Olivia stood frozen at the top of the stairs, staring down at Ria’s motionless body. She watched as the red blood formed a thick pool beneath her, staining the floor like ink spilled from an expensive fountain pen.Olivia raised her hands to her mouth, her eyes remained wide open with shock. Her breath hitched in her throat. "Ria?" She whispered, praying deep down that she would answer. She had not meant for this to happen. She had only wanted her to lose the baby, not die. “No… No…” she whispered. Then her voice grew louder. “No!”She rushed down the stairs with her heart hammering against her rib cage. She knelt beside Ria and shook her motionless body by her shoulders, desperately.“Ria! Wake up!” Olivia's voice cracked with panic rising quickly inside of her. “You can not die. Wake up!”There was no movement.Nothing.She could see that the side of Ria's head was bleeding profusely. There was a part where the impact of the fall has injured her Tears welled up in her eyes as s
Charles Blake stepped into the room with Adrian following close behind. The tension in the atmosphere instantly thickened as everyone stared at each other in silence."I asked, what did both of you do to Ria?" Charles demanded again.Ria opened her mouth to speak but Margaret blurted out before she could utter a word. "Ria was climbing the stairs and fell."Charles glanced at Ria with narrowed eyes. He looked so angry that Ria felt like he would scold her endlessly. "And how the hell did you slip on the stairs while you are with my grandchild growing in your womb?""I- I- " Ria attempted to speak again, remorse filling her at Charles' angry voice. But Olivia stepped in."She was attention starved and did it to seek attention like always," Olivia cut in swiftly.Surprise instantly flashed across Ria's face at her step sister's words.The room went silent. "What are you-" Charles began to say as Margaret stepped forward. "Ria has always been like that ever since childhood," she infor
A sharp pain stabbed Ria in the heart.Tears began to stream down Ria's face as her heart constricted in pain.The doctor looked up, instantly observing Ria's distress. "Are you feeling any kind of pain, Mrs. Blake-to-be?" He demanded."No," Ria whispered, her voice cracking as she looked away trying to hide the tears.But it's too late."Then why are you crying?" The doctor asked with concern.Adrian interrupted. "She is just emotional, you know, with pregnancy hormones and all that shit," he added.The doctor looked between them with a suspicious gaze. Her tears continued to spill over uncontrollably, silently streaming down the side of her cheeks and unto the bed. She could not breathe. She could not even move.Adrian's words replayed in her head with each syllable cutting through her like a butcher's sharp knife.Doctor Smith eyed both of them suspiciously. "Can you take a step back, Mr Blake junior?" Doctor Smith demanded. He had reason to believe that the man was upsetting his
Charles Blake climbed and settled into the soft leather seat of the limousine with a satisfied smile on his face. The automobile purred to life as the driver ignited it. Adrian slid in next to him with a considerably less enthusiasm. The limousine began to move while Charles busied himself with his phone. He heard Adrian shift uncomfortably and hiss throughout the journey, the sound echoing irritatedly in his ears. Charles lifted his head to observe him from the corner of his eye without empathy. Adrian simply turned away and stared out of the window with a sullen expression on his face. It was one that caused Charles to shake his head in total disappointment. "Are you pissed that we are going to see the woman you impregnated?" He asked. "Father," Adrian snapped angrily. "What?" Charles retorted. "I saw the way you were looking at her on our last visit to the hospital. You keep forgetting that it was you who made her like that!" "Father she-" "Adrian," Charles said firmly
Adrian had really not expected his father to actually leave Ria in the car with him. He had hoped that he would change his mind or that Ria would refuse to come. But there she was, sliding into the seat across from him with her face an obvious picture of surprise. Ria had not had any idea that Adrian would be there too. She had thought it would be just her and Charles like last time. "Adrian," she said softly as she settled herself properly in the seat. "I did not know that you would be joining us today." But before Adrian could respond, Charles leaned in through the door and spoke. "Adrian will be here to accompany you to the fitting, Ria. He is looking forward to seeing your perfect wedding gown, aren't you, Adrian?" He gave his son a meaningful look. Adrian forced a smile that did not even reach his eyes. "Of course, I am, Father," he blurted out through gritted teeth. "That is just excellent," Charles said brightly with a mischievous smirk. "I will call you both later t
The moment Ria came into the sitting room, she found Olivia there. The young woman was seething with obvious rage."I see that you still have the effrontery to keep frolicking with my man," Olivia snapped at her with her own hands folded across her chest and shooting daggers at Ria with her eyes. “Good evening Olivia,” Ria said, planning to ignore her. She turned towards the stairs.“Oh save those pleasantries for someone who would be naive enough to think that you are a saint!""I never said I was," Ria mused."How could you stoop so low?" Olivia asked with distaste. "And now that you have succeeded in seducing my man, having a bastard child for him and also going ahead to get his father on your side? How do you feel being so evil?”"Allow me to be, please, Olivia," Ria said to her in a whisper, "I do not have the time for any of this." She was tired already. She did not have an iota of energy for any of Olivia's draining speech."You do not have the time for this Ria? Really?" She
It was the night before the wedding. It was the day that Adrian had been dreading ever since that terrible day when his father had ordered him to take responsibility for that conniving bitch’s pregnancy. “How about we just elope together?” Olivia suggested with a sigh.They were laying together in his penthouse and looking up at the sky from outside his floor to ceiling windows. “You know we can not do that, my love. The only way I can get a hold of my inheritance is after I get married to that woman. I can not go against my father's wishes now. You know how powerful he is.” He lamented. His father had made it very clear to him that if he was to have a seat at his table and continue to enjoy his privileges, he needed to own up and take responsibility for Ria’s pregnancy. “Why does our love story have to be so sad?” Olivia lamented. Adrian could not help but feel his hatred for Ria grow. For years, he had longed to come back to his Cinderella and be reunited with her once again.
The wedding hall was decorated beautifully with several arrays of white and red roses. There were white-colored decorating fabrics that were used to make drapes that hung around the walls and the high ceilings. The lighting effects in the hall fell over the skin of the guests who sat in the hall with flamboyant attires. But despite the pretty atmosphere, there was no joy in the air. The wedding felt rushed, almost forced.Ria was standing beside Adrian at the altar with her hands clasped together tightly. Her white wedding dress was simple and yet elegant. The wound on her neck had healed and there was no more bandage to diminish the beauty. The skin of her neck and collarbone was pretty on display.But, she did not feel like a bride. She rather felt like a prisoner.Adrian was standing stiffly beside her with an emotionless expression on his face. He looked unhappy with his jaw clenched. He did not look at her. He did not even speak to her. He did not even seem like he wanted
As the footstep drew closer to the door, Olivia's eyes darted around, her heart pounding as she looked for where to hide.She saw the doorknob twist and without waiting further she ran to the door and quickly hid, leaning against the wall, her heart pounding loudly in her chest as she took in a deep breath, shutting her eyes.Ria, opened the door and walked in. She stood at the doorway confused, her eyes darting around the room. Her brows furrowed."I don't remember shutting this door behind me when I left," she said to herself.She shrugged. "Well, maybe I did," she walked into the room towards Charles' bed, leaving the door open.Ria placed the tray of food she carried on the bedside table and turned to Charles. "Oh no you have soiled yourself." Ria said as she saw the wet covers on Charles."What do I do now? Adrian isn't around and you need a change of clothes," Ria asked, biting her lips as she fidgets.Olivia took advantage of Ria being distracted and slid out from behind the o
“Rise and Shine Mr Charles,” Ria said, smiling as she drew the curtains open. The rays of the morning sun reflected into the room, making Charles blink.Ria turned to look at him and smiled. “I know, I know... you don’t like the early morning sun.But just a little morning light is good for you. Don’t worry, I’ll close it back soon.”“I thought you might enjoy some sunlight today,” she added, glancing at him. “It’s a beautiful day outside. Not too hot, not too cold. Just the kind you used to say was perfect for gardening.”Ria walked to his bedside, adjusting the blanket covering his body. “Hope you had a good night's rest? Your grandchild said I should ask you that.” Ria chuckled, trying to crack a joke.She picked up two pillows, fluffed it up a bit and adjusted it on his back, making Charles sit up. Then she moved about the room—tidying a few things, picking up a glass cup from the bedside table, and arranging the few books on the shelf.“You know your grandchild didn't let me sleep
Ria blinked, clearly not expecting the question. She slowly turned her eyes to Adrian, expecting him to speak up for her. But Adrian didn’t say anything. He didn’t even look at her. His face was void of any expression. He just kept his eyes on his plate, cutting his meat like he hadn’t heard anything.Ria’s throat felt dry from Adrian's silent dismissal. She swallowed before answering. “I… I was upstairs in Adrian's room"" Doing what?" Betty eyed her" Well.. well I was with Adrian on his bed.” she said in a low voice.The moment those words came out, Olivia, who had just taken a spoonful of rice, suddenly started coughing. She dropped her spoon and covered her mouth, choking on the food. Her face turned slightly red, her eyes tearing up as she struggled to breathe.Betty quickly reached for the glass of water near her and handed it to Olivia. “Easy now,” she said. “Drink water.”Olivia grabbed the glass with shaky hands and took a large gulp. She wiped her lips gently with the back
The room went silent as all heads slowly turned, following Charles' gaze.Olivia?She stood there, frozen for a moment like she didn’t expect to be looked at. Her eyes moved from one person to the other, confused by their stares.Why are they are staring at me? Olivia pondered, blinking.‘They don't know anything yet.’ She reminded herself, getting rid of the fear that had enveloped her heart and forced out an innocent smile as she approached them.Still, her chest felt tight. Her hands were starting to sweat.Why won’t he stop looking and twitching at me?“Oh my God, Mr Blake, you are back.” Olivia screamed, her voice dripping of excitement, as if she was very happy to see him. “We were all scared and worried.” she continued, her voice dropping a bit low in sadness. “I… I didn’t even know he was strong enough to return home.” She muttered, staring at Adrian and then back at Charles. “But thank God, it's good to see you home.” she smiled sweetly.Charles’ eyes didn’t leave her. They t
Olivia, stood stunned, as her gaze couldn't leave Charles. Her stomach twisted. No… No, no, this can’t be happening.He’s alive? How… how is that possible? She thought, wondering.Did he tell Adrian anything? Did he say I was the one who pushed him?Olivia shut her eyes for a moment, trying to calm her thoughts.Damn it. Why didn’t he die?Adrian pushed the wheelchair towards the entrance of the house but Charles' gaze still remained fixed on Olivia until he was completely out of sight.Olivia blinked, jolting back to reality. She shook her head quickly, as if trying to push away the fear that had crept up her spine. She swallowed hard as she backed away from the window, her hands turning cold. Taking a slow deep breath, Olivia slowly made her way to the living room, her mind racing.But how's he alive?Hope he hasn't revealed all her secrets to Adrian.?Has her cover been blown? Shit! This might be the end of her.Dread filled her heart as she quietly approached the living room.
Olivia was getting impatient and frustrated.She had been trying to convince them for a while now. Every time she suggested they go to the hospital, Ria, would said no. And worse, Betty kept listening to her.Olivia stood by the side, arms crossed as she watched Betty cry and snifle in Ria's arms like a child who had lost the world.Olivia rolled her eyes as she pondered on what to do next to convince this two idiots to head to the hospital. And it's not as if she could go alone without drawing suspicions to herself.Worse still, she couldn't find the recording pen. Did that old man still hold onto it even while dying? Olivia thought. She felt uneasy at the possibility of her cover being blown too early.She decided to try one more time. “How long are we going to sit here?” Olivia asked irritated. “Your father is at the hospital, and Adrian might need help. We should go there.”Ria glanced up at her. “Adrian asked us to stay. Let’s respect that.”Betty sniffled loudly. “Ria’s right...
Betty slumped on the cold floor after Adrian and her father left for the hospital. Her hands covered her face and her shoulders shook as she cried loudly, her voice, echoing in the quiet room.Ria knelt beside her, gently rubbing her back and whispering soothing words.“Betty, please… calm down, he’s going to be okay. Adrian’s taking care of him. I'm sure Adrian and the doctors will do everything they can to make sure that Mr Charles gets better.” Ria said, trying to comfort her, but nothing that Ria said seemed to help.But Betty just cried harder, shaking her head. “He… he just dropped! Right there… I don't know if he would be able to survive that fall, his body is already getting old.”“Let's be positive Betty, Mr. Charles will survive. He might look old, but he's very strong.”Then, out of nowhere, Olivia came rushing down the stairs. Her eyes were wide, and her voice was loud and filled with urgency.“What’s going on down here? I heard someone screaming.” Her brows furrowed as s
Olivia watched from the creek of Adrian's bedroom door as Adrian slowly made his way towards Ria, handing her the juice he had taken pride in making and then hovering over her.Every move was slow and deliberate , she tried to make out the words he was saying to Ria as his voice was too low, too soft to listen to almost like he was whispering. Her chest tightened, as confusion and jealousy settled in her heart.What was going on? What was he doing? Was this part of his father's threat? Olivia thought to herself as she watched Ria and Adrian speak to one another. Her nails dug into the wood of the doorframe. "Ahem" The sound made her soul leave her body as she turned around abruptly, her heart pounding in her chest, only to find Charles staring back at her with anger burning through his eyes"You're… you're back... Welcome" she stammered, trying to swallow the lump that had formed in her throat. "Hmmm" "Sir, it's not what you think. I can explain" she added quickly, trying to kee
Charles' phone buzzed immediately. He took a brief glance and stood up, walking out of the room and shutting the door tightly behind him."Annoying little piece of two-timing, double-crossing tramp.." Adrian cussed under his breath as he descended down the stairs, his face brewing with resentment and barely controlled anger.Betty couldn't help but stare at her brother with a teasing smirk on her face as she watched him from the living room. His usual calm demeanor seemed to have collapsed and it was amusing the way he continued speaking to himself as he approached her."What's got you so worked up? Wait, don't tell me.." Betty asked curiously with a bit of sarcasm in her voice as she immediately burst into a chain of laughter quickly understanding her brothers predicament Adrian raised his brows in irritation but chose to let it go, as he wasn't in the mood to bicker with someone especially BettyHe angrily made his way towards the kitchen and brought out a few oranges to the count