BELLA’S POV It was the beginning of a new week and we all had to gather at the office early to welcome the new boss, who happened to be Mr. Richard's cousin. The morning rush hour was in full swing, as it typically is in the city on any given workday, especially on Mondays. There's just something about Mondays that makes everything so hectic. I made sure to beat the traffic, get the office space ready, and ensure that all the staff were present and prepared. "ETA in three minutes," I informed the staff once we had finished making all the necessary arrangements to make a good impression. We all assembled at the reception area, with me holding a bouquet as a customary way of welcoming important guests. To our surprise, the new boss was not the middle-aged man we were expecting; instead, he was a young man in his thirties, escorted in by the firm's security officers. Wow! He was unbelievably good-looking, like a special appearance character from a movie. His well-tailored double-brea
I was intrigued by the destination he was taking me to. He made an effort to reassure me and ease my nerves, ensuring me that he had no ill intentions. His behaviour on the first day of work was drawing attention and reminded me of Wale. I noticed he was wearing a wedding band as he gripped the steering wheel, which immediately raised a red flag in my mind, "Is he married?" I pondered. He caught me staring at his wedding ring, and I quickly averted my gaze. Out of the blue, he asked, "Do you have a fiancé?" I was taken aback and struggled to respond. "I could recommend a place where you can find high-quality wedding rings," He said. His sudden kindness surprised me, leaving me puzzled about his true intentions. I remained silent, and he chuckled, "Don't tell me you're unattached. Then why are you fixated on my wedding ring?" He continued, "You probably think someone like me should be single. Well, I'm married with two daughters, so rest assured, you're safe around me. I am devoted t
While still in the parking lot, I called Ms. Jolaade and she answered quickly. "Hey, Bella. How's work?" "Work's good, ma'am. I need a favour, but I'll explain later." "Go ahead." "Can I have Officer Frederick's phone number?" "I'll send it to you right away. Is it work-related?" "Yes, ma'am, but it's nothing too serious." I lied to reassure her. "Okay. I'll send it," she said and hung up. "That must be the famous Jolaade," Mr. Maurice remarked. "Yes, sir." "I'd like to meet her someday." "Definitely, sir." A message came in. She had sent the number. I called the number immediately and asked Mr. Maurice how to proceed. "Arrange a meeting," he advised. The call was answered, "Hello, Officer Frederick." "Who am I speaking to?" "This is Bella, Ms. Jolaade's assistant." "Oh! What can I do for you?" "Can we meet?" "Of course, but give me thirty minutes to wrap up here." "No problem, sir. I'll text you the address." "Alright then," and he hung up. We entered the build
JOLAADE’S POV I had just completed my morning run and was on my way home when Bella called me. I was taken aback when she informed me that the woman who stole the insurance had been apprehended and she also updated me on how Mr. Richard's cousin played a significant role in solving the case. I couldn't help but burst into laughter when I learned that Officer Frederick wanted him and his team to be recognized as the primary individuals who cracked the case. "He has a great sense of humour," I chuckled and congratulated Bella on a job well done. Our conversation ended as I reached my front door and entered my house, making sure to lock the door behind me. I was perspiring profusely and knew I needed to take a shower immediately. I removed my sweatshirt and sweatpants and wrapped myself in a towel. Standing before the mirror, I examined myself closely, scrutinizing every detail from the pores on my face, eyebrows, the colour of my eyes, neckline, hair, and even the prominent scar that
‘A bond once broken, a heart once sore A daughter’s trust shattered, a mother’s fault But time and tears brought a second chance To mend the pieces, to heal the dance…’ Horrified, I dropped to my knees and implored them to release her. The individuals in my living area exuded an air of seriousness, far from any jovial intentions. They had positioned her in a chair at the dining table, instilling in her a sense of quiet dread. The clinking of kitchenware resonated from the kitchen, diverting my gaze in that direction. Benson emerged from the kitchen, clutching a knife and a large crimson apple. I was taken aback. Catching sight of me on my knees, he sneered. "I issued you an ultimatum, and you chose to disregard it," he articulated. "I did not... I did not...I had gone to look for the money.” I fibbed. “Just because I married your mother won’t stop me from putting a bullet through her brain.” As I gazed upon my mother, I saw the tears on her face and I couldn’t hold back mine.
‘...With fragile steps, she regained the ground Her child’s forgiveness, a love unbound In final days, she held her dear And proved her love, wiped away each tear Though scars remain, love shines so bright A mother’s love, a child’s heart made right.’ While my mother may not have been flawless, she always tried her hardest. She loved, made errors, and grew from them, but fate had its own plans. There's no point in pointing fingers at her; after all, she was only human. However, I can't help but resent the day that demon of a stepfather entered our lives. If he hadn't shown up, things would have been different, and I wouldn't have had to endure a traumatic upbringing, struggling to move beyond the past. >>>>> I awoke as soon as I opened my eyes, only to find my vision obscured by a cloth bag over my face. I felt restrained, with my arms and legs tied to the chair I was seated in. I could hear footsteps and voices around me, but I was completely disoriented and clueless about my
The clock was ticking and as day broke, I had 60 hours remaining. The door swung open and a tray of what they referred to as food was slid towards me before the door was locked once more. I grew increasingly anxious as there was no response from anyone, nor any sign of the authorities. I peered at the food and felt almost nauseated by its appearance. I moved it to a corner where it wouldn't be in my line of sight. I strained to hear any activity outside, hoping to catch a glimpse. All I could make out were footsteps pacing back and forth, and I could discern a shadow beneath the door, suggesting a guard was stationed nearby. I was determined to confirm my suspicions. With my legs and hands bound, I had to shuffle towards the door to investigate. "Hello!" I called out, receiving no reply. I tried again. "Is the damsel in distress?" a voice from behind the door inquired. "A damsel should drink water after eating," I retorted. Silence lingered for a minute before the door creaked open
"Which one?" inquired the man. "The one named Bella from her office," he reported, and I was taken aback. 'No!' I thought silently to myself. "That makes it even better. The insurance money," Benson chuckled sarcastically. I longed to caution Bella against paying the money. The situation was not unfolding as I had envisioned. "Has she agreed to meet?" he inquired. "Yes, sir." He turned to me and remarked, "If this Bella compensates me generously, I might consider releasing you and disregarding the remainder," a statement I knew was a blatant falsehood. Standing up, he turned to leave, stating, "You know, it will be quite entertaining to witness you lose all those you hold dear," his gaze piercing, causing my heart to race as I realized he might harm Bella. "Inform her not to even consider involving the authorities," he instructed the man triumphantly as he walked away. A few minutes passed before he returned, questioning if she had arrived. Bella was still nowhere to be seen