Wisps of Skylar's Fate

PROLOGUE

Antonia Daniels was the only child of Sir Daniels Jeremy, the chief adviser to the president of the country. Sir Daniels was one of the richest men in the country of Minefair. The fifty-four year old man was highly respected and honoured by all.

The man had lost his beloved wife to death when Antonia was just eleven years old. He refused to remarry because he couldn't bear the fact that another woman would raise his dear daughter. He believed that no one could be a better mother and wife than his late wife so the parenting of his only daughter fell on his shoulders alone. He showered her with so much love that people marveled at the beautiful and cordial relationship that existed between Sir Daniels and his daughter.

Antonia grew up to be a very beautiful young lady. She completely took after the exquisite features of her mother. It was almost impossible for one to pass by her without taking a second look at her.

News about the beautiful Antonia Daniels was all over the country. At the young age of twenty four, she started her own fashion brand and a charity home. With the influence of her father, she became highly successful and she had all that she needed.

Life seemed to be perfect for Antonia until the conflicting appearances of Fred Winfield and Dylan Macintosh in her life which led to a series of entangled fates twenty five years later.

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CHAPTER ONE

(His little secret)

Twenty-five years ago

Antonia and her father had just finished their dinner and were in the living room, relaxing. The living room spelt out comfort and gave a sense of warmth. The expensive furniture was soft and inviting. The big room was painted in muted and earthy colours, with warm tones of beige and maroon.

The soft lights in the living room created an atmosphere of satisfaction and peace. The interior decorations in the living room were made with gold. The living room screamed wealth. It was obvious that it was a rich man's house.

"Dad, I have something to tell you." Antonia said in a low tone, looking upset. She was ready to talk her heart out to her father.

Antonia noticed that her father's eyes were glued on the television. He was watching the 10pm nation news. He was so engrossed that he didn't hear his daughter talk.

Antonia sighed and softly tapped her father on his hand to gain his attention.

Sir Daniels took his eyes off the TV to his daughter. Sir Daniels was a tall and huge man with aqua marine eyes. Despite his age, he looked young like a man in his early thirties. His sharp, cat-like eyes looked intimidating but enchanting.

He moved closer to her and patted her hair gently then slowly felt her body temperature. He heaved a sigh of relief when he realized that her temperature was fine.

"What is it my princess? Are you ill?" Sir Daniels asked with concern, looking curiously at her face and ready to hear what she had to say.

"I am fine." She replied with aloofness.

She shifted uncomfortably in the chair and tried to express her feelings.

"The thing is..." She started. "Dad, I am not comfortable with the idea of going out with escorts. I can't even visit my friends without being followed. All I want is a normal life like every other person out there. I really don't understand the reason why I am being guarded. I need my privacy dad." She finally voiced out, folding her arms across her chest.

Sir Daniels smiled and patted Antonia's hair again. He had always been fond of his daughter and all that mattered to him was her happiness. Thoughtfully, he took the remote control which was on the armrest and turned down the volume of the television.

"Is that all?" He asked Antonia who was still folding her arms with a slight frown on her face.

There was no reply from Tonia.

Sir Daniels smiled again and nodded in understanding.

"Come on my darling, I'm only doing this for your own sake." He tried to explain and tried to hold her hand but she was quick enough to let it out of his grip.

Antonia turned to look at her father with a frown.

"How is this for my own sake dad? How is infringing on my privacy for my sake? This has been happening since when I was a kid. I can't go anywhere without being followed. I am now twenty four years old dad. I'm an adult. I deserve my own space. I don't like being followed. I don't want to be followed and you know it." She said, visibly angry.

Sir Daniels continued to smile as he watched his daughter vent his anger on him. That was one of the rarest days of which he had seen in daughter in an angry mood. He had always expected that day to come and had prepared himself well for it.

Sir Daniels drank a little from a glass of whiskey which was placed on a small stool in his front. He did this slowly for some minutes before he gently placed the already empty glass cup on the stool.

"My princess." he started, pacifying his daughter. "Of course I understand you. I am your father and I understand you more than anyone does. I know you are a private person and I don't wish to infringe on your privacy or make you uncomfortable in anyway. We lost your mum twelve years ago and her departure made a big hole in our hearts." He said, his voice had begun to break. His wife's death was still a very sensitive topic to him.

Antonia's countenance immediately changed to a guilt-striken one. She had always avoided discussing her mother with him because of the emotional pain he went through when reminded of his wife. The last thing she would ever do was to make her father sad or downcast.

She placed a soothing hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to talk about it dad. I know this is a sensitive topic to you. Let's just forget about this whole issue dad. I am sorry for troubling you." She said in a low tone and made to stand up from the sofa.

"Sit!" She heard her father say.

"Dad" She muttered.

"It's fine Tonia. Sit down" Sir Daniels persuaded her, tapping the sofa.

Sir Daniels paused for a minute before speaking up. "Tonia, what was the cause of the death of your mother?" he asked his daughter who looked at him in bewilderment.

"It is obvious dad, it was cancer. Everyone knows that." She told him, gazing curiously at him as she wondered about what he was up to.

She heard his voice again."That was what I made you to believe. It wasn't cancer."

"What!" She exclaimed in shock, wondering if her father was playing some sort of mind game with her.

Sir Daniels sighed and smiled bitterly before he spoke up. "Twelve years ago, I was vying for the post of the governor of city H, our hometown. There were four other contestants too but I was the strongest candidate and I had more influence on the citizens.

Throughout the weeks of campaigning and contesting , my wife and I received a lot of death threats and there were attempts to ruin my image but I remained unruffled and at the end of the election, I emerged as the governor of city H. My opponents received the news of my winning with great displeasure and heavy criticism but what could they do? I had already won.

Two months after I was declared the governor of city H, your mum and I flew you out of the country to stay with my mum for a while to ensure your protection. Things continued to go smoothly until one day..." His voice shook as he paused. He felt reluctant to continue with the story. There was a flick of sadness in his eyes.

"Come on dad." Tonia urged her father, holding his hands with comfort.

He paused again as if he was contemplating on whether or not he should continue with his narration. The curious look in his daughter's eyes made him willing to continue.

"It was your mother's birthday and she went in the company of two of her maids to get souvenirs for the guests who would be attending her birthday party. On her way going, she was attacked by some assassins. Two bullets were shot straight into her chest and she died on the spot.

It was quite surprising that the two maids were left untouched which made it obvious that the killers were after your mother. It was the two maids who alerted the police. On hearing the news of my wife's death, I almost ran mad. Life became meaningless for me. I dropped the governorship post and I allowed my deputy to take over because I wasn't in my right state of mind to govern the state.

My mum and I decided to not tell you the exact truth about the death of your mother. We knew that you will be too petrified to hear about the circumstances surrounding her death. You were too young and this might affect your mental health. We told you she died of cancer.

We knew it would hurt you but it was much more better than you knowing the fact that your mother was murdered in cold blood. I only let you to return to city H a year later when the whole buzz about your mother's death had died down." He finally explained and felt a heavy load off his shoulders.

By the time he was through, Tonia broke into sad sobs. It pained her to know that her mother was murdered. She had spent such a short time with her mother but she had definitely loved her and was so fond her till her demise.

Tonia was heartbroken. "But why?" She cried. "Why would anyone hurt her?"

Sir Daniels, whose eyes were wet with tears too as he consoled his daughter. He felt his heart rent to pieces as his daughter cried in his arms. When her sobs had quietened a little, she asked. "Were the assassins caught?" She wanted to know.

Sir Daniels continued with his story.

"Of course they were. After two weeks of thorough investigation by the police, it turned out that two out of the four governorship contestants were the ones who connived and sent assassins to murder your mum. They knew she was the most important person to me and they decided to toy with my mental health knowing that I won't be able to continue with my duty if she is out of the way.

The men and the assassins sent were arrested and sentenced to death by hanging. Justice was served my dear. Your mother's death wasn't in vain. I felt so guilty towards the death of my wife. If only I knew, I would have protected her. If I had known, I would have asked asked the best security men in the world to protect her. She was without escorts at the time of her death. She was just like the way you are now. She didn't like the paparazzi and didn't like to be escorted.

Now that I am back again in the political world, I will do everything that I can to protect you. You know your grandma died three years ago. You're all I am left with. Your protection and welfare is my responsibility. I won't let a single ant touch you. I don't want to make the same mistake that I made twelve years ago.

So my darling, try to understand me. I only want you to be safe. All I want is your safety. The political and business worlds are dangerous. They are beyond the comprehension of a layman. Anything can happen at anytime and that was the reason why I delayed your admission process to the university for a year in order for you to learn Martial arts.

You had always wanted to study at Candies University, I couldn't allow you because I had to make you be within my reach. I am so sorry for not telling you the truth before now." He apologized and dabbed his weepy face with an handkerchief.

"No Dad" Tonia shook her head as her father tightened his embrace on her.

"There is no need for you to be sorry. I understand your pain. I'm only grateful to you for standing strong during these past years and loving me with all you have." She said as tears flowed freely from her eyes. It was such a sad night for the Daniels' family.

Minefair University, City F

"There she is!" Someone shouted excitedly.

The students nearby giggled among themselves in anticipation. Of course, they knew who was being talked about. They continued to giggle and kept their eyes glued on the huge, black gates of the school, their hearts yearning for their school's beauty queen, the only one who could get such reactions from her fellow students.

Two luxurious, white Ferraris drove right into the school compound and straight into the school's spacious car garage. The giggling and cheers became louder as the cars drove in. Some students brought out their phones, ready to take pictures. Some even went as far as hurriedly getting books and pens for autographs.

Seeing Antonia Daniels was not an everyday affair. She was a part-time student so she didn't go to school daily. Her fashion brand and charity home needed more of her time and attention so she had to settle for part-timing at school.

Antonia was a top student studying business administration. Just like her father, she had always loved the business world and she never hesitated to showcase her interest in it.

Two hefty bodyguards dressed in black suits with security earpieces fixed to their ears stepped out of the second Ferrari. They were stone-faced men who would do anything to protect their young madam.

The door of the first Ferrari opened and another bodyguard dressed in the same fashion came out. The driver of the car came out and hastily stepped forward to open the car door for Tonia but she opened it before he got to her.

The three men stood protectively behind her in such a way that greatly irritated Antonia, making her eye them with an annoyed look.

Antonia had tried to understand her father and accepted the fact that he was only doing this for her. Though the number of the bodyguards were reduced from seven to three, she still didn't like it. She would have been more comfortable with only a bodyguard but she had to please her father. It was for her safety after all.

"Tonia!" Shouts of her name rented the air as she stepped out in style. She walked out slowly, revealing her fair, long legs. She was wearing a short, flared black gown with pink floral designs carefully designed on the hem of the dress.

Gracing her legs was a pair of black high heels shoes and a black hat to adorn her head. On her neck was a customized silver pendant with her name boldly designed on it. Beautifying her ears was a pair of diamond earrings. She looked so breathtaking in her light makeup.

She smiled as she looked at the students who were her fans.

"Hi guys" She waved her beautifully manicured fingers at the little crowd. Most of them were her juniors. She was also very popular among them due to the fact that she gave them extra tutorials when she had the time, giving them a helping hand in their academics.

Tonia was a final year student of Minefair university, a school attended by geniuses and brainers. One cannot be admitted into the school with connections or influence due to its tight procedures and rules.

Before one could be admitted, he or she had to write the school's entrance examination which was usually laced with tough and tought-provoking questions. It was not a school for the weak hearted.

There were low gasps from the people as she walked gracefully, Mother Earth kissing her feet.

"She has always been gorgeous"

"Gosh! She is so beautiful"

"I will be the happiest guy on earth if I ever have a chance to date her"

"My role model"

"Blinding beauty"

"I can't wait to attend her tutorials classes again"

"She is so hot"

"Tonia is the best"

"Beauty with brains"

"My crush"

"My love for her is unlimited"

There was a lot of comments about her as she walked past them, acknowledging their greetings with slight bows and smiles, making the students cheer louder. Her killer smiles were just more than enough to give them a beautiful morning.

Many of them rushed to her to take pictures with her and make her sign her autographs. Tonia did all these still maintaining her smile.

She suddenly looked up and sighted a cute looking girl trying to surge through the small crowd of the students. The chubby girl was holding onto a small jotter and a pen. Perhaps, they were for an autograph. The lady kept adjusting her eyeglasses as she made her way towards Tonia.

Tonia stood still and gazed at the girl. What struck her at first was her cute looking, innocent face. Her brown, wavy hair looked so appealing to the eyes. One could easily sight her gemstone green eyeballs which was covered by her eyeglasses. Her determination to get to Tonia made Tonia to pick more interest in her.

Tonia couldn't place what exactly it was but she felt an instant likeness for the girl. The girl was about to get to where she was standing when she was unintentionally pushed by someone from behind and she fell.

Her eyeglasses gave way to the floor. The girl groped around half-blindly, trying to locate her eyeglasses. Her vision had become blur but no one seemed to pay any attention to her.

Suddenly, she felt a pair of soft, warm hands on hers.

"Are you alright?" A calm voice spoke to her. The girl nodded as she inwardly admired the voice and thought it sounded familiar. Then the girl realized!

Antonia found the eyeglasses and gently placed it on the girl's nose bridge and helped her up.

Chloe looked up to see a pair of enthralling and bright hazel eyes staring back at her. She couldn't believe her eyes.

"Are my eyes playing a prank on me?" Chloe muttered to herself in slight confusion and felt her hands shook a little.

Her favorite idol was standing in front of her smiling and talking to her. She even touched her. Chloe subconsciously touched where Tonia had touched her and she blushed so hard.

Biting her soft plump lips, she looked down in shyness.

"Tonia?" She muttered in her calm voice.

Antonia smiled again and patted her hair fondly. "It is a relief that you are fine." She began, taking a glance at Chloe's eyeglasses. "I am sorry about that. I hope it didn't break." Antonia asked with concern.

Chloe was taken by surprise. She was just too excited to speak. Though Antonia was just four years older than her, she was her role model. She would follow her on all her social media pages and zealously took part in the fans' meetings.

It made her sad that Tonia never took notice of her but she never gave up on being a top fan of Tonia's. Such was the love of a fangirl. Chloe had never thought that she would have the opportunity to be noticed by Tonia but there she was, her idol, standing in front of her and conversing with her. She even patted her hair. Good heavens!

"I....um... I'm fine. They didn't break." She stuttered.

Antonia smiled and nodded.

"She is so cute." She thought to herself. She was used to seeing overexcited fans reacting like that when they see her.

She took a closer look at Chloe and felt instinctively that she had seen her somewhere.

"You look familiar though." She observed, trying hard to recollect how she met her. "Have we met before?" She asked the young lady.

"Yes, you are right." Chloe shyly nodded.

"I'm the fan who gifted you a customized photo frame with your picture customized on the cover page. I gave it to you during your last meet and greet." She reminded, secretly happy that Tonia finally noticed her.

Tonia's eyes glistened with recognition.

"I think I remember now. I am sorry I couldn't thank you properly. I was in a hurry because of the fashion show that I had that day. Thanks for the gift. It was so beautiful." Tonia said with sincerity.

Chloe's heart missed a beat as she watched Antonia mouth those words to her. She surreptitiously pinched herself to make sure that she wasn't dreaming and the pain she felt brought her to reality. It was real! She just couldn't stop thanking her stars. She was even more touched by Antonia's kindness, quelling the popular stereotype that celebrities are arrogant.

Chloe smiled widely and gave her a little bow. "You are welcome. I am glad you like it."

Antonia took a glance at her wristwatch and realized that she was running late. She placed a hand on Chloe's shoulder.

"I think I have to go now. My lecture is in few minutes' time."

"Wait please!" came Chloe's voice. "Can I... can I get a hug from you?" She asked, nervously.

Antonia smiled, flashing her bright dimples.

"Sure." She moved closer to Chloe and gave her a big hug.

"I'll like to see more of you" Antonia said, surprising her the more.

She opened her handbag and brought out a card.

"Here, come to my fashion home anytime you're less busy so we can hangout." She said as she gave the card to Chloe who received it with sweaty hands. Antonia, of all people was willing to hangout with her. She couldn't believe her luck. She just wanted to scream out loud in joy.

"What is your name?" Antonia wanted to know.

"Chloe Macintosh" Chloe replied.

"Alright Chloe. I'll see you around." Antonia said and waved at her. Chloe stood numbly as she watched the retreating figure of Antonia. She was being surrounded by her fans again but the bodyguards restricted them, trying to make them understand that she had somewhere to be.

Chloe kept smiling and blushing as she walked towards her departmental building for the day's lecture. She felt on top of the world as she kept reliving her moments with Antonia.

"That's the girl." She heard some voices behind her. She turned and saw three ladies pointing to her.

"She is so lucky. Antonia extended a hand of friendship towards her right there in everyone's presence. Gosh! I really envy her" One of the girls said.

"I wish I was the one. Antonia is so sweet." Another said.

"I know right?" The third girl agreed.

Chloe blushed hard again as she walked into the class. The lecture was about to begin. Hurriedly, her eyes scanned the big lecture hall which was almost filled up with students.

Chloe was a sophomore in the department of arts. She was into creative arts.

"Hey!" A voice called out to her. It was her best friend, Kylie Candela, a tall and pretty looking blonde with violet eyes. On her face were not-so-visible speckles. She had a streak of toughness. She was a fighter and a bright spark.

Kylie can be so chatty at times too.

Chloe smiled as she walked towards Kylie.

Sitting beside her she said, "You won't believe what happened to me today." Chloe said in excitement, setting her school bag on her laps.

"Of course, I will believe." Kylie said humorously. "News about your meeting with Antonia is all over the school. I am happy that you have finally gotten a chance to be noticed by your idol. I will be at rest now. At least, I will be free from having to hear how beautiful and awesome she is everytime from you." Kylie said with a light smirk.

"I know right?" Chloe replied. "Thanks for listening to all my praises about her."

"You're welcome" Kylie replied as they both burst into laughter.

"Dylan needs to hear about this. I can't describe how I feel right now." Chloe said and lightly clasped her hand around her mouth as her body shook with giggles.

Kylie rolled her eyes and scoffed.

"Seriously? I don't get your obsession with Antonia. I know she is cool and all of that but..." She paused and dismissed the topic. She knew raising up the topic with Chloe would only lead to a series of arguments and passionate defense from her.

"Dylan texted me yesterday night." She informed Chloe.

Chloe's eyes widened. "Really? What did he say?"

Kylie shrugged. "Yeah, he didn't say anything much. It was just the usual pleasantries but he told me that he will be finalizing his projects soon."

Chloe nodded. "He told me too. Gosh! I can't wait for him to come home. I really miss him." She said with a sullen look and intertwined her fingers, absentmindedly. She looked up and saw Kylie gazing mischievously at her.

"What?" She asked with a scoff.

Kylie smiled cunningly and peered closer into her eyes.

"Are you sure you can't wait for him to come home because you miss him or is it because of Adriel?"

Chloe smirked and spoke with slight irritation.

"What has Adriel got to do with this conversation? Can't you be serious for once?" Chloe scolded her.

Kylie, who was not a bit concerned about Chloe's confrontation continued to tease her.

"Tell me Chloe, do you still have a crush on him?"

Chloe sighed and brought out her phone and decided to play a game to distract herself from Kylie's taunts.

"Young lady" Kylie said a little loudly, determined to taunt her friend. Chloe ignored her and continued to play her game.

"Come on, come on... Miss lover girl." Kylie continued.

Chloe, unable to put up with Kylie's continuous tease dropped her phone and sighed esperatedly. "What's your problem with me ma'am? Why are you bent on pissing me off? She demanded.

"Come on Chloe, do you still like that guy? I need to know. He hasn't called you neither did he reply your texts. I am sure he saw them and chose not to respond. He is such a jerk. I promise to remove two of his front teeth when he comes back. How dare he...". She felt a sharp pinch on her right cheek. Chloe had pinched her.

Kylie rubbed her cheeks in pain and faced her. "What did you do that for you wicked being?"

Chloe scoffed.

Kylie tried to retaliate but Chloe was fast enough to dodge.

"Oops!" Chloe said and stuck out her tongue mockingly.

Kylie stared at her and nodded her head. "Trust me, I am going to retaliate."

Chloe stuck out her tongue again. "In your dreams Miss."

Kylie was about to say something when a guy approached them.

He was a tall guy with a well-built body, making him to look like one who had spent all his days at the gym. He looked fascinating and charming. He had his spiky hair dyed in cream colour and it looked so good on him. He had a distinguishing sexy voice which had the ability to make people want to hear him speak. His mustache and beards were trimmed with great professionalism, adding to his already perfect good looks.

He was wearing a white t-shirt with denim trousers and loosely hanging from his shoulder was a jacket, giving him a bad boy look. His beautiful, pink lips looked so tempting and might make one's mouth salivate at the mere look of it.

He is Raymond Bob. He was the number one playboy in the whole school. Many of the girls had a crush on him and they would do anything to make him theirs. He had totally blinded them with his boyish charms.

"Hi ladies" Raymond Roy said jovially and gave Kylie a slapping handshake.

"What's up dude?" Kylie said, standing up.

"Hi Chloe." Ray waved at Chloe and offered her a handshake, smiling.

Chloe ignored his hand and continued with her game.

"Hi" She replied, not sparing him a glance.

If Ray was embarrassed, he did a great job of hiding it. "I guess you are busy." He tried to pick a conversation with her but he got ignored again.

Kylie cleared her throat and placed a hand on Raymond's shoulder. "Let her be, Raymond. She is having a mood swing. You know... girls stuff" She covered up for Chloe's behavior.

Ray laughed dryly and looked at Chloe again with a kind of mysterious glint in his eyes. "Oh! I get you. I just wanted to ask you ladies if I can have lunch with you next Tuesday."

Kylie shrugged carelessly. "No problem. It's fine by me."

"Really?" He said, his Adam's apple bubbling up and down. He wanted to hear Chloe speak but he was disappointed to see that she wasn't interested in the discussion.

He turned to face Kylie and cast a quick glance at his wristwatch "I'll catch up with you later. Probably during lunchtime. I've got somewhere to be." He said walking away.

"Won't you attend the lecture?" Kylie called out to him.

Ray waved his hands in the air in reply. "Nope, I'll skip classes today."

"Alright, take care of yourself." Kylie replied him and stared at his retreating figure, folding her arms.

Ray's baritone could be heard at the other end of the hall, giggling and talking with some students.

"Such a hot guy!" Kylie said with a chuckle and nodded

Kylie walked towards Chloe and sat beside her. "What was that?" She asked her with a frown.

Chloe raised her head and raised her eyebrows. "What was what?"

Kylie scoffed. "Don't act like you don't know what I am talking about. You acted so cold to Raymond. That wasn't cool of you. "

"Was I supposed to jump on him like a hungry puppy?" Chloe said sarcastically.

Kylie sighed and roved her hands into her hair. "Don't make this difficult Chloe. Your reply to him was embarrassing. The last time I checked, you never had issues with him so why the snobbish behavior?" Kylie said with a serious expression.

Chloe heaved a sigh and raised her hands in surrender. "Okay, okay... I'm sorry. I just didn't want to talk to him."

Kylie stared at her without a word, making Chloe slightly uncomfortable

Chloe blinked her eyes and smiled. "Fine, I am sorry."

"Whatever" Kylie rolled her eyes.

Knowing that Kylie wasn't happy with her, she tried to appease her.

"Since he said that he will like to have lunch with us next Tuesday, I accept it."

"Really?" Kylie said with a pout.

"Yeah" Chloe nodded.

"Now you are being a good girl" Kylie patted her hair playfully.

"You can say that again" Chloe said with a giggle.

Chloe suddenly paused for a while. "The truth is....Ray reminds me of him. They kind of...look alike" She confessed.

Kylie looked confused. "Him?" Then she realized. "You mean Adriel?" She asked with raised eyebrows.

Chloe slowly nodded.

Kylie clapped her hands in amusement. "What on earth is wrong with you Chloe? I am surprised that you haven't given up on that guy. Someone that you haven't seen in four years."

Chole almost teared up. "What can I do Kylie? What can I do?" She beat her chest. "My stupid heart won't just stop thinking of him."

Kylie looked at her friend in pity. "That's why you should give other guys a chance in your heart. You will easily forget about him that way and I think you're right. Now that I think about it, it seems Ray and Adriel do really look alike"

"Right!" Chloe responded and snapped her fingers.

"Whatever, just take that guy out of your life you silly girl" Kylie said and pinched Chloe's cheek.

"Retaliation successful." She laughed with glee while Chloe glared at her.

At that moment, the lecturer walked into the hall, demanding decorum from the students. Everyone brought out their laptops and jotters, ready for the day's lecture.