I walk into the simply decorated balcony, where Dad has chosen to hold the dinner. The Ardolfs hadn't arrived yet so it was just mum checking if everything was okay. "Gia." She calls with a wide smile as she sees me walk in. "Come. Help me out with this." She pointed at the napkins which needed to be arranged neatly. "Sure." I walk towards the table and do as told."The decor is simple and pretty. Don't you think?" I nod. "I was in charge of it.""Congratulations on that, Andra.""Your father told me he suspects you're familiar with one of the Ardolfs."I looked at her for a moment. Typical of Dad not to believe my words. He probably would have believed it if Cole had said it himself. "I'm not," I reply dryly, looking away. "I'm worried, now that you and father are having discussions like this.""I see nothing wrong with that. Your fa. . .""You see nothing wrong with that cause it's just another means for you to stab us in the back again.""You shouldn't judge me for just one mista

I knew that voice too well that I feared to turn that he might be too close, entrapping me in his web like that's all he's ever wanted and all he could ever do. "She is." I agree with him, not daring to ask for further details on who she was. I continue washing but slowly this time. I was way too conscious of my environment now than ever before. I wasn't expecting him to finish with his call so soon, and now that he is, I'm discomfited about us down here while everyone is up there. "Thank you for supporting me back there.""I would have supported any other woman in your place."I swallowed hard. The thought of any other woman being treated this way by him caused an ache in my chest."So you're like a woman support system?" I smile."I can't tell. Is that what it's called? Supporting a woman I believe is capable and extraordinary in every way?"My heart skipped and I bit my lip as I washed, I wanted him to say more. To tell me everything he thinks of me."Apart from your business and

LENOX POV5 YEARS AGOThe news of my parent's death came like a bolt out of the blue.It's been a week since I lost my parents to a car accident and I'm yet to recover from it. Though I portrayed a straight and calm facade, I knew I wasn't fine. I've been busy with my father's lawyer since then, concerning his will. My father had bequeathed more than half of his properties and establishments to my name, while the residue was shared between my sister and stepbrother. It's a lot to handle but I'm sure my father trusts me enough to give me a lot and I don't plan to disappoint him.I struggle out of my bed to get the door as the bell to my penthouse rings. Standing before me was my stepbrother dressed in a black hoodie and black jeans. It was funny cause it wasn't his taste but I couldn't find the vehemence to laugh."I haven't seen you since the news. Are you okay?" I ask as he walks in and I shut the door. "No. I haven't." He's always been one to be sincere. "I spoke to father's lawy

GIANNA'S POV"The meeting ends here," I say and grab the glass of water before me as the workers walk out of the boardroom. "I wonder how you'll work this much when you're in your last trimester," Nellie says as she stands from her seat to sit beside me."I'll manage I'm sure or I'll have someone to do the work. My secretary will be of help and you are here too." "Are you comfortable?""Yes. It's nothing tiring." I huff. "Yet," I add with a smile and place my hands on my tummy. "My bump is slowly growing. No one knows yet and I'm scared.""I think you should tell them before they figure out for themselves.""I will. I plan to do so but I don't dare to do so yet. " I think of father's support yesterday at the dining table. How proud he was of me. How proud he looked at me after a long time and I feared it would all disappear after my little secret was revealed. "Everything will be fine." She assures me and I want to believe her because I do hope everything will be. I nod and give h

I took a sip from the coffee my secretary had made me. I couldn't resist it today. I was feeling tired and a bit sick. My morning sickness started again this morning, making me dead on one's feet.I was starting to feel more pregnant now. Pregnancy was slowly telling on me and revealing how long it would take to hide it from now.I had worn a flare corporate gown with wedge heels to work today, in fear that my pricey bodycon clothes would do no justice to hiding my title of becoming a mother. It was no longer about what ought to be done, but now what should be done and I had no clue. Maybe if I had a mother figure in Andra then I wouldn't have bothered so much with my problems. Maybe I would have gotten an agent to help tell my dad the problem at hand in a euphemistic way.Unfortunately, I got none of this. It was the story of my life. I had a father and Andra but I didn't have parents. I had money and could buy all that I needed but then I lacked so much, if not all that money could