After they had finished with their meal, they strolled around for sightseeing before they finally decided to head home as it was well into the day and the sun was now at its peak. They got home to learn that Lucas was working from home that day and had been in his home office since they left. As much as Phoebe needed answers to her questions, she knew she had to wait as he was busy. But as she walked up to her room with the intent of freshening up and reading a novel till he was done, Tracy pulled her with her as she headed towards Lucas’s office. She gave her questioning glance to know what she was up to, but having learned a few things from Tracy, she knew her to be up to mischief whenever she had that sinister smile on and her eyes glinted like they were now, she knew she was up to go good. “Let me go freshen up, i sweated so much today,” Phoebe said in an attempt to get off Tracy’s hook but it didnt work as she only tightened her grip on her hand. “Let’s just say hello to hi
Phoebe was surprised as she turned back to see Lucas strolling towards her, his strides purposeful and his eyes darkened with something she couldn't pinpoint. She gulped down saliva as she felt the words she’d wanted to say grasp her throat. What was he up to? She wondered as he approached, his facial features not giving out any hints. But his eyes…they said a lot. As if the drama his sister had just played wasn't enough, there he was wanting to add to it. Her initial fury at him dispersed into thin air and in its place, a feeling she couldn't explain. Her heart jumped with anticipation and fright but in a good way. Instinctively, she began to move backward, the frown dispersing from her face and worry clouding her features. Was he wanting to play along with his sister's game? She was certain that he was up to something. Lucas kept moving towards her, deriving pleasure in the way she reacted with every step he took towards her. What was going through her mind? He wondered as he k
Phoebe’s exterior softened on hearing him become vulnerable in front of her. She'd still not gotten used to him being that way. A tear slid down from her face as she watched as he forcefully swallowed down saliva. Guilt f hit her as she realized that she hadn't fully forgiven him and was still judging him based on mistakes of his past. Now, as she thought about it, it made more sense as to how he'd jumped in and saved her. Because to Ella, she was his fiancee, and saying that she was pregnant with another man’s child was like her saying she cheated on her brother with another man. As Phoebe thought about all of that, her arms subconsciously circled around the neck of the handsome man who was bent in front of her, pulling him in for a hug. She held him tightly to herself, wanting to take away the pain or atleast half the pain of what he felt. Lucas’s body stiffened as he'd been taken by surprise. He tried raising his head to catch a glimpse of her face but he couldn't as the hug w
Phoebe sat on the swing at the garden with a book in her hand which she glanced at from time to time as she tried to concentrate but her mind seemed to be on a different mission. After trying a little more, she finally gave up and began to walk around the garden allowing her thoughts to lead her. She'd just concluded her check up with the doctor who told her that both her and her child were safe and away from danger. After her little discussion with Marcy few days ago, Phoebe got into an internal conflict as she fought with herself against the way she’d started to feel of recent. Even though she had no answer to give Marcy after she'd asked her that question, but in the dept of her heart, she knew the truth but was still in denial. But all her walls came crashing down after her appointment with her doctor. “No, he can't love me? I cannot love him,” she mumbled to herself as she walked around in circles, inhaling the beautiful scents of the flowers. She glanced back to the white
Phoebe picked up a flower in the garden and inhaled it, letting the sweet scent take her mind away from the crazy stunts that her mind engaged itself in. She couldn't love Lucas, not with all that was at stake’ her mind kept warning her, but it did nothing to help as it felt like there was a stronger force somewhere that hauled her towards him. She knew the best thing to do was to leave his house and stay with Mrs.Gladys as loving him would only spell doom for her. Yet it was so hard for her to take that step or even think about it. What about his crazy ex who threatened to make your life miserable if she came an inch close to him? What if all he said turns out to be a lie? What if he was seeking revenge? What would you do if he abuses your child the way he did you,” The voice in her head kept saying, making her wrap both hands over her ears to prevent her from hearing the voice. As much as everything in her told her that she should avoid him as it spelled more danger than go
After she'd taken her bath and was done with her morning routine, Phoebe laid down on her bed with a new novel she wanted to read. She read the synopsis and as the book promised an adventurous journey, she delved right in, inhaling the delicious scent of the new book. Her day revolved around reading books, eating, and sleeping for the past week. After she'd confided in Marcy and heard what she had to say regarding Lucad and herself, she had decided to talk to Mrs. Gladys and Annie, telling them about the turmoil she was facing and also seeking their advice. While Mrs. Gladys had been happy for her, telling her to follow her heart and chase what makes her happy, Annie had been very unpleased with the situation, as she insisted that Lucas had finally trapped her in his webs of deception. Annie thought Lucas needed her and also her child in his plot to exact his revenge. For someone who had kidnapped her for the sole purpose of that and had held on to hate for the past eight years, it
A surge of emotions filled Phoebe as she stared at the man, his strong finger on her lips and his eyes stripping her of her clothes. She could see the fright that lingered in the depth of those eyes, as he waited for her reply. She knew exactly the way he felt as her heart was also engaging in crazy stunts. “Before you say anything, I would love for you to hear what I have to say,” Lucad finally said after some time, his voice having a croaky edge to it and his eyes, teary. He looked away from her and Phoebe was sure it was to prevent her from seeing his tears. “It was never expected,” his hands left her lips and cupped her face as he spoke. He stared into her eyes, hoping that she would see how desperate he was for her, he wished she would see how much he loved her and wanted her for himself. “I love you, Phoebe. I know you are tired of hearing me say this by now but I wouldn't stop saying it. Even if you were to reject me, it wouldn't change anything. It would hurt me real bad
Phoebe stirred on her bed, as she felt strong arms wrap around her waist and pull her towards a hard body. A smile formed on her face as she wiggled into the embrace, enjoying the warmth that crept down her spine. Light penetrated the room through the floor-to-ceiling window, adding more beauty to the pristine white bed. “Good morning, princess. I hope you had a good night's sleep?” Lucas asked, his voice having a husky undertone that sent a tingling sensation to her lower body. He groaned loudly as he stretched himself on the bed before he pulled her even closer like he wanted her inside his skin. Phoebe thanked her stars that she had her back to him as he would have seen the blush which shamelessly appeared on her face, mirroring the effect he had on her. “Yes I did, aside from your heavy snorings, it felt like I was lying next to an engine,” She teased, after she’d cleared her throat a little too dramatically out of fear that he would sense her thoughts from her voice. Luc
They engaged in random conversations as they waited for their meal to be served. “So?” Lucas asked as he rubbed on her hand. “Aside from reading novels, what is something else you are passionate about?” The waiter returned at that moment with their first meal, and Phoebe paused as she watched him place the tray in front of them. The aroma from the tray trailed her nostrils as she inhaled, her eyes closed and a smile printed on her face. “Enjoy your meal, Sir and Madam. Ferran would be here any moment from now,” The waiter explained before left. Phoebe looked up at Lucas, her eyes glinting as she rubbed her palms together. “This is a dream come through,” she giggled like a little girl before swiftly flinging a hand to her mouth. Staring at the lady seated at the next table, her lips curled up in a smile. “I like to sing too, though I am not that amazing singer.”She replied absentmindedly as she opened the tray, and gasped soundlessly. Lucas’ stomach twirled with delig
With that, he curved his arm into a hook and when Phoebe held him, he led her into the restaurant. As soon as they reached the door, it was swung open by a Mexican woman dressed in a suit. Her features contorted in a smile as she welcomed them in, asked for their card, and then guided them to the table that had been reserved for them. Phoebe, as much as she tried to be as sophisticated as the other guests she saw there who picked at their meals and engaged in low whisper conversations, couldn't help but gaze at the interior decorations of the building in awe and admiration. The entire place was filled with dimmed light bulbs that hung down from the high white ceilings. There was a sculpted bull head at a corner which demarcated the dining area from a bar. The entire room screamed of wealth and luxury and the people there, celebrities and wealthy businessmen and women, some of whom she was able to recognize. It would feel like she was self-hating if she were to say she was the on
“Oh please,” Phoebe rolled her eyes at him shyly as he kissed her palm, sending delicious sensations through her body. A light chuckle escaped his lips as he gave her one last look, enjoying the way her face looked while she blushed. She was a very beautiful woman. He thought as he finally let go of her hand and his eyes landed on his mother’s necklace on her neck. “Hmm. Look who’s finally gotten Ms. Cory’s approval,” he teased, beaming with smiles. For his mother to give her that necklace meant she'd accepted Phoebe as her daughter-in-law. The jewelry laid beautifully on Phoebe’s blossom and added finishing touches to her gorgeous dress, accentuating her stunning overall look. The woman was beautiful. Lucas thought again as Phoebe adjusted the collars of his shirt. “Mm?” he asked, as he pulled himself out of his fantasy world. Phoebe tilted her head to the side as she gave him one of her familiar questioning stares. He shrugged his shoulders in denial, earning light chuckles
Phoebe’s features curled up in a smile as she read the text message aloud for the umpteenth time. “Get ready, princess. I have a surprise for you,” she read, trying to mimic Lucas’ baritone voice. Tearing open the package he’d sent her, her gaze fell on a blue sundress that was adorned with sparkly stones. She picked it up and tilted her head to the side, wanting to get a better view of it. The gown had a slit that went up to the middle thigh and had only one hand. Also in the shopping bag was a black six-inch heels and also a black purse to go with it. Without bothering to take her shower first, she hurriedly put the dress on, the little stones glistening as she moped at herself in the mirror. Her smile widened as she glanced at the sophisticated and elegant-looking woman in the mirror. In the last five years, she has changed a lot. Lucas made sure she looked like the women she saw in the social class, as he ravished her with expensive gifts all the time. And her body had al
“That's nonsense. My grandson deserves to be spoiled silly. He would get everything he wants and a lot of it,” Mrs. Cory interjected as her gaze fell on the toddler who’d suddenly lost appetite for his food as he played with his new toy. “Lucas’s heir deserves the whole world.” she stated. Phoebe gulped involuntarily as she widened her smile, Lucas’s grip on her loosened a bit. Planting a kiss on Ivan’s forehead, Mrs. Cory pulled a chair and sat down. Marcy proceeded to dish her a plate of the meal. “How are you doing, my dear.” She addressed Phoebe, her eyes giving her a thorough scan. Lucas was done with his meal so he stood up and announced his exit. After he'd exchanged more playful jokes with his mother, he walked over to Ivan who’d refused to eat to take him to school. “I want to play some more,” Ivan sulked as tears welled his eyes. He suddenly didn't want to go to school anymore. “Don’t cry. What did I tell you the last time?” “Big boys don’t cry,” Ivan comp
Looking at her toddler now, a smile curled her lips as she recalled all that had happened. He was a great child. When everyone thought she was going to lose the child, when the doctor advised her to get rid of the child or risk dying herself as her sac had been torn by the knife, she refused, finally seeing the reasons why her mother had also refused. A mother couldn’t just let go of her child and even though it was a stupid thing to do, considering what was at stake, she had bluntly refused. Her little bundle of joy fought right from her womb, he fought to live and in the end, he won. They both did. It turned out that after Phoebe left the house to meet with Ella, Marcy immediately called Annie and Lucas against Phoebe’s wish, explaining everything that happened to them. Lucas had been so furious that he went in the company of Annie to the police station where he had half a dozen men assigned to him by the chief of police to accompany him to the said place. She'd been unconscious f
Phoebe walked into the little lighted room alone, her heart thumping erratically in her chest. The more step she took forward was the more she felt like she was delving deeper into a lion’s den. A part of her kept screaming that she turned back or better still, called Lucas and let him know where she was but the image her mind conjured up was too disturbing to be ignored, making her push the thoughts aside while hastening her movement. It was an image of Gladys lying in the pool of her blood, Ella above her with the psychotic smile glued to her face as she licked the bloody knife. Her grip on the kitchen knife tightened as she glanced around the warehouse which smelled of dust, expecting Ella to spring out any minute. She could feel her gaze on her, shooting arrows at her and wishing her to be dead but the light didn't allow her to see anything as the whole place was dark, least for a little light that stole its way in through a window. “Look who we have here,” Ella’s voice echoed
“I warned you to steer clear of him but you went ahead to open your legs like the slut that you are,” Ella hissed as she glared at her through the phone, the hatred and spite very obvious in her stares. “Ella, I am the one you want. Let the woman be, she has nothing to do with this.” Phoebe pleaded calmly, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of knowing the way her heart jumped in fright as she watched Ella play with the knife around Gladys’ neck. Even though Ella's face was expressionless and did nothing to scare her no matter how hard she tried to broaden her grin, Phoebe knew that she was capable of anything and wouldn't think twice to slit Gladys’ throat. She needed to tread carefully. “Lucas said you guys were done, he said you were in his past and…” “Shut up!” Ella yelled at the top of her voice, interrupting Phoebe who shook unconsciously. Ella’s once expressionless face changed into that of one who was ready to kill at the slightest opportunity. “Lucas is mine. H
****Five years later**** “Ivan?” Phoebe called out as she walked into the room. It was seven o'clock in the morning, the sun was up and waited eagerly to begin a new day. As she caught sight of the little human who mumbled inaudible words in his sleep, a smile curled up her lips. Walking over to him, she turned off the lamp which still dimmed in a soft glow. Ivan was scared of the dark so they always left the lamp on for him at night. She tapped on him lightly, watching as his mouth formed a little pout and he squeezed his face in his sleep. Her smile widened, Phoebe sat at the edge of the bed and stared down at her son, who was the spitting image of his father, Trevor. Same hair, same intense gaze, you could as well say that Trevor had vomited him. The only feature he’d taken after her was her eye color, every other part of him screamed Trevor, making it hard for her to forget about him. Whenever she looked at her son, her mind diverted to Trevor, as she wondered what he was up