Asriel sat in a private room at one of the hotel's he owned puffing a cigarette. Ever since he learnt about Zia being awake he couldn't get her off his mind. It was as though a part of his body was yearning for her, calling out for her more than he ever did for the past three months, or since the moment he decided to propose to her.
At this rate he might act on impulse and head off to see her, but he couldn't let her have the slightest hint that she might know him. Wiping off her memory was a decision he had to live with.Asriel was slowly engulfed in the smoke as he stared into the empty space. No woman should ever have this power over him, not when several women lined up to warm his bed, beautiful and rich women.A knock at the door brought him to the present as Zichi walked in elegantly, her six inch stiletto heels echoing in the entire room.Asriel didn't spare her a glance and continued staring out through the window. They were on the tenth floor and the view up there had been perfect, yet Asriel didn't fancy it at all, not when his whole life had been this empty.Zichi took a moment to glance around the room and finally resting her eyes on the finger sitting close to the window." Asriel, you don't seem so good, what could be happening. Don't tell me you suddenly got stressed because of the video,"" Tell me what you want, I don't have all day," Asriel said curtly.Zichi swallowed hard before she sat on the chair, facing Asriel's back." I'm really sorry to have to resort to this, but I had no other way out. I hoped you could convince Mr. Malcolm to invest in my company,"Zichi waited for his response, but he just sat there, puffing his cigarette filling the room with smoke. Zichi was getting breathless and she prayed to get over and done with it as soon as possible.Asriel dropped an envelope for her on the floor." Next time I'll kill you before you try your blackmail on me,"" Brother in law, you know you shouldn't threaten me when you have a lot of dirt in your hands. Did you forget that you forced my sister to undergo a procedure she didn't accept, taking everything from her. She even lost her child."Zichi said changing her tone after she glanced at the contents in the envelope. A contract signed by Mr. Malcolm himself, it just needed her signature.That had been too easy. She might actually use him to get everything she wanted.Asriel exploded in anger as he stood up and took a step towards her. He had lifted up his hand in the air to slap her but withdrew them immediately. He couldn't hit her when it was his fault having lost his child." It would be better if you left, I might change my mind and destroy that," Asriel pointed at the envelope in her hand." We both know that you are at fault here brother in law, and no matter what you do, you can never rid the guilt. Just accept that you did a mistake. And better still, help me with whatever I need, and I assure you Zia wouldn't have to find out about anything."" You know what Asriel, I'm well aware of the power you and your grandmother have, so I had to prepare myself incase you decide to do anything to me. Every little secret in your life will be exposed. I hope you aren't planning on killing me now,"Zichi had a smirk on her face when she saw Asriel's expression change to that of disbelief." I've always known that you were but a wolf in a sheep's clothing. No wonder you had to take the company from your sister. You are so despicable,"" Not as much as you are darling. I'm just following in your footsteps, stepping on others as I scale the ladder of success,"" Let's see how far your ambitions will lead you,"" Anyways, I need you to help me with my mother, I have to stage manage her return, only you can help me with this, after that we are even."" What? Isn't your mother dead?"" Wow, I never thought we were smart enough to fool everyone, that even the all powerful Asriel Gedor couldn't tell what happened to his mother in law,"" Did Zia know about this? That Cassandra is alive,"" And why would she know that, she was just a little naive girl who believed everything that was presented to her. Cai too has no idea about this. But let's just say they'll soon find out, that is, if you agreed to help me,"" This would be the last favour I'm doing for you. Not because I'm scared of what you might do, but because of the fact that I ruined Zia's life. I'm only repaying it on you,"" That's perfect then, I always knew I could count on you. We could make a perfect team. In future we should team up more,"" You wish," Asriel said and threw away the cigarette before making his way out of the room, not looking back.Zichi poured herself a glass of whiskey that had been lying on the table gobbling it at one go. She just hit two birds with one stone." You are the best Zia, even in your absence, your name works wonders," Zichi raised the empty glass to the air before letting it drop to the ground shattering into pieces."Oops little sis.... hope your life gets shattered wherever you are, just like that"Zichi walked out of the room into the parking lot, her head raised high. In just a few months she'll be at the top, the only place she deserved in the corporate world.Five days later, in Konza, late in the evening, Cai and Zia slowly made their way up their apartment. The two had spent the better part of the day making rounds in the small town and beyond.This, according to Cai might help her spot something that might jog her memory. Zia had been optimistic on the first day, but this being the third day, she had given up hope. Just using the opportunity to know her way around the town and the city miles off.Today had actually been so eventful, making rounds searching for a job. Everywhere she had tried, they had only stared up at her, as though her looks alone mattered. Zia had to ask Cai what seemed to be wrong with her, only for him to say that she looked like a princess, that she didn't seem like one who could do any casual jobs.Her features seemed delicate, and her nails well trimmed and neat. She couldn't possibly work at a hotel or any other handy jobs.The two dropped on the couch at the same time, exhausted." I suggest you forget about finding a job, you know I can take care of the both of us,"" I might not know how much you actually have, but from what I see you might run out of money soon. You don't go to work yet you pay the bills, fuel your expensive car and all that. Surely soon enough you'll have exhausted your savings. I can't live with myself if I let you take care of everything."" Alright Zia, let me rest for a while. We can talk about it tomorrow,"Cai lazily adjusted himself on the couch and soon his eyes closed.Zia sighed at this. She could tell that Cai wasn't used to such a life. She was yet to know where he gets money though he didn't work. So many things were strange about him, but she couldn't meddle in his life, not when he had become her guardian angel.At the same time several miles away from town at an army's camp, a soldier ran into one of the tents, a mobile phone in his hand before he called out for the commander. He then hurried in after receiving a signal.A young man sat facing the wall. The soldier saluted before requesting for permission to speak." Report,"" He called again, he said it was urgent,"" Tell him to get everything ready. We move at midnight,"" Copy that sir," the soldier saluted before he respectfully retreated.The man could only shake his head, how much longer till he made his move. He couldn't tell what it was that had been holding him back till now.Asriel received the news and immediately called Zichi. This would be the last favour he would do for her. He couldn't have any more deals with such a treacherous woman.Zichi on the other hand immediately dropped everything called the company pilot. There would be no time to waste.The chopper arrived at their rooftop which she immediately boarded." Mr. Gerald, I hope everything that will happen tonight will stay between us,"" Of course madam, anything you wish," the pilot answered. As a too company pilot, he knew there were several underground deals within the corporate world that every company had to deal with. As long as he received his payment, he wouldn't bother with anything else. They headed for a remote part of the country, several miles from the capital. The flight had taken a whole two hours, one hour more till they arrived at the said destination.They had landed at an open ground in one of the villages. It was nine at night. Hurriedly Zichi made her way through the beaten footpath as she cursed loudly. She had to use her phone to illuminate her way.Zichi couldn't imagine they used to live here several years ago. This had been one of the reasons she had to get everything for herself in the shortest time. Never in her life would she return to that forsaken hell hole, not after tasting the sweet life.She arrived at their old house that stood abandoned at the edge of the forest. Everything was in it's place, just like it had been those years ago.Cassandra was already waiting by the door when she heard the sound of an approaching chopper, hoping against hope that her daughter had come to get her. And true to her, Zichi stood right infront of her."Oh my child, you finally came for me," Cassandra said as she hugged her daughter." I promised you didn't I? Only that you never believed me. Anyways get your things mother, we don't have a lot of time,"" No dear, let's go, I can't possibly carry anything from here,"Cassandra was already on her way out.Zichi followed after her and the two got back into the chopper." Thank you so much my child, I thought you had decided to abandon me here,"" Why would I do that to you mother. It was you that got us out of this shit hole. I only delayed since I hadn't come up with a plan yet. You know we have to avoid any suspicion, that's why I had to ask Asriel for help."" Really, so it was him that lent you the chopper,"" No mother, this is our company chopper. Asriel had to help me stage manage your return. You have to get ready for interview later on."" I don't understand Zichi,"" Just you wait, you'll be home by morning, safe and sound. No one will ever know what we did."" I knew you could never fail me my child. That's why I had to wait here all these while. I love you my child."Cai had been asleep when he woke up startled, was it a dream or had it been real, Cassandra was alive. He immediately sat up on the couch and glanced around at the source of the sound. The television had been left on. He turned on the volume, and there she was, swarmed with reporters and several soldiers by the side.Cai rubbed his eyes constantly thinking that he was dreaming, but it was right there infront of him, his mother on the news, her looks disheveled, her clothes torn. She seemed to have returned from the dead.The news ended soon, maybe due to the fact that this was a foreign country. But news about his mother had to grab some attention especially after their company had partnered with The Malcolm International Corporation.Cai rushed to the bathroom to pour cold water on his face, maybe it was all in his mind, this could help him wake up. There was no way she were alive, not when they had buried her a year ago.Immediately his mobile rang, Zichi was calling." I can't
Cassandra couldn't tell for how long she had slept but was suddenly woken up when something heavy dropped on her. She immediately sat up at once thinking that she was back at the old abandoned home that constantly had things drop off from the loosely hanging roof.Her expression softened immediately seeing her little boy wrapped around her neck as he supported himself to the bed. She could hear him sniffing his nose, his chest vibrating against her body. He had probably been crying seeing that she was indeed alive." I really missed you my son, I longed to see you every day," Cassandra said as she tightened her hold on him. Her little son was all grown up now. It was as though in the one year she had been away his size suddenly doubled." Mother......I thought I had lost you for ever," Cai cried in a loud voice, tears running wild on his face, the first time he ever cried as a grown man." I'm right here my child, I won't ever leave you, not again my child," Cai suddenly felt like a
Asriel was late for an appointment, but he just couldn't let go of this urge to see her, especially when he was back in this country. With Cai gone, she had to be all alone. Asriel waited by the apartment, one that Cai had refused to disclose to him, but that was as easy as a press of the button. He waited in the car, he had almost given up when she finally showed up, looking all fresh and beautiful. Her pale skin clearly showed the ordeal she had gone through.She might have spotted his car when she glanced at his car for a few minutes, but that would not prevent him from trailing after her. He had to know the kind of life she led. As much as it wasn't part of his plans, his body acted on it's own and here he was, trailing after her.He could tell she was frightened when she increased her speed, this only earned a chuckle from him, she was still a little scared cat. He watched as she stopped by a hotel before driving off.Asriel couldn't tell how he had gotten there, but he was in a
Asriel rolled drowsily on the bed before something hard brought him to a stop. His head was throbbing in pain. Slowly he opened his lazy eyes and blinked constantly adjusting to the dim light of the room. He got from bed and stumbled on something, making him glance around.Asriel froze.Three naked bodies lying on the bed, one almost falling by the side of the bed. He subconsciously glanced down at his naked self before he cursed out loud and picked a towel to cover himself.He opened his mouth and a deep and heavy growl reverberated through his chest, sending the three jumping helter-skelter from the bed, picking themselves from the ground.The three stood up with sleep filled eyes, confused and filled with terror seeing the obscure dark eyes burning with anger gawking down at them.Veins popped out of Asriel's forehead, little sweats formed all over his body. He turned to the three and threw heavy punches at them. The three tried to duck, but not it was useless against the angry w
Asriel was in the air yet the business world was already burning up with chaos. MNG company was almost at the brink of bankruptcy. Several investors had pulled out their investments suddenly.A crisis meeting had been called by the company CEO, yet the manager couldn't be found. It only meant one thing. He was involved in whatever woe that had struck the company." Cam someone find me that bastard for goodness sake," The CEO threw his hands helplessly in the air.The chopper had finally descended in the area swarmed with journalists. Several onlookers were on sight, the police keeping them a safe distance off.Seeing Asriel walk out out the chopper, Drusilla got out of her car." Where have you been Asriel? And whatever it is that happened here you have to find out," Asriel stopped abruptly seeing the worried look in Drusilla's eyes. Maybe thinks had began disintegrating, the ones she had put her entire life into before acquiring." I suggest you should head back home grandmother. D
At Salem family villa, Cassandra and Zichi were getting ready to receive the guests. They had organised an exquisite party to welcome Cassandra back home. This, to Cassandra would be her special way of stepping out into the society once again. Not as Salem's family, but as the owner of Globe company. Gaining control of her late husband's company meant her social status had risen. She couldn't wait to finally get her rightful place." Zichi dear, don't you think it's high time you got married. Look, you are rich, the CEO to your father's company. With all the power you got, I'm sure you'll find the man of your dreams," Cassandra started as the two had their make up done." Not now mother, a step at a time. It's barely a year since I took control of everything. I'm yet to establish lasting connections. Don't tell me you are planning to do away with me now that you are back. I hope you aren't dreaming of controlling the company," " Zichi why would you talk like that. I'm only looking ou
The next morning early in the morning, Asriel made ready to head off to work. It was a weekend, but he had to oversee the construction of the hotel building.Getting down to the living room, Drusilla was having breakfast." Asriel please join me for breakfast, there's plenty here," Asriel joined his grandmother. He hadn't eaten the previous night, obviously disturbed with whatever transpired last night. His mother was back, he couldn't promise he'll be good to her.At the same time Connie descended the stairs majestically just as Asriel took his seat. Seeing this, Asriel made to stand up to leave, but Drusilla held him back." Hello son, how have you been. I can see your grandmother has clearly taken good care of you," Connie said as she made haste and joined them, taking her seat opposite her son, glancing directly into each other." I can take care of myself mom. Like I said, I don't want you here," " Why not my son? Anyways, I'm here for my daughter in law, the last time we spoke,
Zia woke up early for woke. She felt exhausted, especially after she had been forced to a double shift to compensate for the previous day's occurance. No one said it would be easy. She had to pick herself up,her body slowly getting used to this.The previous night and the nights before she had tried to reach out to Cai, but she couldn't find him. Not a word since he left. Zia was left wondering if anything went wrong with him. Till now she had failed to know how she went back home on that day. But since no one had showed up at her door, she chose to forget this.Getting to work, Zia registered for her shift. She had to be careful, never to let anything in her way. That early in the morning a lot of changes had occurred. The building suddenly had different colours, a shade of olive and white, bright and beautiful. A new name had been written all over, Empire Hotels.Everything had been changed, even the seats were new. Zia wondered how everything could happen overnight, but this was