Paige sang for Zachary while he stood in awe, mesmerized by her performance. As she sang, she became so immersed that she closed her eyes and continued to pour her heart out.
Zachary walked over to the bed, sat down, and kept his gaze fixed on her. When she finished singing, he exclaimed, "Wow! That was phenomenal.""Thank you, sir," Paige replied with a smile."I'm curious, how did you become such a talented singer? Don't worry, you can share it with me," he added, noticing her hesitation.Paige sighed and began her story, "Well, my mom was a gifted singer too. When she was young, her dream was to become a pop artist and her voice was perfect.However, her father, who was a billionaire, wanted her to take over the family business instead since she was his only child. She had to make a difficult choice between her passion and her responsibilities.Eventually, she took over my grandfather's company: Blanco Industries, but she never gave up singing. She recorded songs for herself but never performed publicly. After marrying my dad and realizing that the business wasn't her true passion, she put him in charge and pursued singing in her free time. When she had me, she discovered that I also had a sweet voice, and she was thrilled by it.We used to sing together, and she promised that she would make me a big star someday. She wanted me to live her dream since she never had the chance to do so. However, when I was ten years old, she fell ill and passed away."Paige's voice trembled with emotion as she continued, "My dad loved me too, or so I thought. But a few weeks after my mom's death, he came home with Beverly, my stepmom. To my shock, he had been cheating on my mom while she was alive, and Beverly's daughter, Candy, turned out to be his child.When she realized I loved singing, Candy became jealous of me and started singing as well. Her mom pushed her to compete with me, even though she couldn't sing as well as I could.She always claimed to be better than me. Whenever I received invitations to sing at birthday parties, not for money but for fun, she would make a fuss about it, and I would lose the opportunity. It became the norm for Candy to always get the best. She set me up so many times, planting my dad's and her mom's belongings among my things to make me appear guilty.Even when we attended the same high school, she would steal from people around me without my knowledge, and I would be blamed for it. Everyone turned against me, my life became miserable and I lost all my friends. But I always held onto the hope that one day I would become a star and fulfill my dream of becoming a musician."Paige's voice quivered as she recalled her struggles, "Unfortunately, my dad eventually grew to despise me. When I finished high school, he refused to support my further education, despite it also being my mom's dream for me. I reminded him of her wishes, and he made a deal with me. He said if I served as a maid during his marriage anniversary, he would enroll me in a music academy to develop my singing skills and boost my career.I reluctantly agreed, knowing that his wife must have influenced his decision. I endured the humiliation of being called a maid, but I held onto hope. Then, as expected, Candy once again framed me by placing her mom's expensive bracelet worth millions in my pocket. I was falsely accused of theft, and this time my dad kicked me out of the house, warning me never to set foot near it again." "What? Having experienced something similar, when I learned that you lived with your stepmom, I expected that you must have had some unpleasant experiences. But this is just... what?" Zach couldn't believe his ears.Paige smiled, "The song...the song my sister was singing earlier on the TV, I wrote it.""What?""Yeah, it is one of the songs I wrote a few years ago. I used to sing it back then, but Candy stole it. I was supposed to go for that audition a week ago, but thanks to her, I ended up not making it. She went, instead with my song, and got a spot to be among the Spark Girls.""The Spark Girls?" Zach asked."Yeah, they've been given the opportunity to showcase their talent. In the end, one or two of them will be picked and made into stars by their agency. That was my dream, but Candy stole it from me." Paige explained.Zachary smiled, "Wow, that's interesting. And to think that her voice is nothing to write home about. I mean, a lot of people sing like that. It's basic. On the contrary, your voice is unique, I've never heard anyone sing that way.""Thank you very much, sir," Paige said. "Just hearing you say this alone is amazing. Back then, when I would sing at home, my stepmom would say I was disturbing the peace of the neighborhood, and that my voice was awful, and she would shut me up.Meanwhile, Candy would always sing, and she would praise her and tell her that she had the best voice in the world."Zachary scoffed, "I'm going to ask you a question, Paige.""Go ahead, sir," she replied."Do you want to be a star?" Zachary asked."Me? Paige thought she hadn't heard him well. "Sir, are you asking me if I want to be a star?""Yes," Zachary said. "I can make you a star, Paige. All you need to do is follow my rules.""What are your rules, sir?" She asked."Be obedient, hardworking, and focused. If you agree to these rules, I'll enroll you in the Royal Academy of Music. I will make you a star."Tears fell from Paige's eyes. She said, "Thank you, thank you very much, sir."She wanted to go on her knees, but Zachary got up and said, "No, don't do that." As he stood closer to her. She looked up at him. She was a tall girl, but in front of him, she became short.With his towering height and commanding presence, Paige couldn't make eye contact with him for long and quickly looked down.He said, "Those girls you mentioned, I know someone who might have an idea about them. And I also know that their performance is tonight: there's a show where they're supposed to perform.""That's correct, sir," she replied."What do you say? Would you like to perform with them?" He asked.Paige stared at him in surprise, "Sir, but there are already four in number."Zachary smiled, "Give me a second."Taking out his phone, he called someone and said, "There's a girl; someone close to me. I want her to be among the Spark Girls who are performing in tonight's show."The person on the other end said, "They are already complete, sir.""I don't care. Either you take one of them out or you add her to the group." Zach said."We'll add her to the group, sir," the person replied."Good. Her name is Paige, and she has a unique voice. I'll be there as well to grace the occasion.""You.... You're....co...coming, sir?" the man asked, stammering. He was surprised."Of course, I'm coming. When someone who belongs to me will be there, why wouldn't I?"Paige felt as though everything happening in front of her was a figment of her imagination.When the call ended, Zach made another call and said, "Jessica, come to my villa right away.""Your villa?" Jessica worked with the brand that delivered most of the clothes Zach wore."I'll be right there, sir," she said.In the next twenty minutes, Jessica pulled up in front of the villa and hurried inside. It was the first time Zach had personally asked her to come to his Villa.She met Zach who was sitting across from a flabbergasted Paige."Take her shopping and get very good clothes for her, because in the next few weeks, she should be in the spotlight as a pop artist," Zach ordered the moment his eyes fell on Jessica."Sure, I'll do that, sir," Jessica replied without hesitation.Turning to look at Paige, Zach asked, "Are you ready to perform tonight?""Tonight? Of course, yes, sir. There are so many songs I've written over the years, and I have them all at my fingertips. I can sing even in my sleep." Paige replied excitedlyZach laughed. "Well, I love that. Get ready because you'll be performing tonight."For Paige, everything seemed to be happening so fast. Just this morning, she was being called a thief and kicked out of her house. And now, she was going to be performing on a show tonight. She pinched herself to be sure she wasn't dreaming, and Jessica, who was staring at her, smiled, "Come on, let's go change your wardrobe.""Thank you very much, Sir," Paige said, wiping the joyous tears which had formed in her eyes."Don't worry about that. Just get ready to perform." Zach said.As Paige walked out, Zach stared at her, recalling his old days. His story seemed similar to hers as he had also been given a chance by someone he never expected. While they went shopping, Jessica asked Paige, "Are you related to Mr. Zach? I mean, he did say you're someone who belonged to him."Paige didn't know Jessica's relationship with Zach, so she didn't want to speak too much. She only said, "He's just helping me.""Come on, Mr. Zach doesn't help people just like that. I mean, everyone knows who he i
Paige stared at the people in the audience, observing the different expressions on their faces. Some felt pity for her, some laughed at her, while others booed and gestured with their thumbs down. As tears streamed down her face, the other girls continued to sing, and no one waited for her. After Candy; the fourth person, finished singing, the first girl resumed. Paige's microphone had already been rolled away from where she stood. Unable to bear the shame any longer, she turned around and ran away from the stage. Candy smiled, feeling victorious, and said inwardly, "Now let me see how you will be among the top two."Paige did not stop running until she reached outside. Fearing that people might notice her and start pointing fingers at her, she searched for a quiet and hidden spot, finding solace leaning on a pillar. She covered her face with her hands and continued to cry, recalling how she had assured Mr. Zachary that she would not fail him. She felt even more disappointed in her
Jack's POVI woke up to a sexy blonde beside me, as I stared at her voluptuous figure, I recalled that she didn't please me well enough last night. I woke her up immediately, threw some dollar bundles on her face and told her, "get the hell out of my house." She stared at me in surprise. "what are you doing Jack? I'm not a hooker and I'm certainly not short of money." "Then what the fuck are you doing in my bed?" I asked disdainfully. She stared at me angrily and yelled, "bastard" before taking her things and walking out. I stared at her back as she left and screamed, "be sure to close the door behind you and good riddance."I quickly took my bath and got ready for work. I had a very important deal I needed to close today. When I got to the office, I called for my secretary but my personal assistant informed me that she had run into a mishap so she would arrive later. I called the human resource department and asked them to fire her immediately and hire a new secretary for me. She
I hurriedly packed the sandwich I made and headed for City hospital. I needed to come back in time to prepare for my job. When I got to Tim's ward, I noticed he seemed very sad. The moment he saw me however, he cheered up and his face started beaming with joy. I told him about my new job and the fact that I will be paid a lot of money. I promised him that I was going to buy him the world.We both laughed heartily, then I fed him the sandwich and said goodnight. When I got to the door, he called out to me. As I turned, he smiled and said, "I love you, more than anything in the world." I went back to his bed and hugged him tenderly. With tears in my eyes, I told him "as long as you love me, I am content. I don't need anyone else and I love you too, more than anything in the world."I woke up bright and early the following day and got to the office an hour before the resumption time. I was literally the first person that arrived at the agency. I even had to wait a while for others to arr
I briefly savored his minty breath before pushing him away. "What the fuck do you think you are doing?" I asked while my eyes shot daggers at him. He smiled and pretended to be oblivious to my anger."There's no need to get all worked up Cindy," he said flirtatiously. "You definitely can't deny the sexual tension between us. I know how you women are, you play hard to get, while you string your prey along. But I'm a man of action. I don't play games so let's not deny what we feel for each other."I scoffed and rolled my eyes at him. While still smiling, he said, "I know you want me, every fucking woman on the planet does. First of all, you wore this sexy outfit because you wanted to get my attention, why else would you let your breasts call out to me? Your body language completely shows that you want me and I don't blame you. I mean, take a good look at me. I'm rich, handsome, sexy, smart and the list is endless. What else could a girl ask for?""Well you forgot delusional, egotistical
When I got to my door, I was surprised to see Rick standing with a bouquet of roses in his hand. The sight before me just made my mood more sour. Why did I keep bumping into chauvinists who felt only they had the right to dictate how a relationship went? I ignored Rick and took out my house keys to open my door but he surprisingly went on his knees and started begging, "please baby, just give me one more chance. I know I fucked up big time but I cross my heart, it will never happen again."I sighed and lightly massaged the crease that had formed on my forehead. I believed in giving people second chances but it was a different ball game when my heart was involved. I couldn't afford to take Rick back into my life as I believed he was bound to cheat on me again, perhaps his excuse this time around would be, it's just mental. I had a lot going through my mind and couldn't afford to add Rick's pestering to it. I thought of a nice way to get rid of him and an idea quickly popped into my mi
Cindy's POVI walked dejectedly into the hospital. Nothing had gone my way today. Not only had I lost my job but all the companies had refused to hire me. Was I cursed? Now I really regretted slapping my boss. Why did I become so hot tempered? I should have politely refused his advances. That was a job so many people were vying for and I just threw it away. Being impulsive was my biggest flaw. Now I didn't know what else to do.I tried to cheer up because I didn't want little Tim to know what I was going through. I took the snacks I had bought into his room and when he saw me, he opened his arms and invited me for a hug. I was surprised but I happily hugged him. He looked at me sadly and said, "don't pretend to be happy before me, I know you must be going through a lot, that's why I gave you a hug to encourage you. Don't worry, once I get well, I will get a job and I will have so much money. I will take you round the world and buy you anything you want."I became so touched that tears
When I got to the door of Jack's office, I hesitated before going in. The moment he saw me, he stood up and smiled. This was in contrast to his reaction toward me when we first met.Nevertheless, I put on my best smile and said "good morning sir. First of all, I want to apologize for coming late. I also want to apologize for raising my hand to you and insulting you yesterday. It was wrong of me to do that and I am sincerely sorry from the bottom of my heart."He said, in the most polite voice I had ever heard from his mouth, "I also want to apologize for what happened yesterday. I crossed the line and I still can't figure out what came over me." I kept mute at this point because I suddenly felt something was fishy. Not firing me was believable but apologizing to me was inconsistent with his personality. Now I knew for a fact that I needed to watch my back.Interrupting my thoughts, he stretched out his hand for a handshake and said, "Miss Banks, I believe we got off on the wrong foot