For the past few days, Lia had been coming back home late at night and leaving very early, not only due to school and work commitments but also because she felt uncomfortable in the house. Although previously Jasmine wasn't around much, for the past two days, she was home, and strangely enough, she just seemed to be everywhere. When she came back home from work late at night, she found her sitting up in the living room like she was waiting, and then she would hear her go upstairs and hover around her room for hours before finally leaving, and when she wakes up early in the morning to leave, she noticed Jasmine hovering and then waiting downstairs. She honestly felt creeped out and couldn't tell what Jasmine was thinking or planning but they Ignored each other.
'So would you be coming to the end-of-year party? I heard this time, the university has invited a big named person to join. From what I hear it's going to be pretty interesting' Ry said
'Ack all these parties are not for me honestly' she said back to him
'Oh no you won't be bailing out on this one. I already bought our outfits and it's the bomb.'
She rolled her eyes of course he had.
'Fine, I'll go with you' she finally caved in drawing a big smile from him. She took in a deep breath
'So how is it going with Rhys and Jasmine?' He asked the bell sounded as soon as the door pushed open and a young man who seemed to be the same age as them steeped in all smiles. She offered him a small smile of her own causing him to blush
'Um it's my first time buying flowers but can you recommend anything?' He asked
'Of course, who do you have in mind to gift these flowers to?' She asked him . The young man seemed shy with the piercing gaze Lia gave him and he could not meet her eyes while speaking with her
'I will be graduating soon and I want to gift my mother a 'thank you' gift for her sacrifices and support these years but am unsure what to get.'
The young man finished explaining.
'I see so the flower is for your mom' the man noded his head shyly
'I don't have a girlfriend' he scratched his head. Ry almost laughed watching this man but Lia ignored him.
'Please come with me' she said as she pointed to a row of flowers
We have Daisy's, carnations, Roses, tulips, orchids and Lillies. They are all good flowers for mothers so you can take your pick . She watched as the handsome man fingered the flowers trying to decide which would be the best one to go for. He scooped up a bunch of lillies and smelt them
'This one, I'll go with this one.' He said excitedly. She nodded offering a small smile before picking and pruning the flowers specially. She admired this young man for wanting to make his mother feel special. it was something she had been longing to do if she was given the opportunity to. So her heart ached a little when she thought about it. She finally put the flowers and tied them up in a nice bouqet. He thanked her and pulled out his card to pay.
'I hope this flower brings a beautiful smile to your mother's face.' She said to him genuinely. He smiled shyly at her
'Can I have your number?' He asked shyly and that was when Ry stepped in
'My man not to be rude or anything, but you can't handle her' Ry tapped his shoulder a bid for him to give up. He had those puppy eyes set on his friend and he knew it wouldn't go anywhere' Lia on her own part nodded agreeing with him. He was cute but she doesn't do naive innocent boys. She could never bring herself to love anyone and she never wanted to destroy a young man's life due to it. She knew she was not worthy of him and she wouldn't want him to go through what she went through so better to avoid it at all cost.
'Thanks for shopping with us. Hopefully, we can make your acquaintance again. The young man could only leave with a disappointed sigh. They both let out a small laugh when the young man finally left
'I don't know if I should be marveled or afraid at how easily you draw them towards you'
She rolled her eyes at him
'Such a temptress' he made a mockery of covering his body with his hand
'Don't look at me. i'll probably not be good for you.' Lia almost threw up in disgust.
'Omg please don't ever think of that again ewwwww'
Ry couldn't help but laugh.
'Right so back to my previous Question how's it going at the mad-house?'
she took a deep breath
'So far I have been avoiding Jasmine. She's just been weird it's creepy at this point.' She went on to explain how Jasmine's behaviour had her on the edge, and the reason she had been leaving home way too early and returning very late.
'Wow, talk about stalking. What is her deal?'
He asked. Even though she knew, she was not in the mood to get teased by Ry, so she had not told him about the kiss between herself and Rhys.
'So what do you plan to do?'
He asked her. Honestly, she had not thought of it. All she had come up with was to bolt out of the house as early as possible and come back as late as possible.
'Honestly, for now, I've got nothing, ' she said
'And what of Rhys? Have you spoken to him?'
He asked. 'I haven't yet. To be honest, it is rare to see him around these days. Speaking of which, there is something weird I have noticed; it seems like there's someone else living in the house, but I haven't seen or come across anyone. But then again, I am only in that house, say past midnight till 4 am in the morning, so I wouldn't see them.' Ry looked her up and down
'You seem worried'
'I don't know, I guess I feel that the house is a little too crowded. You know I don't do well with them.'
Ry offered her a small smile 'Don't worry, you always have Isla and me, no matter what.'
'Of course, ' she said, laughing. She looked at the time it was already lunchtime
'Well, now, can I see the outfit you got us? I hope it isn't matching because I will kill you' he snorted
'As if' was his reply. She could only sigh and follow him as he led the way back to the house to try on the clothes he got her.
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'Gammy, how do you feel?'
Jasmine drew out the seat close to her as Nancy served their breakfast. Porridge with grapes.
'Slept like a baby' was Rose's response. Jasmine smiled.
'Hope you haven't been feeling too bored?'
Jasmine asked again.
'Not too bad, just that I have been wondering where my Grandson has been? I haven't seen him these past few days.'
Jasmine took a spoonful of porridge before replying.
'He seems very busy, Gammy, but I am sure you'll see him sooner than later
she nodded her head before she carried on enjoying her meal
'Miss Jasmine, Madam, I hope you are enjoying your meal'
Nancy appeared in the room, asking
'Of course, you do not disappoint as usual, ' Jasmine praised
'But why is there food enough for two people? What about Lia?'
She asked, but her eyes quickly darted to Rose, who immediately took an interest in the conversation.
'I forgot to report. Lia has been leaving really early and coming back quite late these days .'
Nancy replied
'That's strange…. How early are her lectures and when does she finish?'
She asked, appearing genuinely concerned as she looked over at Rose, who was quietly eating her porridge but also very interested in the conversation.
'These days her schedule for uni seems to be full. The past three days, two of her classes started at 9 to finish at 8, and the other started at 1 pm to finish at 6 pm. But lately, she has not been eating at home. She's always up and out like someone is chasing her out of the home.'
Nancy concluded.
'Don't speak like that, Nancy, ' Jasmine gently scolded
'It could be that she's really busy with the flower shop, hence she can't make time.' She quickly interjected.
'Even at that, Miss Jasmine, you always make sure she has a warm breakfast, lunch and dinner waiting for her, and what does she do? instead of being grateful, she's so rude and wants to even fight for Master's affection, ridiculous!'
'Nancy, keep quiet.' This time she scolded her loudly
'Apologies, Miss Jasmine, but there's no way I can keep this quiet. You have been far too nice to this child, but she's so good at manipulating the master, faking bad dreams and trying to get close to him using abandonment, because she knows Master's history with his parents. She is truly despicable. I wish the master could see through this girl's evil intentions and send her away. She's causing too much trouble.' Nancy concluded
'Stop talking!' Jasmine said a bit stronger this time. Nancy sighed before she retired to the kitchen storage. Jasmine let out a loud sigh before turning to Rose and offering her a small smile.
'I apologise for this.'
She said, sounding so sincere
'Why do you have to apologise?, silly girl'
Rose replied. 'But who is Lia?' she asked, looking at Jasmine intently. Jasmine sighed deeply
'Rhys brought her to care for her.'
she replied
'But why, who is she to him?'
She looked at Gammy, sadly shaking her head sorrowfully
'Rhys has refused to explain where he brought her from, and I don't want to annoy him by asking, and it's really none of my business. This is his house after all.'
she concluded. 'What are you talking about? you are the owner of this house. So feel free to ask anything. How come there is someone else living here where you constantly provide food, and they do not appreciate it, and you have no reason why? Isn't that just rude?' Rose asked, clearly angered. 'It's high time I have a chat with this grandson of mine.' She continued. 'How can he bring someone else home without letting you know about it?' she asked again. It was evident from her countenance that she was angry.
'Gammy, don't blame Rhys, he must have had his reasons for not telling me.'
She tried to cover for him
'Ridiculous!' Rose yelled. 'What reasons could he possibly have had that he ignored such a huge thing and did not talk to you about it?'
Rose queried. 'Gammy, don't forget that we've been separated for a while, so it is possible he got someone else in my absence.' Jasmine defended him, but in reality, she was fanning the flames. Jasmine was well aware of what Rose's temper was like. Just like Rhys's step-mother, she thoroughly hated women who did not know their place and tried converting what did not belong to them, so she was very happy when Rose started reacting strongly to Lia. This was her intention from the start, and she knew how well everything would work in her favour if she played her cards right. 'At the end of the day, my grandson is just exactly like that father of his, whom he hates so much. I didn't think I would live to see the day, but this is indeed eye-opening. I thought my Grandson was sharper than his father, who would have thought he would fall prey to a vixen, just like his step-mother, Rose continued.
'How come you never told me about this? Has this been the way Rhys has been treating you?'
Rose asked concerned but Jasmine quickly took her hands and spoke up
'Please Gammy you must not blame Rhys I am sure he has his reasons.' she concluded feigning innocent sadness
'You are far too kind my child. But don't worry since I am here, I wouldn't let that vixen take over your home and make sure she knows her place. Rose finished off gently tapping her hands while Jasmine offered her a small smile innately happy that her plans had taken root. Before long, everything that was supposed to be hers will come back to her. A small sly smirk appeared on her lips but just as quickly disappeared.
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The soft patter of rain against the window cast an eerie glow, the city lights refracting through droplets that slid lazily down the glass. Donna Khaos sat in her wheelchair, her sharp eyes scanning the darkness outside. A young, handsome guard—Tim, probably in his mid-twenties—was wheeling her toward her study. His presence was both a comfort and a calculated choice; Donna trusted few, and Tim's loyalty was beyond reproach. As they entered the room, a knock echoed from the door.
"Come in," Donna called, her voice crisp but measured.
A masked woman stepped inside, her figure cloaked in an aura of mystery. Donna waved a hand, dismissing Tim without a word. The young guard bowed respectfully, though hesitation flickered in his eyes. As he exited, the other guards stationed nearby exchanged glances. Tim rarely left Donna's side, especially during confidential meetings. Whatever was about to transpire, it was clearly beyond ordinary importance.
"What have you found?" Donna asked, her tone sharp and inquisitive.
The masked woman said nothing, placing a file on the desk before her. Donna's fingers, adorned with rings that glinted in the dim light, opened the folder. Her eyes darted across the pages, absorbing the information with a faint, chilling smile creeping onto her face.
"Interesting," she murmured, closing the file and fixing her gaze on the woman. "Keep doing your bit, and I'll uphold my end of the bargain."
The woman nodded, her expression unreadable behind the mask. Without another word, she slipped out of the room, as silent as a shadow. Tim, ever vigilant, re-entered moments later, his posture alert.
"How's the preparation for the party going, Tim?" Donna asked, her voice smooth yet commanding.
"Everything's been arranged, Donna," he replied.
Donna turned her wheelchair toward the window, her silhouette framed by the interplay of raindrops and city lights. "Interesting," she repeated, her smirk deepening.
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Across the city, tension brewed within the high walls of the Zirachi estate. Rhys Zirachi, the infamous padrino of the Khaos family's West Division, leaned back in his chair, the storm outside mirroring the tempest in his mind. A subordinate burst into the room, his face pale and drenched in sweat.
"Padrino!" the man stammered, bowing deeply. "A representative of the Romano Syndicate has arrived. It doesn't look good."
Rhys's expression darkened. He rose from his chair, his towering frame exuding menace. Without a word, he strode toward the meeting room, Andy—his closest aide—following at a cautious distance. Inside, Femi Adigun, one of the Romano Syndicate's top consiglieres, waited. Femi's reputation preceded him; his presence either signalled resolution or chaos. Judging by his demeanour, it was the latter.
"Mr Adigun," Rhys greeted, extending a hand with calculated civility. "What brings you here?"
Femi wasted no time on pleasantries. He placed a folder in Rhys's outstretched hand.
"My client wants this signed and delivered. No negotiations," Femi said, his tone cold.
Rhys's jaw tightened as he flipped through the pages. The contents were staggering. The Romano Syndicate, long-standing allies of the Khaos family, sought to sever ties. Such a move would cripple operations and leave the family vulnerable.
"Mr Adigun," Rhys began, his voice measured despite the storm raging within. "There must be a misunderstanding. Let's discuss this in my office—"
"There's nothing to discuss," Femi interrupted. "My client, Mrs Asher, has made her position clear. This is non-negotiable."
"Why?" Rhys demanded, his composure cracking. "The contract termination fees alone would bankrupt your client. What's the reason for this sudden decision?"
"Mr Zirachi," Femi's voice cut through the tension, sharp and direct. "Whether my client has the funds for the contract termination or not is none of your concern. What should matter to you is that you get your fee. Besides, you are holding my client to Modern-day slavery"
Rhys raised an eyebrow, his confusion giving way to annoyance. "Modern-day slavery? What are you talking about?"