelet.


    The energy increased and she felt power within her system. Then Eretia went to her bed and lifted it up like a piece of paper. She did it with  other heavy objects she could find, lifting them like they didn¡¯t weigh anything.


    Few minutester, she got tired and waited for the bracelet to stop glowing but it didn¡¯t. She wished it would juste off from her wrist.


    ¡°Neifion will stop glowing¡­ I need to take a shower.¡± She said to the bracelet in a tight whisper and the light faded slowly.


    She sighed in. relief. ¡°Thank goodness. You have to listen to me when I talk. And don¡¯t glow when I am with any human.¡±


    Eretia came out of her clothes and went into the bathroom as sheid out instructions to the bracelet.

 EPISODE SEVENTEEN

    THEME: The good looking boss


    KNOX MARTINS BEACH HOUSE


    WEDNESDAY EVENING


    Eretia pressed the doorbell for the fifteenth time but got no response. She had gone to the Martins Empire to ask for Knox¡¯s address so she could start work but Mrs ina asked her to stay around with her for a while.


    The chaidy showed her pictures of Knox when he was little, his college days and his images as a model. And when it was time for her to leave, Mrs ina ordered her driver to take Eretia to Knox¡¯s house.


    ¡°Well¡­ maybe he doesn¡¯t want me toe in.¡± Eretia reasoned.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°No but Mrs ina said he can see anyone out here from inside his apartment.¡± Eretia said to herself.


    ¡°I am not leaving this ce until he opens up the door.¡± She sounded determined.


    Second clicked by until two minutes was gone. ¡°But I can¡¯t stay out here for too long because it would snow soon.¡± She gripped her coat tightly.


    The weather forecast says that it would snow heavily from tonight.


    ¡°He should better open up or else I will have to break down this door.¡± She kicked at the door. ¡°Ouch!¡± She yelped in pain.


    ¡°Maybe¡­ a proper introduction would do.¡± Eretia cleared her throat and focused on the small device connected to the video inte outside.


    ¡°Hello Mr Knox Martins, I am Eretia Jones your new personal assistant and maid. I will do a good job at taking care of you. So please open up so I can start work.. thank you.¡± Eretia wanted to bow but unfortunately for her she hit her head on the device.


    ¡°Argg!!¡± She rubbed it. ¡°This is so annoying! Why won¡¯t he open up after introduction?!¡± Then she wanted to kick the door but she stopped.


    Her phone buzzed. It was an iing call from Mrs ina. ¡°Hello Ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.. Eretia, have you met my son?¡± The olddy asked.


    ¡°No I have pressed the doorbell so many times but no response. I don¡¯t think -¡±


    ¡°Do you want to give up?¡± Mrs ina cuts in sharply.


    ¡°No! I am just trying to say that I don¡¯t think he is at home. But I¡¯ll wait out here for him.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°I called his office and his designer said he didn¡¯t show up at work today.¡± Mrs ina Martins said.


    ¡°Maybe you should try calling his number.¡± Eretia suggested.


    ¡°He is not picking up my calls.¡± Mrs ina responded.


    Eretia heard a car horn nearby. ¡°Wait he hasn¡¯t been home all along. I think he is here now.¡±


    ¡°Let us talkter.¡± Mrs ina disconnected the call.


    Eretia took few steps backwards and she saw a car driving into the private driveway in front of Knox Martin¡¯s beach house. And as Knox Martins drove into the driveway, he couldn¡¯t help but furrow his eyebrows when he noticed thedy standing on the porch with a big box. Her back view didn¡¯t look like Betty or Mary and she was on phone. She turned fully to see her boss and her heart beat elerated as he came out of the car.


    And Knox Martins jaw dropped slightly when Eretia turned to look at him. ¡°Psychody?¡± He muttered. Knox Martins recognized her immediately.


    Eretia gasped out. ¡°Wow¡­ he looks like a water god. And more handsome than the pictures on my cellphone.¡± Eretia drooled as she admired her new boss.


    Knox Martins was a fierce looking and a man full of good looks. His ck hair fell loosely over his forehead in a dangerous way. He has an incredibly thick and well defined chest that was revealing underneath two button loosed silk shirt. His arms are rock hard with veins prominent against his bulging muscles.


    Eretia snapped out of thought so her new boss won¡¯t catch her ogling at him. She did her best to put the brightest smile on her face. Eretia waved at him as she waited for him to join her.


    Knox Martin locked his car. His heart skipped beat as he took in her features. He admitted that she did look wonderful tonight. She looked better than thedy he had met months ago. Her long hair was carefree and cute. She opted in for a pair of blue knee length gown with a ck woolen coat on it and a stiletto heels.


    Knox Martins walked closer to the front door. He was surprised to see her there. And Knox thought he was imagining things again. Over two months away, he had tried to convince himself to forget about her but it was easier said than done. She had popped into his thought over and over again whenever he was busy at work and in his sleep. Knox Martins had visited the same spot she had bumped into him that night but it seems they would never reconnect. He had no idea why her image had flooded his mind when Mary Ann had asked if he was in love.


    Perhaps is he in love with the woman? The psychody he barely knew. The psychody images always finds it way to his mind¡¯s eye. It was hard to figure out why he couldn¡¯t stop thinking about her.


    Knox Martins stared at her and couldn¡¯t take his eyes off her. Her aquamarine eyes with long thickshes which had left him mesmerized the moment he had looked into them that night. He wondered what she was doing at his front door with a box. She looked so different! And he would have doubted it if he had seen her from a far distance or randomly on the street again.


    Well this time Eretia had put extra effort into her hair and adding rogue to her cheeks. They kept staring at each other without saying any words. Eretia was thinking of what to say while she looked into his piercing pale silver eyes so light and they almost look white.


    Knox Martins tucked his hands in ck pant trouser pockets as he felt like reaching out to her and pulling her into his arms. But he wouldn¡¯t do that.


    Enough of the staring contest and do your work! Eretia scolded herself and cleared her throat. ¡°Good evening sir, I am -¡±


    ¡°What do we have here?¡± Knox Martins interrupted with a feigned frown on his face. ¡°Do I have a delivery? Oh! You can bring the papers so I can sign them although I don¡¯t remember cing an order for anything.¡±


    Eretia shot him a confused look. Knox clenched his fists in the pockets to suppress the urge to touching her.


    ¡°Uhmm..¡± She cleared her throat again. ¡°I am not here to deliver anything.¡± Eretia walked back quickly and pulled her box closer to where he stood waiting for her to exin things to him.


    ¡°This is my personal box.¡± She said.


    Knox raised his eyebrows. ¡°Did you miss your way? Oh you need me to help you find your way back to your home?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°No I am your new personal assistant and maid.¡± Eretia blurted out.


    Knox forehead creased. ¡°What?!¡± He couldn¡¯t believe his ears.


    Eretia shook her head. ¡°Yes, Mrs ina Martins hired me to help you.¡±


    Unbelievable! He almost burst of happiness! She was his maid now! ¡°No.. wait¡­ I don¡¯t like anyone staying with me.¡± Knox thought deeply with a dazed look on his face.


    Then he decided to hang tough. A part of him wanted to invite her in but the other part disagreed.


    ¡°Sorry who is she?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Who?¡± Eretia asked in return.


    ¡°The woman who hired you.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°She is your mother.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a mother and I don¡¯t need a personal assistant or a maid. So I guess you are in the wrong ce.¡± Knox said with a serious look on his face.


    That¡¯s a lie! He knew she was in the right ce.


    ¡°You should find something else to do aside working as a maid, psychody.¡± Knox grumbled as he moved to the door.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± Ereria heard what he said.


    Knox stopped on track and he turned to face her. ¡°Can you do me a favour?¡± He demanded.


    Eretia walked towards him with a smile on his face. ¡°At your service sir.¡±


    Knox covered the gap between them and expected Eretia to step backward like most women would do but she didn¡¯t. Eretia stared back at him and he wondered if she also knew they had met once.


    ¡°How much did she pay you?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°Who?¡± Eretia asked too.


    Knox wished she would stop asking question to answer his question. ¡°The olddy.¡± He answered

 EPISODE EIGHTEEN

    THEME:  Fifteen  Million  Dors


    KNOX MARTINS BEACH HOUSE


    ¡°Who is olddy?¡± Eretia questioned.


    ¡°ina Martins.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°Oh your mother!¡±  Eretia smiled but it soon faded when he snapped at her.


    ¡°She is not my mother!¡± A deep frown crossed his face.


    ¡°And why are you denying your mother?¡± Eretia met his gaze but Knox was quick to look away.


    ¡°How much did she offered to get you to agree to work for her?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s between your mother and I.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°Tell me.. I am willing to pay more right now.¡± Knox offered.


    ¡°Why?¡± Eretia scrunched up her face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need anyone around here.¡± Knox replied looking straight into her eyes.


    ¡°Why?¡± Ereria asked again.


    ¡°I like being alone.¡± Knox responded.


    Eretia folded her arms. ¡°So how much do you have to pay me off?¡± She didn¡¯t break the eye contact.


    Knox tried to think. ¡°Can you pay me a sum of fifteen million dors?¡± Eretia stated.


    Knox Martins eyes widened. ¡°For what?!¡± His jaw went ck immediately.


    ¡°So I won¡¯t work for you or your mother.¡± Eretia replied with a shrug.


    ¡°Okay¡­ give me your ount¡­ details I will pay it by end of the week.¡±  Knox Martins stuttered.


    ¡°Then I will leave by the end of the week when you have the money.¡± Eretia dropped her folded arms to hold her box.


    ¡°I am not letting you into my house. Go and tell that olddy you gave up.¡± Knox said in amanding tone.


    ¡°I am sorry I won¡¯t be able to do what you just said to me. All you have to do is pay me fifteen million dors then I will leave to tell your mom I give up on working as your maid at home and personal assistant at work.¡± Eretia shed him a smile.


    ¡°What do you want? Say something.. no ask for something else.¡± Knox said.


    ¡°Have I done anything wrong? I just want to work for you, Mr Knox Martins. Oh maybe he is still inside.¡± Eretia made am attempt to move towards the door but Knox blocked her pathway.


    ¡°Leave or else I will call the cops.¡± Knox had a stern look on his face but  he meant otherwise in his mind. Knox didn¡¯t want to admit that he wanted her to stay.


    All of a sudden Eretia leaned in and ced her hands on his chest. She must be a toucher. Knox Martin thought. He tensed up as jolt of electricity ran down his spine and his middle clenched at her touch. He stepped away from her quickly as if her touch just burnt him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever touch me again! Leave before I call the cops!¡± Knox gritted in a harsh voice.


    ¡°I am not scared of the cops.¡± Eretia said sternly.


    ¡°I have heard a lot of things about you. So stop being stubborn and tough because I won¡¯t give up. Let us stop this conversation and go in because I can see snow making it way down to the earth slowly.¡± Eretia sighed.


    ¡°And who says you areing in with me?¡± Knox snorted.


    ¡°Me says I aming in with you. Look I won¡¯t be staying for too long, at least for a month or two months and I will be gone.¡± Eretia pushed her way passed him, leaving her box behind as she moved to the door.


    ¡°Open up and let us go in.¡± Ereria said.


    Knox nodded in agreement and her face brightened that he agreed to let her in. ¡°Step aside.¡± He ordered.


    ¡°Why?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°I can¡¯t let you see my password.¡± Knox answered.


    ¡°What¡¯s so special about it? I need to know it as your maid.¡± Eretia pouted her lips that made her face look so cute.


    ¡°You are not scared of the cops right?¡± Knox asked trying to distract her.


    Eretia nodded her head in response. He watched her for seconds without pressing the buttons. Eretia felt ufortable by his stare and she stepped backward. He was so different from Oliver. She thought


    Knox upied the space to hide his pins from Eretia. The door buzzed and it opened.


    ¡°So childish.¡± Eretia mumbled.


    ¡°Go and get your box.¡± He instructed her.


    The box was quite far to the door so she went for it. Knox Martins stepped in quickly and shut the door. He just yed her.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Eretia banged on the door. ¡°You are so childish,  Mr Knox Martins!¡± She hissed out loudly.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have agreed to get the box.¡± Eretia grumbled and stamped her feet on the ground. ¡°I should have suspected it.¡± She hit the door with her foot and screamed in pain at the same time.


    ¡°Bad ass boss! This is so annoying!¡± She grimaced in frustration.


    Eretia hoped that Knox Martins would change his mind and open the door before snowfalls or else she would freeze to death out here. And soon her phone buzzed, she took it out of her jacket pocket. It was Oliver Scott.


    She cleared her throat. ¡°Hello Oliver.¡±


    ¡°Hi, how are you doing, Eretia?¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°I am fine. How are you doing too?¡± Eretia waved at the video inte.


    ¡°Have you settled down in his home?¡± Oliver questioned.


    ¡°Oh yes¡­ I just finished arranging the house. And my boss just got back home. Don¡¯t worry I have got everything covered, Oliver.¡± Eretia rushed out her words.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Well.. If you are notfortable there.. you cane back home and get a better job.¡± Oliver replied.


    ¡°I am fine. And thank you.¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Oliver mumbled.


    ¡°Extend my greetings to Ryan too.¡± Eretia added quickly.


    ¡°Take care.¡± Oliver hung up the call.


    Knox was looking at Eretia from inside. He noticed that she was on phone and he assumed that she was calling the olddy.


    ¡°This olddy doesn¡¯t listen. But let us see how long you can put up with me-¡± Knox paused and then he realized that she didn¡¯t tell him her name. It was his fault! He did not give her the chance to introduce herself.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me? This is a great chance to get to know her.. but-¡±  Knox paused and waved it off like it didn¡¯t matter to him. He motioned towards the kitchen to prepared dinner.


    ¡°She would leave after some minutes.¡± He grumbled.


    A hour clicked by and he cursed under his breathe when the doorbell sounded but he ignore it. He carried his food to the video inte area and saw that she was still there. Knox nced out the window and it was already snowing.


    ¡°She would get cold and call the olddy that she wants to quit.¡± Knox said to himself.


    ¡°Two hours more and she would get tired and leave.¡± He concluded.


    Eretia pulled off her heels and buttoned up her coat to avoid cold. She fought the strong urge to call Mrs ina Martins and tell her that she wants to quit the job.


    ¡°No.. no.. you can do this Ade. You can¡¯t quit too soon. You can¡¯t give up.¡±  Eretia let out a shaky breathe as she encouraged herself.

 EPISODE NINETEEN

    THEME: Drowning in the snow


    KNOX MARTINS BEACH HOUSE


    TWO HOURS LATER


    The cold air made Eretia gasp and she pulled her jacket more tightly around her. Eretia stepped into the snow to see if the lights inside the apartment were on. The snow immediately prated the boot  she had changed into and cold air tickled her exposed skin and the howling of the wind scared her a bit. She started forward, the cold made her barehand and knee ache so she pushed her hands into her pocket immediately. The cold was freezing her system.


    ¡°Mr Knox Martins!¡± She called but her voice was lost in the wind.


    ¡°Mr Knox!¡± Eretia yelled again and it was lost again. She started to the side of the house and as she walked, she kept her head down against the driving snow.


    ¡°Mr Knox! Please open the door! I am freezing!¡± Eretia screamed.


    And all she heard was the wind, more and more snow fell on her as she called out to her boss. It was then it hit her that her boss might be fast asleep in bed. She looked closely the lights were on through the curtains. She wandered to the right side.


    ¡°Mr Martins! Please open up!¡± Eretia shouted loudly.


    But soon the snow caught at her feet tripping her, sending her falling right to the ground and there was no hands to stop the fall. And Eretia went down into cold wetness, which went down her neck, up to her sleeves and into her nose and mouth. Eretia wondered if a person could drown in snow and die.


    She couldn¡¯t find anything to hold on to or just something to get back on her feet. The cold was overwhelming and she was gasping, totally off bnce and out of air. Eretia knew she should have waited on the porch. She hit the icy ground with her hand in regret and frustration. She wasn¡¯t born and bred to this life. This sort of weather did strange things to people.


    Eretia doesn¡¯t want to die in the snow. She decided to use herst strength to call for help. She spat out snow and she screamed. ¡°Mr  Knox Martins! Help me!¡±


    His eyes re open immediately when he heard the loud cry. And  he remembered the psychody was still out in the cold while he had fallen asleep on the couch.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Knox muttered as he rushed to his room to grab a jacket. He stepped out into the cold but he didn¡¯t know what to call her as he looked around him into the night and snow storm.


    ¡°Lady!¡± Knox shouted in the wind. No response.


    He cupped his hand at his mouth and tried again. ¡°Miss!¡± He listened for a second and then he heard a tiny voice.


    ¡°Mr Knox.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t sure if he heard it or he had just imagined it until he heard it again. One word could define the way he was feeling at that moment, terrified. What if something bad has happened to her? He took off in the direction of the sound, stumbling through the snow. He saw a figure down in the swirling snow.


    ¡°Mr¡­ Martins!¡± Eretia cried.


    Mr Knox Martins headed for her then he was there. He grabbed her hand and lifted her up. And without thinking he pulled her to his body,  the next instance her arms went around hugging him tightly and her face buried in his chest.


    Knox Martins heaved a sigh of relief. And the instant he held her tightly to his body, he felt something in him that he had been trying to keep at bay. His heart arched from a fear that came from knowing what could have happened to her. The fear caught him and his hold on her tightened for a moment.


    ¡°What in hell were you thinking?¡± Knox Martins demanded with more roughness.


    ¡°I was¡­ calling.. for you.¡±  Eretia said in a voice so unsteady and low that he almost couldn¡¯t make out her words.


    Knox Martins held her away from him and saw her chin trembling. And he grounded out. ¡°You are so stupid.¡±


    ¡°It¡­ was.. your.. fault..¡± Eretia shuddered violently.


    Knox felt her unsteadiness. He wanted her gone. He wanted to be the way he had been for years ¨C alone. Knox tried to let her go but the moment he did, he felt her sway to one side, so he had no choice but to keep that contact. The wind grew in intensity as he slipped his arm around her shoulder letting her lean against him and turned her towards the porch. As he pulled her to his side, she hid her face in his jacket.


    Eretia seemed to have no strength. By the time they got to the porch she was barely able to walk. Her jacket was heavy with snow and she was already too pale. Her breathing was unsteady and shallow and she was shaking all over. Eretia hugged herself as Knox opened the door. He helped her with the box.


    ¡°Take off your coat.¡± Knoxmanded when they stepped into his apartment.


    Eretia hands were shaking so badly that she couldn¡¯t pull at a button. Knox went to her and helped unbuttoned the jacket for her and he tossed it on the floor.


    ¡°Full heat will only hurt you more.¡± Knox said.


    He knew the signs of hypothermia. Heat could do more damage to her. Eretia needed to regte her own body heat. ¡°Are you okay?¡± He felt the urge to touch her pale cheeks.


    ¡°You.. left.. me.. out.. there.¡± Eretia shuddered violently again.


    ¡°I thought you were going to give up.¡± Knox admitted.


    ¡°Sound¡­ Like a n.. but just so you know I am not quitting anytime soon.¡± Eretia muttered.


    Knox looked at her again. ¡°Where.. is .. my .. room.?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Come on..¡± He pointed towards a direction.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Eretia looked at him and it was then that Knox realized something was wrong. She shivered violently again, her whole body was shaking, and then she stretched out her right hand towards him. And as Knox reached for her hand, he watched her almost falling to the ground but he caught her and then scooped her up in his arms. Eretia waspletely limp and he knew she was unconscious.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Knox uttered profanity and he rushed her to his bedroom.


    *************


    Eretia could feel a hand on her forehead, a gentle contact, warm and careful. She felt a pain when the soft warmth dissolved andfort was gone. Her skin on fire, an ache all over her body. She felt the heat and cold, the pain burning and bone deep aches.


    Then the shaking started all over and it was a convulsive shivering. In her unconscious state, she heard a deep voice, so soft and soothing. She felt something against her lips, cool liquid and she choked on it but she managed to swallow it down her throat. The shaking grew until someone gather her in strong arms, holding her tightly as if to keep her steady. And gradually, the shivering lessened as she snuggled into the warmth. The voice whispered that she would be okay and very slowly she fell asleep.


    Eretia didn¡¯t know anything until she felt herself waking from a deep sleep.  She heard a voice.


    ¡°I wish I could get her to the hospital.¡± Knox said on phone.


    ¡°Even if you could, she can¡¯t go back outside for now. How is she?¡± Doctor Brandon replied.


    ¡°She is doing better.¡± Knox¡¯s voice was low.


    ¡°Well she is lucky you knew what to do.¡± The doctor said.


    ¡°Really lucky doctor. Thank you.¡± Knox heaved a sigh.


    ¡°Check her again.¡± Doctor Brandon ordered.


    Eretia was too weary to open her eyes or speak. Knox touched her wrist, holding it lightly and then the touch was gone.


    ¡°Her pulse is strong, a bit fast but she is breathing well. Her body temperature is normal and her color is better now.¡± Knox answered.


    ¡°You did a good job.¡± The doctor chuckled


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡± Knox mumbled.


    ¡°But just make sure she is fine.¡± Doctor Brandon added.


    ¡°Of course.. thank you.¡±  Knox cuts the call.


    He touched Eretia again but this time on her forehead. He leaned closer and whispered to her ears. ¡°You are okay¡­ just rest.¡±


    Then she let go and tumbled back into thefort of sleep.  Knox watched Eretia settle and something in him eased. He took a deeper breathe for the first time since he had carried her into his bedroom more than eight hours ago. He could hardly breathe without tightness. She would be okay. Knox reassured himself as he moved out of the room to get a cup of coffee in the kitchen.

 EPISODE TWENTY

    THEME: Hypothermia


    KNOX MARTINS BEACH HOUSE


    Eretia woke up with a start to darkness. She blinked, a panic of not knowing where she was or what had happened choking her for a minute. Then she remembered everything. She closed her eyes for a moment andy very still as she remembered the whole drama with her new boss. Eretia was in bed, she knew that and she was feeling so warm.


    Eretia opened her eyes slowly trying to focus. She slowly turned her head toward the light source in the room. She looked beyond and her breath caught. Knox was there. He was sitting on a couch about two feet away from the bed and his eyes were on her.


    ¡°You..¡± Her voice trailed off too soon.


    ¡°You are awake.¡± Knox said softly as he stood up from the couch.


    Knox Martins was dressed in a nnel shirt and jeans and his hair was slicked back from his face. He moved towards the bed. ¡°How do you feel?¡± He asked while bending over her to touch her forehead.


    ¡°Good.¡± He murmured.


    Eretia shifted slightly to test her body and that was when she felt the nket directly on her skin. She peered under the nket and saw that she was naked. Immediately Eretia pulled the nket up to her chin and red at her new boss.


    ¡°What did you do to me?!¡± She demanded.


    ¡°Questions again.¡±  Knox reached for her wrist and circled it with his fingers.


    Eretia tried to get free but Knox didn¡¯t stop touching her. ¡°You must be feeling better.¡± He said with a forced smile as he checked her pulse.


    That wasn¡¯t funny! Here she was in her bra and panties on a bed in her new boss house with him right next to her. She trembled and tugged to get free from his hold.


    ¡°Let me go or I¡¯ll -¡±


    ¡°Shh.. let me concentrate.¡± Knox silenced her.


    Eretia bit her lip and waited for a few second. And then he finally let her go and stood back.


    ¡°Now what do you think I did to you, or I was doing to you?¡± He asked.


    Eretia still kept the nket up to her chin. ¡°I am naked.¡±


    And her words brought a smirk to his lips that only made her face burn from embarrassment. ¡°Notpletely. It is best to get rid of clothes where there is a chance of hypothermia especially if they are wet and cold.¡± Knox Martins exined to her.


    Eretia didn¡¯t know the meaning of Hypothermia. ¡°But¨C¡±


    Knox interrupted her. ¡°You passed out and you weren¡¯t in any condition to undress yourself.¡± His words didn¡¯t make her feel better.


    ¡°Well¡­ so.. you just.. undressed me.¡± Eretia stuttered.


    ¡°You looked pretty awful when I found you but now you are in a good shape and the shivering stopped. That should be your concern.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°So.. whose¡­ fault was that?! You should be med.. for me drowning in that snow!¡± She snapped shakily.


    ¡°I told you to leave but you refused. I thought you were going to  freeze up with all the shaking you were doing.¡± Knox rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Whatever¡­ I.. I feel.. okay now. My clothes.. where -¡±


    Knox cuts in. ¡°You still want to stay around and work for me?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I am not giving up on you, Mr Knox Martins.¡± Eretia shot him a re that faded too soon.


    Knox kept watching her and it made Eretia feel ufortable. Her face colored when she remembered someone holding her when she was shivering. It was Knox holding her when she was wearing only bra and panties.


    ¡°Perhaps¡­ how long have I been out?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Twenty nine hours.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°What?! Wait.. you mean to tell me that I have been here for a whole day!¡± She was surprised.


    ¡°More than a whole day.¡± Knox corrected.


    Eretia tried to maneuver herself into a half sitting position with her back against the headboard. Her stomach made a rumbling sound.


    ¡°I am hungry.¡± Eretia said abruptly.


    Knox Martins stood there silently and she became too ufortable at his silence.


    ¡°Mr Knox Martins, can I get my clothes? I need to eat or I¡¯ll die of hunger.¡± Eretia murmured.


    ¡°Okay.¡± He replied.


    ¡°Wait.. is this my room?¡± Knox turned to face her.


    ¡°No.¡±  And with the short response he walked away and came inter with her box.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She mumbled.


    Knox moved out of the room. Eretia went to the door and locked it. She took out her towel and nightgown and went to the bathroom.


    After she was done changing, Eretia walked into the kitchen. Knox Martins was there, a pot of coffee on the gas and he was taking something out of the toast machine.


    ¡°Cinnamon toast.¡± She said.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Knox asserted.


    It was getting close to midnight. Eretia sank onto the stool close to the ind. Knox brought two coffee cups to the table and sat across from her. He passed one cup of hot coffee to her. He sipped his coffee and ate his toast.


    Eretia sat back cradling the cup in one hand. ¡°Now let us do a proper introduction.¡± She said.


    Knox Martins put down his cup and looked right at her. ¡°I am Eretia Jones.¡± She introduced herself.


    ¡°Eretia Jones.¡± He nodded slowly.


    ¡°Your mother hired me to -¡±


    ¡°She is not my mother.¡± Knox interrupted her.


    Eretia exhaled noisily. ¡°Why do you keep saying that to your mom? It is -¡±  Her voice trailed off.


    ¡°Stop it. And if you want to stay around then stop talking about that woman.¡± Knox stood up and walked away.


    ¡°What¡¯s so wrong about his mom? He is so proud! She did nothing wrong! And isn¡¯t he old enough to realize that? Jerk!¡± Eretia hissed lowly before she took another sip of her coffee.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

 EPISODE TWENTY ONE

    THEME: The wicked boss


    KNOX MARTINS BEACH HOUSE


    THE NEXT MORNING


    Knox Martins yawned loudly as he made his way to the kitchen. He was tempted to check on Eretia in her bedroom but he walked on. When he stopped at the entrance of the kitchen, Eretia was there working her way around the kitchen as she hummed a song he couldn¡¯t make sense of.


    Knox cleared his throat and she turned to face him. ¡°Oh! Good morning boss!¡± She greeted cheerfully.


    Knox made his way into the kitchen. ¡°Good morning my maid.¡±


    Eretia raised her eyebrows by what he just called her. ¡°My name is Eretia.¡± She said.


    ¡°Yes Eretia and you are my maid.¡± Knox gulped down a bottle of water from the refrigerator. ¡°And personal assistant.¡±  He added.


    ¡°Can we talk?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yes.. as long as it is not about olddy.¡± Knox dropped the empty stic in a bin.


    ¡°Well it is about my job.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°You want to quit?¡± Knox asked


    ¡°Never! I was just about telling  you that I won¡¯t be giving up anytime soon.¡± Eretia said with a serious look on her face.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Knox reopened the refrigerator to check out for a fruit to eat.


    ¡°Yes.. I am not the type to give up easily.¡± Eretia replied.


    Knox grabbed a green apple. ¡°Get ready we are heading to my agency.¡± He said.


    ¡°But.. the snow -¡±


    ¡°It is not snowing anymore.. and the roads are cleared now.¡± He cuts in sharply.


    ¡°Okay boss. Food is ready.¡± Eretia said when he was almost leaving the kitchen.


    ¡°I am not hungry.¡± Knox answered as he walked out of the kitchen.


    ¡°Okay.¡± she sighed.


    *******


    Knox Martins rolled his eyes when he saw Eretia. He was surprised to see her on heels in this sort of weather whereby the roads are still slippery and not fit to walk on.


    ¡°You can¡¯te with me in my car.¡±  Knox said.


    ¡°Why?¡± Eretia¡¯s eyebrow drew together at his words.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like sharing my car with anyone.¡± Knox answered.


    ¡°What?¡± She frowned.


    ¡°You heard me.¡± Knox moved to the driver¡¯s seat and entered the car.


    ¡°But I am your personal assistant so I have to be everywhere with you.¡± Eretia moved to him.


    ¡°Who gave such rule?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. If anything happens or goes wrong with you.. then I get med for it.¡± Eretia tried to make him understand.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care. You shouldn¡¯t be in my house in the first ce. I didn¡¯t hire you.¡±  Knox Martins grounded out.


    ¡°What?!¡± She red at him.


    Knox nced at his wrist watch. ¡°I am runningte make sure you meet up at Gold Mall.¡± He said in amanding tone.


    ¡°Are you serous right now boss?¡± Eretia demanded.


    ¡°I am damn serious my maid and personal assistant.¡± Knox Martins shed her a wicked grin. He was almost closing the car door but Eretia held it. He tried to pull it but her hold on it was too strong. She was holding it with her super strength.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you let go?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let go until you agree to give me a ride.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°No.¡± He spat.


    ¡°How do I get to Gold Mall?!  I don¡¯t even know the ce!¡± Eretia said sincerely.


    ¡°You can ask around or use your google map.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°Well you and I both know that no one lives around here. And I have to walk to the next bus station to take a bus which will also take a while to-¡±


    ¡°Like I said.. I don¡¯t care. Meet me at the mall by 9:00 or else you get fired!¡±  He pointed at her.


    ¡°9:00?! How¡­¡± Eretia loosened her grip on the door.


    Knox Martin closed the door and shoved her aside in the process. She staggered backwards on heels and hit the ground hard suddenly.


    ¡°Boss!¡± She shouted but he drove off without looking back at her.


    Her cellphone beeped. And when she took it out from her small bag it was Mrs ina Martins.


    ¡°Good morning, ma¡¯am ina.¡±


    ¡°How are you doing?¡± Mrs ina asked.


    ¡°I am doing fine.¡± Eretia tried to sound in the best tone.


    ¡°What about Knox?¡± Mrs ina Martins asked in a low tone.


    ¡°Oh! He is fine. We are both fine. I mean we are getting  along well.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°Oh really? So where is he?¡± The olddy demanded with excitement in her tone.


    ¡°He left not quite long.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°Are you sure that he is not giving you any problem?¡± Mrs ina asked.


    ¡°We are fine. He even prepared dinner to wee me to his home.¡± Eretia tried to stand up but she screamed at the sharp pain in her ankle.


    ¡°Are you okay?!¡± Mrs ina was scared by her sudden scream.


    Eretia wondered if she had broken bone. ¡°Yes.. yes.. I am fine.¡± She lied. And slowly she removed her heels, tried to get up again and made her way back to the front door.


    ¡°Did he tell you where he is headed?¡± Mrs ina asked.


    ¡°Gold Mall. Yes he asked me to meet him at the mall.¡± Eretia limped.


    ¡°Did he tell you why he wants to visit the mall?¡± Mrs ina questioned.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t say much but I guess he wants to buy some stuffs.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°I am just surprised at his sudden visit to the mall. He has not been there for years now.¡± Mrs ina said in a sad tone.


    ¡°Well.. maybe he want to check it out today.¡± Eretia limped back to the door.


    ¡°So why are you alone?¡± Mrs ina asked the question on her mind.


    Eretia cleared her throat. ¡°Uhmm.. I need to clear something up at home before joining him at the mall.¡±


    ¡°So.. did you talk to him about me?¡± Mrs ina spoke up after three seconds of silence.


    ¡°Yes I did.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°So what did he say?¡± Mrs ina was eager to know.


    Eretia was silent. She tried to think of what to say to the olddy. Lying was not the best in this situation.


    ¡°He denied you.¡± She said.


    Now it was Mrs ina¡¯s turn to be silent. ¡°I¡¯ll keep trying my best to¨C¡±


    The olddy interrupted her. ¡°Thank you. At least I am just d that he didn¡¯t call me up toin about you. So I guess you are both doing fine.¡±


    ¡°Yes we are fine.¡± she snapped in immediately.


    ¡°Please take care of my son.¡± Mrs ina¡¯s tone pleaded.


    ¡°You can count on me, ma¡¯am ina.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°Alright, have a nice day.¡± The olddy hang up the call.


    ¡°This is so annoying!¡± Eretia gritted after trying different passwords to unlock the door.


    ¡°It is so painful..¡± Eretia rubbed her ankle gently. ¡°Argg! Knox! You bastard!¡± She grabbed her cellphone, dialed his number and he picked.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± He coaxed.


    ¡°Well.. you see boss.. I need to get my phone from the house but I don¡¯t know the password.¡± Eretia lied.


    ¡°Your phone?¡± Knox furrowed his eyebrows.


    ¡°Yes.¡± she mumbled.


    ¡°So what are you using to call me?¡± Knox asked.


    Then Eretia realized what she just said. ¡°Oh sorry boss! Not.. my phone¡­ I meant to say my wallet. Yes.. yes my wallet. I don¡¯t have money in my jacket to pay a taxi.¡± she stammered.


    ¡°4801.¡±  Knox said.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Eretia pressed on the buttons and the door buzzed and opened up. ¡°Oh thank you so much boss!¡±


    In the real sense Eretia wanted to change her heels into afortable boot.


    ¡°Mr Knox is so wicked for pushing like that. If he thinks I am going to give up because of this¡­ Never!¡± She grabbed a boot.

 EPISODE TWENTY TWO

    THEME: You are fired!


    KNOX MARTINS BEACH HOUSE


    Ereria came out minutester and started the trek to the nearest bus station. She prayed that a taxi should appear out of no where to help her to the Mall but she  became frustrated when none showed up.


    Finally Eretia got to the bus station, she sighted a mini mart not too far and  she saw an old man offloading cartons from an old truck into a mini mart next to the station.


    Eretia walked up to the old man. ¡°Excuse me, sir.¡± She said.


    The old man turned to face her. ¡°Good morning, how may I help you.. youngdy?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I am sorry to interrupt your job¡­ but when is the next bus to town arriving?¡± Eretia asked the old man in a soft tone.


    ¡°I have no idea. And I haven¡¯t seen any bus aroundtely.¡± The old man answered.


    Eretia eyebrows drew together. ¡°Why?¡± she questioned.


    ¡°Just one bus onlyes around if people wants to visit the beach and it is mostly during festive period or special days.¡±  The old man groaned in pain when he bent down to lift a carton.


    ¡°Oh sorry.. let me help.¡± Eretia carried three heavy boxes into the mart.


    The old man was surprised. Eretia saw an old woman in the store who sat at the pay desk. ¡°Good morning ma.¡± She greeted her.


    The olddy was stunned. ¡°Uhmm.. where should I drop these cartons?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°Over.. over there.. please.. thank you.¡± The olddy stuttered.


    Eretia dropped it and went back to the old man. ¡°How.. how did you manage to carry those heavy cartons.¡± The old man couldn¡¯t hold back his questions.


    ¡°I am strong. I mean¡­ I do a lot of workouts at the gym.¡± Eretia lied. It seemed like the only reason to convince the old man so he won¡¯t ask more questions.


    ¡°Alright.¡± The old man nodded in understanding. ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°Give me a ride to town.¡± Eretia cut him off to stop him from asking any more question. She knew it was her super strength at work and she was not ready to tell the old man about it. He might think she is crazy.


    ¡°I will help you with all the boxes and you will give me a ride into town. And I can also drive if you let me.¡± Eretia said.


    Oliver had taught her how to drive when she was eager to know learn human stuffs. And she even managed to get a license.


    ¡°Okay¡­ but can you drive?¡± The old man looked at her from head to toe.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Eretia arranged four cartons, bending over to lift them again. Then she suddenly felt the sharp pain in her ankle but she ignored it.


    The old man noticed her stiffness for some seconds. ¡°Are you okay? Are you sure that you can carry all these boxes?¡± He asked in a concerned tone.


    ¡°Just rx.. I will take it all. I will help you with all the boxes. I am fine.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± The old man smiled at her.


    Minutes clicked by and Eretia finished carrying the boxes. The old woman gave her a candy while the old man drove her to the town and she thanked him. She took a taxi to Gold Mall.


    GOLD MALL


    Eretia alighted from the taxi and paid the driver. Gold Mall has an enormous building with every window having a designer brand, ¡°G. M¡± engraved on.  People walking in and out of the building with paper bags in their hands.


    Eretia gasped when she stepped into the Mall. It had all variety of goods. Suddenly, she started to feel a pounding pain at every step she took with her right ankle. Though she thought of calling Oliver to inform him about it but she waved it off. Oliver might try to convince her to quit the job for spraining her ankle just few days at work and he would get mad at Knox for hurting her. So Eretia concluded that it was best to endure the pain.


    ¡°Now how am I to find the boss in this big ce?¡± She limped farther and went to the Jewelry section after passing by therge grocery store.


    ¡°Excuse me..¡± Eretia said to ady at the desk.


    ¡°How may I help you miss?¡± Thedy shed her a smile.


    ¡°Perhaps.. have you seen Mr Knox Martins around here?¡± Eretia asked.


    Thedy smile grew brighter at the mention of his name. ¡°Oh yeah.. he is in the clothing section.¡± She answered.


    ¡°Please where is the section?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°On the second floor so you have to take the elevator.¡± Thedy pointed towards a direction.


    ¡°Oh thank you.¡± Eretia shed thedy an appreciative smile before she walked away.


    Slowly Eretia moved towards the elevator and she got to the second floor. She saw the salon section and looked in it to see if Knox might be there styling his hair.


    ¡°Wow!¡± Eretia gasped when she saw thedies sitting in front ofrge mirrors. ¡°So.. pretty¡­¡± she muttered.


    Eretia looked at her phone, the time was 9:20 a. m and she prayed that Knox won¡¯t fire her foringte to the Mall.


    ¡°No¡­ He can¡¯t fire me right? Mrs ina hired me.. not him.¡± Then Eretia stopped to think as she stared at her phone.


    ¡°What if he tells his mother that I am not punctual and that -¡± she was interrupted by a familiar voice.


    ¡°Listen, I can¡¯t run my agency that way.¡±


    Eretia looked up from her phone and Knox Martins was there! He was walking towards her way with three other people, two women and one man. And she knew these humans were models like her boss.


    ¡°Boss!¡± Eretia waved at him.


    Knox looked up at her and his eyes did a slow crawl on her. Knox Martins noticed she was not on heels anymore but boot. Eretia cleared her throat and managed to walk up to them. She did a good job at hiding the fact that her ankle was hurting badly.


    ¡°Who is she?¡± The man next to Knox asked.


    Knox cleared his throat when Eretia reached them. ¡°Jason please meet Eretia. She is  my personal assistant.¡± He introduced briefly.


    ¡°Oh Eretia, it is nice to meet you.¡± Jason grinned and stretched out his hand towards her.


    ¡°Likewise.¡± Eretia shook hands with Jason.


    Jason raised her hand up to his mouth and kissed the back of her palm. ¡°You are such a beauty.¡±


    Eretia raised her brows at the gesture. ¡°Thank you.¡± She mouthed.


    Knox cleared his throat. He was notfortable with Jason¡¯s attitude towards Eretia. So he interrupted Jason before he could say anything else.


    ¡°Eretia meet Tiana and Tatiana.. they are the new models I just signed into my agency.¡± He said.


    ¡°Hi Eretia.¡± Thedies greeted in unison.


    ¡°Hello, it is nice to mee you too.¡± Eretia replied with a half smile on her face.


    Jason stared intently at Eretia as he took in her beauty. ¡°Wow! Knox, I must admit that your personal assistant is so hot and sexy. She looks exactly like a professional model.¡± He chuckled.


    ¡°No, she is not a model. Jason, I think it is time for you to leave. I mean take thedies to the agency I will meet up soon.¡± Knox said with a serious look on his face.


    ¡°Eretia, I hope to always see you around at the office or we could have lunch some other time.¡± Jason winked at her.


    ¡°No.. no not with this one Jason. She¡¯s got a boyfriend.¡± Knox announced without thinking.


    Eretia gave him a surprised look. Boyfriend?! That¡¯s a lie.


    ¡°Oh really? Eretia, I should have expected that right?¡± Jason chuckled.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Uhmm..¡± Eretia looked at her boss and she wasn¡¯tfortable with the look on his face. ¡°Yes¡­ I have a boyfriend.¡± She faked a smile on her face.


    ¡°Go ahead¡­ Jason.¡± Knox Martins urged his friend to leave.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Jason shook his head in agreement.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be at the office soon.¡± Knox Martins smirked.


    ¡°Bye Eretia.¡± Thedies waved at her and she did the same too.


    Eretia turned to face Knox immediately they walked away. ¡°Why.. why did you tell Jason that I have a boyfriend?¡± She asked.


    ¡°And is that what you should be asking me right now?!¡± Knox snapped with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°Huh? I thought I asked you a question too.¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°I told you to get here by 9:00 so what¡¯s the time now?¡± Knox demanded as he tucked his hands into his pocket.


    ¡°9:30.¡± She replied in a low tone.


    ¡°Good.. You are fired!¡± Knox Martins grounded out.


    ¡°What?!¡± Her jaw dropped while Knox started to walk away.


    ¡°You are fired!¡± Knox repeated.


    ¡°Boss! That¡¯s unfair!¡± She screamed behind him.


    Knox swirled round to look at her.  ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I got here before 9:30.¡± Eretia grumbled.


    ¡°What time?¡± He asked.


    Eretia went to meet him. ¡°There was no bus at the station so I couldn¡¯t make it on time. I arrived here at 9:20 a. m.¡± She answered.


    ¡°Keep that excuse to yourself!¡± Knox looked straight into her eyes.


    ¡°But.. I am being honest here..¡± She muttered.


    Knox rxed and his frown faded as he studied her expression. ¡°Follow me.¡± He said inmanding tone.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Eretia thought she heard the wrong words.


    ¡°Do you want to get fired?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°No boss.¡± She nodded.


    ¡°So follow me.¡± Hemanded.


    I didn¡¯t get fired! A small smile crept on her face. Knox walked away and she followed him.

 EPISODE TWENTY THREE

    THEME: Pay to ride in my car


    KNOX MARTINS BEACH HOUSE


    Knox walked away and she followed him. ¡°I need to get some clothes for some uing models at my agency so we would be very busy in the next couple of days.¡± Knox read out his ns for the next few days to her.


    ¡°Are you listening?¡± He asked when he noticed her eyes was focused on the salon as they passed by.


    ¡°Yes boss.¡± She answered sharply.


    ¡°Okay so let us go to the clothing section.¡±  Knox quickened his pace.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Eretia followed him like a loyal dog.


    ¡°And that reminds me don¡¯t tell the olddy anything about my agency. Don¡¯t you ever share any information about my agency to her.¡± Knox warned in a stern tone.


    ¡°Why?¡± She asked.


    ¡°It is none of her business.¡± Knox answered.


    ¡°Okay but¨C¡± She stopped walking and cursed under her breathe at the sharp pain that she felt in her ankle.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Knox looked back when he didn¡¯t feel her presence behind him again.


    ¡°Oh yes.. yes.¡± Eretia caught up with him.


    ¡°Why did you pull off your heels?¡± Knox asked as she matched his strides.


    ¡°There was no way I could trek to the station on heels.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°You should have thought about that before wearing it at first.¡± Knox grumbled to himself.


    ¡°Are we still heading to the agency?¡±  Eretia asked.


    ¡°Yes to get my schedules from the ex secretary.¡± Knox responded.


    ¡°Ex secretary?¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°Yes I had one but she resigned few weeks ago so I guess that¡¯s why my mom put up the advert. But you are taking up the position as my personal assistant so walk fast because we have a lot to do today.¡± Knox said in the sternest tone he could mutter.


    ¡°Okay boss.¡± Eretia followed closely.


    Finally, they got to the clothes section. Eretia saw clothing racks filled with clothes of different styles and colors. There are dresses all over the section, gowns, silk dresses, jeans, shirts and all. There were a lot of them.


    The three female workers in the section bowed slightly and weed Knox Martins when he walked in with Eretia. He didn¡¯t acknowledge them, instead he went to the racks and started picking out dresses from them. Knox threw all the clothes into Eretia¡¯s hands and she thought that she might either die of stress or the pain in her ankle.


    ¡°Boss, why am I the only one carrying these clothes? I thought thedies are here.. to help.¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°Are youining?¡± Knox asked without looking at her.


    ¡°No.¡± Her response was sharp and immediate.


    ¡°You can give up right now.¡± Knox teased her.


    ¡°No, I am not giving up.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°Okay.. but remember.. I am not giving you a ride in my car to the office. You have to find your way there.¡± Knox had a wicked grin on his face when he looked at her.


    ¡°No.. not again boss.. why won¡¯t you let me in your car?¡± Eretia demanded.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like sharing my car with anyone.¡± Knox answered.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t make any sense. I had an ident earlier while you were trying to -¡±


    ¡°Stop making up excuses!¡± Knox silenced her as he kept dropping clothes in her hands.


    ¡°I can do you a favor though.¡± He added after some seconds of silence.


    ¡°What?¡± She asked.


    ¡°You have to pay me for the ride to the office.¡± Knox answered.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a favor.¡± Eretia muttered.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± Knox stopped to nce at her.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t talking to you¡­ boss.¡± Eretia forced a smile on her face.


    ¡°I would do you a great favor by giving you a ride in my car.¡± Knox dropped two dresses on the pile she was holding.


    ¡°But I have to pay right?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°Yes or else you have to carry these loads to the office alone.¡± Knox responded.


    ¡°What?!¡± Eretia¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    ¡°Having a second party in my car makes me ufortable.¡± Knox smirked.


    ¡°Unbelievable.¡± Eretia muttered.


    ¡°You have to believe me.¡± Knox grinned wickedly.


    Eretia hated him for his toughness and because he was doing everything in his power just to make her give up.


    She rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. ¡°Okay.. I¡¯ll pay you.¡±


    ¡°The fare is a hundred dor.¡± Knox blurted out.


    ¡°What?! A hundred dor?!¡± Eretia gasped out in shock.


    Knox nodded. ¡°That¡¯s too much for a fare around town!¡± Sheined.


    ¡°Then take a taxi.¡± Knox replied.


    The workers in the section watched Eretia and Knox drama.


    ¡°It¡¯s better that way because I won¡¯t even spend up to a thirty dor.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°$30? Did I tell you I need money to buy candy?¡± Knox snorted.


    ¡°No but I don¡¯t have enough money on me to pay you that amount.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°Then it is either you trek to the office or call your boyfriend to bring you to the office.¡± Knox searched through the racks.


    ¡°How did you know I have a boyfriend?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°Am I wrong?¡± Knox asked too.


    ¡°Perhaps have we met before?¡± Eretia furrowed her eyebrows.


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Knox replied with a shrug.


    ¡°Where? When? I don¡¯t remember seeing you anywhere except when I searched for your familypany while I was trying to get a job.¡± Eretia questioned frantically.


    ¡°Never mind.¡±  Knox picked thest clothe on the rack.


    ¡°So does that mean you will give me a ride?¡± Eretia winked when their eyes met.


    ¡°No.. but if you admit that you have a boyfriend then I will consider giving you a free ride.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°But.. what has that got to do with -¡±


    He cuts her off her intended statement. ¡°Fine! Then find your way alone!¡± He gritted.


    Knox walked to the desk to pay the bills and two of the workers  calcted the price tags on each clothe.


    ¡°No need for thatdies.¡± The thirddy came around the desk after attending to a couple.


    ¡°Why?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°Madam ina called in earlier and said you shouldn¡¯t pay for anything.¡±  Thedy answered.


    Knox gave her his card. ¡°I am paying.¡± He said.


    ¡°No sir.. please I am not ready to lose my job.¡± Thedy had a pleading look on her face.


    ¡°Calcte it and let me have the receipt this minute.¡± Knox ordered.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Thedies calcted it and packed them into different G. M bags. They were a lot of bags to carry!


    ¡°The total amount is seven thousand dors.¡± One of them said to him.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Knox leaned forward on the big desk. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± He asked the thirddy who had rely his mom¡¯s message.


    ¡°My name is Rose.¡±  She replied with a smile.


    ¡°Okay.. thank you.¡± Knox turned away from her. ¡°Let us go.¡± He said to Eretia without making an attempt to carry any bag.


    Eretia eyed the bags. Do I carry all these bags alone? She pondered.


    Knox stopped to look back at her. He raised his eyebrows at her as she kept looking at the bags.  ¡°Come on.. or else I won¡¯t give you a ride in my car.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± And quickly Eretia carried all the bags with her super strength.


    Thedies and Knox were stunned to see her carrying the bags without stress. Eretia managed to get the bags into the car outside the Mall. She stuffed everything in the booth and entered the car to sit beside the driver¡¯s seat. And Eretia let out a sigh of relief.

 EPISODE TWENTY FOUR

    THEME: Should I apologize?


    THE MARTINS EMPIRE


    Betty barged into Mrs ina Martins office without listening to the words of the secretary telling her to let her get permission from her boss. Secretary Tracy rushed out her words. ¡°Ma¡¯am ina.. forgive.. me. I am really sorry. I tried to ¨C¡±


    Mrs ina Martins silenced her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. You can go Tracy.¡± Then secretary Tracy bowed her head slightly before stepping out of the office.


    Mrs ina Martins looked straight at Betty. ¡°Where are your manners, Betty?¡± She asked in a low tone.


    ¡°Oh! Sorry ma¡¯am ina, I lost them the very moment you hired a new worker to work for Knox!¡± Betty snorted.


    Mrs ina Martins shed her a small smile. ¡°Alright please sit down and let us talk things out.¡± The olddy gestured to Betty to sit on the chair facing her directly.


    ¡°No.¡± Betty declined.


    Mrs ina Martins raised her eyebrows. ¡°Okay. If you are not going to sit and talk to me politely so why are you here?¡± She demanded.


    ¡°Why did you hire a new worker for Knox even after he made it clear that he doesn¡¯t want anyone?¡± Betty red at the olddy.


    Mrs ina Knox leaned back in the swivel chair. ¡°And did Knoxin to you about not wanting this new worker?¡± She asked.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t have to tell me.¡± Betty answered.


    ¡°I know Knox won¡¯t tell you such a thing. And why are you concerned about this new worker? From what I can remember Betty, you never cared about them.¡± Mrs ina Martins said.


    ¡°Things are different now.¡± Betty folded her arms across her chest.


    ¡°What is ¨C¡± Mrs ina paused. She thought for a second and realization struck her almost immediately. ¡°Oh I see¡­¡± The olddy mumbled.


    ¡°What do you see?¡± Betty eyed her suspiciously.


    And Mrs ina busted intoughter.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Betty asked angrily. Fury crashed over her.


    ¡°Are you jealous of the new worker?¡± Mrs ina asked as herughter still lingered on the surface.


    ¡°Jealous?¡± Betty repeated and let out a snort too.


    ¡°Yes, you are jealous that she is beautiful. And you are concerned that she might capture my son¡¯s heart.¡±


    Mrs ina expressed her realization which seems to be true.


    Betty couldn¡¯t say anything. ¡°How did you find out about her?¡± Mrs ina questioned.


    ¡°I won¡¯t tell you. And what do you mean by the new maid capturing your son¡¯s heart?¡± Betty questioned frantically as her hand dropped to her side.


    ¡°Well it is just something you couldn¡¯t achieve for years. But I have a strong feeling that Eretia will do better.¡± The olddy said with confidence in her tone.


    Betty eyes widened in surprise. ¡°What?! But you told me that I was going to marry Knox no matter what and I have been waiting for years now.¡± She blurted out.


    ¡°Betty, I think you got everything wrong. Let me ask you this question, is Knox truly in love with you?¡± Mrs ina asked.


    ¡°You said he loves me.¡± Betty mumbled.


    ¡°I said he loves you? Well maybe I assumed that my son loves, you even kissed him on his birthday which made me believe that you guys might have something together. But did you ask Knox about his feelings? Does he love you?¡± Mrs ina asked.


    Betty couldn¡¯t give the right answers but one thing was certain, Knox Martins doesn¡¯t love her. And as a matter of fact, he doesn¡¯t believe in love.


    Tears welled up in her eyes. ¡°Why are you doing this to me? I wanted to give up on him but you begged me not to ¨C¡±


    The olddy interrupted her. ¡°You are wrong, Betty. Have you forgotten the deal?¡±


    ¡°What deal?¡± Betty asked with a furrowed eyebrows.


    ¡°Deal of making Knox fall in love with you. I told you that if you seed then I won¡¯t oppose your marriage to him. And you also promised to help me talk to him in return. You promised to bring us back together but what happened? You failed at everything, Betty.¡± Mrs ina Martins stood up from the chair.


    ¡°I still kept working on your career. I didn¡¯t give up on you hoping that someday you would win his heart and help reunite us. But you were only concerned about your love for him that you neglected your promises to me and my emotions of wanting to be close to my son again.¡±  She said with a serious look on her face. But her voice was so calm as usual.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe this..¡± Betty muttered.


    ¡°The terms in the deal was so clear but you failed from the very beginning.¡±  Mrs ina Martins sounded so resigned.


    ¡°So you think she can win his heart?¡± Betty asked as she reached out to wipe the single tear that has strayed down her cheeks.


    ¡°My deal with Eretia is not about winning Knox heart. It is about reconciling me with my son and.. maybe  to also show him what loves means. And I really hope that Knox will experience a true love thates from the heart and without pretense.¡± The olddy let out a sigh.


    More tears streamed down Betty¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Should I apologize to you?¡± Mrs ina Martins asked.


    They heard a knock on the door before Betty could give her response.


    ¡°Come in.¡± Mrs ina Martins said.


    She expected to see Tracy but Knox walked in.


    Knox furrowed his eyebrows when he saw Betty. ¡°Good afternoon, olddy.¡± He greeted.


    Mrs ina Martins stood up from the chair and went to her son. ¡°Oh son! How are you doing?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I am fine.¡± He replied with no smile on his face


    Betty Lawson wiped her face while Mrs ina shook her head and went back to the swivel chair.


    ¡°When did you get here?¡± Knox asked Betty.


    ¡°Not quite long.¡± Betty mumbled.


    ¡°Wait.. Betty was at your office right?¡± Mrs ina Martins asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Knox replied.


    Of course that¡¯s how Betty found out about the new worker at Knox¡¯s home. Knox dropped a brown envelope on the table.


    ¡°What -¡±


    He interrupted his mom¡¯s words  ¡°The payment of the clothes I bought at the mall. Thedy at the desk refused it.¡±


    ¡°I gave the order son. I told them not to take a penny for everything you bought.¡± Mrs ina Martins replied.


    Knox shook his head in disagreement. ¡°I am working so hard to grow my agency.¡±


    ¡°Listen son, you don¡¯t have to work so hard. I have enough money and I want to help you.¡± Mrs ina said seriously.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t need your money and the help you can offer to me.  The mall is a business so I should for pay everything I bought.¡± He tapped on the brown envelope and passed it to his mom.


    ¡°Yes I know it is a business but you seem to have forgotten that it is all yours.¡± Mrs ina Martins countered.


    Knox shook his head. He knew right from time that it won¡¯t be easy convincing his mom to take the money. ¡°How on earth did you find out I was at the mall?¡±


    ¡°Eretia told me when I called this morning.¡± Mrs ina replied.


    ¡°She did?¡± Knox raised his eyebrows.


    Betty felt left out in the conversation but she was clearly listening to them.


    ¡°Yes.. and are you getting along well?¡± Mrs ina questioned.


    ¡°Why do you want to know?¡± Knox tucked his hands into his pocket.


    ¡°I am just curious. I am a bit surprise that you didn¡¯t call me the first day she showed up at your doorstep and up till now.¡± Mrs ina Martin replied with a shrug.


    ¡°I am kicking her out of my house very soon.¡± Knox spat.


    ¡°Come on son, don¡¯t be too harsh on the poordy. She is  just trying to make a living.¡± Mrs ina Martins sat back on the chair.


    ¡°Well I might pity her. But you have to ept this money and I¡¯ll let her stay.¡± Knox stated.


    The olddy looked up at her son and she reached out for the envelope immediately.


    ¡°Well.. I n to pay double of the money you offered her and more by the end of the week.¡± Knox informed her trying to prove to his mom that he might have possibly tricked her to believing that he would let the new worker stay at his ce.


    ¡°She won¡¯t ept it. Eretia is so much different from the other women I have hired, Knox.¡± The olddy seemed to have so much confidence in Eretia which made Betty envious.


    Betty could tell something wasn¡¯t right. The Knox Martins she knew wouldn¡¯t bargain with his mom when ites to stuffs like this. He has always hated the women hired to work for him but this is different. He seemed calm about this new worker.


    And without thinking Betty blurted out. ¡°Are you in love with your maid?¡±


    Knox turned to look at her with a scrunched up face. ¡°What makes you think I am in love with her?¡± He asked.


    ¡°You don¡¯t like people invading your privacy. You don¡¯t like sharing your things with people. So howe you are so calm about this new maid? She should be out of your ce by now.¡± Betty responded.


    ¡°She is my personal assistant.¡± Knox corrected.


    ¡°Oh that¡¯s trash. She is just a maid! And calling a maid your personal assistant is way out of your style.¡±


    Betty spat.


    ¡°I hired her to do both jobs.¡± Mrs ina said.


    Betty looked straight at the olddy. ¡°Whatever! Have a nice time with your trashy maid!¡± She carried her bag and made her way to the door.


    Anger crashed over Knox and he clenched his fists. He decided to defend the maid. ¡°She is not a trash. Her name is Eretia and she is worth more than you are, Betty Lawson.¡±


    Mrs ina gasped in shock. She didn¡¯t expect those words from her son.


    ¡°What?!¡± Betty jaw dropped and she turned to look at him.


    Mrs ina got out of the chair immediately and went to him. ¡°Knox¨C¡±


    ¡°Have I said anything wrong?¡± His frown deepened. Knox hated the fact that Betty looked down on Eretia.


    ¡°Listen Knox¨C¡± He jerked free from his mom¡¯s grip.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I have to stop this nonsense now. Don¡¯t let us pretend to her anymore.¡± Knox looked at Betty.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Betty asked with a confused look on her face.


    Knox went to where she stood. ¡°I don¡¯t love you, Betty and I never did. And like I said before I also can¡¯t love you.¡± When he figured that Betty couldn¡¯t put her words together due to shock from his words and then he walked out of the office.


    Betty was furious. ¡°I can¡¯t take this anymore.¡± She gritted and looked at the olddy. ¡°You will pay for humiliating me like this, Mrs ina Martins.¡± She grounded out and stormed out of the office.


    Betty Lawson made a promise to herself that she would make both mother and son pay for causing her pain. She won¡¯t let things go just like that.


    ¡°No one hurts Betty and gets away with it.¡± She grimaced.

 EPISODE TWENTY FIVE

    THEME: Nothinges easy


    KNOX MARTINS BEACH HOUSE


    ¡°This is worst than I thought¡± Eretia muttered as she sank onto the couch. She dialed Oliver¡¯s number and he picked immediately.


    ¡°Hi Oliver,¡± She smiled.


    ¡°Hello Eretia, How are you doing? And how is work?¡± Oliver questioned.


    ¡°I am doing okay. And my work is going smoothly. How is Ryan?¡± She asked.


    ¡°He is fine too.¡± Oliver answered.


    ¡°Can I ask you something?¡± Eretia spoke up after some minutes of silence. She checked to see if Knox was out of ear shot. He was in his room.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Oliver asked with concern in his tone.


    ¡°Oh nothing¡­ nothing is wrong.¡± She stuttered. ¡°Actually.. it is not about me.¡± She paused trying to find the right words to use.


    ¡°Eretia just tell me about it. I am worried.¡± Oliver admitted.


    Eretia let out a sigh. ¡°I am doing fine. But you see¡­ I went to work with Mr Knox today and at the office ady sprained her ankle and now she is feeling the ache in it.¡± She exined.


    ¡°How did she sprained her ankle?¡± Oliver asked.


    Eretia closed her eyes. ¡°She fell down to the ground while on heels.¡±  She silently prayed that Oliver won¡¯t ask too many questions which might lead to him finding out she was the injured one.


    ¡°And I guess she stressed it too much. The spraining the ankle must have caused the pain right?¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± She nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Okay.. I see.¡± Oliver mumbled.


    ¡°So what¡¯s the¨C¡±


    Oliver cuts in. ¡°Tell her to go to the hospital to get an X ¨C ray done on it to see if it is broken.¡±


    ¡°Well.. she doesn¡¯t want to go to the hospital that¡¯s why I called to see if you can suggest a quick remedy and what to relief the pain.¡± Eretia rushed out her words.


    Oliver was silent. He wondered how fast Eretia had started to have friends at work that she just resumed.


    ¡°Are you sure it is not about.. you?¡± Oliver demanded. He sounded worried.


    ¡°No.. no.. I am fine. Believe me.. Oliver.. I am perfectly okay.¡± Eretia stammered.


    ¡°Okay.. if your so called friend doesn¡¯t want to go to the hospital then a massage would help a bit. Massage the ankle with a bone ointment, bandage around it and make sure she uses a pain reliever. But I still suggest that she visits the hospital to get an x-ray done.¡± Oliver let out a sigh.


    ¡°A massage with bone, ointment, bandage and pain relief.¡± She repeated the prescription he gave to her.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Oliver answered.


    ¡°Okay.. I will ry everything to her via text messages.¡± Eretia bit her lower lip. She didn¡¯t like the fact that she wasn¡¯t truthful with Oliver.


    ¡°Alright. Let us talkter, I am still at work.¡± Oliver said.


    Eretia nodded. ¡°Okay, take care and extend my greetings to Ryan.¡± And she disconnected the call.


    ¡°You are an expert at telling lies.¡±


    Eretia jumped in fear when she heard his voice. Eretia looked up and Knox was there staring straight at her. She was startled by his sudden appearance and she wondered how long he has been listening.


    Eretia cleared his throat. ¡°What do¡­ you need boss?¡± She stuttered.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Knox asked.


    Eretia avoided his gaze. ¡°Oh me? Yes.. Yes.. I am fine. And thank you for letting me go with you to the agency.¡±


    Knox was silent for some seconds as his eyes did a slow crawl from her head to her toe. Something wasn¡¯t quite alright.


    ¡°Come here.¡± He ordered.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Her head snapped up to look at him.


    ¡°You heard me. Come here.¡± Knox gestured to her toe close to where he stood.


    ¡°Okay.¡±  Eretia stood up gently from the couch. She muffled back a groan and closed her eyes as she felt the pain in her ankle again.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Knox watched her as his gaze dropped down to her ankle. Eretia didn¡¯t walk but she dragged one of her legs to hide that fact that she was in pain.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember seeing anyone with a broken ankle at the office.¡± He said.


    Eretia was silent as she dragged herself towards him. She knew Knox had caught her making things up. She winced at the pain.


    Knox arched his eyebrows and went to her before she could take another step.


    ¡°I asked if you were fine at the office but you kept saying yes. But howe you can¡¯t even move your legs?¡± He asked in a low tone.


    ¡°Yes.. I am fine. Don¡¯t worry¡­ I am fine. I¡¯ll prepare dinner.¡± Eretia said unsteadily. She moved away from him to leave for the kitchen but he blocked her pathway.


    ¡°How did you end up like this?¡± Knox asked with a concerned look on his face


    Eretia frowned at him. She hated the look of innocence on his face. ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡± She asked.


    He nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Eretia swallowed hard. ¡°Then I think it is better not to know.¡± She shoved him aside and motioned towards the kitchen.


    Knox followed her and whirled her to face him. Eretia yelped out in pain at the swift movement and  she couldn¡¯t stop the tear that slid down her cheek. She had been trying so hard not to cry ever since the pain started. The pain was all new to her. Do humans really go through this pain? She thought. It was even harder to hold it back now that he was acting as if he was not the cause of the pain.


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± Eretia screamed and pushed him away.


    Knox was taken aback by her sudden outburst.


    ¡°You are.. so.. so heartless! What¡¯s so wrong in trying to make a living in this world? No.. I knew it wasn¡¯t going to be easy out here but I took the chance. I knew working and living with you won¡¯t be an easy task but I still took the risk! And I have been trying my best to keep up with your toughness since I came around because I promised myself that I wouldn¡¯t give up.. but then what happened?! What did you do to me? First I got buried in the snow and now this!¡± She pointed to her right ankle.


    ¡°All because of your silly toughness I got my ankle broken! Why?! And how did I end up like this? You say?¡±  Eretia hit his chest and Knox staggered backward.


    ¡°Ohe on! Don¡¯t act like you don¡¯t know¡­ and you didn¡¯t see me through your rear mirror after you pushed me this morning! You knew I was on heels but you pushed me because you didn¡¯t want me to ride in your car!¡± She threw her hands up in the air.


    More tears streamed down her cheeks.¡±You are so selfish, Mr Knox Martins. And you only care about yourself! That¡¯s so unfair!¡± Eretia stopped talking with her chest rising and falling.


    Eretia waited for her boss to say a word but he didn¡¯t utter a word. Knox just simply moved away from her and walked to his bedroom.


    Eretia exhaled roughly when she heard the door again. Knox came back with his jacket on him. She met his gaze and she didn¡¯t miss the pain in his expression. Knox left the house mming the door in the process.


    Eretia hated herself at that moment. She knew she had gone too far, she has been too harsh on him with her words and she regretted letting her anger take the best part of her seconds ago. Quickly she limped to the window and raised the curtain only to see that her boss was driving out of the private driveway. She wondered where he was headed by this time of the night. And she panicked at the thought of him sleeping out tonight.


    What if Mrs ina calls to check up on him? She thought. Then Eretia realized it was best to have ignored Knox than telling him the truth or even venting out her anger.


    ¡°What have you done, Ade?!¡± She grumbled and knocked her head. Eretia limped back to the couch and settled on it.


    *********


    Knox Martins hit the steering as he drove down the silent and dark road. He looked down at his cellphone, Eretia was calling him. Every of her words echoed in his head. At that moment she was talking, the impulse to reach for her and pull her to himself was there again but he had held back to let her say all that was on her mind.


    Knox Martins realized he wanted that contact with her and that was totally foreign to him and disturbing. Yes! Strange, disturbing are the word he had been looking for since the day he saw her. To be honest, Eretia had been distracting him.


    Knox felt guilty for causing her pain and he flinched at the pain he had seen in her eyes while she expressed herself.

 EPISODE TWENTY SIX

    THEME: The Nice Boss


    KNOX MARTINS BEACH HOUSE


    ¡°It is about to snow in -¡± Eretia turned off the weather forecast news as she rushed to her room ignoring the pain in her leg.


    Knox Martins has been gone for about an hour now and he hasn¡¯t returned home. He didn¡¯t even pick up his calls which made Eretia really worried about him. She grabbed her jacket and moved out of the house.


    ¡°Where did he go? Where could he be? Did he drive down to his family¡¯s house to make a report?¡± Erebus asked herself. But Eretia panicked again at the thought of Knox Martins getting buried in the snow.


    ¡°If he is around¡­ no one is going to save him. Geez! This is killing me! Why aren¡¯t there so much people living in this area?!¡± Eretia said loudly as she dialed his number again.


    ¡°Please pick up Mr Knox¡­ I am so sorry for saying those words to you.¡± She paced the porch slowly.


    ¡°Oh my sea, please bring him back home safely.¡±  She prayed.


    ¡°Wait.. maybe I should go and look for him. I can¡¯t keep standing here¡­ but what if I get caught in the snow again!¡±  She thought deeply.


    Eretia took a step only to realize that her legs were too weak.¡±Damn it!¡± She muttered.


    Eretia doesn¡¯t have any choice than to stay back. And then slowly she sat on the stairs to wait for her boss.


    Minutes clicked by, Eretia checked her watch 10:15 pm. She looked up when she heard the sound of a car horn. Knox Martins was pulling into the driveway. Immediately Eretia stood up but she couldn¡¯t walk to meet up with him. She noticed the small paper bag in his right hand.


    Eretia saw the tension in his face, the way the lines at his mouth deepened when he came to her. She heaved a sigh of relief that at least he was fine.


    Eretia met his gaze and she began to say. ¡°I am.. I am sorry.. I shouldn¡¯t have said anything about -¡±


    ¡°Forget it.¡± Knox silenced her.


    ¡°I am sorry.¡± Eretia whispered again.


    Knox shook his head in acknowledgement. ¡°Why are you outside?¡± He asked in a stern tone.


    And Eretia looked up at him. ¡°You.. left without saying.. anything.. and I became worried after I listened to the weather forecast that it is going to snow soon.¡± She answered.


    ¡°Can we go in now?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Eretia replied.


    He doesn¡¯t  hold grudges right? He won¡¯t fire me right? Has he forgiven me? Eretia mused.


    And when she thought he was going to leave her to find her way inside, Knox Martins leaned closely.


    ¡°You can lean on me.¡± Knox said as he ced his hand around her shoulder.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Eretia said.


    And they both walked back into the house. Knox motioned to her to sit on the couch and she did as instructed. He dropped a  small soft pillow on the floor in front of Eretia and crouched down to sit on it. Knox Martins dropped the paper bag on the floor beside him.


    ¡°What are you trying to do?¡± Eretia asked when he brought out a bandage, an ointment and a painkiller.


    ¡°What does it look like to you? Eretia, you should know by now that you are an expert at asking questions.¡± Knox said.


    Moisture gathered in her eyes when she realized Knox had probably drove down to the mini mart or elsewhere to buy these things Oliver prescribed to her.


    Knox held her right ankle and twisted it gently. Eretia held back a sob.


    ¡°It won¡¯t take long.¡± Knox mumbled.


    Eretia nodded. He twisted it again and suddenly she heard a crack in her ankle causing her to wince in pain. Knox looked up at her and noticed the tears at the corner of her eyes. Knox flinched at the pain he saw there and he hated himself at that moment for causing her pain.


    Knox Martins dropped her leg gently on another pillow. ¡°You are so distracting.¡± He muttered without thinking but soon as the words came out he knew the truth in them.


    Eretia has been distracting him from the beginning and she hasn¡¯t stopped. Everything about her amazes him as if she has hexed him.


    Knox stood up and went to the kitchen to grab a ss of water. He gulped down the whole ss before going back to Eretia with another ss. She collected the ss and held it in her hands.


    Eretia sniffed.¡±So you went to the mini mart?¡± She asked.


    Knox settled back on the pillow. ¡°Questions again.¡± He said.


    ¡°Yes.. I like asking questions. I always get to point and I am pretty curious to know about the things I see around me.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°So I bet when you were a kid, you distract people easily with your curiosity and questions.¡± Knox said as he massaged her ankle gently.


    ¡°I bet you were annoyingly tight ¨C lipped when you were a kid.¡± Eretia countered without missing a beat.


    Knox nced up at her with a half smile on his lips. ¡°No¡­ I changed up for a reason.¡± He replied.


    ¡°This is about your father right?¡± Eretia asked.


    His smile disappeared almost immediately and she noticed it.


    ¡°I am sorry I shouldn¡¯t have mentioned it.¡± Eretia mumbled.


    ¡°Forget it.¡± Knox said.


    Then he wrapped the bandage around her ankle. ¡°I should be the one apologizing for hurting you.¡± He added after some seconds passed by in silence.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s alright. Seriously boss, I¡¯ll be fine.¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°You were right about everything you said earlier. I am mean and selfish to my workers but I wasn¡¯t always like this.¡±


    Eretia studied him closely. An image shed through her mind. ¡°Perhaps¡­ have we met?¡± She blurted out.


    ¡°So you don¡¯t remember seeing me anywhere?¡± He asked.


    Eretia closed her eyes. ¡°I think you need to see a doctor and get an x-ray done on it.¡± Knox said and her eyes re open.


    ¡°No I don¡¯t like the smell of hospitals.¡± Eretia countered.


    ¡°You have been there before?¡± Knox asked.


    Eretia nodded. ¡°Yes.. about two months ago.. then I ran out of the hospital.¡± She smiled.


    Knox wondered if she was insane back then running out of the hospital with no shoes.


    ¡°And then I bumped into this weird guy.¡± She said.


    Knox met Eretia¡¯s gaze. ¡°He insulted me and Oliver.¡± She swallowed the drugs he dropped into her palms.


    Knox knew she was talking about him. So she leaned forward. ¡°You look like that guy I saw that night.¡±


    Knox nodded. ¡°I am the same guy you met that night.¡±


    Her eyes widened in shock. She reached out to him and roughened his hair with her hands. His hair fell over his eyes to the same hairstyle he had on that night.


    ¡°Oh! You are the same guy!¡± Eretia covered her mouth with her palms. ¡°I.. I.. didn¡¯t realize it..¡±


    Knox stood up. ¡°Are you hungry? Or will you like to have a cup of juice first?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ and a cup of juice.¡± She answered.


    ¡°Ok.. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±  Knox said with an attempt to move to the kitchen but her words stopped him on track.


    ¡°Wait¡­ can Ie with you?¡¯ Eretia blinked.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Knox answered and he went to her.


    ¡°What are you trying to do?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°What does it look like?¡± Knox lifted her up in his arms in bridal style.


    ¡°Thank you boss.¡± Eretia said.


    Knox went to the kitchen and dropped her on the stool chair. He went to the refrigerator and returned with a bowl in his hands to the gas cooker. Eretia sat back on the stool just watching him. Knox found a pot and poured the stew in it. And in moments the stew was heating. He pushed a coffee mug to her before he crossed to the sink and ran water over his hands and then he dried them on a towel.


    Eretia noticed the way her boss took several deep breaths, the way the action stretched the fabric of the body hug top, the way he dropped the towel on the counter and pressed both hands on the edge of the sink.


    Knox Martins lowered his head a bit then with a harsh intake of air he straightened up. Eretia hardly knew her boss but yet she sensed his pain and felt concerned for him.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡¯ She asked. And no response came from him.


    ¡°Are you tired? Or is there something bothering you?¡± Eretia demanded.


    Knox sighed and turned to her with a passive look on his expression.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°My mom caused his death.¡± Knox said finally.


    ¡°No¡­ you are mistaken.¡± Eretia shook her head slowly.


    ¡°No, she picked up a fight with him that day. She used him of having an affair with his secretary. My dad tried to defend himself but she didn¡¯t listen. He left¡­. and we heard of his death. And in the end, he was innocent. It was all her fault!¡± Knox gritted and clenched his fist.


    Eretia knew that he was wrong but it didn¡¯t stop her automatic sympathy at what he had lost.


    ¡°I am sorry.¡± She whispered.


    ¡°No apologies needed.¡± He interjected.


    Eretia didn¡¯t want to stop the whole conversation but it was needed to end it right there. ¡°Boss, I can tell you that the stew¡¯s going to burn if you don¡¯t stir it.¡± She said looking past him at the stew and the steam rising from the pot.


    Knox picked a spoon and stirred the stew. Slowly Eretia stood up to get the dishes. For a moment, the room seemed unsteady and her legs felt weak. She held onto the edge of the ind while Knox looked at her for a long moment.


    ¡°Why do you still look so pale? Sit down, I¡¯ll get things done.¡± Knox said.


    Eretia was going to protest not when her legs felt like rubber. So she sank back down on the stool. Knox served their food and they ate in silence.


    About ten minutester, Eretia pushed away her dish. ¡°I am full.¡± She said.


    Knox was done too so she poured herself some apple drink. Eretia sipped the juice as she met his gaze over the rim of the heavy mug.


    Knox cleared his throat.¡±I was going to ask you what you studied in college?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Uhmm¡­¡±


    ¡°Journalism? Are you a reporter? Or you do research writing because from the way you asked too many questions, I would say these are fitting field for you.¡± Knox said.


    ¡°I am not in any of those fields. Like I said earlier, I am just a curious individual and I like finding answers for things.¡± She answered.


    To be honest, Eretia didn¡¯t want to discuss things like this with him. She wasn¡¯t in any field. Nobody must know about her deepest secret. How she only found herself in the human world ording to her wish. It was shocking dream that she kept alive for years and it became a reality.


    So Knox let it drop. He stood up, picked up the dishes and took them to the sink. He rinsed the dishes quickly.


    Eretia made to stand and head to bed but the minute she tried, her legs gave out. Eretia let out a whimper as she reached for the table for support but Knox was already there catching her by her arm to steady her.


    ¡°Easy¡­¡± Knox let her get her bnce. ¡°Hey.. take it easy.¡±


    Eretia couldn¡¯t exin why she was feeling so weak. ¡°Here..¡± He offered to help her.


    Eretia knew she needed his support. Although she wished she could just move away from him but she couldn¡¯t stand without him at that moment.


    ¡°My legs are weak.¡± Eretia mumbled. This is more than the pain in her ankle. The feeling was so different.


    ¡°Lean on me.¡± Knox murmured.


    He had his arm around her, supporting her the way he had that night she fell in the snow.


    All of a sudden wave of power shot within her making Eretia closed her eyes tightly. She desperately wanted to say that she could walk and he could let her go but that was a lie. Somehow Eretia wanted him close.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr Knox Martins.¡± Eretia whispered. She didn¡¯t expect that he could be this nice.


    ¡°You.. know you can just call me.. Knox.¡± He said.


    Eretia looked at him while he helped her back to her bedroom. ¡°Climb in,¡± Knox helped her into bed.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Eretia saidying back on the bed and sighed with relief. She closed her eyes waiting while the world fell away.


    Eretia was so sleepy. The bracelet on her wrist tightened igniting more powers in her. She prayed for it not to glow underneath the bed covers. And soon she felt him touch her cheek and she slipped into the softness.


    But before Eretia could let herself go to sleep, she felt a lips brush hers, the softness of the lips and kissforted her and then it was gone.


    Was it a wish again? Was it a dream? Eretia couldn¡¯t tell and in that moment between sleeping she didn¡¯t care.


    Knox Martins has never taken advantage of a woman. He has never loved any woman. He has never kissed any woman. He has never done anything that irrational. But with Eretia close to him, he was viting his well constructed rules when he kissed her. He didn¡¯t know where the kiss hade from or the need to get closer to her but it was so bothersome.


    The ache in his system, the solitude that has been his goals for years. He drew back to give himself distance. Knox Martins has been alone for too long and he was losing it his mind because of a woman now.


    He walked out of the room and didn¡¯t look back as he exited the room.

 EPISODE TWENTY SEVEN

    THEME: A kiss with the boss


    KNOX MARTINS BEACH HOUSE


    Eretia woke up to a cool morning. Shey on the bed in silence for a moment until she heard footsteps by the door. Eretia got out of bed, feeling stronger now and her legs were steady.


    Knox Martins came knocking on the bedroom door. ¡°Eretia are you up?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yes.. yes.. I am awake! Pleasee in boss.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Knox asked a bit surprised that she was inviting him into her room.


    ¡°Of course! Don¡¯t worry I am not naked and I won¡¯t try to seduce you if that¡¯s what you are thinking!¡± She giggled.


    Knox chuckled as he opened the door. He saw her sitting at the edge of the bed.


    ¡°Good morning boss!¡± She waved at him.


    ¡°Good morning Eretia, how are you feeling now?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°I.. kind of feel stronger this morning.¡± Eretia answered.


    Then she suddenly remembered her ankle. ¡°Oh my ankle¡­¡± Quickly she stood up from the bed and took few steps forward and then stopped.


    ¡°Does it still hurt? Are you okay?¡± Knox questioned with concern in his tone.


    ¡°I feel¡­¡± Eretia voice trailed off as she looked up at him.


    Knox shot her a confused look. ¡°You aren¡¯t feeling any pain in it?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yes¡­ I am not feeling any pain in my ankle anymore.¡± Eretia twisted her ankle.


    ¡°Really?¡± Knox walked closer, grabbed her wrist and pulled her to the bed.


    ¡°Sit down.¡± Knox instructed and she obeyed him. He crouched down and removed the bandage on her leg. He examined the ankle by twisting it gently.


    ¡°Does it hurt?¡± He asked.


    ¡°No.. no.. I am not feeling any pain.¡± She answered.


    Knox was stunned. It was a fast healing! Last night he had thought of taking her to the hospital this morning to get an X ¨C Ray done on her ankle but she was fine now. It would have taken days for her to heal if she had sprained it and it would have taken weeks if it was broken.


    Knox stood up. ¡°Is this a prank so you won¡¯t visit the hospital?¡± He scrunched up his face.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Believe me, I am not pretending to be fine.¡± Eretia said with a serious look on her face.


    Knox Martins nodded. ¡°Alright. Come to the kitchen to have breakfast.¡± He said.


    ¡°You already cooked?¡± Eretia raised an eyebrow.


    Knox hummed a positive response.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have -¡±


    Knox cuts her off. ¡°Hurry up before it gets cold.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll take a shower first.¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°Your choice.¡± Knox Martins moved out of the room.


    And then Eretia remembered what she thought was a dream. Climbing into bed, Knox was kissing her? No! That had to have been a dream. If not a dream, a hallucination and not in reality.  So Eretia shrugged off the thought as she went into the bathroom.


    Minutester, she left the room and headed towards the kitchen to the smell of bacon and egg frying. Eretia stepped in and found Knox there. She stood at the doorway and watched him until he turned and his eyes flicked over her.  There was nothing in his expression that told her if anything had really happenedst night.


    ¡°Sit down¡­¡± Knox said after she walked in further into the kitchen.


    ¡°I should be the one doing all this for you.¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°You can take over when you are perfectly fine.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°I am better now.¡± Eretia smiled.


    ¡°You can take the day off today.¡± Knox said.


    ¡°No.¡± Eretia declined.


    Knox furrowed his eyebrows. ¡°It is an order.¡± He said.


    And there was no arguing with him so she let it drop. Knox dished out their food and they ate in silence. Eretia picked on her food as she wondered if Knox had kissed herst night.


    ¡°No! Knox Martins can¡¯t do it. He didn¡¯t do it right? Of course he didn¡¯t kiss me.¡± Eretia bantered within.


    Knox Martins stood up and carried his te to the sink. Eretia picked her almost empty te too.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t eat much.¡± Knox scanned her te.


    ¡°I am so full.¡± Eretia replied as she went to where Knox stood by the sink and she rinsed the dishes as he washed them. When they finished doing the dishes, they both wiped their hands on a towel.


    Eretia needed to know what was true and what had been her imagination. But she was scared to ask her boss for a confirmation. What if he didn¡¯t kiss her like she had seen it or even imagined it in her head?


    Knox Martins broke off the silence. ¡°Won¡¯t you give Oliver a call? I mean.. to let him know you are doing fine.¡±


    ¡°Of course¡­ I¡¯ll give him a call and I also need to thank him.¡± Eretia stuttered.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Knox made an attempt to leave.


    Eretia wet her lower lips before speaking up. ¡°Boss, I need to ask you something.¡±


    ¡°Questions again.¡± Knox turned back to face her. ¡°What is it?¡± He ced his hand on his waist.


    Eretia stared at him and said. ¡°Did you kiss mest night?¡±


    Knox was taken aback by her question. Slowly he moved closer and he leaned his weight on the ind and also folded his arms.


    Eretia avoided meeting his gaze. She assumed that the surprised look on his face meant that he wouldn¡¯t do such a thing with her.


    ¡°I am disappointed.¡± Knox Martins whispered.


    Eretia shook her head slowly  ¡°I know.. I shouldn¡¯t have asked such a question. But I need to know if it is true or I just imagined it in my head while I was sleeping.¡± She stated without even looking at him.


    ¡°Well I always thought if I ever kissed a woman she would at least know she has been kissed by a man.¡± Knox said.


    Eretia knew that was true at least for a man like him. Knox Martins is famous and wealthy so he would never kiss her. Eretia knew Knox would think she wasn¡¯t in her right mind and she had been imagining all sort of things.


    ¡°Never mind.¡± Eretia said. And she would have left if he hadn¡¯t touched her upper arm pulling her to a stop.


    ¡°You are serious, aren¡¯t you? I mean¡­ what you saw while you were sleeping.¡± He asked.


    Eretia still didn¡¯t look into his eyes. She was embarrassed as she stared at his bobbling Adams apple. There was no way she could meet his gaze.


    ¡°Forget it.¡± Eretia said, jerking free gently from his hold on her upper arms. She would have made her way to the door but Knox stopped her again and swirled her to face him.


    They stared intently at each other for some seconds before he reached the tips of his fingers to her cheeks. The soft touch riveted her to the spot.


    ¡°You remember it right?¡± Knox tilted her jaw so she could look into his eyes when she tried to look away.


    He stared at her but still her gaze drifted on his Adams apple instead.


    ¡°Did.. did you.. kiss me?¡± Eretia stammered.


    About a minute clicked by with Knox just touching her cheek. ¡°I kissed you.¡± He admitted.


    Eretia exhaled and the sound was unsteady. So it hadn¡¯t been been a dream. Knox Martins had truly kissed her.


    ¡°Oh.¡± She whispered.


    ¡°Oh yes.. I kissed youst night. I know I shouldn¡¯t have done it without your consent. But I won¡¯t apologize for kissing you.¡± Knox replied in a low tone.


    Eretia met his gaze as he covered the inch between them so she felt his breath on her skin. And before she could think of what to say his lips were on hers. Her eyes widened in shock, she couldn¡¯t move, she couldn¡¯t think of what to do and she just existed for that moment. Knox nibbled on her lower lip and soon the contact was gone.


    Eretia could see him again, moving back and his eyes looking into hers. She fought the urge to touch her lips as he was farther from her.


    ¡°Now you will remember that I kissed you.¡± Knox whispered. Last night was his first official kiss to a woman.


    And even though he wasn¡¯t touching her now, it did nothing to lessen his impact on her.


    She looked dazed at the moment. ¡°You were leaving to call, Oliver.¡± He reminded her.


    The mention of Oliver made  her stomach clench. An hup escaped her chest, she turned and hurried towards the door.


    Knox closed his eyes. The truth is he had thought about kissing her from the first day. ¡°This should stop.¡± He mumbled.


    Eretia was in a rtionship with another man. And it was pathetic. He shouldn¡¯t be kissing her but she had seeded in tipping his world off bnce. He thought and concluded that he would gain the courage to apologizeter.


    ***************


    FEW HOURS LATER


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Eretia asked Knox when she bumped into him on her way out of the bedroom to the living room.


    ¡°I need to meet up with a fashion designer.¡± Knox answered.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Eretia nodded.


    They stood staring at each other in silence. He needed to apologize for kissing her even though he had said he wouldn¡¯t do it.


    Knox itched the bridge of his nose. ¡°I am sorry.¡± He apologize.


    Eretia looked away from him. Knox tucked his hands in his pocket.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you still want to work for me. But Eretia, I would understand if you want to leave right now because of what I didst night and earlier. Actually, you can leave¡­ to save your rtionship with Oliver.¡±


    Eretia didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°My mom would definitely understand if I exined things to her.¡± Knox added.


    My mom? Eretia thought she had heard it wrongly. Knox just used my mom for Mrs ina Martins. He was changing? She mused.


    ¡°Say something.¡± Knox mumbled.


    ¡°I am not in a rtionship.¡± She said. ¡°I mean.. Oliver is not my boyfriend.¡± She added quickly.


    Knox Martins forehead creased. ¡°So who is he to you?¡±


    ¡°A savior. Oliver found me. I was buried in the sand by the beach so he helped me to the hospital. I don¡¯t remember anything about my family or who I am.¡± Eretia bit the inside of her cheeks. She hated the fact that she had to lie to Knox Martins too.


    ¡°So Oliver took me in. I am working so I can repay him for helping me.¡± She ended.


    Somehow Knox felt the tinge of happiness within him. She wasn¡¯t in a rtionship with Oliver. Then he suddenly pulled her into his arms with a huge smile forming on his face.


    ¡°Eretia, I am sorry for everything. The snow, your ankle¡­ everything.¡± Knox rushed out his words.


    Even though Eretia was surprised by his action towards her, she didn¡¯t know when she wrapped her hands around him.


    And Knox hugged her tightly. ¡°You want to stay.. don¡¯t you?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I have a contract with your mom.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°Please this is not about her.¡± Knox whispered into her ear.


    ¡°Now do you want me to stay?¡± She asked.


    Knox Martins was silent. He need not to think too much to find the answer, he already knew what his heart want. He pulled back to look at her.


    Eretia was quick to assume that he wasn¡¯t ready to let her into his lifepletely. ¡°Look boss, I will leave right away if you don¡¯t-¡±


    Knox Martins lips crashed on hers and the kiss was a little rougher than the previous one in the kitchen orst night. He held on around her waist and the back of her neck. Eretia met him eagerly not wanting to break the contact but soon he parted from her and ced his forehead on hers.


    ¡°Stay¡­ I want you to stay with me.¡± Knox confessed.


    Knox Martins had no idea why he was acting differently with Eretia. Maybe because she was the only woman that has ever yelled at him aside of his mother and the only woman to move his heart in a strong way. Knox wondered why he was reacting so strongly to her being there with him.


    Eretia was silent. She was also surprised by her boss attitude. He wasn¡¯t acting all tough and mean towards her. No one would ever imagine that he has such a soft and loving side in him.


    ¡°I won¡¯t stay too long.¡± Knox said with a smile on his face. He kissed her forehead and moved out of the house.


    Eretia sank onto the couch, looking down at the tips of her fingers until they touched her lips. She tried to think of everything. Heat surged into her face and neck when she recalled the kisses with Knox Martins. She could hardly believe Knox Martins really asked her to stay with him and the kisses.


    What does that mean? Her heart beat rapidly and her middle clenched.


    ¡°Is this the way humans fall in love?¡± Eretia thought deeply and she wished she could know the answers to all the questions in her head.

 EPISODE TWENTY EIGHT

    THEME: A disguise


    GOLDMYNES AGENCY


    ¡°Where is my desk?¡± Eretia turned to ask her boss.


    The room where her desk used to be as the personal assistant was now empty. ¡°You are not staying in that office anymore.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°Why?¡± Eretia furrowed her eyebrows.


    ¡°Come with me.¡± Knox grabbed her wrist and dragged her behind him and down the long hallway leading to several offices.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± She asked.


    Knox stopped to look at her. ¡°Questions again, don¡¯t you ever get tired of asking questions?¡± He leaned in closely but Eretia stepped backward. He did it again and she moved away from him.


    ¡°Stop it already someone ising.¡± Eretia said.


    Knox studied her expression. She seemed scared of what others would say if they are caught being all loved up with each other. ¡°Let us go.¡± He ordered.


    Two female models stepped out of an office and appeared in the hallway and they greeted him. Knox returned the greetings and walked off while Eretia followed closely behind him.


    ¡°Boss you haven¡¯t told me where-¡±


    Knox stopped in front of a door. ¡°No more words or questions from you again.¡± He opened the door and gestured to her to go in.


    Eretia arched her eyebrows. ¡°Me? Why should I go in first?¡± She asked.


    Knox rolled his eyes. ¡°No questions.¡± He pushed her into the room and closed the door behind them.


    Eretia couldn¡¯t help but gasp out in shock. The room wasrge and well decorated.


    ¡°This is our new office.¡± Knox informed her.


    Eretia nced around therge room. A big desk and swivel chair with Knox¡¯s name in a ssy object.


    ¡°Knox Martins, CEO of G. M. A.¡±


    And on the right side there was another desk and chair with her name in the same ssy object.


    ¡°Eretia Jones, personal assistant.¡±


    ¡°And this is our office.¡± Knox repeated.


    ¡°Our office?¡± Eretia looked at him.


    Knox nodded in confirmation. ¡°Yes.. as you can see, your name is on desk.¡± He pointed.


    ¡°But.. but why are we sharing the same office?¡± Eretia demanded.


    Knox scratched his ear as he thought of what to say to her. He had arranged it like that so he won¡¯t be far away from her. He wanted to see her always.. just sitting and watching her closely.


    ¡°Well I just want it that way.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°But your previous secretary was staying in another room.¡± Eretia said.


    Knox went to his desk. ¡°Things has changed. I mean.. this is the new system. CEO and personal assistant must stay in the same room and work together for the effective running of thepany.¡± He said.


    Eretia lifted her eyebrows. ¡°I am¡­ not sure I have heard of such arrangements.¡±


    ¡°It is kind of like a new trend. And it is is for safety purpose too.¡± Knox added.


    ¡°Safety? It is not as if I am your bodyguard.¡± Eretia muttered.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± Knox didn¡¯t hear her clearly.


    ¡°Huh? Nothing I was just¡­ talking to myself¡­¡± Eretia voice trailed and she avoided his gaze.


    ¡°You don¡¯t like your desk? I can have them change it to your taste.¡± Knox sat in his chair while Eretia went to her desk.


    ¡°I like it¡­ I mean it is nice¡­¡± She stuttered. Eretia sat back in the chair and clicked on the system on her desk.


    ¡°Press that remote.¡± Knox pointed to a ck device on her desk.¡±Yes press the red button.¡± He instructed.


    Eretia picked it up and did as he ordered. Therge screen in the room which she hasn¡¯t noticed came on.


    ¡°You can see anyone outside through the screen.¡± Knox said.


    ¡°Wow¡­¡± Eretia whispered as she nodded in understanding. ¡°When did you set up this whole ce?¡±


    ¡°Over the weekend.¡± Knox answered.


    ¡°Oh! So that day you left home to see a clothe designer.. you were actually busy here?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°I did both things. I met with the Clothe designer Ria Robert and at the same time I was working with the decorators.¡± Knox answered.


    ¡°Ria Robert?¡± Eretia repeated.


    ¡°Yes she is a famous designer. You can check her out on the system. There are other designers too that I partner with. The likes of Brian Clothing, Be Fashion House and some others.¡± Knox pointed to her system and gestured to her to check it.


    Eretia focused on her system. ¡°Pass-¡±


    ¡°The password is 5202.¡± Knox said before she couldplete her request.


    Eretia entered it and it unlocked the system. ¡°She is the first on the list¡­ I mean Ria Robert Couture.¡±


    ¡°Yes and that¡¯s because we are working on a project together at the moment. I¡¯ll tell you about the projectter.¡± Knox smiled when she looked up at him.


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Eretia kept checking the list on the system.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send my schedules to your system.¡± Knox added.


    ¡°Alright boss.¡± She replied.


    Knox clicked on his system and sent the files to her system.


    ¡°Got it!¡± Eretia gave him a thumbs up.


    Knox Martins rxed in his chair wondering why he was reacting to her being there with him. He had no idea why Eretia affected him strongly. And Knox Martins found himself smiling as he watched her.


    *********


    It was time to head home after a long day at work.


    ¡°Eretia, we should have dinner before heading home.¡± Knox suggested.


    ¡°Boss, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea.¡± Eretia declined.


    ¡°Why?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°We can have dinner at home instead of dropping by at a restaurant. I¡¯ll prepare everything.¡± Eretia picked up her handbag on the desk.


    Knox went to her. ¡°You don¡¯t want to go out with me right?¡± He asked.


    Eretia was silent. She wasn¡¯t interested in going out with Knox Martins to avoid gossips flying around the office. Everyone was already whispering behind her back. They were surprised by the boss¡¯s decision of having his personal assistant in the same office with him. So some of them got to thinking that there was something fishy between Eretia and Knox.


    Knox Martins studied her expression. ¡°Alright, I understand if you don¡¯t want to go out with me.¡± He said in a low tone as he  started the walk to the door.


    ¡°Wait..¡± Eretia went to him. ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand me.¡± She said.


    Knox tucked his right hand into his pocket as he listened to her.


    ¡°Boss.. you know you are a big celebrity so if people sees together and they will get the wrong idea.¡±


    Eretia exined without meeting his gaze.


    ¡°I understand your points but what if I change my appearance? Will youe with me?¡± He asked.


    Eretia thought for a second. She knew Knox won¡¯t be happy if she turned him down.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    So Eretia nodded. ¡°Of.. course.¡± She answered.


    Knox face brightened immediately.¡±But.. How.. how will you change your appearance?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°My hairstyle.. and -¡± Knox walked back to his desk. He  opened his drawer and brought out an eyess.


    ¡°I look different on eye sses.¡± Hepleted.


    ¡°So what about your hair?¡± Eretia asked again.


    ¡°Do you have ab in your handbag?¡± Knox requested.


    ¡°A hairbrush.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°Let me have it.¡± Knox said.


    Eretia opened her bag and gave him the hairbrush.


    ¡°Please help me out.. I don¡¯t have a mirror.¡± Knox added.


    Eretia rolled her eyes. She gestured to him to sit on the desk and he did. She brushed his hair letting it fall over his eyes.


    ¡°I am done.¡± She announced.


    Knox wore the eyess. ¡°How do I look?¡± He asked.


    Eretia looked straight into his eyes when Knox opened his eyes full and her breathe caught.  They were the most beautiful pair of eyes she had ever seen. His eyes stared intensely at her while a smirk yed on his lips. His lips were full and plump.


    Eretia restrained herself from touching his face. ¡°Nice¡­ boss.¡± She saluted him.


    No doubt, Knox Martins was good looking.

 EPISODE TWENTY NINE

    THEME: Are you happy for me?


    GOLDMYNES AGENCY


    Eretia and Knox both walked down the silent hallway. But soon he stopped on track when he saw Mary Ann.


    Mary waved. ¡°Hello Knox.¡± She started towards them.


    ¡°Hi Mary.¡± Knox greeted her when she got to where they stood.


    Mary¡¯s gaze drifted to Eretia. Knox reached out to hold Eretia¡¯s hand. ¡°Mary meet Eretia, she is-¡±


    ¡°Your maid.¡± Mary said with a smile.


    Eretia looked up at Knox. ¡°She is not my maid.¡± He said with a frown.


    Eretia tried to let go of his hand but he held on to her. Mary Ann referring to Eretia as a maid didn¡¯t make her happy and she disliked thisdy immediately.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Knox asked in a rough tone. He knew someone must have informed Mary Ann about Eretia being his maid. Betty or his mom? He thought.


    ¡°I am here to see you.¡± Mary Ann said.


    ¡°Oh.. well we were heading out to have dinner.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°Still we should do a proper introduction.¡± Mary Ann stretched her hand towards Eretia for a handshake.


    Mary waited for Knox to let go of Eretia¡¯s hand before speaking up.¡±I am Mary Ann.¡± She said with a false smile on her lips.


    Eretia shook hands with her. ¡°Eretia Jones.¡± She replied.


    Mary Ann turned to look at Knox Martins. ¡°Can we talk before you leave?¡± She asked.


    Knox checked his watch. It was 6:30 p. m. ¡°I.. I think I need to use the toilet..¡± Eretia said before Knox could think of turning Mary Ann down. She wanted to be away from thisdy because her intense stare made her ufortable.


    ¡°Excuse me..¡± Eretia said and she stalked off.


    Mary Ann stepped closer to Knox. ¡°You didn¡¯t give me a call ever since I dropped by at your ce.¡± She said.


    ¡°I have been really busy.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°Busy with work¡­ or her?¡±Mary Ann pointed towards the direction Eretia went.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Knox Martins arched his brows slightly.


    ¡°I am just curious¡­¡± Mary Ann snorted.


    ¡°Mary, I have been busy¡­ that¡¯s all.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°I met with your mom yesterday.¡± Mary Ann said.


    ¡°So she told you about Eretia right?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Mary Ann shook her head.


    ¡°Oh! I see.¡± Knox mumbled. It was just as he had suspected it.


    ¡°Is it true?¡± Mary Ann questioned.


    ¡°What?¡± Knox¡¯s frown deepened.


    ¡°You are in love with her.¡± Mary Ann blurted out.


    Knox stared intensely at her and he said what she didn¡¯t expect. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Anger crashed over Mary Ann as she felt his word pierce her heart. ¡°I thought you never believed in love.¡± Mary muttered.


    ¡°Yes.. I suppose so.¡± Knox nodded.


    ¡°So what made you change your mind?¡± Mary asked.


    Knox didn¡¯t respond. ¡°Eretia? Did she change your mind?¡± She asked again.


    He shrugged. ¡°I think I fell in love since the first day I set my eyes on her. I mean for the first time in my life I was greatly affected by a woman. I couldn¡¯t believe what my heart was telling me at first but somehow I did¡­ and now my heart belongs to her.¡± He confessed.


    ¡°She won your heart.¡± Mary Ann said loudly.


    Knox shook his head in agreement. Then Mary Ann couldn¡¯t help but wonder how Eretia has been able to make Knox Martins fall in love with her. It was something she wasn¡¯t able to achieve when they were together and even after they reunited after two yearster.


    Knox Martins simply ignored her after she admitted that she was still in love with him.


    ¡°So what about ourst discussion?¡± Mary Ann asked.


    ¡°I gave you my answer, Mary Ann. I-¡± He paused.


    ¡°What?¡± She mumbled.


    ¡°We can¡¯t be together.¡± Knox responded.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t we be together?¡± Mary Ann demanded.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any feelings for you and I consider you just as a friend.¡± Knox Martin said calmly.


    Mary Ann nodded slowly. ¡°Okay.. I understand.¡±


    ¡°You are happy for me right?¡± Knox asked.


    Mary Ann shook her head positively. ¡°Yes, I am happy for you.¡± She said with fake a smile.


    ¡°Thank you, Mary Ann.¡± Knox smiled brightly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go ahead now.¡± She said.


    ¡°Bye.¡± Knox waved at her.


    Knox¡¯s phone beeped and he reached into his pocket to pick it as he started to walk away.


    Mary Ann walked away in the same direction Eretia waited.  Knox waited for Eretia return after he ended the call.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Minutes clicked by and she showed up with a sad look on her face. Knox was leaning up against a wall somewhere close to the entrance.


    ¡°Hey.. are you okay?¡± Knox noticed the unusual look on her face.


    ¡°Yes, I am fine.¡± Eretia forced a smile on her face.


    ¡°Can we leave now?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Please¡­ can we head home¡­ instead of¡­ going to a restaurant?¡± Eretia stuttered.


    ¡°Why? You don¡¯t want to have dinner anymore?¡± Knox asked as he covered the gap between them.


    ¡°I feel.. I.. I feel a bit tired.¡± Eretia answered.


    Knox lifted his eyebrows as he checked her out. ¡°Are you okay?¡± He ced his hand on her forehead.


    ¡°Yes.. yes.. I am fine. But I am just tired.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Then let us go and see a doctor.¡± Knox suggested.


    ¡°No.. no.. I¡¯ll be fine with a good night rest¡­ or I¡¯ll just call Oliver.¡± Eretia rushed out her words.


    His expression changed at the mention of Oliver. He stepped back and away from her with a resigned look on his face.


    ¡°Okay.. let¡¯s go home.¡± He said in a low tone.


    *********


    The drive home was silent with each lost in thought. Knox Martins wondered why Eretia had changed her mind about going out to have dinner with him. He had no idea why she was quiet and the look on her face gave him concern.


    When they got home, Eretia went straight into the kitchen to prepare dinner. He wanted to know what was bothering her so he followed her.


    ¡°What do you want to cook?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Noodles.¡± Eretia answered.


    She brought out packs of noddles. And he watched her as she kept bringing out more packs noodles that they could both take.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s too much?¡± He asked.


    Eretia didn¡¯t realize that she had taken more than the usual packs for dinner. It was so obvious that she was distracted and absentminded.


    Ten minutester they settled for dinner. Knox Martins watched Eretia as she picked on her food. She was distant.


    Knox knew that there was something bothering her but he couldn¡¯t figure out what it was exactly.


    Eretia was lost in thought. Mary Ann words echoed on her mind. She closed her eyes as she tried to stop them but the words kept flooding her head.

 EPISODE THIRTY

    THEME: I love you


    KNOX MARTINS BEACH HOUSE


    FLASHBACK


    Mary Ann made her way to the toilet after she made sure that Knox wasn¡¯t following her. She met Eretia stepping out of the ce. Eretia gaze met hers but she tried walk away to ignore her.


    ¡°Now what are you feeling like?¡± Mary Ann snorted as she folded her arms.


    Eretia was confused. ¡°Let me guess.. on top of the world.¡± Mary Ann chuckled deviously.


    ¡°What are you saying?¡± Eretia scrunched up her face.


    ¡°Ohe on stop acting like you don¡¯t know what I am saying.¡± Mary Ann eyed her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t -¡±


    ¡°Are you happy now?¡± Mary Ann interrupted her.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°Mrs ina Martins hired you to move in with Knox and work as his maid but you tried to make him fall in love with you. You seduced him.¡± Mary Ann pointed out.


    ¡°You are mistaken.¡± Eretia countered.


    ¡°You seduced him thinking he was going to fall for you but Knox told me that he resisted you. Who do you think you are?¡± Mary Ann said in a tight whisper.


    Eretia didn¡¯t respond. She didn¡¯t know what to say. Did Knox really say such words?


    ¡°Listen to me, Knox  can¡¯t love you because you guys live in separate worlds. He is rich and you are poor. He is a star and you are just his maid. A nobody to be precise. Ladies like you are called gold diggers and opportunists. Hear me well, Knox and I are bounded by a promise to each other. A promise to love each other forever. So stop being a slut and stay away from him.¡± Mary Ann hands dropped to her sides as she stepped closer to Eretia.


    ¡°You don¡¯t deserve someone like him. So Miss maid look for a man who befit you.. probably a driver or a security guard would really suit you.¡± Mary Ann said with a wicked smile on her face. She was happy that she had hurt Eretia with her spiteful words.


    Eretia was stunned. She couldn¡¯t move or think of what to say or even do to  Mary Ann who waited for her to say something. And when nothing came from Eretia, Mary Ann ced a paper in her palm. ¡°This is enough to make you stay away from Knox.¡± Mary Ann said.


    ¡°My eyes are on you.¡± Mary Ann gritted before she walked away. Her footsteps echoing in Eretia¡¯s ears. She watched Mary Ann leave until she couldn¡¯t see her again.


    Eretia gaze flicked down at the paper in her hand. It was a cheque of fifty thousand dors. She leaned closer on the wall as tears burned down her cheeks. Eretia was heartbroken. She felt humiliated by Mary Ann¡¯s words and actions. Shested two minutes in tears before going back to the toilet to wash her face.


    FLASHFORWARD


    Thinking about it now, Mary Ann was right. She and Harry lived in separate worlds. And she is a fool to think and believe that Knox loved her and that she was starting to feel something for him too.


    Eretia wondered why she didn¡¯t think Knox Martins could be in love with another woman secretly even though his mom had said he doesn¡¯t believe in love. He is Knox Martins, a big celebrity in the country and also an heir to a multi billionairepany. It was shocking to find out that Knox was bounded to Mary Ann by a promise. They were both in love.


    A touch on Eretia skin stunned her out of thought. She looked up to meet Knox¡¯s  gaze and his hand on hers. He sat in front of her looking straight into her eyes.


    Eretia looked away down at her te but then she realized he had finished his food while she was deep in thought. She swallowed hard.


    Knox cleared his throat. ¡°Eretia, I want to apologize on Mary Ann¡¯s behalf for calling you a maid if that¡¯s what is making you sad.¡± He said.


    The mention of Mary Ann made her clench her fist. She avoided his gaze in the process. ¡°She.. she  is right.¡± Eretia muttered.


    ¡°No.¡± He countered


    ¡°I am your maid.. nothing but a maid. And I think it is best to stop treating me like I am more than a maid to you. Look, I am your employee and I have no expectation of anything from you. I am just-¡± Eretia paused, bit her lower lip to hold back the sob in her throat.


    ¡°Believe me, I am not a gold digger or an opportunist and I  am not trying to seduce you so you could love me.¡± She tried to defend herself from every word Mary Ann said to bring her down.


    Knox was confused. He got out of chair before she knew it. ¡°Rx¡­ Now tell me what¡¯s bothering you.¡± He whispered.


    Eretia nodded slowly. She didn¡¯t want to tell Knox anything even if it pained her to find out he was in love with Mary Ann. But why did he ask her to stay with him when he had another woman in his mind?


    Knox settled in the chair close to hers. He held her hands and squeezed it gently.¡±You-¡±


    Mary Ann threats echoed in her head. Mary Ann¡¯s eyes are on her, watching her, waiting for her to do something bad. Eretia withdrew and stood up. Deciding that she would call Mrs ina Martins tonight and inform her that it was over.


    Eretia was ready to cancel the contract. She would stay away from Knox to avoid any form of trouble with Mary Ann who looked dangerous despite her innocent face. Eretia knew she had tried her best to help the olddy reconcile with her son. At least there is a slight change now that Knox calls her mom. She would tender her resignation to the department not Knox and then leave without a goodbye.


    Then everything would be over. She would be fine. Eretia concluded.


    ¡°Good night.¡± Eretia said. And She would have left if Knox hadn¡¯t touched her wrist. She didn¡¯t look down at him.


    ¡°I used to think love never existed until I met you. Eretia, I know this might sound crazy but I think-¡± Knox stopped and stood in front of her. ¡°I am in love with you.¡± He admitted with sincerity in her tone.


    A tear slid down her cheek as she nced up at him. Eretia was surprised.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need three months or anytime to figure my feelings, I know it and I am sure of it.¡± Knox Martins added.


    ¡°What.. what about Mary Ann?¡± She closed her eyes hoping to hear the worst.


    ¡°Mary Ann? She is just a friend. I don¡¯t have anything with her aside the fact that we studied together in the same college. And she was aware that I don¡¯t believe in love.¡± Knox Martins exined.


    At that point, Eretia felt like a fool. She was embarrassed by the decision she had made in her heart. The decision to stay away from him.


    Knox Martins cupped her face in his hands. ¡°Listen to me, I can as well say that you made me believe in love again. I don¡¯t know how it happened but I guess it was because you were determined to stay around despite everything I did to you. You saw me at my worst but you didn¡¯t give up. Is that it? I don¡¯t really  know what changed me.¡± He whispered.


    ¡°Did you make any promise to Mary Ann?¡± Eretia asked without looking at him.


    ¡°What promise?¡± Knox screwed up his face.


    ¡°Love. A promise to love each other forever.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°No Eretia, none of that happened. And as a matter of fact I made it clear to Mary Ann that we can¡¯t be together. And today I admitted to her that I am in love with you and she even said that she is happy for me.¡± Knox stated with a serious look on his face


    What?! Eretia jaw dropped slightly. She thought deeply and it struck her. Mary Ann said those words to Eretia because Knox wasn¡¯t in love with her. And he couldn¡¯t love her in return the way she had expected.  Eretia pulled away from him. She recalled that she was here to reunite Mrs ina Martins with her son and not to fall in love with him.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t do this.¡± Eretia mumbled.


    Knox ced a finger on her lip. ¡°I am not going to give up on you too. It doesn¡¯t matter if you are here for a purpose of reconnecting me with my mom or that you are working for at my office. I want to be with you and that¡¯s why I asked you to stay with me.¡± He pulled her in for an embrace.


    Then Eretia began to sob in his chest as she held him tightly. ¡°I feel.. the same.. too.. but it isn¡¯t right..¡± Eretia drew back when she calmed. She brought out the cheque from her jean pocket.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Knox collected it and he recognized the writing on the cheque. ¡°Mary Ann gave this to you.¡±


    Eretia nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°When?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°I guess it was after she had the discussion with you.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°Why?¡± He was confused.


    ¡°So I could stay away from you.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°What?!¡± Knox gasped in shock. ¡°And you epted it? Eretia, were you willing to leave me just like that?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I am sorry but she gave me a good reason to stay away.¡± Then Eretia realized how foolish the reason was to her. It was her turn to embrace him so she did. Eretia hugged him tightly.


    ¡°What reason?¡± He asked.


    Then she exined everything to him. Knox exhaled roughly when she ended. He reached out to wipe her wet chins.


    ¡°We are just friends. I swear to you I have never promised her or any woman love. We were apart for two years until she showed up here again iming that she moved to America because of me.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Eretia sniffled. ¡°Mary Ann loves you.¡± She whispered.


    ¡°Yes.. and Betty Lawson too.¡± Knox added.


    ¡°Betty?¡± Eretia mumbled.


    ¡°Yes but I already made it clear that I don¡¯t love them.¡± Knox reassured her.


    Eretia was silent. ¡°Are you doubting me?¡± He asked.


    ¡°No.. no.. I believe you.¡± She replied.


    ¡°So are you good now?¡± Knox removed strands of hair from her face.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Eretia wiped her tears.


    ¡°Thank you for believing me.¡± Knox Martins leaned forward and ced a kiss on her forehead.

 EPISODE THIRTY ONE

    THEME: She copsed


    SAINT PETER HOSPITAL


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Doctor May asked Ryan.


    ¡°I am better now.¡± Ryan replied.


    Doctor May ced his hands on Ryan¡¯s forehead. He was rushed to the hospital from school. It was said that Ryan had copsed on the football field while he was practicing with his team.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell your coach that you weren¡¯t feeling well?¡± Oliver asked his brother.


    ¡°Coach Ben hates excuses. He won¡¯t listen.¡± Ryan answered.


    ¡°So you just yed without informing him about your health.¡± Oliver said.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Ryan answered.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he will be fine.¡± Doctor May reassured Oliver.


    ¡°Please call Miss Eretia.¡± Ryan blurted out.


    Oliver exchanged nces with Doctor May.


    ¡°Why?¡± Doctor May asked.


    ¡°What has Eretia got to do with-¡±


    Ryan cuts in sharply. ¡°I want to see her.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t call Eretia. You also know she is very busy at work.¡± Oliver retorted.


    ¡°Yes I know but -¡± Ryan was interrupted by a phone beeping at that moment.


    Oliver looked down at his phone and a knowing look registered on his face.


    ¡°She is the one calling?¡± Ryan asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Oliver answered and he picked the call.


    ¡°Hello Eretia.¡± He greeted.


    ¡°How are you doing Oliver?¡± Eretia requested.


    ¡°I am fine.¡± Oliver replied.


    ¡°Where are you?¡± She asked.


    ¡°At the hospital.¡± Oliver answered


    ¡°Ryan¡¯s at school right?¡± Eretia spoke up after some seconds of silence.


    ¡°No.¡± Oliver looked down at his brother.


    ¡°Why?¡± Eretia demanded.


    ¡°He is not feeling well.¡± Oliver heaved a sigh.


    ¡°What happened to him?¡± Eretia was worried.


    ¡°Actually he had feverst week so I treated him. Today he went to school and copsed during football practice.¡± Oliver exined briefly.


    ¡°Oh my goodness, Oliver, why didn¡¯t you tell me Ryan wasn¡¯t feeling well when I called youst week?!¡± She demanded in a slightly raised tone.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want you to worry about him. And you were busy at work so I just thought telling you would bother you.¡± Oliver responded.


    ¡°Oliver¡­ but you should have at least told me about it. Somehow I would have made out time to check on him.¡± Eretia rubbed her forehead.


    ¡°Can I talk to him?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Oliver handed over the phone to Ryan.


    ¡°Hello Ryan.¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°Miss Eretia.¡± Ryan mumbled with a small smile forming on his face.


    ¡°Oliver said you aren¡¯t feeling well.¡± She sighed.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Ryan hummed.


    ¡°I am sorry for noting around to see you guys.¡± Eretia apologized.


    ¡°I understand.¡± Ryan replied.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I am getting paid soon so hopefully I woulde around tomorrow.¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you make it here today?¡± Ryan asked.


    ¡°Except if I plead with Mr Knox Martins to give me a day off.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°So will youe?¡± Ryan seemed excited and he hope for a good response from her.


    Eretia was silent. She thought if Knox would give her the day off today to visit her family. What about Mrs ina?


    The contract was that after about two weeks she would visit her family and get paid if she sees any changes in her son.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try, Ryan.¡± She spoke up finally.


    ¡°Okay.. I¡¯ll be expecting you.¡± Ryan responded.


    He missed her! And he couldn¡¯t wait to see her. He gave the phone back to his brother.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°I can hear you, Eretia.¡± Oliver replied.


    ¡°Oliver, I¡¯ll talk to my boss and get permission toe home today.¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°Eretia, you don¡¯t have to breach your contract with Mrs ina because of Ryan.¡± Oliver was trying to act cool even though he missed her too.


    ¡°I am sure the chairdy will understand.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Oliver sighed.


    ¡°Bye.¡± And then the line dropped.


    *****


    GOLDMYNES MODELING AGENCY


    Eretia moved out of the office to look for Knox Martins. He was at work with a professional photographer because some of the models were shooting amercial for a cosmeticpany.


    Eretia concluded that would exin things to Knox and probably ask him to keep it away from his mom. No, it might not go well if ina finds out she was seeing her family.


    Eretia focused on her phone to dial Mrs ina Martins number. It was best to inform her to avoid troubles.


    ¡°Hi Eretia.¡± And unfamiliar voice greeted causing Eretia to nce up.


    It was Betty Lawson. Eretia stared at her and mumbled something indifferently. She recalled the day Knox had introduced Betty Lawson  to her. She was just like Mary Ann Shawna, talking less of her because she was a maid.


    Betty Lawson didn¡¯t stop ring at her. She didn¡¯t know what they had discussed but she left with annoyance on her face that day.


    Betty Lawson leaned forward. ¡°You seem to be the main talk in this agency.¡± She said.


    Eretia said nothing hoping Betty would just go away. She knew Betty felt silly the way she kept staring at her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see anything special about you.¡± Betty Lawson eyes did a slow crawl on her.


    ¡°Please excuse me.¡± Eretia made an attempt to leave.


    ¡°Where are you going?! I am not done talking to you!¡± Betty grimaced.


    ¡°I would rather leave than stand here to listen to your nonsense.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°What?!¡± Betty Lawson¡¯s jaw dropped slightly.


    ¡°You heard me.¡±  Eretia replied.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare talk to me like that again!¡± Betty pped Eretia.


    Eretia also tried to p Betty but she grabbed her wrist. Eretia managed to whip it away and she in turn pped Betty.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare touch me again!¡± Eretia said with a hard expression on her face as she walked away.


    ¡°Hey¡­ I am not done talking to you!¡± Betty called out in anger and she grabbed her wrist which had the bracelet. Betty tightened her hold on  Eretia and then suddenly it shined.


    Eretia felt the shock of wave of power within her as her eyes shone brightly. Betty Lawson was scared by the new appearance of Eretia. She let go quickly and stepped backward.


    ¡°What are you?!¡± Who are you?!¡± Betty demanded.


    Eretia yelped in pain. The pain was horrid and sharp in her heart. She tried to hide her face from Betty but it was toote. Her breathe caught and she fell to the ground.


    Betty made an attempt to run but then she heard footsteps and voices in the corridor. Knox Martins showed up with another young man.


    ¡°Somebody help!¡± Betty screamed when she saw Knox.


    His gaze fell on Eretia¡¯s body on the floor. The bracelet wasn¡¯t shinning anymore.


    ¡°Eretia!¡± Knox rushed towards her. She was unconscious. ¡°What did you do to her?!¡± He snarled at Betty.


    ¡°Nothing¡­ she.. she was.. fine.. just now.¡± Betty Lawson said shakily.


    ¡°So what happened?!¡± Knox grabbed her clothes and tightened it around her neck.


    ¡°Her.. her eyes¡­ and that bracelet¡­ shinned¡­¡± Betty stuttered in fear.


    Knox Martins pushed her away and Betty fell to the ground as hot tears burned down her cheeks.


    Knox Martins scooped Eretia up in his arms. He prayed that she was fine as he drove down to the hospital.

 EPISODE THIRTY TWO

    THEME: Unstable condition


    MERWORLD


    IN THE THRONE HALL


    Abijam the Sea wizard sat in front of the king¡¯s throne as he worked his magic under the sea.


    ¡°Is it working?¡± Oceanus asked when the sea wizard opened his eyes.


    ¡°Yes your majesty.¡± Abijam bowed.


    ¡°What¡¯s going to happen to her in that world?¡± Oceanus questioned with a worried look on his face.


    ¡°She would be weak.¡± Abijam answered.


    ¡°My daughter has been gone for too long. I can¡¯t wait anymore.¡±  nained.


    ¡°Yes it has been long enough¡­ about eight months now.¡±  Azizi added.


    ¡°What do we have to do again?¡± Oceanus asked.


    ¡°We¡¯ll keep connecting with the princess through the bracelet since it is the only belonging she took to that world.¡± Ajijam responded.


    He has been able to connect with Ade because of the bracelet. It belonged to the Sea.


    ¡°When can we connect with her again?¡± na questioned as she was working so hard to calm herself down.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know soon, my queen.¡± Abijam bowed respectively to her.


    ¡°Wait won¡¯t she get hurt?¡± Azizi asked.


    ¡°The princess is alive, that¡¯s all I know.¡± Abijam answered.


    ¡°But we have to be very sure of her safety!¡± na snapped at the sea wizard.


    ¡°The bracelet would weaken her and she would be out for days in that world. But The princess won¡¯t be able to save herself.¡± The sea wizard replied.


    ¡°So who would save her?¡± Oceanus asked.


    ¡°The desire to return home.¡± The sea wizard replied and he stood up to leave.


    ¡°Thank you, Abijam.¡± Oceanus sighed.


    ¡°Long Live the King of Merivillia Kingdom!¡±  The sea wizard bowed slightly before swimming out of the throne hall.


    ¡°Nothing seems to be working.¡± Queen nained.


    ¡°You have to calm down, my queen. We should keep praying that the sea should protect her.¡± Oceanus swam towards his wife.


    ¡°This is driving me crazy!¡± Ade swims away angrily.


    ¡°Mother-¡±


    ¡°Oh Azizi, let her be.¡± Oceanus stopped his son when he was about following his mother.


    ¡°But father-¡±


    ¡°She probably needs sometimes alone. Azizi, thank you for giving  Ade that bracelet.¡± Oceanus went back to sit on his throne.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know we would be need it this way some day.¡± Azizi let out an heavy sigh.


    ¡°It has really helped us to locate the princess of this great sea.¡± Oceanus smiled at his son.


    ¡°Well I hope she returns back to the sea soon.¡± Azizi bowed to his father.


    *********


    HUMAN WORLD


    SAINT PETERS HOSPITAL


    Knox Martins rushed towards doctor Brandon when he came out of the room with a nurse behind him.


    ¡°How is she doing? Is she okay? What went wrong exactly?¡± He questioned frantically.


    ¡°You can leave, Nurse Jones. Prepare the necessary things to have the patient transferred.¡±  Doctor Brandon said.


    She was the same nurse, Eretia had copied her name.


    ¡°Okay doctor.¡± She walked off.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Knox Martins panicked at the perturbed look on doctor Brandon¡¯s face.


    ¡°Thedy you brought in-¡± Doctor Brandon paused.


    ¡°Tell me what¡¯s going on Doctor?¡± Knox questioned after a long silence. He was scared of losing Eretia.


    ¡°She is strange.¡± Doctor Brandon said.


    Knox Martin lifted his eyebrow.  ¡°What do you mean?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Come with me.¡± Brandon replied.


    Knox Martins followed him inside the ward. Eretia wasying lifeless on the bed.


    ¡°Look at this¡­¡± Doctor Brandon pointed to the machine reading her heartbeat. It buzzed and stopped. It wasn¡¯t moving, the lines on the machine was straight.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t have a heartbeat. She is not stable¡­ I haven¡¯t seen this in my whole life. She is-¡±  Doctor Brandon said.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be happening!¡± And Knox Martins knew what it meant so he rushed to the bed.


    ¡°She is not dead right?! Eretia!¡± He shook her but she didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Knox..¡± The Doctor tried to hold him.


    Eretia wasn¡¯t breathing. She was dead but he couldn¡¯t ept it. Hot tears burned down his cheeks. ¡°No.. no.. she can¡¯t be dead.¡± Knox hugged her tightly. Eretia was pale and cold in his arms.


    ¡°She was breathing a while ago..¡± Doctor Brandon said. ¡°Listen to me.. Knox. ¡°You have to know something is strange about thisdy.¡± He whispered.


    Knox was confused. ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you are trying to say. Please just do something to revive her.¡± He pleaded.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Knox felt the pain in his heart again. The pain of losing a loved one. ¡°Please..e.. back.. to me.¡± He said shakily.


    About five minutes clicked by with Knox still holding on to Eretia¡¯s body as he cried. And the machine beeped again. ¡°Yes.. she came back!¡± Doctor Brandon shouted in surprised tone.  Knox¡¯s head snapped up to look at the doctor. Brandon had a dazed look on his face as he pointed to the machine again.


    Eretia heartbeat was steady. ¡°She is alive?¡± Knox looked at Eretia. She sneezed out but didn¡¯t open her eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s how she has been doing since you brought her in. Her temperature is so cold, she is pale and it is hard to check her pulse but she is still alive.¡± Doctor Brandon exined.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡± Knox mumbled


    ¡°Yes.. it is impossible. This is my first case.. the first time I am witnessing something like this in my years of being a medical doctor. The patient seems to be fighting death.¡± Doctor Brandon responded.


    Knox leaned down to hug her. ¡°You are alive.. Eretia¡­ you¡¯ll be okay.¡± He whispered to her.


    ¡°She is stable now so you should let her rest now.¡± Doctor Brandon said.


    Knoxy her back on the bed gently. ¡°When would she regain consciousness?¡± He asked.


    ¡°It depends if she wants to stay alive. We will keep a close eye on her condition.¡± Doctor Brandon replied.


    ¡°Okay.¡±  Knox sniffled as he wiped his tears.


    ¡°I¡¯lle around to check on her soon.¡± Doctor Brandon moved out of the room.


    Knox held Eretia¡¯s hands in hisrge one and kissed them. ¡°Please stay alive for me.¡± He muttered.


    The bracelet shined but soon the light faded and Knox thought he had imagined it. Eretia also mumbled in her unconscious state. Knox focused on hearing what she was saying but he couldn¡¯t make out her words.


    His phone buzzed and he took it out of his pocket. It was Mrs ina Martins.


    ¡°Hello mom.¡± Knox said in slow tone. The word mom felt strange on his lips.


    The olddy thought she had heard wrongly. Knox called her mom. Her son just referred to her as mom. ina thought that she was hallucinating.


    ¡°Knox, is that you?¡± Mrs ina asked.


    ¡°Yes mom.¡± Knox answered.


    The olddy was happy! ¡°How is she doing?¡± She asked with a concerned tone.


    ¡°She is still unconscious.¡± Knox had called his mom the moment he arrived at the hospital to let her know about the situation.


    ¡°I am scared..¡± His voice trailed off.


    ¡°She¡¯ll be fine. Eretia is a strong woman and I know she will wake up soon.¡± Mrs ina assured him.


    Knox wiped the tear that strayed down his cheek. ¡°Yes.. I hope.. so too.¡± He mumbled shakily.


    ¡°Can I ask you something?¡± Mrs ina Martins asked.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Knox sniffed.


    ¡°Perhaps, do you love Eretia?¡± Mrs ina questioned.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Knox replied. His response was immediate and sharp.


    ¡°Well I had known from the start that you would end up falling for her.¡± Mrs ina Martins said.


    ¡°She is different.¡± Knox muttered as he looked at Eretia on the bed.


    ¡°So have you confessed to her?¡± Mrs ina questioned


    ¡°Yes mom.¡± Knox answered.


    ¡°Oh really?! When did you confess to her?¡± She asked.


    Mrs ina knew her son would end up falling for Eretia but she didn¡¯t expect it to be too soon or that Knox could make the confession so fast.


    ¡°Yesterday.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°Now don¡¯t tell me you have shared a kiss.¡± Mrs ina giggled.


    ¡°Yes, we already a shared a kiss. I kissed her first.¡± A smile formed on his lips at the image of him kissing Eretia in his mind¡¯s eye.


    ¡°Oh!¡± She huffed.


    ¡°Then I guess.. we have a lot to talk about if you are willing to talk to me as your mother.¡±  Mrs ina said in a low tone.


    Knox was silent as he thought of his father. ¡°Forgive me son.¡± She apologized. ¡°I regretted my action towards yourte father. I am still carrying that guilt in my heart.. and I don¡¯t think I can let go if you don¡¯t forgive me. I know it was hard on you when you lost your father in that crash.. it pains me too son.¡± She wiped the tears dropping down her cheeks.


    Knox could sensed her pain. A long time ago, Knox already realized that his father¡¯s death wasn¡¯t his mother¡¯s intention but he was only mad at her for using his father unjustly. Knox didn¡¯t know someday that he would forgive his mother but now was the right time to forgive and let go of everything. It was time to reconcile with his mother.


    ¡°I forgive you.¡± He said.


    ¡°Thank you, son.¡± Mrs ina sniffed.


    Knox was silent. He didn¡¯t know what else to say to his mom.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be at the hospital soon.¡± Mrs ina said.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Knox ended the call.


    Mrs ina Martins was super excited! She couldn¡¯t stop the tears spilling down her cheeks. It was tears of joy. She almost busted of happiness! And she couldn¡¯t wait to see her son, to hug him just like she used to when he was a little boy.


    At that moment she was grateful to Eretia for reconnecting her to Knox in just one week. The olddy thought of how to repay Eretia for the great help and she prayed over and over again for her to regain consciousness soon.

 EPISODE THIRTY-THREE

    THEME: The Golden Rule


    SAINT PETERS HOSPITAL


    Eretia opened her eyes to the bright sunlight filtering through the window. The sun reflected off the wall adjacent to it. She observed her surrounding through her blurred vision.


    Eretia blinked as she refilled her lungs with cool air. She closed her eyes slowly for a moment andy very still on the bed. White wall! She knew where she was.. the hospital!


    How did she ended up there? Eretia asked herself within. Memories shed through her mind. She remembered everything. Calling Oliver, deciding to take the day off to see Ryan, talking to Betty Lawson, her bracelet shining and it ended.


    Eretia opened her eyes slowly trying to focus. Knox! The first person that came to her mind after  she remembered the incidence. Eretia turned her head, she looked beyond and she saw him. Knox Martins was there,ying on a couch with his eyes closed.


    ¡°Knox..¡± Eretia called out.


    Knox Martins was fast asleep. He hasn¡¯t been able sleep since Eretia passed out. He had only managed to drift into sleep ten minutes ago after watching her throughout the night.


    Eretia felt stronger now as she shifted on the bed to test her body. Then she got out of bed and went to the couch which was about five steps away from the bed.


    Eretia studied Knox¡¯s face and she knew he hasn¡¯t slept in a while due to the dark circles under his eyes. Then Eretia couldn¡¯t help but wonder how long she had been out? Eretia looked down at the bracelet as she recalled the look on Betty¡¯s face at the sight of the shinning bracelet and her eyes. She had to stop Betty from telling anyone what she saw that day. She leaned up and paced the small area.


    Eretia  remembered the golden rule. She could make Betty Lawson forget what she saw. A friendly handshake would do the work. But how is she going to meet Betty Lawson? Eretia pondered.


    At that moment, Knox opened his eyes. His gaze met hers and he sat up quickly. ¡°Eretia..¡± He stood up and touched her cheeks. She is alive! He pulled her into his arms and her hands wrapped around him.


    Knox didn¡¯t know how long he held her in his arms and just whispering to her. Telling her how scared he was when he saw her in the hallway, when her heart stopped beating and while she was unconscious. Knox admitted that he had feared that he was going to lose her and he pleaded with her to stay with him.


    Knox Martins drew back to look at her. He pulled her gently to the bed, made her sit on it and he also settled beside her. He grazed her cheeks with his knuckles.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°I am fine, Knox.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°Oh my goodness.. I was so scared.¡± Knox sighed.


    ¡°How long have I been out?¡±  Eretia asked.


    ¡°Three days.. you were unconscious for three days and I was so scared of losing you.¡± Knox answered.


    ¡°Three days?!¡± Eretia eyes widened in shock.


    ¡°Yes the doctor couldn¡¯t tell what actually made you unconscious for that long. I also tried to reach Betty to find out what she did to you but she hasn¡¯t been picking up her calls.¡± Knox paused and let out a sigh before speaking up again


    ¡°Tell me what happened between you and Betty Lawson.¡± Knox requested.


    Eretia looked up at him. ¡°You see.. we had a fight that day.¡± She said.


    ¡°Why? Did she tried to bully you? Just tell me everything.¡± Knox rushed out his words.


    ¡°Well I called Oliver after I finished sending out the invitations. So he told me Ryan wasn¡¯t feeling well and then I decided to look for you so I could take the day off to see him at the hospital. But then I met Betty in the hallway-¡± She paused to think of how to exin the situation to him without involving the bracelet.


    ¡°What did she do to you?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°Betty said I was the talk at the agency and there is nothing special about me. Believe me Knox, I tried to avoid her by keeping quiet and walking away. Betty got mad after I gave her a piece of my mind too and she hit my face.¡±  Eretia recounted the incident to him.


    ¡°Betty hit you?!¡± Knox fists balled automatically.


    ¡°Yes.. and I pped her too.¡± Eretia nodded her bed.


    ¡°Then how did you pass out?¡± Knox asked


    Eretia thought for a second. She knew it was the power in the bracelet that weakened her. And there was no way she could tell Knox about it. Telling him the truth would only reveal her identity.


    ¡°She said something about¡­ your bracelet.¡± Knox pointed at the bracelet.


    Eretia¡¯s heartbeat elerated. ¡°What did she say?¡± She asked.


    ¡°It.. it shinned¡­ something like that.. but I don¡¯t really understand what she was trying to say.¡± Knox stuttered.


    Eretia looked down at the bracelet on her wrist. She pondered about the bracelet. The sudden weakness and unconsciousness. What does that mean? A call by the sea to return home? Is something wrong in her world? She thought deeply. No it shouldn¡¯t be this answer! Eretia wasn¡¯t ready to go back to her world.


    Knox was disturbed, he fought the urge to tell her what happened on the day she had copsed. Strange things he couldn¡¯t understand, those words she mumbled in her sleep and her heartbeat dropping at every minute almost giving him a heart attack and the bracelet on her wrist.


    ¡°What¡¯s with this bracelet?¡± Knox blurted out. He tried to hold her wrist but Eretia withdrew quickly.


    ¡°Is it something magical?¡± He asked again.


    ¡°No.. no magic doesn¡¯t exist.¡± Eretia response was immediate.


    ¡°Yeah it doesn¡¯t exist.. but your bracelet is-¡± Knox Martins voice trailed off.


    ¡°Where is my cellphone?¡± Eretia tried to change the topic.


    Knox knew she didn¡¯t want to have the conversation with him so he let things slide. He stood up and took out her phone from the hold all bag.


    ¡°Here.¡± Knox gave it to her.


    ¡°I want to call Oliver.¡± Eretia said. She sounded like she was asking for Knox¡¯s permission to call Oliver.


    Knox Martins nodded and settled on the couch.


    ¡°Uhmm.. what¡¯s the name of this hospital?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Saint Peters Hospital.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°Saint Peters? Oliver works here.¡± Eretia said with a smile beaming across her face.


    ¡°I should call him. Oliver and Ryan must have expected me toe see them three days ago.¡± Eretia dialed Oliver number and he picked on the third ring.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Oliver said.


    ¡°Hi Oliver, it is, Eretia.¡± She bit her lower lip.


    ¡°Yeah I know.¡± Oliver said coldly.


    The door opened and doctor Brandon stepped in.


    ¡°I am sorry for not showing up on Tuesday as promised.¡± Eretia apologized.


    ¡°Can we talk some other time. Eretia, I am busy at work.¡± Oliver said. He sounded like he wasn¡¯t interested in talking to her.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Eretia mumbled. ¡°But when will you be-¡±


    Oliver ended the call before she could finish the sentence. She wasn¡¯t happy by Oliver response and attitude to her.


    ¡°Good Morning, Miss Eretia.¡± Doctor Brandon greeted.


    Eretiay back on the bed. ¡°Good morning doctor-¡± She paused not knowing his name.


    ¡°Brandon.¡± He said.


    ¡°Brandon.¡± Eretia nodded.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Doctor Brandon asked.


    ¡°I am fine.¡± Eretia replied.


    Doctor Brandon exchanged nces with Knox Martin. ¡°I can see that your color is better now.¡± He checked her pulse. It was steady and normal.


    ¡°How is it now?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°Good.¡± Doctor Brandon murmured.


    ¡°Can I go home now?¡± Eretia demanded.


    ¡°Yes, you are better now. You can go home in few hours time. Mr Knox, pleasee with me to sign the discharge papers.¡± Doctor Brandon responded.


    ¡°Wait do you know Oliver Scott? He is a surgeon in this hospital.¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°Surgeon Oliver. Yes, I know. But why did you ask?¡± Doctor Brandon arched his eyebrows.


    ¡°Perhaps am I permitted to see him at work? I have some things to exin to him.¡± Eretia fiddled with her fingers.


    ¡°Surgeon Oliver has been off duty for some days now to take care of his little brother.¡± Doctor Brandon replied.


    Eretia could hardly believe Oliver had lied to her. Oliver had said he was busy at work whereas he was at home talking care of Ryan. And why was he acting differently on phone? She pondered.


    ¡°Do you know him?¡± Doctor Brandon asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Eretia nodded slowly as she managed a small smile on her face.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Okay, Miss Eretia. You have a nice bracelet.¡± Doctor Brandonplimented as he shared a look with Knox Martins.


    Eretia figured that the bracelet must have shined while the doctor was tending to her. ¡°Nice to meet you, doctor Brandon.¡± She stretched out her hand towards him.


    The look on his face was that of shock. Eretia sensed that the doctor wanted to say more words to her but he was holding back for some reasons she doesn¡¯t know. Doctor Brandon looked at her as if she had grown four head.


    ¡°Thank you for taking care of me.¡± Her smile grew broader as he shook hands with her.


    The Golden Rule. Eretia wiped apart of his memory which concerns her in the process. Then Doctor Brandon moved out of the room.


    Knox hated the sad look that reced her face after doctor Brandon exited the room.  He stood up and went to her. ¡°Oliver lied to you?¡± He said.


    And Eretia shook her head in agreement.  ¡°I think he is mad at me for not showing up on Tuesday.¡± She said soberly.


    ¡°You can go home and see them after I sign your discharge papers.¡± Knox asserted.


    Eretia looked at him. There was no smile on his face. ¡°Is that okay by you?¡± She questioned.


    ¡°Yes if that¡¯s what would make you happy.¡± Knox nodded. He was concerned about her happiness.


    Knox Martins had her in his heart. This is making her heart fluster. Eretia thought.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She said before he made his way out to the door.


    Knox Martins signed the paper and he drove Eretia to Oliver¡¯s apartment before heading home to have a good rest after days of nursing Eretia.

 EPISODE THIRTY-FOUR

    THEME: She has Knox Martins


    THE MARTINS EMPIRE


    ELAINA MARTINS OFFICE


    ¡°Excuse me Ma¡¯am.¡± Tracy said as she walked into the office.


    Mrs ina Martins looked up from the paper works on her desk. ¡°Yes Tracy.¡±


    ¡°Miss Betty Lawson is here.¡± Tracy informed her.


    ¡°Let her in.¡± Mrs ina Martins instructed her.


    ¡°Okay Ma¡¯am.¡± Tracy bowed slightly before heading back to her office. ¡°You can go in Miss Betty Lawson.¡± She smiled.


    Betty Lawson walked into therge office. ¡°Good morning, Mrs ina Martins.¡± She greeted.


    Mrs ina sat back in the swivel chair. ¡°Betty, it has been a while. How may I help you?¡± She said with a serious look.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you at least offer me a seat?¡± Betty snorted.


    ¡°Suit yourself, Betty Lawson.¡± Mrs ina Martins smiled. She already knew what Betty did to Eretia. Her son already told her about it during his drive home.


    ¡°You have changed towards me.¡± Betty said in a low tone.


    ¡°Did I? Maybe you caused it. Remember the day you barged into my office and disrespected me.¡± Mrs ina reminded her.


    ¡°I was just angry to find that woman in Knox¡¯s home.¡± Betty replied defensively.


    ¡°And is that why you went after the innocentdy? Is that enough reason to want to get rid of her so you can be with my son?¡± Mrs ina demanded as she leaned forward.


    ¡°No, you are mistaken.¡± Betty replied.


    ¡°Oh really? Then tell me how she ended up in a hospital.¡± Mrs ina forced a smile on her face.


    ¡°I.. I don¡¯t.. know¡­¡± Betty stuttered.


    ¡°Three days. Eretia was unconscious for close to three days and you didn¡¯t even pick up Knox¡¯s calls. Why? Were feeling guilty all those times she wasying unconscious at the hospital? Or you were happy that she would be out of the way if anything goes wrong with her?!¡± The olddy emphasized.


    Betty Lawson was silent. She had no idea why Eretia ended up in the hospital.


    ¡°Eretia said you picked up a fight with her.¡± Mrs ina breathed out.


    ¡°Yes¡­ but I didn¡¯t do anything bad to her.¡± Betty defended.


    ¡°Did you hit her?¡± Mrs ina asked.


    ¡°Yes.. and she hit me back too and I didn¡¯t copsed. My cheeks burned too from her hit on my face.¡± Betty responded.


    Serves you right! The olddy said to her herself.


    ¡°Listen to me thatdy isn¡¯t human.¡± Betty stood up from the chair she sat on.


    ¡°Why did you say that?¡± Mrs ina furrowed her eyebrows.


    ¡°I saw her eyes.. and that bracelet on her wrist is magical!¡± Betty answered.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Mrs ina was confused.


    Betty tried to exin to the old woman what she saw that day after grabbing Eretia¡¯s wrist. Mrs ina Martins thought Betty Lawson was crazy after she ended the story.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± The olddy asked.


    ¡°Yes.. yes I am fine. I know it sounds crazy and weird but believe me thatdy is strange. She shouldn¡¯t be with Knox. They shouldn¡¯t be together.¡± Betty asserted.


    ¡°Oh I see..¡± Mrs ina mouthed. ¡°Now I think I understand what you are trying to say. You think Eretia isn¡¯t from this world.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Betty Lawson snapped her fingers. ¡°She must be an alien. What if she is a demon? Or a ghost out  in this world to find a soul to switch bodies? She can be anything dangerous!¡± She held a pleading look, hoping the olddy would believe her.


    Everyone Betty had told the story thought she was going nut. Even Mrs Precious Lawson thought her daughter was already losing her mind.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡± Mrs ina said with a serious face.


    Betty was frustrated. ¡°Why won¡¯t you believe me?! I am trying to save your son¡¯s life. So why don¡¯t you try to ask her about that bracelet.¡± She stopped pacing to focus on the old woman.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to ask her. Eretia probably got the bracelet from a jewelry store anyways.¡± Mrs ina replied.


    Betty rubbed her temples. No one will ever believe her. ¡°I am leaving the country.¡± She said.


    ¡°Why?¡± Mrs ina asked.


    ¡°I want to be away from Knox or else I might end up hurting the one he loves.¡± Betty Lawson


    sounded resigned.


    Mrs ina nodded slowly. ¡°Alright Betty¡­ Safe trip.¡± She replied.


    ¡°I just hope that you act on what I told you about Eretia.¡± Betty said finally before she moved out of the office.


    Mrs ina never believed her words. She just concluded that Betty Lawson was jealous of not having Knox to herself and she made things up to make her fire Eretia.


    Her cellphone beeped and she picked it. ¡°Hello Precious.¡± She said.


    ¡°Hi ina. Did you talk to Betty?¡± Mrs Precious Lawson asked


    ¡°Yes Betty just left my office.¡± Mrs ina replied.


    ¡°Did you notice anything strange about her.¡± Mrs Precious questioned in a low tone.


    ¡°Why did you say that?¡± Mrs ina stood up from the swivel chair and worked to the window pane.


    ¡°Well I think my daughter is losing her mind slowly.¡± Mrs Precious Lawson answered.


    ¡°You think so too?¡± Mrs ina mumbled.


    ¡°Yes, Betty keeps saying silly things about ady close to Knox being a witch or a weirdo. I don¡¯t understand everything she said to me about this woman working for your son.¡± Mrs Precious Lawson said.


    ¡°Yeah she said the same to me.¡± Mrs ina replied


    ¡°Do you think Betty needs to check into a mental home?¡± Mrs Precious Lawson asked.


    Mrs ina Martins shook her head in agreement. ¡°Try to talk to a psychiatrist about her case. I suggest therapy for her too.¡±


    Mrs Precious Lawson let out a loud sigh. ¡°I¡¯ll do that but Betty insist that she is leaving the country.¡±


    Betty¡¯s mom doesn¡¯t know about the deal she had with Mrs ina so it was best to keep her in the dark.


    ¡°I think she is leaving again for a vacation.¡± Mrs Precious added.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t disclose the country?¡± Mrs ina asked.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t say much but I¡¯ll find out soon.¡± Mrs Precious Lawson answered.


    ¡°Okay Precious, I have to get back to work now. So I¡¯ll give you a callter.¡± Mrs ina wanted to end the conversation.


    ¡°Wait.. will you be at Karissa daughter¡¯s wedding?¡± Mrs Precious Lawson asked.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll got my designer to work on my outfit.¡± Mrs ina answered.


    ¡°Okay let us meet up on Friday to treat our hair and do our nails too. You know I have the best stylist and -¡±


    Mrs ina Martins rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a callter, Precious.¡± She ended the call.


    ¡°Oh Precious.. you better focus on taking care of your daughter before she bes a threat to the society.¡± Mrs ina huffed.


    ????????????


    OLIVER SCOTT APARTMENT


    Oliver walked into the sitting room with a tray filled with baked bread and orange juice. ¡°Ryan, it is time for your medication.¡± He set the tray on the table only for him to notice the sober look on the boy¡¯s face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I am just worried about her.¡±  Ryan replied with a shrug.


    ¡°Eretia? I told you to forget about her.¡± Oliver said with annoyance in his tone.


    ¡°Why are you so mad at her? She hasn¡¯t done anything wrong to you.¡± Ryan defended her.


    ¡°Eretia isn¡¯ting back to us.. ept it.¡± Oliver gritted.


    ¡°Why? Did she tell you that?¡± Ryan demanded.


    Oliver avoided his brother¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°No miss Eretia didn¡¯t say that she won¡¯t being back to us. She doesn¡¯t have anyone so she would definitelye back to us.¡± Ryan had a frown on his face.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t have anyone? She has Knox Martins now.¡± Oliver blurted out.


    ¡°Knox Martins is only her boss.. and we are her family.¡± Ryan countered.


    ¡°She isn¡¯t a Scott!¡± Oliver snapped at his brother.


    Ryan stared at his brother in disbelief.¡± I can¡¯t believe you are saying this when you are the same one who brought her into our home. You offered to be her guardian. Are you are like this because she didn¡¯t show up on Tuesday?¡±  Ryan demanded.


    Oliver didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t make a promise toe visit us. Miss Eretia only said that she was going to plead with her boss to let her see us. So maybe he didn¡¯t give her the chance or probably Mrs ina hasn¡¯t seen the change she wanted in her son.¡± Ryan tried to give reasons why Eretia couldn¡¯t make it to see them.


    ¡°That¡¯s bullshit! She didn¡¯t even bother to give us a call.¡± Olive grimaced.


    ¡°She must have a good reason so why don¡¯t you call her and find out.¡± Ryan countered.


    ¡°Stop trying to-¡± Oliver was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell.


    ¡°It must be the gamepads I ordered. I¡¯ll answer it.¡± Ryan stood up and went to the door. He opened it and Eretia was there.


    ¡°Miss Eretia!¡± And without thinking he threw his hands around her.


    ¡°Hi Ryan.¡± Eretia greeted as he dragged her into the house. She met Oliver¡¯s gaze but he looked away quickly.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you show up on Tuesday?¡± Ryan asked immediately he led her to the couch and made her sit on it.


    ¡°Forgive me Gideon.. I was-¡±


    ¡°Busy at work.¡± Oliver snorted.


    Eretia looked at him and his expression unreadable. Oliver stood up and motioned towards the door to leave. He wanted to be away from her.


    ¡°Wait.. Oliver..¡± She stopped him.


    Oliver stopped at the door but he didn¡¯t turn to face her.


    ¡°I know you are mad at me because I didn¡¯t show up at the hospital. Believe me I wanted to talk to Knox until someone picked up a fight with me and somehow I copse at the agency.¡±  Eretia didn¡¯t want to go into details.


    ¡°I just got discharged this morning from Saint Peters hospital.¡± She added.


    ¡°You copsed?¡± Ryan asked.


    Eretia nodded her head. Oliver turned to look at her and he studied her expression.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you can call Doctor Brandon. He was the one who told me that you took some days off to take care of Ryan.¡± Their gaze locked and Oliver didn¡¯t look away.


    She was telling me the truth. He knew Doctor Brandon. The mention of him indicated that she was truly admitted at Saint Peters hospital.


    ¡°So you weren¡¯t feeling well too. How are you feeling now?¡± Ryan asked.


    ¡°I am fine.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°So who stayed with you at the hospital?¡± Ryan asked again with a concerned look.


    ¡°Knox Martins.¡± Eretia replied.


    Ryan shot his brother a never jump into hasty conclusion look. ¡°I told you something must have happened.¡± He said to his brother.


    Oliver realized that he needed to apologize for so many things.  Eretia walked up to him. ¡°Oliver, I know that I haven¡¯t been paying much attention to you guystely. I am-¡±


    ¡°I am sorry.¡± Oliver interrupted her to apologize.


    ¡°No, I should be the one apologizing for paying too much attention to work.¡± Eretia countered.


    ¡°I understand. I am sorry for lying to you.¡± Oliver muttered.


    Eretia knew Oliver doesn¡¯t understand. He was only trying to y cool. Since she found out he lied to her, he felt guilty for lying to her and for cutting her off the phone like she was some stranger.


    ¡°How is work?¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°Fine.¡± Eretia whispered.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Perhaps.. is Knox Martins giving you any problem?¡± Oliver demanded.


    ¡°No we are good.¡± Eretia responded.


    His middle clenched at her words as he thought of the possibilities in the we are good.


    ¡°You are getting along well.¡± He mumbled.


    ¡°Yes.. and Knox Martins is nice to me.¡± Eretia said with a smile.


    Oliver sensed something fishy by Eretia¡¯s sudden smile at the mention of Knox Martins. As Oliver watched her, he got familiar with that look on her face as she answered all of Ryan¡¯s questions about Knox Martins.


    Eretia¡¯s face beamed all through the discussion. She was in love with Knox Martins. Eretia wanted to tell the brothers everything that happened at Knox¡¯s home but then her phone buzzed. It was call from ma¡¯am ina Martins.


    Eretia picked up. ¡°Hello ma¡¯am.¡± She cleared her throat.


    ¡°Hi Eretia, Knox said you got discharged today and you are seeing your family.¡± Mrs ina said happily.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am. But I¡¯ll head back to Knox¡¯s home when I am done spending time with my family.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°Please if it is not tootee to thepany before heading to Knox¡¯s home.¡± Mrs ina said.


    Eretia hummed a response before the call went off. ¡°Mrs Isobel want to see me.¡± She said in a low tone.


    ¡°So you are leaving?¡± Ryan asked with a sad face.


    ¡°I am sorry.¡± Eretia stood up to leave.


    Ryan wished she could stay a bit longer. ¡°When next would youe around?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Ryan.¡± Eretia muttered.


    Oliver was silent. ¡°Okay.. at least I am d you came around today.¡± He said with a half smile.


    Eretia roughen his head as she ced a kiss on his forehead. ¡°Get me Knox¡¯s autograph.¡± Ryan dered.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Eretia smiled.


    Oliver sat there rubbing his palms gently without saying anything.


    ¡°Bye Oliver.¡± Eretia said buthe didn¡¯t respond.


    Ryan waved at her as she walked out of the house.


    ¡°I told you she would end up leaving us someday.¡± Oliver stormed off to his bedroom.

 EPISODE THIRTY FIVE

    THEME: Betty Lawson is out


    THE MARTINS EMPIRE


    ELAINA MARTINS OFFICE


    She was a bit surprised to see Eretia. She wasn¡¯t expecting to see her this soon.


    ¡°I thought you nned to spend some time with your family.¡± Mrs ina said.


    ¡°Yes I nned to stay till evening but I had to leave after receiving your call.¡± Eretia responded.


    ¡°Well I wasn¡¯t in a hurry to see you. But I am happy to see you, Eretia. And I apologize on Betty Lawson¡¯s behalf.¡± Mrs ina heaved a sigh.


    ¡°No apologies needed, Mrs ina.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°First of all I want to thank you for reuniting me and my Son. Knox and I are on good terms now.¡± Mrs ina Martins smiled brightly as she told Eretia how she had reconciled with her son on Tuesday.


    ¡°I am d you and Knox are back together now as mother and son.¡± Eretia fiddled with her fingers that suddenly became sweaty. She realized her contract with this old woman was over. And it only means that she was going to leave Knox Martins home and probably start looking for another job.


    Eretia exhaled roughly as so many thoughts flooded her mind. Oliver, Ryan.. and Knox Martins.


    Oliver and Ryan would definitely be happy the contract was over. Oliver won¡¯t be mad at her anymore if she moved back to his home.


    But what about Knox Martins who has openly confessed about his feelings to her?


    ¡°The contract¡­ is over right?¡± Eretia asked without looking at the old woman.


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave the contract aside. I found out from my son that he loves you. Eretia, it is surprising that you reconnected us and also won is his heart.¡± Mrs ina sounded so excited.


    Eretia knew it was the excitement of reconciling with her son. She nodded slowly. Is this really the end? She mused.


    ¡°You achieved all these things in less than two weeks. So I have decided to fulfill my part of the contract.¡± Mrs ina said.


    Pay her and ask her to leave? Eretia thought of her love towards Knox. Suddenly Eretia wished she could be with Knox Martins forever. But it was impossible with the Neifion bracelet on her wrist in the human world. The bracelet belonged to the sea and she also belong to the sea so she has to return to her world some day. Eretia knew it.


    Mrs ina Martins pushed a cheque to her. ¡°This is your payment. The money I promised you and this too.¡± She gave Eretia ck card. It was Gold Mall special shopping card. She could shop at the Mall without paying a penny.


    Eretia took the cheque and card. ¡°One Million Dors!¡± She gasped out with a wide eye.


    ¡°Yes Eretia.¡± Mrs ina replied.


    ¡°But¡­ we.. didn¡¯t.. agree.. to one millions dors. This is too much.¡± Eretia objected. She wondered if Mrs ina was offering this much to tell her to stay away from her son.


    ¡°Eretia, you have no idea of what happiness you brought back into my life. That long lost joy of hearing my son call me mom and regarding me as his mother after all these years. You brought everything back. You deserve more than this amount I am offering to you.¡± Mrs ina had tears at the corners of her eyes.


    ¡°So.. our contract.. is over?¡± Eretia asked as she looked down at the cheque and card.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Mrs ina answered.


    Eretia looked at the old woman. And she felt them, tears at the corner of her eyes.


    ¡°Can I ask you something?¡±Mrs ina asked.


    Eretia nodded slowly as she blinked back tears that threatened to spill anytime soon.


    ¡°Knox loves you but do you love him too?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Eretia heard herself say without thinking too much. She couldn¡¯t lie when asked a direct question.


    ¡°Eretia, you love my son.¡± Mrs ina Martins mumbled. A tear slid down her chin as her head dropped down to herps.


    ¡°Yes.. I do.. I love Knox.. and.. I am sorry for falling in love with your son. It is not part of the contract I signed and the fact that.. I am.. not the.. best person to¡­ love someone like him.¡± Eretia said shakily.


    Mrs ina got out of chair. ¡°What are you saying?¡±


    ¡°I am sorry¡­ I know falling in love with him wasn¡¯t part of the contract. I am just maid.. and I shouldn¡¯t have let my feelings bloom in the first ce.¡± Eretia sobbed.


    ¡°No please don¡¯t be sorry.¡± Mrs ina ced her hands on Eretia¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Knox loves you and you feel the same too. So there is nothing to be sorry about. As a matter of fact this is not the end of our contract.¡± Mrs ina added.


    Eretia nced up at her. ¡°What do you mean? The contract is over since you paid me.¡± She sniffled.


    ¡°Listen Eretia, the contract might be over but we can¡¯t end this rtionship between us. I want you to stay with my son. I know Knox won¡¯t be happy with me if I let you go just like that and if you decide to leave after the contract.¡± Mrs ina pat her shoulder des gently.


    ¡°So.. are you.. asking me to stay with Knox without a contract binding this rtionship?¡± Eretia asked.


    Mrs ina Martins nodded her head in agreement. ¡°Listen to me, I have watched my son closely this past few  days and I found out that he is deeply in love. This is the first time he has ever loved someone and is willing to let the world know about it. So I felt that both of you could start something officially even after the contract ends. That¡¯s out of it now.. I mean you could still work for Knox at the agency as his personal assistant. I want you by his side.¡± She sounded resigned.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Eretia was silent. ¡°Do you want to leave?¡± Mrs ina asked after some seconds of silence.


    ¡°No I want to be with him.¡± Eretia answered sincerely.


    It was the truth! She really wanted be with Knox Martins.


    ¡°Yes that¡¯s it. You can be with my son!¡± Mrs ina pped as she moved away from Eretia.


    ¡°Thank you, Mrs ina for giving me this chance to be with your son.¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. You are like a daughter to me and I also want my son to be happy with you.¡± Mrs ina helped her up and hugged her.


    ¡°I am so grateful.¡± The olddy added.


    Eretia pulled away and looked down at the cheque in her hand. A smile formed on her lips. ¡°Thank you for this too.¡± She waved the cheque and card in the air.


    ¡°It¡¯s all yours.¡± Mrs ina smiled.


    Deciding that she would give it to Oliver for everything he has done for her. It was enough to thank him for saving her life and taking her under his wings even without knowing about her background.


    Eretia made up her mind that she would be honest with Oliver and tell him the whole truth especially her love for Knox Martins.


    ??????


    BETTY LAWSON¡¯S HOME


    Betty heard the doorbell as she was packing her clothes into a box. She moved out of the room and went to the door. She peered through the small gap on the door. Mary Ann was there. Betty opened the door.


    ¡°Hi Betty,¡± Mary Ann greeted with a bright smile on her face.


    ¡°Hi Ann,e in.¡± Betty stepped aside for Mary Ann to walk into her apartment.


    ¡°So how was your visit to the agency? Did you meet that slut?¡± Mary Ann asked.


    Betty Lawson folded her arms. ¡°Yes I did but things didn¡¯t go has nned.¡± She answered.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Mary Ann asked again.


    Betty Lawson narrated everything to her. ¡°She scared me when her eyes shined.¡±


    ¡°So you really think she isn¡¯t human?¡± Mary Ann demanded as she paced to and fro.


    ¡°Yes that¡¯sdy is a strange being but no one seems to believe me. I told my mom and even ma¡¯am ina about what I saw but everyone thinks I am losing my mind.¡± Betty threw her hands up in frustration.


    ¡°I believe you. I have always had this feeling that she is strange. But what do we do now? You can¡¯t let someone like that be around Knox! She might hurt him!¡± Mary Ann snapped her fingers.


    ¡°What do I do? Do you think I should tell Knox about it?¡± Betty asked.


    Mary Ann shook her head in agreement. ¡°Yes, he should know about it. This is enough to end whatever is going on between them maybe you will finally have a chance to be with him if he finds out the truth and realize that you saved his life.¡±


    Betty furrowed her eyebrows. ¡°No, Knox won¡¯t believe anything I say to him. Knox almost strangled me to death when he saw Eretiaying unconscious on the floor at the agency. He will never believe me because he is blinded by his love for that strangedy. She has cast an hex on him!¡± She asserted.


    ¡°You can¡¯t just let her take him away from you.¡± Mary Ann pestered.


    ¡°I am out of the n. I am not interested in Knox Martins anymore.¡± Betty blurted out after having a long full of air in her lungs.


    Mary Ann stared at her in disbelief. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°His heart belong to another woman.¡± Betty answered


    ¡°A strange woman.¡± Mary Ann countered.


    ¡°He loves her.¡± Betty added.


    Mary Ann rolled her eyes. ¡°You can¡¯t give up on him.¡±


    Betty shook her head in disagreement. ¡°There is no point in sticking around him. I wasn¡¯t able to make him believe in love but Eretia seeded. Eretia might look strange but I think she deserves to be with him.¡± She sighed.


    ¡°You can¡¯t just give up on-¡±


    Betty silenced Mary Ann with a slow nod. ¡°It is over. I am  leaving the country tomorrow morning.¡±


    Mary Ann arched her brows. ¡°Where are you going?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Anywhere around the globe. I don¡¯t want to hurt anyone all in the name of love.¡± Betty Lawson had a sincere look on her face.


    Mary Ann folded her arms. ¡°Unbelievable.¡± She mumbled.


    ¡°I hope to find the man who will love me the same way I will love him. I don¡¯t want to be caught in an unrequited love.¡± Betty let out a shaky breathe.


    Mary Ann nodded. ¡°Your choice, Betty Lawson.¡± She stood up from the couch picked up her handbag.


    ¡°Safe Journey around the globe.¡±  She said.


    ¡°Thank you, Mary Ann.¡± Betty apanied her to the door.


    After Betty Lawson shut the door. Mary Ann stood on the porch for a second as a wicked smile formed on her lips.


    Mary Ann was happy that Betty Lawson already gave up which means she was now out of the picture.


    ¡°I have to face Eretia alone.¡± Mary Ann said to herself.


    She wasn¡¯t going to give up on Knox Martins. She wouldn¡¯t let him go to a strange woman. Her new mission would be to find out Eretia¡¯s true identity and expose her. She concluded.


    Mary Ann walked down the few steps. ¡°If I tell Knox about her without having an evidence he would never believe me.¡± She mumbled.


    And then an idea struck her immediately. Maybe getting rid of Eretia would be the best option! If she was out of her way then Knox Martins would be left with no choice than toe to her forfort. And she would be waiting tofort him.


    Mary Ann grinned wickedly as she walked to her car.

 EPISODE THIRTY SIX

    THEME: Memory erased


    OLIVER SCOTT HOME


    ¡°Why are you here again?¡± Oliver asked as he stood at the door.


    ¡°Won¡¯t you let me in?¡± Eretia mumbled.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°There is no need toe in since you would be leaving soon.¡± Oliver stepped out to the porch closing the door behind him.


    She was taken aback by his gesture and words. Oliver was pushing her out of their lives. ¡°Where is Ryan?¡± She asked.


    ¡°He is asleep.¡± Oliver replied as he folded his arms.


    ¡°I dropped by to give this to you.¡± Eretia stretched the cheque towards him. ¡°Ma¡¯am ina paid me today so I want you to have it.¡±


    James eyed the cheque. ¡°The contract is over?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yes it is over but I still have to stay with Knox Martins.¡± Eretia answered.


    Oliver lifted his eyebrows. ¡°Why?¡± He epted the cheque from her.


    ¡°I am his personal assistant at the agency even if I want to leave I still have to get him a recement before resigning.¡± Eretia replied.


    Oliver stared intensely at her. He expected that she should move back with them since the contract already ended. ¡°So you still want to work for him?¡± He demanded.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Eretia nodded.


    Oliver collected the cheque.  ¡°Mrs ina Martins gave you one Million dors?!¡±


    Eretia hummed a response. ¡°She paid me for reconciling her with Knox. They are on good terms now.¡±


    Oliver let out a sigh. ¡°Eretia, be honest with me-¡± He paused.


    Eretia¡¯s gaze met Oliver¡¯s. ¡°Are you in love with your boss?¡± He blurted out.


    Eretia was taken back by his sudden question. Her heartbeat rapidly as she pondered if she should be sincere with him.


    ¡°The truth.. I want to hear nothing but the truth.¡± Oliver said.


    Eretia looked away from him. ¡°Yes, I am in love with Knox Martins.¡± She replied.


    ¡°I knew it.¡±  Oliver muttered.


    ¡°Listen Oliver, this won¡¯t affect our rtionship right?¡± Eretia asked.


    Oliver grabbed her hand and dropped the cheque in her palm. ¡°Go back to your boss.. no.. your love. You are not needed here anymore.¡± He said with a serious face and annoyance clear in his voice.


    ¡°Listen to me, Oliver-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to listen to you!¡± He snarled at her.


    Eretia jumped in fear at his sudden outburst. ¡°Just leave and forget about us.¡± Oliver whispered.


    ¡°No please Oliver.. you can¡¯t push me out of your lives.¡± Eretia  grabbed his upper arm but he jerked free.


    ¡°You have enough money now, try to live a good life and forget you ever met me and Ryan.¡±  Oliver gritted. He went in and mmed the door in the process.


    Tears slipped down her cheeks. Eretia waited for  some minutes knocking on the door. She pleaded with Oliver to give her a chance to exin things to him but  no response came from him.


    After about an hour, she bounced down the stairs and walked away slowly. Her world was upside down. The one she considered a family just pushed her away. It was all her fault! She shouldn¡¯t have been away from them. Everything would have been fine if she hadn¡¯t passed out few days ago.


    Eretia wandered around the streets lost in thought that she didn¡¯t realize it waste. Then she recalled that she needed to see someone.  Eretia hail down a taxi. And when she got to her destination she saw the person she wanted to see.


    Betty Lawson was dragging a box out to the porch. Eretia got out of the taxi and went to her. Betty Lawson was stunned. She wondered how Eretia managed to locate her home. But it was Mrs ina Martins that had given her the address when Eretia asked for it with an excuse they needed to settle their differences.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Betty Lawson asked.


    ¡°Can we talk?¡± Eretia requested politely.


    ¡°I am not interested in talking to you.¡± Betty Lawson  dragged the box to the car in the driveway.


    Eretia followed her. ¡°Betty-¡±


    ¡°What do you want from me?!¡± Betty snapped at her.


    ¡°About Tuesday -¡±


    Betty Lawson interrupted her. ¡°I saw everything.¡± She pointed to the bracelet on Eretia¡¯s wrist.


    ¡°I told ma¡¯am ina about it and she thought I was crazy.¡± Betty said.


    No one would ever believe her without strong evidence.


    ¡°It sounds crazy.¡± Eretia mumbled.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Betty kept her distance because she was afraid that Eretia might hurt her.


    ¡°I am Ade, the daughter of one of the greatest Merleader in the underworld. His name is Oceanus.¡± Eretia replied.


    Betty chuckled. ¡°Sounds like a fantasy book my mom used to read to me. Merleader? isn¡¯t that rted to the sea world?¡±


    ¡°Yes you are right. I am a mermaid.¡± Eretia replied.


    Betty Lawson jaw droppedpletely. ¡°You.. you are.. a mermaid?!¡± She stuttered.


    ¡°Yes, you wanted to know the truth right?!¡± Eretia folded her arms.


    ¡°So.. why are.. you in.. our world?¡± Betty stammered.


    ¡°I like the human world. Now you know my identity.¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°Yes and Knox.. everyone needs to know too.¡± Betty shakily dropped the box in the car.


    ¡°Yes and I intend to tell him about my true identity but before that.. let us make up and be good to each other.¡± Eretia stretched out her hand for a handshake.


    Betty Lawson eyed her suspiciously.


    ¡°I apologize for winning Knox¡¯s heart in your ce.¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°You seeded because you aren¡¯t human. You have cast a spell on him!¡± Betty gritted in anger.


    ¡°I don¡¯t do spells. I won his heart because I was willing to stay with him despite knowing his ws. I understood his pain and I was patient with him despite his torture on me.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°Congrattions to you.¡± Betty said with a croaked smile.


    ¡°Come on, I mean no harm.¡±  Eretia¡¯s hand was still hanging in the air.


    ¡°Alright. But I hope to never set my eyes on your ever again.¡± Betty Lawson shook hands with her.


    ¡°Thank you, Betty Lawson.¡± Eretia gave her a stern handshake draining out her energy in the process.


    Betty tried to pull way as she felt the power in the handshake. ¡°What are you doing to me?¡± She panicked.


    ¡°Sorry I need to erase everything you know about me from your memory.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°No.. no..¡± Betty Lawson¡¯s vision became blurry.


    A minutes clicked by and then Eretia released her. ¡°Rx you¡¯ll be fine.¡± Eretia pats her back as Betty coughed.


    And soon she regained her strength and looked at Eretia. ¡°Who are you?¡± Betty pushed Eretia away.


    ¡°Why did you touch me?!¡± Betty dust her body trying to brush away Eretia¡¯s touch on her skin.


    ¡°Were you trying to rob me?¡± Betty doesn¡¯t remember anything.


    ¡°Oh I am sorry miss, I was only trying to help. I saw you coughing a while ago so I thought you needed help.¡± Eretia feigned an innocent look.


    Betty studied her with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°It is a good thing you are fine. I don¡¯t need to care the emergency line anymore. Please take good care of yourself, bye. Eretia waved and walked away quickly before Betty could say anything.


    Eretia sighed with relief. She toyed with the bracelet on her wrist. Eretia thought if she would ever make it back to the human world if she decided to leave just to return the Neifion Bracelet. It belonged to the sea, they both belong to the sea and not this human world.

 EPISODE THIRTY SEVEN

    THEME: One million dors


    IN THE UNDERWORLD


    Little mermaids and mermen swimming in and out of the rocks. They sang beautiful songs which echoed under the Sea. Almeta and Adamaris move away from the other mermaids. ¡°What¡¯s that over there?¡± Almeta pointed towards a dark hole.


    ¡°My mother said it is the dark cave of Scy.¡± Adamaris replied.


    ¡°Dark cave of Scy?¡± Almeta arched her eyebrows as she curled up her tails.


    ¡°Yes Scy the evil sea monster.¡± Adamaris answered.


    ¡°But who told you about Scy?¡± Almeta asked again.


    ¡°My mother.¡± Adamaris answered. He grabbed her and pulled her away.


    ¡°Wait.. let us take a closer look at the cave.¡± Almeta suggested.


    ¡°No it is dangerous. My mother warned me about dark caves. They harbor all sorts of sea monsters.¡± Adamaris objected.


    ¡°No.. this one doesn¡¯t look dangerous.¡± Almeta swims around the merman.


    ¡°A sea monster is confined in it. Almeta, going near it might awaken the sea monster.¡± Adamaris warned the little mermaid


    ¡°How?¡± Almeta giggled.


    ¡°The scent of our blood.¡± Adamaris answered.


    Almeta gasped out trying to tease the little merman.  ¡°Does sea monsters truly exist?¡± She asked.


    Adamaris knew she was trying to tease him again. ¡°Yes Almeta, sea monsters truly exists. So let us go.¡± He dragged her away.


    They swim away to join the other mermaids and mermen. Almeta kept looking back at the cave. She wondered why there weren¡¯t sea warriors guarding the dark cave of Scy. What if it was just a myth to scare the little ones? She thought.


    Adamaris wasn¡¯t telling the truth. He was probably making things up to scare her. What if there was a beautiful pearl in that cave instead of an ugly looking sea monster? A Pearl? That would be beautiful! Almeta decided that she woulde aroundter.


    ******


    IN THE HUMAN WORLDContent is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    KNOX BEACH HOUSE


    Knox Martins moved out of the room when he heard the doorbell. He rubbed his sleepy eyes as he made his way to the door. A smile formed on his lips when he saw Eretia.


    Knox Martins opened up quickly and hugged her. ¡°I.. I thought you were going to leave¡­¡± His voice broke off.


    ¡°And what made you think I was going to leave you?¡± She asked in a tight whisper.


    ¡°My mom told me that she was going to pay you today. So I thought you were going to leave since the contract is ended.¡± Knox Martins drew back to look at her.


    ¡°The contract has ended but I am still your personal assistant.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°Come in.¡± Knox Martins held her hand and pulled her in gently.


    ¡°Did you talk to Oliver?¡± He asked.


    The smile on her face disappeared and Knox noticed her expression. ¡°Hey what¡¯s wrong?¡± Knox reached out to touch her cheeks.


    Tears clouded her vision. ¡°Oliver.. doesn¡¯t want.. to see me anymore.¡± She stuttered.


    ¡°What? Why?¡± Knox demanded.


    ¡°The truth is.. I admitted that I was in love with you. And then he asked me to leave and nevere to then again.¡± She cried.


    Knox Martins leaned in and cupped her face. ¡°Please don¡¯t cry.¡±


    Eretia sniffed. ¡°I can¡¯t help it. Oliver is probably finding it hard to believe that I fell in love with my boss in just less than two weeks.¡± She didn¡¯t have control over the years as they flowed.


    ¡°Oliver shouldn¡¯t be mad at you because you love me.¡± Knox frowned.


    ¡°Exactly I wanted to.. to exin to him but he didn¡¯t give me the chance.. and now..¡± Her voice trailed off as tears slid down her cheeks.


    And Knox wiped her tears with his fingertips. ¡°Oliver and Ryan are like my family.¡± Eretia mumbled. Knox hugged her.  ¡°I don¡¯t know why he suddenly changed towards me.¡± She sobbed in his chest.


    ¡°You want me to talk to him?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°No.. no I¡¯ll just let him be for now.¡± Eretia sniffed.


    ¡°So.. does that mean.. you would stay with me?¡± Knox Martins muttered after a momentary pause.


    Eretia pulled away from him and wiped her face. She wasn¡¯t going to shed tears because of Oliver again. It was his decision so she would respect it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have anywhere to go even though I have a lot of money. I am your personal assistant.. but it is fine if you don¡¯t want me to live with you.¡± She wiped her face clean. ¡°I have a million dors now and it is enough to buy me a house.¡± She said.


    Knox couldn¡¯t help but smile at her. ¡°You are rich now.¡± He teased her.


    ¡°Yes, I am rich.¡± Eretia shook her head as she moved away from him. ¡°Where can I buy a big house with a big pool?¡± She mumbled.


    Knox went to her and wrapped his hands around her waist. ¡°I am not letting you go to anywhere.¡± He said.


    Eretia pulled away from him. ¡°I should buy a house by the beach too. Give me your agent contact.¡± She said.


    Knox smiled. He went for her again and imed her wait again. ¡°Stop trying to tease me by saying you want to leave.¡± He kissed her forehead.


    ¡°It scares me. What about you?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have anyone.. I mean Oliver doesn¡¯t want to see me.. so you are the only one I have.. now.¡± Eretia pouted.


    Knox pinched her chin gently.  ¡°So¡­ have you thought¡­ of us moving pass this stage?¡± He removed strands of hair from her face.


    ¡°What stage?¡± She asked with a furrowed brow.


    Knox Martins grinned. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be just your boss.¡± He said with a shrug.


    ¡°So what?¡± Eretia sniffled.


    ¡°I want to be your man.¡± Knox Martins said calmly.


    ¡°Why?¡± Eretia teased him. She  understood what he was trying to say.


    ¡°I love you.¡± Knox Martins said boldly.


    A flush crept on her face as they stood staring at each other awkwardly. Then Knox Martins said. ¡°Come on, let us just call it a middle ground. I love you and you love me too. So I agree that I can mix being your boss and you being my personal assistant with pleasure as long as the pleasure is just good, clean and fun. I love you, Eretia Jones.¡± He coaxed.


    After those words escaped his mouth she made her move. Eretia ran her fingers through his hair and pulled him down for a kiss. It was obvious he was not expecting and it took him a second to adjust.  Knox Martins put his hand on her back, tracing her spine and he kissed her eagerly.


    ¡°Eretia.. I love.. you so much.¡± Knox said in between frantic kisses. He never wanted it to end but she broke the kiss.


    ¡°I love you too. This is all new to me.. but I can give it a try.¡± It was her first time of loving someone and those words felt strange on her lips.


    ¡°About our boss and employee rtionship, we¡¯ll attend to business when business is needed to be attended to and -¡±


    Knox Martins interrupted her. ¡°And have good, clean fun the rest of the time when we are not working.¡± Hepleted.


    Eretia agreed with a bright smile. ¡°Deal.¡±


    And Knox Martins nodded in agreement. His stomach made a rumbling sound when they were about to share another kiss.


    ¡°I am hungry.¡± Knox chuckled.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten?¡± Eretia giggled.


    ¡°Yeah I was resting.¡± Knox  itched his right ear. ¡°Can I have pasta?¡± He requested.


    Eretia nodded and motioned towards the kitchen. Knox Martins followed her immediately. ¡°So what¡¯s up with the fashion runway?¡± She questioned.


    ¡°Ria Robert is still working on the dresses for that day.¡± Knox responded.


    ¡°It is next week Saturday.¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°Yes everyone is preparing for it but I want you to meet Ria Robert before that day.¡± Knox moved to the fridge to grab a bottle of water.


    ¡°Why?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°You have to get a dress for that day too.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°Is that necessary?¡± Eretia opened the tap to rinse some utensils.


    Knox nodded in response when she looked back at him.


    ¡°But I am morefortable in Jeans than gowns.¡± Eretia frowned.


    ¡°You¡¯ll look pretty in gown too.¡± Knox¡¯s eyes did a slow crawl over her body.


    ¡°You think so?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yes. Don¡¯t worry I¡¯ll drive you to the store.¡± Knox responded.


    ¡°Ria Robert store?¡± She moved to the gas.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Knox answered.


    ¡°Well thank goodness I don¡¯t have to pay you to drive me around anymore.¡± Eretiaughed.


    ¡°You have a million dors now so I wouldn¡¯t mind a token, Miss Eretia.¡± Knox gave her a mock bow


    And Eretia moved towards him only for her to lean up and ced a kiss on his lips quickly.

 EPISODE THIRTY EIGHT

    THEME: The Call


    SATURDAY MORNING


    Eretia woke up to someone stroking her cheeks. She opened her eyes and saw a little boy staring at her. Eretia stood up quickly, observing her surrounding. She was in a garden with nice roses and beautiful flowers.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Eretia asked the little boy.


    ¡°I am a human.¡± He answered.


    Eretia looked down at him. He had the perfect features of a human. ¡°Yes I know¡­ you look like one.¡± She answered.


    ¡°But you aren¡¯t a human.¡± The boy said In a harsh tone.


    Then Eretia nced down at her body. She still had her long legs andplete human body. ¡°I am a human.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°No you belong there!¡± The little snarled as he pointed towards a section.  Ereti looked beyond and saw mermaids in ake. ¡°You belong to that world!¡± The little boyughed wickedly.


    ¡°You can never be like us!¡± He snarled again.


    Eretia screamed in fear when she saw many humans chanting the same words and their voices echoed in her head. ¡°Go back to your world! And give the sea its belonging!¡±  They chanted at a call.


    ¡°No!¡± Eretia screamed.


    *****


    The loud beeping sound of the rm jolted her up from the nightmare. Her forehead was sweaty. She felt weak andy still on the bed. Thinking over the dream she just had.. Eretia doesn¡¯t belong to this world. It echoed in her head.


    ¡°Go back to your world!¡± It echoed in her mind.


    ¡°Neifion, do I really have to go back there?¡±A tear dropped down her cheek. ¡°I want to be with him.¡± she muttered.


    A knock sounded on the bedroom door. Eretia wiped her face and hopped out of bed.


    ¡°Good morning, mydy.¡± Knox greeted. Her gaze fell on the tray in his hands. ¡°Coffee.¡± He raised a mug.


    ¡°Oh thank you..e in.¡± She said.


    Knox Martins gave her a coffee mug and ced the tray on her dressing table. ¡°How was your night?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Fine.. thank you.¡±  Eretia sipped the coffee.


    ¡°I want to go out for a walk around the area, would you like toe with me?¡± Knox requested.


    ¡°Yes I would love to do that.¡± Eretia nodded.


    ¡°Okay.. I¡¯ll be waiting in the sitting room.¡± Knox smiled at her.


    Eretia would have to leave this man some day. The thought of it almost brought her to tears again.


    Knox kissed her cheeks before he moved out of the room. The mere thought of being away from him made a sad.


    **********


    ¡°Are you sure you can do this job for me?¡± She asked.


    The man she was referring to smoked on his cigarette. ¡°Who told you about me?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Ady at den club.¡± She answered.


    ¡°My name is Vins Bond.¡± The man said with a wicked smile.


    ¡°Yes I know.¡± She answered.


    ¡°So who am I to deal with for you?¡± He asked.


    And she passed him a photograph. ¡°Damn.. she is pretty.¡± Heplimented.


    ¡°I want you to do a clean job and don¡¯t get caught.¡± She warned him.


    ¡°Can any man capture the wind?¡± He chuckled deviously.


    ¡°No.. just be careful.¡± she warned sternly.


    ¡°Trust me. This is done.¡± He grinned.


    She handed him a brown envelope. ¡°This is your part payment. I¡¯ll pay the rest when the job is done.. a clean job.¡± She emphasized.


    ¡°You can count on me.¡± The well built man opened the car door and stepped out of the car.


    *****


    IN THE UNDERWORLD


    THRONE HALLThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Can we make the connection now?¡± Oceanus asked the sea wizard.


    ¡°It has been four weeks since we made thest connection with the princess.¡± na said.


    ¡°We should do it again.¡±  Oceanus said.


    Queen na nodded in agreement.  ¡°Let us make her have the desire to return to the sea.¡± She added.


    ¡°I agree with you my queen.¡± Oceanus agreed.


    ¡°My Lord, I am sure the princess is aware that the Neifion bracelet belong to the sea.¡± The sea wizard said.


    ¡°Can Ade resist the connection?¡± Queen na asked.


    ¡°Yes my queen but only if she is by the sea feeding it with spell songs.¡± The sea wizard responded.


    ¡°Her connection with the sea through spell songs can make her resist the connection?¡± Queen na asked to be sure.


    ¡°Yes my queen.¡± Abijam replied.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think Ade knows that fact. She might be far away from the Sea so she wouldn¡¯t get attracted by it and be tempted to return home.¡± Oceanus sounded so sure of his words.


    ¡°Let us make the connection. I want my child back before the next call by the sea.¡± Queen na asserted as she gestured to the sea wizard to do his work.

 EPISODE THIRTY NINE

    THEME: A connection from the sea


    HUMAN WORLD


    Eretia and Knox held each other hands as they both walk on the beach. ¡°You like the sea?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°Yes, I love the view from my home.¡± Knox responded.


    Eretia stopped and stood in front of him.  ¡°Can I ask you something?¡±


    Knox arched his brows. ¡°Yes.¡± He kissed her forehead quickly.


    ¡°Would you start a family around this lonely area because you like the view of the sea?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°No.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°Why?¡± Eretia furrowed her eyes.


    ¡°Well I intend to move back to town very soon. I am thinking of moving to somewhere close to my family home or the agency. But I¡¯ll alwayse around here anytime I need a break from work.¡± Knox replied with a smile on his face.


    Eretia looked at the sea. And she couldn¡¯t help but wondered what was going on under the sea.


    Knox cleared his throat. ¡°You said something.. about starting a family..¡± He paused. Eretia looked up at him. ¡°Well.. I.. I was just wondering if you are-¡±


    ¡°I am not ready.¡± Eretia cuts in sharply before Knox couldplete his intended statement.


    As much as Eretia would love to stay with Knox for a long time, she knew it was impossible. Eretia couldn¡¯t say yes to being ready to start a family because she knew sooner orter she would have to return to her world.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Knox mumbled. All though he wasn¡¯t satisfied with her immediate response. Knox let it drop because he concluded that he was probably going too fast on her and he doesn¡¯t want her to feel pressured.


    Knox¡¯s cellphone buzzed. ¡°Your phone.¡± Eretia nudged at his side.


    ¡°Oh..¡± Knox muttered as he took the phone out of his pocket. He made a disapproving sound and declined the call.


    ¡°Your mom?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°No, it is Betty Lawson.¡± Knox  responded.


    ¡°Answer it.. I heard she is leaving town.¡±  Eretia said calmly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk to her.¡± Knox objected to picking up the call.


    ¡°You are still mad at her for what she did to me.¡± Eretia gave his hand a small squeeze.


    Knox hummed a positive response.


    ¡°Come on, I already told you it wasn¡¯t her fault. So let it go.¡± Eretia leaned closer to him.


    The cellphone beeped and  beeped again. Knox picked it and clicked on the speaker so she could hear the conversation.


    ¡°Hello, Betty.¡± Knox said.


    ¡°Hey Knox Martins.¡± She greeted.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, Betty?¡± He stared down at the phone.


    ¡°I am good.¡± She answered.


    ¡°I heard you are leaving town soon.¡± Knox replied


    ¡°Yes, I am at the airport.¡± Betty responded.


    ¡°Good for you. So why did you call me?¡± Knox questioned.


    ¡°I wanted to tell you something..¡± Betty stopped.


    Eretia¡¯s heart skipped beat. She was scared. What if there are still traces of what she saidst night in Betty¡¯s memory? She pondered.


    At that point, Eretia concluded that she would tell Knox the whole truth.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Knox Martins asked.


    ¡°I.. I don¡¯t remember some certain things. It is as if I have lost a part of my memory over night. And-¡±


    ¡°Betty, are you okay?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°I am serious.. I wanted to tell you about -¡± Betty stopped talking to think.


    Knox exchanged nces with Eretia. She knew Betty was trying to figure the missing piece in her memory.


    ¡°What?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°Your mom.¡±  Betty  said finally.


    Eretia let out a sigh of relief.


    ¡°What¡¯s with my mom?¡± Knox frowned deeply.


    ¡°Your mom loves you and you shouldn¡¯t me her for your father¡¯s death. I mean it doesn¡¯t make any sense quarreling with her because she used him of having an affair. The dead is gone so you should let things go and be good to her.¡± Betty Lawson advised in a calm tone.


    ¡°We are good now and that¡¯s all  thanks to -¡± Knox paused and looked up at Eretia.


    She ced her finger on her lips to stop him from saying her name. Knox furrowed his eyebrows as he reached out to hold her right hand.


    ¡°Who?¡± Betty Lawson asked.


    ¡°Never mind.¡± Knox muttered.


    ¡°Anyways, I am going to miss you, Knox Martins.¡± Betty Lawson added. She was disturbed. She couldn¡¯t figure the reason why she was leaving the country.


    Knox was Silent. ¡°Won¡¯t you wish me well?¡± Betty asked.


    ¡°Safe journey, Betty Lawson.¡± He replied


    ¡°Thank you, Knox. And take good care of your mom.¡± She said


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Knox responded and ended the call.


    ¡°Why did you silence me?¡± Knox asked Eretia when he dropped the call.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want you to tell her about me.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°Why? I really wanted her to know you reconciled us.¡± Knox countered.


    Mentioning Eretia¡¯s name might make Betty Lawson lose her mindpletely. Eretia wanted to tell him the reason but she held back her words.


    ¡°Betty Lawson doesn¡¯t have to know. The most important thing is that you are on good terms with your mom now.¡± Eretia said with a shrug.


    Knox nodded in agreement while Eretia looked beyond the sea.


    ¡°Hey look it¡¯s a whale!¡± She screamed out in excitement.


    Knox looked up to the sea and saw nothing. She was teasing him.  ¡°Gotcha!¡± Eretia  giggled at the look on his face.


    Knox had expected to see a whale in the sea. He would have taken pictures. ¡°You tricked me.¡± Knox reached out to grab her but she pulled away from him.


    ¡°Sorry boss.¡± Eretiaughed.


    Knox tried to get her again but she sidestepped him. ¡°You can¡¯t catch me!¡± She giggled


    ¡°Of course I can!¡± Knox ced his hands on his waist.


    ¡°Then catch me if you can my boss!¡± Eretia started running on the sand as she tried to  dodge him.


    And in a swift movement Knox caught her. ¡°Gotcha!¡± They bothughed happily. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her towards the bank.


    ¡°No.. no.. Knox.. don¡¯t..¡± Eretia pleaded.


    Knox ignored her pleads. ¡°Well I intend to drop you into the sea.¡±


    Eretia struggled to free herself. ¡°Come on! Are you scared of the sea?¡± Knox chuckled


    No she wasn¡¯t scared of the sea. But Eretia knew her tail would appear the moment her legs touches the sea.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Eretia screamed when he was about entering the sea.


    ¡°What?¡± Knox asked.


    Eretia held on to him tightly. ¡°I love you.¡± She mumbled, blinking severally.


    ¡°Yeah I know you love me.¡± Knox smirked


    Eretia nodded her head slowly. ¡°So I was thinking if¡­ we could go in.. and..¡± She stopped.


    Knox Martins stepped backward when he saw the wave of the sea. ¡°Go in and?¡± He asked.


    ¡°You want to know.. go in and-¡± Eretia stopped again.


    Knox arched his eyebrows trying to understand her words.


    ¡°Let us move away from the sea first.. far away for here.¡± Eretia replied.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Knox Martins rolled his eyes. ¡°Are you trying to trick me again?¡±


    ¡°No. But I¡¯ll tell you what I want us to do when we are far away from the sea.¡± Eretia repeated as she smiled at him.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Knox agreed and he moved away from the sea to the drynd.


    ¡°Put me down.¡± Eretia ordered and he obeyed her.


    ¡°So what were you saying?¡± Knox asked as he ced his hand on his waist.


    Eretia stepped away from him. ¡°Well..¡± she itched the back of her neck. ¡°I am hungry.¡± She said.


    Knox cocked his brows. ¡°Hold up.. is that what.. you wanted to say?¡± He stuttered.


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Eretia pouted.


    ¡°You said we should go in.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°Yes.. go inside and have lunch.¡± Eretiapleted.


    Knox ran his hand over his face. ¡°What¡¯s running through your mind?¡± She asked with a croaked smile.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± He mumbled.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Eretia asked again.


    ¡°Forget it.¡± Knox walked away.


    ¡°Wait Knox!¡± Eretia called out to him. Knox Martins didn¡¯t respond.  ¡°Knox! Boss!¡± Eretia screamed out his name.


    Knox smiled as he walked to the front door. Then when Eretia was about to take a step, she felt something hit her in the heart. It was painful than the previous one and her gaze dropped down at the bracelet. It was shinning.


    ¡°No.. no.. not again.¡± Eretia said shakily.


    She turned away to the sea to hide her eyes from Knox who was now waiting for her to join him on the porch.


    ¡°Come in!¡± He waved at her.


    Eretia didn¡¯t turn to face him. Tears welled up in her eyes at the images of Knox looking at her like she was a monster. She had hated the look on Betty¡¯s face when she changed so Knox look would shred her heart in pieces. He won¡¯t hesitate to stay away from her or push her away like Oliver did if he sees her this way.


    Eretia¡¯s vision became blurry as she held her chest and  screamed out in pain. Knox watched her for a second trying to make out what¡¯s wrong with her. Then he heard her scream and soon she was falling to the ground.


    ¡°Eretia!¡± Knox ran as fast as his legs could carry him. ¡°Eretia!¡± The light faded as soon as she cked out.


    Knox didn¡¯t see the bracelet as he reach her side and held on to her. ¡°Eretia wake up! Can you hear me?!¡± When she didn¡¯t respond, Knox knew she was unconscious again.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Knox Martins carried her up in his arms into the house.

 EPISODE FORTY

    THEME: Scy is Alive!


    IN THE MERWORLD


    ¡°Almeta, let us go and y with the other mermaids.¡± Adamaris swims towards her.


    ¡°No, I can¡¯t go out to y today.¡± Almeta replied.


    ¡°Why?¡± Adamaris raised his eyebrows. It was the first time Almeta was declining an offer to y with the other mermaids.


    ¡°I have to visit Wanwisa with my mother.¡± Almeta lied.


    ¡°But.. your mother said you coulde with me to y.¡± Adamaris frowned at her words.


    ¡°Well you can go ahead.. I¡¯ll join youter.¡± Almeta began to swim away.


    ¡°But why not now? Are you lying to me, Almeta?¡± Adamaris pestered.


    ¡°Silly questions! I don¡¯t want to y around the sea today!¡± Almeta barked at him.


    Adamaris was stunned by her sudden outburst. ¡°Almeta-¡±


    ¡°Go away! I don¡¯t want to y with the other mermaids! You all suck!¡± Almeta swims away.


    ¡°Almeta!¡± Adamaris screamed. ¡°I am sorry!¡± He apologized.


    ¡°Go away!¡± Almeta snapped back at him.


    ¡°Forgive me!¡± Adamaris said.


    Almeta didn¡¯t respond. She swims away quickly so he won¡¯t be able to follow her. And secretly Almeta made her way to the dark cave of scy when she was sure no one was following her. She peeped into the cave and saw a shinning light.


    ¡°Wow! It is a pearl!¡± Almeta eximed as she entered into the cave.


    ¡°No Almeta! Don¡¯t go in!¡± Adamaris screamed but she was already in it.


    Adamaris had followed her because she acted suspiciously and he figured that she had lied about visiting Wanwisa with her mother.


    ¡°There is a sea monster in it!¡± Adamaris couldn¡¯t go into the cave to stop her or else he would be trapped in it too.


    ¡°I only see a beautiful pearl you fool!¡± Almeta screamed back at him as she swims farther into the cave.


    She ignored his calls and reached out to touch the Pearl. ¡°Wow.. this is so beautiful.¡±  Then the light faded slowly leaving the cave in darkness.


    ¡°Where did it go?¡± Almeta pondered.


    The sea monster nostrils smelled her scent. The little mermaid scent filled him and strengthened him a bit. But the sea monster wanted more. He wanted to taste the little mermaid to renew his strength.


    Almeta searched for the pearl she had seen until she touched a rough surface- the sea monster¡¯s nose!


    Scy knew it was a mermaid in his cave! And his eyes re open immediately. ¡°Hello little one.¡± Scy¡¯s deep voice greeted her.


    Almeta screamed in fear when she saw his crimson eyes. ¡°Thank you foring in here to say hello to me.¡±  Scy smelled her gently.


    ¡°Almeta.¡± He said at the sight of the lines of pearls on her tail.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Almeta demanded.


    ¡°Scy. You wanted my pearl right? But I can¡¯t give it to you.¡± He said in a harsh tone.


    Almeta tried to escape but he grabbed her. ¡°Somebody help!¡± She screamed out.


    Adamaris moved away when he heard her voice. ¡°Al.. me.. ta..¡± He mumbled as fear gripped him.


    ¡°Please.. spare.. me.¡± Almeta pleaded.


    ¡°Scy is alive!¡± The Sea monster screamed. His voice echoed under the sea and then he devoured Almeta. Her screams echoed in Adamaris ears.


    ¡°Scy is alive!¡± The sea monster roared and it affected the bnce of the sea.


    Adamaris knew the sea monster had devoured Almeta. He was scared! He alerted the other mermaids around about the sea monsters as he made his way to the pce.


    ¡°Scy is alive!¡± Adamaris cried out.


    There wasmotion in the sea. The mermaids and mermen rushed to their houses when they heard Scy¡¯s roars from the cave.


    Adamaris wept as he told Oceanus about Scy.


    ¡°Arran!¡± Oceanus called out to one of the princes.


    And the rest of the princes filed into the throne hall. They already heard about Scy at their offices.


    ¡°The sea monster is awake!¡± Morrissey said.


    ¡°Yes Scy devoured his little friend.¡± Oceanus pointed at Adamaris.


    The little merman couldn¡¯t stop his tears at the lose of his dear friend. She was gone.


    ¡°We can¡¯t let him into the main hall of the sea.¡± Azizi replied


    ¡°Where is Abijam?¡± Aztec Demanded.


    ¡°He just left a while ago.¡± Oceanus answered.


    ¡°Get him Morgan.¡± Morrissey ordered.


    ¡°Aztec gather everyone to the Kaimana and let them know Scy is alive. No one should be seen outside the main hall of the sea.¡± Morrissey gave out instructions to his brothers.


    ¡°Alright ¡±  Aztec bowed and left the throne hall.


    ¡°Meredydd and Arran seal up the main hall gates!¡± Morrissey ordered again.


    They all departed to do as Morrissey ordered.


    ¡°Azizi get the other officials. We need to have a meeting.¡± Morrissey added.


    Azizi bowed and exited the room.


    *********


    IN HUMAN WORLD


    ¡°Somebody help!¡± The little voice echoed in her ears. She swims faster to save the little mermaid that was caught in a sea trap.


    ¡°Hold on.¡±  She tried to save her but something struck her from behind. She turned but saw nothing. And before she could face the little mermaid, she was dead. The water around her was bloody.


    She moved back and screamed at the sight of the mermaid. She had been sliced up into two.


    ¡°Somebody help!¡± She heard another voice again.


    But this time in a different location. She was transported to a half driedke. It was filled with mermaids. They had bloodstains and wounds all over them. They were horrible looking.


    And she felt bile rose up in her throat at the sight.


    ¡°Please save us.¡±  A mermaid grabbed her ankle and tried to pull her into theke.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± She struggled to free herself.


    ¡°You belong here! Come and save us!¡± The mermaid begged with blood dripping down her cheeks.


    ¡°Come and save us!¡± They chorused.


    ¡°No.. no.. I am a human!¡± She screamed back.

 EPISODE FORTY ONE

    THEME: The Diary


    Then she felt someone shaking her up. ¡°Eretia!¡± And she screamed in fear.


    Knox Martins hugged her tightly. ¡°Calm down.. it is me.. knox.¡±


    Knox? He was holding her. Eretia hugged him tightly.


    ¡°Knox..¡± She mumbled.


    ¡°Yes, I am right here.¡± Knox purred in her ears. Eretia rxed in his embrace. ¡°You were screaming¡­ Is everything okay?¡± He asked.


    Eretia sobbed in his chest as she held on to him.  ¡°I don¡¯t.. want to.. go.. back  there.¡± She said shakily.


    ¡°Where? No.. don¡¯t worry.. It is just a nightmare. You¡¯ll be fine.¡± Knox mumbled.


    He whispered soothing words to her and soon she drifted into sleep again. Knox watched her for a few minutes beforeying her back on the bed. He wondered what sort of nightmare she was having that made her scream that much in an unconscious state.


    And Eretia had been out for about eight hours. He didn¡¯t drive her to the hospital to avoid Doctor Brandon¡¯s strange words likest time. Eretia would regain consciousness. He had concluded.


    Knox moved out of the room. He was perturbed. He wanted to know the reason why she was always passing out and he was scared at the same time. What if it was a symptom of an illness? An incurable illness?  He mused.


    Knox Martin¡¯s heart pounded so hard it was like it was going to bust. He should probably call Oliver and ask for his help. He must know something about it. Eretia must be hiding some facts about herself from him. But Knox changed his mind about getting water and he went into Eretia¡¯s room.


    Knox searched for her cellphone to call Oliver but he couldn¡¯t find it.


    ¡°Where did she drop it?¡± He mumbled.


    His gaze fell on her bed and he saw a book which a part of it was revealing but the rest of it was under the bed. He crouched down and reached for the book. And It turned out to be a diary.


    Eretia¡¯s diary! Her name was boldly written on it. Knox was tempted to read it but he dropped it on the bed. A piece of paper dropped to the ground and Knox picked it up to return it into the diary.


    His eyes caught the letter in the piece of paper.  ¡®A wish, Ade, the special one.¡¯  It reads.


    Knox sat on her bed and opened the diary to put the piece back. ¡®Eretia Jones was buried in the sand.¡¯


    Knox flipped through pages in the diary. ¡®I love him. Who? Oliver Scott or Knox Martins? I love Knox Martins!¡¯ Knox smiled at the note as he opened the next page.


    ¡®Princess of Merivi kingdom.¡¯ There was a little mermaid drawing next to it.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Knox Martins was confused as he read the rest of it.


    ¡®My wish as a special mermaid was to be human. It was a dream I had kept alive for years and the sea granted my wish on my eighteenth birthday. And here I am in the human world acting like a human. I was saved by a little boy on the beach named Ryan and his elder brother Oliver decided to help me. He took me in and treated me like a family. The Scott are nice people no doubt about that. I even got a new name, Eretia Jones. And guess what diary?! I am working as a maid to a tough heir. He is a supermodel and topmost in this country. Knox Martins looks like a demi god with his cute nose and handsome face. Isn¡¯t that amusing?! He is cool and that¡¯s why I love Knox Martins! Although he could be tough and stubborn but also nice and sweet!¡¯ It ended on that page and continued on the next.


    ¡®My life as a human is pretty fun! I enjoyed being a human and I wish to be a human forever! Now that I am in love! Knox and I are in love! But it is sad that we can¡¯t be together. We are from separate worlds but how I wish things were different. I want to be a human like Knox so I can be with him forever! But that¡¯s impossible because of Neifion. I have to return it back to the sea and with my family constantly making connections with the Neifion it can¡¯t allow me dwell in this world. I have to leave but what about Knox? How would he feel if he wakes up someday and can¡¯t find me in his home? Would he be sad? I can¡¯t tell. All I know is that I have to take Neifion back even though it pains me to leave Knox Martins. I am sure he would move on if he doesn¡¯t see me after a long time. Forgive me Knox Martins.¡¯


    Knox Martins was confused as he read thest few words. ¡®Written by: Ade, the special mermaid.¡¯


    And then it ended. Knox Martins was shocked and surprised. He could hardly believe what he just read in Eretia¡¯s Diary.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be true.¡± Knox mumbled.


    Eretia must be trying to create a fantasy story by using her name. ¡°She can¡¯t be a mermaid.¡± Knox Martins muttered.


    Eretia Jones is a human! The woman he loves is a human and not a mermaid!


    Knox exhaled roughly. His legs felt weak as he stood up from the bed. He sat back on the bed with his eyes closed.


    ¡°Eretia would definitely exin things to me when she wakes up.¡± Knox thought within as he gathered himself and walked out of the room.


    Knox went back to his room and dropped the diary in a drawer and locked it. He looked at Eretia on the bed who was soundly asleep. He ran his hands over his face, trying to think straight but it was hard for him to maintain his train of thought.


    Knox Martins exited the room and stormed out of the house. He needed to clear his head and ept what he just found out in her diary.


    **************


    IN THE MERWORLD


    THRONE HALL


    ¡°Abijam, what do we do about Scy?¡± Oceanus asked.


    The sea wizard bowed down in respect. ¡°We have to build up a boundary to stop Scy froming into the main hall of the sea.¡± Abijam replied.


    ¡°Can¡¯t we just fight him?¡± Morrissey demanded.


    ¡°Scy can¡¯t be destroyed. And we aren¡¯t strong enough to face the sea monster.¡± Wanwisa responded.


    ¡°But we have the strength to fight Scy.¡± Morgan countered.


    ¡°Our strength has nothing to do with Scy.¡± The sea wizard retorted.


    ¡°If we decided to fight the sea monster our blood scents would only strengthen him and that means destruction for us all.¡± King Oceanus added.


    ¡°So how do we defeat Scy?¡± Aztec demanded.


    ¡°We have to put him back to sleep.¡± Wanwisa replied.


    The king, queen, princes and other officials all exchanged confused nces.


    ¡°How?¡± Azizi asked with a raised eyebrows.


    The sea wizard cleared his throat. ¡°A special mermaid.¡± He said.


    And they gasped out in shock. ¡°Abijam, are you saying it is only Ade that can defeat Scy?¡± Fairfax asked.


    ¡°My prince, do we have another special mermaid in our kingdom?¡± The sea wizard questioned.


    ¡°No.. only Ade.¡± Fairfax answered.


    ¡°Our princess is the only solution to putting Scy back to sleep.¡± The sea wizard added.


    ¡°But we all know that Ade is far away in the strange world!¡± Meredydd gritted.


    ¡°Can we bring her back?¡± Murtaph asked.


    The sea wizard shook his head slowly. ¡°The sea would bring back it own. The special mermaid has to return back to her ce.¡±  Wanwisa answered.


    ¡°When exactly is she going to return back to the sea?!¡± Queen na asked impatiently.


    ¡°We can¡¯t sit back and watch Scy destroy our kingdom.¡± Morogh said.


    ¡°Abijam, isn¡¯t there a way to bring Ade back here as soon as possible?¡± Colbert asked.


    ¡°We have been trying to make connection with Neifion so she can feel pressured to return back to the sea.¡± Oceanus replied.


    ¡°Neifion? The water god?¡± Morogh arched his brows in confusion.


    ¡°How did she get that bracelet? Why didn¡¯t it fall off on the day she left the sea?¡± Fairfax demanded.


    ¡°Azizi gave Ade the Neifion bracelet on her birthday. And I have no idea why it didn¡¯t fall off on the day she left the sea.¡± Queen na exined.


    ¡°So Neifion is with Ade in that strange world. This is strange.. I mean the bracelet not falling off.¡± Colbert said loudly.


    They all nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes. You are right, Colbert.¡± Queen na said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think she can stay too long in that world with Neifion.¡± Murtaph said with a concerned tone.


    ¡°Yes Neifion belongs to the sea.¡± Wanwisa agreed.


    ¡°So.. what do we do? Sit back and wait for Ade to return?¡± Morrissey demanded in a harsh tone.


    ¡°Yes my prince.¡± The sea wizard answered with a slight bow.


    And everyone present  in the throne hall all sighed in frustration as they could hear the roar of Scy in a far distance.

 EPISODE FORTY TWO

    THEME: The silent treatment


    IN THE HUMAN WORLD


    SUNDAY EVENING


    Eretia woke up to a cool evening. Shey on the bed in silence for a moment. She felt stronger now with no pains. She didn¡¯t hear any sound behind the door.


    Knox? Where did he go? Her eyes scanned the room until it flickered on the wall clock. The time was 7:30 p. m. Knox wasn¡¯t in the room.


    Eretia realized that she wasn¡¯t in her bedroom but Knox¡¯s room. She pushed herself up and crawled out of bed. She left the room and headed towards the sitting room.


    Knox Martins was there. He sat on the couch. She stood there and watched as he typed on his system. Eretia cleared her throat. Knox Martins turned and looked at her. It looked as if he hadn¡¯t slept well. His eyes were shadowed.


    ¡°How are you doing?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°Better.¡± Eretia muttered.


    Knox nodded and focused his attention on the system. Eretia wanted to know how long she had been out. She rubbed her palms together and pondered if she should ask him.


    Knox Martins closed hisptop and looked straight at her.¡±You passed out on the beach yesterday afternoon.¡± Knox said with a serious face as if he had read her mind.


    ¡°I.. I.. I..¡± She stuttered.


    ¡°Why do you keep passing out every time?¡± He asked.


    Eretia avoided his gaze and looked down at Neifion. She didn¡¯t know what to say to him. And there was no way she was going to reveal her identity to him.


    ¡°Are you ill?¡± He asked.


    ¡°No.¡± Her response was sharp.


    ¡°Then what? You were out for a whole day and you had nightmares in between¡­¡± Knox stopped to swallow hard. ¡°And.. and I had no idea of what to do.¡± Hepleted.


    Eretia looked up at him. Then she remembered the nightmare. The mermaid crying for her to save her and  the half driedke filled with horrible looking mermaids.  And Knox holding her tightly until she had fallen asleep.


    ¡°Eretia, is there something you are hiding from me?¡± He asked in a tight whisper but that was damn straight!


    Eretia looked away and stared into space. He wanted her to tell him the truth. He was tired of trying to figure if she is human or a mermaid and if what she wrote in her diary was true.


    Eretia heartbeat elerated. He sounded like he knew her secret. Her palms became sweaty and she couldn¡¯t bring herself to tell him everything. Knox Martins would hate her if she told him her true identity.


    ¡°Eretia-¡±


    ¡°There is nothing wrong with me.¡±  Eretia cuts in sharply.


    Knox stared  intently at her.  ¡°Okay.¡± He muttered.


    Knox stood up and walked to his bedroom. Eretia blinked back tears that threatened to spill. Some seconds clicked by and Knox came out of his bedroom to the living room. ¡°I am heading out.¡± He said.


    ¡°Knox.¡± She called out to him.


    Knox stopped at the door hoping she would just tell him everything.


    ¡°Never mind.¡± Eretia mumbled. She rushed towards her room before he could say anything.


    The tightness in her throat won¡¯t let her spill the truth. She was scared of what his reaction would be. Eretia locked her bedroom door and broke down in tears. She sobbed silently.


    Knox moved out of the house. He stayed two minutes in his car before pulling out of the driveway.


    ***********


    Eretia opened her eyes slowly and sat up quickly. She nced around the room and she realized that she had slept off in tears. Then she remembered everything. The thought of Knox Martins filled her mind.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    What would happen to him if she return to her world? Eretia thought.


    She walked to her bed and sat on it. She reached the drawer, the green light on the rm clock beeped 9:30 p. m. It is reallyte. Eretia sighed as she settled to take out her diary but it wasn¡¯t there.


    Eretia searched and lifted every objects in the room but the diary was no where to be found. ¡°Where did I dropped it?¡± Eretia asked herself.


    She fell back on the bed to think of where she had dropped the diary thest time she wrote in it. But she couldn¡¯t think of anything except Knox Martins that kept popping up in her mind. She wondered if he was back home.


    Eretia rushed out of her room to check if he was home. ¡°Knox.¡± She called out but got no response.


    She checked his bedroom, bathroom and kitchen but he wasn¡¯t anywhere in the house. Even his car was not in the driveway.


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t he back yet?¡± She looked up at the wall clock. It was 9:50 p. m.


    Eretia picked her phone on the couch and dialed his number. It was switched off. Then her stomach let out a loud growl. She was hungry. Eretia went into the kitchen to prepare dinner. She hoped that Knox would return home soon but he didn¡¯t show up. And she stayed up all night waiting for Knox Martins arrival.


    Eretia gave up around 5:30 a. m  and she slept off on the couch.


    *******


    MONDAY MORNING


    Eretia woke up immediately she heard the door clicked. It was as if she had just slept for only ten minutes. She rubbed her sleepy eyes to have a clear vision and the first thing her eyes caught was Knox Martins. She stood up quickly and went to him.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± Eretia yawned loudly.


    Knox Martins stared at her. ¡°I was expecting you to-¡±


    Knox walked away without listening to her and she followed him.


    ¡°Knox, I prepared dinnerst night and stayed up all night waiting for you. And I was so worried when I tried your number but-¡±


    Knox stopped abruptly and she almost bumped into him. ¡°But it was switched off.¡± shepleted.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you to prepare dinner for me. And I never asked you to stay up all night waiting for me.¡±  Knox snapped at her.


    Eretia¡¯s eyes widened in shock. She was confused  and taken aback by his sudden outburst. Knox started to walk away but soon stopped without facing her.


    ¡°There is no need toe with me to the office today.¡± Knox said in a low tone. And he walked into his room. Knox clenched his fists when he entered his room.


    Knox Martins left that morning without saying anything to her. He didn¡¯t want her at the office so she won¡¯t pass out again. Even if she was truly a mermaid then it is best to keep her at home so others won¡¯t find out. He thought.


    ******


    TUESDAY MORNING


    The silent treatment was killing him. Knox can¡¯t keep avoiding her forever. If he want the truth then he should man up and confront her. Knox thought deeply as he sat in front of his Mahogany desk.


    Knox nced at Eretia¡¯s desk and her image appeared on her chair. He knew that he was hallucinating but he didn¡¯t want the image to disappear. He missed her smile and everything about her. Even though he was desperate to know things about her, he still kept calm and trying to give her a chance to open up to him.


    But it seems Eretia wasn¡¯t ready to tell him anything. She was afraid of what he would do and his reaction!

 EPISODE FORTY THREE

    THEME: She is a mermaid


    KNOX BEACH HOUSE


    ON TUESDAY NIGHT


    Knox Martins gulped down a cup of water and took it cup to the sink to rinse it. And he stood with his hands gripping the sides of the sink, head bowed  and heart pounding so hard. He rinsed the cup and moved out of the kitchen to his room.


    Knox sat on the bed to read Eretia¡¯s diary over again. He had read it over and over again still trying to make sense of the words written in it. He knew Eretia must have been looking for the diary but decided not to say anything about it.  And Knox pondered if he should go to her and confront her about her identity or just keep silence about it. He doesn¡¯t want to hurt her anymore by avoiding her and he was fed up of being away from her.


    Knox Martins stood up and moved out of his room. Everywhere was silent as he paced to and fro in front of her bedroom. Some minutes clicked by before he made up his mind to knock on the door.


    Eretia wiped her face quickly when she heard the knock. She couldn¡¯t think of what she had done to make Knox change towards her. Eretia made sure that her face was clean and dry before she crawled out of bed to the door.


    Knox Martins noticed her red and swollen face and he knew immediately that she must have been crying! He doesn¡¯t know how long  but he figured it was because of him.


    ¡°Have you been crying?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°No.. no.. no..¡± Eretia said unsteadily.


    Knox Martins stared intently at her. She couldn¡¯t look into his eyes. Eretia cleared her throat before speaking up. ¡°Do you need anything?¡± She asked.


    Knox shook his head.  ¡°You must be looking for this diary.¡± He brought out the diary from behind his back.


    Eretia¡¯s gaze fell on it and her jaw dropped immediately. She was shocked to find out that Knox was holding her diary! At that moment what would she do?! Knox gave the diary to her but she didn¡¯t take it from him. Eretia panicked even as she tried not to look at him. She couldn¡¯t speak. The fear of knowing that Knox Martins must have read her diary froze her interior. Her heart was pounding so hard like marching footsteps in her skull.


    ¡°You can tell me everything when you are ready.¡± Knox Martins said.


    And shakily without looking at him, Eretia took the diary. The tear dropped down her right chin. She had no idea of what to say to him.


    Knox leaned closer, reached for her chin and wiped the tear with his fingertips. He heaved a sigh.  ¡°Good night.¡± He kissed her forehead and made his way back to his room.


    Eretia was stunned by the realization that Knox must know about her identity now.  She stood immobile as more tears dropped down her cheek. He found out! Some minutes clicked by before she slowly made her way to the bed.


    Eretia knew there would be no hiding anymore. And now she has to summon the courage to talk to him tomorrow.


    ***************


    WEDNESDAY MORNING


    Eretia woke up too early, was all dressed and ready to face her boss. She went to the mirror and took a deep breathe.


    ¡°Now you have to tell him everything.. nothing but the whole truth. If Knox Martins decides to kick you out of his life then you can give up and return to your world.¡± Eretia pointed to her reflection in the mirror.


    Eretia closed her eyes again. ¡°You can do this.. Ade.. no.. Eretia.¡± She exhaled roughly.


    Some secondster, she reopened her eyes and forced her focus onto herself to make sure she was at least ready to face Knox Martins. And she secretly wish he would ept her identity after revealing the truth to him.


    ¡°Let us do this!¡± Eretia told her reflection much more sternly as she turned away from the mirror and moved out of the room.


    Knox Martins was heading out of his bedroom at the same time. Eretia visibly gulped at the sight of him. ¡°Good.. morning.¡± she greeted.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Knox Martins hummed a response without looking at her and he walked away. She had to talk to him and she wasn¡¯t going to act like a wimp.


    Knox strode towards the door and then she knew she had to act. She had to say something because the silent treatment really was killing her.


    Eretia inhaled her breath. It was time to man up and speak the truth.  ¡°Knox, wait.¡±  The words seemed incredibly stupid as they escaped her mouth.


    Knox stopped on track and turned to face her. His n was to let her decide if he truly deserves to know the truth about her identity. They stood staring at each other without her making an attempt to speak up.


    ¡°You know we can do this some other time.¡± Knox checked his watch.


    Eretia stood like an idiot and she closed her eyes. ¡°Knox.. please let us talk now.¡± She reopened her eyes again.


    ¡°What do you want to talk about?¡± Knox asked as he folded his arms across his chest.


    ¡°We need to talk.. aboutst night.¡± Eretia answered.


    Knox Martins moved from that spot and went to sit on the couch. He could spare her some time to speak the truth. ¡°So?¡± Knox said but he didn¡¯t seem annoyed.


    ¡°My diary..¡± Eretia stopped and took in a handful of breathe to refill her lungs.


    Knox nodded slowly. ¡°I found it under your bed while I was looking for your phone to call Oliver. I needed to let him know about your condition maybe he could help but I changed my mind on reaching out to him.¡± He said.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Eretia whispered. Everything made sense to her now.


    ¡°And I want to believe that everything if not all isn¡¯t true. I got to thinking that you were trying to create a fantasy story.¡± Knox rubbed his palms together.


    ¡°No.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°So?¡± He arched his eyebrows.


    ¡°Everything in my diary is the truth. I am a mermaid.¡± Eretia blurted out without meeting his gaze.


    ¡°Are you kidding?¡± He looked up at her.


    ¡°No I am not a human.¡± Eretia nodded.


    And then Knox stood up from the couch abruptly. ¡°Mermaids doesn¡¯t exist.¡± He countered.


    ¡°They do exist.. and I am one.¡± Eretia replied.


    Knox went to her immediately. ¡°No.. Eretia.. it can¡¯t be true. Please tell me you are just making things up.¡±


    A tear slid down her cheek but she wiped it quickly. ¡°I am sorry, Knox. But it is the truth.¡± She muttered.


    Knox clenched his fist. He was still finding it hard to believe her words. ¡°Can you prove it to me?!¡± He gritted.


    Eretia¡¯s head snapped up to looked at him. ¡°Yes.. look at this..¡± She pointed to the bracelet. ¡°This is a neighing bracelet that proves that I don¡¯t belong to this world. I used to live in the sea until I clocked eighteen.¡± She exined.


    ¡°Eighteen?¡± He frowned deeply.


    ¡°Yes, it is a long story.¡± Eretia responded.


    ¡°Why are you out here if you belong to the sea? Why are you a human now? And what¡¯s about being eighteen?¡± Knox questioned frantically. He was confused.


    ¡°It was my wish.¡± Eretia swallowed hard.


    Knox couldn¡¯tprehend her words. He ran his hand through his hair. ¡°I still don¡¯t understand you.¡± He admitted.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you everything, Knox. I am a mermaid.¡± Eretia held up her wrist so he could see the bracelet. ¡°Look, this bracelet belongs to a water god. And these writings on it is thenguage of the sea.¡± She exined.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you.¡± Knox blurted.


    Eretia sighed and stepped away from him before racing off to her room and came back with a bathrobe.


    ¡°Come with me.¡± She ordered.


    ¡°Why?¡± Knox demanded.


    ¡°I want to show you my identity so you can believe every of my words.¡± Eretia replied.


    She didn¡¯t wait for his approval before moving out of the house and she ran towards the sea. Knox Martins followed her immediately. He stood at the bank, watched her as she unzipped her gown, leaving her in just bra and panties on as she walked closer to the sea.


    Eretia went in deeper and deeper as she ced her heels together and flick with her feet. The movement rippled in her body and she did it again. This was better than casting a shape shifting spell. Eretia went down the sea forplete transition as she had read in some historical books about mermaids. Her skin was darkening as waves washed over her.


    Knox waited close to the shore and watched her do the transitioning. Another flick with her feet rising out of water and the skin of her legs grew together. And then Knox saw it-not her legs but an enormous golden tail.


    ¡°What the hell is that?¡± He gasped in shock.


    It was as if Knox Martins was daydreaming and he needed someone to wake him up. Eretia stayed under the sea with her tail up for some seconds. Then she disyed her tail a bit to make him believe.


    Eretia tried to raised her head above the water to look at him. His expression  was unreadable but Eretia thought that she saw a look of disgust in his eyes as he stepped backwards slowly. He must be afraid of what she might do to him.


    So Eretia went back under the sea. ¡°Now he thinks I am a monster.¡± She said within. And she felt it, almeta dropping down her cheeks. She was crying.


    ¡°He hates me now.¡± Eretia sobbed underneath the sea.


    She looked down at her golden tail and long nails. And she thought of swimming farther into the sea to return back to her kingdom. She would convey information about her kingdom from the sea creatures.


    But all of a sudden, she felt the change of bnce in the sea. Something is wrong. Though not in this sea but somewhere far off.

 EPISODE FORTY FOUR

    THEME: I won¡¯t let you go!


    BY THE BEACH


    Knox waited for Eretia to show up again but she didn¡¯t. Had she left for her world? He thought and panic filled him. ¡°No.¡± He mumbled. She can¡¯t leave just like that!


    Knox saw her tail from afar as she was moving away farther into the sea. ¡°Eretia!¡± He shouted into the wind with his hand at his mouth.


    Knox ran closer to the bank. ¡°She can¡¯t leave me.¡± He tried to calm himself down but it wasn¡¯t working because Eretia didn¡¯t stop swimming farther into the sea. And he tried again. ¡°Eretia! Pleasee back! Don¡¯t leave me!¡±


    Eretia thought that she had imagined Knox¡¯s voice in her head. ¡°Eretia, I love you!¡± He shouted again.


    Eretia stopped swimming. She had heard it clearly with her keen hearing ability. Knox knelt down on the sand and cried. ¡°Pleasee back.¡± He muttered.


    He wants her back in his life and immediately she started back to the shore. He was calling for her! She could hear his heartbeat and almost nearing the shore then she raised her head above the water.


    Knox¡¯s face was buried in his palms. Eretia controlled the sand with her powers and directed it to him gently to gain his attention since she couldn¡¯t talk to him. Mermaids and humans can¡¯t rte except they are in same form.


    Knox looked up and saw her. ¡°Eretia..¡± He crawled closer into the water to meet her. ¡°You came back.¡±


    Eretia used her tail to ssh water around them. Knox wiped his face and smiled at her as he examined her new look. ¡°You have a very beautiful tail.¡± Heplimented.


    ¡°And I wish I could be with you forever.¡± Eretia wanted to say it to him but she showed him more of herrge golden tail. She was delighted that Knox liked her tail. And she reached out her hand to him for a handshake.


    ¡°No I won¡¯t take that.¡± He declined.


    Her forehead creased. ¡°I once read it that a mermaid can erase a human memory with a handshake.¡± Knox said.


    ¡°Yes.. you are right.¡± Eretia said within but nodded her head in response.


    ¡°You can¡¯t talk to me right?¡± He asked.


    Eretia nodded with her hand still in the air waiting for him to take it. He drew back from the water. ¡°I don¡¯t want to forget you.¡± He added.


    ¡°Hey boss, this is a handshake to mark our friendship and love.¡± Eretia thought. She sshed water with her tail again with a smile on her face.


    ¡°Can I trust you?¡± He asked.


    Eretia nodded.  ¡°The handshake won¡¯t erase my memory right?¡± Knox eyed her suspiciously and she nodded her head again.


    Knox studied her expression to be sure she wasn¡¯t deceiving him. She looked sincere. ¡°Okay.¡± He shook hands with her.


    Her smile grew wider as her tail danced in excitement in the sea.


    ¡°Nice to meet you.. my beautiful mermaid girlfriend.¡± Knox grinned sheepishly. But soon he turned serious and said. ¡°I want you back.¡±


    Eretia pointed towards the bathrobe. Knox understood  what she was trying to say saying. He stood up, moved backward and went to grab her robe and dress. She closed her gills, parting her tail and her skin normalized. She moved up and let her tail touch the sand.


    Knox dropped the bathrobe and turned away before she became human.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She said.


    ¡°Are you done?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± she answered.


    Knox turned quickly and she stood fully dressed in front of him. He pulled her into his arms not minding the fact that she was wet with water dripping from her hair.


    ¡°Knox..¡±


    ¡°Wait not now.¡± Knox purred into her ears. He held her closely and she let him do it.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Several minutes clicked by and she said.  ¡°Don¡¯t you want to know the whole story?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you scared of me?¡± Eretia demanded.


    Knox pulled away from her to look into her eyes. ¡°I am not scared of you. I was only shocked to see a mermaid. I never believed they exist until today.¡± He paused and removed strands of wet hair from her face.


    ¡°And were you really nning to leave the other time?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t like my appearance.¡± Eretia mumbled.


    ¡°I am sorry if my expression seems like I didn¡¯t like your appearance.¡± Knox caress her cheeks.


    ¡°I was going to return to my kingdom because I was afraid that you wouldn¡¯t want to be close to me.¡± Tears clouded her vision.


    ¡°You will return back to your kingdom and leave me out here?¡± He raised his eyebrows.


    Eretia looked away from him. ¡°Some day I¡¯ll have to return to my world.¡± She said.


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t let you go.¡± He embraced her tightly. ¡°I am in love with you and I don¡¯t care if you are a mermaid.¡±


    ¡°Listen Knox, I am d that you don¡¯t see me as a monster but I insist you know the whole story of how I became a human.¡± Eretia pulled out of the embrace.


    Knox nodded his head in agreement. ¡°Alright. You can tell me the whole story.¡± Knox ced a kiss on her forehead. He held her hand and they walked back into the house.


    ¡°Perhaps is Oliver aware that you are mermaid?¡± Knox questioned.


    ¡°No one knows except tou and Betty Lawson.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Betty Lawson?¡± He scrunched up his face.


    ¡°Yes but I already erased my traces from her memory. She doesn¡¯t remember anything about me anymore.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°How did she find out?¡± Knox unlocked the door.


    ¡°I told her about it.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°But why? I thought you wanted to hide your identitypletely.¡± Knox led her into the house.


    ¡°Betty suspected it the day I passed out at the agency.¡± Eretia responded.


    ¡°Wait a moment, I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Knox said and raced off to his room. But he came back with a towel.


    ¡°Let me dry your hair.¡± He pulled her to the couch and sat behind her to dry her hair.¡±Now go ahead and tell me everything.¡± He added.


    Eretia sighed.  ¡°Every thousand years in the Merworld, a special mermaid is born with powers that supersede other Merpowers.¡± She started off.


    ¡°You are the special mermaid.¡± Knox said.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°But is Neifion truly a water god? And did you get the bracelet because you are special mermaid?¡± He demanded.


    ¡°One of my brother gave the bracelet to me on my birthday.¡± Eretia answered and then she told him everything.


    ******


    FLASHBACK


    Every thousand years, a special mermaid is born, having superpowers that supersedes other merpowers. And in the Merworld, every mermaid and merman is born with an ability.


    In Merivi kingdom, it is a custom that every child born should be taken to the messengers of the sea. Wanwisa the goddess of the sea, Abijam the sea wizard and Serena the enchantress to check the powers of the child. They name each child ording to it power and strength.


    Wanwisa connects with the sea, Abijam tells the power of the child while Serena deres happiness during the child naming rite and also bless the child.


    Oceanus is the titan of Merivi sea. He is one of the most powerful sea titans in the underworld. He has ten sons and each was named ording to their strength and power.


    na is the wife of Oceanus and mother of ten sons. And she gave birth to a mermaid on the day of sea celebration and she was named Ade.


    Ade is totally different from other mermaids. She was born with a golden tail and a very long golden hair and she possessed special powers. She was loved by all, she was loved for her kindness  towards others. Ade has a beautiful voice, she can sing and she also loves music.


    Oceanus realized that his daughter could sing songs he couldn¡¯t understand and he figured it was part of her ability as a special mermaid. So he ordered Maeve, the goddess of music to help Ade develop her singing ability. And at eight, she could sing powerful songs of the sea which connects her with the sea and other natural elements.


    The citizens of Merivi always gather in the ceremonial hall just to hear Ade sing with her friends every twelve days. Virtually everyone loved the special mermaid who could connect with the sea through powerful spell songs.


    And ording to the prophecy told at her naming rite, she is the mermaid destined to save her people.

 EPISODE FORTY FIVE

    THEME: She loves the human world


    STILL  FLASHBACK


    MERVILLA KINGDOM


    IN ADELLA¡¯S  ROOM


    Ade sat on her sea moss bed, chatting with her personal maids as they help her fix her hair and polish her tail. She hummed one of her spell songs looking at her reflection in the mirror.


    ¡°Princess Ade, you didn¡¯t tell us the rest of the story which you started the other day.¡± Calliope reminded.


    ¡°Oh I have told you so many stories which one are you talking about?¡± Ade asked.


    Calliope leaned in and whispered into her ears. ¡°The story about the human world.¡±


    ¡°Oh that¡¯s true. Let me continue.¡± Ade stopped them from polishing her tail and fixing her hair.


    Ade asked them to sit on her bed and she also settled to tell them about the human world.


    ¡°The human world is a really beautiful ce especially the sea side and you get to see so many humans.¡± Ade said in a low tone.


    ¡°How long have you been swimming up to that strange world?¡± Calista asked.


    Ade counted her fingers. ¡°Since I was twelve.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Twelve years old!¡± Her three maids chorused with a shocked expression on their faces.


    ¡°How did you manage to swim up that fast without being caught by the guardians of the sea.¡± Chantae demanded.


    ¡°Well I can¡¯t get caught because I don¡¯t pass through the sea seal.¡± Ade answered with a shrug.


    ¡°So what do you do?¡± Calliope asked.


    ¡°I swim like I am enjoying the feeling of the water on my skin and then I cast a spell when no one is watching me.. then Puff! Off I go to the human world!¡± Eretia exined and they gasped out.


    ¡°Do you remember when I went missing for a few days?¡± Ade whispered.


    ¡°Yes.¡± They replied in unison.


    ¡°Well I was up above the sea  just watching the humans.¡± Eretia pointed out.


    ¡°What?!¡± The mermaids raised their brows and their jaws dropping in absolute surprise.


    ¡°But you said a Nixie, the water spirit attacked you on your way back from Maeve home.¡±  Chantae reminded her.


    ¡°No that was a lie. My father would have grounded me for life if I had told him I was in the other world.¡± Ade ced her hands on her cheeks.


    ¡°So what were you doing in that world?¡± Calista asked.


    Ade shrugged. ¡°I was watching the humans that day. There was a celebration going on by the sea-¡± She paused, trying to remember what she heard while she used her hearing ability.


    ¡°What celebration?¡± Calista asked anxiously.


    ¡°Uhmm.. Con -¡± Ade stopped to think.


    ¡°Try to remember.¡± Calliope pestered her.


    Ade closed her eyes to think deeply. ¡°Con ¨C cert.. Yes!¡± She reopened her eyes. ¡°Concert!¡± She said in a raised tone.


    The mermaids foreheads creased automatically. ¡°Con.. cierti¡± Chantae repeated wrongly.


    Adeughed.  ¡°No, it is concert.¡± She corrected.


    ¡°What is con ¨C cier ¨C ti?¡± Calista asked.


    Ade rolled her eyes. ¡°I just said concert.¡± She corrected.


    ¡°Anyways tell us about it.¡± Calliope said.


    Ade stood up to demonstrate. ¡°I saw some group of girls singing and every human swaying their bodies in a good way.¡± She stopped.


    ¡°Like dancing?¡± Chantae asked.


    ¡°And merrying?¡± Calliope added.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Ade answered.


    ¡°And I think the concert is just like the music festival we do here.¡± She added.


    ¡°Okay.. that¡¯s nice.¡± The mermaids chorused.


    ¡°So I guess you know so much about that strange world.¡± Chantae said.


    ¡°No I am still getting to know it.¡± Ade smiled.


    ¡°Do you see handsome women like the ones here?¡± Calista asked.


    Ade rolled her eyes again. ¡°Calista, it is handsome men and beautiful women and not the other way around.¡±  She corrected again.


    ¡°Do you like that world because you seem to know too much about those people?¡± Chantae asked.


    ¡°Yes.. human men are so handsome and ssy and better than mermen.¡± Ade said in excitement.


    ¡°Really?¡± The triplets exchanged nces.


    ¡°Yes, although sometimes they say things I can¡¯t understand. But with the help of my superpowers I can trante anything they say.¡± Ade pped her hands happily.


    ¡°Wow! When next would you swim to the human world? I want to go!¡± Calista said.


    ¡°Me too!¡± Calliope eximed.


    ¡°I am not interested. I don¡¯t want to see those scary humans.¡± Chantae mumbled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind her, princess Ade I am in!¡± Calista eximed.


    ¡°Likewise.¡± Calliope added.


    ¡°You girls can¡¯t go with me.¡± Ade said and their smiles dropped almost immediately.


    She didn¡¯t want them to go with her to the human world because the temporary spell to appear in the human world was meant for only her. And taking the girls along would raise suspicion from the sea guardians. They might get caught and taken to the sea titan, her father and be punished severely.


    ¡°Why?¡± They asked in unison.


    Ade thought of what to say to make them lose interest in going to the human world.


    ¡°Firstly, you will lose your hair.¡± She lied


    Their eyes widened in shock. ¡°Secondly, you girls don¡¯t have my powers and my father will punish us if he finds out. You will have to drink poison while I get stripped of my title as a princess!¡±  Ade puts up a facade of being scared.


    The mermaids nodded in agreement. ¡°Do you want to lose your hair and also get punished?¡± Ade asked.


    ¡°No.¡± The mermaids chorused.


    ¡°My hair is my beauty.¡± Calista said.


    ¡°I can¡¯t take the whips of the sea warriors let alone drink poison, I don¡¯t want to die!¡± Calliope said fearfully.


    Ade smiled with a smug look on her face. She had managed to scare them.


    ¡°Perhaps do you be human in that world?¡± Chantae asked.


    ¡°No.. I haven¡¯t found the spell to be a full human yet.¡± Ade answered.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°So we can¡¯t see the human world.¡± Calliope said with a sad face.


    Ade nodded. ¡°Yes, you can¡¯t see the human world.¡±


    *****


    ROYAL DINNING ROOM


    Everyone was present at the royal dinning room except Ade. They sat at the long tableden with seafoods. Delmer and Dn had reserved seats for Ade respectively but she had forgotten the royal dinner was to take ce tonight. And it won¡¯t begin until everyone was present and seated.


    ¡°Why is shete again?¡± Queen na asked. ¡°I hope she is not missing again.¡± She panicked.


    ¡°My Queen calm down, Ade is in the pce.¡± Oceanus said.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Queen na asked in a concerned tone and he replied with a short nod.


    Delmer cleared his throat. ¡°I will get princess , Ade.¡± He stood up and bowed to Oceanus.


    ¡°I will bring her.¡± Dn stood up too.


    They were about leaving but Morrissey stopped them. ¡°Sit down princes, I will fetch my baby sister myself and please both of you shouldn¡¯t cause any trouble tonight.¡± He stood up and swam away from the throne hall.


    And the princes settled back in their chairs. They are both in love with princess Ade and the both of them are trying to impress and win her heart, but she doesn¡¯t love them. Ade wasn¡¯t interested in any of the princes.

 EPISODE FORTY SIX

    THEME: Wedding Bells


    FLASHBACK


    IN ADELLA¡¯S ROOM


    Ade and her maids heard the royal bell. ¡°Oh princess Ade! The royal dinner!¡± Calista screamed.


    ¡°Royal dinner?! Oh my sea! I totally forgot about it!¡± Ade stood up quickly from the sea moss bed.


    ¡°Oh my sea! Mother would be worried and Morrissey is definitely on his way to fetch me.¡± Ade swims to her clothes space to change her upper side.


    Chantae helped her to polish her tail as she changed while the others cleaned up her room. Ade heard Morrissey¡¯s heartbeat and she could feel it that he was close.


    Morrissey knocked. ¡°Ade, are you in there?¡±


    ¡°Calliope, tell the prince I left for the royal dinning room.¡± Ade said in a whisper as she pushed her towards the door.


    Calliope swims towards the door and before she could bow to him or say anything, Morrissey stepped in but Ade had stepped out of the room. She left through the hidden door in her clothes space connecting to the royal hallway.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± He asked looking at the three girls.


    The triplets bowed in respect. ¡°Prince Morrissey, didn¡¯t you see the princess on your way down here?¡± Chantae asked.


    ¡°No.¡± He replied with a frown.


    ¡°Princess Ade should be at the royal dinning room now.¡± Calliope added. They exchanged nces and they bowed to the prince again.


    ¡°Prince Morrissey, we were about leaving before you came in.¡± Calista said.


    ¡°You can go home.¡± Hemanded.


    ¡°Thank you prince Morrissey.¡± The triplets mermaids chorused before exiting the room in a rush.


    They all sighed in relief, thankful that the tough prince Morrissey didn¡¯t scold them for princess Adeteness to the royal dinner. Morrissey made his way back to the royal dinning room. Ade slipped into therge room and she bowed and greeted everyone. ¡°Pardon myteness.¡± She apologized.


    Delmer outsmarted Dn, he went to Ade and pulled her  to the chair beside him which was next to Fairfax her  immediate elder brother.


    Ade almost tripped off when Delmer dragged her to the chair but Fairfax held the chair with his strength and positioned it properly so the princess wouldn¡¯t fall.


    Unknowingly to Fairfax the pearl attached to the ring on his fingers was stuck to Ade¡¯s tail, then in the process of trying to ce his hands back on the table, he scratched her tail and she yelp in pain.


    Tears sting her eyes, she bit her lower lip to blink back the tears that threatened to spill at any moment. Queen na got out of chair immediately and swims towards her daughter. ¡°Are you okay, Almeta?¡± She asked.


    Almeta means pearl. Ade was also named Almeta by her mother when she was born. She was born with pearls attached to her fins which made her golden tail really beautiful and unique.


    Queen na looked down at Ade¡¯s tail, a part of it was opened. The pearl on Fairfax¡¯s finger had cut deep into her flesh. ¡°Who did this to you?¡± Queen na tried to touch it but Ade pped her hand away.


    ¡°It hurts mother.¡± Ade cried.


    Morrissey came in while Fairfax tried take off the ring. ¡°I am sorry.. I didn¡¯t mean to hurt you, Ade.¡± he apologized.


    ¡°Fairfax.¡± Oceanus called.


    He looked up at his father. ¡°Yes father.¡±


    ¡°Why did you hurt your sister?!¡± Oceanus gritted.


    ¡°But father.. it wasn¡¯t intentional.¡± Fairfax said defensively.


    ¡°Father just let him be, it was just an ident.¡± Ade winced in pains.


    ¡°Hold on Almeta¡­ let me heal you.¡± Queen na said


    ¡°Careful mother.¡± Azizi got out of his chair and went to his sister.


    ¡°Will it hurt mother?¡± Ade asked.


    Queen na didn¡¯t respond. ¡°Mother..¡±


    ¡°No it won¡¯t hurt too much just focus on your tail while it heals.¡± Queen na answered.


    Ade watched her mother in silence as her hand began to glow brightly, power sparking out in her palms. White sparks shot out of her fingertips into the flesh and Ade could feel the shock wave of power. They all felt it radiating out of Ade¡¯s body and the air around them shimmered unrealized force.  Ade¡¯s tail glowed, a bit of the flesh moved and tears streamed down her cheeks.


    Morrissey pats her back gently trying to calm her down. ¡°It¡¯s alright, you will be fine.¡± He whispered.


    Azizi was by her side too, he grazed her cheeks with his fingers. ¡°Just a little more.¡±  He wiped her tears.


    The flesh closed up and her tail was back to normal. ¡°It¡¯s alright now.¡± Queen na rubbed her hands before moving away from her.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Come and sit with me.¡± Azizi carried her out of the chair and settled her in the chair next to him.


    Queen na went to Fairfax and hit on his head angrily. ¡°That¡¯s so irresponsible of you! I warned you to stop going around with rings with pearls on them!¡± She scolded.


    ¡°Oh! Mother!¡± Fairfax yelped in pain touching the back of his head.


    ¡°Be careful!¡± Queen na red at him.


    Then Morrissey and Queen na went back to their chairs when Ade calmed.


    ¡°I think you should be more careful prince Delmer.¡± Morgan said with an half smile.


    Delmer clenched his fists under the table, everything would have been fine if Fairfax hadn¡¯t scratch Ade¡¯s fragile tail with his damn ring. After everything was settled Queen na announced that everyone could eat and they all dived into their food.


    Titan Samudra cleared his throat after a momentary pause.¡±Ade, are you prepared for your special day?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yes Titan Samudra.¡± Ade sniffed and replied in a low tone.


    ¡°My daughter ¨C in ¨Cw will be eighteen soon. A special day to make a wish and also be ready for marriage.¡± Titan Bhupendra chuckled.


    The wine in Ade¡¯s mouth sputtered out and thankfully she turned down to her tail when that happened. She spilled the whole content on her tail with her eyes widening and it showed her surprise. ¡°Oh.. my sea.. I am so sorry.¡± She stuttered.


    Delmer grabbed a cleaner on the table and passed it Ade to wipe the liquid on her tail. Dn tried controlled his anger by tightening his fists when he saw that Delmer was happy with his father¡¯s word. Delmer was obviously ahead of Dn and he hated it.


    ¡°Daughter-inw?!¡± Ade repeated in a gasp.


    ¡°Yes Almeta, three days after your birthday you have to choose between prince Delmer and Dn as your husband.¡± Titan Oceanus said with a smile on his face.


    ¡°No father!¡± Ade screamed as she stood up from her chair. ¡°And never!¡± She exited the room and swims away angrily.


    Everyone was surprised by her sudden outburst towards her father.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡±  Azizi said and he followed his sister.


    Azizi was Ade¡¯s favorite brother, she liked the third prince more than any of the other princes. He is gentle, cool and kind and passionate about others.


    ¡°Ade!¡± Azizi called out to her. But she swam fast towards her room to avoid talking to anyone.


    ¡°How dare he try to fix a marriage for me?!¡± Ade reached for some things in her room with her powers with the aim of throwing them away.


    Azizi knocked on her bedroom door but she didn¡¯t respond. ¡°Ade, I know you are in there.. can Ie in?¡± He asked.


    Ade dropped them back to their ces and sighed heavily. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t punish them for what my father did to me.¡±


    ¡°Ade.¡± Azizi called again.


    ¡°Come in Azizi.¡± She said.


    He opened the door and popped his head in first. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Ade sat on her sea moss bed. ¡°No, I am not okay.¡± She answered with her head down and her gaze fixed on her tail.


    ¡°Listen Ade-¡±


    She interrupted him. ¡°Why? Why do.. I have.. to get.. married?¡± Ade said shakily as she blinked back tears.


    Azizi went to her. ¡°I don¡¯t want to get married and..¡± Her voice trailed off.


    Azizi sat close to her. ¡°Please don¡¯t cry.¡± he hugged her.


    ¡°Azizi.. what do I do? I don¡¯t love neither Delmer nor Dn.¡± She sobbed.


    ¡°I know Ade.¡± He muttered.


    She held on to him tightly. ¡°What do I do?¡± She asked.


    He pulled back slowly to look at her. ¡°Do you love someone else? Perhaps a nobel merman in our kingdom?¡± He asked.


    No! She wanted to say no but Ade heard herself say. ¡°Yes.¡± she lied.


    Ade doesn¡¯t love any nobel merman! She was in love with the human world. She had clearly and secretly watched them for years! How they yed by the sea, how human men cuddled their women, everything they did amazed her and it made her heart beat and her belly flutter. She wanted something like that but she couldn¡¯t tell Azizi about her love for that world.


    ¡°Azizi.. please talk to father.¡± Her eyes pleaded with him.


    ¡°Ade, you know father won¡¯t take a no from you.¡± He said.


    ¡°Are you saying I have to marry one of them?¡± She cried.


    ¡°Yes, three days after your birth celebration you have to choose and then -¡±


    ¡°But Fairfax didn¡¯t get married at eighteen!¡± She interrupted him.


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Azizi said as he moved strands of hair from her face.


    ¡°And my friends are not married even though they are one year older. Azizi, it doesn¡¯t make any sense.¡± She frowned.


    ¡°It does every special mermaid must get married at eighteen.¡± Azizi exined.


    ¡°No I am not getting married!¡± She blurted with a stern look on her face.


    ¡°That will cause war between the kingdoms.¡± Azizi said.


    ¡°But why didn¡¯t mother tell me about this before now?¡± Ade tensed up.


    ¡°You should know by now that the same thing happened us.¡± He reminded her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want the same thing.¡± She countered.


    Azizi sighed. ¡°I will try to talk to father if there is another way out.¡±


    It was never a custom that every special mermaid should marry at eighteen. History only had it that those mermaids married at that age and thest special mermaid chose her husband three days after her eighteenth birthday.


    ¡°Thank you, Azizi.¡± She locked her hands with his.


    ¡°Anything for you, Ade.¡± He kissed her forehead.


    A soft knock sounded on the door. ¡°It¡¯s Delmer.¡± Ade whispered to her brother.


    Azizi stared at her in surprise. ¡°Tell him I want to be alone.¡± She added.


    Azizi stood up and went to the door. He opened it slightly and Delmer was there. ¡°Ade wants to be alone.¡± He said to Delmer.


    ¡°Is she okay?¡± Delmer asked.


    Azizi shook his head in response.


    ¡°Okay just let her know I came around. And I wille tomorrow morning to check on her again.¡± Delmer said with a worried look on his face.


    ¡°There is no need to do that either -¡± Azizi replied.


    Suddenly Delmer eyes glowed signifying his anger but he tried to control it. ¡°Why?¡± He asked.


    Azizi moved out of the room and closed the door. He was ready to fight Delmer if he has to. ¡°Are you questioning me?¡± Azizi folded his arms.


    ¡°No but -¡±


    Azizi cuts him off. ¡°You can leave prince Delmer, Ade wants to be alone.¡± Azizi told him.


    ¡°I am sure she wants to see only Dn.¡± He said.


    ¡°Did someone just call my name?¡±  Dn who was behind joined them.


    Azizi pointed his fingers to them. ¡°She doesn¡¯t want to see the both of you.¡± He said.


    ¡°Okay, maybe some other time.¡± Dn left quietly.


    Delmer clenched his fist and jaw. ¡°Well tell Ade that it is either me or no one else.¡± He gritted while Azizi leaned closer to him.


    ¡°Listen to me you won¡¯t win Ade¡¯s heart with this attitude. You need to stop being prideful, prince Delmer.¡± Azizi advised him.


    ¡°It is none of your business. Ade is mine.¡± He snapped and swam away.


    ¡°All clear Ade.¡± Azizi said as he knocked the door gently.


    ¡°Thank you, Azizi.¡±  She said into his mind.


    Oceanus scolded Fairfax at the table for hurting Ade and he med him for ruining the dinner.  Prince Fairfax tried to exin to his father that it was only a mistake but Oceanus didn¡¯t listen and that made him annoyed.


    Fairfax left the dinner up and swims away.¡±My prince wait up!¡±  Nakendra his betrothed wife followed him.


    He didn¡¯t stop. ¡°Fairfax, you know -¡± her voice trailed off when he stopped and turned to face her.


    ¡°Who told you toe after me?!¡± He yelled out of frustration.


    Nakendra was scared, a tear slipped down her cheek but she wiped it. ¡°What have I done? Prince Fairfax, you seem to not care about me. If you don¡¯t want to marry me then tell my father so he can find a brave prince to marry me. It is only a coward merman that runs away from marriage!¡± She snarled at him.


    Nakendra was mistaken about Fairfax personality and attitude. She thought that Fairfax doesn¡¯t love her whereas he was so happy that their marriage that would hold soon.


    ¡°I am tired of your cold attitude.¡± Nakendra spat. She was about swimming away but Fairfax grabbed her wrist and pulled her to himself.


    He felt remorseful for yelling at Nakendra. It wasn¡¯t her fault that his father scolded him for hurting Ade or that he was med for ruining the dinner. No doubt he loved Nakendra and it hurts him to watch her cry.


    ¡°I am sorry Nakendra.¡± He apologized.


    It was his fault! Fairfax admitted that he should have listened to his mother¡¯s warning of not moving around with rings that has sharp pearls attached to it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think of marrying another prince.¡± He whispered.


    ¡°But you don¡¯t want me and-¡± He interrupted her.


    ¡°No.. I want you Nakendra. I will marry you.¡± He said, cupping her face in his hands.


    Nakendra came out of his embrace to look at him to see a smile disyed on his lips. ¡°Are you sure prince Fairfax?¡±


    ¡°Yes Nakendra.¡± He responded.


    ¡°Do¡­ do you love me?¡± She asked shyly.


    Fairfax wiped the tears with his fingertips. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Her face turned red and she hugged him again. ¡°I love you Nakendra.¡± He said.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s get married.¡± she said.


    ¡°Wait perhaps.. are you in love with another prince?¡± He asked with jealousy in his tone.


    ¡°No prince Fairfax!¡± She coaxed and he held her tightly. ¡°I love you, only you.¡± She said.


    ¡°Then we should get married.¡± He ced a kiss on her forehead.

 EPISODE FORTY SEVEN

    THEME:  Preparations


    FLASHBACK


    IN THE MERWORLD ¨C THRONE HALL


    Titan Oceanus sat on his throne and he was holding a meeting with the royal official of his court. The court is made up of eighteen noble mermaids and mermen. The meeting was held to discuss issues about the kingdom and Ade¡¯s birth celebration preparation.


    ¡°You are all aware that the princess birth celebration is in two weeks time.¡± Oceanus said.


    ¡°Yes Titan Oceanus.¡± They chorused.


    ¡°I want to celebrate it in a grand style. My friends Bhupendra and Samudra are currently in the pce and in some days time, friends aligned with Merivi kingdom in other seas wille around to celebrate with us.  Yareh the waterdy, please prepare afortable ce for our guests,dy Diana who is in charge of sea maiden, I am assigning you to work with Yareh.¡± Oceanus ordered.


    ¡°Yes Titan Oceanus.¡± They both said in unison.


    ¡°Titan Oceanus, which of the building should we prepare for our guests?¡± Yareh asked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s prepare Kaimana, the power of the buildings.¡± Titan Oceanus replied.


    Kaimana was an enormous building close to the pce. It is used to amodate guests, visitors, royal and noble travelers from other friendly seas. They pay homage to the Titan Oceanus the  Merivi sea titan before given the chance to lodge into one of the rooms.


    ¡°Okay, Titan Oceanus.¡± Yareh bowed to him.


    ¡°Abijam and Wanwisa appease to the sea for that day to be favorable for us.¡± Oceanus instructed.


    ¡°Yes Titan Oceanus.¡± They chorused.


    ¡°Maeve prepare your musical bands also.¡± Oceanus instructed.


    ¡°We are fully prepared Titan Oceanus.¡± Maeve bowed.


    ¡°I think this is all for today, I will send out messages to you all if the need arises.¡± Oceanus added.


    ¡°Long live Titan Oceanus!¡±  They said in unison with their heads bowed.


    Oceanus stood up from his throne and exited the throne hall and they raised their heads.


    IN NEN STREET


    ¡°We have a lot to do for the princess birth celebration.¡± Serena said.


    ¡°No we don¡¯t have much to do mydy.¡± Abijam replied.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Wanwisa asked.


    ¡°We have to appease the sea to avoid disturbance from humans and also sea demons. You know how many days that will take us? and you are saying we don¡¯t have much to do.¡± Serena said.


    ¡°And again it is the princess birth celebration the special mermaid, a one of a kind so we have to do well.¡± Wanwisa added.


    ¡°Well it seems you have all forgotten who the person in question is.¡± Abijam countered.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±  Wanwisa asked.


    ¡°Like you said princess Ade is a special mermaid, she has extra connection with the sea even more than any of us here.¡± Kenan answered and they nodded in agreement.


    ¡°It still doesn¡¯t matter, let¡¯s just do what the lord Oceanus orders us to do.¡± Wanwisa replied.


    ¡°Come on! I am not saying we should go against the lord Oceanus orders.¡± Abijam retorted.


    The women sighed. ¡°I have been practicing my music and dance with my maids for weeks now and we are still on it.¡± Maeve danced around and hummed a song.


    ¡°I have to go around the kingdom chanting the protection spell and dering happiness in the next seven days.¡± Serena the enchantress heaved a sugh.


    ¡°Even though princess Ade is capable of bringing happiness to us.¡± Abijam smiled.


    ¡°Yes that¡¯s why she is the most lucky mermaid in our kingdom.¡± Wanwisa, the goddess of the sea responded.


    ¡°The special mermaid who connects with the sea with spell songs I don¡¯t understand.¡± Maeve added


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand it?¡± Wanwisa questioned.


    ¡°Yes.. sometimes I can¡¯t interpret it. It is like she is singing something different in my ears. Her songs bears powerful meanings.¡± Maeve replied sincerely.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°And I wonder what the princess wish will be.¡± Abijam pondered out loud.


    ¡°I am really anxious to know too.¡± Serena toyed with her hair.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait for that day.¡± Wanwisa added.

 EPISODE FORTY EIGHT

    THEME: Her Prince Charming


    FLASHBACK


    IN THE MERWORLD


    ADELLA¡¯S BEDROOM


    ¡°To the special mermaid born to save us all! Oh sea be good to us on this day! Happy.. happy.. happy birth celebration to our princess!¡± The triplets sang melodiously and Ade giggled when they ended the song.


    ¡°Happy birth celebration, princess Ade.¡± The triplet chorused and bowed to her.


    Ade couldn¡¯t hide her happiness. ¡± Thank you very much.¡± she pped excitedly and hugged them. ¡°You girls are more than maids to me.¡± She added.


    ¡°So what are we to you?¡± Chantae asked.


    ¡°My friends and I really appreciate you girls for always taking care of me.¡± Ade answered.


    ¡°It is such a honor to care for you, princess Ade.¡± The triplet bowed.


    Ade smiled and embraced each and everyone of them. Chantae pulled her gently to the dressing chair. ¡°Let us get you ready for the celebration.¡± She said with excitement in her tone.


    ¡°I will polish your tail.¡± Calliope said with a huge smile on her lips.


    ¡°I am in charge of your essories.¡± Calista said.


    ¡°I will make your hair and everybody¡¯s eyes will be on you.. only you my princess.¡± Calliope added.


    ¡°Now I am feeling like a real princess.¡± Ade said and the triplets giggled.


    ¡°Of course! You are a real princess ¡± Chantae replied and they rolled intoughter.


    ¡°Yeah I know.¡± Ade added.


    ¡°I am so happy!¡± Calista screamed at the top of her voice.


    ¡°Wait a minute.. did you girls feel anything? I mean when you turned eighteen. Did you feel different in anyway?¡± Ade asked.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t feel different.¡± Calista responded.


    ¡°No.¡± Calliope replied.


    ¡°To be honest, it was like sixteen or seventeen. I couldn¡¯t feel any difference.¡± Chantae answered with a shrug.


    Calliope grabbed a soft brush to polish Ade¡¯s golden tail and Chantae undid her braid and put ab through her hair to straighten it.


    ¡°I wondered what your wish would be overnight.¡± Chantae said.


    ¡°Yes.. since you have everything in the pce.¡± Calliope added.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have everything.¡± Ade countered.


    Chantae put her hair up, she pulled and twisted it back in a sharp bun, holding it with a lot of bands and pins. ¡°Let me guess -¡± Chantae pulled back to disy.  She cleared her throat and began to say. ¡°I am princess Ade of Merivi kingdom.¡± She mimicked the princess.


    And the mermaids giggled. ¡°That really sounds like me, Chantae.¡± Ade said.


    Chantae continued. ¡°And this is my wish.¡± She paused and drew in a deep breathe.


    ¡°Oh great sea, grant my wish today!¡± She chanted three times. ¡°And my wish is to marry prince Dn!¡± She finished.


    ¡°What?!¡± Ade gasped with a deep frown on her face.


    ¡°Chantae, why are you like this? You clearly know that princess Ade doesn¡¯t love any of the princes.¡± Calliope said.


    ¡°Yes I know and I was only pulling at her tail. I was joking, forgive me my princess.¡± she apologized with a bow.


    ¡°Apology epted my friend.¡±  Ade replied with a half smile on her lips.


    Calista mixed colors and reached out to Ade¡¯s face. ¡°Time for make up my princess.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you like any of the princes?¡± Calliope asked.


    ¡°Nothing Calliope¡­ I just don¡¯t feel anything.. like I am in love.¡± Ade replied.


    ¡°But your features of prince charming entails nice and kind.¡± Chantae said.


    The Princess  nodded in agreement. ¡°And prince Dn is nice and kind. He fits in so perfectly.¡± Calliope responded.


    ¡°Yes I know but I don¡¯t love him.¡± Ade replied with a sigh.


    ¡°But Titan Oceanus wants you to pick one of them.¡± calliope said soberly.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Ade nodded.


    ¡°So who will you choose?¡± The girls chorused but Ade only heaved a loud sigh.


    ¡°Yes.. yes.. tell us princess!¡± The mermaids pressured.


    ¡°Calliope, I know you love Dn. Calista, I know you love Delmer. Andstly Chantae I know you are in love with brother Fairfax¡± Ade pointed at each of the mermaids.


    They each gasped in shock and surprise. ¡°How do you know that?!¡± Calista asked.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°How did you find out I am in love with prince Fairfax?¡± Chantae demanded.


    ¡°You girls can¡¯t hide anything from me. Oh! It seems you don¡¯t know I can read through your minds.¡± Ade smiled at them.

 EPISODE FORTY NINE

    THEME: Precious Gifts


    Ade smiled at them. ¡°It¡¯s surprising right?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know.¡± Calliope whispered.


    ¡°Is that part of your powers as the special mermaid?¡± Calista asked with a dazed look.


    ¡°I supposed so but if you don¡¯t believe me then say something in your mind and I will tell you.¡± Ade touched her tail.


    ¡°Me!¡± Calliope raised her hand.


    ¡°Okay.. say something to yourself.¡± Ade instructed before closing her eyes.


    ¡°I wish to be a princess.¡± Calliope said to herself.


    ¡°I wish to be a princess.¡± Ade repeated without wasting time.


    Calliope¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Oh my sea! I just said that to myself!¡± She eximed.


    ¡°I believe you.¡± Calista nodded her head slowly.


    ¡°You are so powerful!¡±  Chantae pped..


    The mermaids allughed for a while before Ade smile faded. ¡°My princess, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Chantae noticed the sad look on her face.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t want to get married.¡± Ade said with a sad face after a long momentary pause.


    ¡°Talk to Titan Oceanus about it.¡± Calista suggested.


    ¡°Azizi promised to talk to him.¡± Ade answered.


    ¡°Are you hoping for a positive response?¡± Calista asked.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know what to think.¡± Ade mumbled.


    ¡°Anything Titan Oceanus says is final.¡± Chantae muttered.


    ¡°My princess, please don¡¯t tell Titan Oceanus about our love for the princes.¡± Calliope pleaded.


    ¡°Yes.. you know prince Fairfax is now engaged to princess Nakendra. I don¡¯t want to get into trouble.¡± Chantae pouted.


    ¡°Well I don¡¯t know if Fairfax truly loves Nakendra. You know how it is, you have to love whoever is given to you.¡±  Ade said with a shrug.


    ¡°I am sure prince Fairfax loves princess Nakendra, did you not see the way he smiled at her at the bonding ceremony?¡± Calista demanded.


    A soft knock sounded on the door. ¡°It is Azizi.¡±  Ade whispered to them.


    Chantae went to the door. ¡°I¡¯ll get it.¡±


    ¡°Is she ready?¡± Azizi asked.


    ¡°Yes prince Azizi .¡± Chantae bowed.


    ¡°Can Ie in?¡± He requested.


    ¡°Yes my prince.¡± Chatae opened the door wide for him to swim in.


    ¡°Morning lovely mermaids.¡± Azizi greeted with a bright smile.


    ¡°Good morning pince Azizi.¡± They chorused while Calista and calliope bowed to him.


    Azizi swims towards his sister. ¡°Happy birth celebration princess Ade.¡± He kissed her cheeks.


    ¡°Thank you Azizi.¡±


    The girls were almost leaving but Azizi stopped them. ¡°You can stay, I have something for you all.¡±


    The triplet mermaids faces brightened. ¡°What is it? What do you have for all of us brother?¡± Ade demanded.


    ¡°Can I invite someone in my princess?¡± Azizi requested.


    ¡°Yes brother.¡± Ade gave the permission.


    Azizi whistled and a merman swims in with a treasure box in his hands. ¡°Thank you Ekait. You can go ahead.¡± He said before the merman exited the room.


    Azizi set down the box and ordered the girls to sit on the sea-moss bed. ¡°I, prince Azizi, the precious treasure of Merivi sea, I bring to you great treasures of our precious kingdom!¡± He gave them a mock bow.


    And the girls giggled happily. Azizi brought out a diamond ne. ¡°This is for you, mermaid Calista.¡±


    ¡°Wow! Thank you prince Azizi!¡± Calista said.


    He brought out a diamond ring and gave it to Chantae. ¡°Thank you o rince Azizi!¡± She eximed happily.


    ¡°And for you, mermaid Calliope.¡± He gave her a shiny pearl.


    ¡°This is beautiful.¡± She muttered.


    ¡°You attach it to your tail, it is not going to hurt because it is magical just say where you want it to be.¡± Azizi instructed.


    ¡°Oh I want it on my abdomen!¡± She replied, excitement in her tone.


    And then the star pearl glowed brightly and it got attached to her abdomen. ¡°Wow!¡± They gasped.


    ¡°It is indeed magical!¡± Ade covered her mouth.


    ¡°Thank you prince Azizi!¡± Calliope thanked him.


    ¡°I should be the one thanking you girls for taking care of Ade. You have been nothing but good and caring to her.¡± Azizi said.


    ¡°It is a pleasure prince Azizi.¡± The mermaids chorused and bowed to him.


    Azizi closed the box. ¡°What about me?¡± Ade asked with am arched brows.


    ¡°Nothing for the princess because you seem to have everything right here in the pce.¡± Azizi replied with a smirk.


    Ade frowned at him. ¡°That¡¯s unfair.¡± She pouted.


    Azizi chuckled. ¡°Close your eyes.¡± He instructed.


    Ade raised her brows. ¡°Do as I say because my gift is going to blow your mind away.¡± Azizi chuckled.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait.¡± Ade closed her eyes.


    Azizi reopened the box. ¡°Open your eyes princess.¡± They gasped in shock when he brought out her gift.


    ¡°Oh my sea!¡± Ade screamed.


    It was a bracelet! A one of it kind. Ade had pestered Azizi to let her have the bracelet for years now but he declined saying that it wasn¡¯t the right time for her to have such powerful bracelet in her possession. She liked it because it had the color to the sea, an aquamarine Neifion bracelet and it also has the same color of Ade¡¯s eyes.


    Ade rushed towards him and hugged him tightly. ¡°Thank you, Azizi.¡± It was the best gift she has received so far on this special day. ¡°You made my day, Azizi.¡±


    ¡°Anything for you sister, do you like it that much?¡± He asked.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Yes Azizi! Thank you!¡± She kissed his cheeks and pulled back.


    Ade wore the bracelet on her right wrist and it glowed brightly. And when it automatically attached to her wrist the light went off.


    ¡°I love it Azizi!¡± Then Ade tried to remove it, to save it in her treasure box but it didn¡¯te off.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± She asked.


    Azizi leaned in to help her but suddenly Ade¡¯s eyes glowed and the bracelet did the same. Azizi staggered backward.


    ¡°Princess Ade your eyes!¡± Calista pointed.


    They were all surprised. ¡°What is this bracelet?¡± Ade asked


    It stopped glowing when she stopped trying to get it out of her wrist and her eyes was normal too.


    ¡°Well I think this five thousand years old bracelet has found it rightful owner.¡± Azizi said.


    The bracelet belonged to a water-god named Neifion and it was one of Merivi¡¯s most precious treasure. They have had it in possession for almost three thousand years now.


    ¡°But why did her eyes glowed?¡± Chantae asked


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why it happened like that too.¡± Azizi replied honestly.


    ¡°Maybe because¡­ it has the same color of my eyes.¡± Ade thought but she soon waved it off.


    ¡°Azizi did you talk to father?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°What did he say?¡± Ade asked curiously.


    ¡°I am sorry, Ade. Father didn¡¯t change his mind. He said you have to choose between prince Delmer and prince Dn in three days time.¡± Azizi reported.


    Ade¡¯s smile dropped. ¡°No.. no.. I can¡¯t choose amongst these princes.¡± She muttered unsteadily. Tears welled up in her eyes.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t cry today, Ade.¡± Azizi begged her.


    ¡°This is so unfair, why are they so quick to marry me off?¡± She sobbed.


    The mermaids came around to console her.


    ¡°I am sorry. I have to go now, the ceremony is about to begin.¡± He said


    ¡°Thank you, Azizi.¡± Ade sniffled.


    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Chantae asked as she touch up the princess make up.


    ¡°I have to push through with my ns.¡± Ade answered with a serious look on her face.


    The girls exchanged confused nces. ¡°What ns?¡±


    Ade looked up at them. ¡°Never mind.¡± She added.


    Ade didn¡¯t want to tell them about it. Her ns was the only way to stop her marriage to any of the princes. Ade would be free if things worked ording to her ns. She wouldn¡¯t have to get married to prince Delmer or Dn. And nothing was going to stop her.

 EPISODE FIFTY

    THEME:  A wish


    FLASHBACK


    IN THE MERWORLD


    ROYAL GRAND BALL ROOM


    The room was full of spectators, noblemen, royal families, sea leaders, travelers from other kingdoms and sea and citizens of Merivi kingdom. They watched Maeve and her maids performing as they entertained everyone with music and dance.


    I am a bold mermaid,


    Singing under the sea,


    With a crown of gold on my head.


    I would sing the whole day,


    I would fill the sea halls with voice of power,


    And I would roam abroad and y,


    With the mermaids in and out of the rocks.


    They all pped when the performance ended. Titan  Oceanus stood up from his throne and swims to the centre of the room.


    ¡°Noblemen and citizens of Merivi Kingdom, today is my daughter¡¯s eighteenth birthday. And we are all gathered here to celebrate our princess of great Merivi kingdom! A special mermaid born with extraordinary powers granted by the sea. She is Ade, the daughter of the sea, one who praises the sea with powerful spell songs one could hardly interpret. As you all know, every eighteenth birthday of any mermaid and merman in Merivi kingdom, the celebrant is given a chance to make a wish.¡±


    The citizens of Merivi kingdom all hummed responses to what Titan Oceanus just said.


    ¡°So I bring to you, Princess Ade of Merillia kingdom.¡± He said and began to p.


    Ade swims to the centre of the room and she hugged her father before he returned back to his throne.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±  Ade said and the pping ended abruptly.


    ¡°I am happy to see you all and my deepest gratitude goes out to you for honoring my invitations. It is time to make my wish but I would like to sing a song before making a wish.¡± She looked back at her father for permission.


    And he said. ¡°Go on, Ade! It¡¯s your day!.¡±


    ¡°Thank you father.¡± She bowed.


    Her maids or other music band didn¡¯t join her to sing because she wanted to connect to the sea in the strongest way and only few would understand and be able to interpret the words in the spell song even though she would sing in a general menguage.


    Princess Ade began to sing.


    Oh great sea


    A cheerful and mysterious deity


    Nothing of him that doth fade


    So rich and strange


    I would kiss you often under the sea


    I would kiss you again under the hollow hung ocean green


    Soft are the moss bed under the sea


    We would live merrily.


    Oh Great Sea


    Today is my day


    So grant my wish


    I am a fair mermaid


    Singing alone under the sea


    In a golden curl


    With a starry sea bud crown on my head


    I would kiss you again if you grant my wish


    Oh great sea.


    Ade connected with the sea and she sensed it wasn¡¯t happy with the wish on her mind. Then she felt the shock of wave of power in the sea.


    ¡°Why do you want to leave?¡±


    She heard it clearly in her mind, it was from the sea as the wave grew higher. They all felt the power radiating around the sea, the air shimmered with the force of the sea.


    Then Ade began to sing to calm it.


    You are like a fountain of gold


    Springing with a shrill inner sound


    So rich and strange


    Oh! What a cheerful deity!This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    And it calmed, Ade reopened her eyes slowly. It was time to make her wish. Today she was going to betray her own people and the entire Merworld. They would surely hate her for her wish, they would turn against her and say bad things about her. But she was ready to take it all as long as the sea grants her wish.


    The calmness of the sea after the connection signified that it would grant her wish no matter the sacrifice or atonement to reverse the wish. The Merivi sea saw her pains and agreed to her wish.


    ¡°I, princess Ade of Merivi kingdom wants to make a wish which would surely be granted by the sea.¡± She paused.


    Ade turned and looked at her father, mother, ten brothers and their wives. ¡°I am sorry father and mother, please forgive me.¡± She said to herself and bowed to them.


    ¡°Go ahead Ade!¡± Her family cheered her.


    ¡°My wish is to -¡± She stopped.


    Ade swallowed hard to get the important words pass the lump that formed in her throat.


    ¡°Say it, Ade.¡± Oceanus said with a smile on his face.


    Ade nodded and closed her eyes and raised her hands up. ¡°Oh great sea grant my wish.¡± She chanted three times.


    She was surprised at the tightness in her throat. ¡°My wish is to leave the merworld to experience human life.¡± She said finally.


    They all gasped in shock, some covered their mouths, some jumped to their feet, some tensed up and some covered their faces with their hands.


    ¡°What?!¡±


    ¡°Unbelievable!¡±


    ¡°Is she really the princess?¡±


    ¡°Is she truly the special mermaid?¡± Many handfulments came from those present.


    Soon Ade felt someone shaking her and she opened her eyes. na, her mother was there in front of her.


    ¡°Are you okay Ade?¡± Queen na asked.


    Ade shook her head. ¡°Yes mother.¡± She answered in a tight whisper.


    There was generalmotion in the room. ¡°Silence!¡± One of princes barked and the room was silent.


    ¡°Are you serious about your wish?¡± Queen na asked.


    ¡°Yes mother.¡± Ade replied boldly.


    Queen na was shocked. ¡°Take it back!¡± She ordered.


    ¡°No mother.¡± Ade grounded out.


    Fury crashed over na as she raised her hand. ¡°I said take it back!¡± She pped Ade.


    Tears streamed down her cheeks. ¡°No.. I am not taking it back! That¡¯s my wish! I want to leave this world!¡± Ade screamed back at her mother.


    They murmured among themselves with disappointment on their faces.

 EPISODE FIFTY ONE

    THEME: She is going no where


    FLASHBACK


    IN THE MERWORLD


    They murmured among themselves with disappointment on their faces.  ¡°Why? Why are you doing this?!¡± Queen na shouted.


    ¡°You and father wants to marry me off quickly to someone I don¡¯t love! And you both know that it is not a tradition or custom that every special mermaid should get married at eighteen! You just want to go in line with history without caring about my emotions! And for that -¡± She paused.


    ¡°Keep quiet! I said.. say no more!¡± Queen na ordered.


    Everyone was confused and they were shocked by her wish and now surprised by her outburst to the queen. No one talks back at the queen.


    ¡°I want to be a human and be free that way I won¡¯t have to get married to any of the princes.¡± Adepleted.


    Anger, pain, disappointment was boldly on their expressions. They all stood  up to leave with hatred in their hearts towards the special mermaid. They could hardly believe the special mermaid could make such a wish when she was meant to be the blessed sea guardian.


    Ade saw the tears in her mother¡¯s eyes. ¡°Why?¡± Queen na asked in a low tone.


    ¡°Oceanus, I  have to return back to my kingdom.¡± Titan Bhupendra said after clearing his throat.


    ¡°Likewise.¡± Titan Samudra added.


    ¡°No father, I am not leaving.¡± Delmer objected.


    His father went to him. ¡°There is no point in staying, the princess doesn¡¯t love you and she doesn¡¯t want to get married. In few days time she would be out of our world.¡±


    Delmer looked at Ade. ¡°Is that true? Or you only used that as an excuse to leave our world?¡± He asked.


    She lowered her head. ¡°Forgive me prince Delmer, but it is true that I don¡¯t love you or prince Dn.¡±


    Prince Delmer chuckled as he ran his hand through his sharp hair. ¡°Do I look like a joke to you?!¡± He snarled.


    His father cautioned him. ¡°That¡¯s enough Delmer.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry friends, I hope this won¡¯t cause a war between us.¡± Oceanus said in shame.


    ¡°No, it won¡¯t cause any problems.¡± Samudra replied.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry friend, the princess is to be med but I hope you give her the punishment she deserves for this betrayal.¡± Bhupendra added.


    Oceanus nodded. ¡°I promise to make it up to you.¡± He faked a smile.


    ¡°Okay.. good luck in the human world.¡± Dn said.


    ¡°That¡¯s if she is going to leave our world.¡± Delmer added angrily.


    And they all exited the grand ball room leaving just the royal family members behind.


    **************


    ADELLA¡¯S CHAMBER


    ¡°I am so disappointed in you!¡± Oceanus yelled.


    ¡°Why did you make such a wish in the presence of everyone!¡± Queen na screamed too.


    ¡°Calm down mother.¡± Azizi said.


    Ade sat on her bed with her gaze fixed on her tail. ¡°Will ite to pass Abijam.. I mean her wish?¡± Queen na demanded.


    ¡°Yes the wish will be granted by the sea.¡± Abijam replied.


    ¡°Is there anyway to reverse or stop it for a while?¡± Oceanus asked.


    ¡°Yes Titan Oceanus.¡± the sea wizard replied.


    ¡°Please what do we do?¡± Oceanus sighed in relief.


    ¡°Titan Oceanus, I will leave to prepare a concoction.¡± Abijam bowed.


    ¡°How long will it take?¡± Oceanus asked.


    ¡°Not too long lord Oceanus, I will be back before night falls.¡± The sea wizard raised his head


    ¡°Please leave now Abijam and return early.¡± Queen na said.


    He bowed again and exited the room.


    ¡°You have brought shame to my kingdom!¡± Oceanus yelled.


    ¡°No father it is not my fault. Azizi pleaded with you on my behalf to cancel my marriage. I don¡¯t want to get married but you insisted -¡± She was interrupted.


    ¡°Keep quiet Ade.¡± Azizi silenced her.


    ¡°Murphy please get me the binding tool now.¡± Morrissey ordered.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°And what does that have to do with the issue on ground?¡± Oceanus asked.


    ¡°I am going to tie her up with the magical rope and tape her mouth to stop her from casting a spell that would make her leave our world.¡± He exined.


    ¡°Yes father and with her mouth sealed and hands tied she won¡¯t be able to do anything.¡± Azizi added.


    Ade sobbed quietly. ¡°No you can¡¯t do that to me!¡±


    ¡°You should have think about it properly before making such irresponsible wish!¡± Morrissey snarled at her.


    ¡°I want to be alone.¡± She sobbed.


    ¡°You better keep quiet or else I will be forced to hit you!¡± Oceanus threatened.


    Murphy returned back after some minutes with the binding tools. ¡°Here.¡± He handed it to the crown prince.


    Ade struggled with Azizi and Morrissey.  ¡°Let me go!¡±


    But he ced the tape on her mouth while Azizi tied her wrist. Morrissey ordered Colbert the ninth  prince to tighten the tools with his powers and he did before they all filed out of her room except Fairfax.


    ¡°My wish is to leave the Merworld and experience human life.¡± He mimicked her.


    ¡°Now let us see how you are going to leave our beautiful world dear little sister.¡±  Heughed.


    ¡°The dear one betrayed her parents, you betrayed the entire merworld bringing disgrace to our names! What else do you want? Nothing Ade because you have everything. Superpowers, titles, pearls, beautiful possessions and precious treasures.. name it! You are such an ingrate! And you are selfish Ade and a greedy fish! Listen to me you are going no where, you would be tied up forever because it is the consequence for staining our great names and making such a stupid wish!¡± He stormed out of the room.


    Ade sobbed at the thought of not seeing the human world again. Hours clicked by until night falls under the sea.


    The sea wizard came in with Azizi, Morrissey and Colbert behind him. Colbert undid the binding tools and they set to give her the concoction.


    Ade closed her mouth tightly to avoid drinking the concoction. The three princes pinned her down while Abijam poured the content in her mouth, Morrissey ordered her into swallowing it while Colbert blocked her nostrils and she was left with no option but to open her mouth to swallow the concoction.


    ¡°I hope it is not going to hurt her.¡± Azizi asked in concern.


    ¡°No the concoction will weaken her powers which might back up any spell and wish.¡± Abijam replied.


    ¡°I hope so.¡± Colbert mumbled and they exited the room.


    The tears flowed again and she couldn¡¯t stop them.

 EPISODE FIFTY TWO

    THEME: Off to the human world


    SEVEN DAYS LATER


    Ade was weak, she had refused to eat and the concoction the sea wizard gave her has affected her greatly. Her entire world was upside down as she couldn¡¯t cast a spell to free herself.  She felt like her body was shutting down rapidly, her eyes closed slightly but she blinked severally.


    No! She didn¡¯t want to die! Then Ade began to sing the song she sang on her birth celebration day in her mind. She pleaded with the sea to grant her wish.


    At the same hour she had said the wish seven days ago, suddenly her tail became translucent. Ade felt the emptiness and her eyes opened only for her eyes to widen when she saw that her body was different. It was more transparent!


    Ade couldn¡¯t make out what was happening to her and she wanted to scream for help but her mouth was sealed.


    Minutes clicked by and then Oceanus, na, Morrissey, Colbert and Azizi came into her room to see her. But their jaws dropped when they saw her new appearance. She was extremely translucent.


    Queen na rushed towards her, tried to reach for her daughter¡¯s hands but she couldn¡¯t feel Ade.


    ¡°Ade, can you hear me?¡± Queen na asked with a wide eye.


    Ade nodded. Colbert went to her and unbind the tools. ¡°What did you do to yourself?!¡± Oceanus questioned in a high tone.


    Ade opened her mouth to speak but her voice failed her, she was confused.


    ¡°Get Abijam!¡± Oceanus ordered and Colbert rushed out of the room.


    ¡°How did you be like this?¡± Queen na questioned.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°You can hear us right?¡± Azizi asked.


    Ade nodded again and they were stunned at her appearance.


    ¡°Don¡¯t leave me Ade. I am so sorry for hitting you and I promise you that you won¡¯t get married to someone you don¡¯t love. Please take back your wish.¡± Queen na pleaded.


    ¡°Mother rx.. Ade -¡± Morrissey was interrupted.


    ¡°Please stay with me.¡± Queen na sobbed.


    ¡°What is happening to me?¡± Ade asked but since they couldn¡¯t hear her so she got no response.


    Ade tried to touch her mother¡¯s cheeks to wipe her tears but she couldn¡¯t feel anything. She was transparent! The sea wizard jaw droppedpletely when his gaze fell on her and he was stunned! All his years as a sea wizard he has never seen a translucent mermaid. It was as if Ade was a spirit mermaid.


    ¡°Abijam do something!¡± Oceanus ordered.


    Abijam tried several spells to revive Ade but nothing worked and he realized the princess was leaving the merworld.


    ¡°What is going on?¡± Oceanus asked.


    ¡°Lord Oceanus, I am as confused as you are now.¡± Abijam mumbled with confusion on his expression


    ¡°Confused?¡± Queen na cried.


    ¡°Yes it seems the sea has finally granted the princess wish.¡± The sea wizard said.


    Queen na cried out. Now Ade couldn¡¯t make out what the sea wizard was saying to her family.


    ¡°But.. you gave her concoction.¡± Azizi said, their words fading in Ade¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Yes prince Azizi, but tthe concoction was to weaken her so she could stay a bit longer and that was why shested seven days.¡± He exined how the concoction worked.


    ¡°What?! So are you saying Ade is going to the human world?! But you made it clear that the concoction would reverse the wish!¡± Morrissey snarled.


    ¡°Forgive me my prince.¡± Abijam bowed.


    ¡°No.. no.. no..¡± Queen na said unsteadily when she noticed Ade¡¯s disappearance from her tail.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t leave me, Ade.¡± She begged tearfully.


    But Queen na couldn¡¯t stop her, they watched as Ade disappeared to the unknown world leaving just her sea-bud crown behind on her bed.


    ¡°No!¡± Queen na screamed while Morrissey held her tightly. ¡°My child!¡± She cried. They were heartbroken!


    ¡°Abijam bring my Almeta back.¡± Queen na went to the sea wizard and held on to him.


    ¡°She is a little child, Ade can¡¯t survive in that world.. that wicked human world.¡± Oceanus said.


    ¡°Please bring my child back, Ade.¡± Queen na pleaded tearfully.


    ¡°I am sorry queen na. There is nothing I can do to bring her back. All we have to do is give her our blessings and ask the sea to protect her in that world.¡± Abijam said sincerely.


    On hearing the sea wizard words, queen na fainted. ¡°Mother! Wake up!¡± Aziz was quick to catch her and she was rushed to her chambers.


    Ade was gone, this is how the special mermaid left the merworld to experience human life.

 EPISODE FIFTY THREE

    THEME: Series of dates


    Then Ade exined everything to him.  The underworld, her family, her wish and how she ended up in the human world.


    ¡°So you are always unconscious because your family are making connections with Neifion.¡± Knox Martins said.


    ¡°Yes Neifion can¡¯t dwell in this world because it belonged to a water god.¡± Eretia replied. Her hair was a bit dry now.


    Knox Martins stood up and sat in front of Eretia so he could look straight into her eyes. ¡°So what about you? Can you dwell in this world?¡± He asked.


    ¡°No, I have to return with Neifion.¡± Eretia responded.


    ¡°And after returning it.. is there any possibility that you wille back here?¡± Knox demanded.


    ¡°No.¡± Eretia replied.


    Knox Martins squeezed her hands gently.¡±There must be a way to bring youe back.¡± He mumbled.


    Eretia shook her head negatively. Her father would definitely ground her for life if she finally returned home.


    ¡°When do you intend to go back?¡± Knox kissed their locked hands.


    Then Eretia remembered the change in bnce of the sea. ¡°Soon.¡± Her response was too short and precise. She would return home and end the pain attached to the connection.


    ¡°Eretia.. please don¡¯t go.¡± Knox reached out to caress her face. ¡°I can¡¯t possibly live without you.¡± He confessed.


    ¡°Knox, you and I live in different worlds. We can¡¯t work out even if we want to be together forever.¡± Eretia shed him a small smile.


    ¡°We can make it work.¡± Knox Martins countered.


    ¡°How?¡± Eretia asked.


    ¡°We can find a way to break Neifion and throw it into the sea. You are a human now and then we can be together.. forever.¡± Knox held on to her hands tightly.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. I can¡¯t be with you forever. I have to be a full human to be able to do that.¡± Eretia retorted.


    ¡°Is there a way to make you a full human?¡± Knox questioned.


    She was silent. ¡°To be honest, when we first met, I told you myself that you had cast a spell on me.. and maybe I was right. I love you so much but it pains me to find out that you would be leaving soon.¡± Knox knuckles rubbed her cheeks that tears already stained.


    ¡°I am sorry, Knox.¡± Eretia whispered in tears. ¡°I wish I could live here with you forever but I can¡¯t change the fact that I don¡¯t belong here.¡± She added.


    ¡°So what do we do?¡± Knox sniffled.


    Eretia reached out to wipe the tear that strayed down his cheek. ¡°Please don¡¯t cry.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it.. stay a bit longer.¡± Knox rested his forehead on hers. ¡°One year.. two years or five and when you are ready to leave we¡¯ll end things together. I¡¯ll beid to rest here and you will return to your world.¡± He sounded serious.


    ¡°No that¡¯s not a good idea. Knox, you have to stay with your mom.. and think about her. You are all she has now.. and this shouldn¡¯t be the end for you. Believe me, you can love another woman if you want to-¡±


    Knox cuts her off sharply. ¡°No I want you.. only you.¡±  His  gaze moved from her eyes to her full lips. ¡°I am surprised by how strongly you have affected me. I love you, Eretia.¡± He admitted.


    ¡°I love you too but -¡± Knox bent his head andid his mouth on hers putting her words at bay. Eretia surrendered to the kiss and opened up to him at the first touch.


    Long minutes passed and Knox didn¡¯t lift his mouth like he used to and suddenly she knew he wasn¡¯t as controlled as she had thought anymore. And if she didn¡¯t call it off, they would end up making love and Eretia didn¡¯t want such to happen between them.


    Fierceness swept through her and gently she pushed Knox away to break off the kiss. He drew back to look at her. Eretia¡¯s breathe caught in her throat as she tried to avoid Knox¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°I.. I.. don¡¯t think¡­ it is a good idea.¡± She mumbled.


    And Knox nodded in agreement. ¡°Alright. I understand.¡±  He  ced a kiss on her forehead.


    ¡°Can I go with you to the office now?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Sure but on one condition.¡± Knox stated.


    ¡°What condition?¡± Eretia arched her eyebrows.


    Knox stood up and tucked his hands in his pocket. ¡°Go on a date with me tomorrow, the next day and the day after. We¡¯ll stop going out together a day to your departure.¡± He responded.


    ¡°We have a lot of work to attend to at the agency. And remember the fashion runway is on Saturday.¡± Eretia flickered her hair behind her ear.


    ¡°Yeah I know and everything is almost done and we still have enough time. I don¡¯t want to wake up one morning to find out that you are gone without going on a date with me or us having so much fun. I need to have you in my memory.¡± Knox sniffled.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it this way-¡± Eretia paused.


    ¡°Go on.¡±  Knox urged her.


    ¡°We¡¯ll attend to work first and go outter in the evening.¡± Eretia said.


    ¡°I want the whole day.¡± Knox objected.


    ¡°Come on, Knox. Remember we agreed that we would attend to business when the need arises -¡±


    ¡°And have fun the rest of the time.¡± Knoxpleted her intended statement.


    Eretia rolled her eyes. ¡°There is no much work to do at the office so we can have fun.¡± Knox was determined to spend a lot of time with her.


    ¡°Okay.. we¡¯ll drop by at the agency first to check things out and then hang out. Deal?¡± Eretia stated


    ¡°Deal.¡± Knox agreed with a beam on his face. He leaned in and kissed her lips quickly. ¡°So how about we go out today?¡± Knox smiled.


    Eretia giggled. ¡°Sounds good.¡± she agreed.


    ¡°Go and get dressed while I change up too.¡± He stole a kiss from her again.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Eretia shed him a bright smile.


    THURSDAY MORNING


    Eretia crawled out of bed when she heard a soft Knock on the door. ¡°Good..¡± Knox kissed Eretia before she couldplete the greeting words.  She hit his chest gently to break off the kiss but he held on to her.


    ¡°Greetings.. First..¡± Eretia replied in between the kiss.


    Knox pulled away with a smirk on his face. ¡°Oh sorry love.¡± He pinched her cheeks gently before stepping into her room.


    Knox had opted into a fitted ck Jean and navy blue body hugging top that showed off his well built shoulders and sculpted chest.


    ¡°I can see you are ready for another date.¡± Eretia teased him.


    ¡°Yes I enjoyed yesterday¡¯s date.¡± Knox grinned.


    ¡°Likewise.¡± She smiled.


    ¡°Hmm.. So miss hurry up and let¡¯s go on a fun filled up date.¡± He pressed a finger to his lips.


    ¡°I need to take a shower.¡± Eretia whispered


    ¡°You woke upte.¡± He feigned a stern look.


    ¡°I slepttest night.¡± Eretia reminded him with a wink.


    They had slept around 2:45 p. m  yesterday. Knox Martins had insisted that they visit many ces together and they did. And when they arrived home, he requested that they cuddle and talk and y a love game before finally going to bed.


    A beeping sound interrupted Knox when he was about to talk. It was his cellphone.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Eretia headed for the bathroom.


    ¡°Hello mom.¡± Knox cleared his throat.


    ¡°How are you doing?¡± Mrs ina Martins asked.


    ¡°I am fine¡­ you?¡± Knox asked in return.


    ¡°I am good. Where is Eretia? I haven¡¯t heard from her since thest time she came to my office.¡± Mrs ina said.


    Knox Martins didn¡¯t want to tell her Eretia was unconscious in between. ¡°Hmm.. she is very.. very busy at work.¡± Knox said unsteadily.


    ¡°Helping you out with the preparation of the show.¡± Mrs ina mumbled.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°Well I aming to the agency today to see you.¡± Mrs ina Martins announced.


    Knox closed his eyes. ¡°Can¡¯t you wait till Saturday? She would be at the show.¡±


    ¡°No I want to see the both of you. We need to talk.¡± Mrs ina retorted.


    Knox knew her visit was going interrupt their date. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll let her know you areing over to the agency.¡±


    ¡°Bye. Take care.¡± Mrs ina ended the call.


    ¡°Hey love, my mom ising to the office today!¡± Knox said loudly so that she could hear him from the bathroom.


    Eretia hummed a response as she brushed her teeth.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting outside.¡± Knox said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be out soon.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°Take your time.¡± Knox said before moving out of the room.

 EPISODE FIFTY FOUR

    THEME: If this is love


    GOLD MYNES MODELLING AGENCY


    IN KNOX MARTINS OFFICE


    ¡°Wow! You look perfect!¡± Mrs ina Martins said in a raised tone as she entered Knox¡¯s office.


    Knox embraced his mom before moving back to the single couch where Eretia sat on. They had canceled their date for that day just to wee Mrs ina but she arrivedte at the agency.


    ¡°Good afternoon ma¡¯am.¡± Eretia greeted.


    ¡°How are you doing, Eretia?¡± Mrs ina smiled at her.


    ¡°I am fine.. thank you.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°Well I can see that.. and I was told that you haven¡¯t used the cheque I gave to you.¡± Mrs ina dropped her expensive handbag on the couch.


    Eretia exchanged nces with Knox Martins. She had almost forgotten that she has a one million dors cheque. She remembered where she dropped it. It was in a handbag in her closet.


    ¡°Actually mom, we nned to visit the bank but we are so tied down with work here.¡± Knox answered.


    ¡°But it is her money.. and not yours.¡±  Mrs ina Martins said with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Well.. except.. you guys are together now.¡± She added quickly.


    Eretia looked at the olddy. ¡°Mom-¡±


    Mrs ina interrupted her son. ¡°I mean.. you are both in love so what¡¯s stopping you from starting a family together? Believe me, you would make a perfect couple.¡± Excitement was clear in her tone.


    Knox Martins looked at Eretia. He wanted a life with her but it was impossible. He held her hand in his.


    ¡°We are together.¡± Knox blurted.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Mrs ina shot them a surprised look. ¡°Eretia, is that true?!¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yes mom we are dating now. And we had nned to go on a date until you called in that you wanted to see us.¡± Knox answered before Eretia could say anything.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± Mrs ina wasn¡¯t happy that she had interrupted their ns. ¡°I would havee around tomorrow.¡± She said with a frown.


    ¡°I tried telling-¡±


    ¡°Your first date?¡± She cuts him off.


    ¡°No.. third.¡± Knox answered.


    ¡°Oh! I like that son!¡± Mrs ina pped excitedly.


    Eretia coughed. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Eretia coughed again. ¡°I think I¡¯ll just get water.¡± She stood up and moved out of the room.


    Mother and son drama! She wanted to be alone. If she stayed a bit longer in there then she would end up crying.


    Mrs ina Martins leaned forward. ¡°Listen son, I suggest you should n to meet her family.¡±


    She said in a tight whisper.


    Knox cleared his throat. ¡°So we can know the next step to take.¡± Mrs ina added.


    ¡°What¡¯s the next step after meeting her family?¡± Knox asked


    ¡°You¡¯ll take her to the altar.¡± Mrs ina answered.


    ¡°No! Not so fast mom. We are trying to take things slowly. There is  no need to rush.¡± Knox declined.


    ¡°Well I am sick and tired of staying alone in that mansion. I want grandchildren.¡± Mrs ina said soberly.


    ¡°How many grand kids do you want?¡± Knox teased his mom.


    Mrs ina face brightened. ¡°Three.. or four.¡± She counted her fingers.


    ¡°And you want Eretia to be the mother of my children.¡± Knox said.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Mrs ina eximed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll get married very soon and have children. And then you¡¯ll be a grandma.¡± Knox smiled.


    Knox Martins wished things would just happen the way he had just said it. He could imagine the smile on his mom¡¯s face at the sight of a baby in her hands.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave now so you can go on your date.¡± Mrs ina Martins stood up to leave.


    **********


    FRIDAY NIGHT


    ¡°I am so tired.¡± Eretia said as she pull off her shoes and flopped down on the couch. They just came back from the cinema. Knox walked off to the kitchen and came back some secondter.


    ¡°Well today was so fun!¡± Knox said as he handed her a ss of water.


    Eretia sat up and collected it.  ¡°Thank you.¡± She gulped down the whole ss and dropped it on the tray on the table.


    Tomorrow, the fashion runway is taking ce at his agency to show his models to the world and  to promote Ria Robert outfits too.


    ¡°Let us go to bed early so I won¡¯t wake upte tomorrow.¡± Knox said.


    Eretia nodded in agreement. ¡°Yeah you are right.¡±  She  stood up and he did the same thing too.


    ¡°Wait.. not so soon my love.¡± Knox grabbed her upper arm and pulled her to his body. ¡°Well since we would be very busy tomorrow and we might not get to talk to each other so I definitely want an extra ten minutes with you.¡± He purred into her ears before looking at her.


    Eretia noticed as his eyes did a slow crawl to her lips. She tapped his chest. ¡°I need to rest.¡± She mumbled.


    Knox rolled his eyes. ¡°Five minutes.¡± And then he was bending over to kiss her.


    Eretia ced her hands on his chest stopping him halfway to her lips. ¡°I need to go to bed.. alone.¡±


    Knox stopped and raised his head up. ¡°Did I say anything about going to bed with you?¡± He furrowed his eyebrows.


    ¡°No.. but you were thinking it.¡± Eretia used.


    ¡°Was I?¡±


    Eretia nodded her head slowly. ¡°Well.. it looked like it.¡±


    ¡°I looked like I was thinking about going to bed with you?!¡± Knox chuckled.


    How had she gotten into this?! ¡°Yes.¡± Eretia muttered. And how was she going to get out of it?!


    ¡°Maybe you just thought that was what I was thinking because that¡¯s what you were thinking.¡±


    Knox said without missing a beat.


    He was right!


    ¡°I.. I.. I.. think.. I¡¯ll just.. say good night.¡±  Eretia stuttered.


    ¡°Oh..¡± Knox mouthed.


    Eretia found a smirk on his face when she looked at him. And before she could think of walking away, he covered the gap between them and kissed her.

 EPISODE FIFTY FIVE

    THEME: The little mermen


    IN THE MIDNIGHT


    Eretia dreamed she was by the beach. She saw a little boy crying by the sea shore with his legs in the sea. She ran towards him thinking he wanted to drown himself.


    ¡°Hey little boy,e out of the sea. It is dangerous to be in it.¡± Eretia tried to caution him.


    The little boy looked at her. ¡°I am not trying to drown myself in it. Help me, my people are in trouble.¡± He replied.


    Eretia nced around to see his people but she saw no one. They were both alone on the beach.


    ¡°Your people? Where are they?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Down there.¡± The little boy pointed to the sea.


    Eretia arched her eyebrows in confusion. ¡°Beneath the sea lies my kingdom. My people dwell in the sea. They are in trouble! They need your help! Please save them!¡± The little boy sobbed.


    Eretia moved closer and nced down at the little boy. Then she caught a glimpse of his magnificent tail in the sea. He is a merman!


    ¡°Come with me!¡± The little boy cried out.


    Eretia began to step backward.  ¡°No I can¡¯t go with you.¡±


    ¡°Why? But you belong to my kingdom.¡± The little boy¡¯s eyes pleaded with her.


    ¡°No! I belong to the human world!¡± She screamed.


    ¡°You are wrong. Please save us! He is alive and ready to destroy us!¡± He cried.


    ¡°Who is alive?¡± She asked.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Come back home.¡± And slowly the little boy went deeper into the sea.


    ¡°Hey! Who is alive?!¡± Eretia demanded loudly but he was already gone.


    ¡°Ade!¡± Someone screamed.


    Eretia looked back and she was transported under to sea. She saw a little merman crying with his palms on his face and she  swims towards him.


    ¡°Hey what¡¯s wrong?¡± She questioned.


    The little merman didn¡¯t respond. ¡°Can you hear me?¡± She whispered.


    The little merman looked at her.  ¡°Save me.¡± He sobbed.


    ¡°Save -¡± The little merman disappeared before she could finish her statement.


    ¡°Where did she go?¡± She looked around the sea to find him until she saw the ugly creature.


    The greatest enemy of the underworld! Scy! And she gasped in fear.


    ¡°Scy is alive!¡± The sea monster roared.


    Nooooo! She swims away quickly to save herself.


    *********


    Eretia woke up panting and drenched with sweat. Knox sat by her side looking at her.


    ¡°That was one hell of a nightmare you were having.¡± Knox said softly. It had been one hell of a nightmare! ¡°I was about to wake you up.¡± Knox added.


    Does she know she screams in her sleep? He wondered. Maybe she doesn¡¯t know. It scared the hell out of him, waking up to see her head turning back and forth and screaming. Noooo!


    More beads of sweat poured out of her. ¡°I am.. so.. sorry.¡± Eretia whispered as she struggled for air.


    Eretia¡¯s eyes shifted wildly under her eyelid as she scanned the dark room. She just saw something as terrible as Scy.


    ¡°Do you want to tell me about it?¡± Knox asked in a low tone.


    ¡°No.. no.. I can¡¯t.. not now please.¡± Eretia replied shakily. She got out of bed quickly and rushed to the bathroom to empty the content in her mouth Into the toilet.


    ¡°Scy is alive!¡± The sea monster¡¯s roar echoed in her head.


    What does that mean? Oh no! It shouldn¡¯t be what she was thinking! The nightmares about mermaids in theke, getting trapped in a sea trap and mermen pleading with her to return home. Perhaps was it because Scy was alive under the sea? She mused.


    The bathroom door opened and Knox popped his head in. ¡°Are you okay?¡± He stepped in when he saw her throwing up in the sink. ¡°Hey.. What¡¯s wrong?¡± Knox held her hair up and switched on the tap to sprinkle water on face. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    Eretia calmed a bit. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Knox let her lean on him as she rested her head on his chest. ¡°Are you feeling okay now? Do we need to go to the hospital in the morning to have you checked?¡± He asked in a worried tone.


    ¡°No¡­ I¡¯ll be fine.¡± Eretia answered.


    After some minutes of just holding on to her, they both walked back to the bedroom. Knox climbed into her bed. ¡°Come here.¡± He tapped on the bed.


    ¡°No.. I.. can¡¯t.. sleep.¡± Eretia rubbed her upper arms. Goosebumps was all over her skin.


    ¡°Let¡¯s give it a try.¡± Knox said.


    Eretia went to him and he pulled closer. She was held by the lulled of his warmth, shuddering as she came up against his body.


    ¡°Calm down and rx.¡± Knox murmured.


    ¡°Thank you, Knox.¡± Eretia sniffed.


    Knox kissed her hair. ¡°Close your eyes my love.¡± He mumbled with his thumb lightly grazing her eyelids.


    Her eyelid felt heavy but she felt secure with him close. His soft voice whispering soothing words to her until she fell asleep.

 EPISODE FIFTY SIX

    THEME:  A song to the sea


    SATURDAY MORNING


    Eretia opened her eyes and saw Knox sitting beside her, drinking an orange juice. ¡°Good morning, I got you some too.¡± He said.


    Eretia looked sideways and a ss of orange juice was on the drawer beside the bed. She sat up gently and rested her head on the headboard.


    ¡°Here.¡± He gave her a ss.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Eretia murmured. She drank little from the ss and gave it back to him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to talk about it?¡± He asked.


    Eretia closed her eyes. She felt weak as she recalled the nightmare. ¡°I am.. sorry, Knox.¡± A tear slid down her chin as she knitted her hands together.


    Knox moved closer. ¡°Hey.. just tell me about the nightmare.¡± He wiped her tear with his fingertips.


    ¡°I.. have.. to.. go.. back.¡± Eretia whispered unsteadily.


    Knox rested her head on his chest. ¡°They need me in my world. Scy is alive.¡± She sobbed.


    Eretia couldn¡¯t stop the tears. She didn¡¯t want to leave Knox Martins but not with Scy alive under the sea probably tormenting her father¡¯s kingdom.


    ¡°Who is Scy?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°Scy is a legendary sea monster.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°A sea monster? So he is alive.¡± Knox murmured.


    Eretia nodded.  ¡°He only wreck havoc on a kingdom.¡±


    ¡°So that means you have to go back there to save your people and also return Neifion.¡± Knox added.


    Eretia held on to the T-shirt. ¡°I am sorry.¡± She cried.


    ¡°I understand.¡± Knox was heartbroken. He knew she would leave anytime soon. He had to be strong for her.


    She would be gone, away from his life and he would be left with nothing but the memories they shared. Knox thought as he blinked back tears. He wasn¡¯t happy that she was leaving him.


    Eretiasted ten minutes in tears before she calmed and said.  ¡°I.. I.. can¡¯t go with you to the agency anymore.¡±


    Knox pulled away to look at her. ¡°Why?¡± He asked.


    Eretia didn¡¯t respond. ¡°You are leaving today?!¡± Panic filled Knox as he looked into her eyes.


    ¡°No.. I.. am.. not leaving.¡± Eretia replied.


    ¡°So what?¡±


    Eretia sniffled. ¡°I need to find out if Scy is truly alive.¡±


    Eretia studied her expression to see if she was telling him the truth. He couldn¡¯t read anything in her eyes.


    Her expression was sad. ¡°Please don¡¯t go now¡­ not today.¡± Knox murmured.


    And she nodded. ¡°I am not leaving.¡±


    Knox thought of staying at home to be sure that she won¡¯t leave today.


    ¡°You can¡¯t miss your show.¡± Eretia said as if she had read his mind. ¡°Believe me, I¡¯ll be here waiting for you.¡± She reassured him.


    Knox¡¯s focus was on her face studying her but his gaze moved to her lips. ¡°Eretia¡­¡± His lips crashed on hers and she took him in eagerly. His tender and soft kisses breaking her bones, bringing more tears to her eyes.


    *****


    Knox Martins reluctantly left home to the agency that morning. Eretia had reassure him that she would be at home waiting for him. And some minutes after his departure, Eretia grabbed a bathrobe and moved out of the house.


    Eretia walked to the sea and came out of her clothes. She entered into the sea and went deeper forplete transition. The wave of power rippled up her body and her tail appeared. She went farther into the sea.


    The sea wasn¡¯t responding to her call. She sensed it was sad when she got to the center. A mackerel fish passed by and she made a sound to it. The fish stopped and turned it tail to her so she could rte with it.


    Eretia closed her eyes and listened. ¡°Scy is alive!¡± She heard it again clearly.


    She trembled in fear. The fish was from her sea. Another sound from her and the mackerel fish went away. Scy is truly alive!


    Eretia continued into the sea. She closed her eyes and she heard another sound. She recognized it almost immediately.


    A shark was approaching. These creatures go absolutely nuts when they get a whiff of a mermaid underwater.


    Eretia hid behind a sea rock until the shark moved away. Then she began to sing to the sea as she swims higher and back to the shore navigating in the sea.


    I am a fair mermaid


    Singing under the sea


    I would sing to myself the whole day


    I would sing and say to the sea


    Who is it that loves me?


    And who loves me not?


    Oh great sea!


    A rich and strange Deity!


    Mysterious in nature!


    I am a mermaid


    Emerging from the blue waves


    With a fresh pink lips


    And an enchanting ivory breast with a splendid hair


    Falling on my baster shoulders


    My eyes have the glow of a star and the shing fire of loveThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    I am a fair mermaid.


    And then Eretia raised her head above the waters.


    ************


    GOLD MYNES MODELLING AGENCY


    ¡°Son, what¡¯s going on? I can¡¯t find Eretia anymore.¡± Mrs ina walked faster to meet up with her son.


    Knox stopped to attend to her. ¡°Eretia is not feeling well.¡±  He replied.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± Mrs ina demanded with a concerned tone.


    ¡°She is at home.¡± Knox tucked his hand into his pocket.


    ¡°You should have taken her to the hospital beforeing to the show.¡± Mrs ina scolded him.


    ¡°No, she¡¯ll be fine. It is just a slight headache and we already administered pain relief.¡± Knox responded.


    ¡°Maybe I should go and see her.¡± Mrs ina mumbled.


    ¡°No.. no.. you don¡¯t need to see her. Eretia just needs to rest.¡± Knox didn¡¯t want his mom to go to his home. He knew Eretia might be in the sea swimming and trying to get information about her world.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± The olddy asked.


    ¡°Yes mom, why don¡¯t you just rx and enjoy today.¡± Knox ced his hand around her shoulder.


    ¡°Hello.. pleasee over.¡± He gestured at an executive worker.


    ¡°Yes sir.¡±


    ¡°Please take my mom to the hall. I¡¯ll be right there with you.¡± Knox pushed her gently to the worker.


    ¡°Pleasee with me, ma¡¯am ina.¡± The worker smiled heartily at her.


    Knox heaved a sigh of relief snd turned towards the dressing room.


    ¡°Everything is ready?¡± He asked the designer in charge.


    ¡°Yes. The make up artists are working on the models.¡± Mrs Ria Robert answered.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Knox nced around the room. And he brought out his phone to check if there was a missed a call from Eretia but none. He hope that she is doing okay.

 EPISODE FIFTY SEVEN

    THEME: Save me


    KNOX BEACH HOUSE


    It was alreadyte afternoon when she got back to the sea shore.  Eretia wanted to change, clean up and prepare dinner before Knox¡¯s arrival.


    She wore the bathrobe and strode towards the porch. She decided that she would spend three days with Knox and then return to her world. And Eretia concluded that she would definitely erase her traces from his memory so so he wouldn¡¯t think about her.


    Eretia would be gone forever and Knox needs to  move on with his life like she never existed in the human world. She unlocked the door and stepped in.


    All of a sudden, Eretia heard a crash in the kitchen as if someone was there. Eretia jumped in fear when she heard the sound. And slowly, she motioned towards the kitchen.


    ¡°Knox, are you home?¡± She called out but got no response.


    Eretia¡¯s heartbeat elerated as she got closer to the entrance. She gasped in shock and fear when her gaze fell on the shattered sses on the floor.


    She looked up and a man was there. The presence of him made Eretia trembled in fear. This man had searched the kitchen?  How did he get into the house when the front was secured with a passcode? She pondered.


    Eretia¡¯s eyes drifted to the  window and it was broken. The man came in through the window!


    ¡°Hello beautiful.¡±  The man greeted with a grin.


    And slowly Eretia stepped backward and he moved closer.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t find you at Goldmynes show so I decided toe look for you here.¡± He smirked.


    ¡°Wh.. who.. are.. you?¡± Eretia panicked.


    The manughed while Eretia¡¯s eyes scanned the room to see if she could grab anything to protect herself.


    He was getting close to her. ¡°You are so beautiful.¡± His sharp Irish eyes inspected her from head to toe.


    Eretia¡¯s eyes widened when he brought out a pen knife. ¡°Don¡¯t try to run.¡± He said as they slowly moved out of the kitchen.


    Eretia was afraid and she thought of a way to save herself. ¡°Stop.¡± He ordered when they got to the living room. He stared at her seductively.


    In a swift movement, he moved closer to her and ced the knife by her side. ¡°Try to do anything silly.. and I¡¯ll put this right in your side.¡± His hand came up and closed around her face.


    Eretia was terrified and she stood immobile. Steel? The knife was made of steel and piercing her with it no matter the size would definitely destroy herpletely. Mermaids are always mindful ofing in close contact with a steel. Once stabbed, It takes a long period to healpletely as a mermaid.


    Eretia tried to think of what to do as she also imagined what was going to happen to her.


    ¡°It is wild.. how you turn me on now.¡± The man licked his lower lip with a grin on his face.


    Pervert! She though within.  His hand held her captive. Eretia shook her head and her eyes started getting blurry from tears that sat there threatening to spill. Disgust and fear filled her as the man dragged her against him so abruptly and knocking air out of her lungs.


    ¡°Dynamite body.¡± He said with right hand holding the knife by her side and the left still so tight around her jaw she could scarcely open her mouth.


    Eretia wanted to beg him to go away or scream for help! But no one was around! He brought her head forward with the strength in his one hand overpowering her. Eretia tried to strain away despite the fear of the steel by her side but he kept hering forward and then he mped his mouth on hers. His tongue pushing into her mouth and she shoved at him but it was like trying to push down a mountain.


    The man didn¡¯t even sway under the impact. Eretia  struggled from him again but suddenly the knife tore at her side and she screamed in pain. He let her go and she staggered away from him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it was just a scratch.¡± He grinned wickedly.


    Eretia gasped for air as she  looked down at her side. Blood already stained the white bathrobe she wore. Her eyes went to the door which was slightly opened, she could get to the door and run outside but no doubt he would follow her.


    ¡°Take off your bathrobe.¡± He ordered. His eyes determined.


    Eretia shook her head back and forth as she moved backward. ¡°Wh.. what.. do.. you.. want.. from.. me?¡± She stuttered.


    He blocked the path to the door  ¡°Come on! Pull it off!¡±


    Eretia shook her head violently. He advanced towards her. She was getting out of focus with the pain in her side. How could this happen to her? Her side was hurting!


    ¡°I¡¯ll just make you take it off!¡± He pointed the knife at her.


    ¡°No.. no.. please.¡± Eretia panted.


    He stopped. His Irish and wild eyes stared at her. ¡°Okay.. maybe we don¡¯t need this now.¡± He tucked the knife back in it ce on his body.


    Then he leaped through the air between them, his arms grabbed her bathrobe, ripping it, pulling at it, getting it open while she tried to twist away, pushing at him and using every ounce of her strength to push him off.  Eretia hit his chest with her fist, ignoring the slight bleeding from her side and then she pulled his ear. He staggered but regained his bnce too soon. He covered the gap between them again and pped her across the face. So hard that her head snapped around then she hit the floor banging the back of her head.


    The man punched her as he knelt down above her, yanking at her bathrobe and almost exposing her breasts but she caught a handful of his hair and pulled so hard as she could. He pped her again trying to raise the bathrobe up from her waist. The sharp pain in her side made her weak, she closed her eyes and heard a zipper.


    Eretia opened her eyes and saw him exposed. He wanted to take advantage of her! No she wouldn¡¯t let him do that to her! Bastard! So Eretia forcefully raised her knees and kicked him before she moved away quickly.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    He yelped in pain with his hands between his legs. ¡°You cocky bastard! Pervert!¡± She hissed out.


    Tears set in his eyes as he struggled on his feet. He turned away and zipped his jeans. Quickly, Eretia reached for the knife behind his Jeans but he caught her hand and pushed her away.


    Eretia hit the floor again and he stood over her with the knife. She swayed when he almost dropped it in her chest. She didn¡¯t know why he wanted to kill her or who had sent him over to this ce.


    ¡°Bitch!¡± He grunted.


    Eretia could see the anger in his keen eyes. He straightened and went forward again. And when Eretia was about sidestepping him, the knife went straight into her stomach.


    Her eyes widened in shock. ¡°This is for rejecting me.¡± He pushed it in once more. ¡°And for taking what doesn¡¯t belong to you.¡± He gritted


    Eretia¡¯s eyes fell on the knife. He stepped back and marched to the door, flung it open and went bounding down the stairs and he was gone.


    Eretiay on the floor for several minutes trying to catch her breath and her  heartbeat wild. Her hands dropped to the knife and shakily she pulled it out. A sob erupted out of her mouth and followed by a wail. She was hurting all over!


    Slowly Eretia crawled to the couch to get her phone. The pain was horrid. She ced her hand on the wound, blood gushing out and staining the white robe and ground. Her face burning where the man had hit her and she couldn¡¯t stop crying.


    Eretia dialed Knox¡¯s number. First ring, second ring, her vision became blurry and she knew that she was losing consciousness yet again.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    She heard his voice on the third ring.


    ¡°Kn¡­¡± She couldn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°Hello Eretia.¡± Knox said with his voice clear now.


    ¡°Sa.. ve¡­ me.¡±  Eretia managed to say.


    And in a slow motion she fell back to the ground and cked out.

 EPISODE FIFTY EIGHT

    THEME: A fugitive


    FLASHBACK


    GOLD MYNES MODELLING AGENCY


    ¡°I can¡¯t find her around.¡± Vins said over the phone as his eyes searched the hall filled with people.


    ¡°I can¡¯t find her too.¡± Mary Ann replied as she walked down the hallway.


    ¡°So what do we do?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try to find out from.. someone.¡±  And then Mary saw Mrs ina Martins with the executive worker.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call you back.¡± She ended the call.


    ¡°Hello, Mary Ann.¡± Mrs ina Martins greeted as their gaze met.


    ¡°Good day ma¡¯am.¡± The exchanged pleasantries.


    ¡°Wow.. it is so good to see you again.¡± Mrs ina Martins smiled.


    Mary Ann faked a smile. ¡°I am d to see you too.¡±


    Mrs ina nodded. ¡°Have you seen Knox? Does he know you are around?¡± She asked.


    ¡°No. Actually, I have been trying to find him.¡± Mary Ann replied.


    ¡°He is in the dressing room.¡± Mrs ina responded.


    ¡°With.. Eretia?¡± Mary Ann asked.


    ¡°No she couldn¡¯t make it to the show. Knox said she is feeling unwell.¡± A pitiful look crossed the olddy¡¯s face.


    ¡°Okay.. I¡¯ll just check on him.¡± Mary Ann said.


    ¡°Alright. See youter, Mary Ann.¡± Mrs ina walked away with the executive worker.


    Mary Ann walked away quickly. She dialed Vins Bond number again.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Eretia is not here.¡± She said.


    ¡°So where is she?¡± Vins demanded.


    ¡°Well.. I don¡¯t know yet. But I¡¯ll find out soon.¡± Mary Ann responded.


    ¡°I thought you said she is living with Knox Martins.¡± Vins cleared his throat.


    ¡°Yes they are staying together. No.. I don¡¯t know if she is still living with him. I mean.. I don¡¯t know if the contract she signed would have ended by now.¡±  Mary Ann sighed.


    ¡°What about Knox Martins? Find out about her whereabout from him.¡± Vins Bond suggested.


    ¡°I am trying to find him.¡±  Mary Ann strode towards the dressing door. ¡°Get ready.. you may need to drive to his home if she is there.¡±  She said in amanding tone.


    A wicked smile formed on his face at the thought of him alone with Eretia. ¡°Sounds good.¡± He said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get back to you.¡± And then Mary Ann hang up the call.


    She stepped into therge room. It was a bit crowded with stylists working on models. She looked for Knox Martins and she found him with the famous clothe designer. They were engrossed in a conversation.


    Knox Martins typed on his phone quickly before looking back at Ria Robert. And then Mary Ann went to him. ¡°Knox.¡± She called.


    Knox¡¯s head snapped up and their gaze met. ¡°Hey.. Mary Ann.¡± He looked surprised to see her.


    He didn¡¯t send out an invite to her because he got swamped with too much work to even remember her.


    ¡°Hello.¡±  Mary Ann greeted Ria Robert.


    ¡°Oh Mary Ann, meet my business partner. She is Mrs Ria Bryant the CEO of Ria Robert Couture.¡± Knox did a brief introduction.


    Mary Ann stered a fake smile on her face. ¡°Oh wow! It is really nice to meet you in person. I purposely came for the show so I could see your designs.¡± She lied.


    ¡°Really?¡± Mrs Ria smiled.


    ¡°Yes! I am a huge fan of your designs! I am Mary Ann.¡± Mary Ann said with a half smile.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Mary Ann.¡± Mrs Ria shook hands with her.


    And then Mary Ann looked back at Knox. ¡°Can you spare me a minute?¡± She requested.


    Knox shook his head. ¡± Sure. I¡¯ll be right back.¡± He said to the famous clothe designer.


    ¡°Well I am happy with what¡¯s happening here today. You have done a great!¡± Mary continued her facade.


    ¡°Thank you, Mary Ann. And I am sorry for not sending you an invite.¡±  Knox apologized.


    ¡°No, there is no need to apologize. You must been too busy to even remember everyone.¡± She smiled.


    ¡°Thank you for understanding.¡± Knox smiled in return.


    ¡°But where is Eretia? I haven¡¯t seen her since I came in.¡± Mary Ann looked around pretending to find her.


    ¡°Eretia is not here.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°But why?¡± Mary Ann demanded.


    ¡°Eretia is not feeling too well so I asked her to stay back and have a good rest.¡± Knox focused his attention on his phone and typed on it.


    Mary Knew knew it was a good time to question him about her whereabout. ¡°So.. she is still staying at your ce?¡± She chirped in stylishly.


    ¡°Yes.¡±  Knox replied without looking at her.


    Soon Knox Martins, you¡¯lle to me forfort.


    ¡°Excuse me sir.¡±  A feminine voice said.


    And Mary and Knox turned to face ady in ck suit.¡±Yes Anne.¡± Knox said


    ¡°Miss Be is here to see you.¡± Anne informed him.


    ¡°The CEO of Be Fashion house?¡± Knox furrowed his eyebrows.


    ¡°Yes sir.¡± Anne smiled.


    ¡°Okay. Please take her to my office. I¡¯ll be right there.¡± Knox responded.


    ¡°Okay sir.¡± Anne walked away.


    Knox typed thest words and read it within him. ¡®I hope you are feeling better? The show is moving as nned and no problems. And mom sent her greetings to you. I¡¯ll be home soon.¡¯ He sent it to Eretia.


    ¡°Mary Ann, I am so sorry. I have to attend to Be. So why don¡¯t you join mom in the hall and keep each other¡¯spany?¡± Knox dropped the phone into his pocket.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Mary Ann murmured.


    ¡°We¡¯ll talkter.¡± Knox waved and went to Ria Robert. He said few words to her before moving out of the room.


    Mary Ann clenched her fists, her knuckles almost cracking. She hated the fact that Knox didn¡¯t pay attention to her. So she moved out of the room to call Vins. ¡°She is at his ce.¡± She whispered.


    ¡°Well I don¡¯t know his ce.¡± Vins replied.


    ¡°He lives alone by the beach.¡± Mary Ann walked faster.


    ¡°There are many beaches. Which beach?¡± Vins questioned.


    ¡°I¡¯ll text it to you.¡± Mary Ann said in a low tone.


    ¡°Hold up.. what if he shows up?¡± Vins Bond said loudly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll distract him while you are at his home. Don¡¯t waste too much time with her.¡± Mary Ann warned sternly.


    ¡°I can have fun with her before doing my job.¡± Vins Bond chuckled.


    ¡°Whatever! Just do a clean job!¡± Mary Ann snapped at him.


    ¡°You can always count on me, mydy. And I won¡¯t mind a night with you after the job¡¯s done too.¡± Vins Bond coaxed.


    Disgust filled her on hearing his words. Mary Ann ended the call quickly and she sent a text to him. Now all she needs to do is be with Knox Martins so he won¡¯t think of going home now.


    *****


    It was getting to the end of the show. Knox Martins said few words to the crowd and stepped down the stage.


    Mary Ann¡¯s phone beeped. It was a message from Vins.


    ¡®I am at his home now.¡¯


    ¡®Have you seen her?¡¯ Mary sent it back to him.


    ¡®No.. I am still trying to get in.¡¯


    ¡®Don¡¯t waste too much time, the show is about to end.¡¯ Mary typed quickly.


    ¡®Sure. Trust me to do a clean job.¡¯ Vins texted back.


    Mary Ann stood up and said to Mrs ina. ¡°I need to use the toilet. I¡¯ll be right back.¡± She moved out of the hall and made her way towards Knox¡¯s office.  She would start a conversation to stop him from going home. She had the perfect n in her head.


    Mary Ann bumped into Anne.  ¡°Oh.. I am sorry.¡± She apologized.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s alright ma¡¯am.¡± Anne smiled.


    ¡°Please excuse me, is Knox in his office?¡± Mary Ann asked.


    ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am.¡± Anne replied.


    ¡°Thank you, Anne.¡±  Mary walked quickly to his office. She opened the door and popped her head in. ¡°Can Ie in?¡± She asked.


    Knox Martins was preparing to leave.  ¡°Yes. But I was about leaving.¡±


    ¡°Can you spare me a minute?¡±  Mary Ann requested.


    Knox looked at his wrist watch. Obviously he was in a hurry to leave and be with his girlfriend.


    Mary Ann stepped in. ¡°I understand that she isn¡¯t feeling well and you want to go and be with her. But can we talk?¡± her voice was calm and low.


    Knox Martins stared at her. ¡°Sure.¡±  He moved away from his desk and went to her.


    ¡°I can tell that what you feel for Eretia is strong.¡± Mary Ann knotted her fingers.


    ¡°I love her.¡±  Knox Martins said confidently.


    ¡°Yeah.. I know Knox ¡± And then she started towards him. ¡°But don¡¯t you think that¡¯s strange?¡± She mumbled.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Knox scrunched up his face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act like you haven¡¯t noticed some strange things about her.¡± Mary Ann answered.


    Their gaze locked and they stood staring at each other eye to eye. ¡°There is absolutely nothing strange about her.¡± Knox answered.


    ¡°Come on Knox. Please just try to think about it.¡± Mary Ann pestered.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You fell in love and she reconciled you and your mother.. in one week. You never believed in love until you met Eretia and now you can¡¯t live without her. It looks like she has cast a hex on you or something. And you-¡±


    ¡°Mary, please stop it. There is nothing strange about Eretia.¡± He interrupted her.


    ¡°Betty Lawson saw everything! Her shiny eyes and glowing bracelet! It is pure magic!¡± Mary Ann blurted out.


    Knox Martins closed his eyes. He remembered that Eretia had erased Betty¡¯s memory to hide her secret but it must have been that she told Mary about what she saw before she left the country. Maybe Eretia also needs to erase Mary Ann¡¯s memory to keep her secret. He thought.


    ¡°Thatdy you are seeing isn¡¯t an ordinary human. And you need to stay away from her.¡± Mary Ann sounded concerned.


    ¡°Please let us talk about this.. some other time.¡± Knox raised up his hand in surrender.


    ¡°No Knox!¡± Mary Ann blocked his pathway. ¡°You have changed.¡± She brought down her voice and her hands rested on his chest.


    Knox Martins stepped back as if she had burned him. ¡°Nothing changed.. I only fell in love.¡± He muttered.


    And anger crashed over Mary Ann.  ¡°What¡¯s so special about Eretia?!¡±  She demanded.


    Knox didn¡¯t say anything. He just stood there and watched her talk. ¡°Knox, listen to me.. I love you and I don¡¯t want you to get hurt. Eretia isn¡¯t good for you.¡± She faked a sad face.


    ¡°What about you?¡± He asked.


    Mary Ann leaned in and looked into his eyes. It was an act to stop him from getting home on time so Vins could do his job. Her hands went around his neck and brushed his hair.


    ¡°Knox..¡± She murmured seductively.


    ¡°No.. no.. Mary Ann.¡± Knox pulled back.


    She eyed him when he turned away from her. ¡°Listen I keep telling you that we can¡¯t work out. I am so much  in love with Eretia. And as my friend, I feel you shouldn¡¯t make things moreplicated for me.¡± He said with a serious face.


    Mary Ann stared at him and thought of another way to distract him.


    ¡°You have to ept it that I am in love with another woman.¡±  Knox grabbed his keys on his desk.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go ahead now.¡± He sounded resigned.


    Mary Ann blocked the path to the door and in a swift movement, she tiptoed and fastened her lips on his. Her tongue pushed into his mouth with her hand in his hair. Knox shoved at her still trying to be careful not to hurt her but she held him close.


    He didn¡¯t open up to let her kiss him deeply.  His phone beeped in his pocket. A first ring. A second ring and he pushed her away.


    Fury crashed over him as he stared at her with a wide eye. Her chest rising and falling. She couldn¡¯t move but tinge of happiness rose within her because she had kissed him.


    His phone buzzed and he turned away to pick it. It was Eretia.  ¡°Hello?¡± He said.


    ¡°Kn..¡±


    He didn¡¯t hear her clearly. ¡± Hello Eretia.¡± He said loudly.


    ¡°Sa.. ve.. me.¡± Eretia whispered.


    And those words echoed in his head. Save me? What was going on with her? He wondered.  Knox heartbeat rapidly and without saying anything to Mary Ann he rushed out of the office.


    Knox Martins wiped his mouth as he raced to the garage. His thought was only on  Eretia as he drove home at an high speed. He has a high hope that all was well with her.


    Mary Ann called Vins Bond and he told her that he had murdered Eretia in Knox Martins home. She was happy! Soon Knox Martins would be hers.. alone. She thought.


    ¡°You know that bitch turned me on so badly.¡± Vins chuckled.


    ¡°So why didn¡¯t you take advantage of her?¡± Mary Ann smiled wickedly.


    ¡°She was too strong.¡± Vins Bond admitted.


    ¡°So you can¡¯t win against a woman?¡± Mary Ann mocked him.


    Vins  Bond was silent. Anger boiled within him at her words. She was indirectly calling him a weakling?! He thought.


    ¡°When do I get the rest of my payment?¡± Vins asked.


    ¡°Tomorrow.¡± Mary Ann answered.


    ¡°No.. I want it tonight.¡± Vins Bond said in a stern tone.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I need to be sure if she is dead before I pay you offpletely.¡± Mary Ann gritted.


    ¡°Then if you won¡¯t dance to my tune, I can as well call Knox Martins right now and tell him everything.¡±  Vins Bond hang up the call.


    Mary Ann redialed his number but he didn¡¯t pick up. He wanted his payment!


    ¡®Come and get your payment.¡¯ Mary Ann sent it as a text to him.


    ¡®I want it in cash.¡¯ Vins texted.


    ¡®I¡¯ll be waiting in my car outside the agency.¡¯


    ¡®No. I am a fugitive. I can¡¯t be seen by anyone. So I¡¯ll decide the meeting ce. No deal? And I¡¯ll call Knox Martins.¡¯  Vins Bond threatened her.


    ¡®Okay. Deal.¡¯ Mary Ann replied.


    ¡®I¡¯ll send an address to you soon.¡¯ Vins Bond responded.


    Mary Ann walked to the garage and waited for Vins text. Seconds passed and his message came in.

 EPISODE FIFTY NINE

    THEME: Don¡¯t die on me


    ¡°Eretia!¡± Knox Martins screamed as he bounded up the stairs into his home. And his heart broke into pieces when he saw Eretia in the pool of her own blood.


    ¡°No.. no.. no..¡± He rushed to her.  ¡°Eretia! Wake up!¡± His eyes fell on the knife on the floor.


    Knox opened her bathrobe and saw the wound on her stomach. He couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. ¡°You can.. hear me.. right? Eretia¡­¡± Knox shakes her but her hand dropped. A sob erupted in his throat.


    ¡°Please wake up Eretia!¡± Knox stood up and gather her up in his arms. ¡°Don¡¯t.. die.. on me.¡±  He chanted as he carried her into the car.


    And he drove out of the driveway in a close rush.


    SAINT PETER HOSPITAL


    He saw the body on the stretcher as she was pushed into a ward by the medical team. She looked so familiar,ying lifeless on the stretcher with an oxygen tube on her nose. His gaze moved to the man following the medical team in a rush. Knox Martins. He saw them from the third floor. That woman must be Eretia Jones!


    He pushed his way through the patients and nurses to get to the ward with his heart beating rapidly.


    ¡°Sir you can¡¯te in.¡± A nurse stopped Knox and closed the door.


    The medical team set to revive her with machines. Knox Martins stood outside the intensive care unit as fear filled him. Tears set down his eyes as he watched the medical team from the transparent ss on the door. First press on her chest with a shocker, the second and the third. The machine beeped and her heartbeat dropped on a straight line.


    The team exchanged nces and Knox already knew what that meant. She can¡¯t die! ¡°No!¡± He yelped.


    Knox barged into the room and rushed to her. The medical team tried to get him out of the room but he overpowered them. ¡°No.. please..¡± He held on to her tightly.


    ¡°Sir.. you have to leave.¡± Knox Martins struggled with the team.


    ¡°Don¡¯t leave.. me.. Eretia.¡± Knox sobbed.


    He couldn¡¯t ept that she was dead! He recalled that she had promised to wait for him but she ended up dying in his home.  How? What had happened while he was away at the agency?


    Knox  tried to catch his breathe with his wild heartbeat. His chest was so badly hurting that he couldn¡¯t bear the pain. ¡°Please..e back.. to me.¡± Knox cried.


    ************


    IN THE MERWORLD


    Abijam sat in front of the king Oceanus trying to make connection with Neifion. The ten princes sat in the throne hall all waiting for the sea wizard to make the connection. He closed his eyes and chanted a spell.


    The royal family watched the sea wizard in silence. All of a sudden he shook violently. Abijam couldn¡¯t control the wave of power that surged through him. They exchanged confused nces.


    ¡°Abijam!¡± Morrissey called out.


    The sea wizard convulsed and they were all confused. ¡°Abijam!¡± King Oceanus yelled.


    Azizi rushed to him. ¡°Abijam! Abijam!¡± He shakes him up.


    The sea wizard heard the  faint voices in his head as the royal family gathered around him. A white light appeared and the vision came to him.


    Abijam saw Eretia in a pool of blood and a man appeared to save her with tears in his eyes. Humans! He saw them in white robes trying to save the princess and it ended.


    Abijam jolted up from the trance.  ¡°Are you okay?¡± Morrissey asked.


    The sea wizard nced around. He was on a bed and King Oceanus looking straight into his eyes.


    Abijam rxed. ¡°What happened?¡± He asked.


    ¡°You passed out during connection.¡±  Morrissey answered.


    The sea wizard closed his eyes and the vision flooded his mind¡¯s eye again.  ¡°The princess is in trouble.¡± He said.


    ¡°What?¡± King Oceanus gasped.


    ¡°And I think she¡¯ll end up dying in that world.¡± Abijam said in a sad tone as he narrated to them the vision to the royal family.


    Tears set in Azizi eyes at the thought of not seeing Eretia again. ¡°She can¡¯t die in that world.¡± Azizi said.


    ¡°That¡¯s the vision the sea showed to me.¡± Abijam responded.


    ¡°We need Almeta.¡± Morrissey coaxed.


    ¡°She has to return home.¡± Prince Colbert added.


    King Oceanus exhaled roughly. ¡°Abijam, isn¡¯t there a way to save her from our world?¡± He demanded.


    The sea wizard was silent. ¡°Say something.. Abijam.¡±  Azizi said impatiently.


    ¡°CHANTARA.¡± The sea wizard muttered with his eyes closed.


    ¡°CHANTARA?¡± The royal family repeated in unison.


    ¡°Yes.¡± The sea wizard reopened his eyes.


    ¡°But why chantara?¡± Morrissey asked.


    ¡°Chantara is the only way to save our princess in that world. And we have to do it quick.¡± Abijam responded.


    ¡°Do we transport the moon water into that world?¡± Azizi questioned.


    ¡°No.¡± Abijam replied.


    ¡°Please Abijam, go straight to the point. We don¡¯t have much time to waste.¡± King Oceanus said in a slightly raised tone.


    ¡°We¡¯ll make connection with her through chantara the moon water since Neifion can¡¯t be reached. And chantara will revive Neifion and our princess.¡± Abijam replied as he sat up slowly.


    ¡°Azizi, do you have one in your treasure box?¡± Oceanus asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll find it.¡± Azizi replied. Slowly he swims out of the chambers.


    ¡°What else do you need?¡± Queen na demanded.


    ¡°Wanwisa and I will make the connection. Don¡¯t worry about anything else.¡±  Abijam responded.


    ¡°Colbert summon Wanwisa to the throne hall.¡± King Oceanus ordered.


    ¡°Okay father.¡± Colbert swims off.


    ***********


    Oh great sea


    Ie to thee today


    With the chantara, the moon water in my hands


    To revive the princess.


    Abijam chanted the spell with his hands locked with Wanwisa. She repeated the same spell.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    They chorused in a loud tone.


    Oh great sea


    Go into the human world


    And revive the chosen one!


    The sea wizard released Wanwisa. His hands began to glow brightly with powers sparking in his palms. And Abijam set it in the Chantara bowl. White sparks shot out of their fingertips into the water.


    The sea wizard shook violently. Wanwisa felt the shock wave of power that radiated out of Abijam.


    ¡°Revive the princess!¡± The sea wizard screamed.


    Instantly the glowing light moved up and went out of the sea into the human world.

 EPISODE SIXTY

    THEME: A living dead


    SAINT PETER HOSPITAL


    Oliver Scott stood outside the ward. He watched in stunned silence as Knox Martins held Eretia tightly to himself. He was alone with her.


    Oliver didn¡¯t know if he should go in. He was shocked that Eretia was dead.


    Tears streamed down Knox Martins cheeks. ¡°I love you.. so much..e back.. to me.¡± He whispered.


    Few minutes passed and  suddenly her body convulsed like she had been shocked with electricity. Eretia slipped away from his arms andnded on the bed with a thud. Still she remained unconscious but her body shimmered with unrealized force.


    ¡°Doctor!¡± Knox screamed out.


    Oliver Scott rushed in with his gaze meeting Knox¡¯s. He asked Knox to move away to check Eretia¡¯s pulse that seems to be unresponsive.


    Then Knox Martins moved out of the room and alerted the nurse at the desk. He drew a deep, shaky breath and waited outside the intensive care unit. Knox watched Oliver bark out orders to the team.


    ¡°Her pulse is faint!¡± They repositioned to resuscitate Eretia.


    Several minutes passed and then Knox could sworn that her fingers flinched. He held his breathe and watched intently. He ran his hand in his hair, tears dripping again and down his chin. Eretia would make it back alive like she always does. Knox reassured himself.  He could feel it. A gasps of happiness mixed with tears as he continued to murmur.


    ¡°I love you, Eretia. Pleasee back to me.. just a little bit more now..¡± Knox pleaded as if she could hear his words.


    Then Eretia opened her eyes slowly to the voices in the air. Her chest rising and falling. Knox¡¯s eyes looked at the machine and he couldn¡¯t help the cry of joy and relief that escaped his throat. Her heart beat was in a steady rhythm.


    Eretia was injected and soon she fell into consciousness again. Oliver set his team to stitch up her wound  And thankfully there was no damage was done to her internal organs. She was lucky that it was pen knife. And it was indeed a miracle!


    A nurse came out and asked Knox Martins to follow her to sign some papers as a guardian. He signed it and prayed over and over again that she would be fine.


    ************


    IN THE NIGHT


    Mary Ann came out of the car with her eyes surveying the dark area. Mary brought out her phone to check the address Vins had sent to her. She looked beyond and saw the small sized house. She dialed his number and he picked immediately.


    ¡°What¡¯s taking you so long?¡± Vins Bond asked.


    ¡°I am outside.¡± Mary Ann answered.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Vins mumbled.


    ¡°Yes..e outside.¡± Mary Ann instructed.


    ¡°No, Mary Ann. You have toe in. Remember I am to decide things here.¡± Vins Bond coaxed.


    ¡°Okay.¡± She murmured.


    Mary Ann made her way to the front door of the house. She wondered what Vins was up to by asking her toe into his house. She pressed the bell and the door opened almost immediately.


    A huge grin yed on Vins face. His chest was bare and he had a white towel around his waist. Her eyes did a slow crawl on his body. Vins Bond¡¯s chest and shoulders was bare and muscr. His stomach was t and the line of hair from his navel downward made her swallow hard.


    ¡°Are you here to drool over my body? Or give me my payment?¡± Vins Bond asked.


    Mary Ann swallowed hard again. ¡°Oh.. I.. I..¡± She stuttered.


    ¡°Do you want some coffee?¡± Vins  Bond offered.


    ¡°No.. no..¡±


    ¡°Come on! We are friends now!¡± Vins Bond coaxed. He opened the door wide. ¡°Let us grab a drink before you leave. I mean just to celebrate your victory.¡± He said with a croaked smile.


    Oh no this is not cool! Mary Ann couldn¡¯t take her eyes off him. It was also hard to maintain her train of thought. So without thinking she stepped in and Vins closed the door behind her.


    ¡°So did you get to meet Knox?¡± Vin questioned.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Mary Ann stared at him.


    ¡°Well I am sure he is crying now.¡±  Vins chuckled.


    And Mary Ann nodded slowly. Pay him and leave! She thought. Yes! She can¡¯t keep standing like an idiot.


    Mary Ann opened her bag and brought out an envelope. ¡°This is the bnce of your payment.¡±


    Vins Bonds collected it and checked into it. And he tossed it on the nearest couch. A wicked smile formed on his face. But he didn¡¯t want the money tonight. He wanted her.


    Vins Bond wanted to prove to her that he could win against any woman. And he was determined to take her with force if she rejects him.


    ¡°Our meetings ends now.¡± Mary Ann said with a serious look.


    ¡°Really?¡± Vins arched his eyebrows.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Her answer was sharp and immediate.


    Mary Ann started towards the door.


    ¡°You are forgetting something.¡± His voice stopped her.


    Mary Ann faced him and said. ¡°What?¡±


    Vins Bond advanced towards her and blocked the pathway to the door. Mary Ann froze the moment his hands sped her waist and he pulled her against him.


    ¡°I asked for one night with you.¡± Vins Bond grinned.


    Mary Ann shoved at him but he didn¡¯t sway. ¡°Don¡¯t fight me, Mary Ann.¡±  His fingers grazed her cheeks.


    ¡°I paid you, Vins in full.¡± Mary Ann gritted.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°Yes.. but I want to prove to you..¡± His hands covering her breast. Mary Ann began to tremble. ¡°That I can win a woman. I am up for any challenge.¡± He added.


    Her breast fitted his palm perfectly. And Mary Ann didn¡¯t know why she wasn¡¯t telling him to stop until lips found hers and her bag dropped to the ground. She couldn¡¯t say no to him.


    ¡°You want me.. don¡¯t you?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Why.. why are.. you doing this?¡± She asked unsteadily.


    Vins Bond kissed her roughly. ¡°Do you want me to stop?¡± His lips parted from hers and she stared at him.


    Then Mary Ann could feel the heat rising between her legs. ¡°Vins..¡± She whispered.


    ¡°I know you want me.¡± He chuckled.


    With his hands on her shoulder, he put his mouth to hers. Mary Ann reached up to him and her legs wrapped around his waist. They kissed aggressively until he carried her into his room. Then they were falling together on the bed.


    Mary Ann knew that she shouldn¡¯t be doing this with him but she didn¡¯t care. She wanted that moment with him. And she closed her eyes to block the image of Knox Martins in her mind¡¯s eye.

 EPISODE SIXTY ONE

    THEME: Vins Bond


    SAINT PETER HOSPITAL


    Oliver Scott stepped out of the ward and stood in front of Knox. ¡°What happened to Eretia?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Knox whispered.


    ¡°What?¡± Oliver furrowed his eyebrows in annoyance.


    ¡°You heard me. I don¡¯t know what happened to her.¡± Knox Martins answered.


    ¡°Are you saying you don¡¯t know how she ended up like that?! In your home?!¡± Oliver Scott yelled at him.


    Annoyance was clear in his tone and Knox could see the anger in his eyes. ¡°Now tell me you didn¡¯t stab her!¡± Oliver used him.


    ¡°What?! No I didn¡¯t stab her!¡± Knox eyes widened in shock. How could he do such a thing to the woman he loved wholeheartedly?


    ¡± You.. Bastard!¡± Oliver grabbed Knox¡¯s cor and his fist collided with Knox¡¯s lips.


    Knox Martins staggered and lost his bnce.  ¡°She was at your home! And you didn¡¯t know how she got stabbed!¡± Oliver tried to punch Knox again but he outsmarted him.


    And Knox¡¯s own fistnded on Oliver¡¯s jaw. ¡°What about you?! Are you trying to me me when you are no saint yourself?!¡± Knox snarled.


    Two men arrived with Mrs ina Martins in the hallway and they rushed to separate them.


    ¡°Turning your back against her! You pushed her out of your lives!¡± Knox yelled at him.


    A man grabbed Knox Martins while the second man held Oliver¡¯s Scott. ¡°You knew she had no one else but you still pushed her away and cut her out of your livespletely! Why?! Because she was in love with me!¡± Knox gritted in anger.


    ¡°Shut the fuck up you fool!¡± Oliver grimaced.


    ¡°Coward! You should have confessed to her if you were man enough! And not pushing her out of your lives because she loved another in your ce!¡± Knox snarled.


    ¡°You don¡¯t deserve Eretia!¡± Oliver snapped.


    ¡°I deserve her because I am better off than you! At least I value everything thates my way. And I don¡¯t take advantage of people!¡±  Fury crashed over Knox.


    Oliver tried to reach for Knox but the man held him in ce. ¡°I swear it.. I¡¯ll kill you if Eretia dies.¡± He threatened.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have you rot in jail!¡± Knox threatened too.


    ¡°Stop this Knox!¡± His mom shouted.


    ¡°She won¡¯t die! Eretia is gonna make it out alive!¡± Knox sounded so confident in his words.


    ¡°You¡¯ll regret this Knox!¡± The men dragged Oliver out of the hallway.


    ¡°Oh son.. what have you done to yourself?¡±  A tear dropped down her chin when her gaze fell on his busted lips.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mom. I am fine.¡± Knox touched his lips.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have fought with him.¡± Mrs ina sniffled.


    ¡°He started it.. that fool used me of stabbing Eretia.¡±  Knox spat.


    ¡°Why would he think like that? Who is he?!¡± Anger crossed Mrs ina¡¯s face.


    ¡°He is close to Eretia.. more like a family friend.¡± Knox replied.


    ¡°I¡¯ll sue him forying his hands on you!¡± Mrs ina fumed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to press charges against him.¡± Knox gave her hand a small squeeze.


    Eretia won¡¯t be happy with him if he decided to press charges on Oliver who has once saved her life.


    ¡°We should focus on finding the killer. The man who tried to kill her.¡± Knox let go of his mother¡¯s hand.


    ¡°We found him.¡± Mrs ina replied.


    ¡°You found him? Who is he?!¡±  Knox demanded.


    ¡°Vins Bond.¡± A voice answered.


    Mrs ina and Knox both looked up and the two men were there.


    ¡°Vins Bond?¡± Knox repeated.


    ¡°Son.. they are detectives. I made a report to the station after you called me.¡± Mrs ina Martins exined.


    ¡°I am Detective Chad.¡± The  first man introduced himself.


    ¡°And I am detective Derrick Thompson. We are from the Criminal Investigative Department of the Police Force.¡±  The second man added.


    ¡°We went to your home as soon as your mom made the report at the station. And when we got there, we found out that what happened was a clear case of attempted murder. Someone tried to kill your girlfriend.¡± Detective Chad said.


    ¡°Who are you suspecting?¡± Detective Derrick demanded.


    ¡°You just said Vins Bond.¡± Knox ran his hand through his hair.


    ¡°Do you know him?¡± Detective Chad asked.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t heard about him. I don¡¯t know him!¡± Knox coaxed.


    ¡°Why did you leave her alone at your ce?¡± Detective Derrick questioned.


    ¡°We had nned to go to the show together but this morning she wasn¡¯t feeling strong enough toe with me. So I asked her to stay at home and rest.¡± Knox responded. He couldn¡¯t say further than that or else he would be left with no choice than to spill the whole truth.


    ¡°So how did you know she needed help?¡± Detective Chad asked again.


    ¡°She called me.¡± Knox muttered after letting out a sigh of frustration.


    Detective Derrick and Detective Chad exchanged nces. When they checked Eretia¡¯s phone, thest call she made was to Knox and he had even sent her a text before she called him.


    ¡°We found the killer all thanks to the CCTV cameras around your home.¡± Detective Chad announced with a nk expression.


    ¡°We yed the tape and saw how he tried to kill your girlfriend.¡± Detective Derrick added.


    Knox Martins balled his fists. He had no idea why an unknown man woulde into his house to murder his girlfriend.


    ¡°Is she rted to Vins Bond?¡± Detective Chad questioned.


    Eretia doesn¡¯t have any rtive in this world! Knox Martins wanted to say but he held back his words.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Or maybe Vins was her Ex.¡± Detective Chad said in a low tone.


    ¡°No!¡± Knox said loudly.  He was her first in Everything and no one else!


    ¡°You know the killer then go and find him! Before he makes his way out of town!¡± Knox Martins said angrily.


    ¡°We just want to know if your girlfriend has any connection with Vins Bond.¡± Detective Derrick said calmly.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t know Vins Bond or whatever you call his name!¡± Knox snapped at the detective.


    ¡°Mr Knox, I¡¯ll advice you calm down and hear us out. Vins Bond is a criminal and he has been on the run for years now.¡± Detective Thompson cleared his throat.


    ¡°Find him! And get justice for my girlfriend!¡± Knox threw his hands up in frustration and turned away from the detectives.


    ¡°Please find him before he kills another innocentdy.¡± Mrs ina said.


    The detectives nodded in understanding. ¡°We¡¯ll get back to you as soon as we find anything.¡± Detective Derrick replied.


    ¡°Thank you, detectives.¡± Mrs ina shook hands with the men before they walked away.


    ¡°Son, you need to rx.¡± Knox turned to look at his mom. ¡°No I can¡¯t rx mom. I have no idea of who that killer is and why he wanted to end her life.¡± He rubbed his temples.


    Mrs ina Martins hugged her son. ¡°She¡¯ll be fine.¡± She murmured.


    Knox buried his face in her neck and sobbed like a little boy. ¡°She¡¯ll make it son. Let¡¯s keep praying for her.¡± Mrs ina reassured him.


    ***********


    Mary Ann opened her eyes to soft darkness and only a dimmp provided brightness in the room. Vins wasying naked beside her causing her to sit up immediately.


    Mary looked under the nket and she saw that she was naked too. What has she done to herself again. She had vowed to never give herself away to any man again except she was sure he was in love with her and he truly wanted a long timemitment. But she had broken that vow.


    Mary Ann closed her eyes. Disgust filled her when she looked down at sleeping Vins. She hated him at that moment. It was hard to say no to him, maybe because she was scared he would tell Knox everything if she had  rejected him.


    She should leave before he wakes up!  And she would never get to see him again! Mary Ann concluded. Slowly as she tried to get out of bed but his hand snaked around her.


    ¡°Are you leaving?¡± Vins Bond said with a husky voice.


    He wasn¡¯t sleeping. She thought. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°It iste.¡±  Vins Bonds pointed to the small clock on the drawer. The time was 12:30 p. m.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make it to my apartment in twenty minutes.¡± Mary Ann replied.


    Vins Bond sat up. She got out of bed quickly and searched for her clothes. Her anger towards him was beyond this world.


    ¡°Why are you in hurry to leave me?¡± Vins Bond asked.


    And she said the words that came to her mind just to express her irritation. ¡°I am disappointed.¡±


    Annoying and harsh words at him and he would let her go. She thought.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Vins Bond frowned at her.


    ¡°I thought I was going to feel pleasure but I felt nothing.. just emptiness after love making.¡± Mary Ann replied. She found her top on the floor and jeans at the foot of the bed.


    ¡°You are so weak in bed, Vins Bond.¡± She grounded out.


    Anger and fury crashed over him. She had done it again. Vins Bond hated it when he was being looked down on especially by a woman. He hopped out of bed. He was determined to teach her a lesson. Mary Ann would learn to always talk the right way even if it is meant for him to break her bones.


    All of  sudden, he grabbed her upper arm before she could say the next word. Mary Ann tried to push him away but he pped her across the face. Her face burned and tears set in her eyes as he pushed her on the bed. She was stunned at the new beast Vins Bond.


    ¡°I¡¯ll show you the monster in Vins Bond.¡± He punched her.


    He was insane to hit a woman! How had she gotten into this mess with him? Mary Ann mused.


    ¡°No.. no..¡± Mary begged when he pulled her under him.


    ¡°You¡¯ll feel pleasured now when I take you by force!¡± Vins Bond kissed her hard on her lips.


    Mary Ann grabbed his hair and bite his ear. Vins Bond yelped in pains. He drew back and she spat in his eyes. Another resounding pnded on her face. His hands grabbed her neck and without thinking he tightened his hold around it. Mary Ann tried to catch her breath but he was strangling her. And some secondster, she went limp under him.


    Mary Ann stopped fighting and darkness came over her. Minutes clicked by and Vins Bonds rxed a bit. Mary Ann eyes were widely open, staring him but she didn¡¯t move.


    And Vins Bond came back to his senses. ¡°Mary Ann¡­¡± He tapped her.


    She didn¡¯t respond. Vins Bond stood up and raised her hand but it dropped down immediately. Then he gasped in shock when he felt her pulse. No pulse! Mary Ann was dead!


    ¡°Oh.. no.. Vins Bond, what have you done?¡± He panicked.


    ¡°Wake up, Mary Ann!¡± Vins Bond pped her gently on her cheeks.


    No response came from her. Vins Bond moved away from the bed and rushed to the closet to grab a few clothes. He searched for his car keys after wearing his clothes. Thank goodness, he still had the money she gave him few hours ago.


    Vins Bond concluded that he would leave town immediately just like he used to aftermitting a crime. So he rushed to the sitting room and grabbed the envelope on the couch and tucked it into the hold all bag. He unlocked the door and stepped out to the porch.


    Suddenly he heard it¡­ Sirens! And then knew he was surrounded by cops. He turned and saw the cops waiting with their guns pointed at him.


    ¡°Drop your weapon! And ce your hand behind your head!¡± Detective Derrick barked out.


    Vins Bonds regretted his actions tonight. He didn¡¯t even take his gun in the drawer to defend himself.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Vins Bond gritted.


    Slowly he did as detective Derrick ordered. Vins Bond knew this was his end. No more running away from the cops. Derrick Chad came to him and handcuffed him while some cops moved into his home.


    Mary Ann. Vins Bond thought.


    ¡°Boss there is a body in his house.¡±  A cop reported to detective Derrick and he confirmed that she was dead.


    Detective Chad called the ambnce before Vins Bond was taken to the station.

 EPISODE SIXTY TWO

    THEME: Last time with the Scott


    TWO DAYS LATER


    SAINT PETER HOSPITALContent ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Knox Martins sat on the bed in a private ward. He scooted forward and grabbed Eretia¡¯s hand and stroked her arm with his free hand. His lips fell on her cheek and grazed along the side of her face and ear as he whispered words of love to her. Her skin was more warmer and she was more than half healed.


    The chantara had made a connection with her in the human world and she had experienced regenerative healing with the powers in the moon water.


    ¡°You are going to make it my love.¡± Knox whispered.


    Knox Martins could feel it and he knew it because she was responding to treatment. He sat there just watching and saying soothing words to her until hours went by slowly.


    Eretia woke up slowly to someone grazing her face. And then she coughed with her chest rising and falling. Knox Martins nced up at her and once again he couldn¡¯t help the joy, happiness and relief that washed over him.


    ¡°You are awake!¡± Eretia groaned deeply when she felt slight pain in her stomach.


    Knox Martins stroked her face and kissed her cheeks. ¡°Knox.¡±  Eretia stared at him, her voice was hoarse but she got the word out.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Knoxughed. He was barely able to see through the tears in his eyes.  ¡°Eretia, I am here. Right here with you.¡±


    Eretia smiled at him as she sat up slowly. And Knox Martins hugged her tightly. ¡°You came back to me.¡± Knox muttered.


    ¡°I told you.. I wasn¡¯t going to leave.¡±  Eretia groaned.


    ¡°I love you so much.¡± Knox said excitedly.


    Eretia drew back to look at him. A huge smile disyed on his handsome face. ¡°I love you too.¡± She answered.


    Even though it hurts that she was leaving soon. The vision of her kingdom didn¡¯t stoping in her unconscious state. Eretia knew she had to end things with him and leave  this human world before Scy destroys her world.


    Knox Martins kissed her lips quickly before pulling back to look at her. ¡°They found him.¡± He blurted out.


    ¡°Who?¡± She asked.


    ¡°The guy that stabbed you.¡± Knox responded.


    Then the memories flooded her mind and she remembered everything.


    ¡°My love, many things has happened since the incident at my home.¡± Knox locked their hands and kissed it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know him. I haven¡¯t met him before.. and I tried to fight him but-¡±


    Knox shushed her. ¡°I know. And the guy confessed to the police.¡±


    Eretia held his hand tightly. ¡°Who is he?¡±


    ¡°Vins Bond. He is an ardent criminal. He has been on the run from the cops for years now.¡± Knox replied.


    He squeezed her hands gently and kissed it again. ¡°Did he say anything knowing me?¡± Eretia demanded.


    ¡°The truth is that  Mary Ann sent him.¡± Knox answered.


    ¡°What?!¡± Her eyes widened in shocked. ¡°But why would she hire someone to murder me? Because of you?¡± Eretia demanded.


    Knox Martins exined everything to her without leaving a detail.


    ¡°So she sent him to kill me so she could be with you and.. then she ended up dying in his hands too.¡±


    Eretia said in tears.


    He nodded in agreement and embraced her. ¡°Please don¡¯t cry my love. All of that is over now. Vins Bond won¡¯t go scot free.. I promise.¡± Knox promised.


    ¡°I feel pity for, Mary Ann. It is so sad she is gone.¡± Eretia sobbed in his chest.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± He silenced her.


    Eretiasted few minutes in tears. She couldn¡¯t believe Mary Ann could have gone  to such extent of ordering someone to kill her so she could be with Knox Martins. That¡¯s terrific!


    Knox pulled away and wiped her tears with his fingertips.  ¡°Perhaps are you still going back to your world?¡± He asked.


    Eretia stared intently at him.  ¡°Yes Knox, I can¡¯t stay here anymore. My people needs me to save them.¡± She answered.


    ¡°So when do you want to leave?¡± Knox whispered.


    ¡°Arrange for my discharge.¡± Eretia spoke up after some seconds of silence.


    ¡°You need to get better.¡± Knox mumbled.


    ¡°I can¡¯t healpletely in this world. I need the sea nutrients to cover up my wound and be whole again.¡± Eretia reached for their locked hands to her cheek to feel the warmth of his touch.


    ¡°Why?¡± Knox asked.


    ¡°Steel, it is dangerous to our system.¡± Eretia responded but at the same time she was surprised that she was still alive in that world after being stabbed by a dangerous weapon.


    Eretia sensed something strange about her healing but she couldn¡¯t figure the exact thing she was feeling.


    ¡°Okay.. but stay a day.. or two before leaving.¡± Knox voice pleaded with her.


    ¡°Knox..¡± She wanted to object.


    No he didn¡¯t want objection! ¡°Listen, I know you have to save your people.. but what about me? Have you ever thought of what would happen to me after your departure?¡±


    Eretia reached for his face and wiped a tear that strayed down his cheek. ¡°Knox.. I.. I.. am.. so sorry.¡± She apologized.


    She had a n in her heart which would be erasing everything about her from his memory so he would move on with his life and at the same time she thought that there must be a way to be a full human like Knox Martins.


    But no answer came to her head. It was nk. Everything that has happened in this world would be a memory in her head when she finally reached her world. Then she would find a way to forget him and go back to the life she used to live as a special mermaid.


    A knock came on the door. And Knox wiped his face clean quickly and said. ¡°Come in!¡±


    Oliver Scott popped his head in first and his gaze met Eretia¡¯s. Ryan stepped in behind his brother. ¡°Oliver.. Ryan.¡± Eretia called out to them. She was stunned to see them.


    ¡°Miss Eretia.¡± Ryan smiled at the sight of her.


    Eretia looked back at Knox Martins when he kissed her hand.  ¡°I¡¯ll give you some minutes with her.¡±  He said.


    Ryan went to her.  ¡°Thank you.¡± Oliver said to Knox.


    Oliver Scott had apologized to Knox Martins when he found out that Vins Bond confessed that he had truly tried to kill Eretia. And during Oliver¡¯s stay with Eretia while he was keeping a close watch on her health, he realized that Knox Martins was truly in love with her.


    ¡°Hi.. Oliver.¡± Eretia said without meeting his gaze. Knox Martins moved out of the room.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Oliver asked.


    ¡°I am better now.¡± Eretia answered.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again. I was so scared when I heard that you were stabbed by a psycho guy.¡± Ryan sat at the edge of the bed. He was d that she was doing fine.


    Oliver drew a deep breathe. ¡°Listen Eretia, you can yell at me.. and hit me if you want. I deserve the worst for pushing you away from our lives.¡±


    Eretia fiddled with her fingers. ¡°To be honest, I was mad at you because you fell in love with Oliver. And I acted without thinking because I had feelings for you too.¡± Oliver confessed.


    Eretia¡¯s head snapped up to look at him.  ¡°I was such a fool to have done such to you.¡± He had an apologetic look on his face.


    Eretia was surprised by his confession. She had no idea Oliver has feelings for her. ¡°It¡¯s.. alright.. Oliver.¡±


    Her arms around Ryan¡¯s shoulder when he snuggled closer to her.


    ¡°I am sorry. And please forgive me.¡± Oliver apologized.


    ¡°Oliver, I have nothing against you. You have been nothing but good to me.¡± Eretia murmured.


    ¡°I messed up.. big time.¡± Oliver admitted.


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t have to apologize to me. I am not mad at you.¡± That was all she could say to him. At that point, Eretia decided that it was best to erase their memories too.


    ¡°I missed you.¡± Ryan embraced her gently.


    ¡°I missed you too, Ryan.¡± Eretia pulled back and shed him a faint smile.


    ¡°Can I go home today?¡± She asked Oliver.


    ¡°You are half healed.¡± Oliver answered.


    ¡°But I am fine now. I don¡¯t need to stay here anymore.¡± Eretia faked a bright smile this time just to convince him that she was fine.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll talk to the doctor in charge.¡± Oliver said after long silence.


    Eretia nodded. She ced a kiss in Ryan¡¯s hair as she blinked back tears that threatened to spill anytime soon. Everything would end soon!


    Eretia realized that it was just a wish! She never thought it would end this way. And Eretia secretly wished that she would return to the human world again maybe some day.

 EPISODE SIXTY THREE

    THEME: Last day on earth


    THREE DAYS LATER


    Eretia sat up all cuddled in Knox¡¯s arms by the sea. It was time to say goodbye to Knox Martins. She  had erased, Oliver, Ryan and Mrs ina Martins¡¯s memory on the day she got discharged from the hospital.


    ¡°There must be a way to be a full Human.¡± Knox murmured.


    Eretia shook her head negatively. ¡°Let us give up at this point.¡± She whispered.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll be right here waiting for you.¡± Knox countered.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t wait.. just move on with your life.¡± Eretia held on to him tightly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t love another woman. And I can¡¯t even bear the thought of living without you.¡± Knox held her closely to himself.


    That¡¯s the main reason she wanted to erase his memory. She would clear out every memory of her so he would move on and love another woman.


    ¡°Please find a way toe back. I¡¯ll wait for you even if  it takes ten years.. or twenty years.¡± Knox purred into her ears.


    Eretia giggled. ¡°You would be old by that time. Let¡¯s see.. twenty years to this time, you would be close to forty years old.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll grow old together till death do us apart.¡± Knox sniffled.


    No she didn¡¯t want that for him.


    ¡°I love you, Ade.¡± Knox said.


    Eretia looked straight into his eyes. She pulled him closely and her mouth covered his mouth. Knox opened up to her immediately. He pulled his lower lip into her mouth, holding it between her teeth before sucking on it.


    Knox coaxed her tongue into his mouth, licking and sucking. A groan released from his chest as his hold on her grew impossibly tight. Eretia didn¡¯t know how long she was locked in his embrace. But time didn¡¯t stand still as they said everything they had to say, words, emotions and thoughts were expressed in this kiss.


    Knox finally released her. Eretia breathe heavily as he stood up. He reached out his hand to her and helped her up. Knox stepped back and spoke quietly. ¡°You can leave now.¡±  He was only holding back from keeping her locked up in his house.


    Eretia stifled a sob. ¡°Thank you for everything, Knox Martins.¡± They both stared at each other for a long moment.


    Knox¡¯s fist were clenched in restraint. This was it. Finally he nodded and shut his eyes tightly.  ¡°Good bye, Eretia.¡± And he said nothing else with his jaw locked.


    Tears streamed down her cheeks as she stepped backward and walked to the sea. And  Eretia realized that walking away from Knox Martins was even harder than she had thought it would be. They had grown together and closer than she expected. She never could have imagined that Knox could be her lover and caregiver. And no doubt her heart would still belong to him even in her world.


    Eretia loved Knox Martins so much and that fact was irreversible. She looked at  Knox and his back was now turned at her. ¡°Good bye, Knox.¡± Eretia murmured.


    And she focused on the sea and began to sing.


    ¡°Fall, fathom, fiveContent ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    Beneath the sea there my father lies


    My kingdom made of coral and pearls


    I would return now to the sea hall


    In the sea wolds on the crimson shell


    Whose silvery spikes are highest in the sea.


    Eretia sang slowly until she disappeared.


    Knox Martins reopened his eyes and like a dream he couldn¡¯t remember anything. He touched his wet face and wondered why he was crying. Deep down in his heart, he felt something was missing within him but he couldn¡¯t tell.


    And slowly he walked back to his home.


    *******


    Ade reappeared under the sea with her golden tail clear and bright. And of a sudden she heard it. ¡°Scy is alive!¡± A thunderous roar from the cave.


    Ade was back in her kingdom. She made her way towards the secret cave leading to the sea hall since the main gate was locked.


    ¡°Ade!¡± Someone called behind her. She turned to see Azizi standing in the sea hallway.


    ¡°Azizi.¡± Ade muttered.


    ¡°It is really you!¡± Azizi swims faster towards her and hugged her tightly. ¡°You came back!¡± He gasped.


    ¡°Yes brother.¡±  Azizi drew back to look at her. ¡°Oh my sea! What happened in that world?!¡± He pointed to her half healed wound on her abdomen.


    Ade¡¯s gaze fell on the open wound and she covered it with her palms. ¡°It is a long story.¡±


    ¡°I want to hear everything.¡± And then Azizi carried her up in his arms and made his way to the throne hall.


    The royal family all gasped in shock when they saw Ade in his arms. ¡°Almeta!¡± Queen na screamed and swims towards her daughter.


    Azizi let go of Ade gently with her hand still ced on her abdomen. She groaned in pains when her mother hugged her tightly.


    ¡°Careful mother she has a wound.¡±  Azizi cautioned.


    Queen na drew back. ¡°Oh my sea!¡± She gasped when she saw the wound.


    Ade embraced the rest of her family except her father who sat on the throne with anger burning in his eyes. She ced her hand in her abdomen and went to him.


    ¡°Forgive me father.¡± Ade fell on her kneels.


    King Oceanus didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°I havemitted a grievous sin against the throne so punish me ording to thew.¡± Ade said with her head bowed.


    King Oceanus eyes examined her intently. He sensed that she was in pain. ¡°Go to your chamber.¡± He said finally.


    Ade shook her head. Azizi and Colbert went to their sister and helped her to the chamber.


    ¡°Get Abijam.¡± King Oceanus said to no one in particr.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll heal Almeta with my powers.¡± Queen na countered.


    ¡°No, this wound is different. Let the sea wizard heal herpletely.¡± King Oceanus declined.


    ¡°Are you doubting my ability? I can heal my daughterpletely with my powers too.¡± Queen na swims closer to her husband.


    ¡°Can you bear to watch her go through the painful healing process?¡± King Oceanus demanded.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Queen na red at him before giving him a slight bow.


    ¡°Okay. Please go ahead and heal her.¡± King Oceanus agreed.


    Queen na swims quickly out of the hall to Ade¡¯s chamber.


    *******


    FEW MONTHS LATER


    Oh Scy, you are ever merry


    Your bones as coral made with pearls in your eyes


    Nothing of you that is awful


    The sea nymph ring at your kneel


    Hark! Now hear me sing Scy!


    Ade sang the powerful spell song to put Scy back to sleep. She hid her scent with a paint waxed over her body.


    The sea monster paraded the sea trying to find her. He heard her beautiful voice and was enticed by it. Scy danced merrily to the praises of him in the lyrics of the song. He searched but couldn¡¯t find the mermaid with the beautiful voice that was luring him back to sleep.


    Scy withdrew in defeat and entered his cave. He enjoyed hearing the melodious voice. It has been years since he heard someone sing to him. And all of a sudden, he felt sleepy andy his head down. Scy couldn¡¯t resist it.


    Oh Scy, your pearl is so beautiful


    Lean intofort and rest forever.


    Adepleted the spell song after seeing Scy entering into the cave from behind the rock that she was hiding.


    Scy closed his eyes and went back to sleep. Six princes came out of hiding from sea rocks and sealed up the entrance of the cave with sea strays. And prince Colbert tightened the locks with his powers.


    They all swim back to the main street of Merivi. ¡°Scy is back to sleep!¡± Prince Colbert announced  with smiles on their faces.


    Shouts of joy erupted from the citizens of Merivi. ¡°Long live our Princess who has put Scy back to sleep!¡± Chantae screamed.


    ¡°Long live the royal family!¡± They shouted in unison.


    Songs of sea echoed in the sea. A song of victory! The mermaids and mermen sang merrily and danced for long moments.


    But suddenly,  Ade felt a sharp pain in her belly. Neifion came off her wrist and Azizi grabbed it. She felt light and dizzy.


    Ade staggered a little, losing her bnce, her vision getting blurry by second. ¡°Almeta.. are you okay?¡± Azizi lifted his hands to her side.


    Ade was finding it hard to breathe.  ¡°Almeta!¡±  Someone called but soon the voices faded off as her eyes rolled to the back of her head.


    Darkness imed her as its own.


    ***********


    Ade could hear hushed voices as shey on bed. She pry open her eyes before closing them again.


    ¡°She is awake!¡± Queen na said as she swims up next to her daughter.


    Ade opened her eyes again, blinking rapidly to clear her vision. She saw Marianna the royal physician, her father and Azizi.


    ¡°Almeta, you are awake! I thank the sea.¡±  Queen na said gratefully.


    Ade tried to get up but Marianna stopped her. What was she doing in the royal infirmary? She pondered.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t move yet.¡±  Marianna pushed her back down lightly.


    Ade frowned in confusion. ¡°What happened to me?¡± She said in a rasp.


    ¡°Rx my princess.¡± Marianna smiled.


    Ade looked at her father who shot her a concerned look. ¡°Why am I here mother?¡± She demanded.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± King Oceanus arched his eyebrows.


    ¡°Know what? What should I know?¡± Ade asked.


    They all exchanged nces. Queen na shut her eye as Marianna cleared her throat.


    ¡°My princess, you are -¡± The royal physician hesitated.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You are expecting.¡± Marianna replied.


    Ade was confused. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. I am what?¡± She questioned.


    ¡°You are carrying a baby in your womb.¡± Marianna said.


    ¡°What?!¡± She gasped out in shock.


    Ade¡¯s mind went nk. She was unable toprehend what the royal physician just said to her.


    ¡°You are pregnant, Almeta.¡± Azizi made it clear to her.


    The words echoed in her head. Ade¡¯s hands caressed her belly. There was a life in it. knox Martin¡¯s  baby was growing in her womb.


    No doubt about that because they had made love.

 EPISODE SIXTY FOUR

    THEME: A first sex


    FLASHBACK


    ¡°Maybe you just thought that was what I was thinking because that¡¯s what you were thinking.¡± Knox said without missing a beat.


    He was right! She had pictured them making love in her mind¡¯s eye. ¡°I.. I think.. I¡¯ll just say goodnight.¡±  Eretia stuttered.


    ¡°Oh..¡± Knox mouthed.


    Eretia found a smile on his face when she looked at him. And before she could think of walking away, he covered the gap between them and kissed her.


    Knox¡¯s hand went to her hair, spreading his fingers, letting it slide, silken through and around over his hand. A fine tremor ran through Eretia and her hand slide up inside the back of his top to feel the smoothness of his skin.


    The tightness of his hands behind her, unzipping her dress while they kissed into the bedroom. Pleasure swimming over her. Knox broke away for a moment to remove his top, pulling it off over his head and dropping it to the floor. Her dress dropped and he unhooked the straps covering her breasts. His hand covered her breast and she began to tremble.


    ¡°You are so beautiful.¡± Knox said with his eyes on her just studying her body.


    Ade couldn¡¯t move. ¡°Knox.. I think we.. shouldn¡¯t..¡± She paused.


    ¡°Do you want me to stop?¡± Knox asked.


    Eretia stared intently at him. Her nipples going hard and her belly quivering. ¡°Why do.. you want.. to do this?¡± She asked shakily.


    ¡°I want you to have a desire toeback here when you return to your world.¡± Knox answered with sincerity in his tone.


    ¡°But Knox..¡±  He brushed his mouth against hers cutting off her intended words.


    His hands gently cupping her breasts.¡±This is your first right? Or am I wrong?¡± He asked amidst kisses.


    ¡°No.. no. I haven¡¯t.. done it.¡± Eretia shook her head.


    ¡°Same here.. my love.¡± Knox coaxed.


    His mouth moved to her ear, down to her throat and to the side of her neck. Eretia felt so frightened just watching him caress her breasts and telling her words of love.  Knox  pressed his mouth on her belly and she felt it twitched. His kisses was everywhere on her body and his hand was moving up and down her thighs. He inched down her flimsy panties. He swooped down and spread her legs with the palms of his hand t at the apex of her thighs.


    Knox opened his mouth on her core and his tongue curdled against her. Eretia felt strange and different making love with a human. It felt like Knox was connecting to her soul in one way. He wasn¡¯t forcing but gently pleasuring her core.


    The muscles in her belly became tight. Knox looked up at her and their eyes locked. Damn! I love you.. I don¡¯t know I could. She thought.


    Knox¡¯s kisses was breaking her bones and creating an ache inside her. He covered her again. Eretia closed her legs to hold him there, moving against his head and with pressure building inside her.


    Knox lifted his head again to look at her and he closed over her nipple gently. Her body convulsed. He moved to her lips and she kissed him feverishly with her hand gliding up and down his back. It was a fantastic dream being in bed with her. Pleasure rose and it was something none of them had ever done. The sensation so strong.


    Eretia secured his mouth to hers. Lifting close and extending her legs and Knox held her down. And she knew he wanted toe into her. Eretia went down, holding still to take him in. It was so d to hold her, watch her face as he moved in her and ripping away her virginity. Eretia felt the sharp pain as Knox covered her mouth. She felt it, the love in his mouth.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    Knox held her and started moving slowly into her. Minutes passed before she amodated his whole length in her tight core and they moved the faster dance with his mouth on hers. They both exploded.


    Then Knoxy at her side making patterns on her belly and kissing her. Atst he sat up, smiling and he kissed her mouth. His lips was so cool.


    ¡°I love you.¡± Knox murmured.


    Eretia dragged air into her lungs before saying to him. ¡°I love you too.¡± And then they had slept until she had the nightmares and Knox held her andforted her.


    And they had made love again in the morning before he went to the agency.


    **** FLASH FORWARD ****


    ¡°How did you end up having a baby?¡± King Oceanus questioned with a frown.


    ¡°Actually, I fell in love with human.¡± Ade confessed


    ¡°What?!¡± They gasped out in shock.


    ¡°Well I think we should be more concerned about the baby.¡± Marianna ced her hands on Ade¡¯s belly with her eyes closed.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Azizi asked.


    Marianna shuddered hard. She opened her eyes and looked at Ade. ¡°Perhaps, was the human your first? And were you the first woman he had slept with?¡± She asked.


    Eretia nodded. ¡°Yes, I haven¡¯t been with anyone except him. And same goes to him too.¡± She answered.


    ¡°This child can¡¯t survive in this world.¡± Marianna grounded out.


    ¡°Why?¡± Queen na demanded.


    ¡°It is a full human.¡± Marianna responded.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡± King Oceanus said with another deep frown on his face.


    ¡°The first mating between our kind produces another. Same thing applies to mating between a human and mermaid if it is a first.¡± Marianna exined.


    ¡°Wait.. let me be clear. What kind?¡± King Oceanus demanded.


    ¡°A human.¡± Marianna answered.


    ¡°Why does it have to be a human? Why is the child not our kind?¡± Azizi questioned frantically.


    ¡°Her first mating was with a full human. And his first mating was with her too.¡± Marianna tried to exin the logic of nature to the royal family.


    Ade was lost in thought. She was trying to think of the possibilities. King Oceanus eyes were on her with his lips pressed together. Mating was a sacred thing in the underworld. It should never happen if the mermaid and merman haven¡¯t tied the marital knot.


    ¡°You can¡¯t have the baby!¡± King Oceanus blurted out.


    Ade snapped out of thought at his words.  ¡°I can¡¯t let you raise a monster in my kingdom!¡± He spat.


    King Oceanus knew that epting that child would be a pass for his daughter to leave their world.


    ¡°Father-¡±


    King Oceanus silenced her. ¡°Say no more!¡±


    ¡°My lord, you have to take heart and ept the baby.¡± Marianna gave out consequences attached to keeping the baby in their world.


    ¡°And I am against her leaving again!¡± King Oceanus gritted.


    ¡°She has to leave.¡± The royal physician advised and concluded.


    Ade was carrying Knox¡¯s Martins child! This wasn¡¯t how she expected things to turn out for her! Tears gathered in her eyes. Even though her father agreed to let her go back to the human world, who would she turn to for help? How was she going to exin her identity to Knox?


    Ade had erased Knox Martin¡¯s memory. She rubbed her belly in circles. She has to be strong to her baby.


    *****


    SOME DAYS LATER


    ¡°She would start havingplications if you keep her here.¡± Queen na  persuaded her husband when he entered the chamber.


    ¡°You want her to leave too?¡± He asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a choice since it is the only way to save our grandchild.¡±  Queen na answered.


    ¡°We would never get to see that child! She would be gone forever!¡± King Oceanus snapped.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t belong her anymore and there is nothing we can do about.¡± Queen na countered.


    ¡°So we  should let her go?¡± He asked again.


    Queen na let out a sigh. ¡°She loves that world. And the one she loves also dwells in that world.¡±


    She embraced Oceanus. Even though it hurts that she may never get to see her daughter again.


    But Queen na had to ept it. It was the only option to save the baby. The queen was willing and ready to save the baby.


    ¡°So what do you say, my husband?¡± Queen na requested.


    King Oceanus was silent. ¡°My king-¡±


    ¡°She can leave if the sea grants it.¡± He muttered.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Queen na pulled away from him and swims away quickly to her child¡¯s chamber.


    ¡°Please mother save my child.¡± Ade begged.


    Queen na went to her bed. ¡°Almeta, my child. You know I love you and I want the best for you.¡±


    She squeezed her hands gently.


    Ade shook her head. ¡°I want to back to the human world.¡± She said.


    Queen na smiled. ¡°You can go back to your dreamworld.¡±


    Ade¡¯s jaw dropped slightly ¡°But what about father?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Your father already agreed to it as long as the sea grants it.¡± Queen na responded.


    ¡°Your happiness is in that world so we can¡¯t hold you back anymore. Go and be with the one you love and be happy forever.¡± Queen na sniffled.


    Tears streamed down Ade¡¯s cheeks as she embraced her mother. ¡°Thank you mother.¡±


    Tears of joy and familiar tinge of happiness welled up inside her at thought of meeting Knox Martins again.


    *****


    AUTHOR¡¯S NOTE


    Wow! I can¡¯t believe this is  the final EPISODE of the clumsy mermaid. At first it seams like it wasn¡¯t going to end but it did anyways!


    And I am so happy to inform you that there is an epilogue to it. You know my stories do have an epilogue to draw the final curtains of the story!


    Thank you for reading Ademide stories.

 EPISODE Epilogue: A new adventure

    IN THE NEW WORLD


    Eretia pressed the doorbell outside Knox¡¯s home. The door opened and ady with a blond hair smiled at her.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Thedy asked.


    Eretia stared at her. Am I in the wrong ce? She wondered.


    Eretia was confused and many thoughts flooded her mind. Is he married now? Did he forget about mepletely? Fear filled her when she saw the ring on thedy¡¯s finger.


    ¡°Hey, who do you want to see?¡± Thedy asked again.


    Eretia couldn¡¯t speak as tears set at the corners of her eyes. Knox Martins was married!


    ¡°Mandy, what¡¯s going on?¡± He stopped behind thedy and his gaze falling on Eretia.


    She wore a free gown which covered her little bump that was starting to form slightly. No one could notice the bump because the gown was carefree and she wore a sweater on it too. She had washed up to the sea  but this time  conscious and she had snatched some clothes by the beach and made her way to Knox¡¯s home.


    ¡°I think she needs help.¡±  Mandy murmured to him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± He mumbled.


    Knox reached a finger out to touch Eretia. She couldn¡¯t move but he could touch her. He withdrew quickly, pushed Mandy back in and mmed the door at Eretia¡¯s face.


    Mandy was stunned by the swift movement. ¡°Why did you -¡±


    He ced a finger on his lips to silence her. ¡°Do you know her?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Well she looks like thatdy in my dreams.¡± Knox responded.


    ¡°Oh thatdy is the picture on your phone!¡± She pped.


    Knox shook his head in agreement. ¡°I think she is the one.¡± He whispered


    Slowly, Eretia moved away and strode towards the sea and broke down in tears.¡±He doesn¡¯t remember me anymore.¡± She cried.


    ¡°What do I do?¡±  Eretia ran her hand in her hair. ¡°I¡­ I.. shouldn¡¯t have erased his memory. And now Knox is married while I am carrying his child. It is all my fault!¡± She med herself.


    Knox Martins sat in his study. He read the diary in his hand again and looked at the images on hisptop. Thedy outside was the same in the images on hisptop and in his dreams too.


    ¡°I fell in love. I never believed in love until I met Eretia Jones.¡± He read these words from the personal diary on his system.


    Knox skipped few pages. He couldn¡¯t count how many times he had read this diary over and over again. ¡°She is mermaid and now she has to return to her world to save her people. I hope shees back to me so we can be together forever.¡±


    Knox Martins read thest few lines again and everything suddenly made sense to him. The mermaid came back!


    The words hit straight in his head. Knox stood up and rushed out of the room. ¡°Hey where are you off to?¡±


    Mandy stopped him.


    ¡°Thatdy.. is my missing piece!¡± Knox stormed out of the house.


    His eyes searched the dark area. ¡°Eretia!¡± He screamed out.


    Knox Martins ran towards the beach and he saw a figure in the dark. Eretia heard her name again. Knox was calling her. She stood up and turned towards the direction she had heard the voice.


    And Knox Martins was there. He stared intensely at her. Eretia¡¯s face was now swollen and wet from tears.


    ¡°Knox..¡± Eretia muttered.


    ¡°Eretia.¡±  Knox Martins closed the distance between them and embraced her. ¡°Eretia, you came back!¡± he said softly.


    Then the tears set down again and she couldn¡¯t hold it back. ¡°I waited for so.. long.¡± Knox said.


    ¡°I am.. so sorry.¡± Eretia sobbed in his chest.


    ¡°Why did you erase my memory?¡± Knox purred in her ears.


    ¡°Please forgive me. I am.. I am sorry.¡± Eretia cried.


    ¡°You erased it but I had other things.. I mean so many things that kept you alive in my mind. Your diary, my diary and images of our outings on myptop. You didn¡¯t take that away.¡± Knox sniffed as he held on to her.


    Eretia cried loudly. ¡°I missed you so much.¡±  Knox muttered. ¡°And I am happy to see you again.¡± He said with a bright smile.


    Knox Martins pulled away to look in her eyes. ¡°Let us go in.¡± He held her hand.


    Eretia withdrew her hand. ¡°No, you are married now.. so I can¡¯t go in.¡±


    Knox Martins chuckled. ¡°Well if it is about thatdy, I am not married. Remember I said that I was going to wait for you.¡±  She avoided his gaze.


    ¡°Mandy is my cousin.¡± He added quickly.


    ¡°Knox!¡± A feminine voice screamed. They turned to see Mandy with her handbag.


    ¡°Hey Knox! I am sorry I have to leave! Jason got into a fight at school! We¡¯ll talkter!¡± Mandy said loudly before rushing to her car in the driveway and  she drove away.


    ¡°Jason is Mandy¡¯s child.¡± Knox exined.


    Can he see me properly? Eretia wondered. She was thinking about her baby bump. Maybe it is not so obvious. Knox Martins was so carried away that he didn¡¯t even noticed the swell. They moved to his house. Nothing has changed.


    ¡°I thought you said that you were going to move back to town.¡± Eretia said


    ¡°Yes, but I didn¡¯t move because this house holds the memories of us.¡±  Knox answered.


    They stood staring at each other.  ¡°We need to talk.¡± Eretia said, looking away from him.


    ¡°Yes we have a lot of catching ups to do.¡± Knox agreed.


    Eretia nodded. ¡°But don¡¯t.. I look somewhat different to you?¡± She asked.


    ¡°You are still beautiful.¡± Knox Martins smiled.


    Then Eretia realized Knox would never tell because of her big dress.¡±Are you still going back there? I mean your world.¡± Knox tucked his hand into his pocket.


    ¡°No.¡± Eretia mumbled.


    ¡°Are you a full human?!¡± Knox demanded.


    ¡°Yes, I am a full human now.¡±  Eretia answered.


    ¡°How? I mean what changed?!¡± He asked in a surprised tone.


    Eretia drew in a deep breath. ¡°I became a human because..¡± She paused and swallowed hard.


    ¡°Because of what?¡± He waited for her response.


    ¡°I am pregnant.¡± Eretia fiddled with her fingers.


    Knox Martins mouth droppedpletely. ¡°What?!¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Eretia nodded.


    In a swift movement, Knox Martins covered the inch between them.  ¡°Oh well¡­ remember we.. had sex before.. I left.¡± She stuttered.


    Knox nodded impatiently. ¡°Since my first mating was with a human and it was your first too so my baby and I can¡¯t survive under water.¡±  She recounted what the royal physician had proved to her.


    ¡°You are carrying my child.¡± Knox couldn¡¯t believe it.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Eretia nodded.


    Knox Martins dropped down on his kneels immediately. ¡°Marry me! No Eretia, will you marry me?¡±


    He didn¡¯t want any exnation. He was only happy about the news of his unborn child.


    Knox¡¯s hands went to her belly and he felt her bump. He would definitely be a father in few months time. ¡°Be my wife.¡± He said.


    Knox Martins smile grew broader and he could almost burst of too much happiness. ¡°Knox-¡±


    ¡°Yes marry me, Eretia! Or do you think when I asked you to return, I wanted you to be a boarder in my home? No! I wanted us to be together forever!¡± Knox Martins rushed out his words.


    Eretia helped him up to his feet. She leaned close to him and found his lips and her arms wrapped around his neck.


    ¡°You want a life with me don¡¯t you?¡± He said amidst kisses.


    ¡°Yes.. yes.. I¡¯ll marry you! Knox Martins!¡± She let out a giggle.


    ¡°I love you so much.¡±  Knox said.


    And they kissed for several minutes until she pulled back and said.  ¡°Any news about Oliver and Ryan?¡±


    ¡°Yes I searched for him when I saw his name in your diary. And thest time I checked on him.. I think he is married to his colleague at work.¡±


    ¡°That must be doctor May?¡± She sounded unsure.


    ¡°I supposed so.¡±  And he kissed her lips again.


    *****


    Eretia met Mrs ina Martins again and Knox made it clear that he had been seeing Eretia for months now but decided to keep his rtionship a secret.


    The wedding took ce on the first day of the following month. Knox and Eretia had agreed that it was a good time as any to begin their new adventure.


    Eretia wore a cream colored knee length dress designed by Ria Robert. The dress framed a modest amount of cleavages and floated softly over her tummy which was beginning to expand.  They are ready to tie the marital knot. Eretia and Knox mingled happily with their guests and his family members.


    And it hasn¡¯t been easy to keep the event small considering Knox¡¯s famous status and extended family members and friends. But they had managed to convince people that they would celebrate with a big party in few months time after the baby is born.


    Knox Martins and Eretia Jones exchanged their vows in the church that Mrs ina had attended all her life, followed by a small reception at the beach house. Mrs ina had weed Eretia with warm approval even though she doesn¡¯t have anyone to call her family.


    The couples had said that Eretia is an orphan and she had left home to survive on her own. She went far from her rtives after her parents death.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    ¡°I knew you and Knox would make a great couple.¡± Mrs inaplimented,  giving Eretia an enthusiastic hug.


    Knox Martins grinned at his mom. And Mrs ina Martins went ahead to greet their guests.


    ¡°Looks like we are about to embark on a new great adventure with our baby in the picture.¡± Knox whispered.


    ¡°Are you up to it boss?¡± Eretia teased him.


    ¡°I think I can be up to it. Anything for you and my child.¡± Knox quipped augh in his eyes.


    ¡°Really?¡± Eretia giggled.


    ¡°Bring it on.. my love.¡± He held her hand.


    ¡°I love you, Knox Martins.¡± She smiled.


    Knox kissed her cheeks. ¡°I love you too, Mrs Eretia Martins. Let us have a good time spending your one million dors now.¡±


    Eretia let out a loud giggle. ¡°Of course!¡±


    A new adventure with Knox Martins and a baby. She thought.


    Eretia reached up and kissed his mouth. A love so beautiful. A new family. Happiness. All in one. It would be a very promising beginning. Their lives was encouraged by love that grew stronger with each passing day together. Eretia concluded.


    ¡°I love you.¡± Knox Martins said.


    ¡°I love you too.¡± Eretia kissed his lips quickly.


    ***** THE END *****¡ã¡ã


    AUTHORS NOTE


    A perfect ending again!


    So my amazing readers this is the epilogue of this book. It was fun writing, the clumsy mermaid and I hope you all enjoyed reading it as well.


    Thank you so much for letting me and my stories into your hearts. I love to hear from my readers viament.


    My next story ising up soon! I¡¯ll announce the title in thement section too.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!