Laura was back at the cafe doing what she knew how to do best. Bake. But this time around, Dave had entrusted the cafeโs financial activities to her. So she was extra busy.Daveโs exacts wordโs were โYou need to put your economic degree to use. You can start with me honey, for the next one year you will have to upscale the economic activities of this cafe.โMaddie was already making plans of turning the space at the backโDr. Hakeemโs restaurant which King confiscated and bought in Daveโs nameโ to a fashion studio. Maddie was already setting it up for photo shoots, make up arts, modeling and even for art work exhibitions where Lucia could put up her works and sell.They were growing. The baby in Lauraโs womb was also growing big. Almost seven months gone into the pregnancy. King had instructed that when Laura entered her third trimester then she would have to stop work at the cafe. But could be working remotely.Laura did not object. She also did not object when King decided that s
King didnโt expect that Stephanie was going to be back any time soon. And more so, not to be back with this type of stunt. The deal was for her to leave Laura out of their business.Why wouldnโt she just listen!His thoughts were all over the place as he followed the tracker that he put on Lauraโs ring. Fortunately, the location on the tracker and the one that Stephanie has sent were matching. He just needed to be there on time before she does any harm.The first time he called, Lauraโs phone rang but she didnโt pick. Surprisingly, the next time he called the phone was out of reach.Unknown to him, Stephanie has seized the phone from Laura.King pulled up to the deserted warehouse, his heart raced with immense anticipation. He had always dreaded this confrontation with Stephanie. He hated that she had to put him in a spot like this!If Laura wasnโt involved he could handle her perfectly, but now he has to be extremely careful. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what's to com
2:45amLaura and King laid on the bed cuddling into each other, both unable to sleep.โYouโve been quiet.โ King whispered into Lauraโs hair.โI.. i donโt know how to feel about al this.โ Laura confessed.โTell me whatโs on your mind my love. Please, donโt keep anything from me.โโI donโt want to share you with anyone. Iโm already sharing your attention with this baby of yours. And now Stephanie?โ She replied shyly, nestling into him.King couldnโt help the chuckle that escaped him. He smiled into her hair the more to resssure her โYouโre not sharing me. Iโm all yours Baby. All yours.โ โAnd the company? Do you really plan on giving her a share? You know, I actually donโt think sheโs all that evil. She just feels unfortunate.โ Laura voiced outโThe Stephanie I know is very manipulative. No. I donโt plan on giving into any of that womanโs demand.โโBut sheโs carrying your baby too..and..she said she wanted you..โKing brought up her face and kissed her immediately shutting her up, while
โI want to hear you say that again.โ King smiled into the phone talking to Laura, as he leaned forward on his office table biting on the head of his pen like some puppy lover.โKing! I have to return to work. Uhhh have a nice day.โ Laura replied with another round of giggles.โDonโt you dare hang up on me babe! I paused an important meeting just so I could pick you call. Youโve got to give me what I want.โ He spoke firmly. Looking around at the table to lock eyes with the different men in suit listening to his conversation.โIโve got to go bye..โ Laura whispered slowly.โLaura!โ King warned. His voice commanding.โOkay fine. I love you Mr McGorrith. I love you. I love you. Iโm terribly in love with you and I couldnโt stop thinking about you all day. There! I said it. Can I go now?โ Lauraโs voice filled with happy smiles.King blushed so hard, the men in the room were chuckling and embarsssed on his behalf. They couldnโt believe the almighty Kingston McGorrith was head over heels in lo
Andre had been watching King from the moment they left the office.โSir, do you think Maddie hadnโt spilled over to Laura yet? You know how close those two are.โ Andre spoke with a light laugh as he pulled the car to park in front of the cafe.โWe were able to pull off the gender reveal surprise. Iโm sure we can do this too. I canโt wait to start calling her my wife every minute.โ King responded, arranging his tie and smoothing his hair as he prepared to step out of the vehicle.โAnd after today you better start referring to Laura as Mrs. McGorrith or Iโm going to have you fired and jailed. Infact Iโm going to start threatening everyone who doesnโt refer to her as Mrs. McGorrith.โ King added with a smirk.โIncluding Dave?!โ Andre gasped with a loud laugh.โYes! Including Dave.โ King got out of the car laughing in unison.He had already informed few family members and friends to come stand as witness st the court. The plan was for Maddie to leave the cafe earlier before he arrived with
The news about Kingโs decision to bring in Laura to the company has spread like wild fire in just two days. Almost everyone in the company were ecstatic to hear about it. Brian was the happiest in fact. He loved that his best friendโKingโ was now a responsible family man. The board members were still finalizing the decision. King didnโt just want to invite Laura into the building so she could be aware of her new position. He wanted to make it a surprise. Brian was on the same page as him. But when Chase was asked about his opinion he couldnโt mask his disgust.King knew Chase had always been a double sword human. But right now? He was beginning to relate with him with caution. He had his eyes on him. He also had Detective Marshal on him.The two people who were livid and went bunkers on the news were Karl and Chase. They hated that King could make such a bold step and among that, other investigations and decisions that put both men at risk.Karl's car pulled into a secluded alley, t
Karl's gaze lingered on Chase for a brief moment. "Remember, our alliance relies on mutual benefit. Don't forget your loyalty lies with me. Babe." Chase mind swirled uneasily. He didnโt want to get in Karlโs bad side and he also didnโt want King to suspect anything from the call so he decided to send an โIโm busy at the momentโ message and then put the phone on silent.Chase was about drop turning off the phone when Brianโs call came in.Where they on to him now or what?! โWho is that?โ Karl asked.โWho else? The puppy ducking Brian! I canโt even stand him.โ Chase replied before turning off his phone. His anger was beginning to boil over again.โI can understand Kingโs hate but why Brian?!โ Karl inquired with a contorted look.โHe's always been the favorite. Brian's always sucking up to him." Chase bellowed our his reply. His eyes blazing with jealousy.โReally? You're still hung up on that boy over the fact that King confides in him more?" Chase's jaw clenched. Refusing to let his
Laura was in the toilet urinating when she heard her phone ringing. This was the third time the person was calling already. But Laura couldnโt rush out because of how she would have to be careful with her baby bump. She made a mental note to call the person once she got out.These days she consumed more water and was frequenting the toilet often. Either to urinate or to throw up. But she was glad her constant dizziness and weakness had stopped. Ever since she changed her drugs.After the court marriage, Laura and King had become inseparable. It was just a week. She loved the feeling. I meannnShe knew she was his fiancรฉ. He called her his wife often. But it being official was another ball game entirely. King never failed to use the title on her. He loved it just as much. She had even changed her socials to โMrs McGorrithโ many people who shamed her when they had gotten engaged began to praise her and hush over her.But there were still others who dragged her by her nipples. Many were
So not everyone wearing scrubs were saints. King has got to learn the hard way.He was leaning back against the cool black leather seat of his SUV, his long fingers tapping an impatient rhythm on the armrest. Outside, the city lights were all white and gold in his eyes even despite the tinted windows. Detective Marshalโs call had come earlier and the urgency in his voice had pulled him out of his office. Luckily, Chase was around in time to cover up for him while he would be away. โKing,โ Marshal had said in a tone that demanded attention. โIโve got something for you. We need to meet as soon as possible.โ Marshal had said. No greetings, no small talk. Typical of him.Now here he was, parked in a high-rise parking garage, his eyes darting to the rearview mirror as Marshal approached. The detective opened the passenger door and slid in with what seemed like a practiced ease. Marsha never rushed into anything unprepared, and tonight was no different.โDetective,โ King greeted him with
Dr. Liam leaned back against the cold wall tiles of his private shower, letting the steaming water cascade over his chiseled chest. The surgical mask lines were still showing on his face, and they reminded him of the exhausting C-section he had just completed. Liam was drained, physically and emotionally. Although he had saved a life todayโtwo, actually. Same as yesterday and the day beforeโall he could think about was how much he hated these walls. Hospitals were sanctuaries for everyone else, but for him? It was more like a prison.He toweled off roughly, wrapping the plush white towel around his waist before stepping back into his office.And there she was.Stacey.Her red hair was pinned back into a messy bun, a shade too bright against her pale Texan skin. Her curvy body was poured into a black dress that hugged her thick thighs and ample chest like she had revenge to prove. She sat in his swivel chair like she owned the place, her legs crossed in a nonchalant way. Her cherry-re
Laura leaned against the counter that had displays of hot pastries, shifting her pregnancy weight to ease the pressure on her back. Her hand absentmindedly rested on her growing belly as she glanced at Maddie, who was swirling a spoon through a cappuccino she had no intentions of drinking.โSoโฆโ Laura started, dragging on that word to hint she was about to ask something prohibited. โHow's Dr. Liam these days? Still too busy diagnosing his reflection in the mirror to have your time?โMaddie froze mid-way through swirling her coffee, her playful grin flattening out for just a second before she replaced it with a dramatic eye roll. โUgh, can we not? Itโs way too early for this.โLaura raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. โToo early, or too complicated? Madds, you know Iโm going to ask eventually.โMaddie waved her hand dismissively, leaning on the counter. โHeโs fine. You know, doing his doctor-y things and looking annoyingly good while doing them.โ She giggled with dreamy eyes. โNoth
He knew the rules: money talked, and everyone else? They just nodded. The world worked on bribes, and the underpaid prison guard standing at the dimly lit corridor, guarding the cell gates, wasnโt about to turn down his envelope of dollar bills.โBack again, Mr. Clean?โ The guardโs grin was all teeth and bad intentions, his hand greedily slipping the envelope into his jacket pocket.Matthew smirked, shoving his hands into his jacket. โYouโre not paid to ask questions, Moses. Iโm not here to bake cookies.โMoses laughed like they were old friends sharing an inside joke. โFair enough. Heโs in the usual spot. Ten minutes.โโFifteen,โ Matthew corrected, already stepping into the dark corridor that smelled of sweat, cheap bleach, and desperation for inmates to escape.Prisons werenโt supposed to feel comfortable, but this one had a bite of an annoying feeling that made his skin crawl every time he visited. And yet, here he was. Again.Dr. Hakeemโs cell was tucked in the back of the buildin
They say revenge is a dish best served cold, but Stephanie Pearson preferred hers steaming hot with a side dessert of sizzling chaos. And oh, she was starving.Stephanieโs crimson nails lightly scratched the silk fabric of her blouse as she stood in front of her floor-length mirror, her reflection staring back at her like an old friend with a knowing smirk. She wasnโt dressed for anything fancyโjust a casual crop top and ripped jeansโbut that didnโt matter. What mattered was the way her hand instinctively drifted to her stomach.โThat foolish Laura,โ she muttered, cocking her head to the side, her freckled nose wrinkling in displeasure. โThinks she can have Kingston all to herself? Oh, honey. No can do.โHer reflection grinned back at her, she was the version of herself she had grown to love over the past few months. She couldnโt help but let out a soft chuckleโno, that chuckle was psychotic, if heard closely. โHow does she even sleep at night?โ Stephanie continued, her high-pitched v
Kingston knew well how to control himself. Everything and every aspect in his life was organized, even down to the way he poured his whiskey. But as he found himself pressing Laura against the bedroom wall, his lips teasing hers with the kind of hunger that could ruin a person, all that control? Out the window.โKingโฆโ Laura whispered, her voice breathless, her lips swollen from his warm kisses.โSay it again,โ he murmured, his mouth trailing down her jawline, his hands sliding beneath her dress, sending passionate heat on her skin.โKing,โ she repeated, her tone pleading this time.And that was all he needed.Neither of them remembered how they had made it to the bedroom or when her dress landed on the floor like a forgotten piece of memory. His shirt joined the pile, his tie long gone, and Lauraโs delicate lingerie soon followed, leaving her body bare under the soft glow of the bedside lamp.โLie down,โ he commanded, his voice low and rough, yet filled with the only softness he had
Kingston McGorrith was not the kind of man you would expect to see juggling shareholder documents with baby-shopping plans at the back of his mind, but here he was, sitting at his mahogany desk, scrolling through spreadsheets like his life depended on it. And maybe it did. Between managing his multi-billion-dollar empire and making sure his pregnant wife was happy, this man was booked, busy, and his borderline was completely burned out.His office was quiet except for the sound coming from the faint hum of the air conditioner and the occasional ping of his phone. His assistant had just dropped off the finalized documents for Lauraโs announcement as a shareholder, and King had to admitโit felt so unreal. Laura wasnโt just the mother of his unborn child; she was about to become part of his business, his legacy. The thought made him smile that rare but genuine smile that softened his usually sharp facial features.โEverything looks solid,โ Brian said, leaning back in his chair as he flip
King barely made it through the front door before Laura was already up from the couch, her eyes lighting up as she reached for him. โRough day?โ she asked softly, her fingers sliding to loosen the silk tie he hadnโt even bothered to straighten properly.King groaned, tossing his briefcase to the floor like it had personally offended him. โRough doesnโt even cover it.โ He shrugged off his blazer, running a hand down his face. โAnne is missing.โLauraโs hands froze midway through loosening the tie as her brows arched up. โWait. What?โโSheโs been unreachable since earlier today. Her phoneโs dead, no sign of her anywhere,โ he muttered, his tone sharp, but the worry was still evident in his voice. โShe tried calling once, but it didnโt even last a second before the line went dead.โโOh my God,โ Laura whispered, stepping closer. โHave you called the cops? Tracked her phone?โKing sighed as he tugged off his tie completely, the veins in his neck bulging from frustration. โWe tried. Marshall
โHey, have you heard from Anne?โ Greg asked as he barged into Kingโs office without knocking, his voice tight with concern.King didn't bother looking up from his laptop, his expression bored. โNo, sheโs avoiding us. And to teach her a lesson, I blocked all her credit cards. Let her sweat a little.โGreg blinked twice, clearly thrown aback as his brows knitted together. โOkay, first of all, bold move. Second, she texted me earlier saying she was back in the country and asked me to pick her up soon. That doesnโt sound like someone whoโs avoiding us.โKing froze for a second, his fingers hovering over the keyboard lightly. The calm expression on his face began to crack slightly. โWhat are you saying? Are you kidding?โโIโm dead serious. She said she'd call again when she was ready. But now, nothing. Iโve tried calling her, but she isnโt answering. That'sโฆ not Anne.โ Greg muttered, his tone dipping into worry.King leaned back in his chair, rolling his eyes until his gaze shifted to the