Ashanti knows Dexter detest the sight of her, so she was certain he wasn't the one who invited her, plus, she never said a word about visiting. As much as she loved her visit, she couldn't help how surprised she was. “I was at the jewelry store this morning,” Rosa explained smoothly, her tone light. “And in all the flurry, I picked this fine piece for you. I thought to myself, what if Ashanti is into great pieces like this? And I got it for you. Since I was already nearby, I thought I’d stop by to bring it to you directly.” She reached into her clutch, pulling out a small jewelry box as evidence. Ashanti accepted the box, her fingers tight around it. Her eyes lifted, narrowing slightly. “Oh my…You didn't have to.. thank you so much. It's so beautiful.. please, have your seat.” Ashanti had a grateful look as she sat beside aunt Rosa, scanning the jewelry with a bright smile. “Oh, it's nothing. Actually, it's just a little something for taking care of my nephew at the hospital.”

They already disliked him. Their hatred for him will go from bad to worse.Vector’s voice broke through her thoughts, louder now, his tone dripping with scorn. “Tell me, Dexter. How does it feel? Sitting there, pretending to be her husband when everyone knows you’re just a placeholder. If Rosa wanted Ashanti for her brother, what could you do to stop it? Nothing.”The words hung heavy in the room. Even the laughter dulled into uneasy silence.Ashanti glanced at Dexter again, but he remained still, his silence more worrisome to her.He kept a normal expression, but deep down, he scoffed at Rosa’s boldness. She had dared to walk into his wife's residence after his warning was one thing but to now have her name tossed so casually across this table, weaponized against him, was another.“Enough, Vector,” she said suddenly, her voice firmer than she expected. Then the chatter halted. “Lets just eat in peace. The comparison isn't necessary.”Vector snorted. “Why? Because it’s true?”Ashant

Her heart pounded against her ribs that she immediately placed her hand over her ear like the sound was going to damage her ear. The romance, the warmth, the fragile intimacy was gone in an instant, replaced with raw fear that clawed its way into her chest.Another gunshot.Then another.Screams erupted outside the room, shrieks of panic, and frantic footsteps pounded across the corridor.Ashanti’s breath came in short gasps as she ducked lower, clutching the sheets for dear life. She turned to Dexter, whose expression was carved with stone. His eyes were calculating, scanning the direction of the noise, his hand stretched instinctively as if shielding her with his very body.“Stay down,” he murmured sharply, though his own voice was strained with tension.Her mind reeled. “What is happening? Who’s shooting?!”The door rattled from the chaos outside. She could hear her family members shouting shrieking names, calling for help.When the echo of the shots faded into silence, the cries o

This single act got everyone dropping their wine glasses with a shocking expression. I mean, he was right… but he didn't have to make it that obvious..“Ethan…?” Eleanor, his mother scolded with a low voice as though urging him to read the room, but he didn't care. Everyone in the table knows he has never and would never have the best relationship with that man over there. Why should he hide it?He picked his napkin, wiped his lips as if tired of being there and seeing their faces, then he stood to his feet, “Thanks for the meal.”“Seat your ass down until everyone is done.” Byron uttered, giving his son a stern look.“I can't. I have other plans this evening.” He didn't listen.“You can't, or you won't?” Byron's eyes darkened.“I won't.” Ethan tilts his head as if not afraid of him then he turns to leave.Thud!Byron slammed his fist on the table, starling every single person. Even Ethan had to stop on his tracks. Except, he didn't turn to see his father's face.“Ethan. Don't make m

“Mistake?!” Nicholas cried, “Mistake?!” He looked up at Dexter with a dark and murderous aura, “You deliberately tore my cheque and you stand there to claim innocence?! How dare you!” He felt his whole world crumbling to the ground... This was his hope, his life... This was the only reason he kept going.. Looking forward to a new day unlike when he was a poor boy... He had gotten a reason not to take his life and end it all, but now: that reason has been taken away from him by his very own friend!His heart trembled painfully as he kept staring at the cheque on Dexter's hand.“Why don't I get you a new one..” Dexter prompted. He didn't mind getting him the money. It was better than cashing Byron's money, right?“Get out..” Nicholas shouted, his voice cold and filled with hatred. Hatred for Dexter.“Huh?” Dexter was confused. He was willing to get him a new one. He swear it was a mistake. I was trying to protect him and would never wanna hurt his friend's feelings.“I said, get the fuc