Se connecterTwo years after her daughter’s tragic death and her ex-husband’s abandonment, Meghan Luthor struggled to rebuild her life with the help of her contractual husband, Danny Luthor. But Darrell Barrington suddenly reappears, Meghan’s carefully constructed world begins to crumble. As Darrell’s return sparks a maelstrom of emotions, lies and secrets, Meghan must navigate the treacherous landscape of her heart and confront the darkness that has haunted her for so long. She must face the danger that drove Darrell away in the first place or get consumed by it. Can she trust Darrell again, is his return genuine? Will she find closure or will the truth about Darrell’s disappearance draw her back in?
Voir plusCHAPTER 1
I hated parties but this particular party was a special one. One that I had worked so hard for to get here, one that I had willingly prepared myself for for years. “Are you excited?” Danny, my best friend asked beside me, his eyes glinting with mischief. I glanced at him, assessing his perfect face and grinned. “I am, I really am.” I replied with a slight smile. It wasn't a lie, I was excited to be here but I was also sad. I could not believe how much things had changed in my life. Just two years ago, I was fighting for my life and my will to live after losing my beautiful angel and now I was in the middle of an award night for businessmen and women. I had gone from waitress to a successful business woman and I was grateful for my opportunity but also my heart ached for what I had to lose to get here. I was a business owner, a successful one at that. I had somehow taken my grief and had made it into something more, something I was meant to be all along. I was in the middle of wealth like I had always wanted to be and I was proud of myself for not giving up and for not slitting my wrist like I had wanted to. I was grateful for Danny, for being there for me even though he had no idea who I was when everything went down but had stuck to me like glue and had made it his personal business to save me. I owed him everything now that I thought about. He'd believed in my idea and had given me everything I wanted. He wasn't just an amazing friend. He was an amazing husband. “I'm glad you are,” he said and pecked my cheeks. His phone lit up and he momentarily looked down at his phone. I looked away, trying as much as possible to be happy and giddy but I couldn't find it in me. Today would have been her sixth year birthday. It still hurts just thinking about the fact that I'd never see her again. My chest was still tight and it felt like just yesterday that I had been holding her lifeless body, my little angel's lifeless body. My chest tightened as it usually did when I thought about my late daughter and my breath ceased. I tried to breathe in and out to relax my lungs as my therapist said and it worked after a while. Danny was oblivious to my current state and I wanted it that way. I didn't want to burden him anymore than I had. Tonight was also a big night for him too although he was more used to this than I was. I didn't care about winning an award. I was content with just being invited but if I was to win knez it was definitely going to Danny. The hall was noisy, filled with aristocrats and business men and women from all over the world dressed in suits and cocktail gowns. Most of them were old men and women and a few of them were my age. It still felt like a dream like any moment from now, I'd wake up from a three year long nap with a concussion. “Hello, Miss Megsb, Luthur, do you mind if we do a quick interview before the event starts.” A reporter said behind me. I looked over at Danny to check with him whether it was a good idea and he nodded “So, Mrs Luthor. We've been hearing about your accomplishments lately. We would like to know how it feels to be here?” The interviewer asked. “Great. I feel welcomed here.” I answered, just like Danny had prepped me to weeks ago. I continued to answer his questions with relative ease, hoping he'd finally leave. “And lastly, how does it feel to be here without your late daughter?” I froze in place, staring uncomfortably at the reporter. All of the psi I had hidden so well, came rushing down to the surface and felt like puking. “Get out!” I heard Danny's voice from behind me. “I…” “I said get out before I throw you out!” Dannys6 voice echoed. The reporter apologized quickly and scurried away. His hands steadied me and turned me around. “Hey, you okay, breathe in and out.” He said to me and I did as he told me. A huge sigh escaped my lips and I was finally able to move. “Thank you,” I said to Danny who just nodded and kissed my forehead. “I'm going to deal with that reporter, How could he be so dense!” Just then the announcer began to speak. “You are all welcome to the annual business award. Please settle down as we commence.” Danny guided me to sit down while he joined me, stroking my hands as he tried to calm me down. Soon enough, I was feeling better. The event started and I soon forgot about everything that was bothering me as I focused on the events. Different artists from all over the world were brought to perform, and two commendians came to entertain us. It was fun and it brought a smile and laughter to my face. Finally, after hours of entertainment, the host announced that it was time to give out the awards. “These are the nominees for best blogger of the year, Josephine Langford, Rita Hayworth, Billie marten, Gato Chandelier and Andrew Garage.” “And the winner of the best blogger of the year goes to.mm Josephine Langford!!!” The crowd clapped as Josephine walked up stage and took the awards. I watched as they called awards after awards, and I was nominated for three categories. Someone else had on over me. “These are the nominees for best new business and entrepreneur of the year, Martin Joseph, Carlos Germany, Peter Darin, Sally Martin, Maya Antic and Megan Luthur.” the female host said, a smile on her face “And the award for Entrepreneur of the year and best new business goes to…” There was a moment of silence as everyone waited with baited breath to see who was the winner. “And the winner of the award goes to,” the host said again to inspire more suspense, I guessed. “Meagan Luthur!” At first I didn't realize it was me until Danny stood up and pulled me up, he kissed and hugged me. “I'm so proud of you, him,” he smiled. A huge grin spread across my face as I strolled to the podium. My heart was beating against my chest. I won? I couldn't believe it but as I walked closer and closer to the podium, it started to sink in just how significant this was. Everything I had worked for the past two and a half years had led up to this and I was happy. “Thank you,” I said,my heart racing as I took the award from the host. “I just want to thank my best friend and husband for believing in me, Danny Luther. You are the absolute best. He was there when I was at my lowest and well, I wouldn't know what to do without him. I love you, Danny and…” I trailed off when I saw someone familiar walk in. Black hair, angular face and a straight nose. It was him. My stomach fell and I felt like I was looking at a ghost. Darrell, my ex-husband. Why the hell was he doing here?Chapter 9Silence drew intensely across the table. Chairman Luthor’s angry eyes glaring at Danny, while madam Luthor's dumbstruck gaze swatted from Danny to me at repeated intervals. Danny was frozen by my side, giving me a ‘what was that you just said’ look. “I'm just saying it's not something we have to quarrel over. A married couple should definitely have kids, and we are not exempted.’’ I explained. The kind of quiet that rested in the car was that type that had its subjects engrossed in deep thoughts. But my thoughts kept getting interrupted by every move Danny made. Each time he tapped a finger, whirred the steering, changed his steps on the brake, etcetera. “You know I want to ask right?’’ He finally said. “I didn't mean it.”Sure you didn't, but it sounded like you had really strong backing back there. I don't think its okay to give them the wrong idea.’’ He didn't seem fine with it at all. “Would you rather I let the quarrel escalate with your father?’’ I pointed out.
Chapter 8I shoved the paper under my butt, blood leaving my face as I watched the door glide open. Meagan?“Hey!’’ Carrie walked in, frozen for a while as she regarded me. My heart pumped unusually in relief, I fought the urge to heave a heavy sign. “Oh.. hi.’’ I forced a smile. “I'm sorry. I'd been ringing the bell but you wouldn't respond.’’ She smiled awkwardly, touching her hair. ‘‘Really? I could've sworn I didn't hear any alarm.’’ I said sarcastically. “Actually… it only rang once.’’ She muttered. “Anyway, I came to see Meagan. Is she home by any chance?’’I knew it was probably rude of me to keep sitting like this, especially since the relationship between us hadn't been so bad. She was Meagan's best friend and my go-to option any time I needed an extra hand in caring for Meagan. But the darn paper under my butt. I couldn't let her read even a line of it. Carrie chuckled awkwardly. “Uh.. Mr Luthor?’’“Meagan is not home. Come again some other day.’’ I said. ‘‘I see. I
Chapter 7I peered into my wristwatch, and a soft sigh left my lips. Maybe I was worrying too much, Meagan would be just fine. I was beginning to care too much, and it was dangerous for me. I shouldn't let my feelings get tied with her, but the time had passed when I could withhold my feelings. I cared about her. Even afraid I cared too much. My phone flashed in the car cup, and my breath stopped when I recognised the caller. I threw a careful glance around, making sure that Meagan was clearly out of sight before taking the call. ‘‘Ordios’. 12pm.’’ Simple and short, he ended the call. I exhaled loudly, the familiar usual contemplation stirring in the back of my head. But bouncing him was no option, if I needed to keep Meagan longer by my side. Speaking of which, I peered into my wristwatch again and a few more minutes had passed. I stepped out of the car, and just as I was turning around it Meagan appeared out of the florist store. I sighed, then pulled on a smile. She noti
Chapter 6Fastening my belt, I stepped out to join Danny, determined to pull my composure in place for the rest of today. Breakfast was quiet, and I didn't appreciate it knowing Danny's intention behind the silence was keeping close watch on me. He worried too much about me. “I'll do the dishes.’’ I offered before Danny got it. “You know I wasn't going to let you do it but you asked anyway.’’ He said. “I…’’ I was going to protest but my phone beeped. “You should get that.’’ Danny nodded his chin towards the phone and took away the dishes. “Yes, Naomi?’’ She was my secretary. “Someone is here to see you, ma'am. He insisted on waiting even when I told him you may not be in the office today. I think it's urgent.’’ She reported through the phone. ‘‘And who may that be?’’ I frowned lightly, running a check in my head on my appointment schedule for today. There doesn't seem to be any important client I have to meet. “He wouldn't say his name, but I think I heard someone address h
Welcome to GoodNovel world of fiction. If you like this novel, or you are an idealist hoping to explore a perfect world, and also want to become an original novel author online to increase income, you can join our family to read or create various types of books, such as romance novel, epic reading, werewolf novel, fantasy novel, history novel and so on. If you are a reader, high quality novels can be selected here. If you are an author, you can obtain more inspiration from others to create more brilliant works, what's more, your works on our platform will catch more attention and win more admiration from readers.