Home / Mafia / Dirty Secrets / Chapter 4

Share

Chapter 4

last update Last Updated: 2022-08-09 03:01:13

Angela

The moment both hands struck four am, my eyes opened, and although my body pleaded with me to go back to sleep, I knew I had to hit the gym. Thank God for indoor gym.

I brushed my teeth, fix myself a bottle of energy drink before hitting the gym. I found the gym empty which doesn't surprise me. Back in the days, I was the only one who utilized the gym. Blocking my ears with my ear pods, I started with the treadmill.

The last time I was on this treadmill, father scolded me for wasting too much time on it.

"You should equalize everything Angela, do not give one thing all your attention."

I still remember his words vividly, the scowl on his face as he scolded me. My chest tightened as the pain hit me hard on the chest. Why am I constantly living in regret?

My feet slapped faster and harder on the treadmill.

Why has the pain refused to go away? Will I be able to watch him get lowered to the ground? Say my last goodbye to him?

Why can't I breath properly? What's going on?

Someone snatched me off the treadmill. Through my blurry gaze, I watched Xavier take in my air as I exhaled, his lips dangerously close to mine. I want to tell him off, to push him away, but I can't do that, not when I can't even breath properly.

"Take a deep breath love," he coaxed "Come on, breath with me on the count of three. One," I took a deep breath. "Two... Three. Breath in..."

I took another deep breath together with him, following his directives.

"Breath out..." I did as instructed. We continued the process until I was able to get air into my lungs. Even when it was obvious that I'm now okay, he didn't let go neither did he create any space between us. "Are you okay?"

His worried eyes tried to read mine. "I'm fine, tha_"

"What is going on here?" An enraged voice asked and I pushed Xavier away, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Cat caught your tongue?" Natasha snarled. "Why are you that close to my husband?"

Although Xavier took few steps back, his eyes never stopped assessing me. "Chill Natasha, I was only trying to help your sister."

Her eyes narrowed at his words. "You were trying to help her with what?"

Xavier's lips pressed together at her constant questionings, and for a moment, he considered ignoring her. "She had a panic attack while running on the treadmill, I was only trying to get her back to normal." He picked up his gym bag that I hadn't noticed earlier. "I'll find another gym house with Chad. Inform my men if you need me."

Somehow, I felt his last words were intended for me. I cleared my throat, avoided both their eyes and picked up my energy drink.

"How long has this been going on?"

I choked on my drink. "What?" I looked up to discover that we're both alone, Xavier long gone. "How long has what been going on?" Did she hear our conversation last night?

"The panic attack," she clarified "How long has that been going on?"

For a moment, I was flustered. I thought she already caught a wind of what happened. "Ever since I left home." I lied. The panic started ever since I thought I lost her. "I'm sorry you caught me in such a comprising position with your husband, I promise you, it won't happen again."

She sat down next to me. "Don't apologize, he did what he had to do to help you." She put on a small smile to help soothe me. "Although I'm surprised that he helped you," my brows furrowed with confusion which made her chuckle. "You see, Xavier isn't that type of guy that just helps people."

I beg to differ. He helped in the airport when my useless ex popped out of nowhere, although I'm regretting accepting his help. "Maybe he helped me because I'm your sister. There is no way he could have watched his sister-in-law choke to death."

Aunty Veronica mentioned something at the table which has been bothering me. The fact that Natasha doesn't have a baby yet. The paparazzi claims she's trying to maintain her figure but I don't think that's the case. Natasha has always wanted a baby even before she got married. I remember she cried so bad when she lost her ex's baby. I wonder what's wrong now.

"What's going on in your head?"

I gave her a one-sided shoulder shrug. "Nothing serious, just the shit that has been going on in my life." Uncomfortable with the conversation, I stood to my feet. "I really can't wait for this funeral to be over so I can get back to my life."

"You're going back?" Somehow she sounds hopeful but I refuse to read meaning into it.

"Yes, I have a life that I need to get back to."

"Can't you bring that life over here?" I smiled sadly. If only she knows what she's asking of me. "I mean, if dad's will is read today and it turned out he gave you the company, will you still leave?"

Yes, I would love to handle the company, but that will mean risking things that I do want to risk, things that I shouldn't even risk. "Even then, I'll still leave." I smiled at her one last time before walking towards the door.

"Why? What is more important than your family?" She stood as well. "I've been trying to understand you, but you make it so damn difficult. Why are you hell bent on leaving."

For starters because I had sex with your husband and seeing him everyday is making me think about it. "I need to get ready for the day." Without meeting her gaze, I walked out of the gym room.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Everybody got to say something to the audience about papa expect me. Guess I’ve been excluded from the family. I watched them lower my father to the ground. I’m going to miss him…Derek was a good man, a good father and I feel so sad that Mckenzie wasn’t able to experience her grandfather’s love and it’s all because of me.

Excusing myself from the crowd that aren’t even interested in me, I got into the car and instructed the driver to take me home.

I didn’t see my family till the next morning.

~~~~~~~~

A soft tap on my door woke me up. Massaging my temple to get rid of the headache, I rolled off the bed to get the door. Cracking it open a little bit, I blinked at Xavier. “What do you want?”

Dressed in a black shirt and black pants, he looks handsome than I’d care to admit. “It’s good to see that you’re still alive.”

Too tired for his sarcasm this morning, I opened the door wider and leaned on the doorway. “What do you want Xavier? It’s annoying enough that you woke me up this early. Speak your mind or I’ll bang the door to your face.” I need to pack.

“It’s eleven o’clock in the morning.” He deadpanned, watching me closely. “Why did you disappear even before the funeral was over?”

“I didn’t think anybody would notice.” Besides I was there for my father, not for them.

“Well, I did notice. I always do notice anytime you’re absent.” His husky voice sent my senses on alert so I quickly went defensive.

“Since you have nothing to say,” I leaned off the doorway and began closing the door. “I’ll see you later.”

“Your mother wants you in the library.” He said seriously, all trace of humor disappearing. “I believe the lawyer is here to read Derek’s will.” I have no interest in his properties. “You should be there Angela, your father would have wanted that.”

He’s right. “I’ll be there shortly.”

Smiling approvingly, he took a step back. “Don’t keep the young man waiting for too long.”

“I won’t.” We stared at each other without blinking, as if one would disappear if the other blinks. When the stare became intensified, I looked away. “See you later Xavier.” I closed the door softly behind me.

~~~~~~~~~~

Everybody expect my mother looked up when I walked into the library. The lawyer who looks younger than I expected smiled warmly at me as I made myself comfortable on the white sofa.

“Since we’re complete,” He started off “I’ll read the will of late Mr. Derek Shirley.”

If this is being read, then that means I’m no more. I may be gone, but I’m still with you all, my love and memory shall continue to live with you all.

To my lovely wife Vera Shirley, I leave my estate in Washington. You’ve always cherished that building, and I’m leaving you in charge of it.

To my beautiful eldest daughter Natasha, I leave my hotels. You’ve always being wonderful in handling the affairs of the hotel, and I’m sure you’d do a wonderful job in my absence.

To Jackie, I leave my restaurant in Toronto. You’ve always loved cooking, so I’ll give you that as a thank you gift.

It was on the tip of my tongue to ask who Jackie is, but I kept my questions to myself, not wanting to interrupt the young man.

To my wonderful youngest daughter Angela, I love you, and I’ll most definitely miss you. You’ve always been crazy about fashion, you always know the right fabric to put together and you always know what the public needs and expects from us.

Your love for fashion and family is the reason why I’m leaving my most treasured possession to you.

To my daughter Angela, I leave S.H fashion. It will be under her care and management for as long as she shall live, and if anything should happen to her, I want the company to be sold, and it’s proceedings forwarded to the orphanage in Africa.

I love you all, and I hope you all will uphold that love.

Your lovely father

Derek Shirley.

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Latest chapter

  • Dirty Secrets    Epilogue

    Epilogue AngelaTwo months laterLife doesn’t go as expected. I’m pretty sure Natasha, Veronica, and Vera didn’t see this coming when they were scheming against me and my father.It’s been two months now since the news of Natasha’s accident hit the internet. They presumed it to be suicide just like Susan DaVinci, but I know better. It is my husband’s doing and I do not need anyone to confirm it for me.Poor Mr. DaVinci. The old man died of cardiac arrest after his daughter was found dead in a clubhouse. Arlo, Natasha’s son is with the Wilsons. They send us pictures of him, and against Xavier’s liking, I visit him once in a while; he’s my nephew after all.All the shares Xavier forced Natasha to hand over to me made me the highest shareholder, but I gave the shares which were originally meant for Natasha to her son Arlo. This conflict has to end with us, it does not have to be extended to our children and children’s children.Having a near experience with death makes you take a lot o

  • Dirty Secrets    Chapter 114

    XavierImagine being forced to wear a Versace gown with a perfect makeup few minutes after your son was taken away from you; that’s exactly Natasha’s fate and with the way her lips tightened, I could tell she in no way like her fate. My men pulled her to the big hall, each man standing by her side. She literally had to race after them because they walked too fast, which also made her walk too fast, a painful attempt if you ask me because her nine inches heel made it pure torture.Stopping at the big door, Harden knocked and the door opened. We all stepped into the big hall where Mateo is being held.It’s okay to say that the young man has been battered beyond repair. I do doubt if any plastic surgeon can fix that face because the scars and current bruises are going to give them tough work.“Long time no see Mateo.” When was the last time I was here? I can’t even remember. Approaching the battered man, I squatted to his level. “I’ve not been a good host and I apologize for that.” Slap

  • Dirty Secrets    Chapter 113

    XavierThe first person I visited was Natasha in a cozy cabin that have enough heat for the sake of the baby. The moment I walked into the room, I heard the cry of the baby. Lucas met me at the doorway. “Don’t you think we should hire a nanny? At least until you have to send him to Martinez?”“That won’t be necessary.” The lesser people know about this, the better it is for everybody. “If things should go well, the baby should be out of our hands soonest.” The loud cry was reduced to whimpers. “What’s up with the baby?”“I think Natasha is breastfeeding him.” Well then, I have to give the baby a little more time to finish his breakfast. “Mr. DaVinci is still in our custody, what should we do with him?”“Let him go.” He doesn’t know who kidnapped him or his daughter. All DaVinci knows is that someone sent him a picture of his daughter held in chains, he flew down to New York and was snatched right at the airport, next, he was in a room with a blindfold while Oliver recorded the whole t

  • Dirty Secrets    Chapter 112

    XavierLucas got to the hospital before me, he called me on my way to inform me that he was already at the hospital and he inquired to know if they should wait for me before administering the antidote but I told them to carry on because the more that poison is in her, the more problem it causes for her.According to Susan, her recovery will be a gradual process. She claimed that if the antidote was administered before the poison became effective, then it would have worked asap, but for the fact that the poison has already started doing its job, it will take two to three days before she finally regains consciousness which made me question her initial plan.I vividly recall Susan telling me that if she takes the antidote tonight, she’ll be able to go home tonight and that can only mean that she lied to me.Parking the car, I raced into the hospital. Every other person became invisible to me as I ambled to her room. Right by her side, Jackie, Lucas, Seth, and Dr. Grey observed her. I gu

  • Dirty Secrets    Chapter 111

    XavierI’ve been with Angela for six hours, holding her hand and staring at her pale face whilst wishing that I could swap places with her right now. She doesn’t have to go through this, especially because of me. I brought Susan into her life and I’m the one who Susan is obsessed with.Sighing, I massaged her fingers, careful not to disconnect the machine helping to keep her alive. Her fashion show was a disaster. Nobody or no news line talks about it without talking about the incident that happened.“I’m going to get you out of here,” I promised her. “This is not going to be how you end. I’m going to send that bitch to the afterlife and get you out of here.” Leaning down, I kissed her palm.My phone buzzed and I picked it up. A text message from Lucas to let me know that he has arrived and they are on their way to intercept his car. Pocketing the phone, I stood up, stared at my wife then reached down and kissed her lips softly. “I know you wouldn’t want me doing that, but I have to d

  • Dirty Secrets    Chapter 110

    XavierMary was the first to enter the club, but I wasn’t daft to let her go in alone, not because I’m bothered about her safety, but because I do not trust her not to ruin this for us. For all I know, she might be playing a fast one on us or trying to alert Susan of my presence. I had to send Tom to keep an eye on her.Stomping into the clubhouse, I requested a room and they handed me keys to room number twenty. Guessing we aren’t far apart, I climbed the stairs to her room.The thin walls made it possible to hear people moaning inside the occupied rooms. Never in my life did I think I’ll grace this shit hole with my presence. It’s an error to hear different voices of people moaning at the same time.Mary met us in the hallway. “Bathi went to grab some tampons for Susan, you need to grab her and leave before he returns.”“Tampons?”She shrugged. “I had to come up with an excuse to send him away.”I’m not afraid of Bathi or whatever his name is, he can kiss my ass for all I care. Igno

More Chapters
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status