Dazzling chandelier lights will blind one's eyes as you step into the carpeted deck of the five hundred-foot mega yacht. The sweet scent of the pink stargazers and white roses drifts to your nostrils as they fill the railings and take the centerpiece of cocktail tables that dot the vast area.Tall men dressed in black pants and white long sleeved shirts accentuated by a bow tie darts through the crowd bringing glasses of wine or hors de oeuvres.  Every now and then, a guest stops them to get some drinks or food, or makes a request for something.One word for the party preparation - Lavish! It was the sixty fifth birthday for the matriarchal head of one of the prestigious families of Hamstead County. They may not be as rich as they were before and precisely they tried to throw off a grand party to invite prospected partners to revive their business.A few meters from the deck is a hall decorated with imported orchids and huge rainforest plants. Lace curtains

Patrice's POVThe Vonne family was seated in front of everyone else. The guests were introduced as they entered the dining hall and took their seats among the round tables. Lady Henda had a plastered smile on her face and gently tilted her head with a bow as every guest was introduced.Last to come in was the guest of honor, a man with streaks of grey hair but who stood with propriety despite holding a cane. He was the head of the Zeller, a multi-company empire located at an off-shore island twice as big as Hamstead county. Recently, they have announced their interest to expand business in Hamstead County by putting up a twenty-story mall, the tallest building to ever graze the county's skies yet. Everyone seems eager to try to get a contract with them, including the Vonne Family.Lady Henda stood up and clapped her hands as Mister Zeller walked down the aisle with his male assistant. Everyone else stood up as well."Thank you Mister Isaac Zeller for grac

Resh's POVIt had always been this way. My wife would be walking ahead of me every time we are in public. I presume that she may feel ashamed of me. Since our marriage two years ago, we have not even held each other's hands. We have never looked each other in the eye, not even on our wedding day. Perhaps, she is just waiting for a chance to divorce me after her fate is determined regarding the CEO position in the Vonne textile corporation.We had just stepped into the platform when the lights went out and a loud booming sound was heard. A shower of lights flooded the dark sky. Everyone's head was turned towards the sky as myriads of colors burst all over. But my eyes were fixated on the woman before me. Her porcelain skin shone bright, as bright as her gleeful smile. Patrice looked so cute as her lips rounds up to express a silent WOW with each burst of the fireworks in the sky. Perhaps it won't be wrong to hope that one day  I can hold her hand as we watch firewo

Chapter 7 Bad MemoriesResh’s POV… Ten years ago …Ahhhh. It’s so hard to hold on to the piece of log. I’ve been drifting endlessly for I don’t know how long. The water is so cold and everything is pitch black now that the flames from the burning boat had sank to the waters together with everything and everyone else.Waves splashed against me. It’s so hard to stay alive but I must live. I want to find out who ever tried to kill my father. Just this morning, I was so eager as I pack my things for our weekend trip.“Have you got everything ready dear?” Mama asked me as I went down the stairs carrying my bag. She was preparing our food baskets together with two housemaids.“Yes, Mother Earth,” I said grinning.“What about your new fishing rods?” It was Papa also carrying some luggage and passing by the kitchen to stuff his mouth with some toasted bread and e

Patrice's POVCoff. Coff. Water sprouted out from his mouth. Finally,Resh was breathing. However, he had not open his eyes still.  Then he started shivering."He's having a convulsion!  Quick get me some warm blankets!" The assistant of Mister Isaac Zeller gave instruction to one of the crew who immediately left."Pete, I'm glad you are back! Please call Boss and request for a chopper. This guy needs urgent medical assistance." The assistant commanded a tall guy who earlier assisted Mister Isaac Zeller. He must be the driver who came back for the assistant."Noted, Lou!" Then he was on the phone.The crew came back with some warm blankets. Lou, that seem to be the assistant's name, took off the wet clothes and shoes from Resh leaving only his underwear and wrapped him up in the warm blanket."Fever is starting. Get me some wash cloth, please!" A member of the crew left to comply to Lou's request.Lou looked around and asked,