WebNovels

Chapter 27 - Chapter 26: Article

Verena slept fitfully, then suddenly clutched the bedsheet in her fist. In her dream she was trapped in a dark, cold room. 

"I have never been here." She told herself holding her belly as she forced herself forward to take a seat on a bench. Heavy footsteps and cruel laughter echoed from the door. 

She turned her head and saw a group of masked figures closing in. She was confused at first but when they grabbed her and started assaulting her. Her screams were louder than usual. 

"You need to die!" Someone shouted. "Die! Die!" 

"No leave me alone! Don't hurt me. I am pregnant!" 

They kept hitting her until finally they left her on the cold floor. The last thing she heard was, "you were born to take the blame. Now you can die." 

Pain and shock blurred her vision. She pressed her hand to her belly and felt something wet. "Baby… my baby?" She whispered in fear and grief. 

Through trembling lips she vowed, "I won't let you get away with this. You'll pay for what you did to me and my baby." 

She cried in pain until darkness fell upon her eyes. 

Verena woke with a gasp, her heart pounding in her chest.

The painful past memories still coming hunting her as a form of nightmares. 

"Now that I have someone, you desired your whole life to have. I will make sure you experience the same pain and suffering you inflicted upon us," Verena smirked.

Verena pulled out her uncharged mobile phone and searched for the name on the platform. Soon, a lot of articles and photos came up about Ariana.

Verena read every article about Ariana, her eyes scanning the screens with intensity. As she delved deeper, her emotions simmered with anger, fueled by the glamorous life of the renowned model who had collaborated with numerous high-end brands.

Ariana got everything she wanted and Verena? She was just thrown in a prison in her place. 

Suddenly, her attention was drawn to an article. Verena, like thousands of other people, couldn't help but open the article to read its contents.

**Attention all parents and concerned citizens!**

It's crucial to address a concerning issue that has emerged in the world of social media. The glamorous facade presented by Ariana Vandeleur, once a role model for many, has taken a disturbing turn.

The drug-addicted Ariana Vandeleur has been rumoured to have been taking drugs for many years.

Recent revelations depict Vandeleur involved in drug-related activities. What's more troubling is the potential impact on our impressionable youth.

As adults, we might grasp the complexities, but youngsters could misinterpret her actions as acceptable behaviour.

This isn't just about her personal choices anymore. Vandeleur's influence reaches far and wide, and the messages she sends can have dire consequences.

By glamorising harmful behaviour, she puts our children at risk. Let's not allow our kids to be misled down a dangerous path.

It's high time influencers like Vandeleur recognised the immense responsibility they bear. As a society, we need to hold them accountable for the influence they wield.

Our children's future is at stake, and we must ensure that those they look up to are leading them towards positivity and responsible choices.

Handcuffs seem to be doing nothing to scare the Vandeleur. Charges may be dropped soon due to lack of evidence again but the influencer could be in a tough spot after this trial ends.

What are your thoughts on Ms. Ariana Vandeleur? Should her account really be report?

Article by Amor Gills

Editor & Reporter at CBN Times

#ProtectOurYouth #InfluenceResponsibly #ChooseWisely #BycotShadyInfluncers

After reading the article Verena looked out of window and saw it was already dawn. In an hour sun will be out. She didn't want to sleep anymore. She sniffed her body which stink with sweat. She decided to take a cool shower. 

After showing, Verena walked in the kitchen. It was early morning so she thought make breakfast for Louis and little benny. Last night, Louis came late and she hadn't got a chance to congratulates him for becoming a CEO. 

An hour later, Verena came in the dinning room, pushing the traly with breakfast in it. She set everything on the table and heard footsteps from the hallway. Soon, Big Benny and small Benny was seen coming inside. 

"Good morning!" Verena smiled at them. When little benny saw her he immediately ran towards her in his sleep self. 

Little benny hummed resting her head on her shoulder. 

"Are you still sleepy baby? Don't you want to eat?" He shook his head and rubbed his eye. "But I made breakfast today." She informed him slyly. 

He immediately opened his eyes and looked at the table. Sure enough there was his seat and it was decorated with his favorite snacks. 

Verena chuckled and put him down on his chair. 

She glanced at Louis. He was focused on his ipad. Her eyes caught the familiar screen background. He was reading an article. 

Louis motioned for the maid, who poured two glasses of fresh juice Verena made before leaving them alone. 

"Please sit." He invited her. 

Verena blinked, realizing she was still standing. She quietly sat down beside little Benny. 

"Congratulations on the success, Louis." Verena smiled warmly at him. 

Louis stopped looking at the ipad and stared at her in shock. It was first time he heard his name called by her. The way she said his name struck him. It was a reminder that soon, she would be his wife. The thought excites him. 

"Thank you." 

"Congratulations daddy." Little benny also spoke up. Louis was shocked his son was wishing him but it was all because of Verena's influence. 

"Thank you benny." 

They ate in silence for a while. Verena stole quick glances at him as she took sips. 

"You can take a picture if you want." Louis smirked. 

Verena choked on her drink, coughing as he leaned in slightly, his eyes amused. 

"W-What do you mean?" She stammered, wiping her mouth. She was clearly embarrassed. 

"Never mind." He said casually. 

Verena frowned her brows and looked at little bunny beside her. 

"My Little bunny, your daddy is bullying me." She complained with a pout. 

"Daddy! Don't go over board!" Little Benny glared at his father. 

Louis sighed. 

After seeing his father was silent Little Benny was happy. 

"Are you done? Okay. You should go and bring all your coloring books. We will color the world together today." Verena tap his small nose. 

Little benny immediately jumped in excitement and run upstairs. 

"Is there something you wanted to tell me?" Louis asked after seeing her sending his son away. 

"Yes. There is an article spreading on social media." 

"Which article?" Louis interjected, frowning. 

"You don't know?" She asked, surprised. 

He shook his head, wondering if it was about him. Another rumor? Another scandal? 

"It's about Ariana. She is rumored to be using drugs. And I'm certain it's true:" 

Hearing this, Louis expressions stayed calm as he picked up his fork again. He checked his watch and replied, "That's not new. She's been in the spotlight for things like that since… the incident." 

Verena instantly understood which "incident" he meant.

"Look," Louis continued, "I don't care what happens to her. And you shouldn't either. Maybe it's good she finally gets a taste of what she did to you."

Verena blinked at him, startled by his bluntness. Was he pretending to be nice all along? Or was this his real self showing through? Or he just hates her so much to even care about her? 

"You… you published the article, didn't you?" She accused suddenly. 

Louis's eyes widened at the accusation. He licked his lips slowly before replying, "Why would I do that?"

"You did it. I knew it!" Verena laughed bitterly, slapping the table.

Leaning closer, she challenged, "If you didn't, then find out who did."

Louis didn't replied but pressed his lips in thought.

"I have another request, Mr. Louis."

"What is it?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"I have a brother. His name is Aaron Bradbury. Last I knew, he was in college. But when I went back, I heard rumors about me had spread there too, and they told me he left the school four years ago. Since then, I don't know where he is."

Louis studied her face her eyes had dimmed as she recalled the time.

"Do you want me to help you search for him?"

"Yes," she said quickly, "If our mother were alive, he might have gone to her. But now… I have no one else."

Louis gave a reassuring nod. "It's all right. I'll assign a team to look for him. We'll do everything we can to find your brother."

Verena's eyes softened, though her heart still carried its weight of doubt.

"I am here!" Little Benny came with a backpack.

Verena took a breath and smiled as if she wasn't almost gonna cry thinking about her brother.

But the moment she heard Little Benny's warm voice she felt calm in an instant. Maybe becoming his mother won't be bad at all.

"Come on, my tiger."

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