Uba Blessing Akpoghene

31/01/2022

CHAPTER THREE: threatened

In an orphanage, a beautiful pavilion was set up at the garden. One would think it was a wedding alter.

Raymond was made to sit between a bunch of women. He didn't like being there but he was compelled to. Rosella had made sure he was there. There was no way he could have possibly said no.

The best he could do was pretend to be listening.

The event started from the introduction to the award giving. Only when Rosella's name was mentioned did he stand up but went back to his seat immediately after receiving the award.

Time went by and out of the blue, he was called upon to cut the ribbon for the inauguration of the new female hostel.
'Just when I thought this was all over '.

He was led to the back of the school in the company of mrs Iris and her associates. Raymond waited for them to finish with their singing and then mrs Iris called on Blair to him the scissor for the ribbon cutting.

"Here you go sir ". She said handing out the pair of scissor to him.
Raymond went numb after seeing her. Other than Rosella, he's never seen anyone as enchanted as her. Mrs Iris, however noticing the sparks between them spoke up. It was because Raymond couldn't take his eyes off of her and Blair on the other hand was too shy to even look at him.

"Umm... Ray, this is Blair, Blair Will 'Rose. Our youngest and newest member. Blair, Raymond Ellis, he is... ".

"I know... I mean I know who he is ". She interrupted still feeling shy.

'Huh, what is this, don't tell me this two already like each other '. Iris asked herself.

"Hi nice to meet you ". Raymond extended his hand but rather than reciprocating, she just handed him the scissor.
"Nice to meet you too ". She replied.
"Shall we? Mrs Iris gestured to the ribbons.
"Yes... of course ". Raymond said snapping out of his trance.

After the inauguration was over, they went back to the pavilion. Raymond was standing alone with a glass of liquor when he noticed two kids chasing each other. He felt very awkward seeing he was the only male in the party but seeing the kids playing brought a smile to his face.

"That's Chase and Justin ". He heard from beside him. Turning to his left, Blair was standing next to him with a similar glass of liquor.

"They seem very happy playing together ". Raymond acknowledged.
"Yeah ".

"You know, Chase was only four when his parents died in a car accident. Moving into an orphanage Was really hard for him. He didn't like it when someone tries to talk to him but over the years, he learned to loosen up. Now this is his home and everyone here is his family ".

Blair told him.

"And Justin? Raymond asked referring to the kid with the blond hair.
"Justin is the opposite. He grew up in the orphanage. His single mom died after giving birth to him. He is actually friendly, thanks to him, Chase 's perspective about this place got changed ". She explained.

"Poor Chase, he's been through a lot. I know how it feels to lose your parents at such a young age ".

Blair "..."

Raymond realised what he'd said immediately and was confused I'm what to say next.

"You meant your dad right? Although I didn't know him back then but I've heard such amazing things about him. John Ellis was a great man and I'm sure you must be very proud to be his son "

"Yeah... I am. I'm very proud of my dad ". Raymond replied feeling emotional.

"Oh my, I didn't know you were such a cry baby ". She teased and Raymond found himself laughing.
"Wow Mrs Rose, first you made me cry then you made me laugh, how did you do for?
"I guess it's one of my many talents ". She replied.
"Alright mrs Rose, I guess... ".
"It's miss Rose ". She corrected.
"Oh single?
"Not really ". She answered showing him her finger. It has a ring on it.
"Engaged ". She added.

Raymond was ecstatic when she'd said miss but after seeing the beautiful diamond ring on her finger, for some reason, he felt disappointed.

"Oh... my bad ".
"You sound like you are not happy to hear that ". She snapped after noticing the change in his face.

"No no, that's not it. Actually I called you mrs as I didn't know you were married or not so uh... I mean congrats ". He said hesitantly.
"Thanks ". She replied wit a smile.

"Blair... ". Mrs Iris called walking to them.
"Yes mrs Iris ".
"Your attention is needed by Ashley regarding the papers about the construction site ". She informed.
"Don't worry about our guest, I'll look after him ".
She added.

"Alright, Nike talking to you mr Ellis ". She said and left.
"She is a very lovely lady ".
Mrs Iris commented.
"Yes she is ".

He said. He didn't realize the woman was observing him until he turned and met her gaze.

"Ah... I need to leave now ". He said.
"Alright ,send my regards to your mom and sister ". She told him.
"I will mrs Iris, thanks alot ". He said without turning back.

Few minutes later, Blair came back with some files in her hands. She seemed to be in a hurry to get somewhere.

28/01/2022

"That's good to know. The kids at the orphanage loves him alot. They will be very happy to see him again ". Mrs Iris acknowledged.
"That's perfect ". Rosella said and winked at Ray.

"Alright then, I should get going ". Iris said.
Raymond walked her to the door and went back immediately.
"What was that all about, sending me to be with a bunch of women and kids, how mean of you ". Raymond complained.
"You're welcome ".Rosella said.
"But I didn't thank you ".
"You just did ".
"How smart ". Raymond said.
The minute the words came out of his mouth, she was taken aback to when she'd said the same thing to the stranger at the hotel.

"Rosella what was that you told me about your engagement?
Brianna Ellis reminded.
"It's been called off ". She replied.
"What... ". Raymond exclaimed.
"You can't be serious... are you? Brianna Ellis asked.
"As a matter of fact I am ". She said and sat down as a maid rushed to her with a glass of water.

"But why will you do that ? Brianna Ellis asked.
"Mom I told you, George Mason is not the right man for me, I found out something very terrible about him ". She replied after taking a sip of her water.
"Great, another suitor rejected once again. Rosella do you have any idea how many suitors you've rejected? Brie asked with her hands on her hips.
"just this month you've rejected fourty two grooms ".She added.
"Fourty three to be precised. Don't forget Mason ". Rosella said with a smirk.
"Rosella were you at the hotel? Raymond asked sounding suspicious.
"You went without me, how could you? Raymond asked when she didn't answer his first question. He'd seen the answer in her eyes. She could deceive or lie to anyone in the world but her brother.

"Which hotel and why? Confused Brianna Ellis asked. She is always lost whenever her children were talking alone. It can only mean they were hiding something from her.
"First it was a project I didn't know about, you even got your engagement called off and now I'm just finding out that you were at a hotel, why then am I your mother? Brianna Ellis asked. She was already sounding emotional. She knew the only thing that could weaken Rosella was her tears.

"Mom please don't do this. Mason only wanted my money that's all. I'd gone to the hotel he was at for his business trip and I heard him talking to his lover. He also tried to force himself on me but you don't have to worry about that. I didn't let him touch me. Trust me he got what he deserved". She added before Brianna Ellis would start worrying again.

"Mom I know you want to see me successsfully married but I can't just get married to any man simply because he matches my status. Everyone I met so far has their own selfish reasons. Prince Edward already had three wives, Christopher is impotent and the list goes on". She paused and took Brianna Ellis hands.
"Mom, I promise I'll get married but when the time is right ". Rosella completed.

"Exactly mom, give her a chance to find true love rather than having her alliances arranged with someone she barely knows ". Raymond added.
"No don't. Don't say that again. You know that word doesn't exist in my vocabulary ". Rosella warned.

"Did you hear that, and you think I'm out of my mind for finding suitors for her. She clearly doesn't want love. She just wants someone who can would do whatever she asks him to. A puppet is what she wants ". Brie affirmed.
"I'm tired of you two talking about my life. I just got home and none of you could welcome me properly. And mom, if you want your grandchildren so bad, Raymond is here. He's older than me so bug him instead. I'm out of here ". She said and left for her room.

Brianna Ellis watched her go till she was out of sight then her gaze slowly shifted to the young man before her
"Don't even look at me. I have work to do ". Raymond said before she could start speaking then left as well.

'What sort of children am l blessed with? One is ready to get married just that she doesn't believe in love and she doesn't trust anyone either and the other one does believe in love but never has thought of getting married '. Brianna Ellis complained to herself.

* * *
It was friday morning. Raymond had already left for the award ceremony a long time ago but Rosella was still in her room.
Brianna Ellis came out of the master's bedroom with a frown.
"Ro... Ro... where are you, come out right this minute ". Brie commanded
Rosella came running down the stairs. She was still in her night dress. It was evident that she had no plans to go to the office.

"Mom is everything okay ".
"What is this? Brianna Ellis asked dropping the papers I'm the table. The front Page of the newspaper was about her broken engagement. Rosella picked it up with a smirk.

"Mom it's the newspaper. You really need to take your glasses with you more often. You know I won't always be there to help you right? She said pretending not to know what her mother was talking about.

"Stop playing with me and answer the question. Why is the news of your engagement in the papers, can't something about you be private for once?

"Min I linked the news to the media "She announced.
"And why will you do that? Brie asked.
"Mom, Mason needs to know who he's messing with ". She replied.
"I hope this ends well Ro". Brie said with a warning tone.

"What makes you say that mom?
"You told me yourself who Mason really is, what if he comes after you?
"Mom nothing will happen okay ". She said and went back to her room.
"Be careful Ro, if anything happens to you I won't spare you ".
Brianna Ellis called after her but she was already gone.

To be continued 👌🏻

25/01/2022

"You're here, but you didn't say you were coming back tonight and where did you go without telling anyone, you could have have taken at least seven guards with you but you didn't. Do you have any idea how worried I was when I found out that you were gone, I almost got an heart attack ". Brianna complained without stopping to breath for air.

"But you didn't. Mom...".Rosella said taking both of her hands.
"I've told you before. You really don't have to worry about me so much ".
"What if you'd gotten hurt?
"But I wasn't. See I'm absolutely alright". She said turning around for Brie to scan her.

"I know this is a family matter and I'm not meant to interfere but Rosella, your mom is absolutely right. It is a selfish world out there and we all know that you are not safe so you shouldn't let your guard down no matter what ". Mrs Iris admonished.

Rosella glared at her. She sounds exactly like her mother.
"And since when did you become such a worrywart like her? She asked her pointing to Brie.
"I can see you really don't care about yourself do you? Brianna Ellis asked her.
"Alright from now on I will start taking care of myself but for now let's talk about the ceremony shall we? She said changing the subject.

As long as she was concerned, Brianna Ellis will go on and on about her not being concerned about her own safety and she wasn't ready to argue with her.

"So here's the deal. Raymond you're going on our behalf ". Rosella said with a sound of finality.
"What about the project? He asked with a faint sound of protest.
"Already taken care of ". Rosella replied.
Raymond "..."
"What project is that, you didn't tell me about it ". Brianna Ellis gave her children an inquisitive gaze.
Ignoring her question, Rosella continued.
"Mrs Iris I won't be able to make it. My deepest apologies for that but my dear brother here will definitely be there ". She assured.

25/01/2022

Chapter two : called off

Mrs Ellis was instructing the cook on what to prepare for dinner when her phone rang. It was Rosella calling. It's been two days since she left and she hasn't heard from her. She'd switched off her phone after her last message to Ray.
"Talk to me honey, are you okay?
"The engagement has been called off ".She said and disconnected the call without giving Brie a chance to talk.

"This daughter of mine is really strange ". She said to herself.

Just then the entrance door opened and Raymond went in with Mrs Iris.

"Iris what a pleasant surprise ". Brianna Ellis said hugging her.
"Please have your seat ". She added then requested one of the maid to get her a glass of juice.
"So what brings you here?
"Oh Brianna, I can't thank you enough for you support and constant donations to help the new orphanage " Iris acknowledged.

"Please come off it Iris, you know it's all Rosella's doings ".Brie said feeling flattered.
"About her, we are having an award ceremony themed 'woman power ' and we're hoping she would be there ". Iris said sounding hopeful.

"I'm sorry but Rosella won't be able to make it but not to worry about that, Raymond will be there ". Brianna Ellis said making Raymond to almost fall from the couch. He was barely listening as he was busy replying to Rosella's messages but his mother's last words caught him unaware.

"Me... no... I mean I can't. Rosella and I have a project we'll both be working on this weekend ". He protested.

"Not anymore ". Rosella said at the entrance.
Raymond was not surprised to see her. He's been chatting with her and her last message was (I'm close ) but he wasn't expecting her to be that close.

24/01/2022

He paused for a while then observed her carefully.
"Hmmm, I can't blame him actually. Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?. He asked getting serious.
"Aren't you ashamed to say that to me, I told you because you are the manager but now I realize there isn't any difference between you two ". She said and was about leaving but he went in front of her stopping her from taking another step.
"I think you misunderstood. He was flirting with you but I'm only complementing you ". He told her.
"Well then go talk to him ". She said making it sound like a command. The man hesitated before taking the first step.

When he got to the door, he looked back at the girl but she was gone. It was because she'd remembered she was no longer putting on her wig and glasses and if the man was to open the door then her secret will be out and that will be dangerous so the only thing she could do was exit the building as soon as possible.

The man on the other hand was surprised at her sudden disappearance but was happy she left before he could open the door.

The fact was that he was no manager and if she had found out, it would have landed him in a lot of trouble. He was an imposter and didn't even understand why he'd lied about who he was.
He was about leaving as well but his eyes caught something. It was the fake wig and glasses. It was broken. It had fallen off when she'd crashed into him.

'Wait a minute, fake hair and... this, she isn't even a waitress. Guess I'm not the only one pretending to be someone else. But if she isn't a waitress then who is she and why was she dressed up as one?

(Next :chapter two)

24/01/2022

She looked at her right wrist were he was holding then shifted her gaze to the man. The gaze was so cold it felt like she wanted to amputate his hand for touching her.

"Hey madam, looks like you're gonna chop off my hands with those glares ". He said getting up. He wasn't intimidated by her opprobrious looks. She wanted to say something but realized that her fake wig and glasses were gone. She saw the room door opening and hid behind the latter man before the former could come out.

"Did you see a waitress pass by ? He asked.
"No I didn't ". He replied. He went back in and closed the door.

"You're welcome ".Turning back to her, he said with a smile.
"I don't remember telling you thank you ". She told him.
"But you just did ". He replied with a clever smile.
"Smart ". She said.

'Too smart for your own good '. She added within her.

"I need to speak with the manager ". She snapped.
"Um... I... I am the manager ". He replied sounding nervous.
"Mark O' Donald? She asked to confirm and he nodded.

'Oh no, what did I just do? He asked himself.

"I think you should know the kind of people you allow into this hotel regardless of how influential they may be. That man tried to flirt with me ". She announced angrily. She was surprised at what he did next.

He placed his hand on her forehead and laughed hard until he was choking. While the girl stared at him angrily.
"What 's so funny with what I 'd just said?
"What's funny, did you even hear yourself, someone tried to flirt with you and you are angry. Perhaps you should con looking at yourself in the mirror or something ". He said and continued laughing.
"Meaning? She asked with a very confused voice.
"What type of a man would see a beauty goddess without trying their chances? He asked still laughing.
"Not only did he try to flirt with me but he also tried to force himself on me ". She said making the man to stop laughing immediately.

24/01/2022

"Hey... um... do I... do I know you somewhere? He asked not quite sure of his guess.
"No sir I just started working here today ". She replied.
"Wow aren't you too beautiful to be a waitress? He asked with a flirtatious smile. She gave him a sarcastic smile in return.
"sir are you flirting with me? She asked
"Maybe I am ". He replied without shame.
"Well don't ". She said immediately with a very serious expression.
"Okay ma'am. He replied mockingly.
"Sorry I meant 'waitress '. Do you mind taking my food upstairs? He said giving her the key.
She took the key with a frown and went towards the elevator. His room was in the seventh floor.

Entering into his room, she dropped the tray on the table and looked around her. Turning back, the man was standing in front of her.
"You... you're here? She asked surprised to see him staring at her.
"It's my room, where else would I be if not here?
"Right ". She agreed.

"You know I saw you admiring the room. Why not admire me instead? He said taking her hands.
She flung her hand from his and backed away from him.

"You know I can get you more than this and change your life forever. You just have to do whatever I ask you to ". He said moving closer to her.

"Like taking my clothes off? She asked him with a deadly look.
"Yeah baby, you are getting it ". He said grabbing hold of her waist.
"Let go off of me you bastard ". Forcing her way out, she kicked him in his balls
"Next time you want to mess with a girl, think twice ". She said as he groaned in pain. She was about leaving but he grabbed the tip of her skirt. She kicked him again, pushed him away then made a run for it.

Reaching the passage, she stumbled and fell on the man passing by. Both of them went rolling on the floor. When they stopped rolling, she was on him. She stood up and was about leaving but he stopped her by holding her wrist.

24/01/2022

Her lips parted in a vicious smile.

'perfect... target in sight '.

She got to him and was about placing the food on the table when he spoke up without looking at her.

"Take it to my room ". He instructed her.

She looked at him as though there were lasers in her eyes that would cut him into pieces any minute.
She wanted to say something aggressive but then remembered that she was on a mission.

"But sir I don't know your room ". Controlling her anger, she replied.

The man looked up and met her gaze. Despite her oversized glasses and her 'oldie ' grey hair, she still looked exquisite. He could have sworn she looked familiar except for the hair and of course her glasses.

24/01/2022

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24/01/2022

Giving her her room key, he instructed her when to start working then left her to settle down.
She opened the door and went in. The room looked amazing but she wasn't impressed at all.

She took off the grey wig and the pair of glasses revealing a very beautiful mole on her left cheek just below her eye.

"I can't believe I'm dressed up as a waitress " she murmured to herself.
"Alright I know this is hard but it's the only way to... " she stopped talking when she heard a familiar voice outside her room.

She quickly put the wig and the glasses back on. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, it confirmed she was good to go. She opened the door half way and took a peack out side.
'George Mason'
The staff lounge was located behind the restaurant and he must have gone there for a private call. She wanted to go back in but decided to eavesdrop.

"Don't worry baby, I'm all yours ". She heard him say. She had no idea what the person at the other side of the line said but what Mason said next made a gasp escape her lips.

"Of course not baby. This alliance is just a charade. It is the only way to get what we want ".
'Really? She asked within herself.

She stayed there a little bit longer not so she could still eavesdrop as she's heard enough already but so she could follow him.

Few minutes later, she saw him leaving and went after him.

When she got to the restaurant, he wasn't in sight. The restaurant was packed and the ambience was fantastic but she wasn't interested in any of that.

Another waitress walked up to her assuming she was lost.

"The new waitress right?
"Yes... Yes I am " she replied thoughtfully.
"Good. Come with me ". She said and took her to the kitchen.
A man who appeared to be a chef handed her a tray of food.

"Take this to table nine ". He instructed and she nodded before leaving.

Getting to the table, a man in perfectly shaped black suit was sitted alone.

24/01/2022

"She didn't tell. All she said was, 'Ray, I will be leaving for a few days on my own ' and I just laughed since I never thought she meant it ". He told her with outmost sincerity.

"I've been trying to get through to her for the past three hours "

"Don't worry mom, she 'lol be... " his phone beeped interrupting him.
"Rosella is going to be just fine mom trust me ". He completed before bringing his phone out. He smiled after reading the message.

"What did I say mom? Facing his worrywart mother, he asked.

"What happened? Brianna Ellis asked.

Raymond was about reading it out loud but he gave her the phone to read Instead just so she would be convinced.

(I arrived safely and I'm alright, tell mom)

Brianna Ellis sighed feeling relieved but then spoke up when she realized how brief her message was.

"Wait, that's all, nothing more?

"Mom she's alright and that 's all that matters. I know my sister well enough to know that when she says something then it's gotta be true ". Raymond reckoned. He placed a soft kiss on her cheek before heading upstairs.

"Of course she is always right isn't she? With pure sarcasm, Brianna Ellis said to herself with her arms in the air.

* * *
In a hotel lobby, a girl dressed in a typical black and white waitress uniform was looking around when a man in black suit approached her. He scanned her from head to toe. She was wearing the appropriate waitress uniform. A black skirt and a white shirt as well as a black armless jacket. She was also putting on a red bow tie and a red rose was carefully placed behind her grey color hair.

She looked good__too good to be a waitress. The only thing weird about her dressing was her hair color and the oversized glasses she was putting on. It was quite obvious they weren't her size but nevertheless, it fitted her perfectly.

"You are the substitute waitress right ? The man asked. She nodded her head in reply. The man gestured to her to follow him and she did.

24/01/2022

STORY TITLE: THE SHE DEVIL

Chapter one :Imporsters

Brianna Ellis was pacing round the living room with a worried expression. The way she walked with those boots made them look so real. Of course ten years were enough time to get used to them.

Brie was worried because her daughter was yet to return. She would have called or dropped a message she was working late but she hadn't received any. It wasn't difficult going to the office to check on her but Rosella had forbidden her from leaving the house especially at that time of the night.

"Raymond!!! She called the minute she saw the young man entering the house.

"Mom you haven't gone to bed yet? He asked walking towards her.

"Where is your sister? Ignoring his question, she asked instead.
"She should be in bed by now why? Raymond replied.

"She hasn't even returned yet ". Brie announced.

"Really, Rosella didn't say she was working late "
"Are you saying you don't have any idea where my daughter is,you are always together aren't you? Brianna Ellis asked. She was already panicking.

"Relax mom, Rosella and I came home a long time ago before I went back for some work. You were asleep then that's why you didn't know she was already back ". Raymond replied.
"Rosella is not in her room, I 'd checked on her twice ". Brianna Ellis told him.

"Was she really serious about not being around for some days? Ray asked.

"What do you mean by that?

"Actually mom, Rosella had mentioned leaving for a few days but I never thought she was being serious " He explained.

"Leaving, to where that too without any security. And how come I'm just getting to know about it? She asked and without giving the Young man a chance to talk, she continued.

"And you, how could you have let that happen, what if something happens to her?

"But I didn't even know she was leaving". Raymond replied.

"Where did she say she was going to?