Old lady William sips from her mug and replies calmly “Black is a very smart and sensitive man, it would be a great crime to send a woman into his bed, it will only worsen the situation” she explained.
Daphne heaved a sigh of relief and the uneasiness groping at her heart faded away.
The atmosphere turned dead silent as if Daphne’s guardian were disappointed by the old lady’s idea but then Mr. Jeffery came loud breaking through the silence of the night.
“What a thoughtful idea ma’am,” he said.“You should come with her tomorrow night, it is a special day for the household tomorrow, and would be a great time to introduce her to everyone,” Lady William said.
“Oh right!” Leah slaps her husband’s thigh playfully.
“It is the honorable madam’s birthday tomorrow” she announced.Daphne flashed a soft smile and wished her properly by pouring her yet another cup from the teapot.
“I wish you a long healthy life ma’am,” she said.“What a very reserved-looking lady! Thank you, Daphne... I can’t wait to have you around in the house” she said and pat her hand.
Then Mr.Jeffery cuts in— “uh ma’am, I hope you won’t forget your first part of the promise?” He said playfully as he rubs his palms together.
The old Lady knew where he was driving, she raised her finger slightly and a man came over to hearken her call.
“Do it now” she said simply to the man who brings out a phone and typed so fast on it.Dings! The alert of a whooping amount of billions entered Mr.Jeffery’s phone.
He was surprised and his face flashed with happiness, he showed his wife the money and they hurried on their feet to appreciate the old lady.
Daphne felt embarrassed but she stands up as well to appreciate the old lady.
“Okay! That’s it for tonight, we have a busy day tomorrow” she said as she stands to her feet.
A woman in her late 30s rushed over to get her mini purse while another man escorted the Jefferys and Daphne out of the big Villa.
On getting home, aunt Leah would not stop showering Daphne with praises. Daphne said nothing but stared into space so lost in thought as they rambles on and on.
Soon when she starts to hear the distant calling of her name, she jerked back to reality.
“I’m glad we could be of help to each other, I will like to take a rest now,” she said and climbed up the stairs with her left hand hoisting her long flowing dress up and holding her purse with the right one.She went to her children’s room first. She turn on the light and the perfectly decorated room came into view, it was no doubt what her aunt has done to make the room to their liking. *what her aunt wouldn’t do for money* she thought inwardly.
She went to sit beside the first bed where Gracie and Darcie are sleeping cuddled up with each other. She smiled at how very adorable they look sleeping so cozily. She stroked Darcie’s hair lovingly and did the same for Gracie.
Daphne moved to the other bed to caress her son's hair as well. Carl and Noah.
She smiles to herself at how God has blessed her with four different personalities of children.
Darcie is the soft type of girl with her pink chubby cheeks, and gold-flecked eyes that accentuate her features of gold hair. Gracie is quite opposite of how soft her name sounds. She’s a very tough kid and would always protect her sister when they get into trouble.There was a time Darcie had messed up Daphne’s makeup box but Gracie took the blame by applying all the makeup on her face even when she isn’t a fan of one. Darcie is the little fashionista of her small age.
Carl is gentle and easy going but Noah is the resilient type. He speaks the truth and talks boldly no matter where he finds himself. Sometimes it scares Daphne how he would turn out to be when he grows up. Not for the bad type of thinking, she’s worried he might get into trouble with his daring attitude.
Taking one last look at her sleeping beauties, she choked on her tears and closed the door before leaving.
The next morning at the Williams household.The atmosphere looks festive and lively with people trooping in to make the day wonderful. The party is by night but gifts are coming in already.The house was filled with well-wishers and staff decorating the entire villa for the old lady’s birthday.Everywhere looked lively except for Black’s side of the house.
He is seen in his wheelchair sited in front of the full glass window staring out at the fountain and running smoothly and calmly. It seems to be the only thing keeping him at peace at the moment.
He was interrupted by Kai who came to inform him of the staff waiting outside to gain entry.
“Sir, they are here to decorate your house for your birthday” he announced.A known smirk appeared on his lips and he replied without turning around.
“Send them away” he ordered.Kai was hesitant at first and when he didn’t leave immediately, Black said to him.
“Decorate her place perfectly but don’t you dare forget a flower at my doorstep” he warned.Getting the cue, Kai left immediately to pass Black’s warning across to them.
It’s the same day he was involved in the fire incident and it is no less than a death anniversary to him. For the last three years, he was always sad on this day but would still show up for his grandma’s birthday party at night. He cherishes her so much and he understands why his grandmother never talks to him about the ugly incident.
He dismissed Kai and went inside his study. Surveying the pile of books on the shelves, he wheeled himself forward with the control and pushed a book back with pressure. Surprisingly, a door clicked open and he went inside.When he turned on the light, pictures of a woman pinned to the walls came into view, with some other pictures that hold memories of his beloved. He rode to his computer and started typing away— “it started with ‘I met her again...Here in the Jefferys, Daphne was so excited to finally send her children off to school on a school bus.It appears her aunt is powerful in her way or there’s just nothing money can not do. She woke her up early this morning with news that the kids are to resume school and the bus was coming for them.She was so elated to dress for them and see them off to the bus stand where the school bus was waiting. She sobs as she waves them bye.
Returning to the house, her aunt welcomed her with a warm smile.
“Don’t you worry sweetheart, once we recover from the company’s loss, they won’t have to go by bus. I will personally drop them off in an expensive car” she said to her.“Thanks so much, aunt Leah,” she said and went inside the house.
Soon, she emerged from her room fully dressed with her files clasped in her hands.
She was challenged by her aunt who shot her an angry stare.“The meeting is tonight, you shouldn’t be out stressing yourself,” she said to her.“If I can still get a job today, it’s going to change everything aunt,” she said.
Daphne left the house in search of a job again and her aunt clenched her fist in anger.
“Ungrateful little thing! If you enter the Williams household you won’t have to work, I hope you realize the huge favor I’m doing for you soon” she said to herself.The day was becoming dull but cold, daylight has begun to drain away when Daphne arrived back home.
She saw her kids eating happily and with their school bags littering the ground.She picked them up one after the other and when they saw her around, they left their food to lock her into a tight hug.
She returned to the dining with them and listened to her kids talk on and on about their new school.
Even when some words didn’t make sense, she would laugh and exclaim whenever the kids shows a mixed reaction.She smiled and had fun with them different as if it would be the last night of their being together.
Night-time—
After putting her kids to sleep, Daphne went into her room to change. She was done with makeup and was adorning herself with the jewelry sent by the Williams household when she heard the sound of the car’s engine coming to rest.She pulled the blinds up to see a black limo waiting outside her house.
Soon, she could hear her aunt’s praises and laughs outside the door. She sighed nervously and picked up her purse as she went out to meet them.
They were dressed so readily as well and her aunt told her that the Lady of the household has sent the car for her.
The driver got the car door for her while her aunt left with her husband in a separate car.
The drive lasted for 20 minutes until they arrived at the Williams vast villa.
Daphne took in the wonderful sight of the villa properly now that she wasn’t thinking too much. The entire villa screams wealth and royalty, it would be the perfect dream of any lady to live in but the issue on her mind wasn’t favoring her sight of exploration.Soon, her aunt arrived at the reserved area with her husband and an old lady ushered them to the hall where the party was taking place.
Daphne was dressed differently tonight and she’s looking so tempting yet untouchable with the powerful aura she emits. Her red silky dress flows graciously behind her with every step she takes.The strapless dress was beaded strongly from the waist up to her chest area while the lower part was finely let loose with a split starting from her milky thigh down.
Her hair was packed in a low bun and adorned with gold ornament.
The air in the hall changed the moment she stepped inside. Even men with partners could not help but feast their eyes on her the moment she walked inside.
Old lady Williams loved the attention she was getting and she could not be more than pleased. How she favors her grandson, she needs more than just someone that would agree to take care of him for the money. She wanted a powerful woman that wouldn’t falter under pressure.
Old Lady Williams welcomed her with warm smiles and hugs and then the Jefferys said their greetings with the gift they brought.
The old lady took her hand into hers pulling her away to the center of the room hopefully to introduce her when her eyes met with familiar ones of old friends... or enemies!
She was surprised to see Daniel, her ex-boyfriend holding Jessica by the waist. The duo betrayed her five years ago and they looked utterly surprised to see her besides the powerful Lady of the house.
Jessica’s glass dropped from her hand in surprise, calling the attention of everyone.
Lady Rose, Daniel’s mother flashed her a murderous glare forcing her to excuse herself.
Daphne’s shocked expression was soon replaced with a sinister smile.
“What a perfect day for payback, “ she thought inwardly but her face expresses a sinister smile that only a devil-like Daniel could recognize.They’ve been hearing rumors of the old lady finally finding a wife for Black but they weren’t at all threatened because they knew he would reject her too like he’s been doing over the years.
Daniel stood transfixed at the spot, he never expected to see Daphne anywhere in the city any more after she disappeared for so long but seeing her beside his grandmother, he didn’t want to believe it was what he was thinking.
“Never! She can never be my sister-in-law!” He uttered under his breath knowing it was nothing but death for him once his stepbrother finds out what he had done to her.
Amidst the staring contest between Daphne and Daniel, a strong presence entered the room which got heads turning.
Some young ladies start to adjust their dresses while others rushed to the entrance where the beautiful man in the mask can see them.Apart from finding interest in the disabled son of the Williams household for money, there are just some ladies that would die to be in his bed not for the money.
Daphne turned her head to see what has gotten everyone’s attention and even made the old lady stop her speech when she saw another time bomb coming towards her.
The man in the mask that threatened to kill her if she appears before him the third time.Now, not just the saga of meeting her ex-boyfriend at the house party where she would marry, her biggest fear is here at the party staring her straight in the face.
She has died seven times already in her mind!
Daphne’s heart was unsettled and her palms are becoming sweaty. Her last encounters with this man flashed through her head like a trailer for a horror movie.“Oh my dear grandson, welcome” Old Lady Williams said with smiles and the well-wishers clapped to welcome Black William into the hall.Daphne took steps behind as Kai pushed his wheelchair forward to where she saw him standing with the old lady of the house.“Happy Birthday to you grandma,” he said with a faint smile.Old lady Williams bent slightly to plant a kiss on both of his cheeks.Daniel squeezed his wine glass in anger, not just him but his mother hates the attention he's always getting from the old woman.“Today being a very happy day for me, I'm pleased to announce to you all that I have found a beautiful and decent bride for my grandson” she announced.At that moment, Daphne could not face Black, the hairs on her body sparked up when her name was mentioned. Fear was clearly written on her face.She wanted to run away b
Black’s eyes swept across the room, his cold eyes roofed with dark shadows imposing the dangerous aura he wanted on the two figures standing in front of him. He glanced over to Kai and he gave a head nod to show he understood his words.Daniel knew he was in for trouble and he started pleading for his life.“I am so sorry big brother, it was a misunderstanding,” he said. “Being in the lady's restroom doesn’t look like a misunderstanding Daniel” he said with a straight look, his eyes studying Daphne from head to toe. Seeing Daphne almost passing out on a spot, he ordered Kai to stop.“Next time you touch a strand of hair on her, I will cut off your hand” he threatened in a deep rough voice. “It’s Grandma’s birthday, I don’t want to be bloody” he added. Daniel scurried off at once. Black saw how scared Daphne was, his lips pursed into a thin line but his brows moved with interest.“If you run, I will hunt you down,” he said to her. After saying that to her, he left with Kai. Daph
Under the dim light of the room, Black’s icy stare mirrored the anger churning within him and Daphne whimpered with regret.She tried to speak but her words are stuck in her throat, her eyes following every movement of Black. He removed his jacket only leaving his shirt with three buttons undone.Daphne shivered as his fist pressed down the softness of the couch as he approaches her. Their faces were only tiny inches apart.Her eyes fell on his high bridge nose that straightened out to his red thin lips.Taking in his intoxicating scent, she moaned looking away from him but Black is one unpredictable hunter.Displeasure flickered in his eyes and his brows creased to show his need for more control.He returned her face to his, leaning closer so that he could feel the hotness of the air she breathes.Emotion crossed his eyes and his brows raised in confusion, he seems to have been attacked by something he wasn't expecting.“This is not to make you wet sweetheart” he whispered to her ear
The Villa of the Williams household is very large and beautiful. The pathways are lined with pebbles and ancient-looking flower pots. Old lady Williams devoted her time to designing the house to taste ever since Black moved in to handle his father’s business.The buildings all have ancient roofing but the walls are made of shiny stones.The security lights add more beauty to the vast land of the villa at night.The lights in the mansions are always on except for the last mansion. At exactly 9:00 in the night, Black dismisses his guards and orders them to turn off the switch so that he could sleep.After the party, Black returned to his house and his dressing room. He changed out of his party clothes and wraps a towel around his waist.He draws out a box from his drawer which shows his masks of different colors and designs.Black removed the mask on his face and his full face came into view. He ruffled his gold hair and his lips compressed to a fine line.He pushed his wheelchair to th
He was called by one of his men about having information on the lady that messed with his drink that night. He could have gotten words out of her mouth but he was convinced already that Daniel planned everything and that Daphne was part of that plan. He is his stepbrother but overtaking is allowed in the bloody game of the family throne. Black returned to his VIP room where he stays alone until the need to show up for meetings arises. Every VIP room is full of girls who are ever willing to satisfy their clients, strippers, pole dancers, and all.They are in every VIP room except for his! They wouldn’t want to die untimely.He sat down in silence enjoying the low sensual music being played as he removed a stalk of cigarettes from the box on the table.He hadn’t dropped his lighter when a sexy-looking woman swayed her hips inside.Anger immediately crossed his eyes as he killed the cigarette light off in annoyance.“Did you see the body?” Black asked in a low voice.The woman didn’t st
When Daphne averted her gaze from Black’s murderous glare, Daniel had disappeared into thin air like he was never there.She never wanted to come across Black even in her nightmare but now she’s seeing him early in the morning and she just finished praising him for things she didn’t know of— well except for the bed praises.Black furrowed his brows and looked over at her with keen attention.“I seem to have forgotten everything that happened that night, perhaps the body should remember. What do you think?” Black said to her.Kai looked surprised from where he was standing, he knew his boss quite well enough and his hatred for women, the very presence of them inconvenient him not to talk of exchanging teasing chats with one.He knew of Black’s late wife and what caused him to change into a monster. The very thought of Daphne being an exception when he had punished his cousin made him slightly mad.Daphne stood transfixed for she was confused about the night that he might be talking abo
Chapter 15Daphne’s hands started shaking and her sweaty palm made her grip on the door weak. Jessica pushed the door and she let go, causing her to go inside by herself.“What do you mean by that Jessica?!” Daphne asked.“ Oh quit the act! You disappeared for five good years Daphne, five years! Only to return later as my boyfriend’s sister-in-law. You took your time to get back at him Daphne, how dare you?!” She yelled at Daphne.Daphne heaved a sigh of relief cause she had been scared when Jessica showed up out of the blue claiming that she knows the truth.Accusing her of these is better than finding out the real deal anyway.“ I don’t care about anything you think Jessica, you have no right to judge anyone,” Daphne said.The old woman that takes care of the house heard the crude conversation and came out to her rescue.“ Everything okay Ma’am?” She asked.“Everything is fine Mrs.Mimi I will soon be on my way as it is,” she said with a dismal wave of her hands.With her focus back
Later in the afternoon, Daphne slept off thinking about Jessica and the stone-hearted billionaire who would soon be her husband.Cracks of light filtered through the shutters, shimmering on her face and piercing into the darkness of her eyes.Stings!“Ah” She exclaimed squinting her eyes to adjust to the direct contact from the rays. She immediately regretted turning over to the window side and she twirled to the other side.When she realized that time was far spent, she jumped out of bed to grab her phone and the car keys her aunt gave to her.She hurriedly slipped into her shoes and left the house in a hurry, praying that the kids are still around the school and safe.She dialed a number as she drives and it was picked up on the second ring.Daphne called the number Aunt Leah gave to her in the morning but unfortunately, it was just the school driver’s number and not the kids’ teacher's.When the man answered the call, she asked to confirm if her kids were still around but she was t