NewStats: 3,262,159 , 8,176,272 topics. Date: Sunday, 01 June 2025 at 03:36 AM 6f4a60

This is ZaraIhua,

I had to create another because, I've been banned from my main , reason why ive not been able to post new chapters. For some days now I've been battling with being banned, and then unbanned. And then if I try to post anything, I always get banned again. This is like the third time my main is being banned.

I don't understand the reason for this. I messaged one of the s yesterday, only to get banned again today.

I dun know how to go about this.

Oh sorry about that. Mod please, unban our dear writer

Crestaria:
Yes. Hope you have seen/read it?

yes thanks

Can we get the softcopy

ZarahZ:
This is ZaraIhua,

I had to create another because, I've been banned from my main , reason why ive not been able to post new chapters. For some days now I've been battling with being banned, and then unbanned. And then if I try to post anything, I always get banned again. This is like the third time my main is being banned.

I don't understand the reason for this. I messaged one of the s yesterday, only to get banned again today.

I dun know how to go about this.

Thanks for the update

A must see video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOOSGnaEZ5w

Adeola25:
Thanks for the update

Where’s the update please

Refresh the page, then scroll down.

Adeola25:
Refresh the page, then scroll down.

can you please quote it? I can't see any update ooo.

Pls how can we access your new page to continue reading this captivating story?

ZarahZ:
This is ZaraIhua,

I had to create another because, I've been banned from my main , reason why ive not been able to post new chapters. For some days now I've been battling with being banned, and then unbanned. And then if I try to post anything, I always get banned again. This is like the third time my main is being banned.






Pls how do we access the new page?
I don't understand the reason for this. I messaged one of the s yesterday, only to get banned again today.

I dun know how to go about this.

Good evening everyone, OP how are you doing trust you are good? It's been a while oooo. Do take care of yourself.

Chapter 20


Here I am, seated comfortably typing away with nothing much on my mind except the weird calls I get mostly at night. I should make use of the block button right?, yeah, that's what a sane person should do but I can't seem to do that, I don't even know why…..

“Ruby….. could you please give this to the HRM for me?” I looked up to see Helene One looking down at me.

Getting up slowly, I went to the water dispenser and got myself a glass of water, emptying it into my throat. The oppressive heat in the office got me feeling dehydrated.

“Mmmh?”

“Give this to Dave” she repeated, rolling her eyes.

I should give it to Dave as what?, his assistant or secretary…. I gave her a dry look as I went back to my seat, grabbing the computer mouse, I continued with my work.

Still ignoring her presence, I reached for the document on the black mini printer.

“Madam I'm talking to you!” She barked, slamming her hand on my desk.

“Come, did you smoke weed this morning?” I asked, obviously provoked. “Can't you see I am working?”

Laughing hysterically, she clapped her hands while she shook her head dramatically.

“Oh….. my bad, I forgot…..” she paused, a smirk on her face. “Oh he dumped you, didn't he?” She laughed again.

“Shut the door after you leave”. I was not ready to engage in any conversation, certainly not one that has to do with Dave.

“So sorry about that my love, I've been working so hard to get his attention for years now and you think you could walk into this place and capture him in a twinkle of an eye….” She scoffed mockingly.

Clicking her tongue, she moved closer to me “You tried though, for a while I would swear he was into you too… not until…” she blinked triumphantly and blew me a kiss, walking out majestically.

I stared at her retreating figure unsure of what to think. Yeah, I it I have a huge crush on him, but never did I make an effort to get him to like me or something or did I?. Before now, I used to think it's just jealousy but now, I think both Helen One and Helen Two are threatened by my presence because I don't understand the animosity towards me.

Anyways none of that matters to me now. I understand why I'm here and have decided to stick to it. Infact, ever since that day, I haven't even given off a friendly vibe to anyone here in the company. I just do my job and mind my business. Dave on the other hand does the same. I mean, he no longer comes to say “hi” to me like before even if he does that to everyone.

Recently there's a project he's been working on and she is among the four persons he chose to work with him on that project. I've been seeing her clinging to him and being overly sweet and nice, good for her. Why does she have to make it seem like we are competing to get him or something.

Well, that's her cup of tea. I redirected my focus back to my work, I'd just pretend none of that happened. Very dramatic people I have around me.

In a little while, my almighty boss walked out of his office, dressed in a blue suit and a black shining shoes, a pen in his hands. Even though I knew, I pretended not to have noticed his appearance.

“Go get your things, we're living”.

“Excuse me Sir?”

“Are you okay?, excuse you as what now?.
You better respect yourself” he warned. I said nothing, seeing he had nothing more to say, I nodded.

“Be fast, my driver will take you home to get your stuff and bring you back here. Don't waste my time”.

“I don't understand Sir, where are we going?”

“A stakeholders meeting” he replied sharply.

I abruptly got up from my seat. “A stakeholders meeting?” I repeated

“Are you deaf?” When I didn't reply to that, he turned around and began leaving.

I rushed after him. “Why do I need to go home?”

He picked up his pace.

“We’re leaving for Delta State in an hour.”

I froze. Another state? This slowpoke of a boss couldn’t even notify me earlier?! Who does that?"

“Sir, you should have informed me before-”

“You don't get to question me, miss!!” he cut me off rudely. “Keep those pretty lips of yours shut and quit following me around like a lost puppy. Go home, get your belongings, we'll be staying there for three days. Gosh!” He barked. If looks could kill, I'm sure I'd be dead by now with the way he's glaring dangerously at me.

“My driver is waiting outside, go do the needful”. Just that and the door was slammed to my face.

God knows, God knows how much I really want to throw a punch at his face right now. Such a pompous, rude, irritating bastard!!. I folded my fingers in a fist, wishing I could give him a hard punch. Just one punch. I don't blame him Sha, I blame that stubborn brother of his who has refused to get me transferred. At the same time I don't blame that brother of his too, I blame brokenness. If I wasn't broke and desperate for a job, I wouldn't have accepted this job in the first place. A job I was given because I have a small ass and small boobs, puff!!, that alone should have turned me off.

All the same, I'm grateful, how would I have survived all this while in this hard economy with no help from anywhere?. I don't have a choice, the financial security this job offers is enough to keep me going.


~~~~

I got to the house and quickly changed into my towel. The driver was waiting in the car. Carrying my bucket, I went to the tap to see it was locked. I was surprised because I had checked for the key at its usual spot but couldn't find it so I concluded the tap was unlocked.

“Who dey with tap key?” I asked no one in particular. My landlady and Agnes are seated in the varenda, I'm hoping to get a response from them.

“Ah, I no know. I never baff since morning where I dey find the key sef” Agnes said.

“Landlady you kwanu?”

“Come Ribbon, no worry me oh. Na me and una dey use the key?” She asked back, hissing afterwards.

Ignoring her, “Mama Ekene, you see the key?” I asked, loud enough for Mama Ekene who was washing at the backyard to hear me.

“No oh”

Ah ah. Keeping my bucket, I rushed back to check for the key again.

“E no dey here now. Who hold key now?”.

“Na so I dey find am since morning oh” Mama Ekene said. I thought Agnes was joking when she said she hadn't seen the key.

“So how did you get the water you're using to wash?” I was baffled.

“Ah, I go that woman way, they sell kai-kai, their compound go fetch oh”. Carrying the big black bowl, she rushed off to dispose of the dirty water in it.

“Na only you dey, any other person dey around?” I asked around.

“John dey but em-”

I didn't wait for her to finish her sentence “Oooooooo!!! Which kin play be this now?..... John! John!” I called as I went to knock on his wooden door.

The cluster of John's area is always responsible for the vibrant chaos of the compound. It's always dirty and disorganized. His bathing buckets are kept carelessly, broom sticks loitered all around. Dirty clothes soaked in a washing bowl, I'm sure he has kept it there for four days now. Trust me, I'm not exaggerating.

The voices of people moaning stopped me from knocking the second time.

“Na wetin I been dey try tell you be that oh. John and who I no know wan kill their self for knacking, since I come outside na em dey start to dey knack. I just dey imagine wetin dey happen for inside there. Ah, John too like bad thing” Mama Ekene said as she beamed with a bright smile.

“John?” From the intense moaning, I could tell John and whoever is in there have gotten to Mars already.

I just knew that the longer I spend on searching for the key, the more time I'd be wasting, and that'll give Richard another reason to display his lunatic behavior. I just went back into my room, got something else to wear and headed for the other compound.

~~~~

“Come Ribbon, where you dey drag box dey go?”.

I wish the landlady would just leave me alone and mind her business. I'm already super upset and this may just add to my anger.

“Ribbon no be you I dey talk?!” She half yelled, marching towards me.

“Landlady I dey travel” I said, trying as much as I can not to lash out on her.

“You dey travel ba, Ribbon you dey travel. No be tomorrow we say we go do the compound prayer?” She asked, voices raised so high that I'm sure the others at the backyard could hear her.

“Oh, prayer…… chai I totally forgot” I replied, fuming innocence.

I didn't forget, in fact I really wanted to be a part of the prayer, one of the reasons I'm mad at Richard. This impromptu trip would make me miss it.

“Person way hear as you been dey run mouth that day go think say you sef get sense”. She said, an unimpressed expression on her face.

“Landlady it's not like that. I didn't plan for this tripl” I said, hoping she'd believe me.

“Make I hear jor, better pray make you no get accident for road oh, because my spirit dey tell me something…. And that dream I get no be-”

“Landlady, it's okay. It's enough. Which one is an accident again now?” I asked, obviously pissed. “I'm here explaining to you something, you're busy saying something else na wa oh”.

“If you like vex I nedey look your face, I dun tell you my own helocrip”

“It's not a helocrip, it's a hypocrite “ I corrected, slightly amused at her pronunciation of the word.

“Ehh, helocrip, hypocrite, as far as you know wetin I dey talk” she said as she walked away, consciously shaking her big ass.

I couldn't help but chuckle, this woman has a way of making me angry and amused at the same time.

Shaking my head slightly, I continued my journey, hoping Ekene would not see me leave. The boy is gradually becoming attached to me. If he should see me leaving now, he’d begin throwing tantrums and asking to follow me. I can't deal with that right now. I don't blame him though, in fact I'm beginning to grow fond of him. Ever since his birthday, and the fire incident we've been close. He brings his assignments to me whenever I'm back from work and would stay at my place until he falls asleep. His parents don't even mind. It's not like they have time for him in the first place.

As I got into the car, my mind was fixed on the trip and what these three days will be like. I shouldn't even think of it as a blissful three days, especially with Dave is involved. Gosh, I have a dreadful feeling about this trip, I stared at my skin which is already covered with goosebumps, it's not going to be an exciting three days, I can feel it in my guts!.

Wow....first of all, happy new year to you ZaraIhua. Thank you for this episode. Please keep it coming.

Chapter 21


We arrived at Randolph Hotel just as the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. From the moment the car pulled into the driveway, I knew this wasn’t the kind of place I was used to.

The entrance alone screamed money—big glass doors, shiny floors, and a uniformed doorman. Classy.

I smiled at what I saw. glancing at Richard, who, as usual, wore his usual smug expression. Not a single word to me throughout the drive. A peaceful ride I must say.

The driver parked, and before I could step out, Richard was already slamming his door shut.

"Hurry up, Ruby. Don’t waste my time,” he called over his shoulder without even looking back.

Oh, excuse me, Your Royal Highness, I thought sarcastically, rolling my eyes.

Dragging my small suitcase out of the car, I followed him inside while taking a mental note of my surroundings. As soon as we stepped into the lobby, I had to pause for a second. It was stunning. The marble floors gleamed, chandeliers sparkled above, and the faint scent of vanilla filled the air.

Behind the reception desk, a smiling woman greeted us.

“Good evening, sir. Welcome to Randolph Hotel. How may I assist you?”

Richard didn’t even give her a proper reply, just handed over his card and muttered something about a reservation. Why does he feel like a mini god?.

“Excuse me, madam,” the receptionist said, looking at me. “Would you like a drink while we process your check-in?”

“Uh… no, thank you,” I replied politely.

Richard turned to glare at me. “Can you stop standing there like a statue? We don’t have all day.”

I bit my tongue, resisting the urge to snap back. It’s not like I wanted to be here. If I’d known this job came with a free dose of humiliation, I might have thought twice before accepting it.

Moments later, the receptionist handed over two keycards. “Your suite is ready, sir. Enjoy your stay.”

Suite? Of course, it had to be a suite.

Richard shoved one of the keycards into my hand. “This is yours. Don’t get too comfortable. We’ll be discussing the presentation first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Sure,” I muttered under my breath, though he was already walking off toward the elevators.

The ride to the suite was silent. The elevator was spacious, but with Richard standing there like some untouchable king, it felt small.

Once we reached the room, he opened the door and stepped in without waiting for me. “Yours is the one next door,” he said flatly, tossing his suitcase on the couch.

“And don’t wander around unnecessarily. I don’t want to hear about any drama.”

“I am not a kid Sir, I understand you are my boss but the way you spoke to me at the reception wasn't right. You don't always have to be outrightly condescending,” I muttered, grabbing my things and leaving before he could say anything else. He makes me sick.

Finally alone in my room, I let out a deep sigh and flopped onto the bed. The room was nice, way nicer than anything I could imagine, but I couldn’t even enjoy it. Not with the thought of dealing with Richard for the next three days hanging over my head.

I stared at the ceiling, feeling drained already. This trip better be worth it.


❤️❤️❤️❤️

The calibers of people in the conference room were exactly as I had thought; Business men, government officials, investors name it. I even got to see a classmate of mine back in the University days, he's now a big boy.

While I got myself comfortable at a seat as I watched them exchange pleasantries. Of course, the rich will always be acquainted with people of the same class, capitalism and class domination will never end.

“Ruby…. Come, I want to introduce you to someone” did I hear him right?. Introduce me to someone ni. I mentally scoffed. I'm sure it's to humiliate me.

Well, I followed him all the same. He seems to know almost everyone here, interestingly.

“He's someone I respect so much and he recently won a Senatorial seat” I've never heard him speak about anyone like this, maybe not to me. He must really like this Senator because he looks all excited like a child who's given a lollipop.

“Ah, Senator, who have you been?” I hear Richard say heartily as we approached an elderly man dressed in a white Agbada. I could barely see what he looks like, that's because I intentionally hide behind Richard.

“Richy, Richy. I'm good. How have you been, son?” Why does his deep voice sound so familiar?.

“I've been good. Sorry I didn't reach out when you won the Senatorial seat. I apologize on behalf of my brother and I”.

“Ah, son, no issues. Your beautiful mother did. I'm glad to see you”.

“Same here….. Ruby” he called, I made myself more visible. “This is Senator Sunday…..” Just then the image of the person became more visible. I couldn't hear the remaining things he said because I froze on the spot, as my eyes came in direct with those sharp brown pairs of eyes I've known for the longest time.

I didn't even realize I had mistakenly dropped everything I was holding. Not until, I felt a large hand on mine.

Quickly, I pulled my hands away from his “don't you touch me!” I warned fiercely then bent to pick up the fallen items.

Laughing heartily “Still as stubborn and fierce as ever. How have you been my dear?” Senator Sunday asked, a look of triumph evident on his face.

“I've been very good as you can see” I immediately braced myself. I can't show him any form of intimidation or fear.

“I can see…. So, you finally became what?, he asked mockingly. “A secretary?” his loud laugh filled the air.

I folded my fist in anger, I could feel my blood boiling.

“A secretary…” he repeated and laughed even more. “I thought you could do better. Like me, I'm now a Senator, no longer a chief”. He boasted.

Who cares what he is?

Rolling my eyes, “Good for you” I was determined not to give him the satisfaction of knowing he's words and actions got to me.

He looked down at me in total scrutiny. “Still single? Ouch!....” Placing his hands on his chest, he fumed feeling hurt. “.... My bad, I won't say I'm disappointed though, I expected this anyways”

I scoffed, daring him to say more. “Any other thing?, nothing. You have absolutely nothing else to say, you old hag!”.

“Ruby!!” I totally forgot about the presence of my boss.

Turning to the Senator, “I am so sorry about her behavior, please-”

“It's okay son. You have nothing to be sorry about. I think she needs the sorry….”he replied, smiling sweetly at Richard. “I'll take my leave now, you are free to come see me at my hotel so we could talk more”.

“Sure I will”.

“Take care dear, my regards to your miserable wandering other half” he said as he walked away. Some hefty men on black following him behind.

I pressed onto my pen so hard that my fingers became to hurt. That old fool!!

“Are you going to keep standing there?” I heard Richard ask. He looks pissed too.

IkeIgboNiile:
Wow....first of all, happy new year to you ZaraIhua. Thank you for this episode. Please keep it coming.

Thank you

Welcome back and thanks for the update

Welcome back

Chapter 22


Slowly I turned and began following him, still holding onto my pen tightly like it was the cause of my fury. All of a sudden I collided with a hard rock, only for me to look up and see it's Richard.

I did not realize he had stopped walking.

“Care to tell me what that whole little wonder woman drama was all about?” he asked, turning slowly to face me.

“It's nothing”. I said sternly, avoiding making eye .

What's his business anyways?.

I guess I sounded funny cause he was laughing hysterically. Why is everyone laughing so much today?

“You expect me to believe that?!” he asked with an eyebrow raised. “Senator is not just a business partner Ruby, that man is more like a father to me….”

“Good for you” I muttered inaudibly. I'm sure he barely heard me.

“I guess you don't know him” I added sharply and audibly.

“Then I'll take it that you know him more than I do. Care to explain how?” he asked with furrowed brows.

I scoffed “As if you care”

“As if I care?” He scoffed like I said something ridiculous”Yeah I do not care, I do not give a cent about you Ruby. But that doesn't change the fact that you bloody disrespected me in front of my-”

“Of course it's about your pride and ego. Well, just in case you didn't notice, your almighty Senator was making a jest of me, he was mocking me and trying to make me feel less of myself!”

“Do I look like a fool to you?!” He asked, pointing at himself. “Do I?. What happens to you shutting your mouth and letting me speak!” He half yelled “huh?”

“You and I know that you would never speak up for me, never. So don't claim that Saviour role, cause it doesn't look good on you”.

He threw me a deadly glare, I was infuriating him the more but I wouldn't care less.

“You realize I'm your boss right?” he said, pointing his index finger at me.

I gave no response.

“And you realize you just embarrassed and disrespected me out there?”

“Well, not my intention”. I said with a shrug.

I saw him clinch his fits and took a deep breath like he was trying to calm himself.

"What has gotten over you?Why are you suddenly being so defensive and stubborn?!”.

“That out there was more of a personal issue, so I'd suggest you forget about it.” I said with clenched fists.

“Bullshit!” he snapped, throwing his hands up in frustration. “Why does it have to be so bloody difficult?”

“You’re yelling” I said, raising my voice, attracting the attention of a cleaner some distance away. I couldn't care less.

“I don't care!!!” he barked, breathing heavily. Seems he also didn't care.

We remained in silence for a while, both breathing hard.

“Ruby Williams…….” I said, I managed to calm myself a little. “Senator Sunday Williams”

His face was masked with confusion, then realization hit him. He blinked severally, opening and shutting his mouth. I stood, watching him digest the information in his own way.

“He's….. he's…. How?, I.. I mean-”

“Yeah, I hope that helps make you feel better”. I said as I began walking, leaving him to his thoughts.


~~~~

The warm water cascaded down my skin, but it did nothing to wash away the anger bubbling inside me. If anything, it only gave me space to relive every infuriating second of that encounter.

Senator Sunday. That arrogant, condescending excuse of a man.

I clenched my fists, pressing my forehead against the cool tiles of the shower wall. The moment our eyes met, it felt like the air had been sucked out of my lungs. The years hadn’t changed him……if anything, he had only grown more insufferable. That smugness, the way he looked at me like I was exactly where he always expected me to end up. A secretary.

I let out a bitter laugh, though it came out more like a scoff. A secretary? So that’s what he thinks of me? As if I’ve amounted to nothing. As if I’ve done nothing with my life.

The memory of his mocking laughter echoed in my ears, making my chest tighten. He had the audacity to mock me in front of Richard, like I was some pitiful, insignificant girl who had failed to escape his shadow.

And that last remark—my regards to your miserable wandering other half.

I inhaled sharply, forcing myself to keep my composure, but my nails dug into my palms. That man. That man. He always knew exactly how to poke at old wounds, how to get under my skin and twist the knife just enough to remind me of what I wished to forget.

I tilted my head back, letting the water run over my face as I exhaled through my mouth.

I should have slapped him.

I imagined it…… the satisfying sound of my palm striking his arrogant face, the shock in his eyes, the way his little entourage would have stiffened in alarm. But what good would that have done? He would have only laughed harder, entertained by the fact that I was still so reactive to him.

And Richard.

I could still see the confusion in his eyes when I dropped that final bombshell before leaving him. Ruby Williams……. Sunday Williams. He hadn’t seen that coming.

Good.

Let him sit with that. Let him wonder. Let him think.

The last thing I wanted was to relive the past, but now, it had come crashing into my present, uninvited and unwelcome. And whether I liked it or not, Richard wouldn’t let this go.

I shut off the water and reached for a towel, gripping it tighter than necessary.

Fine. Let him ask his questions. But that doesn’t mean I have to give him all the answers.

ZaraIhua that was a shocker update. It's good to know that you still the story, thought you've abandoned it.

bigbauer:
ZaraIhua that was a shocker update. It's good to know that you still the story, thought you've abandoned it.

Thanks 🙏. No, I didn't abandon it. I've been really busy.

Chapter 23

Contrary to my expectation, Richard never asked any further questions, rather he's been awfully quiet, only talks to me when necessary and it's usually brief. Maybe I crossed the line this time, maybe I really did disrespect him.

Hitting my forehead in frustration, I relaxed on the bed, reaching for my phone almost immediately.

“Hi baby girl!!” Ibiso’s excited voice echoed through the phone.

“Babes, I'm not good”

“Why?, tell me”

“I saw Sunday two days ago and-”

“Which Sunday abeg, like your father Sunday or another Sunday I don't know if?”

“Father my foot!” I hissed.

“How did this happen? Tell me everything,” she said, the excitement in her voice disappearing into thin air.

I narrated everything to her.

ing something. “Babe, you knew he's now a Senator didn't you?” I asked judging from the way she sounded.

“Well I did but-”

“And you didn't care to let me know” I cut in sharply in annoyance.

“Well, that's because you made it clear you never want to know anything about your father“

“Stop calling him that!” I warned with gritted teeth.

“Babes, you need to chill. I understand you hate him so much which he sure deserves but you need to stop transferring aggression to other people, keep your anger for only Mr Sunday. First was your boss, now me” typical IB said.

“I did not transfer my aggression on my boss, he-”

“Relax, you did. And now you say he's colder than usual. Do you know how he must have been feeling standing there watching his employee bantering words with someone he holds with great regards?. Check am now” Ibiso said.

I swallowed the lump of saliva that had formed in my mouth. “I get it but everything is not about him. I mean, the Senator was making a jest…”

“That doesn't justify anything, babes. I get your boss can be rude and mean but then, he's still your boss and it's only normal for him to be angry or ask questions…..” she paused, probably waiting for me to say something.

“You should apologize”. She finally said, when she didn't hear anything from my end.

Immediately after the call, I got up and made for the door. It's time to go apologize to my almighty boss for arguing, raising my voice and disrespecting him.

I let a small laugh at myself, wondering what his reply would be.

Finally, I'm standing in front of his door. Taking a deep breath, I knocked. Then knocked again when I got no reply. Just when I attempted to knock again, the door opened and Richard appeared.

Maybe he was expecting someone else, cause he didn't look pleased to see me. Before that, my eyes caught something, yeah, I saw someone on his bed and I sure can that face. A light skinned lady with a heavy backside and front side I had met at the conference meeting two days ago.

I mentally rolled my eyes, so all those exchange of pleasantries at the conference finally ended on his bed. I guess he's never gonna change.

The sound of his throat clearly had me focusing on the present.

“Oh….. ummm, I, I wanted to talk to you about something, seems you're busy so, I'll, I'll just do it later”.

He said nothing, rather he went back in, shutting the door at my face.

Perfect!.

ZaraIhua:


Thanks 🙏. No, I didn't abandon it. I've been really busy.

Alright, we're anticipating the next updates. And please do take care of yourself.

Thank you for the post

Chapter 24

It was a long ride back to the hotel after spending the day at the Governor’s house. I still couldn't wrap my head around how deeply connected Richard was with so many wealthy and influential people. The surprise I felt when he told me to get ready for the visit had not yet worn off.

Sitting beside him in the car, I stole a glance at him. His expression was unreadable, his jaw set, fingers drumming lightly against the steering wheel. I swallowed, trying to steady myself. This is the right time.

I cleared my throat. “Sir, I... I want to say… I’m very sorry for disrespecting you the other—”

The car came to an abrupt stop.

My words caught in my throat as I jerked forward slightly. Confused, I turned to him, but his face was stone cold.

"Get out," he said, voice sharp as a blade.

I blinked. “Sir?” Maybe I misheard him.

"I said get out," he repeated, louder this time.

I stared at him in disbelief. The road was dark, unfamiliar, and eerily silent. The only sounds were the distant hum of crickets and the occasional whir of ing vehicles.

"Sir, please… I’m sorry, don’t—"

"Get. The. Hell. Out. Of. My. Car!" he barked.

My hands trembled as I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt and stepped out. The door had barely shut before he sped off, leaving a cloud of dust in his wake.

I stood there, stunned.

Did he really just do that?!

My pulse pounded as I hugged my purse tightly. I didn't know where I was, but I had no choice but to move. Maybe if I found a main road, I could ask for directions.

My chest burned with anger and humiliation.

That bastard Richard!

How could he leave me here? After everything? I was even trying to apologize! Maybe I shouldn't have bothered in the first place.

Scoffing in frustration, I yanked my phone from my purse and scrolled through my s for IB’s number. She was the reason I even thought of apologizing in the first place. I found it and dialed, pressing the phone to my ear.

Just as I did, a bright flash of light blinded me, followed by the deafening screech of tires—

Then, everything went black


~~~~
Richard's POV

So she thinks an apology will fix things? What a joke.

How dare she? How dare she try to sell me a cheap apology?

I didn't know what infuriated me more..... the fact that she outrightly ignored my presence while trading words with Senator Sunday, or the fact that she had the audacity to challenge me afterward. Or maybe it was the reality that I knew so little about her.

I clenched my jaw, gripping the steering wheel tightly as I sped back to the hotel. My mind was a storm of thoughts.

How the hell is she Senator Sunday's daughter? It made no damn sense. I’d known the man all my life, yet I never heard of him having a daughter. And if she was really his child, why the hell was she working for me? Why wasn’t she living a life of luxury?

The entire thing reeked of deception.

"Bleep!" I slammed my palm against the wheel. Why does she drive me crazy so effortlessly?
She had no respect, no fear. No one ever stood up to me the way she did. No one dared. Yet she did it with ease…… again and again.
This was all Dave’s fault. If he hadn't brought her into my company, none of this rubbish would be happening.

Scoffing, I pulled out my phone and dialed Samantha’s number. She was the perfect distraction; soft, beautiful, loaded and never a headache.

"Hey, babe," she purred when she picked up.

Babe? So soon?

"Be in my room in twenty minutes," I said, already unbuttoning my shirt.

After a quick shower, I stepped into my suite, feeling the tension in my body lessen. Nothing calmed me down better than big asses, boobs and good wine. So I reach for some glasses and a bottle of wine.

Samantha arrived shortly after, her perfume filling the room as we clinked glasses. But for some reason, my eyes kept darting to the clock.

10:29 PM.

An uneasy feeling crept up my spine. I exhaled sharply and picked up my phone.

Against my better judgment, I dialed her number. It didn’t connect.

Frowning, I tried again. Still nothing. “Be right back,” I muttered to Samantha, standing abruptly.

I found myself at her door, knocking. No response.

I could have left. I should have left. But something wasn’t right.

Rolling my eyes at my own ridiculous concern, I headed to the reception. The receptionist, who had been giving me all kinds of green lights since my arrival, perked up when she saw me.

"Hi," I said, voice clipped. "Did you see my secretary come in?"

She shook her head. "No, sir."

A strange weight settled in my chest. My fingers tightened around my phone as I redialed Ruby’s number.

This time, it rang.

Relief flooded me, until I heard the voice on the other end.

"Abeg, the person wey get this phone dey hospital. If you sabi am, rush dey come."

My heart stopped.

"Hos… hospital?"

"Yes. Mother Theresa Hospital."

The phone nearly slipped from my hand.

My pulse hammered violently as the receptionist’s voice faded into the background.

What have I done!

Demmit 🤒🤒, what a wonderful masterpiece of knowledge ☑️☑️. Bossu you million much aje 💯💯💯

Damilgodwin:
Demmit 🤒🤒, what a wonderful masterpiece of knowledge ☑️☑️. Bossu you million much aje 💯💯💯

Thank you 🙏

Chapter 25

I drove like a man possessed, the car slicing through the night as my conscience tore into me with unrelenting fury. My grip on the steering wheel tightened. How could I have left her all alone? I just pray it’s not as bad as I fear. Please Lord, let her be okay.

I arrived in no time, and the nurses led me inside.

“Where is she?” I asked urgently when I didn’t see her in the first room. Instead, a badly injured woman lay on the bed. My stomach clenched. If Ruby looks anything like this, I swear I might have a panic attack.

“Then it may be the other patient,” the nurse said, leading me further.

Another patient?

My chest tightened as we reached the next room. And there she was….. Ruby. Lying unconscious, a bandage wrapped around her head.

For a moment, I couldn't move. Guilt crashed over me in suffocating waves.

“Isn’t she the one you’re here for?” the nurse asked, her voice tinged with concern.

I opened my mouth, but no words came. I only nodded and slowly dragged myself toward the bed.

A doctor approached. “Doctor Samuel,” he introduced himself, offering a handshake, which I accepted absentmindedly.

“She has no major injuries,” he continued.

“According to the good Samaritans who brought them here…”

Them?

Before I could ask, he clarified, “The first woman you saw was in the same accident. She pushed her….”he gestured toward Ruby “....out of the way and got hit instead.”

A strange mix of emotions swirled in my chest.

Selfishly, I felt relieved. If Ruby had taken the full impact of that accident… I don’t even want to think about it.

“But then…” The doctor’s tone turned grave.

I snapped back to attention.

“The other woman, a pregnant victim of sexual assault, has suffered severe trauma. She has internal injuries and a high risk of infection. Since she received no prior medical care, she could already have complications like infections or STDs.”

My throat felt dry.

“Her pregnancy is in danger. The baby shows signs of distress, and there’s a risk of miscarriage or premature labor. She also exhibits symptoms of severe emotional trauma.”

I exhaled sharply, my patience running out.

“And why are you telling me this? Shouldn’t her family be the ones receiving this report?”

The doctor sighed. “No one has come for her. The people who brought her in claim she’s a madwoman. But she saved your sister…… wife, whichever she is. For humanity’s sake, you owe her at least medical care.”

He was right.

I ran a hand down my face. “Alright.”

~~~~

I woke up to my phone ringing. Dave.
Not in the mood.

He called a few more times before giving up. Good.

All I wanted was for this fierce little troublemaker to wake up so we could leave.

The doctor assured me she’d be fine and could be discharged once she was conscious. I just needed to get out of this place. The sterile hospital smell, the beeping machines…… it all brought back painful memories. The day my father died.

Stretching my stiff body, I leaned back on the uncomfortable hospital sofa. The night had been long, and I had completely forgotten about Samantha, until she sent me a text the next morning. A storm of curses and insults.

What do I care?

All that mattered was getting out of this mess. I just needed Ruby to wake up.

A weak sound pulled me from my thoughts. I looked up.

Ruby. She was awake.

I rushed to her side. “Hey, take it easy,” I cautioned as she struggled to sit up.

She winced, placing a hand on her head. “My head… it hurts.”

“Yeah, the doctor will give you something for the pain.”

Her eyes suddenly widened, as if she’d just ed something. “The woman… the woman… she…. she saved me.”

Before I could stop her, she was already trying to get out of bed.

“Ruby, wait-”

She wouldn’t listen. Stumbling like a newborn deer, she made her way to the other room. I followed closely, ready to catch her if she fell.

When we reached the bed, the pregnant woman was awake.

Ruby moved closer, her expression shifting from concern to something far more intense.

“How are-”

She froze. Her body went completely still.

“Ruby?” I called, frowning.

Her face had lost all color, her eyes locked onto the woman in shock.

“U…D?” Her voice was barely a whisper.

Tears welled up in her eyes.

The woman on the bed gasped. “Ini?... Ini…”

What the hell?

I watched in bewilderment as Ruby suddenly rushed forward, wrapping her arms around the woman in a tight embrace, sobbing uncontrollably.

I stepped forward, confused. “Ruby, what’s going on?”

She spun to face me, her tear-streaked face twisted in fury.

“Don’t ask me, you asshole!” she spat. “I hate you so much! I hate you! I hate you Richard!! Just fire me already!”

The intensity in her eyes hit me like a punch to the gut. For the first time, I saw it. Not just anger. Not just pain. Pure, unfiltered hatred.

I couldn’t speak. Couldn’t move.

Before I could process anything, Ruby’s body went limp. I barely caught her before she hit the floor.

She had fainted.

And all I could think was…… What have I done?

Super combo ☑️☑️

ZaraIhua do you have the completed book available for sale anywhere?