SOPHIE'S POVI shifted the thick, opaque curtains that fell over the window in my room to one side as I observed the gate of our house through the transparent glass upstairs.The Tesla had just driven out through the open gate, and one of the uninformed security guards had begun to close it up.Elliot, who had been raising fire and brimstone some moments ago, had finally resigned to the strong will of his daughter. He has finally yielded to her persuasion as well as that of her older twin, Amelia. I let out a small smile. Was it not funny that despite his so-called anger about the recent developments, he still insisted on dropping them off at the park, even when Amelia kept insisting that the park was not that far? Sometimes, I find myself debating again who actually pampered Isabella more between her father and grandfather. I let out a wider smile this time.I drew the curtains closed again and returned to my bed to sit quietly."Just like yesterday," I whispered.It was so hard to
I am filled with immense gratitude as I write this message, appreciating every one of you who has joined me on this journey. Whether you have been following from the start or have recently become a part of this story, your presence has truly enhanced the storytelling experience in immeasurable ways.I am thankful for allowing my characters to be a part of your lives, for investing your time and emotions in their successes and challenges, and for sharing in their joys and sorrows. Your support, feedback, and motivation have been the driving force behind every word written, inspiring me to explore their world further and create narratives that resonate with you.As we come to the end of this story, I'm thrilled to announce that a new story awaits. In the meantime, I would like to hear your thoughts about the story, please don't hesitate to share your feedback.Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks for being a part of this remarkable journey. Your support ignites my passion.With dee
SOPHIE'S POV"Sophie....Sophie! Have you watered the rest of the hibiscus?" It was my stepmom's voice calling from the garden just behind my room. I slapped my head in frustration."Not again," I muttered before I responded."Not yet." "Not yet?" Her voice came back with its irritating tremor."Who are you waiting to do it? Me? Or Olivia?""Ah..erm.. no.. please just. Just give me a minute ma." I stammered."You don't have a minute; come down here right now!" She shouted.I heaved a sigh and got up. She was always like that—nagging, bossy, and controlling. I was used to it, only that everything had intensified since my convocation last two weeks. And most times, the errands were mundane and repetitive. But who was I to complain to? Dad?All he would do would be to give a boring recitation of Ephesians 6:10 and maybe a long religious epilogue on why elders must be respected, whether biological or not. Reporting to Dad was more trouble. "Phew," I exclaimed, wiping the sweat from m
Elliot'S POVI walked into my office bearing my briefcase in one hand and making vast strides. All my employees were moving forward to greet me and quickly go back to their jobs, with the corners of their eyes looking up at me. The look of respect was mixed with fear; I was used to it, so their attention did not bother me.Those men tried to suck up to me for their gains, yet I could tell they hated me and were jealous of my quick success and the fact that so many women at the office had fallen for me. But these were all in silence and with gestures. In reality, no one would dare show even a bit of defiance to back this up. I bossed the place with a strong hand; there was no room for slackness.But something was different about today. Instead of my secretary, it was the director of operations in IT who ran up to me first when I arrived at the company. He collected my suitcase and then said to me almost immediately as I entered the company. "Sir, I'm afraid we almost had trouble, sir;
SOPHIE'S POVI tried to calm myself as I drove toward the house. But my heart kept racing. If yesterday was indeed a setup, then Adam's wrath is the least of my worries. What about dad? What would be his reaction? Perhaps the best bet for me would be to arrive early and talk to Dad. He needs to believe me; he needs to see through Olivia and her mother's schemes, but alas, I lied to him yesterday before going out. Where do I start? I heaved a sigh and prepared myself for the worst.When I got home, the halogenated security lights were still on."You, daughter of Eve? Where have you been?" My father's voice thundered.I paused and sniffed my nightgown, which made me appear even more guilty."I said, Why were you not in the Bible study last night?" "Dad," I said, my mouth was literally shaking."I need you more than ever to believe what I'm about to say." I began, my voice betraying me. "I know… I know I told you I went…""Hold on!" Father roared; he appeared to be scanning through some
Elliot’s POVAt the office, I couldn't concentrate and couldn't think of anything else. My mind kept going back to the lady at the nightclub. Who was she? And why had she booked that hotel in her nightgown? If she was truly a sex vendor, then why had I found her a virgin? Why had I been so quick to have sex with her without holding any conversation? There were too many questions, and it was hunting for my peace. I felt like a monster. I needed to see that girl; my investigator said her name was Olivia Mack, and I needed to know her story. The second thought on my mind was about the drink I had that night. Why had it been laced with drugs, and what had been the purpose? There were about five people at that meeting that day who could have dragged me out of the five. As far as I know, I was still healthy, and nothing else was wrong with me apart from the dizziness it induced that night. What is really going on?The ringing of my phone brought me out of my train of thought. "Hello?" I pi
SOPHIE’S POVFIVE YEARS LATERThe airplane descended and started to glide downward; my heartbeat raced simultaneously. Returning to New York reminded me of the past I tried hard to forget."Sit tight baby," I said to Isabella, who sat beside me and his siblings."Mum, mum, are we in New York now?" It was Owen. He is the most inquisitive of my kids and a tech genius."Yes, darling, we are in New York," I answered with a smile, holding onto Isabella's hand, whose eyes were shut."Is Daddy here too?" He continued to ask, his blue eyes gazing at me, and I felt my heart skip at his question.Ever since I announced to them we were moving to New York, my kids' joy knew no bond. I knew they believed their dad was here, but I always made sure to avoid their question any time they asked me about their daddy. How would I answer them even when I didn’t know their dad was?"Hey shhhh," Lucas hushed at him playfully behind us. "Our plane does not like many questions.""I don’t believe you, Uncle,"
GENERAL POV"Tell me, what are you up to, Owen? You are not doing something silly, are you?" Sophie questioned, looking at her triplets with her eyes narrowed."No mum. I'm just checking a nearby park. You know how much we love going to the park, right Nathan?" Owen replied, making gestures to Nathan to save him from their mama's question."Yes, mum. It's nothing to worry about." Nathan replied and the driver announced their arrival.The apartment where Sophie would be staying with her kids is massive and located in a totally cutaway space with shades of tall trees surrounding it. The gate directly leading to the house is as wide as it is tall. It made the house appear like an exquisite fortress from the outside.While the kids explore the house joyfully, Lucas and Sophie arrange their belongings in their respective rooms, then venture to the kitchen to contemplate a home-cooked meal instead of ordering."Mom, this place is beautiful. More than our place in California." Isabella giggl