Semua Bab The Deceiver's Handbook: Bab 51 - Bab 60

The day I was waiting for all my life had finally come.From the moment that Rufus informed me of his desire to have me perform at his wedding till this day, I was living in full anticipation of it.My sleeping and waking thoughts were about my upcoming performance, my grand entrance, my performance, the bride, Carol’s reaction and finally having back my peace of mind because it almost seemed like I'd lost it.Don't get me wrong. I loved the opportunity to show the world the stuff I was made of, but as much as I did, I was also scared; scared about the unknown and what it might turn out to be, but I was determined to give it my best shot, regardless.I stared at my reflection, barely recognizing the man in the mirror. He looked so clean and stylish and he had this spark and glow; one which he'd lost for a while now.And for Rufus, he outdid himself. Aside from granting me a public stage and promising to pay handsomely, with an advance payment of £300 already received by me, he also we

The streets of the cities were still humming with the echoes of my final encore. My name had lit up the marquee of the auditoriums, and inside, thousands had swayed to my voice like it was a gospel. Six months ago, I was a man with nothing but a handful of heartbreak and some melodies; I was the poorest a young man of my age, class, and stature could be; no plans, no savings, and no job. But today, the case was different. Now, I was Europe’s newest sensation, the chart-topping artist, show host, and the face of a movement that had swept across the continent. Effortlessly, I was being sponsored to and from the country and neighbouring states where I hosted shows and gave the world a piece of my good talent. And just like child’s play, my life had taken a huge turn that made me unrecognizable even by the people who once knew me. I was now a household name and someone whom everyone wanted to associate with and have a thing or two with, I even got collaboration offers from people whom

How I found myself here, I could not tell. I just kept walking after my stop at the bench after I met a creepy-looking man who would not stop staring strangely at me around the premises.I walked as fast as my legs could carry me until there was a public spot in sight, and that was where I made my stop. The bar was dim, just the way I needed it. I hated bright lights especially at night, just a faintly lit room always did it for me. A flickering neon sign buzzed faintly above the door, throwing a pinkish glow on the wet pavement. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of aged whiskey, citrus peel, and the low hum of jazz that curled through the room like smoke.For a second, I paused to think of my aunt and how helpful she was. If it wasn't for her, I could never have the freedom for some away time, like this one right here. Besides, I knew I would be greatly judged and crucified if I brought my nine-month-old baby to the bar to drink. What mother would do that anyways?I was s

The morning unfolded like a soft melody; gentle, unhurried, and full of promise. Sunlight spilled through the gauzy curtains in golden ribbons, dancing across the wooden floor of our modest apartment. Outside, the world stirred slowly. Birds chirped from the mango tree by the window, and the distant hum of Sunday traffic drifted in like a lullaby.I stood in front of the mirror, brushing Hayley’s curls with careful strokes. Her hair had grown thick and bouncy, a halo of soft brown ringlets that framed her cherubic face. She squirmed in place, giggling as she tried to grab the brush from my hand.“Hold still, princess,” I said, smiling. “We’ve got a date today.”She clapped her tiny hands, her eyes sparkling with excitement, though she didn’t fully understand what a “date” meant. To her, it was just another adventure with Mommy, and that was enough.I dressed her in a sky blue dress with tiny embroidered daisies along the hem, the fabric soft and flowing. Her white socks had delicat

“Will you stand there staring at me till eternity? Say something, come on.”She stood there in a silver bodycon dress that screamed designer. Her hair was let down freely and it danced graciously whenever she made a small move or a gesture. Her lips were painted a venomous red and her makeup was perfect, highlighting all her features. It must have been done by a professional, an expensive one at that. Her eyes scanned me progressively and continuously like I was a stain on her pure white wedding dress. I was too stunned to speak. I couldn't find my words or my voice. “I almost didn't recognize you,” she said again, desperately trying to get at me.Her arms were crossed and she stood in a slant position, one leg slightly curled, the posture that bullies in high school usually assumed when they were ready to unleash their venom on their victim. I swallowed the lump rising in my throat and tried to say something even though it felt like I had become automatically dumb.“Running a bu