Adrian’s body tensed the instant Ria mentioned Olivia’s name. Ria swallowed hard while already beginning to regret all of her words. She should have probably waited for a better moment. She should have softened her approach. But there was no taking her words back now at this moment."What exactly are you trying to say, Ria?" He asked her in a calm voice that still sounded dangerous. It sent chills down her spine.“I just…” Her fingers tightened on her thighs where she had placed it. “I just think that you deserve to know the truth.”Adrian let out a short, bitter laugh. “Truth? And what lies— sorry truth do you want to reveal now?” He shook his head and crossed his arms over his chest. "It is not lies Adrian," Ria said. It is the truth I promise." She blinked.“And what truth would that be, exactly?”Ria took a deep breath and prepared herself to speak to him. "You do know that Olivia has been lying to you this whole time? Adrian, it was never her, it was always me," she tried
Ria who had opened the door was surprised to see Olivia standing there with a broad saccharine smile on her face. "What are you doi-""Get out of the way!" Olivia snapped at Ria with impatience just before she could say anything more.Ria stared in shock as Olivia sidestepped her and walked into the house with the heels of her black stilettos clicking against the tiled floor as she moved."Beautiful," Olivia mused softly."What are you doing in my matrimonial home on the first day of my marriage?" Ria asked her with a voice that was laced with annoyance as she closed the door.Olivia turned to her while tossing her long hair over her shoulder. "And can I not visit my sister at her home even though she had gotten married to my man?" She sneered with a sly smirk.Ria scoffed in disbelief amazed by her glaring audacity!"Your man,?" Ria said to her before crossing her arms over her chest. "You know very well who Adrian really belongs to."Olivia laughed, a high pitched sound that annoy
Ria stayed standing in the living room with her heart throbbing from the pain that gripped her firmly.Her tears shamelessly dripped down from the corners of her eyes. She stared at the stairs for a while before she stormed back to the breakfast table with anger and hurt fueling her movements. She lifted herself and sat down on the chair to continue eating the breakfast that Adrian had made. She forced herself to eat with the hot tears continuously blinding her and her palms repeatedly swiping them away.She could no longer taste a single thing.Meanwhile, upstairs, Adrian guided Olivia with care into his study room and shut the door behind her. The moment he clicked the door shut, Olivia stepped into his arms and hugged him tightly with a sigh, taking him by surprise."Oh Adrian," she squeezed him. She felt really warm against his body. "I missed you so so much," she voiced out.Adrian stood still, staring down at her. He noted that her hair smelt really nice, like a garden of red
Olivia was stretched out lazily on the large but soft bed with her famous satisfied smile playing on her red lips. She had been clad in the warmth of Adrian’s arms all throughout the night. It had been a comfort and also a reminder that she was exactly where she belonged, by his side. Olivia was assured that though Ria still held the nonsensical title of Mrs. Blake, she had already taken her place in reality.She sat upright with a big yawn and reached for her phone which was lying on the nightstand.She unlocked it and punched in a series of numbers. Then she dialed the number. The call had barely even rang twice before it was answered by a female."Is everything ready?" she asked her while keeping her voice low."Yes, ma’am," the lady responded on the other end. "I have made all the necessary arrangements for it to go smoothly."A smirk instantly spread slowly across Olivia’s face at her words of assurance. "That is good. I want you to make sure that there are no mistakes whatso
"I only just wanted to invite you to a picnic dear sister," Olivia said sweetly.Ria frowned and stared at her sister with brows that were raised high on her forehead in question. "A picnic?""Yes," Olivia said before clasping both of her hands together. Ria instantly thought that she was being really suspicious. "Why?""Well," she began. "I may have publicly bragged a little to my friends about how my dear sister is married to Adrian Blake.""And so?" "They did not believe me and so they dared me to bring you over." Olivia sighed, her expression pleading. Ria felt torn between decisions."I will just need you to come with me, just this one time. Please?"Ria’s eyes narrowed into slits. "And why should I?" She asked because she needed a solid reason to say yes. She could not get over all of the things that Olivia had done to her these past few days.Olivia pouted. "Oh, come on now Ria. This is so important to me. You do not have to be so difficult about it please," she snapped at
Well, about forty minutes later, Ria was standing in front of the full length looking glass in her bedroom and struggling to pin her long hair into a neat bun. She adjusted the strands time and time again in a bid to make it look presentable for the picnic outing when Olivia casually strolled into the room.Ria turned to look at her, taking in her outfit. Olivia seemed to have outdone herself in getting dressed. Her fashion sense was obviously far from Ria's.Olivia stood at the door, halting. She took one rather long look at Ria and proceeded to sigh dramatically. "Oh, Ria, you are really a fashion disaster, do you know that?" she asked her before she shook her head in disappointment.Ria, who was used to being chided by Olivia about that, simply asked, "What is wrong with my outfit this time?""You definitely can not go out with me looking like that," Olivia declared before grabbing her wrist. "Urm, why?" Ria frowned."You, Ria, are the star of the show. My friends are all waiti
The entire gathering was quiet.Olivia dropped the champagne in her hands onto the table and took a seat with her legs crossed over another. She stared at the three women.Her expression was calm on the outside even though deep inside, she was immensely satisfied. Why would she not be when everything was playing out exactly as she had planned. She had orchestrated this entire moment, and now, it was time for her to play her final move on Ria. It was fun.She turned sharply towards her so-called friends, the once that she had hired. She spoke to them with a voice that was laced with controlled anger. "I won’t tolerate this disrespect. How dare the three of you insult my sister like that," she snapped, her eyes flashing.The three women exchanged uncertain glances because this was not a part of the script that they had been asked to play."But Olivia—" the blonde started but Olivia cut her off."I do not want to hear any of this Clarissa, at all. The three of you should apologize ri
Ria sobbed silently as the weight of everything came crashing down on her. She has been a fool for trusting Olivia. Every time Olivia apologized, she found herself giving her another chance to change. Not because she loved Olivia, but because she felt indebted to her.All these chances and trust she had given to Olivia time and time again were just her way of trying to pay back what Olivia did for her, but it became obvious to her now that Olivia was a serpent— she could never change her deceptive nature.A wave of mixed emotions washed over Ria— she felt guilty for trusting Olivia again, but deep down she knew that if Olivia brought up the incident of how she saved her life, she would have no choice but to give her another chance.The guilt and pain of being indebted to the person who has her this much was killing her, and a splitting headache from all the thoughts was no exception.Damn it! Ria cursed within her. Damn it all to hell!"I was a fool... I should have known this was all
“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
Chapter 65Olivia and Betty stood at the upstairs balcony. Olivia leaned on the rail, her arms wrapped tightly across her chest, as her eyes locked on Adrian's black car that had just pulled into the driveway.Adrian came down with a frown on his face, he walked to the other side of the car, opened the door, leaned down and picked up Ria, who's fast asleep and gently placed her on the wheelchair. Charles also stepped down from the car."Dad, I'm going to work, I will get some house keepers to assist in the house and also take care of Ria," Adrian said.Charles raised his brow. "What house keepers? Didn't you say you don't need them? Wasn't that the reason why Ria was doing all the house chores meant for 5 people and now see her condition and how fragile she is.""So what are you trying to say father? Adrian asked, looking up at Charles Charles crossed his arms. "Well since you allowed Ria to do all those things by herself, now it's time for you to reciprocate."Adrian raised his bro