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Chapter 1 — Betrayal

It was a cold and rainy November night. Leah could not believe the events that had just transpired and she continuously walked around in the dark aimlessly. No real sense of where she was going or of the time, but she was numb. Numb to her emotions, her family, the person whom she thought loved her, whom she loved back; it was all a lie. They couldn’t wait to betray her but, in the end, they still tried blaming her. How dare they?! Why did they?! No matter how much she hurt, she couldn’t find herself caring about the reasons. She just had to get away from them and tend to her aching heart; so, she alighted the mansion without any cares about her own well-being. She didn’t care if she was going to become sick from the November cold or the unexpected rain, she didn’t know how else to deal with the emotions and the emptiness that she now felt lingering in her broken heart. The more she walked, the more that the rain and her tears stained her delicate cheeks. Puffy from crying so much, her eyes still looked around at her surroundings, unknowingly walking into a higher place in society. Women who wandered the streets, were seen to be in danger, especially if they came from a family with a deep rooted background. As she wandered the streets of Aurenda, a tall man walked up to her. He noticed how blank her face was and only wanted to help her. He didn’t know why he wanted to help this woman; he was cold and distant to everyone, so why does he want to help someone he doesn’t even know? Pushing his thoughts to the back of his mind, he approached the small woman with a solemn expression. With a gentle, but concerned tone he spoke.
“Miss, miss, are you okay?”
Only then did Leah notice the stranger standing in front of her. He was a tall and slender man with a very profound facial structure, dressed in a blue-grey tailored suit. She stared at him weakly, but as much as she wanted to remember his features, she couldn’t. Her broken heart would not allow her to absorb the details of this kind stranger. Despair was plastered all over her face and she couldn’t find herself telling her unfathomable truth to the kind stranger; however, she removed the despair from her face and replaced it with a blank expression. In a hoarse voice, she responded weakly.
“Pardon?”
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I’ll continue on then.” As Leah attempted to walk away, he gently grabbed her hand and stopped her from leaving. “You don’t have to pity me. I can figure it out on my own.”
“Miss I—”
“You’re going to say what I feel, so I’ll save your breath. It’s too late for me to wander out all alone and no one looking after me, but it’s okay, I know how to get back from here. Thanks.” She gently pulled her hand away from the man and continued on her walk. As she disappeared, his assistant walked up to him.
“Sir, I am preparing the car to come around and get you. Would you like for me to grab the umbrella for you while we wait?”
Peter stared at his boss in silence awaiting his response. He followed his gaze and his grey eyes fell on the woman whom was now in the distance. Perplexed, he observed his actions, but dare not say anything about them. Peter realized how soft and concerned his expression was, but he couldn’t understand it, especially for a woman whom he had never met before. Before he could say anything else, his boss gave a small nod and responded flatly, “no need.”
“Very well sir, we can wait for the car here until it arrives.”
Bewildered, Peter stood there in silence next to his boss. He was unsure of what more to say, as it seemed that there was nothing to say. It seemed that maybe, just maybe, his boss took a liking to this woman, but his reasons were unknown. After 5 minutes, a black Maybach pulled up along the curb from where they stood. Peter walked towards the car, opening the door for his boss to get in, but when he looked up, he saw his boss jogging in the direction that the woman went off to. Peter was baffled! He couldn’t understand his boss’s actions toward this woman, so he had to wait until he came back.
Derreck caught up to the young woman and walked beside her in silence. Why did he feel a deep need to look after her? Why did he want to help her? He only helped his parents, if needed, so why does it seem that this woman has a hold on him? What makes her different from everyone else? Leah felt a presence near her and when she did, she stopped in her tracks and turned to her left, only to see the tall slender man from before. Derreck offered a solemn expression on his face, while the woman next to him just stared; she seemed to be studying him, or at least he thought. In a hoarse voice, she spoke up once more.
“You again?”
“Yes.”
“I’m fine, remember? I’ll continue on my way.”
“Miss please, at least let me take you somewhere instead of wandering the streets aimlessly. Plus, it’s raining and it’s cold out. You’ll surely catch a cold if you continue like this. Since your shoes are a bit tattered, I can carry you if you’d like? It’s okay if you don’t want me to, I understand that I’m only a simple stranger to you.” Derreck was perplexed; why was he doing so much for a woman he didn’t know? Still, he pushed his thoughts to the back of his mind and stared at the woman before him. Leah offered a weak smile and responded unhurriedly.
“Sure. I can walk myself, so there’s no need to carry me.”
“Very well.”
The two walked back in the direction of the car. When Peter noticed his boss walking back to him, his expression changed slightly upon the sight, but nevertheless, he replaced it with a gentle smile.
“Sir, ma’am.”
“Turn on the heat, once we’re inside.”
“Yes sir.”
Derreck grabbed Leah’s hand gently and assisted her into the car and then got in behind her. He offered her his coat, so that she wouldn’t be cold. Reluctantly, but gratefully, she took it from his hands and placed it in front of her. They both sat on opposite ends of the car, both engulfed in their own thoughts. Even if he wanted to explain his actions, he couldn’t because he had no idea why he had become so impulsive on helping this distressed woman.
*********** 2 hours ago ************
“Jason should have been here already. Where is he?” Before she could grab her phone and call her fiancée, Leah heard commotion coming from downstairs. She pushed her phone in her pocket and made her way out of her room. She walked out in some long-sleeved pajamas to find out what the commotion was. When she walked out to the balcony, she was stunned for a moment. She noticed Jason and her half-sister Brigette holding hands and she couldn’t understand what was happening. Quickly, she made her way down the stairs and stopped in front of them. Bewildered, she began asking questions.
“Jason, what’s the meaning of this? What’s going on?” Before he could answer, Brigette spoke up in a displeasing tone.
“Oh, dear sister, save the dramatics! Did you really think that Jason was going to stay with you? He only wanted to get closer to me, but you were so blind and merely a fool to think that he could continue to love you.”
“Leah, I did love you, but Brigette and I are in love and I plan to marry her.”
Staring at the two people in front of her, Leah’s eyes began to fill with tears and threatened to spill onto her fair cheeks. She felt rage, disappointment, anger, hurt and pain all in her heart all at once like a freight train. She knew Brigette wanted everything that she had, but the ONE THING that was supposed to be hers and hers only, she decided to take from her too! How shameless?!
“Jason, how could you say you ‘did love me’, yet you’re standing in my face holding my sister’s hand and confessing your love about her to me? We were engaged to be married within the month and this is how you tell me? So, tell me this, truthfully, since you’ve lied this long. When you were tied up at the office the past 8 months, those were excuses to be with this wretched witch and not think twice about me?”
Jason flickered his eyes anxiously avoiding Leah’s gaze, but the more he didn’t look at her, the more she knew, deep down, it was true. In a mocking, disgusted tone Brigette piped up.
“You call me wretched, but look at you! You’re pitiful for thinking he still wanted to be with you. Dearest sister, I don’t care one bit about your dumb ass feelings. Jason was mine from the beginning, but you took him from me!”
With fury and pain, Leah asked another burning question. Her throat burned from the pain, but she had to know the answer to this question, since it would be the last straw for her. She suppressed the anger in her heart as she asked her burning question.
“What about mom and dad? Do they know?”
“Of course they do silly! How else could Jason and I be together?”
Leah couldn’t believe that her family would betray her so easily and so quickly too! They allowed Jason and Brigette to be together, right under her nose. Leah couldn’t understand the betrayal; she didn’t want to acknowledge it to be true. Her and Jason were together for 5 years and he never seemed to show any interest in Brigette, or had she been blind by her own love for the man?
“You’re lying! I don’t believe you!"
Brigette let out a chuckle that reeked of disgust and amusement.
“Fine then, they’re in the study. Go on and ask your burning questions.”
With that, Leah ran towards the study on the first floor behind the kitchen. She knocked on the door; her heart thundered against her chest violently as she did so. Her father hesitantly spoke.
“Who is it?”
“Leah.”
“Come in.”
Leah flung the door of the study open and by the expression on her mother’s face, she could tell that everything Brigette said was true!

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Chapter 2 — A Kind Stranger

“HOW COULD YOU?!”
“Sweetheart we—”
“Don’t do that mom! Jason and I have been together for 5 years! Yet, instead of scolding the scumbag for cheating on me, you both allowed him to continue his infidelity. And what’s worse is he cheated on me with THAT HALF-WIT BRIGETTE! I’ve forgiven a lot of things in the past; I allowed shit to slide and ignored my own feelings in hopes that my parents would side with me for once!”
“Watch your tone, young lady.”
“Dad, don’t talk like that to me! You all have THE NERVE to stand here today and try and lecture me about this bullshit.”
“Darling, we’re you’re family, but it’s your fault for bringing him around so often!”
“Excuse me?”
That was absolutely the last straw for Leah.
“Excuse me for bringing the one person around that brought me happiness in this hell hole! Excuse me for bringing the one person around who didn’t treat me like shit! But, my mistake, right?! Because I trusted him around you lying, dirty, shameless scumbags and I STILL got what I wanted, taken away from me! Don’t bother finding me! I promise you; I will make you all pay!”
With that, she left the study. There wasn’t anything in the world that could suppress the rage and the pain that she felt at that moment. Leah grabbed her things that were near the door and ran out without a backward glance. The driver for the Jackson family was stunned when he noticed the Young Miss storming out of the home; before he could ask if she needed a ride somewhere, she had disappeared into the cold and rainy night. Leah had walked for some time and kept crying helplessly; she didn’t know how far she had travelled, until she met Derreck.
******** Back In the Maybach *********
Leah couldn’t help thinking how blind and fooled she really was; the only thing that reminded her, was the silver diamond ring on her left hand. She looked down at it, forgetting it was there and her tears began falling once again. Derreck looked over at the small woman next to him; he now had a better view of her appearance. She was a fair, small woman with a rounded-out nose, piercing blue eyes, rosy lips and long black hair; she was no more than 5’4” tall. He observed her expression and his gaze fell on the ring that was beset on her hand. He had a small frown, but quickly replaced it with an indifferent expression. With observant eyes and an indifferent tone, he spoke up.
“He must be lucky.”
Leah turned her head to look out the window and quickly wiped her tears, she then turned to her right to look at the man sitting next to her. She finally allowed herself to absorb his features. He was a very tall and slender man with caramel skin, profound jaw bone, rounded nose, green eyes and light pink lips. She responded with a forced smile.
“He was my fiancée. I forgotten that I had the ring on until now. Where are we headed?”
Realizing that she had changed the subject, he didn’t pry further, instead he replied flatly.
“I’m taking you to a hotel for the night.”
“Thank you. I never got your name.”
“Derreck, Derreck Gray. And you are?”
“Leah Jackson. Nice to meet you Mr. Gray. I apologize that it is under such circumstances.”
“It’s alright.”
“Thank you for your kindness.”
“You’re welcome, Miss Jackson.”
The car fell into silence once more. After driving another 20 minutes, they arrived at a 5-star hotel; Bliss. When they approached the building, Derreck got out of the car first and guided Leah in. They walked into the building through the revolving doors and approached the front counter. The woman behind the desk eyed Leah suspiciously, but didn’t allow it to be shown on her face.
“Welcome to Bliss, my name is Ashley, how long will you be staying with us?”
Before Leah could say anything, Derreck spoke for her.
“As long as she needs.”
“Yes, sir Mr. Gray.”
“That won’t be necessary. 3 days will be fine.”
“Yes ma’am.”
Derreck hid the contempt he felt in his heart and simply nodded towards the woman behind the desk. After getting Leah checked in, the woman gave her the key card and pointed towards the elevator.
“Okay ma’am. You will be staying in room 2520. Enjoy your stay here at Bliss.”
“Thank you.”
Leah turned to the man beside her and spoke in a low voice.
“Thank you again Mr. Gray. Your kindness and generosity will not go unnoticed. I will be going to my room now.”
Leah walked towards the elevator, but Derreck spoke up.
“Can I at least get you some clothes to wear?”
“No need. I will also give you the money back from the room. I can transfer it to your account if you’d like. I don’t mean to be a burden to you.”
“You’re not being a burden and there’s no need for repayment. I’m only helping a woman who was in need; I just so happened to be the one to help.”
“Thank you Mr. Gray. I’m sure we would find ourselves meeting again, it’s not a big town.”
With that, she walked inside the elevator and went to the 25th floor. Once she reached her floor, she walked until she found her room.
“Room 2520.”
Leah pressed the silver embossed key card onto the door and walked inside. The room was spacious! It was more like a mini house, so she immediately knew that it was a suite! There was a full-sized kitchen, a living room, a full bathroom and some other amenities. The bedroom was tucked away and off to the side. For the first time, in a long time, Leah finally felt herself being able to breathe. She put the key card on the kitchen counter and walked over to the couch. Inside the living room, there was a set of windows that went from the floor to the ceiling and they were covered with red and gold curtains. The flooring was constructed of hardwood and in the bathroom was tile, while in the bedroom, there was luxurious carpet. When her feet hit the carpet, she instantly sank to the floor. She finally could remove the façade that she was wearing while in the car with Derreck just a while ago. She had taken off her shoes on her way in the room and tossed them in the trash.
As Leah pulled her knees into her chest, she took a deep breath and with a heavy heart, she began sobbing uncontrollably. As the minutes, turned into hours, night descended even more as she cried into her knees. After 3 hours, with puffy, swollen eyes, Leah lifted her head and sat in the dark room. She glanced at the clock that was set beside the bed and realized that it was now 1am. Slowly, she pulled herself up and made her way into the bathroom. She felt around for the light and looked in the mirror. She looked at herself pitifully and then looked down at the diamond ring that sat on her left hand; she then took the ring off of her hand and placed it on the counter, until she decided what she would do with it.
She now remembered that she didn’t have any clothes to change into, so she walked out of her room, after grabbing her key card and made her way to the elevator. She pushed the down arrow to make her way back into the lobby to walk around and find any shops that were either nearby or in the hotel lobby. When the elevator made its way to her floor, it dinged. She paid no heed to the people that were in the elevator and made her descent to the lobby area. When the elevator reached the main floor, she was stunned. She hadn’t taken in the beauty of Bliss when she had first arrived, as she was wrapped in her own thoughts. It was beautifully crafted with high ceilings and intricate chandeliers. It wasn’t well-lit, as it created a sense of ambiance. The elevator was off to the right of the front desk and in front of the desk, were the revolving doors, the accessible door and the regular door. Off to the left, was a series of stores and restaurants. Behind the desk was the employee area (restricted access), as well as the small gift shop meant for tourists. As Leah walked towards the stores, she realized that in the midst of her sulking, she hadn’t grabbed her wallet that was on the dresser upstairs in her room, so she reluctantly made her way back to the elevator to get back to her room. As she was walking to the elevator, she noticed a familiar face.
“Leah?”
She wanted to hurry over to the elevator, but she had already been discovered, so she could only put on a wry smile as she spoke.
“Henry. Hi.”
He spoke to her in a probing, concerned tone.
“Why are you here? Why aren’t you back at the Jackson residence?”
Leah looked at Henry with indifference before replying.
“I only decided to come here at the last minute. No need to worry about me, or let them know of my whereabouts.”
After responding, she lifted her legs to walk, but heard him speak behind her.
“At least allow me to take you back to your room.”
He had a sinister smile on his face, but replaced it with a solemn expression. Leah, was unsure of who to trust. After the events that had occurred that night, the only person she seemed to trust, oddly enough, was Mr. Gray, whom she had never met prior. She turned around and responded flatly.
“That won’t be necessary Mr. Jordan. I’ll be on my way now.”
Leah turned back around and made her way to the elevator. Henry looked at her with disdain and a mocking smirk and walked out of the lobby. No matter, I’ll get her sooner or later, he thought.
After making her way back to her room and then back down to the lobby, she once again made her way towards the shops in the hotel. Once she made her way towards the shops, she noticed a small women’s boutique, that housed all under garments. She stopped there first, before making her way to another shop for some pajamas and day clothes. She made a mental note to only use the money that she had made working; she didn’t want the money that the Jackson family had, no. She was determined to use the money that she had made; she didn’t want to owe those wretched people anything!

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Chapter 3 — Elder Gray

She moved around some other shops until she was satisfied with her choices. Afterwards, she made her way back to her room and locked the door behind her. From there, she made her way to the bathroom and took a shower. Leah stayed in the shower quite a while; she felt like she needed this hot shower. In a weird way, she felt all of her pain melt away briefly. She washed her hair, her face and her body, of course. After being in the shower for what felt like an hour, Leah grabbed her towel and walked out into the bedroom and put on some lotion. She sat down on the king-sized bed and thought for a minute. It was now 230 in the morning. She pulled her long black hair into a soft bun and walked into the kitchen as she was hungry. Since it was a suite, they had a few things available to her, otherwise, she would have to order room service. When that thought occurred to her, she sighed softly and walked to the phone near the couch. Picking up the phone, she dialed the number for the front desk to order room service. She was greeted, with a warm tone on the other end of the phone.
“Front desk, this is Joanne, how may I assist you?”
“Hello Joanne. I was looking to order room service.”
“Of course ma’am! What can I get you?”
“Can I get some shrimp and crab alfredo with an order of stuffed mushrooms and your finest cheesecake please?”
“Of course ma’am. It’ll be up in about 15 minutes.”
“Thank You.”
“You’re very welcome ma’am. Have a wonderful night!”
“You as well.”
Leah hung up the phone and waited for room service to arrive. In the meantime, she grabbed her phone that was stuffed inside her pajamas and looked at the screen. On the background, there was still a photo of her and Jason on it. She sighed deeply and paused briefly. After her brief pause, she reluctantly changed the photos of her lock and home screen, so that she no longer was face to face with her hurt; whether it be distant or up close, she wanted no relations to the matter. As she scrolled through the numerous photos in her phone, one by one, she deleted them. Ignoring all of the notifications on her phone, she continued to delete the photos of her and Jason. She hated him for the rage and the pain that he placed in her heart. She knew that she would make her entirely family and Jason pay! But she still didn’t know how. As much as she didn’t want to admit it, her hurt came from a deep place. Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Knock, knock! “Room service!”
Leah perked up upon hearing that it was the dinner she had ordered for herself.
“Just a moment.”
Leah opened the door and made way for the gentleman who was wheeling her dinner in on a cart. She then thanked the kind young man and closed the door to her room, once again. Leah went over to the cart that contained her dinner and removed the silver cloche and took a deep inhale. They had even given her some bread to go with her pasta, a complimentary salad and some toppings for the cheesecake. She grabbed the cutlery and began eating her food. Despite the pain in her heart, she hadn’t realized how hungry she was. Once she started eating, she didn’t stop, not until she was done. After 20 minutes, Leah had finished eating and put everything away. Since it was room service, she placed the cart near the kitchen, so that it would be out of the way. After she put everything away, she turned off the lights in the suite and went to the room to get some sleep. When she got to the room to lay down, she put her phone on do not disturb, placed it on the charger and began to drift to sleep.
***** Meanwhile After Dropping Her Off *****
What is wrong with me? Why did I become so impulsive and adamant on helping a woman, whom I never met before? Could she be—no, I’m just being paranoid. I couldn’t just leave immediately after sending her off to the hotel and I couldn’t pin point why that was either. I instructed Peter to wait behind for an hour or until I felt she was safe enough. We ended up staying there for 3 hours, we were about to leave when I noticed her figure walking into the lobby.
“Wait, Peter.”
“Yes, sir.”
Her eyes were so swollen and puffy from what I assumed was her crying. She was about to walk into one of the shops, but turned back around… Did she forget something? There was a man eyeing her in the distance. He was tall, no taller than me. He was about 5’10”, light complexion, similar to hers. He was clad in a brown suit with brown shoes. He had one hand in his pocket as he spoke to her. I’m not sure what their conversation was about, clearly, however, she seemed to be very uncomfortable. I should storm my ass in there right now and make her feel comfortable! Taking a deep breath, I calmed the overwhelming urge to help her and the fury I felt and kept watching their interaction. He seemed to be smirking for some reason, but she turned around and walked away back into the elevator. He walked out of the front door with that same stupid ass smirk on his face! How I wish I could slap it off of him right now, but I don’t really know her and yet, she’s got a hold on me. But why?
In an icy tone, Derreck spoke.
“Drive”
Peter gave a small nod to the man in the backseat and drove away to the family villa. As they made their way back, a phone began to ring in the silent car.
Who could be calling at this hour? He felt around for his phone, once he did, he glanced down. Upon realizing who was calling, his expression darkened. Frostily, he answered the phone.
“What?”
“Derreck, where are you? It’s late and you should be back by now.” Derreck scoffed and replied icily.
“I’ll be there soon. Anything else?”
“I don’t know why you insist on talking to me like I’m some stranger! I’m your mother for crying out loud!” She was irritated from her son’s response and cold tone.
With a mocking, frosty smirk, he replied.
“Are you sure about that? If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up now.”
“Derreck—”
Before she could say anything more, the call was disconnected. She stared at her phone with rage. Why was her son being so aloof and why is he so infuriating? She stomped her way into her husband’s study and settled the rage that was evident in her eyes. Slowly, she knocked on the door to the study and walked in after hearing his reply.
“Derreck isn’t home yet. Shouldn’t you give him a call and find out where he is?”
“Derreck is very busy recently. I’m sure he’ll be home within the hour. If he is to take over the company, he will have to be out most nights and doesn’t have time to sit at home all day and night.”
“Why do you—”
Elder Gray gave his wife an icy glare. One that said “don’t question me and don’t overstep your boundaries.”
“Linda, you may be my wife, but he is my son and I deal with him how I see fit. Don’t go sticking your nose in places it doesn’t belong. Remember, you are married into MY family, NOT the other way around. If there’s nothing else, you can leave.”
The rage was once again evident in Linda’s eyes, but she suppressed it, gave her husband a forced smile and walked out of the study without another word. She wanted to give him a piece of her mind, but she knew her place. As much as she wanted him to enforce her position in this family, he was her husband and she dared not go against what he said. Linda made her way to the kitchen and made herself a cup of tea. She placed a kettle of water on the stove and waited for it to whistle when it was ready. As she placed the kettle on the stove, she heard the door open and close. She knew it was her son, so she walked towards the door with a small smile and welcomed him in.
“Derreck, you’re finally home. Would you like some tea?”
“No, where’s my father.”
“In the study, of course.”
“Thanks.”
Without another word, Derreck made his way to the study on the first floor and knocked.
“Enter.”
“Dad.”
“Derreck, come in son.”
Hartley put down his work and turned to his son who was walking in the study. Derreck closed the door behind him, locked the door and walked over to a chair that was across from Hartley. He took a seat and began to speak.
“Dad, Gray Enterprise is seeing an influx of cash flow. Everything is progressing the way we thought it would. In no time, we would be able to migrate overseas to expand our clientele. When that time comes, I would need to hire someone or train someone to take over that company, so I can focus on the one here.”
“We can begin the process of hiring a new Executive, however Derreck, it is time for you to begin settling down with a wife. Now, I know how much you dislike this conversation, but you need a woman by your side and to create an heir to eventually take over. I’m indifferent whether or not I would have a granddaughter or a grandson to take over, but this is something to consider.”
“Yes father. I will find someone. As long as you allow me to do so on my own and not force any suitresses upon me. Allow me that freedom, at least.”
Hartley took a deep sigh before responding.
“Very well. I will allow you a wife of your choosing. You are one of the most, if not the most, eligible bachelor in Aurenda. You have women throwing themselves at you all the time, how come you never chose any of them?”
“I don’t want a wife that throws herself at me. I want a wife that wants me for me and not for the title either. Just someone to love me, especially when I need her the most. I don’t want a marriage that has to be beneficial or contractual; I want a marriage that is rooted with love and has a solid foundation.”

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