Chapter One: UnworthyLesley fixed her gaze at her mother—Margaret Piper. Margaret had summoned her to the terrace of their sprawling countryside mansion.Margaret contenance revealed extreme displeasure as she spoke animatedly to her daughter. She flashed Lesley a stern gaze to emphasize the seriousness of her words.Lesley's demeanor remained pensive as she shifted from one foot to another while listening to Margaret.Cruz had cut a glimpse of his wife and mother-in-law on the terrace as he drove into the large compound housing the Victorian-styled mansion.From the posture of the two women, he somehow knew he was at the center of their conversation. He sighed as he parked the land cruiser at the base of the driveway.The moment Margaret sighted him alighting the vehicle, she went ballistic. Her voice tuned several pitches higher to make sure he heard her words clearly."You deserve better than that loser." She shouted out, pointing at Cruz while addressing her daughter.Cruz prete

Chapter Three: Forbidden AttractionsCruz swallowed hard and realized just how much he had missed his wife. It had been almost three months since they have had any form of intimacy, especially as she decided to move to a saperate room. Initially, it was a matter of needing some privacy to be able to get some official work done from home. And then gradually, it had turned into complete withdrawal. She had suddenly grown too busy and unavailable for him.He knew he would have to act fast to save his marriage. He sighed and decided to head for the pool.He grabbed the towel that was placed on one of the seats by the pool. She was swimming below the surface and had not raised her head to see him.He walked beside her motion to the end of the pool with the towel in his hand. He hurried to reach the end before her to hand her the towel immediately she popped her head.As he held out the towel, her head popped up, but surprisingly, it wasn't Lesley."Lima?!"He exclaimed in shock.Lima was

Chapter Five: A different SideAfter the emotional exchange with his parents, Cruz stayed quiet as the tears kept pouring from his eyes. His mind went back to a different time in his life when his reality was not as complicated as it had become.His life had never been ordinary, but there was a time when he still carried his real identity and was not isolated from family. He was completely lost in his thoughts at the time the chopper landed on a private airstrip at the Vernadian international Airport. The airport was the hub for international travels in the Tulzar region.From the chopper, he marched with the two men on suit towards a private jet preparing for takeoff. On the jet was an emblem and an inscription: ARCHER. His destination was a 16-hour flight to a different continent.As they approached the plane, a half dozen men, each of equal heights of about 6ft5 in blazers suit and with communication devices in their ears stood on a double file formation. Three men on either side

Chapter Seven: Felix Lane ArcherNow that Gerald was making some progress towards a responsible lifestyle, his parents were eager to provide him any needed support.Reason they were here tonight to show that they had endorsed his potential union with Lesley. Besides, the Pipers were climbing the social ladder really fast and were already becoming worthy allies.Penelope although engrossed in the conversations of the older folks, paid keen attention on Gerald, hoping and praying he wouldn't commit any further blunder.——Meanwhile somewhere in the sky, cruising into a different continent, Cruz was still overwhelmed with emotions as he geared up in anticipation of his long awaited reunion with his parents.It's been five hours since the plane took off and Cruz have had ample time to reminisce. After he had overseen the neutralizing of a security threat against his country, he had a brief virtual meeting with the president. And afterwards, with all the time to spare, he couldn't help bu

Chapter Nine: An Unpleasant History."What are you doing here, dad! You could have called instead." Lesley finally uttered, her expression showing complete displeasure.She looked at her father, Burner Stooge from head to toe. His face looked hollow and pale, his sleeveless jacket hung loosely over a faded shirt on his bony collarbone. He had a torn jeans on that wobbled as he walked. Homeless was the perfect description.A frown suddenly distorted Burner's face. He nodded his head in agony."I disgust you now? Yeah...? I'm still your father, girl. Me... Your father! Yeah, you got my genes in you... remember that! and yeah, I called you, many many times but it went straight to voicemail..." he blotted out in a slur."What do you want? Mom wouldn't like it if she knows you are here." Lesley winced in disgust as she looked towards the mansion with concern. Margaret would raise hell at the sight of Burner.Burner sneered. "That Bitch!" He spat."You know...she...she ruined me! She ruined