Second chance at happiness
Choices and chances… one decision or one of many that make us live a life of happiness and content…. one that makes us muddled and ordinary… or one that leaves us with regret and unwillingness…. Mira was just an ordinary girl who was loved and pampered. The two most important people in her life were Alina and Jason; Alina, her best friend and Jason, her sweetheart. Mira's peaceful life took a turn for the worse when her stepmother forced her to marry a simpleton whom she had never met. She hated her stepmother. She did everything she could to make life unbearable for the two people responsible for her misery- her stepmother and her husband.She succeeded in getting rid of both; one passed away and the other gave her a divorce. She finally got the life she wanted, a life where she married her sweetheart. But why was nothing as she imagined? Why was her husband who loved and waited for her to get a divorce never around? Why was her father about to be executed for treachery? With her last breath, she got her answers- Everything she knew was a lie; Jason whom she loved with all her heart hated her because of a lie; Alina, whom she trusted and cared for more than anyone else, was the cause of her misery. Her stepmother and her ex-husband whom she hated, loved her to death…. Literally! It was too late by the time she got the answers for her questions, or was it? Mira was one of those fortunate people, who got a second chance. What choice will she make? Will history repeat? Will she make amends to the ones she wronged? or…. Will she correct the misunderstanding with her sweetheart for her happily ever after?
Read
Chapter: What mother doesn’t know won’t hurt, right?Although it was a family reunion, none of the others felt uncomfortable or out of place. The only people who weren’t used to this were Matthew, Harry and Uzi. Cornelius, Baldwin and Farris, however, were familiar with such gatherings; this was the Zumerong way. Even before misfortune struck their walls, they knew what was important- not the titles and land they held, but the people around them, family.“How did you all meet up?” Baldwin asked once all the ruckus from the family getting together had quieted. He and the others had stepped back to give them space although they didn’t leave the room like Bari and his men. Harrison settled Bari and Credi in the wing with Matthew and Harry, and his men in the service cottages on the ground.Wilkin took over the narration as he retold everything that unfolded from the time they split up from the throne room.Hours earlier, once everyone had settled comfortably in the carriage-“Maryanne and Edith are going to kill us.” Linus sighed, his tone
Last Updated: 2026-03-24
Chapter: How could I have expected anything less from my little cubs?Once inside, Jerome formally introduced Maddie to everyone. They didn’t get the chance to formally announce their wedding before hell broke loose, as big brother had advised that it would be prudent to keep it quiet for the time being, his only intention being to avoid drawing unnecessary heat to Maddie. In hindsight, although unfair to Maddie, it kept her and the kids safe, without drawing any unwanted attention towards them.“Uncle and aunt, Jerome apologizes for the delay in informing you.” Jerome bowed as he confessed “Big brother was the one who presided over the wedding, and he advised us that we should wait till the dust settles before holding a grand wedding. We agreed with his decision.”“No… no… that is all for the best.” Linus waved his hand although he furrowed his brows in genuine confusion “Wonder why big brother never told me…”“Father didn’t know about it either.” Jerome scratched the back of his head with a cheeky grin “Otherwise he would have been breathing fire throu
Last Updated: 2026-03-23
Chapter: Fie! How come mother didn’t warn us that father was so shameless?Jack was the first to react, sprinting toward the west end, with the others hot on his heels. The west end was where the tunnels opened, and everyone who knew about them was gathered in the great hall. A kerfuffle at the west end could only mean one thing and it sure as hell wasn’t a good thing.The soldiers tasked with guarding the west end were now positioned in front of the hatch- some with swords drawn and ready to attack, others pressing their backs against the trapdoor, trying to force it shut.“Step aside.” Lazarus ordered as soon as he received the cue from Jack.In perfect unison, the soldiers lowered their blades and moved aside, parting like waves to clear a path in the centre. With a creak and a spring, the trapdoor flew open, revealing the tunnel below. Humphrey stormed out first, cursing loudly, completely unconcerned or rather forgetting that he was trespassing on another duchy’s castle grounds, regardless of the reason for his intrusion.“Third uncle???” Jack and Mira c
Last Updated: 2026-03-23
Chapter: I am my master’s shadow; I knew where to look for my soul.“What was the role of the princess’s protector in my father’s accident?” Jack demanded, letting out a sharp, controlled sigh as his fists clenched. He could feel a storm of emotions clawing at him, threatening to spill over, but he forced them down. After all, he was his father’s son; he had inherited not just his looks, but also his sharp intellect and battle prowess, the fire beneath his skin.Even if he were thinking with his toes, Jack already knew exactly what would push his uncle over the edge.Cornelius and Baldwin both turned to first look at Jack before turning to look at Leal for confirmation before both shook their head, not in disbelief but rather in denial “He was deployed to be with us during the incident.”“That’s right. Zumerong’s men are the most disciplined, especially godfather’s men, if what we heard from dad and godfather are true.” Thomas spoke out loud, realization dawning. “Pointing a finger at the sovereign due to deliberate provocation would not qualify for ha
Last Updated: 2026-03-22
Chapter: You are the air that sustains me…. How could I forget to breathe?Under the cover of the dim light of the tunnel, Mira lingered at the back and ducked in her space without being noticed; even though she knew the risk, she took the gamble as she knew how important Jerome was to Jack.Although no one noticed Esmeralda’s oddity after she finished examining Jerome, she had! She didn’t linger long, only long enough to get some water from her spring in a small bottle that could be passed for a potion and appeared behind the group as quietly as she disappeared.“Where’s Mira?” Almera looked around in fear. She had followed Thomas into the tunnel, who was following Jack and his entourage; Cornelius and Orseus couldn’t follow even though they wanted to, they had to keep appearances.Jack’s stepped paused as he looked around and sighed in relief inwardly as he saw her at the end of the group; he knew what his wife would be doing if she wasn’t by his side; he didn’t want her secret to be exposed and was thinking of a counter measure when he saw her winking misc
Last Updated: 2026-03-22
Chapter: Do you think your granduncle has lived long enough?“By the heavens…” Cornelius cursed and dashed down the dais without care for his image or the presence of the younger generation. He muttered under his breath as he reached Jerome “I just found you; I cannot lose you a second time…”“I am fine… just need to lie down for a bit.” Jerome tried to smile looking at the worried faces around him.“Let’s get him to safety, away from prying eyes first.” Corenlius ordered once he regained his composure.Esmeralda stepped forward from the corner where she was waiting quietly; she didn’t wait for anyone to call for her; she knew that they didn’t register her presence. She had been following second master since he left Southamberston to fulfill the duty he was assigned. She didn’t trust him to obediently stay out of trouble.“We’ll use the passage to your chambers?” Baldwin pursed his lips as though he wasn’t convinced with the plan himself.“We need to get uncle to Southamberston.” Jack interrupted, concern written all over his face “It would be g
Last Updated: 2026-03-21
Chapter: Marriage isn’t a convenience, it should be a choice.“Big treasure, tell me, how long do you think would be an appropriate sentence for Mr Holston?” Thomas turned to Chris Jnr, wanting to know their thoughts. He didn’t think it was unreasonable to pose such a question to a six-year-old. Chris’s parenting style was different, and both Big Treasure and Little Treasure were more than capable of forming their own opinions, regardless of age.““How long isn’t the question…” Chris Jnr shook his head with a sly smile. “The real focus should be how widely the case is covered.”“Why?” Penny furrowed her brow as she looked at her younger cousins in confusion.“What do you think has a greater impact…” Chris Jnr’s mannerisms mirrored Chris’s as he spoke in a calm, measured tone. “Being quietly locked away… or being named and shamed in front of the entire world until you wish yourself out of existence?”“For someone like Mr Holston, the second would mean social death and thereby…” Penny paused, her eyes lighting up as understanding dawned. “Ah… now
Last Updated: 2026-03-24
Chapter: Does that mean I should resign myself to fate?The officers stepped inside and greeted Grandpa Holston respectfully before turning to acknowledge Daniel, who had just managed to sit upright.Grandpa Holston reciprocated the greeting, maintaining a calm expression although his fingers tightened around the head of his cane.“Mr Holston, I am detective chief superintendent Sean Ernst, and this is Commissioner Irvine Moss.” One of the officers started the conversation introducing himself.He turned his head, towards Grandpa Holston, once again acknowledging him with a respectful nod, before stating the purpose of his visit, in a calm, detached tone “Mr Holston, you have been formally charged with abduction and unlawful detainment of Mrs Walters and attempted murder of Mr and Mrs Walters’ unborn quadruplets.”“That is my wife….” Daniel’s voice cut in, rough and edged with raw bitterness.Grandpa Holston sat where he was, neither condemning nor condoning, the only giveaway of his reaction was the faint creak of wood on the floor and the
Last Updated: 2026-03-23
Chapter: How can I blame anyone when this is all my own undoing?“Heavens…. This truly is your retribution...” Grandpa Holston wept as he shook his head in regret.Daniel sighed as he tried to sit up, to comfort Grandpa Holston; however he fell back despite trying his best, but this successfully got Grandpa Holston out of self-reproach and brought his attention back to his precious grandson. He stopped wallowing in his grief, his grandson needed him most now, he couldn’t fall… at least not yet!He patted Daniel’s hand in a comforting manner, supressing his own grief “Alright… alright… we have to look forward.”Neither Grandpa nor grandson spoke for a while before Daniel broke the silence “Grandpa, how’s everything at company?”“Holding on…. barely…” Grandpa Holston sighed before sinking into his thoughts once again. After a while he asked, “Would you resent me if….” he paused, unable to ask out loud the thought that had been haunting him in the past 2 weeks.“Grandpa, I won’t blame nor will I resent you.” Daniel shook his head as he comforted his gr
Last Updated: 2026-03-20
Chapter: Do you think that you don’t need your tongue anymore?Grandpa Holston woke up the next morning to the good news of Daniel regaining consciousness. He rushed over to find Daniel to check on his precious grandson, only to find him with a vacant gaze.“Son, how are you feeling?” Grandpa Holston asked anxiously as he sat near his bed, holding his hand, in an attempt to bring his soul back from wherever it wandered off to.Daniel turned his gaze to look at Grandpa Holston; he tried to steady his gaze on Grandpa Holston’s face, as though searching for recognition before muttering in a low, despondent voice “I lost…. I lost so miserably… I lost my wife and kids… I have nothing left!”“Not all is lost… not all…” Grandpa Holston choked as he patted Daniel’s hand affectionately “You are still breathing….and that’s all that matters. You have the rest of your life, live it well.”“Don’t stay stuck in the past…” Grandpa Holston’s voice seemed to have aged considerably in the last 4 weeks “The past has left our grasp, trying to hold on to it, is as foo
Last Updated: 2026-03-19
Chapter: I would never be in your shoesGrandpa Holston’s body couldn’t hold on any longer, no matter how he argued that he could go, insisting on guarding his precious grandson by himself; Ron, who had grown up alongside Daniel could see through the farce and knew that was his body could not hold any longer; he was holding on with nothing more than sheer willpower. Hence insisted on booking an additional room and sending Grandpa Holston to rest, with a promise to wake him up as soon as Daniel regained consciousness.The last 4 weeks hadn’t been peaceful for the Holston’s; Both Burkes and Walters meant what they said, neither showed any mercy or consideration for old friendships when they attacked. Only relief was that Chris didn’t join the mix; it wasn’t because he was magnanimous to forgive but his genuine consideration and respect for his kids’ heritage. But either way both Grandpa Holston and Chris knew that it wouldn’t matter if he joined the fray or not, Holston’s would be history.As he laid to rest, sighing at the fa
Last Updated: 2026-03-18
Chapter: You were never a victim…“Were you any better?” Ron countered without backing and added “Worse, you even attacked her folks back home…”“No… I didn’t…” Daniel shook his head in denial at first before pausing as he remembered something and mumbled faintly “I only sent someone to warn them for raising such a vicious daughter.”“Warn??? Heh!” Ron scoffed “How far did the warning go? Do you not know?”“I just made them lose their jobs…” Daniel’s eyes darted guiltily as he lowered his head; he didn’t think it was too much to give them a lesson.“Do you know that the bullying you incited or paid for, didn’t just stop them from being able to work…. But also followed them all the way to their hometown, making it impossible for them to live…” Ron paused as he took a sip with a bitter expression “They eventually committed suicide.”“What???” Daniel’s eyes widened in shock before shaking his head “Does Michelle know?”“Why do think she willingly agreed to take part in Christopher’s scheme?” Ron hooked his eyebrows at Dan
Last Updated: 2026-03-17
Chapter: That is a promise.“That is not up to you.” Marken, one of the high counsellors disdained. Adalases was not Ben’s to stake at will; There were other Adalases who could refute this stake.Sherman knew Marken’s ambition was no less than Herten, but he also knew that unlike Herten, Marken would never betray his country and was in a good mood for watching a show although he knew what decision he would ultimately make.“That is a fair point.” Sherman nodded thoughtfully before saying “If the entire Adalase can be staked on this man, then I agree.” Sherman chuckled “With resources greater than the reserve bank, it won’t be hard to rebuild our facilities even if we are compromised.”No one could refute this point.“The Weldons won’t shy away from responsibility either.” Frank didn’t know why the commander had changed his colors, but he stood shoulder to shoulder with his brother.Shadow didn’t have anything to offer, but he stood beside Ben. His expression unwavering.Tyrell slowly got up from his chair and wal
Last Updated: 2024-08-11
Chapter: I will stake my entire reputation on this man, who flew out in the middle of the night for the sake of friendship.Lara delivered a baby girl as her heart’s desire. She only saw her bundle of joy for a minute before her vision blurred. She also saw the joy in her man’s eyes. These were the two things she remembered before she fainted. She didn’t know if she would wake up again or whether this was eternal sleep, but she was gratified.The Evans and Burton elders had just returned when Amy came out holding the bundle of joy. They didn’t have time to process everything before they were handed the little bundle.“She is so sweet.” Megan smiled as looked over Marjorie shoulders.“My daughter-in-law is indeed pretty.” Dana laughed. She knew the minds of the elders were not calm. She was trying to lighten their moods.No one knew when Ben, Frank and Shadow appeared behind their women.“How can it be so easy to snatch my granddaughter?” Marjorie retorted proudly.“Yes…. yes…yes...” Abigail laughed happily as she let the little one hold her finger tightly. Dana’s retort had pulled the elders mind back to th
Last Updated: 2024-08-11
Chapter: My little girl is strong…. Nothing will happen!Ben and Dana’s days were filled with love and tranquility. Ben felt like he was in a dream; his life was everything he dreamed of; his beloved woman was his wife; she would cook and wait for him; his house was filled with the laughter of the precious treasures his wife had given him. He was truly grateful to the heavens.Ed’s days were getting hectic. Between the challenges of his official duty and a pregnant wife, he was almost ready to retire. He wanted to spend more time with his wife and child. Seeing Ben’s cute little babies, he couldn’t wait to have his own little treasure.Frank and Sarah didn’t know whether to laugh or cry; their little Lu would run almost every day to see his little wife, especially now that she was becoming prettier. The babies were becoming chubbier with fair skin and rosy cheeks. Their features were becoming more prominent and dashing, melting the hearts of everyone around them.Dan and Don were like a mother hen defending their younger siblings from everyo
Last Updated: 2024-08-11
Chapter: She can still sleep?The next day, the Williamses landed and rushed to the hospital. Dana had rested well and regained most of her vigor.Ben was changing nappies while Dana was sleeping peacefully when they arrived.“She can still sleep?” Dana’s younger sister asked in surprise as Ben gestured for them to lower their volume. He handed one baby each to the stunned Mr and Mrs Williams and led all of them to the adjacent room.“Sorry… Dana has just rested.” Ben apologized sincerely for his rudeness.Mrs Williams shook head, her eyes were misty. She was truly grateful to the heavens for her daughter’s fortune to have met such a man. Even though he was rich and powerful, he loved and doted on her without bounds…. This was truly her fortune. It would be a lie to say that they were not worried. On the way back after the wedding they had met a lady who was crying pitifully. Mrs Williams didn’t feel comfortable and lend her a shoulder to lean on; She didn’t know who they were and told them that she was fleeing fro
Last Updated: 2024-08-11
Chapter: He wouldn’t have a clue.Ben sat next to Dana urging her to wake up. He was scared out of his wits as he had seen the amount of blood that she lost during the delivery… he feared that she wouldn’t wake up and all his happiness would disappear in the blink of an eye even though Steve repeatedly reassured him that she was fine and just sleeping from exhaustion. He sat next to her telling her how much he missed her.He told her how he felt that a portion of him was missing without her by his side; He told her how much he loved her…. He begged her to wake up… He sat by her side never taking his eyes of her pale face… holding her hand … and begging her to wake up….He started to tell her their story from his perspective. He told her how she disturbed him from their first encounter. How he thought that she had approached him with a purpose, He told her how he shamelessly wanted to see her even if he knew that she had approached him with a purpose.He told her how he used to follow her like a shadow just to feel her
Last Updated: 2024-08-11
Chapter: What about mine???Ben was on edge now that Dana was full term. He kept following her nervously like a shadow. One evening just as they finished dinner and were heading upstairs to retire, Dana stood still on the stairs and called weakly “Ben….”“What is it?” Ben looked affectionately at his wife who had stopped walking and became stiff.“I…. my …. I think my water broke.” Dana barely managed to mumble as she held on tightly to Ben.“You…. you….” Ben froze.Alexa was the first to react. She ran downstairs to alert Shadow and Mrs Bentley before running back upstairs to get the baby bag that Dana had prepared beforehand.“CEO” Alexa called out helplessly as she saw a frozen Ben.“Huh?” Ben looked at the panic-stricken Dana and came to his senses. He carried her and ran downstairs carefully. Alexa informed him that Shadow was waiting downstairs with the car. Shadow had informed Steve as soon as Alexa came running downstairs. Everything at the hospital would be set by Steve.Shadow sped towards the hospital;
Last Updated: 2024-05-13
LOGIN
