CHAPTER 2✍️
As the elevator came to a halt, I stepped out and returned the keycard to the receptionist. I sprinted out of the building and flagged down a taxi. The drive was cold and silent, and my vision blurred from excessive crying. Getting to my destination, I sat in a bar with three bottles of pure alcohol, drowning in my sorrows. I knew that was exactly what I needed at that moment. As I struggled to regain control of my emotions, memories of what I had witnessed came flooding back. The memory of her stunning beauty lingered, and I couldn’t help but compare myself to her. She was a version of perfection, stunningly beautiful, and in that moment, I knew I would never measure up to her. Even in a fairy dress, he’d never love someone like me. He needed someone beautiful, model looking, confident, and someone who’d give him a Child, I was none of them. I remembered how they looked into each other eyes with burning love passion, and it dawned on me. “Never in a million years will I get something like that.” I would never have a man that would look me in my eyes with such burning and unquenchable flames of love. Never will I get the chance to stare into a pair of eyes that will look at me with so much love in them. Never will I be worthy of anyone. I would never be enough. I whispered to myself, the words tearing at my heart like a rusty blade. “Oh, Starr, you’re such a fool. Why did I let myself fall so deeply for him?” I whispered to myself, gulping down my drink all at once. After sometime, I stood up, paid the barman and took another cab to the sea. My favorite place in the world. I sunk myself to the floor and screamed my heart out. I have been used, abandoned by the man I gave my all to, who I loved though he had nothing to give to me, a man I catered for, for 2years, a man I had invested all my hard earned money in.” I am broken beyond amend. The love of my life had ruined me. Love is the end of me. My thoughts were severed abruptly, jolting me back from my reverie back to reality, and I hesitated for a moment before checking the screen. I glanced at the screen, and I winced as I saw Lizzy’s name flashed on my screen. The thoughts of talking to someone, or pretending to be okay, was suffocating. I wasn’t ready to go home yet. I just needed to be alone, cry my eyes out until they fall off, and lose myself in the darkness of my despair. I hadn’t realized that it was past midnight already, and I was all alone at the sea. I stood up and went home. My gateman opened the gate, and I saw Lizzy pacing. I’m sure she must have been worried sick about me. When she saw me, she stood akimbo, waiting for me to get closer, but I stopped walking and fell to the ground with tears falling uncontrollably from my eyes. She ran to me, telling me to get up, but I was too weak and tired to listen to her. I was expecting her to ask me “what’s wrong like she always does, but she didn’t. I guess she figured it out herself. She gently led me inside the house, and we sat together on the floor, my head cradled in her lap, whispering words of comfort. “All will be well, babe. You will get through this in no time,” she whispered, her voice a gentle breeze on my tender skin. “You’re strong and you’ll get through this”. As I gazed up at her, I felt a lump form in my throat. Tears flowed freely at the corner of my eyes. As I cried, I felt drops of water on my bare skin. I looked up at Lizzy, and my heart swelled with emotion. She was crying with me; she was feeling my pain, how I have always been unlucky with relationships, the only thing men want from me, is my body and money. “What is wrong with me? Why do I always attract the wrong men? I looked up to her again and asked,” She gave me a pitiful look, shaking her head sideways and said again, “everything would be fine, Starr,” I stood up, my eyes blazing with a mix of anger and desperation, and said, “I get it now, I know I’m CURSED!!!” The words stumbled out from my mouth like a confession. Lizzy’s expression softened, and she reached out to me, her hands grasping for mine. “No, babe, you’re not,” she said, her voice laced with conviction. “You’re just hurt and that’s okay. You’re allowed to feel pain, and trust me, you’ll get over it real soon. I promise, okay? Lizzy pulled me into a tight hug, holding me as I trembled with sobs. “I know one day, you’ll find someone who genuinely loves you,” she whispered, her eyes squinting with sadness. “Someone who will cherish you and adore you for who you are. You deserve that, Starr. I clung unto her, and said “Elizabeth, I AM DONE WITH MEN,” with my eyes shooting daggers for her to know I’m drop dead serious. After what felt like forever, Lizzy gently led me to my room, tucking me into bed like a child. She sat beside me, stoking my hair, and whispering words of comfort until I drifted off to sleep. The next morning, I opened my eyes to find Lizzy sleeping beside me. I carefully removed the duvet cover, and I felt the persistent lump in my throat. It was that feeling that woke me up. No doubt I felt nauseous, and I knew for a fact that it wasn’t the alcohol so I didn’t know why. Trying not to disturb Lizzy, I reached for my slippers with my bare feet. Still, my movement inadvertently woke her up. “Hey Starr, where are you going?” She asked, her voice laced with concern, as she watched me reach for a scarf. I tied it around my head and neck area, my eyes fixed on some distant point. In that moment, Lizzy knew I was determined to go somewhere, but she has no idea where. Her eyes narrowed, her brow furrowed in worry. “Hey, hey, babe, look at me,” she said, placing her hands on my chin, gently directing my face to meet hers. “Where are you going, Starr?” And why are you this pale? She asked again, voice soft but firm. “I’ll be back, Lizzy. I need to take care of something,” I replied, my tone resolute. Lizzy’s expression turned stern. “No, no, you don’t get to that again. The last time you went off on your own, you came back home a shell of yourself. I won’t let that happen again. And moreover, you look so tired and …, I don’t even know. Are you sure you’re okay? She questioned again, and I was forced to be calm. She pointed towards the bathroom. “you’ll go in there, brush your teeth, and take a bath. You look like you’ve been through a war.” I hoarsely responded, “Lizzy, please….” But she cut me off. “No, Starr, I mean it.” You’re not going anywhere till you take care of yourself. She adamantly said. But I won’t listen to her. I’ll do what I had in mind. I reached for the doorknob, and opened the door, flinging the door open, and just as I was about to take a step, I felt that persistent lump in my throat again and I ran into the bathroom, straight to the sink,throwing my guts out. I didn’t know what to think that minute, so I looked up to meet Lizzy gaze. She looked so confused and then she asked me the hardest question she has asked me in a long year. “When last did you see your period? I looked at her and gave her this confused look. I didn’t want to respond, but I knew Lizzy. She won’t let me go till I answered her. “Lizzy, please…” I wanted to say but my vision became blurry. The last thing I saw and heard, was Lizzy trying to direct her hands to my face while calling out my name but I was too gone to hear her. I blacked out.CHAPTER 3✍️ I woke up in an unfamiliar place; the ceiling was far different from the ones in my room. “Where the hell am I?” I asked myself. I tried getting up, and that was when I saw the bed I was lying on. “I’m in a freaking hospital.” The door creaked. I looked up to see what was wrong, and I saw Lizzy walk in with a man that looked like, he’s in his late forties and yes, he was with a stethoscope on his neck. “Yeah, how great. Lizzy brought me to a fucking hospital.” “Hey, Starr, right? How’re you feeling?” the doctor asked, his voice gentle. I hesitantly answered, “I feel good doctor,” please can you give me and my friend a moment together? It’s really urgent. I need to speak with her. The doctor nodded sympathetically. “Of course, I’ll give you some privacy. But just for a minute, okay?” As soon as the doctor left, I turned to Lizzy, my voice low and urgent. “Why the hell did you bring me to a hospital, Lizzy? You know how much I hate hospitals, it smells, It
Chapter 4✍️“Always make sure you sleep well, rest early, and stay away from alcohol, okay? And also stay hydrated.” He added.I nodded slightly, still gazing out the window. Lizzy squeezed my hand reassuring.“We’ll get through this, Starr, like we always do, okay? Lizzy consoled me. Yes.” I answered.The doctor smiled softly, warmly. “You’ll need to come back for a follow-up appointment in two weeks’ time. We’ll monitor your condition and adjust your medication as needed.”I turned back to face him, forcing a weak smile. “Okay, doctor. Thank you.”After an emotionally draining day, I collapsed onto the bed as soon as we got home, exhausted, took over. Lizzy let me sleep, knowing I needed to recharge.Hours later, I woke up feeling a bit more refreshed. Lizzy was sitting in the living room, her eyes fixed on me as I walked in.“Hey, how are you feeling?” She asked, concern etched on her face.I shrugged, taking a seat beside her. “Better, thanks.”Lizzy nodd
Chapter 5✍️“Where are my freaking clothes?” I shouted at the top of my voice. The door swung open, and someone walked in. I looked up and my eyes widened in horror. It was the same guy I met at the club! “What was his name again?” I thought to myself, panic setting in. “I don’t even remember and I don’t care!!!”“No, no, no, this can’t be happening, I exclaimed, my voice and hands trembling. “W-what am I doing in your… your house?” I stuttered, trying to process the situation. “Who brought me here?” I demanded, my anger rising.The guy’s expression remained calm, but I could see a sense of amusement dancing in his eyes.“You don’t remember me, do you?” He asked, his voice low but smooth.I shook my head, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration. “No, I…I don’t, and funny enough, I don’t care. The only thing I wish to know is, Why the hell am I in your fucking bed?” That’s all I want to know.I tilted my head sideways, trying to calm my frazzled nerves do
Chapter 6✍️The cool breeze enveloped me as I stepped off the plane in France. I joined the stream of passengers moving towards the baggage claim, the sound of luggage wheels and chatters filling the air. I felt a thrill of happiness knowing I was away and I wanted to start all over, but I still had thoughts of that suspicious phone call. I don’t frolic around with any man, so who could that be? I mean, I would have easily said Charles’s wife, but they were long gone and I haven’t spoken to him since our last encounter at the airport, so definitely it’s not here, then who? I thought to myself with a blank expression on my face. I rolled my luggages to a taxi, gave the driver my destination and few minutes later, I stood at the front of a beautiful tall building.This was it, my new home. I smiled and stepped inside. The concierge greeted me warmly and handed me the keys to my apartment. I thanked her and made my way upstairs, unlocking the door and stepping inside
CHAPTER 7✍️Starr’s POV I and Mr. Jenkins were still conversing, but we were nearly finished.“I like that.” He quickly reached for his landline and called someone to come in and after a few minutes, a beautiful brunette lady came in and he told her to take me to my office.We got outside, and she complimented me. “Hey, I’m Racheal, but you can call me ray. I wouldn’t mind, I mean cause my friends call me that.” She stuttered, and God! You’re so beautiful,” she added.I blushed immediately, that rolled out of her mouth. “Thank you Racheal, you look beautiful too,” I complimented her too, and she slightly tapped my arm. “Oh, please, don’t flatter me.”We got a cabin, and we stopped there. She opened the door and told me this was my space, while hers was just beside mine, and if I ever needed anything, I shouldn’t hesitate to call her. And I responded, “ Okay, Rachael, thank you.”After a long stressful day at work, I got home, had my shower, and headed outside t
CHAPTER 8✍️Starr’s POVThe next morning, I gazed into the mirror, my eyes sparkled with self-admiration. I couldn’t help but notice the transformation that had taken place over the past two years. My skin, had lightened to a radiant glow, My curves, were mind blowing.With a gentle smile, I traced the contours of my face, my fingers dancing across my high cheekbones, my full lips, and my almond-shaped eyes. I felt like a work of art.We had already packed our things yesterday, so it wasn’t hard to get the airport that morning.Few hours later, I checked the flight status and saw that our plane had just landed. My heart skipped a beat.We made our way to the arrivals gate, my eyes scanning the crowd for a glimpse of my best friend .And then, suddenly, I saw her. Her long hair flowing behind her. Her eyes locked onto mine, and a radiant smile spread across her face.“Lizzy” I exclaimed, rushing towards her with open arms.I swept her into a tight hug, feeling
CHAPTER 9✍️We all sat down on our chairs, conversing cause they were all throwing questions at me and I answered all swiftly. The idiot, Seven, kept on staring at me and Ella kept giving me this side eye that felt annoying. “Why is she looking at me like that?” I mumbled to myself.So she finally muttered to Tania to swap chairs with hers, they did, and she immediately pulled the chair closer to Seven.They began talking, “Hey, Seven! I’m Ella, It’s so great to finally meet you.” He responded with his name, and Ella tried pushing it more, but he clearly wasn’t interested in whatever she was saying. But Ella didn’t mind, all she wanted was to strike a conversation with him by all means, she wanted his attention at all cost.But he was still seated, looking uninterested. She didn’t let that deter her, though. She flashed him a bright smile and asked another question, but he just looked at her and gave a warm smile.We all kept on conversing, except Seven and Ell
CHAPTER 10✍️ “I felt something I had tried so much to bury for the past 2years, pain, anger. Heaven knows how much I had tried to forgive Charles, but I just couldn’t. He left me at my most vulnerable time without looking back. He didn’t even care I caught him cheating, he just….,” I stopped cause I couldn’t bear to stand there with him for even two seconds more, so I threw his hands off mine and slapped him across his cranky face.“Don’t you fucking dare touch me, you bastard,” I told him, pointing my fingers at him, my eyes shooting daggers. If eyes could kill, I’m sure he’d be six feet below by now.He touched his cheeks with his head down, before he looked up to look me in the eye. “Starr please, let me explain,” He said, his voice cracking from stuttering. But I didn’t care, all I wanted was for him to go back into the dark just like he did 2years ago.“I don’t care what you have to say, Charles,” I told him, my voice laced with anger and firmness.
Restlessly, I kept turning around in my bed. I couldn’t sleep. I kept on drifting back to the conversation Seven and I had earlier today. Was I that bad? Am I possessed? Why can’t I keep a man just like every other woman?My mind reeled off to Ella. She knew of my condition now. I’m sure she’d blackmail me with it since she has always had eyes for Seven, so there was absolutely no way I’d win this.She would definitely force me to back out for her to take my place in his life. If I truly had one.I wasn’t ready to tell him. No. I couldn’t possibly look him in the eyes and say. “Hey, I’ve a freaking medical condition and I can’t conceive.” Yeah. That’s extremely funny.I just can’t. There is no way I am doing that. So the other option is just to let him be. But my heart can’t. I love him.Sighing, I placed my hand on my chest as I continued to heave heavily and think deep.Sighing out deeply for the up tenth time, I felt my chest tightened so quickly, I grasp the duvet and threw it off
Her gawking eyes followed me till I push the door open and went outside. She didn’t bother saying anything, the same goes for me and for some unknown reasons I was grateful.I wasn’t ready for any fake love or affection.Hastily, I walked to my car and stayed in there for some time, wiping away the constant tears that were dripping down.After successfully pouring everything out, I drove home and went inside, not spending another one second out there wallowing.The instant I pushed the door open, I met Chris and Gab in the sitting room with their woman giggling and all happy.They were definitely cracking jokes and grinning from ear to ear. Faking a small smile, I greeted them and moved closer to take Chris’s outstretched hands to shake me.After the short compliments and welcoming speech, I made sure I didn’t spare a slight glance to Lizzy’s way.I just ran upstairs and banged my door hard. Few minutes later, after taking a cold shower, I heard a soft knock on the door.Quickly, I wr
Chapter 77He took a step closer to me, his eyes locked on mine. Pain and hurt instantly filled his eyes. “Gone.” I furrowed my brows in confusion as I tried to understand what he meant by “Gone.”.“What do you mean by gone?”Biting his lower lips, he sniffed in a little and spoke again. “She died. It was still birth.” My eyes bulged out in pain for him and he hurried back to the windows, staring out at it. I took a deep breath, composing myself before speaking. “You shouldn’t blame yourself for that.” I spoke out, trying to comfort him.He turned to look at me as I continued, “You got separated. So there was absolutely no way you’d have been there for her.”Sewing in his sob, he spoke. “Apparently, she got pregnant and my parent already got me betrothed to Trisha right from when we were growing up because Trisha's family are also rich and they needed that contracted marriage.”“So I’m sure Camille’s mother figured it all out. That was the reason she took her
I didn’t know what to do next. One part of me wanted to storm out and confront Lizzy, while another part of me stayed frozen in shock.I stood there, unsure of how to react, as Lizzy continued her conversation, oblivious to my presence.As I stood there, I knew that my relationship with Seven would never be the same. The secrets and lied had created a rift, and I wasn’t sure if it would be amended.My secrets to him and his to me. He knew about all of this, and he made me think that I was overreacting.With my trembling hands, I wiped my tears, and gradually, without making a noise, I went out of her room.I approached the gate, pushed it open, and went into my car. I let my tears fall because I knew it was over for me.Trying to relax my racing heart, I placed my hands on my chest to calm myself. My drugs were in my bag, so there was no way I’d stop a huge panic attack if it set in.My hands caught my steering wheel, so I puffed out the gagging air in my throat, then revved the engin
Still contemplating, tears continued to spill out of my eyes, and I quickly took my hands to wipe them out.Slowly, I turned around to look at Lizzy. She glanced at me without saying anything. Giving me the expression of, do whatever it is you want, she moved her step to reach the stairs, going up.Lizzy’s behavior dumbfounded me, because she had never acted like that before. She left me alone to face this all by myself.Sluggishly, I nodded, picked my bag from the couch and went straight to the wine cellar to get a full bottle of wine before moving to my room.Slamming the door shut, I didn’t bother to take another step. I just slumped to the floor and wrapped my knee close to my face and cried my eyes out.I was selfish. Maybe I should have trusted him and now he has left me. I did this to myself.I let anger and jealousy fuel inside me so badly that I didn’t see who he really was. How true of a man he has been to me.I stayed there, on the ground and cried for hours and in that pro
Pushing my hair slowly away from my face, I took a step forward while he just stood there staring at me intensely before he turned around and moved to push the gate open to go in.I thought he was leaving just now? Why did he go back inside? I thought to myself as my face crinkled in confusion.I walked behind him going inside till we got to where my car was parked, so he leaned forward and bent his head while he squeezed his hands, making his knuckles turn white from it.He was clearly angry. But I’m the one that’s supposed to be. Then why is he?Without thinking, angrily, I hissed and hastened my foot to the front door. He shoot up and turned to me. I could feel his eyes piercing my skin as I walked, but I didn’t care.Till he shouted my name, coming behind me. We pushed the door open, revealing Lizzy that was with a glass of juice about going up, but paused the moment she saw the door fling open with me marching inside and Seven coming behind me, fuming and yelling.“Starr? What th
I blinked back the tears that were rolling as Tania came closer to me, but I quickly smiled at her and hugged her goodnight.I briefly hugged Chris, too. “I can drop you off, Starr.” He suggested, but I turned him down.“Oh, you don’t have to worry. I’ll be fine.” I said fast and walked to the front door.Sighing, I dialed his line. It rang for some seconds before he picked up. “Kay, please, can you come pick me up? If you are not busy.”I heard him respond quickly, “Yeah, sure. Where is the place?” He asked, and I gave him directions.Minutes later, my phone rang, and I hastily walked out of the gate and approached his car before stepping in.He noticed my withered makeup that was scattered because of my seared tears, and I quickly lowered my gaze and looked out of the window.There was no doubt that he noticed, but I’m sure he remained calm because he knew I would probably not give answers to his pending questions, and trust me, I was glad.The drive was fast to his place, and I was
My eyes were fixed at her before I took it to Seven as I anticipated his response. My heart began to race because I was scared he was going to deny me. It’d all come crashing down if his response is negative. His lips parted to speak as everywhere was ultimately silence, that even if a pin was dropped it would be heard.“Yes, she’s my girlfriend.” She replied with a smile on his face.Camille’s face went into a surprise one as she smiled very shortly and clamped her mouth with her hands momentarily.“I didn’t know that.” I cleared my throat before speaking up.“Seven can I talk to you for moment?” I requested and she chipped in sharply.“I’m sorry, we’re having an important discussion, so please just give us a moment?” My eyes snapped at her when she spat that out and I began to wonder if she was alright.That instant, I expected Seven to disapprove what she said, but instead he did the opposite, he supported her.Surprisingly, He made me feel inferior. He made me feel worthless. C
Her smile was bright and contagious, revealing her full set of white teeth. Seeing her up close like this, I noticed her skin was very radiant and shiny.Her lips were curved as V at the upper part, making it look outstanding. “Hey.” She waved her hands at me, and I instantly feigned a smile.“Hi.” I responded and collided my hands with her outstretched hands. Before we pulled apart and she took her eyes to Seven.She placed her hands on his arms and whispered something in his ear. Making me gulp down the spit that formed at the depth of my throat.My stomach churned in annoyance, but I rubbed my hands together to ease myself from smacking the hell out of her face.Hell yeah, I was jealous.After she was done whispering, Seven spoke up as he placed his hands on mine. Caressed it a little, and spoke. “I’ll be back, okay?”I opened my mouth to speak but stopped abruptly because she’d had already fixed her arms in his and walked away. Was this the human that Lizzy said she would have mov