A LIE SO BEAUTIFUL

JanelleI approached the living room and spotted a tall man seated on my late grandfather’s couch like he owned the place.The basket of oranges slipped from my hand, my jaw dropped when I saw who it was.It was Damian Cooper, CEO of Ranks Construction. One of the richest companies in the country. Every woman’s dream, but what was he doing here? Was this a dream?He stood up and took five steps to meet me where I stood—frozen still.His gaze moved slowly over my body as he studied me.My fingers trembled at my sides, but I tried hard to hold it in. I couldn’t help but stare at his green eyes. They were mesmerizing. I understood why men wished to be him. He wasn’t just handsome! He was—gorgeous.Even I wished I had such shoulder length white hair.Finally, he spoke, interrupting my thoughts as he grabbed my attention.“She’ll do!” For a minute, I couldn’t understand. My parents’ faces lit up like what he said was worth rejoicing over.“What do you mean?” I asked.He scoffed, then sna

JanelleJust then, the door kicked open. I turned to look, and behold right outside the door was Damian Cooper, a line of men stood behind him. His presence alone silenced the room. “No one dares to touch what belongs to me.” “Janelle is mine.”As Ashley saw Damian, she stammered, “legendary Damian Cooper?!” Then she fainted.“Ashley! Ashley!” I called, but there was no response.Then I spotted her eyes twitching.“My friend just fainted, we need to take her to the hospital,” I yelled, trying to reach out for help.Damian said, cold as ice and sharp, “she fainted…she’ll definitely wake up. Relax”“Don’t tell me to relax!” I yelled at him, and got up to hit him but one of his bodyguards pinned me down.The pig-masked man didn’t seem scared.“Damian? Don’t you think you’re here early?” he said and he poured wine into a glass and then walked over to Damian who was already standing in front of me.“You know the rules…you dare not touch what belongs to me,” Damian said but the rabbit—ma

JanelleAfter I dropped Ashley at her apartment, I parked the car and hailed a cab down to my house. I glanced through the window.My mom was sitting down, biting her fingers and tapping the tiles with her foot—nervous or worried? I couldn’t catch.Dad was pacing around the living room, with his hands folded behind his back. I sighed, then walked in. My mom rushed and hugged me.“I’m glad you’re okay,” she said, still hugging.A faint smile tugged on my lips. I hugged her back.We both stepped back. She placed her warm hands on my cheek, and said, “I’m sorry, Janelle, but we tried. Your father and I tried to source for the money but Damian kept blocking every option we had.”Dad said, “Besides, even if we pay, it would be of no use. Your grandfather made that decision years back.”“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked.Dad walked closer, “I wanted to, but I didn’t know how,” he said.“I was also angry at your grandfather back then. But it was too late, he had already signed the contract