《Unexpected Reunion: My Baby Daddy Returns》


 Surprise gone wrong

    San Francisco,


    She had a beautiful smile on her face as she reapplied the gloss on her lips, still not sure she looked perfect and good enough.


    Staring at the reflecting image, she sighed as she ced the gloss back in her makeup purse.


    ¡°I already look perfect.¡± She assured herself.


    She looked out of the window, enjoying the view, not bothering to ask the driver questions like she had always done whenever she visited a ce after a long while. Her thoughts were already upied with bad childhood memories.


    Her phone vibrated distracting her from her thoughts, she checked the call and to her dismay it was Emma, her best friend. She was expecting his call not Emma.


    ¡°Hey girl, Are you there yet?¡±Emma asked, sounding so excited.


    ¡°Yes, I got into the City like an hour ago?¡± She said, feeling guilty for not informing Emma.


    ¡± And you didn¡¯t inform me? What happened to the promise you made? Mia.¡±


    Mia took a long breath before replying, her thoughts had made her forget Emma.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, I¡¯ve been so preupied that I forgot. I am really nervous.¡± She whispered.


    ¡°You will be fine Mia, It¡¯s not a stranger you¡¯re going to see. It¡¯s your fiance and remember you¡¯re getting married in a week.¡± Emma exined.


    ¡°I know all these Emma but¡­¡± she muttered 3, 2, 1 before continuing,¡±I resigned yesterday. I feel stupid for doing so.¡±


    There was no response from the other end, the call had disconnected just before she could tell her best friend the truth.


    ¡°Damn it! There is no signal.¡± Mia cursed as she tried to call her again but it wasn¡¯t connecting.


    ¡°We are almost there ma¡¯am¡± the driver said just in time, stopping her from smashing her phone. She sighed and quietly rechecked her face and hair. Satisfied, she smiled seductively at the mirror before putting it aside.


    **


    ston¡¯s Mansion


    ¡°Mum, I thought we talked about this?¡± He screamed despite trying not to sound rude.


    ¡°What is there to talk about, Antonio? It¡¯s Charlotte we¡¯re talking about, not just some randomdy.¡± His mum exined.


    ¡°You should have informed me before going to meet her family. I simply said I needed some time.¡±


    ¡°Spare me those silly talks Antonio, I am your mother and I know you very well.¡± She replied confidently.


    ¡°Then you should know I¡¯m really upset and angry. I want to see dad now!¡± He rushed to the study upstairs, jumping the stairs without care.


    ¡°Be careful Antonio!¡± His mum called, ¡°you will hurt yourself.¡± She followed him but at a much slower pace than his.


    He flung open the doors to his father¡¯s study without knocking. His reason was justified, he was angry and couldn¡¯t control his rage.


    Luckily, his father wasn¡¯t in instead he met Aaron going through some files.


    ¡°It¡¯s you, You scared me Antonio.¡± Aaron managed to say, he was visibly scared as to why the door had opened so fast and with such force.


    ¡°Where is father?¡± Antionio asked immediately.


    ¡°He went on a business trip to ska. Didn¡¯t he inform you about it?¡± Aaron asked, stamping a document. He hadn¡¯t noticed the angry look on Antonio¡¯s face.


    Antonio gave no reply as he took some steps away but returned and banged the desk with his fist in rage ruining what Aaron was doing.


    ¡°What was that for?¡± He asked but then he noticed Antonio¡¯s rage,¡±Are you okay?¡±


    Before Antionio could give a reply his mother spoke from behind.


    ¡°Your best friend is behaving childish and irresponsible.¡±


    ¡°Irresponsible mum? And childish also?¡± He asked surprised.


    ¡°Yes Antonio. There was nothing wrong in seeing her parents.¡±His mum answered in defense.


    ¡°So you say there¡­you¡¯re so unbelievable mum.¡±


    ¡°Believe it or not. The reality is that you¡¯re getting married to Charlotte next week.¡±


    ¡°What!¡± This time it was from Aaron, he had watched them argue and bothered not to interfere in a family matter even though he was considered as a family.


    ¡°Yes Aaron, make your best friend understand that he has no option. He has to think about the future of the family before anything.¡± She ordered before leaving.


    ¡°Why does mum want you to get married to Charlotte so soon?¡± Aaron immediately asked .


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­I have no problem with Charlotte but her timing is just so wrong.¡±


    ¡°You want to enjoy the attention of the Ladies right?¡± Aaron asked with a deceptive wink.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go there Aaron, I¡¯m in no mood for jokes.¡±


    ¡°I need to talk to my father about this.¡± He said searching his pockets for his phone.


    ¡°Do you think it will help?¡± Aaron asked, he knew Antionio¡¯s father would always do what his wife wanted.


    ¡°I guess I do , Father is more sensible.¡±


    A knock was heard and a maid dressed in a simple ck gown and a neat White apron tied around her waist entered, bowing respectfully.


    ¡°Your presence is needed, Sir. The wedding designer just arrived.¡± Said the maid.


    ¡°Damnit!¡± He flinged the papers on the table, Aaron had to intervene, stopping him from creating a mess he wouldter regret .


    ¡°Let¡¯s go out for a drive.¡± He urged Antonio and also instructed the maid to clean the  mess he had  just made.


    They got outside and it was unbelievably hot, the sun rays were enough to melt an ice cream in seconds.


    ¡°Where should we drive to?¡±  Aaron asked as he wore his sunshades.


    ¡°Anywhere, just somewhere to cool off.¡±


    ¡± I know the right ce and the right car too.¡±Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    Aaron moved forward and he pressed the red button in the car garage. The door slid open to reveal thetest ck Mercedes he had just acquired but no he wasn¡¯t going for that, he walked to where the red spotless Bugatti was parked. It was his favorite and was suitable for the sunny weather.


    Antionio said nothing as he entered and ced his seat belt in position before the car zoomed off.


    **


    The avenue was a long one, slightly narrow but wasrge enough to contain a moving vehicle and two pedestrians. The houses were separated from each other with a beautifully trimmedwn as the numbers for each house were carved on each door post. She remembered his home number but what had he told her was the number?


    ¡°Err¡­28¡± she affirmed.


    She had been observing the scenery for 15 minutes and hadn¡¯t bothered to call him to inform him about her arrival. Mia had already nned to surprise him.


    ¡°Are you lostdy?¡± A voice asked.


    She immediately saw a middle aged woman, she looked pretty despite her age and her clothes looked really expensive.


    ¡± I¡¯m not. I¡¯m just trying to confirm an address.¡± She answered politely.


    ¡°Can I see the address?¡± The woman spoke sweetly and her red zing lips were irresistible to Mia¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°This is the address ma¡¯am¡± she handed her phone to her while Mai took her time to observe the woman.


    ¡°This is the right address, just follow the numbers till you get to 28.¡± She smiled as she returned the phone and walked away immediately.


    Mia watched the figure till it was out of sight, the woman reminded Mia of her mother who she wished was still alive. Tears dripped down her cheeks but sheposed herself before she created a scene and focused on surprising him. She walked the long road searching for his home number, the walk wasn¡¯t a long one, she found the house after 5 minutes and got excited immediately.


    Her excitement made her forget she had earlier nned to recheck her makeup. Mia smiled as she knocked, ignoring the doorbell.


    The door was left ajar and as she knocked it opened slowly making a creaking noise.


    She was confused as many questions ran through her head,


    Why was the door open? She thought twice on whether to call him or just go on with her surprise n. After thinking deeply, she decided to call him. Mia brought her phone out and dialed his number. It rang and she heard a popr ring tone inside the house but it didn¡¯t bother her.


    ¡°It must be a coincidence,¡± she thought.


    He didn¡¯t take the call and she tried again, this time she heard the same ringtone again and it stopped right as she disconnected the call. This wasn¡¯t just a coincidence like she had thought earlier, he was definitely inside .


    But why wasn¡¯t he taking her calls?


    The only way she could find out was going inside and Mia entered immediately

 Make my Boss happy, Will you?

    The door opened to the living room making a creaking noise, the room was empty but messy. Whoever stayed there made a mess but the clothes and shoes caught her attention. Those clothes belonged to a woman, but why were they there? He never mentioned his sister was staying with him.


    In curiosity, she leaves the room heading to the first door she saw. Mia guessed it was a bedroom and opened it immediately.


    Wilson!


    Her scream stopped any further action that was going on.


    ¡°Mia? Hold on Baby. I can exin.¡± A male voice said as he pushed the woman he had been with away and covered himself with the duvets. He moved forward to where Mia was and tried to hold her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you daree close to me¡­I will.¡± She couldn¡¯t take it as she broke down in tears and rushed out immediately. Mia couldn¡¯t believe what she had just seen, Wilson in bed with another woman? She could only hope it was a dream but she knew that was the reality. She had caught him cheating.


    She sat on the pavement where the doormat was kept not minding that her clothes could get dirty. Wilson rushed out, almost tripping on her.


    ¡°Mia, please.¡± He begged.


    ¡°Stop it Wilson.¡± What do you want to exin? For God¡¯s sake it¡¯s just a few days until our wedding and you¡¯re ¡­¡± she broke down into more tears.


    ¡°I can exin what happened.¡± Wilson pleaded as he knelt down and held on to her legs but she pushed him away, took her small luggage and left.


    He followed her out of the avenue still pleading, not minding the embarrassing stares he got from pedestrians. He really did love Mira and wanted her to be his wife, he knew she was really angry at him but all he wanted was for her to give him a chance to exin what had happened but unfortunately Mia wasn¡¯t paying attention to him.


    They got to the entrance of the avenue and Mia saw a Taxi and halted it immediately.


    It stopped and the driver came out to help her carry her luggage inside.


    ¡°Mia please don¡¯t do this to me ¡± Wilson pleaded with tears, nothing in her wanted to listen to him but she was just too angry to look at his face.


    Mia entered the vehicle and the driver zoomed off, tears dropped down her chin as she thought of what had just happened.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, you didn¡¯t give me any destination.¡± The driver said breaking the silence which hadsted for more than 5 minutes. She hadn¡¯t thought of where she would go, it was impossible to go back to ska. Her journey will have to be by morning but firstly she needed to find a ce to spend the night.


    ¡°Where are we?¡± She asked the driver.


    ¡°San Francisco, ma¡¯am.¡± He answered politely.


    ¡°I Know this is San Francisco. I just want to know¡­nevermind. Take me to the nearest hotel where I can spend the night.¡± She suggested.


    ¡± How about The Weekend?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a hotel ma¡¯am. A condusive one.¡±


    ¡°Alright, take me there.¡± She said barely paying attention to what he said.


    They got there after 10 minutes and she paid him off. The hotel was a three storey building and the name was engraved on the roof


    She entered the hotel and was given a room immediately. She got into the room and cried herself to sleep.


    **


    ¡°Drive somewhere Aaron. We have been rotating around San Francisco for hours.¡± Antonio grunted as he ced his palm on his chin. Even though he appeared like he was absent minded, he still observed everything that was going on and he didn¡¯t enjoy the ride at all.


    ¡°San Francisco is full of fun, women and clubs¡­unfortunately you¡¯re too Holy for that.¡±


    ¡°What makes you happy after an anger session?¡± Antonio asked.


    ¡°A lot of things.¡± Aaron answered.


    ¡°Then do those things.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡± I give you permission.¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­¡± Aaron immediately reversed the car and drove off heading to the direction of THE WEEKEND.


    She woke up feeling sad, the sleep didn¡¯t help her at all. It just made her forget about him for a while. She got up and entered the bathroom to wash her face. Her face looked pale and swollen at the same time and she knew why. Mia was supposed to get a headache after hours of crying but maybe the good sleep she had helped her get rid of the headache.


    A knock came and she got out to answer it.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± She asked angrily, Mia wasn¡¯t in any mood for disturbances.


    ¡°Room service.¡± A feminine voice answered.


    She sighed and opened up quickly, the sound of party music graced her ears and surprisingly lightened her mood.


    ¡°Is anything going on downstairs?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Yes, there is a club downstairs.¡±


    Mia didn¡¯t even hear the sound of the music, she felt sad that she couldn¡¯t tell what was happening in her surroundings.


    ¡°What will you have for dinner?¡± They asked.


    ¡± Anything will be fine.¡± She answered and immediately closed the door.


    The club was a fine ce for her to forget about Wilson. Mia got dressed immediately and went downstairs. In less than 15 minutes, she was already seated at the far corner of the bar, sipping beer and watching thedies dancing. She sat just in the right ce to see those who came into the club.


    Mia sipped her beer slowly as she watched thedies dance to the rhythm of the music. She was feeling better. It wasn¡¯t up to 5 minutes when she saw two handsome figures walk into the club . The first who entered looked like he belonged here while the taller and the most handsome observed the ce vacantly. Mia watched them for a while admiring their physical looks before continuing her drink.


    Mia was still watching thedies who were dancing, they were half naked now and the only thing that covered them was the bikini they wore. Thedies danced seductively to the rhythm, her eyes were fixed on the dancers but she was able to notice the dark figure approaching her. Mia¡¯s heart skipped a beat as the figure came closer.


    The dark figure got closer, took a chair from the vacant table next to Mia and sat opposite her. Mia looked at him and recognized him as one of the men who had entered earlier despite the dim lights.


    ¡°How are you, mydy?¡± He asked, giving her a wink.


    Mia said nothing as she sipped her beer and removed her gaze from him to watch thedies.


    ¡°Why are you seated here all alone?¡± He asked again and for the second time she didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Okay miss, Don¡¯t be rude . It looks like your boyfriend broke your heart.¡± He wasn¡¯t rude but there was anger in his tone.


    ¡°What do you want ?¡± She finally said, looking at him.


    ¡°That¡¯s better. I¡¯m Aaron and you are?¡± He brought his right hand for a handshake. Mia didn¡¯t take it, instead she said,¡±Go straight to the point.¡±


    ¡°So bosy¡­I like you already. I will pay you 10, 000, 000 Dors if you agree to do the job. He stopped to look at her and smiled that he had gotten her attention.


    ¡°What¡¯s the job?¡± Mia asked eagerly.


    ¡°Simple but difficult. It¡¯s my best friend¡­I want you to make him happy.¡±


    ¡± Is this some sort of joke? Take him to aedy show or something.¡± She said feigning ignorance.


    Aaronughed at her naiveness making her re hard at him.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant , Miss. I mean the stuff youdies do to your boyfriend.¡± He exined.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m talking about love making.¡± He whispered.


    ¡± Are you crazy? What do you take me for?¡± Mia asked in anger.


    ¡± You¡¯re seated alone, drinking all by yourself looking like you suffered from a heartbreak. So I take it like you¡¯re ady.¡±He answered expressionless.


    Mia didn¡¯t take it lightly with him, she wanted to grab his cor butposed herself. She didn¡¯t want to create a scene and moreover he looked like he didn¡¯t mean to be rude.


    ¡°Calm down miss, I¡¯m just being polite. Will you take the deal or you need time to consider my 10, 000, 000 Dors offer ¡± He emphasized on the  amount as he spoke sweetly.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested.¡± she said immediately without thinking.


    ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t pressure you to but I will give you time to think about it. I¡¯m over there if you change your mind.¡± He said and pointed to a direction which Mia didn¡¯t care to look.


    He left immediately but didn¡¯t follow the direction which he had pointed to Mia he would be instead he walked to the other side of the club wandering aimlessly looking for someone.


    ¡°Looking for me?¡± A voice asked.

 A night of pleasure

    **


    ¡°You should have exined things calmly to her before now.¡± She said as she dressed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t add to my problems now. You have what you wanted so leave.¡± The young man said in an angry tone.


    ¡°Calm down Wilson. You won¡¯t dare to be rude to me.¡± She yelled in rage.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m just so confused right now.¡±


    She moved closer to him as she ced her right hand on his shoulder.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Take it easy. Call Mia when she is calm .¡± She advised and pecked him on the cheek before leaving.


    Wilson ced his palm on his chin as he thought of what to do. He was really in deep trouble. If his father hears about what had happened then all their ns will be wasted. He really had to make things work out between him and Mia but thisdy was just always spoiling things for him.


    **


    ¡°You scared me Alfred.¡± Aaron spoke drying the goosebumps that had just formed on his face with his palm.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, I saw you wandering around and I knew you were looking for me.¡±


    ¡± Yes, you¡¯re right. I want you to do something for me.¡±


    ¡± What¡¯s your order, Master?¡± He asked bowing.


    Aaron smiled as he came closer whispering softly and faintly into the waiter¡¯s right ear,


    ¡± I want you to spike the drink of my best friend and thedy I just spoke to.¡±


    ¡°Consider it done.¡±


    Aaron ruffled his hair inmendation before sending him off. He left immediately to meet Antionio who looked better than he was. At least a smile was on his face.


    ¡± You took so long in persuading the youngdy¡­and you ended up making her angry.¡± Antionio said immediately Aaron settled down.


    ¡± She wasn¡¯t the usual. Let¡¯s say she was more different and well  behaved.¡±Aaron answered.


    ¡°So what were you doing all this while you were with her?¡± Antonio asked, staring at Aaron.


    From where she was, Mia watched them. She had stolen nces from the handsome man. He looked really charming as he sat down drinking from his champagne ss. From his Italian tailor made suit Mia guessed he was from a wealthy home.


    She had watched him slip his drink while he watched thedies, and their eyes had met a few times. While Mai sat down contemting on what Aaron had offered her, she saw hime after the waiter had served the drinks. He talked to the guy he had said was his best friend and walked out immediately.


    As he left, she thought of epting his request. After all, she was now  a free woman and the money could help her settle down in ska since she lost her job. She made up her mind and immediately stood up after discovering how huge the amount was and what age could buy with it.


    ¡°Persuading her to have a night with you.¡± Aaron answered.


    ¡± A night with me? that¡¯s what you meant by making me happy?¡± Antonio asked. His tone sounded like he was upset.


    ¡± Women give happiness, that¡¯s a fact.¡± Aaron defended seeing his best friend¡¯s look.


    ¡± But she¡¯s pretty, I notice her stares.¡±


    ¡± Wait, don¡¯t tell me you like her.¡±Aaron said with a dropped jaw but before Antonio could respond the waiter interrupted them.


    ¡± Thest drink for you, Mr. Antionio stor.¡± The waiter said as he dropped a ss of red wine on the table.


    ¡°Drink up buddy, I will join youter. I have to make a call outside.¡±Aaron said as he got up drained, his drink while standing and left immediately.


    It wasn¡¯t until 5 minutes after Aaron had left that Antonio started feeling dizzy. He stood up to go out to find his best friend but he kept bumping into the chairs and tables that were on his way. The room looked like it was spinning and he felt he could faint at any moment. He managed to gather up enough strength and continued the walk till he bumped into Mia.


    Mia looked at the table where she had seen him, but he wasn¡¯t there nor was the charming young man she had admired. Scared that he might have driven out, she got up to look for him. Mia walked aimlessly in the club searching for them but she couldn¡¯t find them.


    After some time, she stumbled on a figure who looked like he wasn¡¯t watching his step and she watched him stagger while he tried to look for a chair. Mia guessed immediately that he was drunk. The figure staggered forward and fell on her, resting his head on her shoulder.


    Mia couldn¡¯t believe it, it was the same man she had been admiring but what happened to him? She sniffed and he smelled alcohol.


    But that was strange because she had watched him the whole time, he  never drank much of the alcohol. Even the waiter who cameter on, served just a ss and that wasn¡¯t supposed to make him drunk.


    ¡± I feel dizzy¡­Aaron, bring her to me.¡± He whispered distracting Mia from her thoughts.


    Who was he talking about? She thought.


    Mia knew it was Aaron he was referring to but he also mentioned ady. Who could thedy be?


    She looked around searching for Aaron with her eyes but he was nowhere in sight. Mia was confused on what to do. She knew staying there with him would be risky but she couldn¡¯t take him out either.


    ¡± Can I help you?¡± A waiter asked, she turned to him and recognized him. He had earlier served drinks to Aaron and his friend.


    ¡± Yes, him.¡± Pointing to the man who was resting peacefully on her shoulder.¡±He¡¯s drunk and I can¡¯t find his friend.¡±


    ¡± Oh you can book a room for him, his friend will cover the bills when hees back.¡± He answered and left immediately.


    What he suggested wasn¡¯t what Mia had wanted but it struck an idea. The waiter had sounded like he knew them very well. Maybe taking him to her room won¡¯t be a bad idea. Luckily for her, he wasn¡¯t so drunk that he couldn¡¯t move. So taking him upstairs to her room was a little easy.


    Inside, She helped him sitfortably on the edge of the bed with his palm covering his face. When she was sure he was okay and wouldn¡¯t fall down, she walked away to get a ss of milk.


    Mia offered the ss to him. It was part of the dinner the hotel had served her and she had saved it for her bedtime. He drank it gratefully before handing the ss to her. She took it and reced it on the dinner tray.


    From where she was, Mia admired the young man who looked like he was embarrassed by the whole situation. He knew he wasn¡¯t really drunk again and was aware of his surroundings.


    ¡± You want to tell me something?¡± He asked as he tried to remove the jacket he wore. He had  watched her the whole time and noticed she was staring at him.


    ¡± Hold on, I will help you.¡± Mai offered, he had been struggling with the jacket for a while.


    As she helped him, he touched her face, removing the hair strands that covered her eyes and securing them at the back of her ear. Mia felt a cold sensation and her heart skipped a beat immediately his hands touched her face. He got closer and whispered,


    ¡°You are beautiful.¡±


    His voice was melodious and she wished she could have him right at that point, her hormones were already alerted.


    ¡± My friend had offered you money to make me happy.¡± He brought her chin closer to his face making their nose touch.


    ¡± I will double the amount but let¡¯s be close not because of the money.¡± He swallowed , Mia stared at him confused. What was he saying?


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you mean.¡± She managed to say as she swallowed hard.


    ¡°I mean I like you, I noticed your stares and I guess you noticed mine. What happened today?¡± He asked to maintain a charming eye contact with her.


    ¡°Nothing really¡­ happened.¡± She answered, stammering.


    ¡°You¡¯re sure because I noticed tears on your face.¡±


    Mia didn¡¯t believe it, so he had been watching her closely. She got so excited and the urge to kiss him became stronger.


    As if he understood what was in her mind, he brought her face closer, allowing her to have a taste of the milk she served him.


    The kiss became intense and they allowed their emotions to take over. Within the next minutes they were already naked in sweet pleasure, sweating all over and moaning to satisfaction.

 You are pregnant

    Along the Eastern sky of ska, the sun sharpened its rays causing a bright morning. Mia was up already, but sheid in thefort of the duvets as she remincinced on the memories she had the previous night with the handsome stranger. She had expected to wake up in his arms but to her dismay, he had left but not without a note and the 10, 000, 000 dors he promised the previous night. Mia had read the note several times. Not still satisfied with the number of times, she read it again: ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I had hurt you butst night was great. Much love.¡±


    Her phone rang and she discovered 12 missed calls from Emma. Emma was going to be so upset with her, Mia bit her lips and answered but before she could say anything the scream in Emma¡¯s voice stopped her.


    ¡°Mia, do you want to give me a heart attack? I was scared the police must have caught you!¡±


    Mia had to pull the phone away from her ears in order not to get deaf from the scream in Emma¡¯s voice. She understood how worried Emma must have been about her. They had grown up together in San Francisco and had moved to ska after her mother¡¯s death. Emma had witnessed the torture and the ills Mia had experienced after her mother¡¯s death. It had been Emma¡¯s idea to run away when the police started their investigation. She knew how cold Mia was whenever she thought of her mother and for that reason she dreadeding to San Francisco.


    It happened one winter night, Mira had just returned from the hotel where she worked as a cook during morning and afternoon shifts. She got home that night weed by the usual wailing of her mother.


    ¡°He was here.¡± Mia muttered as she rushed to meet her mum in the bedroom they normally slept in.


    ¡°What is it again mother!¡± She asked immediately as she entered. Mia sounded angry and that was because she had a bad day at work and her muscles were already wobbling. All she needed was to sleep and her mother¡¯s tears were getting her more upset.


    Her mum said nothing as she dried the tears pretending like nothing had happened.


    ¡°Mother!¡± Mia yelled, ¡°I asked a question.¡±


    Again her mum didn¡¯t reply, instead she asked fearfully,


    ¡°Are you hungry? Hold on, let me get you something to eat.¡±She left immediately, making Mira surprised by her actions. Her mother looked like she was scared but why?


    Something was definitely wrong and she needed to find out what it was, her curiosity made her follow her mum slowly.


    ¡°What do you want to eat, Mia?¡± Her mother asked immediately she entered.


    The lights in the kitchen were bright, she saw her mother¡¯s face and fear gripped her. Her beautiful mum had now been disfigured as bruises were found all over her face and body.


    ¡°Mum, he did this right?¡± She yelled.


    ¡°Mia, let¡¯s not start.¡±


    ¡°Start what mother? Enough of this. Tell me where he is.¡±


    ¡°Mia¡­¡±Her mum called.


    ¡°I¡¯m right here, you see what you have done Carolina, she is as useless as you are.¡±A voice said. It was Mia¡¯s father. He was a huge man with big muscles. His eyes were red and face pale as a result of his constant drinking habit. He looked like a monster and acted like one.


    ¡± How¡­¡±


    ¡°Mia! Her mother had called her angrily before she created a scene she was going to regretter.


    ¡± Let her be Carolina. Allow her to show how unruly she can be. Foolish girl.¡±


    The warm hands on Mia¡¯s shoulders stopped her from saying anything. She took a deep breath as she turned to help her mum with the dinner.


    ¡°Leave the cooking and get me a drink down the street.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s raining old fool.¡±Mia yelled, She couldn¡¯t believe what she had just said, she quickly wanted to apologize but the p on her left cheek seized the thought of the apology.


    ¡± You¡¯re like your mother. Useless and foolish.¡± He pushed her away, making her hit her forehead on the kitchen cupboard.


    ¡± Mia, are you okay?¡± Her mum screamed as she rushed to check on her daughter but he grabbed her and pushed her to the sink. She screamed in pain, Mia¡¯s mum had twisted her ankle. She screamed in pain making Mia turn red in anger. She moved forward to attack him but he was a step ahead of her. He held her by the ponytail she had made but released her as he grabbed her throat making Mia choke.


    Mia was already in great pain, she struggled to get herself free from the huge man¡¯s grip but she was too weak for that.


    She wished her mum woulde to her rescue but she knew it was impossible, her mum was lying under the sink crying in pain. Mia struggled harder and gathered up enough strength to kick him in the groin.


    He winced in pain as he moved away from her. She was still angry with him and wanted to take her frustration out on him. She pushed him with all her strength but regretted it dearly, her mum who had watched her only daughter struggle with that man she called a husband had tried to get up and just when she stood up, she saw the huge bodying to her. She could only scream but it was toote, Carolina fell backwards and hit the back of her head on the sharp edge of the wall. She died instantly.


    ¡°Mia, I asked a question. Are you even listening to me?¡± Emma asked repeatedly.


    ¡°I¡¯m here, I was a little distracted.¡± She answered.


    ¡± You remembered your mother¡¯s death right?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­How did you know?¡± She asked surprised.


    ¡± I have known you for more than 20 years Mia. But you know that it wasn¡¯t your fault? You didn¡¯t kill her on purpose.¡±


    ¡°I know that but I wish I hadn¡¯t pushed my father that day.¡±She answered almost in tears.


    ¡°Mia stop thinking about that, at least Wilson promised to get you protected from Charlotte and the Abaslon family.¡±


    The mention of Wilson¡¯s name brought more tears to her face. She remembered the previous day¡¯s events.


    ¡°I caught Wilson cheating, He was in bed with another woman.¡± She said  with tears.


    ¡± How could he have done that? Where are you? You need to leave San Francisco as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡± Yes, I¡¯m leaving right away. I will have my bath and leave soon.¡±


    ¡°Mia hurry up okay, please stay safe and be careful.¡± Emma sounded scared and concerned and she wasn¡¯t faking it.


    She dropped the call and quickly prepared to leave for ska before Charlotte would find out about her.


    ***


    4 weekster.


    ¡°It¡¯s morning, Mia.¡±Emma called as she opened the windows and curtains letting the morning rays of sunlight enter the room.


    ¡± I feel so hot Emma, bring some herbal tea.¡± Mia yawned as she stretched her limbs.


    ¡°You¡¯re still down with a fever, that¡¯s why we are going to the hospital today.¡±


    ¡°But I told you I¡¯m fine, Emma, I don¡¯t want an injection.¡± Mia put on a sad face but Emma wasn¡¯t going to fall for that.


    ¡°Get dressed Mia or I will do it my own way.¡±She warned.


    Mia knew her best friend was serious so she didn¡¯t protest further. She had her bath and deliberately skipped breakfast in case they should administer injections to her.


    It was her way of skipping taking the drugs the doctors will administer.


    They got to the hospital, it was just a short drive of about 15 minutes. The hospital was quiet, only a few patients were around and Mia was d. She hoped to get over everything and leave the hospital soon.


    A nurse came and she had to follow her to theboratory because of the hard stares Emma gave her. They waited for a while before the results were ready.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Good morning doctor.¡± Emma had greeted while Mia maintained a worried look, she could only hope that she was fine.


    ¡°Morning my dear. Tte tests results are out.¡±The doctor said as she adjusted the medicated sses she was wearing and brought out a file. She looked at it before looking up to them.


    ¡°What do the results say, Doctor?¡± Mia asked, scared.


    ¡± Congrattions Miss Mia Sabastine, you¡¯re 3 weeks pregnant.¡±


    What! The twodies eximed.

 Going back to him

    At the doctor¡¯s office


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you are surprised indeed. Your husband must also be very happy to hear this news. Pleasee for a check up regrly so that you can be groomed on how to maintain the pregnancy till delivery stage. Do you have any questions you¡¯d like to ask me?¡± The doctor asked Mia with a smile on her face. Her confusion and that of Emma didn¡¯t throw her into a bad state as she felt joyous for Mia. If only she knew she was not married.


    ¡°Thanks doctor, we¡¯re leaving.¡± Emma said as she pulled Mia up from the chair and they left the office in a bit of a haste.


    ¡°So do you want to start talking now Mia? Whose child is it? You can¡¯t tell me Wil¡­¡±


    ¡°Cut it out. I know where I need to be.¡± Mia cut Emma in as she didn¡¯t want her to finish that statement which had Wilson inside. She just rushed to the car.


    ¡°Say what now?¡± A confused Emma was left with no choice but to follow her.


    ¡°Will you at least tell me what¡¯s going on?¡± Emma asked Mia as she needed to clear her head but she was already asking so many questions at a time.


    ¡°Pull over at a coffee shop please.¡± She instructed the driver and he nodded.


    ¡°Oh no, this can¡¯t be. This can¡¯t be no, no, not him¡­¡± Mia kept on soliloquizing as Emma just watched her in total awe.


    ¡°I really cannot wait for us to drop so you can exin why you want to go mental.¡± Those were Emma¡¯s words as I gave her a quick nce.


    The driver pulled over a nearby coffee shop as she got down and went in. Coffee was brought to us almost immediately as. i just sat there, lost in the serenity of the ce.


    ¡°So?¡± Emma¡¯s voice brought me back to my senses.


    ¡°Okay listen, I didn¡¯t tell you how I spent my days in ska after the incident with Wilson. I lodged into a hotel and went to the club downstairs where I met this strange man that wanted me to make his friend happy, in the sense of having sex with him. I turned him down but he offered me arge sum of money¡­¡± Mia started to exin when Emma cut her in.


    ¡°So you epted it? Mia,e on!¡± Emma scolded her.


    ¡°Listen to me please, I didn¡¯t ept it.¡± Mia continued.Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh thank God. So how did you end up pregnant?¡± Emma asked filled with curiosity and worriedness.


    ¡°The friend bumped into me when he was drunk and having no other option, I took him to my room and it happened.¡± Mia finally concluded as she sipped her coffee and looked away.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Emma asked as she rested her elbows on the table and opened her arms with her eyes bulging out and her mouth opened showing her white set of front teeth.


    ¡°We had sex.¡± Mia finally replied.


    ¡°Ooooh¡­ okay.¡± Emma replied as though she was trying to figure out what she had just said.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Mia replied.


    ¡°So what are we going to do now?¡± Emma asked her as they both sipped their coffee to thest end.


    ¡°I need to go and find him. I¡¯ll catch up with youter.¡± Mia said to Emma as she got up and they both headed for the car.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a cab back home, all the best.¡± Emma wished Mia as they left their separate ways.


    ******


    Back at ska;


    Mia had already arrived at the hotel and went straight to the receptionist, requesting for the room she had lodged in that night but unfortunately, it was already taken by another guest.


    ¡°But did you see any man, tall, light skinned¡­¡± She was still describing Antonio when she saw the waiter that told her to take Antonio to her room on the night that they had sex.


    ¡°Hi, hi, excuse me please.¡± Mia walked up to him in a fast pace. She wasn¡¯t running either.


    ¡°How can I help you ma?¡± He asked her as he then clicked.


    ¡°I remember you! What are you doing here? Did you forget something or you came to lodge here again?¡± He asked her with a smile and a bow as he greeted her.


    ¡°Good day, I actually came to look for you.¡± Mia replied in a rushed tone.


    ¡°Look for me? Oh, okay¡­ interesting.¡± The waiter asked surprised.


    ¡°I mean I need a favor from you. I want you to help me please. I¡¯m looking for a man, that man that you asked me to take him to my room that night at the club¡­ do you remember?¡± She asked very confused as she tried all she could to make him recognize who she was talking about.


    ¡°Yes, yes I do. How about him?¡± The waiter asked her.


    ¡°Please can I get to know where he¡¯s at? Like do you have any address or anything like a contact number that I can reach him with?¡± She asked. This waiter guy was herst hope of finding that man and she was very scared not to lose him.


    ¡°I can only give you his home and office address. Would that be enough for you?¡± He said to her as she nodded with a big smile of relief.


    ¡°Yes, thank you. Thank you so much.¡± She appreciated it as she took her to the bar and scribbled out the address on a small piece of paper then ced it in her hands and she left after thanking him.


    ¡°Antonio is his name!¡± The waiter said in a bit of a loud voice  as she turned and replied with a smile.


    On heading to the office address of which she believed she would meet him there since it was still working hours on a working day, she saw thepany where he works at.


    ¡°Wow, well, with how richly dressed he was that day, I wouldn¡¯t give a doubt of him working here. They definitely must pay well here.¡± She concluded in her mind as the car was parked a bit farther away from thepany.


    She was still feeling very nervous about meeting this guy. She picked up her mirror and added her lip gloss after which she smacked her lips repeatedly.


    She had already finished putting on her make up when she closed the mirror and was ready to get down from the car but something caught her attention. She heard two men having a conversation which caught her interest.


    ¡°The wedding venue for Antonio and Charlotte¡¯s wedding is already booked. Let¡¯s go and finish up with the cleaningter.¡±


    ¡°What marriage are they talking about?¡± She asked herself as she was a bit confused.


    Hope it wasn¡¯t Antonio that she wasing to see? Well, it must be done by a different guy. She just shrugged her shoulders as tried to get out of the car when she saw someone. She gasped in fear on seeing Charlotte standing in front of the office.


    ¡°What is Charlotte doing here?¡± She wondered as she got very scared.


    ¡°Turn around, let¡¯s go!¡± She ordered the driver who started the car engine without asking further questions and zoomed off.

 Leaving behind painful memories

    ¡°Is everything alright ma¡¯am?¡± The driver asked her as Mia kept fidgeting at the back of the car.


    ¡°N- no, it¡¯s nothing, just keep driving.¡± She stammered as she was still trying to figure out what had just happened earlier.


    ¡°Where are we headed to?¡± The driver asked her but she didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am? Ma¡­¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s it?¡± Mia cut him in.


    ¡°¡±I asked where we were headed. You didn¡¯t give me a destination or are. we going back to the house?¡± He asked her politely.


    ¡°Err¡­ yeah, yes sure, house please.¡± Mia replied as she brushed back her flying hair behind her ears.


    ¡°Charlotte? But what was she doing there? Does she work there or something? No, she didn¡¯t look like it. It¡¯s working hour she¡¯d have been in the office then. Or did she go there to see someone? Wait¡­ hope she is not the one that¡­ that I heard Antonio is getting married to? N- no, no this has to be some sort of mistake, no.¡± She kept pondering all alone in her head as she shook it vigorously, arguing with herself.


    ****Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    In the office.


    Antonio was typing on hisputer and it seemed that something just popped up on the screen. He was about to round up when a knock on his door distracted him.


    ¡°Come on in.¡± He replied less interested to know who was at the door. He knew it would be no one other than his secretary who always came in to inform him of the presence of a guest.


    ¡°Sir, you have a visitor.¡± The secretary, Miss. Ann informed him as her uniform badge read.


    ¡°I am no visitor, you duckling.¡± A voice barged in from behind the secretary.


    ¡°Excuse us will you?¡± Thedy, Charlotte who just came in rudely spoke to the secretary to excuse them but she didn¡¯t leave until she got permission from her boss.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Charlotte sighed at Antonio with her eyes wide opened. Antonio just shook his head for her and she bowed down in respect and left.


    ¡°What¡¯s it?¡± He asked the secretary to leave the office, giving them some privacy.


    ¡°¡­¡± Charlotte tried to speak but didn¡¯t say anything as she just stood there and folded her arms across her chest.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Antonio replied as he went back to what he was doing.


    ¡°Are you seriously going to pretend you didn¡¯t see me and just ignore me?¡± Charlotte asked him as she pulled out one of the chairs and sat down before him.


    ¡°When you didn¡¯t say anything, what do you want me to say then or aren¡¯t you the one in my office?¡± Antonio asked her back and she was just. about to exchange words with him when she just tried to calm herself down.


    ¡°What is it?¡± He asked her as he closed hisptop and stopped what he was doing on theputer.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for how I reacted. I¡¯m just stressed out from all the activities and wedding preparations. I just came to see how you are doing and have a small chit chat with you concerning the wedding.¡± She replied with remorse.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, I can understand but I won¡¯t be able to have that chat with you now and here at work. Wait until I close from work and then we can talk about it over coffee maybe. I¡¯ve got tons of work to do.¡± He replied.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay babe. Here, I just wanted to show you a sample of our wedding card before I go ahead and print it.¡± She replied excitedly.


    ¡°Can¡¯t it wait babe?¡± He asked her back as he was less interested in it.


    ¡°Please now love, it¡¯s just a sample that I want us to pick out together before I proceed to the printing press. Come on¡­¡± Charlotte replied.


    ¡°Okay fine, let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got.¡± He answered her as she was now happy.


    ¡°Okay look at this, and this and this and this¡­ just be looking, which one do you like?¡± She asked him as she kept swiping her phone screen.


    ¡°I like this one, not this one, not this one, what do you say about them¡­?¡± She asked him.


    ¡°Please pick what you like, I¡¯ll like it too.¡± He replied as he kept on pressing his phone.


    ¡°But what¡¯s wrong? This is our wedding and not mine alone. I¡¯ve noticed that you don¡¯t like participating much about this, what is going on?¡± She asked him but he gave no reply on time.


    ¡°I have a meeting now. I¡¯ll see youter.¡± He replied as he got up and left with his phone. Charlotte couldn¡¯t help it but look at him until he was out of the office. She just sighed and also left too.


    ¡°Aaron, how about the girl? Her name is Mia, I just saw your message that she came to ask of me today¡­ Did the waiter guy collect her details too?¡± He spoke into his phone the moment he was out of sight of the crowd.


    ¡°Nah, she might visit you at work or at home since she has both the addresses. Wait a little longer and if she doesn¡¯te then I don¡¯t know what you¡¯ll do about it.¡± Aaron spoke from the other end.


    Antonio waited and waited for hours in 5he office for the arrival of Mia but she didn¡¯t show up. He even waited past the closing hours. Maybe she mighte but she didn¡¯t. He went back home and asked if anyone came looking for him but got a negative response. He did all he could to find her but all proved to be abortive.


    After two days, he decided to just go ahead with the wedding. His heart was secretly yearning for Mia but now that he couldn¡¯t find her, what was he going to do? He just had to continue with the preparations and get wedded to Charlotte.


    *****


    Antonio¡¯s room.


    ¡°Hey man, I searched everywhere for you and thought ofing back in here to find you. Where have you been?¡± Aaron asked him as he entered Antonio¡¯s room unannounced.


    ¡°Working.¡± Antonio replied.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? You don¡¯t seem to be the lively and bossy you again. Are you alright? Or is it the wedding stress that¡¯s dawning on you?¡± Aaron asked his best friend.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I just need some space to clear my thoughts.¡± Antonio replied nonchntly.


    ¡°In that case then let me get us some wine?¡± He asked him.


    ¡°Okay¡­ wine will do.¡± Antonio replied as he sat back on the bed.


    ¡°Shy didn¡¯t he collect her contact? Why didn¡¯t I?¡± He med himself as he kept staring nkly at his phone, maybe in expectation that she might call but his phone never popped up.


    ¡°Vomm ¡­¡± His phone vibrated and he immediately picked it up with anticipation that it might be her or an unknown number which will still be her.


    Upon unlocking the phone, he found out that it was actually just his call that sent him a message. He just sighed sadly and decided to move on as he would never find Mia again.


    The thought of that pricked him but that was the absolute truth so the faster he got to ept that and move on with his life, the better it would be for him.

 Moving on

    Five years passed by, Tonio¡¯s limitedpany began to run into bankruptcy as they lost more and more funds of the organization. All efforts to manage it to a safe end didn¡¯t work out as it all failed. Frustrated by this, Antonio and Charlotte¡¯s marriage had to be put on hold until thepany was out of bankruptcy.


    Charlotte on the other hand did not apply for this as all she wanted was to quickly get married to Antonio, whom she imed was the love of her life but also after hearing about the falling of thepany, she reluctantly epted to wait.


    ****


    ¡°We need to put a hold to the wedding.¡± Antonio finally opened up to Charlotte.


    ¡°Okay, until when before we wed? Baby I¡¯ve waited for so long for us to get wedded, isn¡¯t thepany in a better shape now?¡± Charlotte asked with so much persistence in her voice to get married.


    ¡°I know but you need to be a little bit more patient again. We have no choice but to hold it for now. If we use the money we¡¯ve gotten so far for the wedding then thepany will be totally bankrupt and we¡¯ll have no other choice than to sell it. Is that what you want?¡± He asked her with a wounded pride in him.


    ¡°Has it gotten this bad? I won¡¯t live to be the wife of a man withoutpany. What do you want us to feed on then? Be poor? Have a poor home and live a poor life? No, no I won¡¯t let that happen.¡± Charlotte answered as she didn¡¯t want to live in poverty.


    Antonio looked at her for a while and sighed.


    ¡°Then we just have to wait.¡± He replied after he finally found his tongue.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t take too long if you still want to marry me.¡± She said to him as she picked up her bag and left the restaurant without waiting for him to drop her off as usual.


    ¡°¡­¡± Antonio just sighed without having anything to say. Life was giving him a big blow and difficulty to handle situations. Love was not something he was after again; rather, he needed to channel all of his energy and strength into salvaging the situation at thepany.


    Antonio was running fast into depression at the downfall of thepany. A board meeting was called and all the members of the board were present at the meeting.


    ¡°As we all know, thepany is crashing very fast due to the losses we keep having. We have only one solution out of this mess right now.¡± The president spoke as everyone listened to him. He was an elderly man in histe sixties.


    ¡°Which is?¡± The chairman asked as he was also older but a dozen times younger than the president.


    ¡°We need to sell it.¡±


    ¡°What? Has ite to that? And when it¡¯s being sold, what then happens to the staff working here?¡± Another asked. Everyone just kept asking questions except for Antonio who just sat quietly as he was processing some thoughts in his head.


    ¡°We have no other option and as for the staff, they might choose to stay if they want. Whoever we are selling thepany to will buy both thepany and the staff or we¡¯ll either decide to use the proceeds from the sale and pay off the workers. Which one do you all decide on?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s sell¡­¡±


    ¡°Partnership.¡± Antonio interrupted them. This was his first time speaking since they started this meeting.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± The chairman turned to ask Antonio.


    ¡°If it takes me to travel to ska and ask for a coboration rather than selling thispany, I will do it.¡± Antonio replied and got up, bringing the meeting to an end.


    ****Content provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    In ska;


    Antonio just arrived in ska as his nended ten minutes ago. He has already taken a drive to the hotel where he would lodge while the next day, he will set to work. He couldn¡¯t rest after unpacking as his head was throbbing him. He felt very worried and disturbed. ska gave him memories of five years ago when he met with the woman who stole his heart and in return, he gave her his dick.


    He decided to go on a walk since the sun was down. Maybe from there he would head to a bar to clear his mind with a bottle of coke or any soft drink as he did want to be drinking when he was going to close a deal tomorrow especially since he was the one that was going to be looking for a favor.


    On his way back from his walk after he had gone a very long way, he met a little girl holding a candy in her hand and crying. He just ignored the girl but something inside him couldn¡¯t let him be especially seeing her tears. The tears of a woman was something that he never wanted to see as it is his weakness and also makes him angry so he approached the little girl.


    ¡°Little girl, why are you crying?¡± He asked her as he squatted to reach her height.


    ¡°Today is my birthday.¡± She replied as she wiped her tears with the back of her hand.


    ¡°Oh wow, that¡¯s nice. Happy birthday to you princess.¡± He said to her as he pulled her cheek to make her smile.


    ¡°Thank you mister.¡± She replied but was still not happy.


    ¡°So what seems to be the problem? Don¡¯t you want to celebrate your birthday when you are crying? What¡¯s making this beautiful princess cry on her birthday?¡±  He inquired of her but she didn¡¯t stop crying.


    ¡°Okay, tell me what you want so that you will stop crying.¡± He twisted his question again to get her to talk.


    ¡°I want a puppy mister.¡± She finally told him.


    ¡°A puppy? Okay, you will get one but promise me that you will not cry again.¡± He told her and she immediately promised with a big smile on her face. Her smile was charming and maic. It looked so much familiar to him but he just felt that he loved this little girl like his own child.


    ¡°So how old are you today?¡± He asked her.


    ¡°I am five years old, Mister.¡± She replied back.


    ¡°Happy fifth birthday angel. What¡¯s your beautiful name?¡± He asked with a smile.


    ¡°Ariel.¡± She replied with a warm smile too.


    ¡°Ariel. Such a nice name for a beautiful youngdy. Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday Ariel, happy birthday to you. Hip hip hip¡­¡±


    ¡°Hurrayyyy¡­.!!!¡± Ariel chorused back in a happy and cheerful voice.


    ¡°Keep smiling okay? You look super beautiful with that smile.¡± He said to her as she smiled even more.

 Meeting again

    Antonio happens to be working at the newpany where he is coborating with them. He still retains his position at his formerpany at Neil¡¯s associates but he is on a contracted term.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    After two weeks of his work here, a meeting is called for the board members. Everyone is seated and waiting for the meeting tomence as all the chairs are upied in the conference hall except for one which belongs to the secretary of thepany.


    ¡°Shall we begin?¡± The vice president asked as everyone opened theirptops and picked up their pens to start the meeting but silence filled the room.


    ¡°Where is the secretary? The meeting can¡¯t start without her as she has the files. Should we wait a little more while someone goes to check on what¡¯s dying her?¡± Someone asked as everyone noticed her absence.


    ¡°Why will she bete for a meeting? That¡¯s why I don¡¯t like having women to run my business.¡± The president replied sadly as everyone just kept mute. All of them seated there were men.


    ¡°Let me have her checked. Please let¡¯s be patient as this has never happened before. Maybe something is holding her without us knowing, I¡¯ll be right back.¡± The head of a sub department spoke as he excused himself andter came back and announced that she has left thepany.


    ¡°On whose notice did she just leave like that?¡± The chairman spoke angrily.


    ¡°This has never happened before, it could be an emergency.¡± Mr. Vince, who went to check on her, replied.


    ¡°Put her on the line and find out why she left.¡± The president replied.


    ¡°Where are you? Everyone is waiting for you at the meeting and they are really angry at you for just leaving like that without letting any of us know.¡± Mr. Vince spoke softly into the phone.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry Mr. Vince, my daughter fell unconscious and I had to rush to take her to the hospital after getting a call about her condition from the school. I¡¯m really sorry. I¡¯m so sorry, please can the meeting go ahead without me?¡± She pleaded and he epted to do something about it and exin to everyone so they won¡¯t be mad at her.


    ¡°She had to take her daughter to the hospital, maybe we should just cancel the meeting?¡± He asked for an option to what would be done now.


    ¡°Cancel the meeting because of a woman? Did we alle here to waste our time all because of a secretary? If she can¡¯t do her job well, why doesn¡¯t it be given to a man who is capable of such a position?¡± Antonio spoke angrily.


    ¡°We are sorry Mr. Antonio, you can understand how women are. towards their children so we can¡¯t me her in this case since it was an emergency. We¡¯ll have to cancel this meeting everyone until further notice. Thank you all for your time and Mr. Vince, tell her we wish her child a quick recovery. Everyone can now go back to their work. Thank you.¡± The president replied as he left first before the rest followed suit. Antonio got up and left angrily.


    *****


    At the hospital;


    ¡°Baby, I won¡¯t let anything happen to you okay?¡± Mia told her daughter as tears clouded her eyes but she tried to suppress them so that her daughter won¡¯t see it as she forced a smile.


    ¡°Mummy, please be strong. I will be fine, I just miss daddy¡­¡± Ariel said in a sad and low tone as she turned her eyes away from her mum.


    ¡°W- what did you say?¡± Mia couldn¡¯t believe that such woulde out of her daughter¡¯s mouth, at least not now.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Ariel told her mum as she turned away from her and closed her eyes.


    ¡°See me in my office please.¡± The doctor¡¯s voice sounded in Mia¡¯s ears as she turned and noticed that the doctor must have been standing there for quite a while and witnessed everything.


    ****


    In the doctor¡¯s office;


    ¡°Doctor, what¡¯s her condition at present? When will she be discharged please?¡± Mia asked the doctor as she was really very worried and scared coupled with the guilt of her daughter¡¯s question.


    ¡°Your daughter is doing just fine medically but I¡¯m afraid that her situation will worsen mentally until something is done.¡± The doctor spoke to Mia calmly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you mean. She was unconscious and brought here and you are telling me that she is fine and nothing is wrong with her?¡± Mia questioned the doctor as she was beginning to get pissed off.


    ¡°Calm down Ms. I know what I¡¯m telling you. The person who brought her here before you arrived is a school teacher who informed us that she kept calling her dad¡­ If I may ask, where is her father?¡± The doctor asked her.


    Mia kept quiet as she couldn¡¯t answer that particr question. She calmed down herself as she never wanted to ever answer that question but couldn¡¯t believe that it wasing as a solution to her daughter¡¯s illness.


    ¡°How does this have to do with her father?¡± Mia asked as she wanted to try and avoid the question.


    ¡°Well ma¡¯am, I don¡¯t want to intrude into your personal life so I¡¯ll just tell you this. Your child is sick because she misses her dad and wants him back. The only thing you can do now to make her feel better is to reunite her with her dad or get her one. That is my own suggestion to you and the only solution to your daughter¡¯s illness. The next time she falls sick and is brought here again, I won¡¯t attend to her and will personally tell other staff not to do the same because there is nothing we can do for her. Rather, she will have to be taken to the psychiatric clinic which is too risky for a young child like her. Go and think about it.¡± The doctor concluded as she closed the file on her table.


    Mia felt so very devastated as her walls were crashing right before her eyes as she stood up, feeling very weak like she wanted to fall.


    ¡°But meanwhile, here are some drugs that you should get for her to help her feel better and reduce her temperature. Please don¡¯t think this will heal her, it is just to help reduce her temperature and. give her appetite to eat. Thanks ma¡¯am.¡± The doctor said as she handed her the prescription paper.


    ¡°Thank you doctor.¡± Mia replied as the doctor smiled at her warmly.


    Mia returned back to her daughter¡¯s ward. She was already sleeping. Mia sat on her bedside and held her daughter¡¯s little hand in hers as tears flowed down freely from her eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry baby, I¡¯m sorry I put you all through this.¡± She cried as she apologized and her tears fell on Ariel. Ariel opened her eyes as tears flowed out of it in a trail as it fell on the bed sheet. She closed back her eyes.

 Memories

    Antonio was sitting all alone in his office when he thought about his little friend. He could remember theirst chat with her and her smile, her smile was so beautiful that he couldn¡¯t take it off his mind. Her little hands¡­ She was just so beautiful that he wished she was his little friend, and more than a friend.


    And oh, he is not a pedophile who is into children. Antonio didn¡¯t just wish her as his daughter but he also couldn¡¯t stop imagining how sweet she was. He decided to go and pay her a visit at his school as it was not hard for him to know where she schooled at from their first meeting when he met her and she wanted a puppy, she was wearing a school uniform which belonged to Bright nursery and primary school.


    It wasn¡¯t hard to find the location of the school so he stopped by at a shelter shop and got a beautiful little brown puppy which he asked them to package well for him with a ribbon tied on the box. He kept it in the front seat of his car and drove off to the school.


    He didn¡¯t have free time to visit this little angel but since his schedule was free today, he was going to fulfill his promise today and so he took off and finally arrived at the school all thanks to the sign boards.


    It was their break time when he got into the school premises after taking permission from the school security guards who let him in, telling him he needed to deliver a surprise gift to him . He watched the children as they yed happily while he searched for his little angel.


    ¡°Oh there she is. Ariel!¡± He cried out her name happily as she was on the slide. On seeing him waving and calling her name, she happily slid down and ran towards him to give him a big hug.


    ¡°Yayy uncle¡­ I thought I will never see you again.¡± Ariel hugged his legs so tight as sheined with pouty lips.


    ¡°Of course not, I was busy with work that¡¯s why I¡¯ve not been around so sorry. Can you forgive me?¡± He asked her as he held her little cute cheeks in his palms while squatting next to her.


    ¡°Sure. Come let¡¯s y uncle.¡± She said as she dragged him by his finger with her little hands.


    ¡°See Ariel and her dad!¡± A girl tells her bunch of friends on the swings and slides as they all stopped ying and watched Ariel.


    ¡°Okay okay easy¡­¡± Antonio tried to slow down her pace as she pulled him towards them.


    ¡°Come uncle, let me show you to my friends¡­¡± Ariel happily told him.


    ¡°Hey friends, this is my uncle..!¡± She said so happily as she smiled sweetly at them.


    Her friend looked at each other and burst outughing.


    ¡°Oh right, I even thought it was her dad. Ariel doesn¡¯t have a dad, see he even left you, brat.¡± A boy told the rest of them as they began tough at her.


    ¡°Ariel doesn¡¯t have a dad! Ariel doesn¡¯t have a dad! Ariel doesn¡¯t have a dad!¡± They started to chorus and went on ying as Antonio came and met Ariel feeling very sad.


    ¡°Hey honey, what¡¯s wrong? Antonio asked her as they dropped the package.


    ¡°You left me.¡± She said to him with her head bowed to the ground and her speech, grumpy.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry darling, I will never leave you again, okay?¡± He apologized to her.


    ¡°You promise?¡± Ariel asked as she looked at him.


    ¡°Yes, I promise.¡± He smiled.


    ¡°Pinky promise?¡±


    ¡°Pinky promise.¡± He said to her as he clutched her hands with her.


    ¡°I went to get you a gift. Here, open it.¡± He handed her the package as her expression changed.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± She asked him with curiosity written all over her face.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you open it first while I wait for a big hug? Hmm?¡± He answered her with a wink as she began to open the package and to her surprise, there was her little puppy in the box.


    ¡°Uncle thank you¡­ it¡¯s so beautiful¡­¡± She burst outughing in joy as she carried it happily in her arms.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you show that to your friends, hmm?¡± He asked her and then her mood changed.


    ¡°Is something wrong honey? Okay I can understand if you don¡¯t want to share your pet with them,e on, let¡¯s go and y together then hmm?¡± He said to her as he chinned her up and she smiled.


    While they were ying with the puppy, it all came through his phone as it ranged in his pocket.


    ¡°Honey you know what? Let me step away and pick his phone call okay? I¡¯ll be right back.¡± He told Ariel as she nodded with a smile while petting her puppy gently on its back.


    At the yground;


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± A female teacher asked as she saw Antonio and Ariel together.


    ¡°He must be her father. He came to pay her a visit, probably she¡¯s not feeling well and he came to check up on her.¡± Their sports master replied.


    ¡°Aww¡­ he¡¯s such a nice and caring father. I wish my husband could be like that. From his looks I¡¯m sure he must be wealthy too.¡± She added.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve got no room to gossip.¡± The sports master replied as he blew the whistle for those ying football.


    On the phone;


    ¡°What? Where? Okay I¡¯m on my way!¡± Antonio replied in shock as he quickly rushed to Ariel.


    ¡°Honey I have to leave now. I¡¯ll see you another time okay?¡± He informed Arie but she looked sad.


    ¡°But you promised not to leave me again uncle, breaking it so soon I see.¡± She replied with a sad countenance which made Antonio feel bad and there was no time for any exnation.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go.¡± He said to her as she carried her puppy in her arms and he clutched her hands and took her in a haste towards the gate.


    ¡°I need to leave now and I¡¯m leaving with her.¡± Antonio informed the security guard.


    ¡°But sir, it is not yet their closing time. Maybe you can wait a little¡­ there¡¯s twenty minutes more before the closing time and are you the one to pick her up?¡± The security guard asked him.


    ¡°I cannot wait and it¡¯s very urgent. I have to take her with me please.¡± He pressured them into letting him leave with her.


    ¡°Young girl who is to take you home today?¡± The guard asked Ariel.


    ¡°My mummy¡­¡± She replied in a soft voice.


    ¡°Sir, is her mum aware about you leaving with her?¡± The guard questioned Antonio.


    ¡°Just like I said, it¡¯s an emergency and please when shees to pick her up, tell her to meet us at Govard Private Hospital. Is there anything you need me to sign?¡± Antonio asked them.


    ¡°Yes but don¡¯t worry, you may leave. I¡¯ll let her know about that sir.¡± He replied and they left in a hurry.


    ¡°Where are we going uncle?¡± Ariel asked him as Ariel put her in the back seat while he started the car.


    ¡°To the hospital.¡± He replied as he reached out for his phone.


    ¡°Is everything alright? Is my mummy okay?¡± Ariel asked, very worried as her eyes were about to tear down with tears.


    ¡°No don¡¯t cry honey, everything is alright okay? I need to see my dad, he is not well, that¡¯s why we are going to the hospital.¡± Ariel replied.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry uncle, I will pray for him just like my mum taught me to. He will get better okay?¡± Ariel replied as Antonio felt touched by what she said and held her hand through the back on his shoulder.


    ¡°You are such a good kid.¡± Antonio praised her as tears clouded in his eyes.


    Meanwhile, Wilson had been looking for Mia to forgive him ande back to him. He was still in love with her and wanted her back so he did everything to convince her including finding information on where she now lived. He was down to earth on reconciling with her. It was her or no one and it was him or no one else for him. If he didn¡¯t get her, no one else would as he swore to himself while preparing to go look for her again.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ***


    In a hotel room in San Francisco;


    ¡°It¡¯s either me Mia or no one else. I won¡¯t let anyone have you. You are mine and I alone I¡¯m yours. Pleasee back to me baby,e back to me¡­ Come back to me Mia¡­.¡± Antonio bragged to himself while looking into the mirror, wearing a ck turtleneck with a pair of ck trousers and a cigarette in his hands. He took perfume and sprayed himself with it while he perceived its fragrance.


    ¡°I must make her fall in love with me again.¡± And with that, he smiled to himself.

 A father meeting his grandchild

    Antonio rushed into the ward where his father was hospitalized. He was already ced on a drip with an oxygen mask on him.


    ¡°Doctor, doctor, what¡¯s wrong with him?¡± Antonio rushed to the door immediately he saw the doctor closing the ward door.


    ¡°Are you the rtive of the man?¡± The doctor asked him. He had a file in his hand.


    ¡°Ye- yes, I am his son. Will he be okay?¡± Antonio asked as he held Ariel¡¯s hand tightly to him.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say anything to you here especially in front of your daughter so please see me in my office.¡± The doctor replied.


    ¡°Daughter? What daugh-¡± Antonio was trying to reason what the doctor said as he knew he had no daughter when the doctor turned and looked at him then had an eye signal to little Ariel clutching his hand.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll see you right away doctor.¡± He replied as the doctor went ahead.


    Antonio heaved a deep sigh as he squatted and held Ariel¡¯s two hands.


    ¡°Darling, I need you to sit here and wait for me okay? Don¡¯t go anywhere far from this settee, just remain here alright? Let me go and see the doctor and then I¡¯lle and be with you. Promise me?¡±


    Ariel nodded as she joined her fingers in a pinky promise with Antonio who smiled at her and left. Ariel sat on the settee while she yed with her puppy.


    ***


    At Bright nursery and primary school;


    Mia came back from work to pick up her daughter at school but she didn¡¯t see her anywhere. She searched around where she knew she might be there but still didn¡¯t see Ariel so she proceeded to ask around but they gave her the same response, they didn¡¯t see her.


    She decided to ask the security guards who asked her the name of her child. He checked if she was picked up and yes, she was and he told her but didn¡¯t tell her by whom but just told her where to find them.


    ¡°How can you just let a stranger get away with my daughter? Have you ever seen anyone except me pick her up? Where is she?¡± Mia ranted so angrily.


    ¡°Calm down ma¡¯am, she is safe and she is at Govard Private Hospital with the man that picked her up. Please if you didn¡¯t find her there then you can give us a call.¡± The guard told her but she just stormed out of the office and left the school.


    ¡°Ariel please be fine¡­ I¡¯m sorry I camete.¡±


    ****


    In the doctor¡¯s office;


    ¡°¡­. thank you doc, I appreciate your help and I¡¯ll try my best for the old man.¡± He replied and they exchanged a handshake and he left the office.¡±


    As soon as he came out of the doctor¡¯s office, he sighed deeply with his eyes closed for a few minutes and Ariel spotted him.


    ¡°Uncle are you okay?¡± Ariel asked him as she got up to meet him.


    ¡°Yes yes, let¡¯s go.¡± He replied as he tried hard not to show the sadness written on his face.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ***


    In the ward;


    Ariel and Antonio are seated beside the bed of his father. Antonio held his dad¡¯s hand and patted it gently.


    ¡°Father, I told you to take care of yourself and not to let things worry you but you refuse to listen.¡± Antonio spoke to his ill dad who was sleeping. Ariel wore a sad face as she patted her dog who kept looking around and spotted a cat in a woman¡¯s hand outside the door. It jumped out of her hand and began to run towards the cat. The door was half opened so it got out and followed them while Mia ran after it.


    ¡°Pinky wait!¡± She called after it as Antonio smiled at her.


    The cat jumped down from the woman¡¯s body and ran away as the puppy chased after it and Ariel followed them behind. Just as they ran past the door, Ariel ran into a woman, almost crashing herself on the floor but the woman was quick enough to catch her.


    ¡°Watch where you are going kid.¡± She said to Ariel as Ariel apologized and carried her puppy. Just as she turned to leave, Mia entered into the hospital building but she didn¡¯t see Ariel, only a glimpse of her shadow that was past her.


    Mia asked around for Ariel but they told her there was no child hospitalized today. She took permission to search around for her daughter as she was sure she was brought here.


    ¡°Uncle.¡± Ariel ran into the ward to meet Antonio who was going through his phone.


    ¡°Where did you go?¡± He asked her.


    ¡°The receptionist. Pinky chased a cat down there¡­.¡± She exined on and on and on non stop.


    ¡°Uncle when are we going?¡± Ariel asked him.


    ¡°We can¡¯t leave now darling until mummyes okay?¡± He told her as he patted her on the head.


    Mia was about to lose hope on finding her daughter as she checked the corridors just in case she might see her daughter.


    She then spotted a school girl in ward 047. She walked close to the door and saw a small girl seated and talking to a man but she could only see his back view.


    After close to three minutes of their conversation, Antonio excused himself to use the bathroom as he was pressed.


    ¡°Ariel¡­¡± Mia called softly as she ced her hand on the door.


    As soon as Antonio stood up, she could clearly see her daughter. However, she couldn¡¯t see him clearly, only his back view but she couldn¡¯t care less as she rushed into the ward.


    ¡°Ariel! Oh my God I almost thought I¡¯d lose you. Are you okay? Are you alright? Come here baby¡­¡± She said to her as she hugged her daughter so tight.


    ¡°Mummy I¡¯m fine, look, uncle gave me a puppy.¡± She happily showed it off to her mum.


    ¡°Ariel, let¡¯s get out of here.¡± Mia replied as she sensed danger lurking around her daughter.


    Why will anyone bring my child to the hospital when she is not sick? A man for that matter? No!


    They left the hospital to get back home. Antonio came out of the bathroom but didn¡¯t see Ariel nor her properties.


    He went outside to look for her but when he couldn¡¯t find her, he asked around and the owner of the cat whom Ariel¡¯s puppy chased told him that a woman walked out of the hospital with her.


    ¡°Oh, that must be her mum.¡± He thought to himself as he thanked her and went back to the ward.

 We meet again

    Mia and Ariel were home alone on a Friday evening. Mia was setting the table for dinner.


    ¡°Sweetie dinner is ready¡­¡± Mia called out to her daughter while she was setting the table.


    Ariel came to the dining and sat down opposite Mia. She was ying with her spoon and not eating. Mia noticed that her daughter was not eating after observing her for a while.


    ¡°Sweetie, why aren¡¯t you eating? Don¡¯t you like the food or should I make you another if you don¡¯t like this.¡± Mia asked her daughter.


    ¡°No mummy, I like the food.¡± Ariel replied.


    ¡°Then why aren¡¯t you eating? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Mia asked her with curiosity.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing mum, I¡¯m fine.¡± Ariel replied unsatisfactorily.


    ¡°You can talk to me sweetie, what¡¯s it? Having any troubles at school?¡± Mia asked her as she stopped eating and held her daughter¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m not¡­ it¡¯s just that¡­¡± Ariel started and paused for a while.


    ¡°Come on talk to me, what¡¯s the problem?¡± Mia asked her.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that Bethel invited me to a party at their house.¡± Ariel replied.


    ¡°And who¡¯s that?¡± Mia asked her.


    ¡°She¡¯s my ssmate.¡± Ariel replied.


    ¡°Oh, I see. So why are you sad about that? Didn¡¯t she let youe after all?¡± Her mum asked her again.


    ¡°No mum, it¡¯s just I turned down her offer.¡± Ariel replied as she put her head down.


    ¡°Okay baby, why? Didn¡¯t you want to go before?¡± Mia questioned her as she wanted to know Ariel¡¯s reason for turning down the party invite.


    ¡°I knew you wouldn¡¯t let me go so I turned it down.¡± Ariel replied as she pouted her lips with her head still facing down.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­ look at me sweetie.¡± Mia raised her daughter¡¯s head up gently.


    ¡°I know I do stop you from attending some activities but it¡¯s for your safety and that doesn¡¯t mean that if you want to do something or go to where you really love you shouldn¡¯t ask me. I am your mother and I¡¯ll tell you what¡¯s good and not good for you. I won¡¯t stop you from having fun if that¡¯s what you wish to, I only look after you for your own interest okay?¡± Mia spoke to her daughter who nodded her head.


    ¡°I feel so proud and happy to have a daughter like you and I will stop at nothing to protect you. You are all that I have and I won¡¯t let anything happen to you, not even let you get sad okay?¡± She added again as Ariel nodded her head one more time.


    ¡°When is the party?¡± Mia asked her daughter.


    ¡°It¡¯s tomorrow during the weekend.¡± Ariel replied.


    ¡°Then in that case, why don¡¯t you go and pick up the dress you¡¯ll wear ande show me hmm?¡± Mia replied and Ariel looked at her with a smiling, yet confused face.


    ¡°Does that mean you will let me go mum?¡± Ariel asked her mum.


    ¡°Yeah sure, mmm- hmmm¡­ why not?¡± Mia answered her.


    ¡°I love you mum, thank you!¡± Ariel hugged her mum so tight as she got up from her seat.


    ¡°Hey hey hey hey hey¡­ not so fast honey, you can only go on one condition.¡± Mia told her as Ariel paused in her tracks.


    ¡°What¡¯s that mum?¡± Ariel asked her mum


    ¡°You can go only if you are done having dinner.¡± Ariel grumbled in excitement.


    ¡°But mum I¡¯m okay¡­¡± She replied.


    ¡°Come on youngdy don¡¯t be so unfair! Who do you expect to finish all of these huh? Come and nt your bums on the chair now before I change my mind.¡± Mia said to her as Ariel dragged her feet but with a smile back to the dining and they ate together.


    ¡°So tomorrow I¡¯ll drop you off and head for the supermarket. We are out of foodstuffs.¡± Mia replied as they both are and chatted away together.


    The next day;


    ¡°Come on youngdy, you don¡¯t want to bete do you?¡± Mia asked her daughter as she was already standing at the door.


    ¡°How do I look?¡± Ariel asked her mum as she rushed out in a beautiful pink dress.


    ¡°Now you look like the celebrant only that your hair is not up to my taste. Come here my little princess.¡± Mia helped her daughter to pack her hair into a ponytail and put a hair pin to hold it backwards.


    ¡°Now you just look like¡­ what¡¯s her name again?¡± Her mum asked her as she pretended to be thinking.


    ¡°Princess Elsa!¡± Ariel jumped up in happiness.


    ¡°Oh yes my love. Now let¡¯s get going okay?¡± She said as they both left the house.


    They both boarded a taxi and soon, Mia dropped off her daughter at the house with a strict warning.


    ¡°Please be careful. Don¡¯t do any rough y and don¡¯t go out. Also, avoid the boys and know how to y with them okay? If you don¡¯t do what I¡¯ve told you to, no more going out again you hear me?¡± Mia strictly warned her five year old child.


    ¡°Yes mummy, I won¡¯t do any of that I promise.¡± Ariel promised her mum as she was so excited to go in.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Good. I wille pick you up in the evening, have fun with the girls!¡± Mia replied as she bid her daughter goodbye and hugged her tight before she entered into the taxi and zoomed off to the supermarket.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, you¡¯ve got such a beautiful daughter.¡± The taxi driverplimented.


    ¡°Thanks sir.¡± Mia thanked the driver for thepliment.


    ¡°I love how you are raising her up. You are really giving her good parenting and even with that strictness, you still give her the space she needs as a young child. Not all mothers can do that. It¡¯s either they spoil their child or they restrict their child for life.¡± The driver replied.


    She¡¯s all I¡¯ve got so I need to make sure she doesn¡¯t live a bad life. She¡¯s my everything and I can¡¯t let anything happen to her.¡± Mia replied.


    ¡°Yeah sure, that¡¯s right. How about your husband? Is hete or¡­?¡± The driver asked.


    ¡°Wh- what do you mean and why did you say that?¡± Mia asked as she was never expecting to hear such a question.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for intruding but when you said she¡¯s all you¡¯ve got, it sounded as though you don¡¯t have a husband that¡¯s why I asked if he¡¯ste¡­ I¡¯ve heard tons of people say such things and it only means that they¡¯ve lost contact with their partners or other children.¡± The driver exined.


    ¡°Please I¡¯d appreciate that a lot if you can just focus on the road and not my life sir.¡± Mia replied as she found his question haunting her.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sorry ma¡¯am.¡± He quickly apologized.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Mia added.


    Why is everyone talking about my husband? First the doctor and now the driver? Just keep ignoring them Mia, ignore them all and look after your daughter, protect her with even thest drop of blood you¡¯ve got and never allow her to meet with her dad. He is dead and dead to us. Men are dead to me and so to my daughter. She will never have to grow facing their cruelty. Never.

 The courage to say no

    Mia got to the supermarket and went inside. She got a basket and began her shopping. She went into the grocery section and got cucumbers, brolis, spices, and so on. When she was done she was passing out when she saw the children section. She saw so many amazing and great things that her daughter would love but she didn¡¯t have any money to buy one for her, some she just passed by.


    Not having the courage toe back empty handed without getting anything for her daughter, she decided to get her some beautiful hair clips for her hair and some biscuits. While choosing which one was her daughter¡¯s favorite, another customer was also about to carry that particr biscuit.


    ¡°Oh  sorry, I wanted to get that for my dau¡­¡±


    ¡°Mia? Mia is this you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry sir.¡± Mia replied as she turned around to leave. Her heart was ddened to see him again but her soul burned up in anger.


    ¡°Wait please!¡± He said as he held her hand, trying to stop her from leaving.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Good morning Antonio.¡± She greeted him with an ignorant expression.


    ¡°Wow so it¡¯s really you! How have you been? I mean wh- what are you doing here? Where did you disappear to? How- oh my God I can¡¯t believe I¡¯ll ever set my eyes on you again.¡± Antonio was still speechless on seeing her.


    ¡°I never disappeared. It was you who did.¡± Mia replied with a hostile voice but she lowered her voice more like she was talking to herself.


    ¡°Ohe on I never did. I¡¯ve been searching for you all over the ce. You just left without a trace but it¡¯s in the past now. So how have you been? Are you married now?¡± Antonio asked Mia. Thest question shocked her as she didn¡¯t know what to say to him. His countenance looked happy, his appearance was still the same, or even more handsome than ever. His smile¡­ His smile reminded her of something, of a secret she never wanted to let out.


    ¡°Hello?¡± He called her out of her lost thoughts.


    ¡°Oh erm ye- yes I am.¡± She replied but his attention was not on her anymore as he was speaking to ady.


    ¡°Of course, as always. Am I not surprised?¡± Mia thought to herself.


    ¡°Babe, I¡¯ve been looking for you all over the ce. Come on now, let¡¯s leave shall we? And who do we have here?¡± Charlotte asked as she held Antonio arm to arm while she eyed her.


    On seeing Charlotte, Mia¡¯s heart began to beat faster. She felt like entering into the ground or wishing it could swallow her up. She wished she could just run out of here but the entrance before her was blocked by them.


    ¡°H- hi.¡± Mia greeted as she stretched out her hand for a handshake.


    ¡°Bold yet feeble.¡± Charlotte replied as she eyed Mia¡¯s hand that was beginning to shiver. Mia withdrew her hand.


    ¡°Oh erm don¡¯t mind her please. By the way, it was nice meeting you. My regards to your husband please.¡± Antonio replied as he held Charlotte¡¯s hand while Mia looked at their hands together in shock.


    ¡°Wait, you¡¯re married? To whom? Oh definitely to that loser of course ha!¡± Charlotte smirked evilly.


    ¡°You two know each other?¡± Antonio asked Charlotte after hearing what she just said as he turned a bit to face the both of them.


    ¡°Oh erm ahh¡­¡± Charlotte stammered as Mia¡¯s heart beat faster.


    ¡°Yes, yes she¡¯s no, she was my friend back in those days.¡± Charlotte replied as she eyes Mia, giving her a hard stare.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s nice. Why don¡¯t you two catch up on old times with each other then hmm?¡± Antonio suggested as Mia just smiled shortly while Charlotte broadly smiled but casted an evil look towards Mia.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe her. She¡¯s even denying me, well what was I even expecting at the first ce? I wanted to run away from her so I don¡¯t me her after all.¡± Mia said to herself in a low voice as she picked up a few items and headed for the counter.


    ¡°That will be two hundred dors ma¡¯am.¡± The sales girl told Mia after packing up her shopping items.


    Mia dipped her hand into her pocket to bring out the money and pay but there¡¯s nothing in there. She opened her bag and brought out her purse but had a few bills in it. Pulling them out, she realized that she didn¡¯t have enough money to pay for what she had shopped for.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I don¡¯t have  that amount. In that case can I just return a few items to bnce up please?¡± Mia requested in a low tone as she was embarrassed.


    ¡°Sure ma¡¯am. Which would you like to return?¡± The sales girl asked Mia.


    ¡°She¡¯s returning none. Here, put it on my card.¡± Antonio said to the sales girl as they just arrived at the counter with Charlotte.


    ¡°Wait what? We are not a charity organization able to be giving out money anyhow. And who will pay for my shopping huh?¡± Charlotte yelled at Antonio.


    ¡°Is it now a crime to help someone out?¡± He asked Charlotte as she was acting all up.


    ¡°Yes it is! It is a very big crime Antonio if you don¡¯t know okay?¡± She yelled at the top of her voice.


    ¡°Then in that case, pay for your stuff and meet me in the car when you are done.¡± Antonio replied.


    ¡°Wait what? Should I now pay for my shoppings? Great!¡± Charlotte screamed after him while he left already.


    Mia packed up her stuff ready to leave.


    ¡°Tell him thanks.¡± She replied as she walked past her.


    ¡°!!!¡± Charlotte groaned loudly as she looked at that sales girl and brought out her card.


    Mia came out of the supermarket but didn¡¯t see Antonio to thank him.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve already sent his thanks to his grumpy girlfriend or whatever.¡± She replied as she began to walk away from the store.


    Antonio spotted her leaving and was about toe out of his car when she had already boarded a taxi and even if he was going to stop her, Charlotte was already at the door of the store and he didn¡¯t want any further drama again so he just stayed back in.


    ¡°What was the meaning of that?¡± He asked her as soon as she got into the car.


    ¡°What was the meaning of what?¡± She asked him back, rather rudely.


    ¡°You tell me if that attitude of yours in there was nice. Look at how you embarrassed yourself out there!¡± He replied coldly to her.


    ¡°Oh it¡¯s now me who embarrassed myself? How about you? What do you think was on their minds when you couldn¡¯t pay for your wife¡¯s shoppings and instead, paid for a total stranger huh? What now? Are you crushing on her?¡± Charlotte fired back at him.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough now and point of correction, you are not my wife yet so use the right words at the right time!¡± Antonio scolded her.


    ¡°And so what? What difference does it make? Wed6hage been married by now if not because of your silly excuses with yourpany!¡± Charlotte yelled back at him.


    Antonio just shook his head and started the car engine.

 Final warning

    ¡°Mummy, I don¡¯t like these sliced vegetables.¡± She said as picked up one of the leaves on her te as she raised it up in disgust.


    ¡°Those are Lettuces, My girl. Eat them up, they are good for your body.¡±


    ¡°But mum¡­¡± she tried to protest.


    ¡°Not now Ariel, don¡¯t start now.¡± She wasn¡¯t liking this at all .


    ¡°Don¡¯t be hard on her, Mia. She doesn¡¯t like it so don¡¯t force her.¡± It came from Emma.


    ¡°Are you really serious?¡± Mia asked, looking at her weirdly.


    ¡°You want some cereal?¡±


    ¡± Yes Emma. I want some.¡±


    ¡± I will get you some.¡±


    She followed Emma to talk to her.


    ¡°What are you doing, you know she¡¯s on Green¡¯s diet. The doctor specifically advised that.¡± Mia said.


    ¡± She¡¯s not just your daughter, don¡¯t force in all these rules or you will hurt her more.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just concerned about her.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re truly concerned then tell her about her father. You can sort your issues with him. She needs a father.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. You don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about Charlotte and you know how dangerous she is.¡±


    ¡°Will you let your fear of Charlotte kill your only child?¡±


    ¡°Stop it! Don¡¯t say those words.¡±


    ¡± You definitely know I¡¯m not lying about it.¡±


    As Mia wanted to give her a reply, they both heard the doorbell and wondered who would be knocking.


    ¡°I will check the door bell. Serve the Cereals to Ariel and try to maintain a good rtionship with her.¡± Emma spoke quickly that it took some time for Mia to understand what she had said.


    She opened the door and was surprised, it was someone who she hadn¡¯t thought of seeing. They remained silent as they watched each other, none of them uttered a word but Emma found her voice first.


    ¡°You monster! What are you doing here?¡±


    Charlotte wasn¡¯t surprised by her words just like Mia. Her rtionship with Emma was more bitter than that of her sister even when they had no direct rtionship.


    ¡°Keep your questions to yourself. I have note to exchange words with you.¡±


    ¡± Where¡¯s the Murder.¡± She asked taking a step forward but Emma stopped her with her hand.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± She asked, grabbing her wrist.


    ¡°Don¡¯t start this Emma. It can cost you your Life.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t threaten me with those words Charlotte, I¡¯m not scared of you.¡±


    ¡°Emma, I won¡¯t repeat my words again. Leave my way now!¡±


    ¡°Do whatever and call whoever. I¡¯m not scared , Charlotte.¡±


    The noise must have been disturbing Mia because she kept out before Charlotte could call up the securities.


    Mia, who was outside with a flowery top and shorts, was surprised to see her sister.


    She looked scared which made her best friend angry with her.


    Mia was falling into Charlotte¡¯s tricks again, she muttered as she bit her lips making her have a taste of flesh blood.


    ¡± I wasn¡¯t expecting you.¡± Mia muttered softly.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡± You don¡¯t have to worry about her, I will make her leave soon.¡± Emma had assured.


    ¡± I have note here for Emma. I have something important to tell you and it¡¯s private.¡± She said as she eyed her, only the Heavens knew how much she hated  these twodies.


    ¡°I just made it clear you won¡¯t talk to her.¡± Emma moved forward for a fight but Mia held her back.


    ¡°Please, I will have to talk to Charlotte alone .¡±


    ¡± Are you serious?¡¯ She asked with a faked surprised expression.


    ¡± Yes¡­Let¡¯s see what she has to say.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡± I should be asking you that.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t dare y games with me, I¡¯m not joking and I mean every word.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re in my house in ska. This isn¡¯t San Francisco. You know I¡¯m a citizen here.¡± She spoke with boldness which surprised her.


    ¡°I want you off my man. You have a child with someone else due to your carelessness so don¡¯t you try to put the responsibility of a father on Antonio.¡±


    ¡°Is that all?¡± She asked, making her look stupid.


    ¡± I see you¡¯re learning to be rude. Childbirth has really taught you hard life.¡±


    ¡°I ask you a question Charlotte and I need an answer.¡±


    ¡°Go back to Wilson and stay away from Antonio. I won¡¯t want to repeat my words again.¡± Charlotte said with finality, swung some of her hair strands and walked away.


    Mia breathed hard before entering back inside,


    ¡± Your sister grows more audacity each passing day.¡± Emma had said immediately she sighted Mia.


    ¡± You can say that again. She said I should ept Wilson and stay away from Antonio.¡±


    ¡± I hope you have no ns of heeding to her words?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m staying away from both. Can¡¯t risk my  only child.¡±


    ¡°Finish your food Ariel, we need to wake early for school tomorrow.¡±


    She left the dining area to her room and locked it immediately, not ready for one of Emma¡¯s scolding. After seeing Antonio at the mall the previous day, he had opened old wounds she felt had healed. His presence in her daughter¡¯s life was risky but there was nothing she could do.


    On one hand was Charlotte warning her to stay away from Antonio and on the other hand was her only child who was sick because she needed paternal Love.


    Everything was just so confusing, and she was in the worst dilemma.


    She opened her drawer and brought out the note Antonio had left after their night together. She had kept it since the morning of his departure where she found out about the note. She really loved Antonio dearly, that night was more than a one night stand for her, it was the most passionate night she had ever had and what made it unique was the daughter she had as a result of their passionate night.


    She brought the note closer and kissed it, hoping whatever decision she came up with the next day would be the best and safest.


    ¡°Mummy I¡¯m done.¡± Ariel screamed and she had to choice than to leave to help her do whatever she was finding difficult to do

 Undergoing every risk

    ¡°Stop wasting much time ande out Ariel.¡± Mia screamed from the dining area


    ¡°But I don¡¯t want to go to school Mummy.¡±


    She entered the room and found her sitting.


    ¡± Why don¡¯t you want to go to school?¡± She asked already knowing the reason.


    ¡°My friends don¡¯t love me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true. They love you so much.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true Mummy.¡±


    ¡± Can I ask you a question dear?¡±


    ¡°Yes Mummy.¡±


    ¡°You know Antonio? How did you meet him.¡±


    ¡°At the park the other day, the puppy was a gift.¡±


    ¡°Do you like him? Is he nice?¡±she asked.


    ¡°He is very nice Mummy. I love being around him. Do you like him Mummy?¡±Join me


    ¡°No my dear. What if I get your puppy from them animal shelter today and agree to see your friend?¡±


    ¡°Really Mummy! I will be so excited. Will you really do that for me?¡± She asked excitedly.


    ¡°Yes¡­I will get your puppy once I pick you up after school today.¡±


    ¡°Why not now, Mother?¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°You have to go to school that¡¯s why and I have to go to work.¡±


    ¡°Okay mummy, I love you. Also get Mr. Antonio for me and I will do whatever you say.¡±


    ¡°I will think about if.¡± With those words trailing out of Mia¡¯s lips Ariel rushed to the bathroom to have her bath while Mia left the room to the kitchen.


    ¡°I see what you¡¯re doing. That¡¯s very nice of you.¡± Emma said to her, she was frying pancakes.


    Mia looked at her surprised,


    ¡± Where you evesdropping on a mother and daughter¡¯s conversation?¡±


    ¡°I live here Mia. I should know everything.¡±


    ¡°I want to do everything for my daughter¡¯s happiness.¡±


    ¡°But you know that¡¯s not enough to forget her father.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t add to my worries Emma. This was a hard decision for me.¡±


    ¡°You made the right decision Mia. I understand it¡¯s a slow process.¡± She left immediately.


    The next thing was trying to get ready, she had already taken care of Ariel. During lunch break, she can find out more about Antonio and possibly ask him to visit them just to make Ariel happy. She also nned to leave work early to pick Ariel from school do that they could go to the animal shelter.


    Seeing Antonio would be very risky, she thought.


    But she had to do everything, Antonio¡¯s presence in Ariel¡¯s life could help her health condition.


    She got into her bath tub and began to wash her body, hoping she could be dressed before the next 30 minutes.


    ¡°Mummy I¡¯m done. Hurry up or else I will bete.¡± Mia screamed from the dining area to her mother who was still applying get makeup.  Mia who was surprised to hear her daughter finished so early, hurried up with her make up and left her room immediately.


    She met Ariel having breakfast, she was all dressed up and ready making her mother real surprised.


    ¡°You¡¯re done so quick? Did you dress appropriately?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mother. Please sit and have your breakfast or you will be the reason for my reason.¡±


    Mia who was astonished said nothing as she drew one of the chairs to sit just opposite Ariel.


    ¡°Do you like the pancakes mummy?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­I love them Ariel, try taste really good as always.¡±


    ¡°By Saturday we would do baking together. Maybe a cupcake.¡±


    She smiled at her as she watched her talk about all the children in the same grade with her at school . This was the first time Ariel spoke the longest, she was d Ariel was improving although she knew it was because of her decision to let her take the puppy and to see Antonio.


    Mia breathed hard as she hoped she was doing the right decision but she loved her daughter and will do anything for her.


    ¡°Mummy?¡± Ariel called.


    ¡°Are you worried about me?¡±


    ¡°No¡­I mean yes but it¡¯s not wrong for me to worry about my only Child. I love you, Ariel.¡±


    ¡± I love you too mum. Hurry up and finish your breakfast. I will get a spare pencil then wait for you at the driveway.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful to watch right?¡±


    ¡°Spare me your scoldings now, I want to enjoy this moment.¡± Mia said before leaving.


    She finished thest slice of toast and quickly brushed her teeth before leaving bthe house. Ariel was already waiting for her. Together they walked the few meters to get a cab.


    ¡°Mummy please get a car. I don¡¯t the idea of struggling for a cab after having a good breakfast.¡±


    ¡°One request at a time, youngdy.¡± Sheughed as she held Ariel¡¯s tiny fingers.


    They got a taxi in no time. Mia dropped Ariel off first before going to the office.


    ¡± Did you get my message Mia?¡± Mr. Lawry, the managing director asked immediately she entered the office building.


    ¡± Huh? Sorry. Good morning sir. What message are you talking about?¡±


    ¡± Check your email, Mia. The board of directors areing and we are having a meeting in the next 5 minutes.¡±


    ¡± 5 Minutes?¡± She was already panting.


    ¡± No need to panick. While you were away we had a meeting with them. They will be here to sign and finalize the deal.¡± He assured her.


    She let out a sigh in relief but still felt anxious, she had heard a lot about the board of directors but have never met any.


    ¡± Come along now, the meeting is about to start.¡±


    ¡± They are here sir.¡± Lina, the secretary said.


    I turned to look at the convey outside, just one look and I saw wealth and expensive taste.


    There were about 4 cars, the first was a Lamborghini which I loved. It was red and looked elegant, the remaining 3 were ssy but I couldn¡¯t remember their names.


    All of them halt at the same time, the chauffeur of the first car came out first to open the passenger door.


    I stretched my neck to have a glimpse of who was there. He put his shoes out first. Something about them looked farmr, especially the brand.


    The next was his Italian suit, it was grey.


    Finally, I saw his full sature and his face. My suspicions were right, it was no other than, Antonio stor, heir to the stor homes.

 Falling in love again

    Immediately I saw him my legs and hands started vibrating, I was not sure what to do. I froze instantly at that spot and to make matters worse our eyes met. He smiled at me and it increased my heartbeat, he took steps towards me which made my heart beat increase passively.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s you. You work here?¡± He said when we were close.


    ¡°Is Charlotte here?¡± I managed to say.


    ¡°No¡­why would she be here. Forget Charlotte okay.¡± He assured with a smile.


    ¡°I work here and live here¡­in the City.¡±


    ¡± How is Ariel doing?¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s fine. She misses you a lot.¡± I said wanting to add ¡°I miss you too.¡±


    He was about to say something to me when Mr. Lawry came up to him .


    ¡± You¡¯re wee Boss. The meeting is about to start.¡± He said leading the way and Mr. Antonio following him closely.


    ¡°These are the files the boss needs to sign.¡± Evelyn the secretary handed me some files and some envelopes


    before taking my bag from me.


    ¡°I will help you drop it in your office.¡± Evelyn said to me.


    I thanked her before leaving to where the meeting was being held.


    Mia got to the board room and immediately she was there, Mr. Lawry gestured her to submit the documents to Mr. Antonio. She looked at him before handing the documents to her.


    ****


    The meeting took longer than usual, both Antonio and Mia were d when it finally came to an end. Antonio took Mia¡¯s right hand. Hand in hand they walked to her office.


    ¡°It¡¯s really a pleasure seeing you. Sorry for thest time. Charlotte can be disrespectful to a lot of people.¡± He smiled as he talked, not also wanting to let go of her hands. It made her really shy.


    ¡°It¡¯s no problem. I want a favour.¡±


    ¡± What is it? I will give you anything you want.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my daughter Ariel, she has be to used to you that she¡¯s sick when your absent. Can youe over for lunch?¡± She asked politely.


    ¡± I would love to. When should we have it?¡±


    ¡± Tommorow will be fine. It¡¯s weekend and everyone will be at home. Will that be okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­of course. I agree. Can we have lunch now?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­I will arrange for your lunch now.¡± Mia said as she turned to move away but he held her wrist and she faced him in such a hurry that their nose touched.


    For some seconds, Mia said nothing, she was so close to Antonio that she could feel his breath. He looked at her for a while before hugging her,


    ¡°I missed you.¡± He whispered into her ears which made her shiver. She didn¡¯t want to let him go, those memories of their first night together filled her mind. She sniffed in his body cologne and wished the moment never end. Suddenly he realsead her and asked,


    ¡°You¡¯re not married right?¡± He asked in fear.


    Mia could only nod, she couldn¡¯t lie to him. Especially with those lovely eyes dazzling before her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind about Ariel. I want you and her.¡± He pecked her on both cheeks.


    ¡°How about Charlotte?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t love her, I love you Mia.¡± He revealed and thosest  three words resounded in her ear drums.


    He finally epted he loved her, this was the best news she had heard today.


    Mia held the top of his shirt tightly just near the botton area, as she raised her toes to kiss him. He smiled at her before kissing her passionately. Slowly she released her grip on his shirt and ced her arms around his shoulders. Within seconds their tongues were locked against each other as both of them savage on each other¡¯s lips.


    They finally freed themselves after the realizing that they were still in the office.


    ¡°You look really beautiful.¡± Heplimented making her blush like a teenager.


    ¡°Where would we have lunch? I don¡¯t want an audience.¡± Mia requested.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine. You can have my personal suit.¡±


    ¡°How about Charlotte? won¡¯t she be there?¡±


    ¡°Why are you scared of her. She can¡¯t do anything to you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true, she¡¯s my sister.¡±


    ¡°What,¡± he was surprised.


    Mia slowly began to narrate the incident of her  mother¡¯s death to him and how the war between her sister started.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about that. You have me now and believe me, no harm wille to you and Ariel.¡±


    She smiled as he pecked her again on the cheeks.


    ¡± I love you so much.¡± He Said.


    His phone rang and he had to take the call, as he left she reminced on the moment she just had with him. She couldn¡¯t believe she was already in love with him and she was d she had borne a child for him. Even though they knew themselves as strangers they were close.


    ¡± Can we go Mia. I know you must be starving.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°What are your ns after now?¡±


    ¡± I want to go to the animal shelter with Ariel to get the puppy.¡±


    ¡± You sent the puppy away?¡±Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Yes¡­to forget about you. Especially with Charlotte incident but then Ariel became sick.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s why you want her to meet me.¡±


    ¡°Yes Antonio. She¡¯s the only family I have.¡±


    ¡± You know I¡¯m here for you? Right?¡± He asked,


    She nodded and he kissed both of the back of her palms.


    ¡± We can pick Ariel up, have lunch then head over to get  her puppy.¡± He suggested.


    It was a good idea so she  nodded in affirmation. They left her office this time not holding hands.


    When they got downstairs, Antiono took the car keys from his driver, offering to drive himself. The driver obeyed and handed the keys to him instantly.


    **


    ¡°Mr. Antonio.¡± Ariel screamed as soon as she saw him and rushed to hug him immediately. She freed herself from him and came to her mother. Mia bent low as she returned the hug.


    ¡± You kept your promise mummy.¡±


    ¡± Yes I did.¡± She answered, Ariel had  a bright smile  that Mia  had never seen before, she was really excited to see him. She kissed Mia  on the cheeks and rushed to meet Antonio.  Mia watched as they hugged themselves so tight, little did they know they were rted;like father and daughter.


    ¡± Mummy I¡¯ve starving. Let¡¯s have lunch.¡±


    ¡°Yes my girl. We would go to a fancy restaurant and have lunch together.¡±


    ¡± Okay.¡±. she held me with her right hand and Antonio with her left making her stay in the middle.


    ¡± Have you thought of a name for your puppy, Ariel?¡± Antiono asked in a loving manner.


    ¡°No¡­I¡¯m not sure yet.¡±


    ¡°Mum can give me a name. She¡¯s good at giving names.¡±


    ¡± Mum what should I call my puppy?¡±


    ¡°Call it,¡±

 Rage or Jealousy

    ¡°What are you saying, Mr. Arthur?¡± She asked the caller in anger.


    ¡°Exactly what you heard ma¡¯am, the boss came today to finish up the deal and he met with her.¡± The caller confirmed.


    ¡°Mia!¡± She screamed angrily, trying to hold herself from flinging her phone.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am and they were together in her office. They both left together.¡±


    This got into her immediately, What did they did something inside the office? She thought.


    ¡°Send your ount details, Mr. Arthur. Continue informing if you observe anything suspicious.¡±


    ¡± Sure ma¡¯am.¡± The call went dead immediately.


    She was so mad that she flinched and flinged the phone to the bed, the door opened and a man entered. He was tall, light skinned with muscr features. He tied a towel around his waist leaving the upper part of his body bare.


    He held two sses of wine as he entered and locked the door immediately.


    ¡°Why are you so upset? Did anything happy?¡± He asked handing her a ss which she took and gulped immediately.


    ¡± Get me a smoke. I need to cool off.¡±


    ¡± Sure,¡± he answered as he got up to get it.


    In no time he got it and started smoking immediately.


    ¡± Can you now tell me what the problem is?¡± He asked concerned, stroking her hair at intervals.


    ¡± It¡¯s that daughter of a b*itch.¡±


    ¡± You mean Mia, your sister?¡± He was already used to her hatred.


    ¡± Yes¡­the asshole.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s trying to steal your man again?¡± He asked, quite certain about the reply she was going to give him. As if expecting the worse, he let go of her as he tried to control the rage he was feeling.


    ¡± You can say that again.¡±


    ¡± So who am I to you?¡±


    ¡± What¡¯s that supposed to mean. You¡¯re just my y toy I use to satisfy myself.¡±


    ¡± What? After knowing you for 10 years you call me a y toy.¡± He yelled at her, truly he was disappointed and had not expected such response. He got up and started putting on his clothes,


    Charlotte watched him wanting to beg him to stay back but her pride won¡¯t let her. He got dressed and was about to leave when she held him back.


    ¡± I¡¯m really sorry, You know you¡¯re more important to me than Antiono. I¡¯m just doing this for a personal benefit.¡± She revealed.


    ¡°, I know you won¡¯t let me go,¡± he said and kissed her forehead.


    ¡± But seeing Mia makes me get mad, she¡¯s the only one obstructing my ns.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you do something about her?¡±


    ¡± What can I do? I¡¯ve tried all possible methods.¡±


    ¡± Allow me to help you and I will make Antiono and Mia hate each other for the rest of their lives. They won¡¯t be able to stand each other.¡±


    ¡°Really? You could do that?¡± She asked with a smile, her face gleaming in excitement.


    ¡°I can do all that Charlotte, anything to make you happy.¡± He said.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    She got so excited that she rushed to hug him and immediately nted kisses all over his face.


    ¡°Now that we are and your mood is better, Can you now give me a reward?¡± He asked with a dirty smirk on his face.


    ¡°You will get a reward soon, as soon as the job ispleted.¡± She assured and he agree.


    ¡± So where are you heading to now?¡±  He asked seeing her packing up her stuffs.


    ¡± I have a meeting with a fashionpany. My presence is needed.¡± Charlotte exined.


    ¡± Meetings upon meetings. You barely have time for me. The little time we have together you spend it thinking of the asshole.¡±


    ¡± Stop it, it¡¯s my husband -to-be you¡¯re referring to.¡±


    ¡± Why do I feel you take me as a toy and you will get rid of me at any time?¡± He asked.


    ¡± Say what you want, I don¡¯t care.¡±


    She took her purse, gave him back the stick after taking ast puff of the cigarettes before leaving the room.


    Charlotte had always avoided that question, he was right when he talked about himself being a toy to Charlotte. She didn¡¯t love him, rather she kept him so that age would be able to use him for her dirty games.


    Her phone rang immediately she got into the car, she checked the caller and discovered it was her mother. She answered immediately.


    ¡°Anything mother, I told you I will get back soon. ¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t scold me Charlotte, I have only calied to inform you that the designer is already here. You need to hurry up.¡± The calker instructed.


    ¡± Sorry mother, give me about 30 Minutes. I will be home soon.¡±


    ¡°30 minutes?¡± Screamed her mother, ¡°are you out of the City? Why are you 30 minutes away from home?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a child Mother. Instruct the dress designer to wait.¡± She ordered.


    What a mother, she muttered.


    Even though they weren¡¯t her biological parents, she loved them so much despite being Rude. Her foster mother was very caring and loving, despite Charlotte¡¯s bad behavior she would never get offended it scold her. Charlotte was only worried about their unnecessary worry and overprotection. She didn¡¯t like the attitude of always telling them about her whereabouts.


    Charlotte turned the ignition key on and started driving, hoping to get home before the 30 Minutes she estimated or else her mother was going to ruin her day with numerous calls. Once she get home then she would talk to her father about it, he was the only one who gave her space and she loved him so much for this.


    After the fashion meeting then she was going to talk to Antiono ¡®s mother to get both of them married as soon as possible. She knew it will be tough to convince Antiono on that but she had to try. The longer they wait, the more the risks increases but she had to teach Nia a lesson for trying to steal her man.


    She brought out her phone and called the director of thepany.

 Can I call you daddy?

    ¡°Call it Lucky dear.¡± Mia answered with a broad smile.


    ¡°How about you? Can I call you daddy?¡± Ariel asked, turning to Antonio.


    Mia was stunned, she didn¡¯t expect that. She turned to look at Antiono who wore a worried face and was equally stunned.


    ¡°Err¡­¡± he stammered looking at Mia for help.


    ¡± Call him Mr. Antiono.¡±


    ¡°No Ariel. Call me anything you want.¡±


    She smiled lovingly at him, making him feel better.


    ¡± Which restaurant do you suggest?¡±


    ¡± How about dinner at my home?¡± She asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure, Miss Mia.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t happy with him calling him that,


    ¡°I want to call someone.¡± She didn¡¯t wait for his response and left to the other side of the road.


    She took out her phone and dialed Emma¡¯s contact, she answered after a few rings.


    ¡°Are you home?¡± She asked.


    ¡± Yes¡­I¡¯m preparing dinner.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Antiono would be joining us for dinner.¡±


    ¡°Wow! Did you really meet Antonio? Tell me every detail.¡±


    ¡°I will tell you everything when we see, just prepare dinner please.¡±


    ¡± Alright. I will be waiting.¡±


    From where she was, Mia watched Antonio and Ariel. They looked cute together as theyughed and yed, the way Antiono yed with Ariel looked very lovely. Ariel kept talking while Antiono listened to her, sometimes pulling her cheeks and patting her hair. She watched them for a while until they noticed her gaze.


    Antiono signaled her toe over,


    ¡°Are you done with your phone call?¡± He asked immediately as she came closer.


    ¡± Yeah. I had to call my best friend, I see you too are having a swell time.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t be ridiculous, she¡¯s just telling me the fun things she will do with Lucky.¡±


    She faked a smile to hide the jealousy she felt, Ariel wasughing with someone she just met but had never talked or interacted like she did to Antonio to her.


    ¡± Can we go home? I wouldn¡¯t want us to eat the food cold.¡±


    She stomped off in anger and Antiono knew why.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, your mum is just jealous you¡¯re spending more time with me than her.¡± Ariel understood immediately Antiono exined things to her.


    ¡± Don¡¯t be stubborn and don¡¯t act like a baby.¡± Antiono had told Mia immediately they got to the car. She Said nothing as she could only smile, the only thing she could think of was dealing with himter.


    The next minutes were reced with silence but it didn¡¯tst long because Antiono didn¡¯t know the address and Ariel wasn¡¯t doing a good job of directing him.


    They got home and met Emma watering the garden, Ariel rushed to hug her.


    ¡°Emma, do you know I¡¯ve got a new puppy?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just telling me, Can I see your little puppy?¡± Emma asked with faked ignorance.


    The little girl rushed back to take the puppy from Antonio. It was a brown puppy, covered with so much hair. None of them were sure of the species.


    ¡± Isn¡¯t she Cute, Emma?¡±


    ¡°Oh my goodness! She looks gorgeous. What¡¯s her name?¡±


    ¡± Lucky.¡±


    ¡± Your mum thought of the name right?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­how did you know?¡±


    ¡°It was the same dog she had when she was your age.¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡± Antonio raised an eyebrow in surprise.


    They were stillughing and talking when they heard a strange voice, everyone turned to see who it was.


    Mia was so shocked when her eyes met face to face with the man she hated so much, Wilson.


    ¡± So this is what you¡¯re doing? You abandoned our wedding to follow him because of his wealth?¡± He yelled at Mia.


    Antiono, who was shocked by the audacity of this stranger, stood out to confront him.


    ¡°Hey man! Who are you and that¡¯s not the right way to talk to a woman.¡±


    ¡± Stay out of a family matter, this concerns my family. You use your wealth to take my daughter.¡±


    ¡± Your daughter?¡± Antiono asked, and he was quite surprised. Mia never mentioned who the father of Ariel was, but how could she get Married to a ruthless man like this? Someone who didn¡¯t even care about her.¡±


    ¡± Yes, my daughter.¡± Wilson affirmed.


    Mia stood still, she was more shocked than everyone, anger and rage filled her veins.


    ¡± What are you even ranting about?¡± Emma had asked angrily, ¡°have you forgotten Mia found you in bed with another woman just days before your wedding?¡±


    Antonio was shocked. Was Mia really in a rtionship with someone else? He only knew it was not true because he was already in love with her.


    ¡°Mummy please, who is this man?¡± Ariel asked in fright.


    ¡°He¡¯s just a stranger Ariel, go Inside and y with your puppy.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m your father Ariel.¡±


    ¡°What? How dare you? You stop bbering now or else I will call up the security agent.¡± Emma threatened.


    ¡°Yes, Call them up. I¡¯m sure they will like to know why you won¡¯t let me see my child.¡±


    Both Emma and Mia were both surprised at his boldness.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry about this Mia.¡± Antiono said he was really disappointed. Mia had lied to him.


    ¡°No, Antiono. This is just a misunderstanding. I don¡¯t have anything with him.¡± She pleaded in tears.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Yes Mr. Antiono. Don¡¯t leave.¡± Ariel begged.


    ¡± Stay with your new dad Ariel. I have some work to do.¡± He said and left for his car.


    ¡± You monster.¡± Emma yelled as she tried to p Wilson but he dodged and held her on the wrist.


    ¡± I¡¯m back Emma and you can¡¯t send me away. I will make your lives terrible.¡± He swore with a dirty smirk.


    ¡± You¡¯re such a devil, Wilson .¡± She spat in disgust.


    ¡± Those words don¡¯t hurt me. Look at the little girl looking so heartbroken, her new daddy doesn¡¯t want her.¡± Heughed with so much mockery that made Emma so annoyed but she had to control her anger.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you miss me, Mia?¡±, He asked turning to Mia but he received a p instead of an answer.

 A bad morning

    The buzzing sound from the rm kept disturbing her, she yelled for Emma but she didn¡¯t show up. The sound continued and she couldn¡¯t take it anymore, she got up and turned off herself.


    The first thing she noticed was the headache she was feeling, then she felt throbbing pains in her legs. Last night was a very terrible night, and she had cried herself to sleep. She gradually took her time to step on the ground to reduce the pain she felt. As Mia stood on her feet she heard a vibration and then her ringtone, she wanted to ignore the call since her feet were still hurting but then she remembered It might be from Antonio which made her rush go where it was.


    When she picked us up her phone, sgesaw it was  from her boss, she was upset,


    What does he want now, she thought.


    But  she took it, just in case It was important.


    ¡°Miss Mia, you are fired.¡± She heard, for some seconds she froze at the same spot not wanting to believe what she heard.


    Before she could ask what was wrong the call went deadThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    What just happened? she thought to herself.


    ¡°Oh No!¡± She screamed so loud as she started sobbing.


    Mia fell on her knees as she thought of you must have been responsible for her being sacked, she had not done anything wrong to deserve that and for all she could recall she was on good terms with her boss the previous day when Antiono hade to sign the papers.


    Had Antiono ordered for her to be sacked?


    No, he couldn¡¯t do that, especially when they had a swell time together even though Wilson had messed things up bying.


    She couldn¡¯t take it, she needed to confirm if it was really the Boss or must be a mistake. She rushed into the bathroom as she quickly took a shower and got dressed immediately. She was ready in no time and thought of seeing Ariel before leaving.


    She knocked on Ariel¡¯s room door calling out to her but she didn¡¯t get any response. She tried again and again but still got no response.


    ¡± She won¡¯t open up for you.¡±


    Mia turned to look, to see it was Emma


    ¡± She¡¯s still sad aboutst night, right?¡±


    Emma nodded as she walked to hug herr. They freed theirselves after some seconds and Emma said,


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about her, Just give her some time. She will get over it.¡±


    ¡°How soon? I¡¯m worried about her.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get so worked up. Ariel can¡¯t stay away from her mother.¡±


    ¡± I hope so Emma. I miss her already.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving for work so early?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­I have to do something.¡±


    She rushed out of the house with Emma calling her to have breakfast but she couldn¡¯t hear. My mind was filled with thoughts and questions she needed answer to.


    Outside, just at the porch. She met face to face with Wilson. He wore the same clothes safe had seen him with the previous nights, one look at him and she knew he slept there.


    ¡± What are you doing?¡±she asked, keeping a safe distance to avoid his bad morning breath.


    ¡°I told you already. I¡¯m not going to leave you or our daughter?¡± He sounded honest but Mia knew it was all an act.


    ¡± Our daughter? She¡¯s my daughter and she has a father.¡±


    ¡± What do you mean by she has a father? Were you cheating during our courtship?¡±


    ¡± I should ask you that, seeing you were in bed with someone just before our wedding.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t remind me about that. I told you I¡¯m really sorry.¡±


    ¡°Cut off the act and leave my house, Wilson.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but I¡¯m not leaving till you ept me back.¡±


    She looked at him and knew it was useless talking to him about leaving. Emma would take care of him when she finds him but first she needed to go to work and find Antiono just for Ariel¡¯s sake.


    She stopped a cab and entered it, her actions made Wilson shocked as he watched the cab zoom off leaving piles of dust behind.


    She got to the office but wasn¡¯t allowed into the building by the securities because they were given an instruction not to allow her in.


    Left with no other choice, she sat on a pavement near the office and thought of what to do.


    ¡± What are you doing here?¡± She looked up to see Aaron, this was the first time she was seeing him after 5 years.


    ¡± It¡¯s you, ¡± she gleamed in delight even though she didn¡¯t understand why she was so excited to see him.


    ¡± I used to work here, till I was sacked.¡±


    ¡± This is the samepany Antiono had a project with?¡±


    ¡± Yes ¡­I¡¯m his personal assistant on the project.¡±


    ¡± I know, he talked about it but why are you sacked?¡±


    ¡± The manager called to tell me I was fired.¡±


    ¡± Antiono didn¡¯t give such an order, I¡¯m sure he will be surprised to hear this from you .¡±


    ¡± Then who must have done something like that?¡± She asked no one in particr.


    That was when she remembered Charlotte, She was the only one who could instruct the manager to fire her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Mia, I would talk to Antonio about it. Just go home and rest. It¡¯s important you rest, you don¡¯t look too good.¡± Aaron said as he offered to help her up the pavement but she declined politely.


    He left her after she assured him she would leave immediately she put herself in order.


    As he left, Mia thought of a way to apologize to Antonio. She tried calling him but he didn¡¯t answer. Mia knew he was deliberately ignoring her call.


    She could only wish he could give her a chance, her mind quickly narrowed vti why Wilson had showed up in her house


    Was Charlotte also responsible for that? She thought.


    It was possible because she had met Wilson few times, maybe the both of them had nned to ruin her meeting with Antiono.

 A death trap

    ¡°You should forgive her already, she has pleaded. So what she made a mistake?¡± Aaron had requested immediately they entered Antiono ¡®s office.


    ¡± I will talk to Charlotte about giving her the job back. That¡¯s the only thing I can do .¡±


    ¡± How about the little girl? Would you let her suffer for this mistake?¡±


    ¡± Her father will take care of her. ¡±


    ¡°By that you mean, yourself right?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous Aaron.¡±


    ¡°Have you wondered why she wants you close to her daughter?¡± Aaron asked.


    ¡± I don¡¯t care, I met with the real father of the childst night.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe he¡¯s the real father of the child.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t really care about that. Please don¡¯t talk about it now.¡±


    ¡°Okay, if you wish but think about what I¡¯ve said.¡±


    Aaron picked up a file from the desk and went away immediately, leaving Antiono to his own thoughts.


    The first person Aaron met as soon as opened the door was Charlotte. He quickly shut the door and moved to meet her.


    ¡± Good morning, Charlotte. How do you do?¡±


    ¡± You know I¡¯m fine. Is Antiono around?¡±


    ¡± Yes of course. He¡¯s Inside his office but why are you here?¡±


    ¡± I want to see Antonio for important work. I have something to discuss with him.¡±


    ¡°Can I ask a question?¡±


    ¡°Sure, ¡±


    ¡°You know your sister Mia, why inform the Manager to fire her?¡±


    ¡± I had personal issues with her.¡±


    ¡± Can you solve the issue maturely, you have to call her back Charlotte.¡±


    ¡± Why should I do that? We can just employ someone else.¡±


    ¡± What if she¡¯s the only one who has the experience and knows too much about the project?¡±


    ¡± You can¡¯t be serious, Aaron.¡±


    ¡± This isn¡¯t one of my jokes.¡±


    ¡± Fix your issues with Mia, so we don¡¯t run into debts.¡± He left, hoping his words were enough to change her mind.


    As he left, he went straight to the Manager¡¯s office to inform him about getting Mia back to work.


    He met Evelyn first and stopped for a conversation.


    ¡± Good morning Sir,¡± She greeted politely and that too with a smile.


    ¡± You look more beautiful each time I see you.¡± Heplimented at the same time trying to flirt with her


    She blushed and muttered a thank you.


    ¡± Are you free for dinner or you have a busy schedule?¡±


    ¡± I can always turn my schedules around for you and you know that.¡± She said in a seductive tone.


    ¡± Meet me as usual.¡± He winked at her before leaving.


    She wasn¡¯t his mistress nor his girlfriend, just someone who he used. They shared the same opinion of not being ready for a rtionship so they were perfect for each other.


    Not wanting to waste any more time, he called up the managing director and he took the call immediately.


    ¡± Mr. Aaron, you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡± Call Mia back to work and it¡¯s an order.¡± The call went dead after that.


    Aaron thought of  having something to eat, he had skipped breakfast since he was hurrying to leave together with Antiono. Right now, rubbing his rumbling stomach, he regretted why he hadn¡¯t eaten.


    ¡°Aaron.¡± I really don¡¯t know much of the He heard a voice call him, he knew it was Charlotte.


    ¡°You changed your mind about letting her stay?¡± He asked.


    ¡± No, and why will you go again my orders. Even Antiono doesn¡¯t have a problem this.¡±


    ¡°, Don¡¯t bring Antiono Into this. His not in his right senses.¡±


    ¡± Why what happened.¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know much of the story.¡± He lied.


    ¡°If not that I know you too well I would have assumed you have something to do with Mia.¡±


    ¡± You know it¡¯s not possible. I really have to leave now. I have something to do.¡±


    He left immediately leaving Charlotte grinning in joy. Everything was going to her Favour now, thanks to Wilson.  When he talked about his ns the previous day, she had not bothered to listen to him, now seeing the evidence made her excited.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    She was going to use this opportunity wisely, but then she needed to call Wilson to finish the second phase of the n.


    Once Mia was out of the way, she could get married to Antiono. Take over his wealth and be with Wilson who she had always loved since Childhood. Unfortunately, her mother had requested Mia marries Wilson since she felt  he loved her but the truth was that. Wilson wasn¡¯t in love with Mia, he had loved Charlotte from the very beginning.


    Now she was excited that she was going to get everything she ever wished for but first she needed to use Mia¡¯s absence to get closer to Antiono. Once Mia and her child were out of the way then she could have more ess to the Antiono ¡®s family wealth.


    Her phone vibrated and she saw it was a text from Wilson. It read,


    ¡°Target in ce, expect to see you by 4pm.¡±


    She smiled as she kissed her phone, once it was 4pm she was going to kill Mia herself.


    She won¡¯t let Wilson do that, not at all.


    ***¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re being unfair to your mum, Ariel.¡±


    ¡± I didn¡¯t do anything, Emma. She lied to me.¡±


    ¡± I agree but she did that for a reason.¡±


    ¡± Can I ask you a question?¡±


    ¡°Is Wilson my real daddy?¡± She asked.


    ¡± No my dear, he¡¯s not.¡± Emma assured Ariel said nothing as she went back to sleep.


    Meanwhile, Emma was worried about Mia who had left the house without telling her exactly where she was going. She didn¡¯t know why but she felt a strange feeling about it, and she hoped Mia would be fine wherever she was


    She had just gone out to do her normal routine of watering the nts when she saw Wilson.


    In anger she went Inside to get something she could use to hit him but when she came back, he was gone and she found no one on the porch.


    ¡°Stupid fool.¡± She muttered under her breath vowing to teach him a lesson when she sees him.

 Mia has been kidnapped

    Mia was still outside, he opened the windows and watched her. She was still sobbing uncontrobly. He watched her feeling bad for making bher cry without making efforts to console her but he was still angry at her for not telling him about Wilson.


    Was he jealous that Wilson was her first love?


    That was the only way to exin the anger he felt because he knew Mia was not with him for his wealth. He was very sure of that.


    He continued to watch but didn¡¯t bother to help her. He still had to maintain his anger.


    As he watched, he saw an unfamiliar car pull right in front of Mia.


    Seeing that his heart skipped a beat but he could only watch, as his legs froze there in curiosity.


    Two men came out, each wearing a mask.  They had to weapons and were muscr, they came towards Mia immediately and the talker one grabbed her while the other sprayed something on her face. Within seconds her screaming ceased and she was carried to the car.


    Not until the Car zoom off did Antiono actually realize that Mia had been kidnapped.


    He got to his senses and immediately grabbed his phone non the office desk before leaving. He rushed out of the door in such a hurry that he almost pushed Charlotte over.


    He yelled a sorry as he raced past other of the office staffs including Aaron.


    Aaron was taken aback by Antiono¡¯s actions he tried to call out to her but he didn¡¯t get any response.


    ¡± Antiono, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Mia has been kidnapped.¡±


    Charlotte heard it from where she was, and got excited but the excitement was quickly reced with a sad face.


    ¡± How did Antiono know?¡±


    She could only wish Antiono had not seen the face of the kidnappers.


    ¡°How did she get kidnapped?¡± He asked in shock.


    Antiono was so stressed that he couldn¡¯t answer any of the questions thrown by Aaron, he just got into the car fumbled with the keys and left to follow the kidnappers.


    Unfortunately for him, they were go before he reached but he hoped to see them .


    ¡± Calm down , man. How sure are you that it was Mia?¡±


    ¡± I know Mia very well. She was at the same spot we left her. I watched her all the time and I saw when they took her.¡±


    ¡± Did you see their faces?¡±


    ¡± No¡­they were with masks. The car had no Number and the colour. I knew it was scrabbled.¡±


    ¡± Drive and I will call the securities,¡±


    ¡± Please do, Mia is in this because of me. I


    Should have listened to her.¡± He kept hitting the steering, making noise.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Stop it. It¡¯s not your fault at all. ¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s mine. I didn¡¯t listen to her when she was pleading. I threw her out and ordered her to leave.¡±


    ¡± You have to stop ming yourself. Instead we should be thinking of a way to find her. ¡±


    ¡± Check around if you can see the vehicle.*


    He looked around but couldn¡¯t, he was so disappointed that he didn¡¯t know what to do


    All of these were all his fault, if only he had forgiven Mia but he just let pride overshadow him. But he was confused about why Someone would want to kidnap Mua.  Then his mind narrowed to Wilson, the same man he met yesterday who  imed he was the father of Ariel. He looked like he was responsible, but he just couldn¡¯t make assumptions could he?


    Maybe he should try talking to Emma but then Emma was going to get worried and he didn¡¯t want that at all. He wanted to take care of the situation alone.


    But how long was he going to hide Mia ¡®s disappearance? What was he going to tell Ariel when she asked about her mum.


    ¡± Do something for me Aaron.¡±


    ¡± Whatever you say.¡±


    ¡± Check about Wilson, the guy who came to see Mia yesterday. He made some threats to Emma and I¡¯m sure he¡¯s behind this.¡±.


    ¡± That¡¯s not a problem, but what will you tell Emma and Mia¡¯s daughter?¡± Aaron asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure but I can take care of that. Just get more information on  Wilson.¡±


    With that Aaron got out of the car, leaving Antonio inside.  His n was to drive to Emma¡¯s home to inform her of Mia¡¯s kidnap.


    ***


    ¡± What¡¯s wrong with you? Tell your men that Antonio is after them.¡±


    ¡± There¡¯s no need to tell them that. They switched cars .¡±


    ¡± Really? That¡¯s so brilliant and impressive.¡±


    ¡°We would take her to somewhere they won¡¯t be able to find her quickly.¡± He whispered and held her, pinning her to the bed.


    ¡°Remember your promise.¡± He whispered into her ears making her wet but she tried to control herself.


    ¡± Don¡¯t push yourself too far, I said once the job is done.¡± She muttered.


    ¡°You know the job is done already, ¡± he whispered again as he grabbed her by the waist and kissed her forcefully.


    She tried to protest but his grip was tight, slowly she let him do his will as she enjoyed it.


    It has been a long time since she experienced this kind of feeling. With them still kissing, He unbuttoned her blouse gently while she struggled for his belt. Her phone rang but she ignored it, but the ringing was quite disturbing and she had to release herself.


    Wilson cursed in anger, sheughed at his childishness.


    She opened her purse to retrieve her phone only to discover it was from the fashion manager. She answered immediately.


    ¡± How are you, Miss Charlotte?¡± The caller asked.


    ¡± I¡¯m doing well ma¡¯am. Any news?¡±


    ¡± Of course there¡¯s. Come to my office before tomorrow to sign the deal.¡± She said,


    It made Charlotte very excited, slowly everything she wished for were alling to her.


    ¡°Congrattions my love,¡± he pecked her on the cheeks.


    ¡± I¡¯m really excited and what could  make my day is seeing Mia begging for my mercy.¡±


    ¡°You will get there soon too.¡± He assured.

 Her father鈥檚 daughter

    She looked from the window to see himing out of those cars which she always envied from television shows and fashion magazines. Mia hadn¡¯t told her Mr. Antonio was from a rich family. It was not until yesterday she realized it.


    Was he alone ? She thought.


    Maybe Mia was inside with him, but when he moved towards her front door to knock, she knew Mia wasn¡¯t there with him. The doorbell rang and she proceeded to open the door for him since she was very sure he was the One.


    ¡± Hello ma¡¯am.¡± He greeted, immediately he saw her.


    ¡± Emma, ¡± she offered, feeling embarrassed as her cheek flushed red. ¡± My name is Emma. Sorry we couldn¡¯t introduce ourselves the previous day.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s fine, I¡¯vee for something.¡± He started.


    ¡± Mia isn¡¯t at home but I can let  you wait. I¡¯m sure she won¡¯t take long.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    He sighed at her ignorance.


    ¡°How about Ariel? How is she?¡± He asked peeping to see if he could find her in her usual y area.


    ¡°She hasn¡¯t stopped crying since you left and she won¡¯t talk to her mum.¡± Emma answered.


    ¡°That¡¯s really bad. Can I talk to her?¡±


    ¡± Sure. You talk to Ariel while I phone Mia.¡±


    He said nothing as went to Ariel¡¯s room, he knocked politely but got no answer so he decided to speak.


    ¡°Ariel, please Open up, it¡¯s Antonio.¡± He called out to her.


    The door opened almost immediately and the little one rushed to hug him but she could only hug his legs. He was a tall man and she was just 5 years old and grew normally despite her illness.


    ¡°Don¡¯t leave, Mr. Antiono.¡± She cried.


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± He assured her as he felt the fatherly feeling he has always wanted, it was strange but he liked it.¡±I won¡¯t if only your mum allows that.¡±


    What was he even saying now? Trying to me Mia again? Even when her life was in danger. No! He couldn¡¯t do that. It was this same mistake of his that got Mia kidnapped. Now he wasn¡¯t going to make any more mistakes.


    ¡°I won¡¯t stay away from you, I promise.¡±


    He got a call from Aaron and had to take it, he gestured to Ariel that he wanted to take a call and she freed her tiny hands from his leg.


    ¡± What¡¯s the update?¡± He asked in a hush.


    ¡± Your suspicions are right. He¡¯s the one responsible.¡±


    ¡°Just like I presumed, check for their hideous while I inform Emma about it.¡±


    ¡°Consider it done.¡±


    He went Inside the room to see Ariel ying with lucky.  He had totally forgotten the dog.


    ¡°How is Lucky doing?¡±


    ¡± Not pretty well. She¡¯s sad because I¡¯m upset.¡±


    He looked at the park puppy she was holding and knew she was right, the little door didn¡¯t appear yful like when she had seen her the previous night. Seeing Lucky made him think if dogs actually could understand Humans.


    The door opened and Emma entered.


    ¡°Antiono?¡± She called who in turn looked at her eagerly. ¡± I¡¯ve tried Mai¡¯s phone but she¡¯s not taking my calls¡±


    It was time, he thought.


    ¡°Emma, can I talk to you about something? It¡¯s about Mia¡­ and I.¡± He had added thest part in order not to look suspicious. He didn¡¯t want Ariel to get worried.


    ¡± Okay. Ariel pleasee for breakfast and I¡¯m sure Lucky is hungry.¡±


    ¡± I always have breakfast with Mummy. I will wait for her. Please send her a text.¡±


    ¡°Of course I will.¡±


    Antonio tried to protest against it but Emma stopped him .


    ¡± It won¡¯t work.¡± She said to him.


    Together they walked to the kitchen and Emma asked,


    ¡± What do you want to know about Mia? You don¡¯t believe what  Wilson say about her us true.¡±


    He didn¡¯t give am answer to she continued.


    ¡± I know it¡¯s not in my ce  to tell you this but I just have to. Mia is my friend and I don¡¯t like her being worried.¡±


    Slowly, shs began to narrate everything that had happened , right from how Mia caught Wilson cheating and how she met Antiono.


    ¡± Think about why Wilson hadn¡¯t showed up untill yesterday.¡±


    ¡± To kidnap her.¡± He broke the heartbreaking news to get.


    ¡± What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡± Mia was kidnapped in front of the office this morning.¡±


    ¡°What!¡± She tried to scream but Antiono held her in ce.


    ¡°You must be joking¡± with atear on her eyes trying to stop herself from crying or shedding more tears


    ¡°Take it easy Emma be calm I don¡¯t want Ariel hearing about this.¡±


    She lessen the sobbing as she heard Ariel¡¯s name.


    ¡± How did it happen?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t see their face but I suspect Wilson.¡±


    ¡± That son of a bitch. I know he¡¯s capable of doing something like this.¡±


    ¡°We are looking for how to track her.¡±


    ¡°We have a tracker. I called her phone and it wasn¡¯t off so that means we can still trace her to where she is.¡±


    ¡°Very smart Emma. Send me the code for the tracker.¡±


    ¡°Can Ie with you?¡± She asked.


    ¡°No¡­I don¡¯t want Ariel to know about this.¡±


    ¡± Know about what.¡± Both of them froze instantly as they heard her tiny voice.


    Emma¡¯s heart jumped in fear, as her heart began to race quickly. She was scared as so many questions filled her mind, what was she going to tell Ariel, and Ariel¡¯s health would worsen once she hears her mother has been kidnapped.


    ¡°Ariel¡­I was talking about a surprise I nned for you. ¡± Antiono offered


    ¡°Oops! Did I spoil it?¡±


    ¡°Yes and No. I will think of a new surprise.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Mr. Antiono.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s fine. Emma please take care of her and get me the codes.¡±


    ¡°Are you angry with me?¡±


    ¡°No¡­Ariel. He just wants to get you something then go to the office.¡± Emma offered.


    ¡± Will youe for dinner? Mummy would love it.¡±


    ¡°Anything my princess wants.¡± He smiled at her and squeezed her cheeks gently.

 Locked with no way to escape

    He stood outside her house constantly checking his watch as if he was expecting someone. Not up to 5 minutes, a ck range rover pulled in front of him.


    He rushed to enter without waiting for the driver to get the car for him. The car drove off immediately.


    ¡± Have you gotten the codes?¡± He asked immediately , he got inside and was seatedfortably.


    ¡°Yes sir. I¡¯m tracing the vehicle now.¡± Aaron Answered. He was still wearing the same suit he had in the morning.


    ¡± Is it close here?¡± Antiono asked.


    ¡± Not sure sir but it looks like it¡¯s heading to an abandoned site.¡±


    ¡± Inform the police and my personal security about this.¡± Antonio ordered.


    ¡°Already done that. I also gave them the address too. They will be there soon.¡± He informed.


    ****


    She was seated on hisp drawing imaginary lines on his bare chest when his phone rang, he thought of ignoring the call but he felt it was going to be important so he took it.


    Just like he thought, it was important. The call was from the head kidnapper.


    ¡°Boss¡­you cane over now. She has been tied up.¡± He said.


    ¡°That¡¯s great. I will meet you there soon, I hope you are not followed?¡± Wilson asked.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± Yes Boss. I made sure to change the cars at every traffic point.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s good. Keep her while Ie.¡±


    He ended the call and turned to her gleaming with smiles, he had a proud look on his face and she knew it was good news.


    ¡± They have her right?¡± She asked with a charming smile that he loved.


    His face saddened immediately,


    ¡± Can¡¯t someone surprise you? I didn¡¯t even tell you to guess what happened.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry about that, you know I¡¯m really anxious about these things.¡±


    ¡± They have her already. We can go together to check it out.¡± He answered, putting on his clothes while she smoked.


    They were ready after some time and stepped out with Charlotte on the wheels driving at high speed.


    ***


    She was still on the ground, not sure she was still asleep. The young men left her hands and ankles tied so that she wouldn¡¯t escape even if she got the chance.


    ¡°What do we do to her?¡±


    ¡± We wait till she¡¯s awake. The boss wants to harm toe to her.¡± He answered, he wore old jeans that were torn on the knees, the t-shirt was far from being white; it was now brown with dust and dirt. As he opened his huge mouth, his teeth were stained brown from frequent tobo smoking and about 4 have pulled off from a fight which left a bad and ugly scar on the left side of his face. The scar drew from below his eyelids to his jaw. He looked scary and dangerous and his heart was simr to that.


    The other guy, who had spoken earlier, was the youngest and least affected gang member. He looked like he was naive. There was also no scar on his body or face but he had an imposing look. The huge muscr body frame made him look fearful.


    ¡± Are you sure she isn¡¯t awake? It was an hour drive here.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t talk about the drive. She might be ying smart on us.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry about it. Her hands and ankles are tied tightly. She can¡¯t ever think of escaping.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re right. Come along and let¡¯s have lunch together. Who knows what will happen if the bosses here.¡±


    They left the room after bolting it from outside, she listened carefully until she didn¡¯t hear a whisper or footsteps.


    Once she was sure they were gone, she got up gently and sat on the dusty floor. It looked like an abandoned warehouse which must have been abandoned recently.


    She coughed violently as she inhaled dust particles while she looked around, there was no windows. No wonder she was choking.


    Only one door and it was locked from outside, she gave up the hope of finding a way to escape.


    No wonder the men have been so confident that she won¡¯t escape, she thought.


    All she could do now was wait to know who had ordered her kidnap. Her mind narrowed to Charlotte, she was definitely the one responsible for this. Only Charlotte was capable of trying to kill her.


    The thought of Charlotte wanting her dead made her scared, she didn¡¯t want to die especially leaving Ariel behind. How will Ariel feel?  Ariel was so attached to her.


    Talking about Ariel, had she yet realized that she was missing?


    No, she thought.


    It was too early, it wasn¡¯t even up to two hours. Thinking about the time made Mia fear so much, she thought about what Charlotte will do to her child, including Wilson who was another enemy that she had.


    How about Antonio? Did he asli realize that she was missing?  All those questions flooded her mind and she didn¡¯t have answers to them. Just thinking about it made her worry so much that she felt her blood pressure was going to rise up at any time.


    She thought of untying the ropes used on her but they were so tight that she could tell blood wasn¡¯t flowing through her wrist and her ankle. These men were skilled, evil and heartless too.


    She hadn¡¯t even had breakfast and now her stomach was rumbling with hunger. She won¡¯t have gotten bothered about it but now she had skipped dinner the previous day because of what transpired that evening. Now she felt she was going to faint soon since she was already feeling dizzy and also the dust in the room was choking her so much that she felt she could stop breathing at any point in time.


    She tried hard to breathe, keeping her eyes wide open as long as she could because she was scared she was going to give up at any time, after some minutes she couldn¡¯t continue again.


    Her eyes closed and her breathing stopped, she fell down on her forehead.

 Finally out

    ¡± How much longer do we need Aaron?¡± He asked as cleaned the sweat on his forehead with the back of his palm. He was more anxious than worried about Mia.


    ¡± That¡¯s the fifth time Antonio. Look at the Screen and you will tell .¡± Aaron answered angrily, tired of answering the same questions over and over again.


    ¡± Can¡¯t you answer without being sarcastic? You know how worried I am about Mia.¡± He bluttered, tired of hearing Aaron¡¯s silly excuses.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡± But you didn¡¯t want to forgive her earlier on.¡± He started,


    ¡± I know. I was just upset with her.¡± He breathed before answering, not sure he was ready for this discussion.


    ¡± Okay¡­¡±


    Aaron¡¯s phone vibrates and Antiono feels relieved.


    ¡± It¡¯s the securities.¡±


    ¡± Give me the update!¡±


    ¡± We have found her, but we can¡¯t find the criminals.¡±


    ¡°Keep looking. We would be there soon.¡±


    He endes the fall and turned to look at Antiono.


    ¡± They found the kidnappers, unfortunately they didn¡¯t find them ¡±


    ¡± What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡± Mia is safe but they can¡¯t find the kidnappers.¡± Aaron Informs again.


    ¡± Drive faster. I want us to get there. I want to see Mia.¡±


    ¡± Calm down. You¡¯re acting like a teenager.¡±


    ¡± Emma will be so d. I will call her so she won¡¯t get worried.¡±


    He called her and inform her, the next call he receives as soon as he disconnected Emma¡¯s call was that of his father.


    ¡°Hello father.¡±


    ¡°Antiono, I¡¯ve seen the proposal and I must say it¡¯s impressive. Your mum and I will being over.¡±


    ¡± Coming over? Is it necessary?¡±


    ¡± Your mum wants to see you. She misses you so much Antonio.¡±


    ¡°When is your flight scheduled for?¡±


    ¡± By 9am tommorow.¡±


    ¡± Is it not too soon father, you still have a bad health.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry about me son, I will be Fine.¡±


    ¡± Okay father, I will be expecting a call from you by tommorow.¡±


    He sighed as he ended the call, making


    hissing sounds that irritated Aaron.


    ¡± Are theying?¡±


    ¡± Yes they are.¡± He answered sadly.


    Truth be told, he knew how his mother wanted him to get Married to Charlotte but these few days he spent with Mia made him realize how much he loved Mia but he knew it will be tough convincing his mother about his love for Mia especially when she finds out Mia already has a daughter.


    ****


    ¡± This is pure bullshit! I gave you just one task and you ruined it.¡±Charlotte yelled on top of her voice.


    ¡°You know this isn¡¯t my fault at all?¡± Wilson defended.


    ¡°Here you go again, defending yourself. No matter what, you are guilty as charged.¡± She exposed.


    ¡°Stop it Charlotte! Not another insult from you .¡±He  warned  but she didn¡¯t listen.


    She was so stubborn.


    ¡± Are you threatening me? You know you¡¯re nothing without my money?¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t bring Money Into this now, Charlotte. We are adults.¡±


    ¡± Stop it, Wilson. How could you employ someone so careless? This was ourst shot and you ruined it.¡±


    ¡± You won¡¯t me him for that, Charlotte. He isn¡¯t to be med.¡±


    ¡± Tell me why you think so. Was it my fault they were caught? Have you thought of the consequences if Antiono finds them.¡±


    ¡± He won¡¯t find them. I¡¯m sure they have seen Mia but as for the kidnappers. I doubt if they will find her.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re so useless. Just pray Mia doesn¡¯t remember their faces. I¡¯m sure Antiono won¡¯t rest untill he finds them.¡±


    ¡± I still don¡¯t understand why Antiono is so concerned about Mia. Was there anything going on between them that we don¡¯t know about?¡±


    She turned to look at him and was surprised that she hadn¡¯t thought of the possibly that Mia and Antiono had something. That could be the reason why they were so connected, there was something going on between them.


    ¡± How about Mia¡¯s daughter? Mia and I had no sexual rtionship. You know  I hated her so I opted for a sex until after marriage, rtionship.¡±


    ¡± Is it possible the little girl is Antiono¡¯s child?¡± She asked herself but quickly suppressed the thought.


    It was possible, Antonio wasn¡¯t someone who could have an external rtionship outside, if it was true then his family must have known about it but then she remembered when his father was taken to the hospital, Antiono had brought the little girl again and introduced her to his Father.


    In anger, she cursed herself for not staying back to know what they were saying. No wonder when Mia came to the hospital that day she was shocked to see Antiono. Those two were definitely hiding something.


    ¡± We need to conduct a DNA test, quickly.¡±


    ¡± How do we do that?¡±


    ¡± Get the girl, we just need to take her to the hospital then we bring her back before anyone notice.¡± She suggested.


    ¡± That¡¯s a job for a fool. Don¡¯t you know she will spill everything to get mother.¡±


    ¡± I know what I¡¯m doing. Once we get everything then we can threaten her to keep shut or she looses her mum.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so bad , Charlotte. That will give the child nightmares.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m desperate, and desperate times falls for desperate measures.¡±


    Her phone rang and she answered after seeing it was Antiono¡¯s mother.


    ¡± Get everything ready, I¡¯ming to the city by tommorow.¡±


    ¡± What for? Did Antiono send for you?¡±


    ¡± No, my dear. I just informed him about mying. I also have to inform you since you¡¯re going to be my daughter-inw soon.¡±


    ¡± When will you be arriving so I can pick you up from the airport?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know, but I will send you the flight details soon.¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t wait to see you Mother, Antiono hasn¡¯t being paying attention to me since he came here.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry my dear. Once I arrive then I will make sure he obeys every of youey demands.¡± She assured her before ending the call


    ¡± Come soon old witch, you¡¯re my pun to be a member of a wealthy family.¡± She whispered with an evil grin.

 Past

    ¡°What is it now, Charlotte?¡±


    ¡± I want to see you, where are you?¡±


    ¡± I can¡¯t tell you right now.¡±


    ¡± Tell me where you are or I¡¯m going to report this attitude of yours to your mother.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t throw threats at  me. I will call you when I¡¯m back.¡±


    The call went dead.


    ¡°Damnit!¡± She yelled in anger.


    ¡± Don¡¯t be like this now.¡± Wilson tried to calm him down but she hushed him.


    ¡°Do not dare touch me! I¡¯m leaving.¡± She grabbed her bag and left immediately.


    ¡± She doesn¡¯t seem to appreciate the time you spend with her.¡±


    He turned to look at thedy dressed in a body clingy red gown wondering where she came out from.


    Was she here all these while? He thought.


    ¡± Don¡¯t stress yourself about it, she¡¯s just going through emotional stress and that¡¯s it.¡±


    ¡± Look at me Wilson and tell me whatever I said is a lie.¡±


    ¡± Let me be!¡±


    ¡± Look at my face


    ¡± What can I say Mabel! I¡¯m tired of her behavior. But I¡¯m a ve .¡±


    ¡± You think so? You made yourself such.¡±


    ¡± Let me inform you, once she gets married to Antiono then consider yourself worthless before her.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t start now Mabel.¡±


    ¡± I didn¡¯t do anything, remember she said she uses you for her body pleasure. Such boldness!¡±


    Wilson kept mute.


    ¡± Don¡¯t be decided, you can trust those richdies.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re one of them Mabel.¡±


    ¡± You have known me for years, you know what I can do.¡±


    ¡± Can I be left alone. I need to think please.¡±


    ¡± Whatever I¡¯m saying is the truth. There¡¯s no need to think about it.*


    ¡°Will you let me be?¡±


    ¡± Sure, if you say so.¡±


    She bent low to kiss him before leaving, before that she had advised him to give her a call when he felt better.


    He watched her leave and for the first time didn¡¯t notice her curvature. She was Mabel, the samedy Mia had Caught him in bed when she came to San Francisco.


    Mabel was a beautifuldy, wealthy and was physically attractive.


    But as she left, he began to think about what she had said. Mabel was right after all, whatever she said was the in truth.


    ****


    They got to the location and found Mia on a stretcher, at first Antiono heart leap in fear because he thought something must have happened to her but when he saw her struggling with one of the nurses he knew she wasn¡¯t dead like his mind had assumed.


    He rushed to where she was and immediately hugged her, she was surprised to see him but she returned the hug. She was excited that he had resuced her,


    ¡± I was really worried you. I¡¯m sorry for leaving.¡±


    She said nothing as she hugged him tightly inhaling the sweet smell of his cologne. Then suddenly she remembered her daughter, she freed herself from him and ask,


    ¡± How is Ariel? Where is she?¡±


    ¡± Ariel is fine. Don¡¯t worry about her. We would go see her together.¡± He assured her, patting her hair lovingly.


    ¡± We need to take her statements sir.¡± A man said, Antiono and Mia turned to see a Cop.


    ¡± Will she be able to take it another time. She¡¯s stress and needs rest.¡±


    ¡± The statements today can be different from tommorow.¡±


    He wanted to protest when Mai stopped him,


    ¡± I will give my statements, will I be able to go home after that?¡±


    ¡± Of course, Ma¡¯am.¡±


    The cop brought out a pen and a note pad from a Pocket inside his jacket, he requested for a chair which was brought for Mia in no time.


    ¡°Did you see them?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­two of them but I don¡¯t think they were the same men who brought me here.¡±


    ¡± How do you mean?¡±


    ¡± The same men who carried me in the office were huge, and had a strong cologne. I think they left after keeping me here.¡±


    ¡°Did you see their faces?¡±


    ¡°No not at all but I saw the faces of the two men who were with me in this warehouse.¡±


    ¡°Will you be able to describe them ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°Yes of course.¡±


    The Head cop called someone who came with another note pad and a pen. He gestured for her to proceed with the description and she did.


    It took about 10 minutes, Antiono was already getting impatient and he didn¡¯t hide it . He was worried that the Cops were taking the time he was supposed to spend with Mia. The head Cop noticed it and quickly summarized.


    ¡± We would call you by tommorow if you have anything. Will it be okay if we leave some securities in your house.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary.¡±


    ¡± It is, make sure you leave some securities. ¡±


    Alright sir. Do have a nice day.¡±


    ¡± What was that for?¡± Mia asked as soon as the Cop Left.


    ¡± What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡± I mean the securities around my house. I don¡¯t want that, I will be fine.¡±


    ¡± I know. It¡¯s just part of the security requirements.¡±he defended.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡± Really? Who will pay the bills?¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry about that. I will take care of that.¡±


    ¡± I suspect someone, do you have any suspect?¡±


    ¡± No I don¡¯t.¡± She lied, how could she exin it was his wife to be that was trying to kill her.


    ¡± We suspect Wilson. Do you think he¡¯s a prime suspect.¡±


    Wilson?


    She hadn¡¯t thought of him, he was a suspect too but Charlotte had higher chances.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about Wilson but Who knows, No one can trusted.¡±


    ¡± We would solve the issue and find the real culprit. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    ¡± Can I go home now? I¡¯m dead worried about Ariel.¡±


    ¡± Of course. I will drop you off ¡±


    ¡± No¡­it¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡± Will you punish me now? Please Mia.¡±


    ¡± Okay. You can .¡±


    He smiled at her, took her palms and kissed both of them. She blushed at him and left with him to his car but this Car looked different than the one she had seen him with. As him he understood her,


    ¡± It¡¯s not mine, It¡¯s Aaron.¡±

 Piles of deception

    ¡± We need to talk?¡± Wilson yelled as soon as the doors flung open.


    ¡°What are you doing here? Thought you would be with your new girl.¡± She mocked, as she rolled her eyes in jealousy.


    ¡± Don¡¯t start now Mabel. You know how to be annoying.¡± He pushed her gently away from the door and stepped into the house.


    ¡± I did nothing, Wilson. I¡¯m responsible for nothing.¡±


    ¡± Please Mabel. I need you now more than ever.¡±


    ¡± You tell that to Charlotte. I don¡¯t want to get your second option. What am I even saying? I don¡¯t want to be your third option.¡± She maintained.


    ¡± Stop.¡±


    ¡± You should be ashamed of yourself. You¡¯re chasing 2 sisters at a time.¡± She spat in disgust.


    ¡± You know why I¡¯m doing this.¡±


    ¡°No¡­I don¡¯t. Exin it to me.¡±


    ¡± You know how much I love you Mabel.¡±


    ¡± Really? You love me or you live Charlotte. You¡¯re just using me as an excuse to get aqat from Charlotte.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t understand. You are the only one who can satisfy me.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re here for the sex?¡± She faked a look of curiosity as she watched him without blinking.


    ¡± Don¡¯t be like that.¡±


    He brought her close and forcefully kissed her but she pushed him away.


    ¡°I¡¯m not your y toy. Treat me like your woman.¡± Mabel protested in a shrill voice.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry Mabel. Please forgive me, I really need you now.¡± He brought her closer and touched her cheeks. It made her more calm and she smiled at him lovingly.


    ¡± You don¡¯t love her right? I know you don¡¯t.¡± She stared at him in a provocative manner, he watched her before going to take a seat.


    Earlier today, after she met him outside the hotel, he had done a thorough thinking and discovered she was the only one who truly cared about him. As for Charlotte, she was a rich, spoiled brat and her father¡¯s wealth made her more rude.


    Despite the fact Mable was well to do, she loved him sincerely. He loved her too but wanted to get a wealth for himself, he didn¡¯t want to associate himself with Mabel¡¯s wealth, that would be so horrible as a man.


    ¡± You know I don¡¯t love her. We had a deal , Mabel.¡± He blinked twice as he tried to hold her hands but she pushed him away.


    ¡± Was it part of the deal to act like her ve? It should I remind you that you are to make her fall in love with you and have no interest in her.¡±


    ¡± We are still going through that face Mabel, nothing changed. I¡¯m still the same.¡±


    ¡± Really? Even a child can tell you have fallen so deeply with her. Does she satisfy you more than I do?¡± She asked in a cracked tone , nearly at the verge of crying.


    ¡± You don¡¯t need to worry about that, You still own me.¡±


    ¡± I only hope that is true. Come and let¡¯s have dinner together.¡± She invited, and he followed her to the kitchen where she was already preparing something to eat. The aroma of so many lovely dishes filled the room and his stomach rumbling in his stomach.


    ¡± I miss your cooking, Mabel.¡± He was already salivating.


    ¡± You preferred eating from your new girl.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t start now,¡± He grabbed a fork and immediately began thinking into his te of pasta.


    ¡± I will get wine. It¡¯s just I¡¯m in the next room. Don¡¯t eat in a hurry.¡± She warned.


    He nodded as she left but he kept on eating hurriedly. Her phone rang and he was tempted to check who it was but he was too hungry to do that. The call came again and he had to call out to her,


    ¡± Mabel. ¡± He called but she didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡± Mabel! He called again but no answer.


    He turned her phone over to check who the caller was when he saw the name ¡± Charlotte¡±.


    He was confused and at the same time surprised. Different thoughts ran through his mind and his curious mind really wanted to answer, luckily the call ended before he could make up his mind whether to take it or not.


    Some minutester, Mabel returned with a red wine and two sses. She set everything on the table just in front of Wilson as she gestured to him to make a toast.


    Wilson who was worried about the strange caller ID didn¡¯t want Mabel to find out,


    At least he had to know what they had nned, he thought.


    Mabel didn¡¯t notice Wilson was deep In thoughts, she was busy eating her food. It was not until she stopped hearing the ttering of a fork on his te or the opening of the wine bottle that she lifted her head from the food to look at Wilson. She found him deep in thoughts, his arms around his chest and she wondered what was wrong.


    ¡± Wilson!¡± She called out but he still gazed.


    ¡°Wilson! Wilson!¡± The third call snapped him out of it.


    ¡± What¡¯s wrong, Wilson?¡±


    ¡± What businesses do you have with Charlotte?¡± He dropped the question


    *****


    ¡± Mr. Antonio! You brought my mummy.¡± The little girl screamed as she rushed out to hug Antiono before he stepped into the porch.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Ariel!¡± Mia called to her as she took her tiny hands off from Antiono and embraced her.


    Emma watched them from inside unnoticed.


    ¡± Where is Emma?¡± Mia asked as she freed Ariel of her tight grip and went Inside to look for her.


    She met Emma just as she stepped Inside, despite it was still day. She couldn¡¯t see Emma¡¯s face clearly because it was dim but she could recognize her from her thin stature.


    ¡± I was so worried.¡± Emma said as she hugged her, she tried to stop the tears that were forming but she couldn¡¯t so she let it out.


    ¡± Don¡¯t be like this, I¡¯m fine Emma. I was so worried about Ariel.¡± They freed themselves  and Emma immediately wiped the tears from her eyes.


    ¡± I know who did this.¡± She dropped the bomb just on time for Antonio to hear.

 Love of a father

    ¡± Who is responsible, Emma?¡± Antiono thundered in a question. Bothdies were surprised he had been listening to their conversation.  They immediately turned to look at him.


    ¡± Let¡¯s go inside, Mia. I will quickly prepare dinner. ¡± Emma answered, trying to avoid Antonio¡¯s question.


    Antiono tried to say something but he was stopped by Mia,


    ¡± Ariel is here.¡± She whispered.


    He let her be, even though he was still interested in discussing the kidnapper.


    ¡± You can leave. I don¡¯t want Charlotte seeing us together. She might n another kidnap again.¡± Mia said as she bent to Ariel and whispered something into her ear. The little girl ran Inside.


    ¡°What are you saying? Is Charlotte responsible?¡± Antiono asked, confused.


    ¡± I¡¯m not sure, but I think it would be best if we stayed away from each other.¡± Sfe responded.


    ¡± Why are you acting like this?¡±He had noticed the sudden withdrawal from him and he wasn¡¯t going to keep quiet.


    ¡± You¡¯re engaged to Charlotte. She has every right to get angry with me.¡± She answered honestly.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± You still haven¡¯t told me the rtionship you share with Charlotte.¡±


    ¡± I remember saying she¡¯s my sister.¡±


    ¡°Why are you doing this? You know how much you mean to me. You never showed up after that, do you know I was worried about you.¡±


    ¡± I trieding back to you, especially after finding out I was p¡­¡± she stopped halfway .


    ¡± What happened?¡± He became curious and agitated.


    ¡± It¡¯s nothing. ¡± She lied before going Inside.


    He watched her figure disappear into the house and knew she was hiding something.


    Antiono was sure she wanted to stay with him,


    But why was she scared ? Was Charlotte threatening her to stay away? He wasn¡¯t sure but he needed to find out as soon as possible.


    He entered inside and found Ariel on a small stool with a bowl of cereal. She was staring at the screen in front of her with such curiosity and rapt attention that she didn¡¯t even notice Antiono¡¯s presence. Antiono thought of beckoning her to tell her he was leaving but on second thought he decided to inform her mother first.


    He moved towards the area he assumed was the kitchen, as he got closer he heard whispers and became inquisitive.


    He tiptoed to the door and bent his ears closely to the door.


    ¡°You can¡¯t continue keeping him in the dark about your conflict with your sister.¡± He heard from someone who he presumed was Emma.  He was right, it was Emma.


    ¡± It¡¯s not time yet. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s the right time.¡±


    ¡± How about the paternity of  Ariel.¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s my daughter. Don¡¯t mention anything about her.¡±


    ¡± But she¡¯s his¡­¡±


    ¡± Please, don¡¯t start now.¡±


    ¡± Okay, but next time I¡¯m not going to keep my mouth shut.¡± She said like she meant every word.


    Antiono sensed their discussion was over and tiptoed back to where Ariel was. It didn¡¯t surprise him that she didn¡¯t notice he left her, she was d to the screen.


    After some minutes, Emma entered the room and he felt relived for leaving early.


    ¡± You¡¯re here? I thought you left.¡±


    ¡°I still want to ensure Mia us doing okay,¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t think that is necessary. I¡¯m here to take care of her.¡±


    ¡± Mr. Antiono, will youe for my school presentation tommorow?¡± Ariel asked, she was done with the show and was munching her cereal.


    ¡°He will be busy with work , Ariel.¡±


    Her face weren¡¯t sad immediately and she dropped her bowl , and ran to hug Antiono.


    ¡± Is that true? You promised me.¡±


    ¡± I wille Ariel. I wille to cheer you up.¡±


    ¡± Yes. The others will know I have a daddy.¡±


    She shouted in excitement, Emma didn¡¯t try to stop her. Ariel too deserved a father¡¯s Love. She moved into the room only to find Mia was evesdropping.


    ¡± Just because you didn¡¯t get love from your father doesn¡¯t mean you should deny that love for Ariel.¡±


    ¡± Your words really hurt, Emma. Please mind them.¡±she begged.


    ¡± But they are the truth. You know whatever I say is the truth.¡± Emma answered having nopassion .


    ¡± When is the time for the presentation?¡±Antonio asked


    ¡± 10am.¡±


    ¡°I will be there at 9:40, might evene before then.¡±


    ¡± Ohhh¡­Mr. Antiono. I love you like my own daddy.¡± He joked.


    ¡± I am your daddy, don¡¯t you remember?¡±


    Sheughed exposing her white teeth, he hugged her once more and kissed her forehead.


    ¡± I have to go now. Expect me Tomorrow. Take care of your mum also.¡±


    He left after nting a kiss in her forehead, he wish he could do same to Mia but she was just scared of Charlotte.


    He got to his vehicle and found more than 10 missed calls from Charlotte and his mother.


    He dialed his mum¡¯s number first,


    ¡± Hello mother.¡± He greeted .


    ¡± Where are you? Charlotteined you weren¡¯t taking her calls. I was dead worried.¡±


    ¡± I had some urgent work to do. Can we talkter? I¡¯m driving.¡±


    He didn¡¯t wait to hear her response. He disconnected the call and quickly stepped down from the car. He needed to talk to Mia. He came face to face with Mia holding Ariel¡¯s hands, he felt relieved seeing them.


    This was the perfect family he had dreamt of and now it was before him but his mother¡¯s ambition was spoiling thingd for him.


    He walked towards where Mia was and smiled at her. Ariel, who wanted her mother to get closer to Antonio, took her mother¡¯s hands into Antonio¡¯s. He felt the warmness of her palms and was grateful he had her to himself.


    ¡± Will youe for Ariel¡¯s presentation tomorrow?¡± She asked him.


    ¡± I won¡¯t miss it for anything.¡± He smiled at her, assuring her .


    ¡± Mum, invite him to have dinner mummy.¡± The little girl whispered in a tiny voice.


    ¡°He has some work to do now Ariel, I¡¯m sure he will have dinner with us some other time.¡±


    ¡± Is that true? Will you have dinner tomorrow.¡±


    He gave a nod as an answer.


    ¡± I have to go now, please take care of yourself.¡±


    She nodded and smiled back at him, you too.


    He walked to his car and entered, driving off to the house. He felt relieved and didn¡¯t want to call anyone, nor check his text. That was when he realized he had forgotten to ask Emma who was responsible but he wasn¡¯t worried. He could do that tomorrow once he sees them. He was already excited about seeing them tomorrow.

 Trust is broken

    ¡± I won¡¯t want to repeat myself , Mabel. Who the fuck is Charlotte and why do you have her contact?¡± He thundered at her in anger.


    She kept her mouth mute in silence.


    ¡°For Heaven¡¯s sake please stop with the suspense and silence. You know how bad I hate it.¡± He begged her.


    ¡± Can you hand my phone over? I don¡¯t go through your things. I respect your privacy so do so with mine.¡±


    He was stunned to hear her, she was not rude, her voice wasn¡¯t loud but he could tell she meant every word of hers.


    This was the first time he was seeing her get so angry. He handed the phone to her immediately and she opened a conversation and handed it back to him.


    He was quite scared to take it, but he dared not disobey her. He nced through the conversation and saw it was business conversations.


    ¡°You can see it¡¯s clearly business, she¡¯s my business partner.¡± She answered in defense.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry for using you ¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± She dropped the wine she was holding on the table.


    A call came immediately from Charlotte and she took it, putting it in loudspeaker.


    ¡± Hello, Mabel. I¡¯m yet to see the proposal.¡±


    ¡± You will get it soon. I¡¯ve been busy with a lot of business presentations , although I sent the fashion deal to your Manager.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡± I¡¯ve gotten the particr slide, I was hoping to get your approvals soon so we can get started.¡±


    ¡± Give me some time, about an hour or two. I¡¯m in the middle of something important.¡± She answered, they exchanged another set of pleasantries and the call ended.


    ¡± You have a project with ¡± stor¡¯s Home?¡± Wilson asked in curiosity.


    ¡± No¡­Is that not Antiono¡¯spany, Charlotte doesn¡¯t work there.¡±


    ¡± Okay. I thought she was involved in something there since she was bent on getting into stor¡¯s family.¡±


    ¡± Charlotte is a fashion queen and a model, I want her to model my brand.¡±


    ¡± I never knew she could be this humble.¡±


    ¡± This is business Wilson, in business everyone is humble or else you will be the least.¡±


    ¡± I really can¡¯t wait to join the business world. Have you met Antonio?¡±


    ¡± Yes. Maybe once or twice. He¡¯s a nice guy, and works very hard for his father¡¯s furniturepany. And their furniture is korr than perfect.¡± Sge praised and it angered him.


    ¡± I hear lots of praises from him. He¡¯s so perfect and that¡¯s why Charlotte and Mia won¡¯t want to let him go.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still concerned about Mia¡¯s business with him, I¡¯m sure they have a stronger chemistry. What if he¡¯s the father of her child.¡±


    His veins protruded immediately, he had never thought of that. Although Mia had never mentioned who Ariel¡¯s father was, she had never said anything about being sexually molested.


    ¡± I¡¯m not sure Ariel is Antiono¡¯s daughter. Imy sure Charlotte would have found out if it was true.¡±


    ¡± So what¡¯s their connection, why is he after Mia even when she¡¯s a single mother?¡±


    He kept mute and couldn¡¯t answer, Mabel had a point.


    Was Charlotte aware they were that close? No, she would have tried to hurt Ariel if that was the case.


    But one couldn¡¯t tell what was going on the mind of Charlotte, she was a bad A** b*tch.


    ¡± I don¡¯t know, I will have to find out.¡±


    ¡± Going there is a bad idea. Mia already suspects you and I¡¯m sure Antiono also suspects you.¡±


    ¡± Running away means I¡¯m guilty and I have to show I¡¯m innocent by showing up.¡±


    ¡± You are very unwise. Make sure you¡¯re careful. Don¡¯t do something that will implicate you ¡±


    ¡± I still don¡¯t know how you know so much.¡±


    ¡± I choose to know what happens around me, just like you don¡¯t trust me. I also don¡¯t trust you.¡± She dered.


    ¡± Are we still on this issue? I apologized to you.¡± He tried to get mad but he knew it was his fault.


    ¡± I¡¯m just trying to create a fact. Our rtionship is injured. I have some work to do, I suggest you be on  your way.¡±


    ¡± Are you sending me out?¡±


    ¡°If you think that¡¯s it, then you¡¯re free to act on whatever.¡±


    He tried to protest but she brought her hand up, sge was tired of any exnation he was trying to give. After some minutes, he left with the wine untouched.


    He walked out of the house, and was weed by the sunny weather. He put on his sun shades and decided to go to a coffee shop just to hide away from the sun. He hated the weather so much, he looked at his wrist watch. It was almost 4pm. He was relieved that soon the sun will be out.


    Inside the coffee shop, he saw ady. She looked different and was absent minded, and to summarize it all; she looked rich.


    He got close to her table and politely requested to sit just opposite her. She epted, the first thing he noticed was the fragrance of her perfume. It had the smell of coffee. The same perfume  he was sure Charlotte used. He suspected she was from a rich home. The gold bracelet and watch she wore also confirmed it.


    ¡°I¡¯m Wilson, what¡¯s your name?¡± He brought out  his right hand for a handshake.


    ¡± I¡¯m Piper stor, nice to meet you. ¡± She responded, stretching out her hands to ept him.


    stor? Surely the name sounded familiar,


    He squeezed his face like he was trying to recall. She noticed it and decided to help.


    ¡± Antiono stor is my brother, the heir to the stor¡¯s home.¡±


    Immediately he heard Antiono¡¯s name, he felt so angry but decided to control his feelings. The young man was ruining his day each time they met.


    Suddenly, he noticed she was smiling at the direction of the door, he  followed her gaze and noticed she was smiling at a man who wasing towards them.


    ¡± Aaron.¡± She got up to hug him.


    Was it her boyfriend? Hethought.


    He felt embarrassed that she was hugging another man in his presence even when they were notmitted.


    ¡± Aaron, this is Wilson. I met him today. Wilson meet Antiono¡¯s best friend and my brother.¡±


    He was relieved when she introduced him as her brother. He was quite scared he had lost the beautifuldy but the other man looked at him with such scorn and disappointment.

 Paying the sacrifice of a father.

    ****ska Airlines**¡±


    ¡± Where are you Antiono? I¡¯ve been here  for more than an hour.¡± Mrs. stor asked as soon as he answered.


    ¡± Give me some minutes Mother. You can drive with Aaron and we can see at home ¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t start that with me now,e here immediately.¡± She ordered.


    He ended the call, he was already runningte and needed to see Ariel, it was almost time for her presentation. Then his phone vibrated.


    Fuck! Mia was  calling again, he didn¡¯t want to disappoint Ariel. Not now when he won her heart . He got to the airport in no time and found his mother casually chatting with Charlotte. He grew wide in anger,


    ¡± Mother, you¡¯re such a pain. Why didn¡¯t you let Charlotte drive you. She¡¯s as important as I am.¡± He yelled


    ¡± Drive me home, we have a lot to talk about.¡± She didn¡¯t bother to answer his question.


    His mother was used to making so many demands, he wondered how he was going to fulfill the request of the most important set of people in his life.


    ¡± Mum, I have some urgent work. Let¡¯s go home and I will go to work.¡±


    ¡± Why are you such a hurry? Thest time I checked, you¡¯re the  CEO and I¡¯m sure everyone listens to yourmand.¡±


    ¡± Mum, please don¡¯t start now.¡±


    ¡°Take me home, we would discuss everything at home.¡±


    Aaron took the luggage in his car while his mum and Charlotte drove with him.


    ¡± You didn¡¯t bring your car?¡±


    He asked Charlotte.


    ¡± I ordered a ride, but didn¡¯t want to drive.¡±


    ¡± You should have asked me to drive you ¡± he was just trying to get nice, just to y out that things were okay between them


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that. I knew you would be busy with business.¡± Age responded coldly, making it obvious that things weren¡¯t going well.


    ¡± Have you thought of a wedding date, Antonio?¡± His mother asked.


    ¡± Wedding date, mother? Is that what you came for?¡±


    ¡± What silly questions? I asked a question, Antiono.


    ¡± I¡¯ve not thought of a date mother, I¡¯m busy with thepany.¡±


    ¡±  I will help you with a date, once I rest we would go shopping for the wedding rings and dress.¡±


    ¡± Is that necessary?¡±


    ¡± So you wear your pijamas to a wedding?¡± She was sarcastic.


    ¡± Mother, ¡± he smiled, he caught her joke


    ¡°I have to go now, it¡¯s important.¡±


    ¡± Will you leave us half way?¡±


    ¡± I will call Aaron and he will take you home.¡±


    ¡± No¡­take us home Antiono. You can¡¯t drop us half way.¡±


    ¡± Mother, I will tell you everything once I get home this evening.¡±


    ¡°Antiono!¡± She caled out in anger.


    ¡°Mother¡­do you live me and want my life to be safe?¡± He was ckmailing her but he didn¡¯t care. This was the only way.


    ¡± Yes¡­¡± she was scared.


    ¡± Then let me go, I will exin when Ie back.¡± He left immediately, and walked to his car.


    ¡°***


    ¡°What¡¯s taking more time mother? He¡¯s supposed to be here.¡±


    ¡°I guess it¡¯s the traffic, I will call him again.¡±


    She dialed his number again but it rang for a long time, unanswered.


    ¡°Pick up the phone, Antiono.¡± She muttered.


    It was almost time, and the presentation was here.


    She dialed the number again but didn¡¯t get any response, it was unlike him.


    He had never tried to disappoint or rejectvgr calls. She was worried and also angry at the same time.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    Ariel was already sad, she didn¡¯t want to go for the presentation. She was already in tears, it made Mia grow mad I¡¯m anger.


    ¡± Listen to me Ariel, take no notice of him. He happy. He broke our trust.¡±


    ¡± No mother, he promised me. He has never broken any of his promises.¡±


    She listened to get daughter and couldn¡¯t believe, she still trusted him. She still believed every word he said.


    ¡± Forget about him Ariel,¡±


    ¡± But mother¡­¡±


    ¡± Listen to me Ariel and No buts. Go in for your presentation now!¡±she yelled at her.


    ****


    He got a text immediately he dropped his mum, it was from Mia.


    It read,


    ¡± Thanks for hurting I and Ariel.¡±


    It made him so angry that he pushed the windows, it shattered and he was bleeding.


    He left the car doors open as he raced down to the school, luckily Ariel¡¯s presentation wasn¡¯t over. She looked sad as she muttered series of lines her mother made her rehearsed.


    ¡± Ariel, my girl.¡± She turned to look at Antiono.


    He was still panting and he looked dirty, she was so excited that she left the stage to hug him.


    ¡± You came.¡± She shouted with joy.


    ¡± I told you, I won¡¯t miss it right?¡±


    ¡± You have an injury, does it hurt?¡±


    ¡± It doesn¡¯t, finish your presentation then I can appky sone first aid.¡±


    She rushed back to the stage and finished her presentation.


    Mia came right away with the first aid box,


    ¡± What happened to you?¡± She asked, as she took his hands to dress it.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry about it, I promised Ariel I will dress it once she¡¯s done.¡±


    ¡± Can you hear yourself?¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t he stubborn now, let¡¯s cheeer our daughter now.¡±


    She looked at him shocked, he didn¡¯t even realize he said something like that. She watched as he looked at Ariel, he truly loved her despite nit knowing if she was his daughter or not .


    The presentation was done and Mia was d,


    ¡± I was scared you weren¡¯t going toe.¡±


    ¡± I was scared too, Charlotte made my mum do things but I had to show I was in charge.¡±


    She smiled at him.


    ¡°, You¡¯re mum is around?¡±


    ¡± She came this morning, but without my dad.¡±


    ¡± I would really love to mert her, ¡±


    ¡± Not now, I¡¯m not sure she will be happy to see you.


    ¡± It¡¯s fine¡­I was so worried you won¡¯te. I said some mean things to Ariel.¡±


    ¡± I understand. It¡¯s not your fault, you were just trying to get a good mother.¡±


    ¡°How did you get hurt?¡±


    ¡± I mistakenly knocked over a ss.¡± He lied, how could he said he had intentionally hurt himself out of anger?


    ¡± I¡¯m so happy you¡¯re here. Mum you I told you he won¡¯t disappoint me.¡±


    ¡± She really believed in you. Why ?¡±


    ¡± I won¡¯t want to hurt her , no matter what.¡±

 Double lives

    ¡± You must find it strange that I¡¯m interested in you.¡± He stared at him, making him feel nervous.


    ¡± What do you want?¡± Wilson fired at him.


    ¡± Mia Sabastine. You know yet right?¡±


    He was stunned


    ¡± Who are you and what do you want?¡± He yelled at him trying to show he wasn¡¯t scared.


    ¡°Talk to me like the man you are, thedy isn¡¯t here. Speak up.¡±


    ¡°Who are you, Man?


    ¡± Mia was kidnapped, I have every right to know your movements for thest four hours.¡± He said dressing his cor.


    Wilson pushed his hands away,


    ¡± No¡­you don¡¯t. You know I can get your arrested for this .¡±


    ¡± Take,¡± handing over a phone.¡± Call the authorities and I¡¯m certain they will be interested in your moments. You can¡¯t talk to me but surely you can talk to the authorities.¡±


    Wilson was already panting hard, as fear caught him. He won¡¯t dare touch the phone, this man was making things difficult for him but who was him? Why did he know so much.


    ¡± Aaron?¡± She called, Wilson heaved a sigh of relief.


    Things were beginning to go tough.


    ¡± We have to go, remember Antiono called to pick up mum.¡± She said in a whisper.


    Aaron watched Wilson with death stares before he left.


    As soon as he was out of the coffee shop and had driven out, Wilson put on his sunshades and left. The sun wasn¡¯t there anymore but he didn¡¯t care, he needed to hide himself. He found it safe to hide his eyes.


    He found a safe spot and took out his phone to dial Charlotte¡¯s number. It rang but she didn¡¯t take it, he tried again and she answered.


    ¡°What the heck do you want?¡± She thundered over the phone.


    ¡± Who is Aaron?¡± He asked, he took noticed of the name when Piper called him


    ¡± Who¡¯s that?¡± She pretended not to know.


    ¡± Don¡¯t pretend like you don¡¯t know. You surely know the family to whom you¡¯re marrying into.¡± He ordered.


    ¡± Don¡¯t scold me. I am not your child.¡±


    ¡± Please Charlotte, tell me who Aaron is.¡± He couldn¡¯t believe he was pleading with her, but he didn¡¯t care. She was the only one who could help him at this point.


    ¡°Aaron is Antiono¡¯s best friend. He¡¯s treated like a family member. But why do you ask?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t think it¡¯s necessary.¡± He ended the call afterwards.


    There was no need for any further discussion, he thought.


    *****


    ¡± How did you meet Wilson? You know him before now?¡± He asked as soon as they got into the car.


    ¡± No¡­we just met at the coffee shop. You were going to kill him with your scary eyes.¡± Sheughed exposing her lovely sparking dentals.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like him at all. Don¡¯t like his looks.¡±


    ¡± You judge so easily, Aaron.¡± She faked being angry.


    ¡± What if I¡¯m certain. What if it¡¯s not a mere usation?¡± He asked, looking straight at her.


    ¡°You only need evidence for that. ¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Just stay away from him. Antiono won¡¯t even want to hear about this. ¡±


    ¡± Bossy brothers.¡± She muttered under her breath but she could swear he heard her.


    ¡°Put on your seat belt, your mum and your new sister-inw will be waiting for you. ¡±


    ¡± You mean yourself right? Because I have no business there.¡±


    ¡± Will you ever get over your hatred for Charlotte.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t like her. She¡¯s rude, I feel she¡¯s not a nice person. Like a pretender.¡±


    ¡± Here¡¯s the judgement you talked about. Maybe you don¡¯t know her.¡±


    ¡± Enough of the pretence Aaron. We both know mum is her only fan. You don¡¯t like her, neither do Antiono and I.¡±


    ¡± You got me Youngdy, put on your seat belt and let¡¯s go. I don¡¯t want any more scolding.¡± He warned, she smiled at him before wearing the belt.


    Once she was  done, he started the car and drove as the speed limit could carry.


    The ce where Antiono had ordered for them to be picked up was not too far from where he was, just about 10 minutes drive.


    He got there and met Mrs. stor, she wasn¡±¡®t looking happy at all.


    ¡± Mother !¡±Piper called out as she ran to hug her. The call brought Mrs. stor to reality as she hugged her tightly.


    ¡± How are you mother?¡±she asked.


    You see how I am, Piper. You look quite malnourished, are you eating properly at all. I told Antiono to take care of you, but no. He doesn¡¯t listen.¡± Mrs. storined bitterly.


    ¡± Oh mother. Enough of theins. Let¡¯s go home together and we would both scold Antiono.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve packed the bags, I can¡¯t find Charlotte anywhere.¡±


    ¡± She had to take a call. Look, here shees.¡±


    ¡± Hello Charlotte.¡±Piper greeted as she hugged her.


    Sometimes he wondered what the two women were up to, one could never tell what was in a woman¡¯s mind. The same person she imed she dislike was the same person she was hugging warmly.


    ¡± Mother, I can¡¯t join you. I got an urgent call and I have to go now.¡± Charlotteined, she looked frightened.


    ¡± What is it?¡±


    ¡± My mum is in bad health, she needs me urgently.¡± She lied.


    ¡± That¡¯s awful,  you have my permission to leave. Take care of her and yourself. we would talk in the evening.¡±


    ¡± How will you go there? I can drive you there then take mother home.¡±


    ¡°No it¡¯s fine¡­I will order a ride like I did.¡±


    ¡± Aaron is right. Join us.¡±


    *No mother, I promise I will be fine.¡±


    ¡± Okay then. Take care and tell your mum I will visit her soon.¡±


    ¡± You know why Antiono is so busy?¡±


    ¡± No mother, but he looks stressedtely,¡±


    ¡± I observed. once he gets married to Charlotte then I¡¯m sure half of our problems will be solved.¡±


    Aaron didn¡¯t bother to listen to their discussion, he was more concerned about Charlotte. She looked agitated and this was the first time she was lying but what could be so important that would make her lie. He walked away to phone Charlotte¡¯s mum


    ¡± Hello ma¡¯am, this is Aaron. You remember?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­I remember. How are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m good, was just checking on you since I heard you were down with a fever.¡±.


    ¡°Down with a fever, I¡¯ve not falken suck for the past 3 months. You know I¡¯m hardly sick, you just have the wrong information.¡±


    ¡± I presumed so, but I just wanted to check on you.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s a fine thing to do. How is Antiono and Charlotte. She hasn¡¯t been taking my calls.¡±


    ¡± Really?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­we haven¡¯t spoken for two weeks. I¡¯m really concerned.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry so much ma¡¯am, She¡¯s fine and you know she¡¯s with Antiono. Maybe she doesn¡¯t want to be disturbed.¡±


    ¡± Will you talk to her on my behalf? Tell her I¡¯m so worried about her ¡±


    ¡± I will do that ma¡±am.¡±


    He ended the call on that note.

 Ariel is my daughter

    Immediately they got home, he left a text for Antonio while he walked Into the house not fully aware of what Piper and her mother were talking about.


    ¡± Please freshen up mother. I will ask the maids to prepare something for you.¡± Piper requested.


    Piper, as she was called by everyone wasn¡¯t Mrs. stor¡¯s biological daughter, it got to the point where she wanted a girl child so badly when Antiono was two and she was told she couldn¡¯t give birth to a child due to a health condition  that wasn¡¯t exposed.


    With the help of her private doctor, she had to speak to the orphanage and that was when little Piper came to the stor¡¯s family. Since she entered, Piper had never been treated indifferently but has been showered with love and material gifts.


    After Mrs. stor had left the room, Piper pulled Aaron closer.


    ¡± Now spill it.¡± She ordered.


    ¡± What are you talking about?¡± He looked at her in an inquisitive manner. She had those big eyeballs Mia had, the same color Antonio had noticed when he met Mia for the first time.


    ¡± I¡¯m talking about Antonio, you two are surely up to something.¡± She answered in a in manner, without stammering or thinking.


    ¡± Not now again now Piper. You are fond of doing this.¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t judge me. I can smell something is going on between you two.¡±


    The door flung open and Antonio stormed inside in anger, his countenance was enough to drive the unnecessary questions they wanted to ask.


    ¡± Look, Antonio is here.¡±


    ¡® ¡°Antonio, what happened to you?¡± Piper asked, she wasn¡¯t scared of him.


    ¡± Where¡¯s mother?¡± He asked, ignoring  her question.


    ¡± She¡¯s in her room, probably having a shower.¡±


    ¡± I will meet up with herter, for now Aaron pleasee with me.¡±


    ¡± You want to discuss her right?¡±


    They turned sharply to look at her, wondering what she was driving at.


    ¡± This doesn¡¯t concern you, Piper. Get something to do or better still go out with friends.¡± He instructed sharply.


    ¡± Mia Sabastine. That¡¯s her name right?¡± She asked again.


    He was confused and at the same time astonished, he turned to look at Aaron but he had the same confused expression as his.


    ¡°Where did you get the Information from?¡±


    ¡± I have my findings , Antiono brother. The child she has, it¡¯s yours.¡± She exposed.


    The shock on Antiono¡¯s face was all, he was more shocked to know about it than knowing Piper had been spying on them.


    ¡± What are you saying, Piper.¡±


    ¡± Tell me the truth, ¡±


    ¡± Isn¡¯t it obvious, you both had a wonderful time together and you met again. Ariel is about 5 years old. Think about it.¡±


    ¡± She was engaged to the asshole Wilson, Piper.¡±


    ¡°How do you know so much, you frighten me.¡± It came from Aaron this time.


    ¡± Like I said, I have my reliable findings. Won¡¯t it interest mum to know her favorite and only son has a daughter , that too with another woman who is the sister of Charlotte.¡± This was too much, Piper was bing more rude and proud.


    That was it, Antiono was frightened. Piper knew everything even more than he knew.


    This was too much information that he didn¡¯t like.


    ¡°Try a DNA test without her knowledge and we would know who¡¯s telling the truth.¡±


    ¡± Why do you want to do a DNA test?¡±


    They turned to look immediately, it was Mrs. stor.


    She repeated her question and nobody had an answer except Piper.


    ¡± Well mother¡­it¡¯s a youngdy who Aaron is in love with, she ims her daughter is Aaron¡¯s own.¡±


    ¡± Is that true?¡±


    ¡± Don¡¯t bother yourself mother, a simple DNA test can prove Aaron isn¡¯t the father.¡±


    ¡± It better be a false Information, I won¡¯t want anyoneing into this family with a child.¡±


    All eyes were on Antonio, he had gotten some of the answers he needed.


    ¡± What was so important that you had to leave? I tried calling your phone and look you have bandages on. Did something bad happen?¡±


    ¡± Mother, can we talk about thister?¡±


    ¡± Immediately you tell me how you got injured,¡±


    ¡± If you must know. I got so angry that I transferred the aggression on my car windscreen.¡±


    ¡± Oh my goodness. You should have learnt to control your anger.¡±


    ¡± Mother please¡­ the wound has been attended to. I just need to rest.¡±


    ¡± But¡­¡±


    ¡± Mother please. Just let him rest, he¡¯s not running away.¡±


    *****


    ¡± Was Piper saying the truth?¡± Antonio couldn¡¯t help but ask


    ¡± I guess so. I¡¯m not quite certain.¡±


    ¡± But how did she get so much information?¡±


    ¡± I still don¡¯t know. She isn¡¯t the smart one so I¡¯m really shocked.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡± She made us think she was a fool. Piper is something else.¡±


    ¡± What are you going to do now?¡±


    ¡± Conduct the DNA test as required. I will know who is telling the truth.¡±


    ¡± How did it go with Mia? You came back so soon.¡±


    ¡®¡± It was going well until she received a call. After that she came over and asked me politely to leave and never show my face again.¡±


    ¡± She did that, in Ariel¡¯s presence?¡±


    ¡± No¡­after she sent Ariel away.¡±


    ¡°So it was after she received a call.¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­her phone rang and she went away. She came back looking quite scared and agitated. She couldn¡¯t even look into my eyes.¡±


    ¡± Have you thought of the possibility that the calm must have been responsible for her actions?¡±


    Then it dawned on him, Aaron was right. The call did the trick, but whose call wasn¡¯t.


    ¡± Do you know who called?* They asked in unison.


    ¡± I will go through her phone and find out.¡±


    ¡± When?¡±


    ¡± Now. I will go myself.¡±


    ¡± What will you tell her, remember she warned me never toe back.¡±


    ¡± She warned you and not me. I might use Piper.¡±


    ¡± Would she agree?


    ¡°I would ask her.¡±


    ¡°Please talk to her nicely and make her understand. She¡¯s the only one who can help me.¡±


    ¡°Of course. Please also talk to mother. She¡¯s worried about you.¡± Aaron advised.


    ¡± I will do that now, just after a shower.¡±


    ¡± Okay. Send me Mia¡¯s address. I don¡¯t think I remember where she stays.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s not a problem. Do well to keep me updated about every single information.¡±


    ****


    She left with Piper as she wondered what was happening to her son, he had changed. Maybe the City was having a huge effect on him and it was affecting home negatively.


    ¡± Can I ask you a question?¡± She asked immediately  the call was answered.


    ¡± Yes mother. You can ask me anything.¡±


    ¡± Tell me the truth, you have a child with Antonio?¡±


    ¡± Mother, that¡¯s not possible. If we have a child of course we would have her married.¡±


    ¡± I know¡­I just hope Antonio doesn¡¯t have a child outside.¡±


    ¡± Why do you say that mother?¡±


    ¡± I overheard them talking about DNA. Although Piper had said it was Aaron she was referring to. I believe she¡¯s lying. Aaron isn¡¯t someone who would want a serious rtionship, at least not now.¡±


    ¡± Are you suspecting, someone out there has a child for Antonio?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­a daughter.¡±


    She fell silent suddenly, her suspicions had slowly turned out to be reality.


    What if Ariel was Antiono¡¯s daughter?


    1266 Number of words

 A smart detective

    ¡± I was about to call your phone.¡±


    He called lightly to her, as he found her just at the balcony. He quickly guessed she had been in the kitchen.


    ¡± Call my phone, why?¡±  Piper asked, she held a ss of juice in one hand and the other hand was behind her back. She was hiding something, Aaron didn¡¯t bother to check. It must be one of those foods Antonio warned her about eating. Sugary foods pricisely.


    ¡± Antonio wants us to do something for him immediately.¡± He answered.


    ¡± Hope there¡¯s no problem?¡± She asked and she revealed what she was hiding, it was a muffin. Again, Aaron acted like he didn¡¯t noticed.


    ¡± No there isn¡¯t. I will feed you on what you need to know in the car.¡± He held her wrist, almost spilling the drink she was holding.


    ¡± You have to tell me what I¡¯m going to do. I don¡¯t trust anyone.¡± She protest, struggling to free herself and he let her go.


    Heughed at her childishness,


    ¡± Anyone?¡± He faked ignorance.


    ¡± Yes¡­I don¡¯t trust anyone except you.¡± She answered and drained the remaining juice in her ss.


    ¡± Trust me, I will never do anything to you.¡± He assured.


    ¡± Give me 5 minutes, I will quickly change and have a shower.¡± She requested.


    ¡°No¡­you can¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡± Why?¡±


    ¡°That will take eternity and we don¡¯t have time for that.¡± He answered honestly and he was right. A bath for five minutes? That was an impossible task for Piper.


    ¡± You¡¯re such a pain. A big pain.¡± She yelled painfully at him.


    They walked to the car, and Piper politely asked to ride in the Lamborghini.


    ¡± Can I drive?¡± She asked inly.


    ¡± You know it¡¯s a No.¡± He answered, without looking at her. He opened the door for her and she entered grudgingly.


    ¡± I hate you and Antiono.¡± She mutterd.


    ¡± We love you baby.¡±


    She looked at him with her yful big eyeballs which sometimes made her look like a doll.


    ¡± I love Antiono so much, he cares but would never want to ept.¡± She said as soon as he was seated in the driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡°Of course. You¡¯re his only sister.¡±This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± You know Mia was kidnapped some days ago?¡± She questioned as she buckled her seat belt likewise Aaron.


    ¡± Yes¡­I want to know how you knew about  Mia and Antiono¡¯s rtionship.¡± He started the engine.


    ¡°Simple¡­I was I¡¯m the same hotel. The weekend right? I went for a drink.¡± She smiled as she talked.


    ¡± Why didn¡¯t we see you?¡±


    ¡°Because I  didn¡¯t let you.¡±


    ¡°Was it necessary to hide?¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re asking me that?¡±


    He didn¡¯t have to think much, he quickly remembered what had transpired between the duo. During that period Piper was banned from leaving the house because of the man she imed to be in love with. Antiono had suspected he was a fraud but Piper was too stubborn to listen. She felt she was neglected and her decisions were never heeded.  It became so tense that Piper was sent away to another city.


    ¡± How did you manage to pass the bouncers that were assigned to you?¡± He asked taking a second to look away from his driving.


    ¡± I still don¡¯t know, I guess I was too smart  for them.¡± She grined in delight.


    ¡°You should have left immediately,¡±


    ¡± Then I wasn¡¯t going to find out the secret you and Antiono were hiding.¡±


    *****


    ¡°How are you mother?¡± He opened the door in ajar as he asked. She looked angrily at him and pretended to be trying out her jewelries.


    He asked again and she replied,


    ¡°You can tell I¡¯m not okay, I just got insulted by my only son.¡±


    ¡± Can I talk to you for a while mother?¡±


    ¡°Not now, I have urgent work to do.¡± She ridiculed.


    ¡± Don¡¯t be like this mother. It¡¯s very important and you know I¡¯m really sorry.¡±


    ¡± What is this all about? I have to rest Antiono.¡±


    ¡± Mother, don¡¯t get like this. I have to tell you something about Charlotte.¡± He walked towards her and stood in front of her, just a few meters saperating them.


    She raised her eyebrow in curiosity.


    ¡± I don¡¯t want to get Married to her?¡±


    ¡± Why?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not the right time, I don¡¯t love her.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not the right time, I don¡¯t her her ¡± she tried to mimic, Do you love anyone, Antonio? No! Tell me because I know you don¡¯t feel anything there.¡± She pointed to his chest region.


    ¡± Don¡¯t get ridiculous, You can¡¯t understand due to personal reasons and that¡¯s why I can¡¯t give you a reason to call off the wedding.¡±


    ¡± Due to some personal reasons that I can¡¯t give you, the wedding is going to hold as schedule.¡±


    ¡± Mother, don¡¯t he so hard now ¡±


    His phone rang


    ¡± It¡¯s Dad calling, ¡± he mutterd and answered immediately.


    ¡± Hello father,¡±


    ¡± How is your mum?¡±


    ¡± She¡¯s here, don¡¯t think she would want to talk to you now.¡±


    ¡± I will call her something, take care of yourself and keep the business in check.¡±


    ¡°I will do that father, please do take care of yourself. Mum will return by daybreak.¡±


    He ended the call before it went dead.


    ¡± What¡¯s the meaning of that? Who is returning? I just got here.¡± She protested.


    ¡± It will get better you stay with your husband while I focus on important things.¡±


    ¡± You have someone Antiono. You¡¯re hiding something important from me. I know you very well.¡±


    ¡± Mother.. I¡¯m doing no such thing.¡±


    ¡± Really?¡±


    ¡± Should I believe that?¡± She stood up to face him.


    ¡± You really want to know the reason for everything? Fine! I¡¯m in love with someone else. I love her and not Charlotte.¡±

 Piper Alastor

    ¡°Stop Mia, whatever you¡¯re doing to yourself isn¡¯t fair.¡±  She cried out for the uptenth time.


    Since they returned from Ariel¡¯s school, it had been the same issue. Mia hadn¡¯t taken a drink or eaten, just sobbing and weeping.


    ¡± I wonder how he feels, he must hate me for this.¡± Mia yelled, not minding she might disturb her neighbors and can be sued.


    ¡± I¡¯m sure he understands, he loves you. ¡±


    ¡°Why do I feel otherwise, was I so harsh with him?¡± She asked, looking so worried.


    ¡± What do you think? I still don¡¯t understand why you did this. We are not sure if it¡¯s your mother.¡± Emmamented.


    ¡± The person who had called earlier, I heard my mum¡¯s voice. The first time after 8 years. It was clear.¡± She was agitated and said so many things which Emma couldn¡¯t understand.


    ¡± Take it easy, now breathe in.¡± She slowlymanded her, Mia didn¡¯t want to listen but after so seconds of pleadings, she agreed.


    ¡°Someone called when we were there, he had a voice I had never heard before. It was so fearful.¡± Mia started off with an exnation.


    ¡°Okay?¡± She said eagerly waiting for what the story will turn out to.


    ¡± He imed my mum was still alive, I doubted it but he allowed me hear her voice in a video call and I saw pictures I didn¡¯t know how to feel, my mum was alive. She didn¡¯t die.¡± Mia bursted out.


    ¡± But how is that possible, remember the doctors also confirmed her death.¡±This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡± I didn¡¯t even have time to think, I was so overwhelmed with emotions.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s fine but how does it concern behaving so badly with Antonio and shutting downmunication?¡± Emma asked in a saucy manner.


    ¡± The man who had called warned me about seeing Antonio, or else he would kill my mum.¡± She answered fidgeting.


    Emma¡¯s eyes opened in disbelief, Mia too observed her without blinking. The twodies had the same thoughts, they had a simr suspect.


    ¡± Are you thinking what I¡¯m thinking?¡±


    Before Mia could answer, she heard the doorbell and rushed to open hoping it was Antiono. The truth was that even though she sent him away, she still longed for him toe back. She had fallen deeply for him since the past few days. She was very disappointed when she saw it was Aaron and a beautiful unfamiliar figure. She couldn¡¯t hide her disappointment as she sighed in disgust.


    ¡± Hello Miss Mia.¡± Antiono greeted politely.


    Mia watched them for a while speechless and wondering what they were doing in her house.


    ¡± Mia¡­please let them in.¡± Emma muttered.


    They entered her home and Piper couldn¡¯t keep herpliments.


    ¡± You have a nice house¡­it¡¯s neat and beautiful.¡±


    Mia didn¡¯t respond, so Piper had to ask.


    ¡± You must wonder why we are here?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­I¡¯m very surprised.¡±


    ¡± We are here for lunch and bond.¡± Aaron answered.


    ¡°I¡¯m just curious, didn¡¯t Antiono tell you anything?¡± Mia asked.


    ¡°No, he didn¡¯t. What was he supposed to say.¡±


    ¡± Never mind, I will serve lunch.¡±


    ¡± Can I join you,¡± Piper asked, she  sounded like she wanted to discuss something personal with her.


    ¡°Sure.¡±  Even when it wasn¡¯t willingly.


    Before she left, she winked at Aaron but Emma won¡¯t leave the sitting room.


    ¡± Please can Emma join us, you can lock at the doors if you think we would steal anything and leave.¡±


    ¡± No¡­that¡¯s not true I¡¯m not worried about that.¡±


    They entered into the room,


    ¡°I found out something.¡± Piper started.


    ¡± What¡¯s that?¡± Mia questioned.


    ¡± I know you must wonder who I am.¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­I have a right, don¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡± Yes sure. I am Antonio¡¯s sister, I haven¡¯t been around for about 5 years and I stayed in the States most of my life.¡± She exined.


    ¡°Okay¡­ Antiono didn¡¯t mention he had a sister. I guess it was because of your absence.¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­due to personal and political reasons. I had to stay hidden.¡±


    ¡°I will take that.¡±


    ¡± So what are you making, I had toe for lunch because of the suspicions I had.¡±


    ¡°What suspicions?¡± She asked inquisitively.


    Immediately, Ariel entered and muttered a greeting which sounded like a whisper to Mia. Piper smiled immediately, a replica of Antiono when he was much younger.


    ¡°How are you, you are really cute.¡± Ariel smiled at her prettily.


    ¡°You know Antiono, I¡¯m his sister.¡±


    She looked at Piper awkwardly and she was taken aback for a moment.


    ¡± Is anything wrong, you don¡¯t know Antonio?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s something else.¡±


    ¡± Is Mr. Antiono angry with me and my mom.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know but I believe he¡¯s not angry. He loves you so much and will never get angry at you¡±


    ¡°Will you please apologize to him?¡± She spoke softly and sweetly.


    ¡± Yes, sure I will.¡±


    She smiled at her and walked away with the bowl of ice cream Emma had gave her.


    ¡± You have a pretty daughter, she has the same attitude when Antiono was younger.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re Antiono older sister?¡±


    ¡°No¡­younger but we grew up together. I was adopted.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­that¡¯s a better exnation. Antiono didn¡¯t tell you anything?¡±


    ¡± No¡­he didn¡¯t. I found out about your rtionship myself. He¡¯s so secretive and protective.¡±


    She smiled like she knew what wasing.


    ¡± Are you scared of Charlotte?¡±


    ¡± No¡­why?¡±


    ¡± My brother is in love with you and I¡¯m sure you¡¯re in love with him.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s not true.¡±


    ¡± The only thing stopping you being together is Charlotte. My mum wants him to get Married to her but he will call of the wedding.¡±


    ¡± He won¡¯t, I promise not after what happened.¡±


    No wonder, Antiono requested her to see him.


    Emma left with the tray and Piper hoped Aaron won¡¯t be caught.


    They walked together back to the dinning area and found  Aaron eating hungrily.


    They watched him butughed loudly at the expression on Emma¡¯s face. She looked shocked and astonished, Aaron noticed it and gave a dirty smirk. That was what he wanted and he got it.


    He pretended to get angry and leave but after much pleadings from Mia he epted but had to go out to make a call.


    ¡± Did you receive the message I sent?¡±


    ¡± Yes sir¡­¡± the receiver answered.


    ¡± Do trace the number and give me the information. I will be waiting.¡± He ended the call as he heard footsteps.

 Tiny Truth

    He was still wearing the ck jacket he wore in the morning. His meeting with Aaron got into him, he thought of everything that just happened as a sign he needed to take the huge deal. He stopped at an alley, entered and sat on a garbage box which hasn¡¯t been used for a while. With his right hand he rumbled in his pocket for a stick and a  match. Within two minutes he was already smoking. Someone dressed in a ck jacket and dark sunshades entered. She appeared to be hidden as she wore a scarf which covered from her mouth down to her jaw. The only visible feature of her body was her hair, it was ginger.


    ¡°You look really terrible.¡± The stranger muttered, as she took the burning cigarette from Wilson and stamped the light off it.


    Wilson remained unbothered as he watched her, he had no business talking or making a fuss. He dared not do such.


    ¡°Get hold of yourself, it¡¯s just the beginning and there¡¯s more work to do.¡±


    ¡°You think I¡¯m daft?¡± He asked inughter.¡± I have everything figured out. I¡¯m doing just fine.¡±


    ¡± This better be good news, I¡¯m taking no more failures from you.¡± She warned.


    ¡°I respect you for a reason, don¡¯t make me your enemy.¡± Wilson warned, taking off the ck shades to show how serious he was.


    ¡°You are nothing without me Wilson.¡±


    ¡± Fuck you asshole.¡± He yelled at her.


    She sighed pitifully before leaving, but a warning trail off from her mouth as she was leaving.


    ¡°You will regret this action ande to apologize.¡±


    ¡°Fool.¡± Wilson muttered under his breath as soon as she was gone.


    His phone vibrated and it was a text. He grinned.


    Just what he had been waiting for, he thought.


    He walked out of the alley not following the direction he had entered, a car pulled over just in front of him and a chauffeur dressed in a funny white suit rushed immediately to open up the door.


    ¡± What¡¯s yourmand sir?¡± The chauffeur asked, immediately he got to his seat and started the car.


    ¡± To the hospital. The usual.¡± He answered with a devilish smirk on his face.


    ¡°Okay Sir.¡± He answered as the car was ejected in motion.


    The route was quite lonely and no clear sign of living things existing. The only thing was the long tiled road that led to where only the two men in the car knew.


    The car drove for another 20 minutes before it got to a building which looked like a hospital but on closer inspection it hasn¡¯t been used for a long time. Immediately they entered, the big gates were closed making a loud chatter.


    ¡°Get me the doctor,¡± Wilson ordered.


    He entered the only clean part of the building, an office which hadn¡¯t been affected by the earthquake.


    The doctor came after a minute or two, looking scattered and untidy. Theb coat  he wore was old and had brown patches all over that loved like tobo stains. He had freckles around his nose which spread to both sides of his chin. The doctor was apanied by a fierce looking man who wore a ck vest and a Jean pant. The vest looked undersized because of his muscr nature, but he looked scary with his small eyeballs . On his left hand, he had the tattoo of a Scorpion just above his wrist.


    ¡°How is she?¡± Wilson asked, without wasting more time.


    ¡°She¡¯s still sleeping but she¡¯s stable.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what you tell me each time Ie. It¡¯s the fourth time.¡± Wilson yelled.


    ¡± But there¡¯s improvement although I doubt if she will be able to recognize anyone.¡± The doctor exined with trembling hands. Wilson turned to look at him sharply.


    ¡± The fall damaged her nerve tissues. She has no memory of the past.¡± The doctor exined looking away from Wilson.


    ¡°Damnit!¡± He yelled, hitting the table with his fist.


    ¡± That was not the n doctor, you know it.¡± Tiny bits of saliva came out of his mouth as he ventured out his frustration.


    ¡°It was beyond my control, the damage was done already.¡±


    ¡± Out of my sight. Make sure you take care of her and get her to fuckingly remember every damn thing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure it¡¯s possible. I have no information about the patient.¡±


    ¡± You dare go against my authority?¡± He rushed as he grabbed the doctor¡¯s cor.


    ¡± I will do my best.¡±


    It seems like his statement made Wilson more angry as he punched him  hard on his lower abdomen. The doctor fell down on his knees as blood expelled from his mouth. He groaned in pain as he held his stomach.


    ¡± Do all you can. Get all the information from him.¡± He pointed to the huge man with the tattoo of the scorpion.¡± He will give you the information you need.¡±


    ¡± Take him away,¡± He ordered.


    They were just a few steps away from the door when he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.


    ¡± Who the hell is this?¡± He asked in anger.


    He didn¡¯t bother to check who the caller was, the call ended and he felt relieved the phone vibration was freaking him out.


    The phone vibrated again and he brought it out to smash it in anger but the caller ID made him change his mind. It was Charlotte.


    ¡°Why did it take you long to answer?¡± She screamed.


    ¡± Say whatever, I¡¯m not in the mood for your silly questions.¡±


    ¡± For a moment I will pretend like I heard nothing because of the issue on ground.¡±


    ¡± What do you want, this time?¡±


    ¡± Antonio is the father of Ariel.¡±


    ¡± What! That¡¯s bullshit!¡± He roared in disbelief after some seconds.¡± Where did you get such information from?¡±


    ¡°Antiono¡¯s mum called me few minutes ago, asking if I had a daughter with Antonio , ¡±This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He breathed out softly, Charlotte was used to creating issues. ¡± That doesn¡¯t prove he¡¯s the father.¡±


    ¡± I thought so, but she also talked about them carrying a DNA test.¡±


    ¡± Maybe he¡¯s suspicious. Hold on, Mia and Antiono were intimate?¡±

 Mia鈥檚 mum is still alive

    ¡± Thanks for having us. I got an urgent call from Antonio and I¡¯m sorry I have to leave.¡± Aaron said as he adjusted his sunshades.


    ¡± It¡¯s fine. Did he mention what was urgent, did he sound angry?¡± Mia asked in a fright.


    ¡± He mentioned nothing to me but he sounded angry knowing I was at your ce.¡± He lied.


    ¡°It was a pleasure having youe over and I enjoyed your lovely tales Piper.¡±


    ¡± I¡¯m a lover of choctes, I always have a pack in my bag so please give it to Ariel. It¡¯s really nice.¡± Piper said as she handed her the chocte, Mia thanked her and she left.


    ¡± You owe me your life.¡± Piper remarked as soon as she entered the car.


    ¡± I could exchange for some choctes.¡± He mocked.


    ¡± Don¡¯t be silly, that was part of the acting. You know how much I hate choctes!¡± Piper eximed.


    ¡± Who gave you those choctes?¡±


    ¡± Your sister-inw, Charlotte.¡± She responded.


    ¡± She doesn¡¯t know you¡¯re allergic to it?¡± He asked in confusion.


    ¡± I guess it¡¯s a form of revenge. She hates me so much and I don¡¯t Care.¡±


    ¡± You managed to get the contact?¡± Piper further asked.


    ¡± Trust your favourite brother.¡±


    ¡± Who told you you¡¯re my favorite.¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious you love me more.¡±He added with a smirk.


    ¡± You could only wish.¡±


    ¡± Antiono scolds you a lot, protects you from guys you love but I do the exact opposite. Well except the guys, I would specifically choose a man for you.¡±


    Sheughed heartily at his remark exposing white teeth.


    ***


    ¡± What did you just say, Antiono?¡± She looked firece like she was going to do something bad to him. Antiono didn¡¯t look surprised, he knew that kind of information was something his mother was never going to let slide away.


    ¡°You are supposed to be  resting , mother.¡± He pretended not to hear what she had said earlier.


    ¡± Don¡¯t try to act all nice and good. You are in love with someone?¡± She asked, her hands on the door frame for support. Antiono took a long nce at her and could only hope she was fine, her breathing was heavy. He walked to meet her.


    ¡± Mother, you are unwell. You might get suck due to overthinking.¡± He tried to help her but she pushed his hands away.


    ¡± You are a more pain in the butt than Piper. I expected better from you.¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not the right time to talk about my love life.¡± He answered, as took her by the wrist to her room. She didn¡¯t protest, she was more shocked to her marrow.


    ¡°You¡¯ve changed, Antiono. Whichpany are you keeping?¡±


    ¡± My eyes only opened.¡±


    They got to her room, her food was already served in a tray just on the table where she normally had her breakfast anytime she wasn¡¯t eating with her family.


    ¡± Eat and get some rest. We have so many things to talk about, I promise.¡±


    She gave a nod and allowed him to leave, Antiono  pulled a sigh immediately he was out of his mother¡¯s room. He remembered he hadn¡¯t gotten a call from Aaron Or Piper. He had thought of calling them before now but that might risk it. He didn¡¯t want any suspicions from Charlotte. As if his thoughts heard him right, he heard a car drive him. Not up to 5 Minutes, he saw both Aaron and Piper walking to him hand in hand.


    ¡± Look how relieved you are to see us. You owe me.¡± Piper smiled broadly, hugging him tightly.


    ¡°You have good news?¡±He asked


    ¡± More than good news.¡± She responded sweetly.


    Both Antiono and Aaron went into Antiono¡¯s room, Piper was hungry and had to made herself a meal since she loved eating her own meals .


    ¡± I will y the record.¡±  Aaron said as soon as the doors were shut. He brought out his phone and a hoarse voice came up.


    ¡°Mia Sabastine¡­¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± She sounded scared .


    ¡± Your mom is safe, very safe but not for long. End your friendship with Antiono and request he never bothers you again or else she will die.¡±


    ¡°Mum isn¡¯t¡­alive. She died¡­I saw her go lifeless.¡±


    The two men could imagine her trembling and crying.


    ¡± She¡¯s still alive. You want evidence and I will show you.¡±


    The call ended.


    ¡± Just that?¡± Antiono asked, he was surprised that could be responsible for Mia¡¯s attitude.


    ¡± That¡¯s it. Someone out there is threatening her with her mother¡¯s life. They are trying to ckmail her.¡±


    ¡± What if it¡¯s just a prank to lose me?¡± Antiono asked, he looked scared and Worried.


    ¡± Maybe he sent her a photo. I didn¡¯t even check. Hold on and I will call someone.¡± Aaron added before leaving the room.


    Antiono sat at the edge of the bed rubbing his palm, he did that when he was anxious and worried. Different thoughts filled his mind as he wondered who was responsible for the call.


    ¡± You are  very lucky boss, we lost signals of the number 5 minutes after I got the full information.¡± The caller said.


    ¡± Luckily I thought of informing you, I knew the number was going to be blocked once their information was passed to avoid suspicion.¡±


    ¡± I have the call recordings, You can listen to it.¡±


    ¡± No¡­not the call recordings. I have them already. What I want is something different.¡±


    ¡± What Boss?¡±


    ¡± A photo. Did anyone send a photo to the number?¡± He asked as he walked back into Antiono¡¯s room.


    ¡± Give me a moment,¡± he heard him say.


    Aaron bit his lips as he waited, from where he stood in front of the mirror he watched Antiono who looked worried and carried away by his own thoughts.


    There was no doubt, his brother was deeply in love.


    ¡± I¡¯ve got it Boss.¡±


    A smile lit up his face immediately.


    ¡± Send it to me.¡± He requested.


    After few seconds his phone vibrated, it was a text message and he ended the call.


    ¡± I have gotten the photo Antiono.¡±


    ¡± You are a genius. I don¡¯t know how I can cope without you.¡±


    ¡± Take look at it.¡± He handed him the phone while he struggled to look at it.


    ¡°She looks dead.¡±,


    ¡± I think she¡¯s in Coma.¡±


    ¡± Where¡¯s this ce? Looks like a hospital.¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­only that it¡¯s stained badly. Hold on, I think I can figure out where the building is.¡±


    ¡± How do you know so much?¡± Antonio looked surprised.


    ¡± I¡¯ve done more dirty jobs than you can tell.¡± Aaron had a dirty smirk on his face and he felt proud.


    ¡± Let¡¯s hope father doesn¡¯t hear about your dirty jobs.¡±


    ¡± You won¡¯t tell me out.¡±


    ¡°How about Ariel?¡±


    ¡± We have to do the DNA. That¡¯s the only way we can prove Piper¡¯s im.¡±

 Bitter truth

    After the call, she suspected she needed to be closer to Antiono. The only way she could do that was going to his house.


    She put on the red jumpsuit she had kept specially to wear when she was going to get an engagement ring but it was no use now. Whether or not Mrs. stor was in the city, she still couldn¡¯t change Antiono¡¯s mind.


    But what was his connection with Mia? Why were they so close?


    She could swear that Mia hadn¡¯t been it San Francisco since thest 6 years, or was Wilson hiding something from her? He was yet to reveal why they had saperated. Whenever she brought the issue, he would cunningly escape answering her questions.


    She had to find out the truth but first things first, she muttered to herself.


    She could go to Antiono¡¯s home and persuade him to tell her how he got close to Mia. She sighed knowing it was going to be very difficult.


    As she sat on her dressing chair, facing the new mirror that had been imported from Italian. It was the usual dressing mirror only that the edges were covered with expensive stones and on one side of it bore her name and initials. She had no time for make-up because she looked so stressed but she had to, there will be lots of paparazzi and she didn¡¯t want to appear on TV screens looking so pale and unhealthy.


    ¡± Get me my makeup artist.¡± She ordered over the telephone.


    After some minutes, ady came in carrying a makeup box.


    ¡± I want a light makeup. As fast as you can, I have an appointment.¡±


    ¡± Okay ma¡¯am.¡±


    The makeup artist began work immediately, setting her brushes in ce while she tried to look for a nice color of foundation that the fashion queen used.


    ¡± You are here ma¡¯am?¡± Alice, her personal assistant, entered the room.


    ¡± Thest time I checked, Alice. This is my house.¡±


    ¡± I know that ma¡¯am¡­the thing is that.¡± She began stammering.


    ¡± Say what you came from. You can see I¡¯m busy.¡± Charlotte yelled.


    ¡± It¡¯s your mother.¡± Alice answered after gaining boldness.


    ¡± What about her?¡± She asked not feeling any sign of emotion.


    ¡± She called¡­she¡¯s been calling and I think she¡¯s Worried about you.¡±


    ¡± What¡¯s your job now, Alice?¡±


    ¡°To fix appointments and meetings.¡±


    ¡± Good¡­stick to that.¡±


    Alice left immediately, feeling the urge to p her boss.


    After some minutes, the makeup artist informed her she was done. Without a thank you or any sign of appreciation Charlotte ordered her to leave.


    She quickly dressed up and left with her Versace purse. She was used to wearing her sunsses whenever she was outside so she took that too .


    Since she was wearing a red jumpsuit, she decided to settle for her red sports car; a car which was gift to her on her previous year birthday by Antiono.


    She had gotten so much gifts from both Antiono and his mother, but all that changed when the wedding pairing was done and the date was fixed. It¡¯s like Antiono turned to a stranger, he became rude and loved staying on his own.


    The drive was cool, she didn¡¯t enjoyed it because different thoughts filled her mind. She could barely concentrate on her driving, she couldn¡¯t think straight. She hated the fact, Mia was trying to steal her man again after doing same with Wilson.


    The gatekeeper allowed her car in, it was a mansion. As beautiful and magnificent as the building she was standing in front of, it wasn¡¯tpared to that in San Francisco. The stor¡¯s family were wealthy and that was why she would do anything to remain with them. Even if it means getting rid of Mia.


    Since she had not informed Antiono of her visit, she made up her mind to go straight to his room to see him.


    She met a maid, who bowed to greet her. She wasn¡¯t surprise, the whole world knew she was the soon to be daughter inw of the stor¡¯s family.


    ¡± Is your master at home?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­everyone is at home.¡±


    ¡± Mother included?¡±


    ¡± Yes¡­she¡¯s taking her rest.¡±


    Going to visit mother would be a bad idea, she thought.


    She made up her mind to see Antonio, since he was the reason she came here. She could find his room without difficulty, she had been here twice or so but had never entered the room. It was one of those worst moments of his life that she turned up.


    From where she was, she heard whispers. It was Aaron and Antiono, she pressed her ears and listened carefully. They were talking about DNA.


    So Mrs. stor was right, Antiono suspects Ariel of being his daughter which meant Mia and Antiono were more than the friends they portrayed themselves to be. They had been intimate before, lot¡¯s of thoughts filled her mind. She was visibly shaking.


    ¡± Are you okay?¡±


    She turned in fright to look at who it was, it was Piper.


    ¡± I¡¯m fine¡­it¡¯s none of your business.¡± She almost yelled at her.


    The doors of Antiono¡¯s room opened and the both  brothers stepped out .


    They were surprised to see her, especially Antonio, she hadn¡¯t informed him of her visit and his mum never mentioned it to him.


    ¡°You are here?¡± He asked, shocked.


    She didn¡¯t give him a response, Instead she walked away. Everyone was shocked by her actions.


    ¡± Charlotte! Charlotte!¡± He stopped in anger for he dare not to call her thrice.


    Charlotte didn¡¯t respond, instead she walked away, got into her car and drove off immediately. They stood there in shock and couldn¡¯t move a step.


    Antiono wanted to go after her but Piper stopped him.Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡± It¡¯s no use¡­she wouldn¡¯t give you an answer.¡±


    Antonio flung her hands away and entered his room, he hated that attitude of walking out of him. It killed his pride and he didn¡¯t want that.


    As Aaron was leaving, Piper held him back.


    ¡± Charlotte heard everything, she was eavesdropping.¡±

 Who is Ariel鈥檚 father?

    ¡°Off to somewhere?¡± He asked the blurry figure in his room, he had assumed it was Antiono since the figure possessed some of his physical attributes.


    ¡± Yes¡­thought I could see Ariel.¡± A voice answered. It was Antiono¡¯s.


    ¡± So early in the morning? You haven¡¯t had breakfast yet.¡± Aaron muttered sleepily even though he was fully awake.


    ¡°Once I get to see her then I can have breakfast, I left them in a bad mood yesterday. I wonder how Ariel is coping.¡± He exined.


    ¡± What if you find out Ariel is your daughter and the result of your unprotected intimate night that took ce 6 years ago with Mia.¡± Aaron announced.


    ¡± Whoa¡­that¡¯s more precise.¡± He said.


    ¡± Don¡¯t worry, tell me about it some other time.¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.


    Antonio, who was already ready to give an answer, became disappointed. He used one of the pillows on the cushion to hit Aaron but he didn¡¯t flinch at all.


    ¡± You know you¡¯re supposed to be at work?¡±


    ¡± You know you owe me to do whatever I want since I know your secret?¡± Aaron defended.


    He was right and Antiono had to keep quiet, he wished he had more points to fight with but Aaron was ready for him. He wore a gold Rolex wrist watch as he stepped out of the room. He met his mother having breakfast, he muttered a greeting to her but she didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡± Are you still upset with me?¡± He asked, still he got no response from her.


    He sat down and ordered the maid to serve him breakfast, which came after about two minutes. He was halfway through his meal, when he realized he was supposed to see Ariel before she entered her school. He got up and cleaned the crumbs around his mouth with a napkin before leaving without saying anything to his mother.


    ¡± Will you like me to drive you, sir?¡± The chauffeur who was dressed in white that was well ironed and sparkling asked.


    ¡± It¡¯s fine¡­take my mum to the airport, Piper should go with you also.¡±


    That reminded him, he hadn¡¯t seen Piper since she came back. Thest time he had seen her was when Charlotte came around, he also thought of Charlotte. For the first time she acted strange, he  thought of giving her a call but quickly disposed of the idea.


    ¡± Hold on¡­¡± He called after,


    ¡± Is anything wrong Sir?¡±


    ¡± I thought of something but it¡¯s fine.¡±


    He chose the ck range rover because it looked ssy and was one of his favorites.


    As soon as he entered his car, he called his secretary.


    ¡± Hello, call up the manager and send something sweet and nice to Piper stor.¡±


    ¡± That¡¯s your sister , sir.¡± He said hoping it was a mistake.


    ¡°Of course. Were you expecting someone else?¡±


    ¡± No.. I just thought that¡­.¡±


    ¡± Keep your thoughts to yourself and you better do a good job. I want her to call me with excitement when she sees it.¡±


    He smiled after dropping the call, that was the first time he was nning a surprise package for anyone, especially Piper. During her birthdays he had always gifted her a car or  set of jewels. He hadn¡¯t bothered to check if she was excited to receive them or whether she actually loved them.


    He drove to Mia¡¯s house and luckily he found Mia and Ariel outside. He quickly guessed they were waiting for a ride. Ariel saw him first and ran to hug him immediately.


    ¡± You¡¯re here.¡± She screamed in excitement.


    ¡°I can¡¯t stay angry with you for long, Ariel.¡±


    ¡± I told mommy to apologize but she said no without giving them further thoughts.¡±


    His phone vibrated, and he checked already guessing it was Piper. He was right.


    They must have sent the package, he thought.


    The scream from the other end was enough to throw him into eternal deafness. Piper screamed in excitement as soon as he answered.


    ¡± You will deafen my ears with your scream, Piper.¡± He cautioned.


    But she didn¡¯t stop, and he pulled the phone away to allow her scream all she liked without it affecting him. For a moment, he felt d knowing she was excited, he had finally seen how excited she was .


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Antiono. I couldn¡¯t control myself.¡± She apologized after a while.


    ¡± Inform me next time about it, I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t n on making me go deaf.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so excited, how do you know I wanted this?¡±


    He smiled, looking for a suitable answer. Actually he had no idea what his secretary had sent to her. He ordered for a job and he got exactly what he wanted. That was perfect.


    ¡± Can I call youter?¡±He didn¡¯t let her respond, he dropped the call immediately. He had felt something usual, something he didn¡¯t want to ever feel.


    Damnit! He was beginning to get emotional.


    ¡± Mr Antiono , Mr. Antiono.¡± He turned around to look at Ariel, Mia looked away in a hurry. He bent to be same height as Ariel then asked,


    ¡± What¡¯s wrong with your mum, do you know why she wouldn¡¯t talk to me?¡±


    ¡°I have no idea¡­but I heard whispers from the living room. I would have stayed back to listen but I was so upset. You have a sister?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­Piper. You like her?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­but not as I like you.¡±


    He smiled cheerfully at her, examining her eyes and facial attributes. He noticed her eyes and skin were bing pale, age staggered and for a moment Antonio almost lost his breath.


    ¡°Mr. Antonio¡­I¡­¡± she stammered and fell into the arms of Antonio.


    ¡± Mia!¡± Antonio called out in shock to Mia who was taking selfies.


    As soon as she saw Ariel in Antonio¡¯s arms, she knew there was trouble and quickly rushed to where she was.


    ¡± What happened?¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t know¡­help me and let¡¯s take her to the hospital.¡± He requested.


    Mia obeyed, since Ariel was just 5 and not having much body weight, Antiono carried her into the car himself while Mia took her bag and lunch pack. She had no idea if Ariel was still going to school, at that moment all she wanted was her daughter to be fine.


    ¡± What hospital is the closest?¡±


    ¡± The Spring hospital¡­I think it¡¯s just a 5 minutes drive from here.¡±


    As she answered, he turned on his phone for a map and a quickest route.


    ***


    ¡± She needs a blood transfusion, Mr. stor.¡± Said the doctor immediately Ariel was rushed to emergency. The doctor was the family doctor for the stor¡¯s family so it was easy for Ariel to be admitted.


    ¡± Then get to work fast.¡± Antiono ordered.


    ¡± Her blood is a rare type but you can donate¡­that¡¯s if you don¡¯t mind.¡± He was visibly shaking as the words throb out of his mouth.


    He agreed and went inside to donate, Mia looked worried at him. She had not spoken a word since they came to the hospital. He decided to bring up the most crucial matter.


    ¡°I have a question, Mia .¡±  He started, holding her hands


    ¡± Okay, go on¡­¡±


    ¡± Who¡¯s Ariel¡¯s father?¡±

 A changed brother

    ***


    ¡± Whoa¡­someone found herself a new lover.¡±


    She turned to see Aaron standing outside, she had forgotten to close the doors after she received the delivery. Thankfully it was just Aaron and nobody else.


    ¡°I thought you left with Antonio?¡± She asked, surprised.


    ¡°He left too early, and I really needed to rest.¡± He sipped the herbal tea slowly. ¡± Where¡¯s mother?¡±


    ¡± She left¡­¡± Piper answered as she admired the stones in the diamond pendant.


    ¡°She left? You have an idea why she left.¡±


    ¡°No idea¡­I think Antiono knows something about it.¡± She dropped the pendant carefully and took the teddy bear next. It was pink and fluffy, she had one but she loved this one better. It was bigger and could give afortable and perfect cuddle.


    ¡± Who¡¯s your new lover?¡±


    ¡± Not a lover. Antiono sent them.¡±


    ¡°Really? Isn¡¯t this morning strange. Guess I woke up to a different world entirely.¡±


    She looked at him and gave him the note which was attached to the package. He took it and read it aloud.


    To my only sister, Piper whose smiles I love. Look beautiful each day,


    From Antiono.


    ¡°Simple and direct!¡± Aaron eximed as he folded the notes in halves and handed it back to her, but Piper was more engrossed in opening her gifts than taking the note. Left with no choice he ced it on her makeup dresser, it was the first thing she was going to see when applying her makeup.


    ¡°Can I see your gifts?¡±


    ¡°Sure but don¡¯t lust over them. They are only for females.¡± She mocked.


    Heughed at her remark and moved to sit on her bed as he examined each of the items. There were 5 jewelry boxes, all diamond pendants with lovely designs. Piper was obessed with diamonds but Antiono never had an idea. Aaron wondered who must have told him about Piper¡¯s obsession.


    Maybe he bribed his way in like he always did, Aaron thought.


    It was not until after 15 minutes they finished their show of viewing all the gifts. Aaron was starving but not Piper, she was way too excited to eat anything.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to have breakfast?¡±


    ¡°Not now¡­I need to find a dinner party to attend.¡±


    ¡± Why?¡±


    ¡± Obviously to showcase my new jewelry. You know it¡¯s the most popr diamond jewelry never worn by anyone including the queen of Ennd herself.¡±


    Aaron listened carefully to his sister, not sure of how to convince her Antiono was never going to let her attend any dinner party.


    ¡°How will Charlotte feel hearing about having this jewelry. You know she wanted it too.¡± Aaron said.


    ¡± I don¡¯t care about how she feels. Antonio is my brother; familyes first.¡± She defended.


    ¡± Smart detective. Let¡¯s have breakfast, Antonio won¡¯t be pleased if he finds out his only sister is starving herself.¡±


    ¡°Fine! I wille with you.¡±


    They went hand in hand to the dinning table where their breakfast was served.


    ¡°Have you thought of having a girlfriend?¡± Piper asked, just as Aaron took a bite from his toast. He almost choked as a result of her question, he was astonished.


    ¡± All of a sudden? You wanna choke me?¡±


    ¡± You have a habit of cunning ignoring my question.¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t need a girlfriend now .¡±


    ¡± Why? You ain¡¯t getting younger.¡±


    ¡± Neither am I getting older. Let me eat, Piper. Please.¡± He ced his both palms above his head as he pleaded.


    Piper rolled her eyes, and turned away. She was pissed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡± She got up to leave.


    ¡± You haven¡¯t taken a bite yet .¡±


    ¡± I don¡¯t want eat with someone who scolds me.¡± She sounded childish and it calmed Aaron.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about rtionship over dinner today. I heard there¡¯s a g going on no¡­not a g and auction..¡±  he corrected.


    ¡°Really? Perfect. I love you.¡± She ran to hug him as she was so excited.


    ***


    ¡°Why this now?¡± I think it¡¯s not necessary.¡±


    ¡°You owe me an exnation, Mia.¡±


    ¡°Why? Because Ariel loves you and takes you as her father?¡± She asked with her hands folded under her breast.


    ¡± No not that¡­Not Ariel.¡±


    ¡°Ariel is sick and I can¡¯t think of any thing asides that.¡±


    She avoided every form of eye contact from him, it was difficult and she couldn¡¯t keep up as he  constantly gazed at her. She had to walk away. Antonio didn¡¯t follow her, instead he walked  to one of the waiting chairs and satfortably, then brought out his phone and was busy with it.


    Mia looked at him in a re, he wasn¡¯t really bothered about knowing who Ariel¡¯s father was, she didn¡¯t know if she should get upset or just let it go. Her phone rang distracting her from those thoughts,


    She answered even if it was from a private number, the only thing she heard was a buzz. Her heart gripped in fear and her hands froze. It was the same man.


    ¡°Drive your car to the 4th Street behind the bakery. Come alone and don¡¯t try to act smart.¡±


    The call went off afterwards and she was gasping for air, Antiono had to rush to her side to resuscitate her but she proved stubborn as she ignored the water he gave her and the questions he asked.


    ¡± What was that for?¡¯ Antiono asked, he was angry and unable to keep his voice low.


    ¡± I¡¯m sorry about that.¡± She knew it was rude of her. After all he had done a lot of favours for her in the past.


    ¡± I have to call Emma now.¡± She walked away, and he watched her.


    The call came again, he thought.


    But he couldn¡¯t understand who was trying to cause a string in their rtionship. He had two suspects majorly Wilson and not Charlotte because it concerns her mother. He was sure Charlotte wouldn¡¯t ckmail Mia with their mother¡¯s life.


    The only person responsible was Wilson, and he hoped Aaron proved him guilty soon. He was tired of Mia¡¯s melo drama.


    As she was trying to leave, Antiono held her by her wrist,


    ¡± Where are you going, leaving Ariel all alone?¡± He thundered.


    ¡°I¡¯m off to somewhere,¡±


    ¡± Where?¡±


    ¡± It¡¯s not necessary, please do take care of our daughter.¡±

 A mother鈥檚 sacrifice

    The  constant knock on the door must have woken her from her deep slumber, she opened her eyes grudgingly only to discover it was daybreak already. She must have slept so much as a result of the excess alcohol she took the previous night. She mumbled something sleepily as the knock continued then she heard her mother¡¯s voice.


    Mother!


    She was shocked than surprised, she stepped out of the bed and wore her flip-flops, finding her jacket wasn¡¯t even necessary. She rushed immediately to open the door, she found a worried and angry mother.


    ¡± Mother, what are you doing here?¡±


    ¡± Should I answer that, knowing you haven¡¯t been answering my calls.¡±


    Charlotte rolled her eyes as she walked back into her room.


    ¡± Don¡¯t start now mother, I have a hangover already.¡±


    ¡°Damnit Charlotte, Have you been drinking?¡±she asked.


    ¡± Just 3 bottles of beer mother, nothing more.¡± She staggered to her bed and would have fallen if not for how quick her mother was able to save her.


    ¡± Lie down and I will get you coffee.¡±


    She helped her daughter lie properly and left the room, she returned with a Cup of coffee which she made Charlotte drink. She felt better afterwards even when she had those nostalgic feelings.


    ¡°Can you exin why the daughter of a wealthy business will get herself drunk?¡±


    ¡°Antonio is an asshole mother. The son of a b*tch used me. ¡± She muttered with much hatred.


    ¡± Mind yournguage Charlotte, you¡¯re educated.¡±


    ¡°Mother! Don¡¯t stop me, you have no idea what the richan did.¡±Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    ¡± Whatever it is Charlotte doesn¡¯t change the fact that you can¡¯t insult him.¡±


    ¡°I hate him now mother,¡±


    ¡± No my baby, you¡¯re just so upset. I¡¯m sure you will get over it soon.¡±


    ¡°Mother,¡± she wailed into her mother¡¯s embrace.


    ¡± I have something that will lighten your mood,¡±


    She looked up to her in a startle,


    ¡± What is it mother?¡±


    ¡± Your father has reserved you a seat in the auction tomorrow. We can finally get the diamond you always wanted.¡±


    ¡± But the diamond is expensive, will dad be able to get it?¡±


    *Your dad isn¡¯t getting it, Antiono is. The media will be there and get will have no choice to give you.¡±


    ¡± I love you mother,¡± are screamed in excitement.


    This was the best news she had heard today.


    ¡± Take a rest today because tommorow will be a big day for you. I¡¯m so proud of you.¡± Her mum gushed at her.


    Charlotte smiled at her as she hugged her again, this was a dreame through for her. She could forget about Mia for now, once Antiono gets her the diamond ne tommorow, he would have to marry her. She would surely make ns to turn the questions of the press into a  marriage proposal from  Antiono.


    *****


    ¡± What did you just say?¡± Antiono asked as he held her wrist, stopping her from taking any further step.


    ¡± What do you mean?¡± She hadn¡¯t realize when she said those words.


    He wanted to repeat what she had earlier said but he heard Ariel¡¯s voice. They both rushed to the ward where Ariel was, she was awake and sat uprightly just at the edge of the bed.


    ¡± My baby.¡± Mia screamed as she rushed to hug her. Antiono was d to see her but he disy no dramatic act, he watched the worried mother reunite with her sick child.


    ¡± Mr. Antiono, I want an ice cream.¡±


    ¡± I will get you one, once the doctor allows you go home.¡±


    ¡± Will I stay here?¡± The little girl asked sadly.


    ¡± No¡­the doctor will tell us that.¡±


    ¡± But I don¡¯t want to stay here, I need to go back to my doll Lucy, she must  be scared now.¡±


    Antiono said nothing, he didn¡¯t know what to say concerning her childish drama.


    ¡± I will talk to the doctor now about discharging you . ¡± he promised and turned to leave.


    ¡± Hold on, Antiono. Please can you watch Ariel. I have a meeting and it¡¯s really urgent.¡±


    ¡± Where are you going to mummy?¡±


    ¡± Sweetheart, Mummy has an important business to attend to.¡±


    ¡± But I want you to stay.¡± Cried the little girl as she held a furm grip on her.


    ¡± Ariel, you have to understand.¡±


    ¡± Let her be Mia, she was out of breath a few minutes ago. She needs her mother and what could be more important than your daughter?¡±


    Mia looked worried, she had no idea what to do. On one hand was her mother and on the other was her daughter. Sadly, she had to choose Ariel, her daughter was the only family she had now and she was going to do everything to protect her.


    ¡°I will go speak to the doctor now.¡±


    ¡± Will you get me the ice cream?¡± Ariel asked.


    ¡± Of course I will.¡± He answered and left the room.


    ¡± Mummy, nothing will happen to me right?¡±


    Mia was shocked by her question, the doctor had only said shecked blood and that¡¯s was why she was given a transfusion. Had the Doctor said anything else?


    ¡± Did the doctor say anything to you?¡± She asked.


    ¡± No mother, I had no idea I was here.¡±


    ¡± You¡¯re going to be fine for mummy, you just fell sick because you weren¡¯t eating well.¡±


    ¡± Is Mr. Antonio still angry?¡±


    ¡± No my dear, he brought you here to the hospital and made sure the doctors attend to you.¡±


    ¡± I love Mr. Antiono so much, he¡¯s my hero.¡± Mia felt a pinch of jealousy but she kept mute about it


    Antiono came with the doctor afterwards,


    ¡°How are you feeling, my child?¡± He asked her, Ariel had to release herself from her mother¡¯s embrace. As the doctor checked her temperature and her heartbeat.


    ¡± I feel better now¡­¡±


    ¡°You have a light fever and I will give you drugs for that.¡±


    ¡± Doctor, is something wrong with me.¡±


    The doctor was surprised at her inquisitive mind, he watched her for a moment and answered.


    ¡± You are perfectly fine, once you take your drugs and rest. I guarantee you.¡±


    ¡± Mr. Antiono, she can go home now. I will get the drugs now and prepare her discharge papers.¡±


    ¡± Thank you, doctor ¡°


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