Haunted Heart of the Heiress

Adrienne made her way downstairs to the kitchen, feeling famished after her bath. She hadn't even bothered with clothes and was completely nude. Hurriedly, she went to the fridge and grabbed a can of cola which she promptly polished off in a minute. As she was making her way back upstairs, the door opened and Daniel walked in.

"Really? Every day, naked?" Daniel asked incredulously, shaking his head.

Adrienne smirked, "Morning, baby."

Daniel rolled his eyes, "You're always either half-naked outside or completely naked inside."

Adrienne shrugged, "So? This isn't the first time you've seen me without clothes."

"Exactly! What if I brought a friend in here?" Daniel argued.

"I'd say hi and head upstairs," she responded dismissively.

"Regardless, we're running late. I thought you'd be ready by now," Daniel said, pursing his lips.

"What do you mean, late?" Adrienne asked, confused.

"We're supposed to leave in an hour to catch our flight, and you're still naked without hair and makeup done. I even suggested we stay at a hotel nearby, but you refused," Daniel grumbled.

Adrienne rolled her eyes, "My stylist will be here in thirty minutes."

"Thirty minutes? You told them thirty minutes?" Daniel reached for his phone. "I'll call them now."

"Get your ass out of my sight and get dressed," he ordered, exasperated.

"Tch!" Adrienne clicked her tongue and made her way upstairs.

Adrienne descended the stairs a few minutes later in a provocative, transparent bodycon dress that revealed her undergarments, leaving Daniel exasperated.

"There's no time to change, you can wear whatever you like," Daniel said as he called the makeup artist, Sarah.

"I wouldn't have changed even if I had the time," Adrienne stubbornly replied to Daniel's suggestion.

Despite Sarah's greeting, Adrienne chose to ignore her and remained glued to her phone as Joshua, the hair stylist, arrived ten seconds later. Daniel gave them both strict time limits, with Joshua having ten minutes to fix Adrienne's hair while she scrolled through her phone.

After twenty-five minutes, Adrienne was finally ready, and they left the house, arm in arm. Daniel was dressed in a simple tuxedo.

Upon seeing the awaiting helicopter, Adrienne expressed her displeasure.

"Why the helicopter? You know I don't like it. I prefer the jet," she grumbled.

Daniel explained the practical necessity of the helicopter, citing traffic and time constraints.

"Whatever," Adrienne said and walked to the helicopter.

As Adrienne elegantly walked towards the helicopter door, Daniel couldn't help but take notice of her swaying behind.

"What are you staring at?" Adrienne asked coyly, smirking at him.

"Your dress is too provocative. You can't wear something so revealing to the event," Daniel warned.

"Why not? Are you afraid someone might steal me away?" Adrienne teased.

Daniel rolled his eyes. "It's not about that. It's about showing respect to the important guests attending today. You don't want to be criticized for your attire."

Adrienne shrugged. "I'm sure they'll survive seeing a little skin."

Daniel shook his head, knowing he couldn't convince her otherwise.

"Many d*cks will stand today. Can't wait to get them all in me," she said with a smirk.

"Let me arrange a jacket for you when we get there. And please buckle up," Daniel instructed as they boarded the helicopter.

After an hour in the air, they arrived at their destination. It was the opening of Adrienne's free school for children, catering to those aged zero to ten years old. The school was located in Abuja and was the largest of its kind, with the capacity to serve up to a thousand and five hundred students.

After some convincing from Daniel, Adrienne reluctantly agreed to wear the black 'coat-like' jacket provided for her. She arrived late, apologized half-heartedly, and cut the ribbon to officially open the school. A tour of the facilities followed, and the guests eventually settled in the hall for food and music.

Adrienne took to the podium to deliver her thank-you speech. As she removed the jacket from her shoulders, Daniel couldn't help but curse under his breath. All eyes were now on Adrienne's form-fitting, transparent dress, which accentuated her curves. Some loved the sight, while others criticized her for her choice of attire. Regardless of what others thought, Adrienne relished the attention she was receiving.

"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to join us here today. I appreciate your presence and support. I am proud to announce the completion of our very first project. This school is the first of many that my foundation will implement successfully. There are more projects in the works, but I will touch on that another day. I extend a special thank you to the Minister of Education for accepting my invitation and gracing us with your presence today.

Education is a basic necessity for every child, yet many kids roam the streets without access to it. This is due to unplanned pregnancies or a lack of resources. Many young girls and women who were unable to control their sexual desires fall in this category. Personally, I encourage ab*rtion but, whatever," she paused for a second and the people murmured amongst themselves.

She continued,

"It breaks my heart to see this. Therefore, I have established this free school where children can acquire an education while their guardians work to provide food and shelter.

I am glad to say that this project has created over a thousand jobs, and every worker is paid for their services. I have invested billions into the school's treasury to ensure that the needs of the establishment are met for years to come.

Once again, thank you for your support, and I would like to conclude by showing you a video showcasing the entire school, both inside and out."

The audience erupted in applause as she finished her speech and ended with a message of gratitude.

As Adrienne watched the video, she felt immense pride in her accomplishment. She caught Daniel's eye, and he winked at her, causing her to giggle.

"Weirdo," she playfully muttered to herself.

As they exited the hall, Daniel commended her achievement, albeit with a caveat. "That was seventy percent impressive," he said.

Adrienne, confident in her success, retorted, "What happened to the remaining thirty? I believe it was one hundred percent impressive."

Daniel reminded her of the negative press comments to expect, disapproving of her provocative outfit and vocal support of abortion. Adrienne brushed it off and got into her awaiting vehicle, refusing to take the helicopter.

"I am going to the mansion. I invited some friends over," Adrienne said as she settled into the car.

Daniel reminded her that she should have told him first, but Adrienne confidently replied, "It's my house."

He questioned her plans, prompting her to express excitement to remove her dress and enjoy the cool air.

"Get in. You're coming with me," Adrienne exclaimed. "I'll drive," Daniel replied, taking the keys and dismissing the driver.

Adrienne had already stripped down to her black underwear once they were in the car. "Just focus on the road. It's pool party time, baby!" she exclaimed, leaving a flustered Daniel to concentrate on driving.

*******************

Thanks for reading.

To be continued...

Adrienne stepped out of the car donning a bikini-like underwear, but immediately made her way to her room to change into a normal bikini before joining the others at the pool.

"Yo, David!" she called to a friend as she arrived at the pool.

"Hey, what's up?" David responded.

"I'm diving in," Adrienne announced, before plunging gracefully into the pool.

Swimming was one of Adrienne's favourite pastimes, and she excelled at it. She was known for hosting lavish pool parties across various states and countries as a way to unwind after a long day.

With music playing and the party in full swing, Adrienne was in high spirits, dancing along with her guests. However, her enjoyment was abruptly cut short when a man in the pool touched her inappropriately.

Adrienne was having a good time, twerking in the pool when suddenly, a man in the pool moved closer to her and grabbed her butt, squeezing it.

"No man is allowed to touch me," Adrienne defended herself, pushing him away.

The man retorted, "Stop acting like you didn't like it. Everyone knows you're a slut."

Unfazed, Adrienne smirked at him before walking back into her house. She headed to the master bedroom and lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling for a few minutes.

Suddenly, Adrienne chuckled before slipping out of her bikini and walking nude into the living room. She knew no one was allowed into the main house, and she relished in the freedom of being alone.

She took a seat on the sofa, crossing her legs and staring at the off television with her head held high. "Jerk," she muttered to herself.

Determined to address the man who had touched her inappropriately earlier, Adrienne called someone on her phone and provided a description of the man.

"Tell him I said it's for fun," she instructed the person.

A few minutes later, the man walked in wearing only his swimwear, convinced of his own prowess.

"I knew you liked it," he said confidently.

Adrienne, cool and composed, gave him a cold stare and beckoned him closer. When they were in close proximity, he leered at her body before attempting to touch her breasts.

Using her quick reflexes, Adrienne slapped him hard across the face, causing him to stumble backwards.

"I said no man is allowed to touch me," she fired.

He retaliated, "You like it aggressive?" and forcefully kissed her.

Adrienne didn't hesitate to slap him again, this time using her hand with rings on her fingers, which cut his face and drew blood. She then delivered two more backhand slaps, feeling a sense of satisfaction in the process.

"Ugh! That felt so good," she exclaimed proudly, before making her way upstairs.

As she walked past the man, he shouted, "Don't you ever make a man horny and leave him wanting!"

"Don't you ever call me a slut," Adrienne shot back firmly.

"And get out of my house!" she ordered before retiring to her room.

"Bitch!" He cursed her.

*

Anabelle's voice quivered as she asked, "You're breaking up with me?"

Ryan's reply was solemn. "Yes."

Anabelle struggled to comprehend. "Is this some kind of joke? A prank? Please tell me it is," she pleaded.

"I'm sorry, but it's not," Ryan stated firmly.

"Why, Ryan?? Please tell me why," Anabelle shouted, tears beginning to stream down her face.

Ryan spoke slowly, with a sense of finality. "I fell out of love. I've tried to revive the feelings, but it just doesn't feel right anymore. I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with you."

Anabelle's anger flared at the sudden reality of their situation. "So you're just going to cancel everything we've planned for the past three months? All the appointments, bookings, and invitations?"

Ryan's voice softened. "I'll pay triple the amount of everything and every cancellation fee attached."

Anabelle shook her head, "It's not only about the money. What about my reputation? My family's reputation? We've built everything over the past two years. How can you simply throw it away?"

"Do you love me?" Ryan asked, seeking a direct answer.

Anabelle remained silent, refusing to answer.

Ryan's voice grew angry. "Answer me!"

Anabelle replied defensively, "What does my love or lack of love have to do with this engagement?"

Frustrated, Ryan confronted her. "You don't love me, do you? Did you ever love me? I even thought your feelings changed because mine changed. You only care about your reputation and showing off your lifestyle to others. You want money? I'll give it to you. But I want you out of my life for good."

"What of Brian?" Annabelle asked and her question melted his anger immediately.

Brian is the couple's son, conceived a month after Ryan ended their five-month relationship. At first, Ryan had his doubts about whether the baby was his, but kept it to himself. Financially strapped, he suggested that Anabelle terminate her pregnancy, but she refused. After much argument, they decided to keep the baby. During the ensuing months, while taking care of Anabelle and accompanying her to doctor visits, Ryan fell for her again and they started dating.

As Ryan's family business began booming, he lost his feelings for Anabelle once more after the birth of Brian. She often rejected his advances -only gave in a few times- and insulted him for not being able to cater to the lavish lifestyle she craved. Anabelle informed Ryan that she was expecting again, but conditions her agreement to another termination upon their marriage.

Ryan accepted, hoping that they would rekindle their love after they married, but he only grew more frustrated and delayed the wedding for over a year. He knew that he had to end the relationship for good, despite his love for his son Brian and Brian's attachment to Anabelle.

Now that Anabelle had demanded marriage, Ryan felt that his son's happiness was at stake. He knew that he couldn't continue in this relationship, especially for his son's sake.

Ryan approached Anabelle in a calm yet determined manner. "I'll hand over the house documents to you. You can continue staying there with Brian, and I'll move out of the house. However, you have to allow me to visit or take him out, whenever and wherever I want," he proposed.

Anabelle replied sarcastically, "Wow, what a sweet dad!"

"You're going to move out, buy a new house and live a free life while I'll be stuck raising our child? You want to go out to parties, sleep with low-class girls, returning home late while I'm having sleepless nights raising Brian? Or do you think I don't know about your affairs?" she fired back.

Ryan defended himself. "What affairs? You're the only girl I've been intimate with for the past three years."

Anabelle then brought up Juliette in the conversation as a potential love interest for Ryan, but he explained that their relationship was purely professional. He also mentioned that Anabelle had been unfaithful in their relationship with several photos as evidence.

Ignoring his allegations, Anabelle was blunt. "Take your sperm and raise it," she said in reference to Brian.

Ryan was flabbergasted by her response. "How could you say that about our innocent child? You were the one who wanted to keep him," he reminded her.

Anabelle broke down and admitted her regret. "I don't want him. You can raise him. I'll visit once in a while," she said, looking away.

Ryan was heartbroken. "Do you know how much he loves you? You are about to hurt an innocent two-year-old!" he exclaimed.

Anabelle remained unyielding, "I want to go out on dates, drink alcohol with my friends, go to strip clubs, and go on vacations - not be stuck raising a child," she said.

Ryan was disappointed in himself for allowing things to come to this point. He knew what he needed to do - take custody of Brian and raise him without Anabelle's involvement.

"How did I end up with a fake girl like her?" he asked himself. Ryan was overcome with a strong sense of disappointment and shock.

"I don't even know how I ended up with someone like you. You're so selfish and insensitive, even towards your own child," he said, standing up and preparing to leave.

Annabelle tried to stop him, "Ryan, let's..." but he walked away without looking back.

Ryan drove to his and Anabelle's house, feeling angry and frustrated. He walked in and disregarded the greetings of the workers who welcomed him. Suddenly, he heard his son calling out, "Daddy!" and running towards him.

Ryan glowed at the sight of his adorable son and felt guilty, knowing that he had given Brian a difficult mother. "Hey, little man. How are you?" he asked his son, oblivious to everyone else in the room.

Brian answered with, "Fine, daddy."

Curious about why his son was still awake, Ryan asked Juliette, his secretary and personal assistant, who was also helping out with the child, "Why is Brian still awake?"

Juliette replied, "He refused to sleep. He was calling for 'mama' and 'daddy.' We spent the evening watching cartoons together."

Ryan apologized to Juliette for being late and delaying her, then offered to drop her off safely. Juliette politely declined the offer, as she had already driven herself to the house.

As they said their goodbyes, Brian clung to Ryan's leg and said, "Mama."

Ryan assured him, "Mummy is coming. Let's go to sleep now."

As Ryan lay in bed with his son by his side, he pondered the state of his relationship with Anabelle. "Love gone sour," he murmured to himself.

Meanwhile, he received a text from Juliette, and informed her of his breakup with Anabelle. He also informed her that he planned to give her some 'settlement money' and settle the issue with his lawyer. Before Ryan eventually drifted off to sleep, he cuddled his son, feeling content with their bond.

*

The next day, the news headlines read: "Business mogul opens new school for underprivileged children, expresses views on abortion," "Billionaire philanthropist commissions free school for children, supports reproductive rights," and "Popular Actress mounts podium with a see through dress, encourages termination of unwanted pregnancies."

Daniel walked into Adrienne's room to show her the headlines and express his frustration. Adrienne was working out when he entered.

"Popular actress? When did I become an actress?" Adrienne questioned.

"Doesn't matter. You gave them something negative to write about," Daniel chastised her.

Unfazed, Adrienne responded, "I love all the media attention."

Daniel then informed her of a lawsuit regarding a physical altercation that allegedly took place at a party the night before.

"What did you do?" he asked her.

"He touched my butt and forcefully kissed me. Let's just say that I left my mark on his face," Adrienne smirked.

Daniel was upset, "He touched my girl? He's going down."

Adrienne nonchalantly suggested, "Just return the favor with a sexual abuse lawsuit."

Daniel relayed a message from Adrienne's mother, asking her to stop by before she returns to Lagos.

Adrienne declined, "Tell her I'll visit next week. I know she only wants to shout at me about yesterday's event."

"You deserve it," Daniel retorted with a smirk.

"Get out," Adrienne said, setting a timer for her meditation.

The conversation ended, and Adrienne continued her workout and meditation session.

After meditating, she had her bath and few hours later, she flew back to her main house in Lagos.

*

Ryan discussed with Juliette that Anabelle suspected that they were dating, which made Juliette feel uneasy, even if it went unnoticed by Ryan.

"I wonder why," Juliette said, feeling uncomfortable.

Ryan continued, "I am packing Anabelle's things out of the house today because she doesn't want Brian, so he will be living with me, and she will move out of the house."

"I see," Juliette replied, still subtly curious about why he was sharing this with her.

Ryan smirked slightly, "You're wondering why I am telling you this, right?"

"Yes sir. Kinda," Juliette stammered awkwardly.

"Well...I don't know either, but I need you to find two more nannies for Brian," Ryan said, changing the subject.

The atmosphere became strained and strange between them.

"You can go now," Ryan said out of nowhere, dismissing Juliette.

Juliette turned to leave, but Ryan suddenly went after her as soon as she hit the door.

"Wait a minute," he said, a small smile appearing on his face.

"Happy birthday, beautiful," Ryan said to Juliette suddenly.

Stunned, Juliette responded with a touch of formality, still surprised by the intimate flattery.

"You looked surprised," Ryan observed.

"I am actually. It just feels kinda strange that you're acknowledging my birthday and complimenting me. I have worked with you for almost two years without ever getting this kind of acknowledgement," Juliette said shyly.

Ryan, already planning something special for her birthday, went on, "Well, it's about to get even weirder. I have a birthday present for you. Go home now, enjoy your day, and tomorrow, don't come to work. Instead, I'll pick you up at 9 am. Spend the day out today, use one of my cards, and have fun. It's an order. Remember, you deserve it."

"Thank you sir for your kindness," Juliette bowed and said to him, then left his office.

Juliette smiled faintly as she walked to her seat, looking forward to a special birthday.

*

Adrienne sat on her bed, concentrating on some files on her laptop while Daniel lay flat on his stomach, scrolling through his phone.

"How's the entrepreneurship center coming along?" Adrienne inquired.

"It's great! So far, we're on track to complete it within two to three months," Daniel responded.

"I'll visit it soon, then," Adrienne said.

"That reminds me, tomorrow is my cheat day, don't disturb me," Adrienne said and smirked.

"Tomorrow is my day off, and if you call me, I'm resigning," Daniel replied playfully, causing Adrienne to chuckle.

As Adrienne shifted closer to Daniel, she posed a question to him, "By the way, am I beautiful? Do you think I am beautiful?"

"Yes, you are," Daniel replied casually, his focus still on his phone.

Adrienne followed up, wondering why he didn't develop romantic feelings for her over nearly three years of their association.

"You want to have a romantic or sexual relationship with me?" Daniel asked.

"I don't know. When two people have worked together for a long time, it is only natural that feelings can develop for the other," Adrienne said, inching closer to him. Daniel rolled over to face her, and Adrienne moved over him.

As they progressively grew closer to 'tease' a steamy moment, Adrienne's mother interrupted them.

"Good evening ma," Daniel greeted calmly, undisturbed that they had been 'about to kiss'.

Adrienne's mother arrived unexpectedly, and Adrienne was taken aback.

"What are you doing here?" Adrienne asked.

"You left Abuja without saying hello to me. You didn't even pick up my calls," her mother complained.

Adrienne was unconcerned, "You flew all the way here to tell me that?"

"Yes, I did. Why not?" her mother replied.

"Mom, you need to start dating. You have too much free time," Adrienne said, rolling her eyes.

Her mother then noticed the two of them in an intimate position. "Why are you guys in that position?" she inquired.

"As you can see, I am trying to get myself a boyfriend, and you are interrupting me. Please excuse us," Adrienne dismissed her mother.

"Tsk tsk tsk," her mom left them.

Once alone again, Adrienne sweetened her voice and lowered her lips to Daniel's. They stopped inches away from each other, staring into each other's eyes.

"Why aren't you kissing me or pushing me away?" Adrienne asked.

"Because I know you won't kiss me. I know you were only flirting with me as usual," Daniel explained, stroking her hair.

Adrienne was disappointed, "Oh, you weren't even moved?"

"No, I wasn't," Daniel confirmed.

Exhaling deeply, Adrienne collapsed on his chest, and Daniel patted her back.

"Have you thought about what I told you last week?" Daniel asked Adrienne.

"Shhh. Let's not talk and instead enjoy this moment. Let's stay like this for a few seconds," Adrienne requested, closing her eyes while Daniel patted her back.