LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

Madison's POV

"Boss everything is all ready. Shall we head to the meeting now?" Mary, an average middle woman with spectacles who happens to be my adviser and personal secretary cut me out of my spacing.

"Oh Mary, when did you get here? I clearly forgot about the meeting. Have you prepared the speech I'll be presenting?"

"Yes boss. It's all in detail just like you want it."

"Okay, let me have a glimpse of it for a minute or so. You can head to the conference room first, I'll join you all soon."

"No problem Boss, I'll be waiting for your arrival. Boss, you look lost a while ago. Is everything all right if I may ask?" She asked.

"Everything is good Mary. Thank you for caring."

"If you say so Boss." She replied and left.

I can't believe Derrick would cheat on me after all what we've shared together. I shouldn't have given him so much attention, love and care to the point I'll only get hurt in the end. It was really a good thing I ended it with him last night but I just can't forget the scandal, lies and misuse of my wealth on someone who already has a family with three kids.

Men are so inhuman and cruel, In fact love is worthless. It only causes pain to everyone. I'm never falling in love with any man in my life. I'm good looking, successful in business so what else do I need a man in my life for? Obviously, I don't need one because I can be happy on my own. I have got my parents and friends so what more can I seek in a man.

Derrick you can enjoy your life to the fullest but know one thing, I ain't gonna cry over you. I'll move on with my life and be much happier than you can ever imagine.

I don't need to dwell over you. I can be much more than happy even before I met you.

I picked the file Mary dropped a while ago containing the speech I was going to present to the board members of my company and quietly went through it before heading to the conference room to start the meeting.

I'm Madison C Williams, a successful businessman of twenty five years of age and the only child of my parents. My father is a renowned businessman while my mother is a well known judge all over London.

They're simply the best people I can ever ask for. They brought me up with good virtues and treat both poor and rich equally which made me stick to staying single without a man in my life since they're enough for me but they both confused me, that having a man who will truly love me and they will get to see their grandchildren as well.

At first, I declined the thought but when I had an encounter with Derrick, all my thought to remain single changed and that's how I fell in love with him but he never made mention of being a married man with kids to me until yesterday, a woman showed up at his place and said his children are missing him and wants him back to them.

I was so devastated and angry he could betray me after all the secrets and promises we made to each other but it is all gone now. I need to forget about him and this time around, I'm never falling in love with any man ever again.

***

"Your speech was so wonderful Boss. You've really made all the board members speechless and marvelled with the new business idea." Mary remarked trailing behind me to my office.

"Thank you Mary, it won't have happened if you haven't been so hardworking and for that I'll double your salary."

"Whoa Boss. Thank you so much, I'm really grateful."

"It's nothing, Mary. You deserve the credit as well." I commended giving her a little tap on the shoulder for a job well done.

"Thanks once again Boss." She chuckled.

"You can take a break now, I'll call you when I need anything."

"Sure Boss but can I say something Boss?"

"Yes, go on Mary."

"You look sad and hurt. The moment I called you to inform you about the meeting I knew something was wrong. What is it Boss? You can always share your problems with me like you always do."

"Thank you Mary. Well, you see it Derrick. We finally broke up."

"My conscience wasn't right with him in the first place but when you said he loves you so much and you also do, I thought I was wrong perhaps. No one ever knew he had an aim by getting close to you. Boss, you don't need to keep thinking about him, someone better and worthy of you will find his way to you soon. You just have to move on and be happy, Boss."

I can't stop loving her. She really knows when I am happy or sad and sure knows how to lighten up my mood.

"I'm so lucky to have some as you. You really can tell each time you are in a good or bad situation. Everything is all fine now Mary. I've made up my mind to live by myself as before and never have to deal with any man again. I'm good at being single and always will be."

"Thanks for the compliment Boss but saying you aren't going to have anything to do with any man again is something no one can decide."

"I know Mary and even if it happens I won't accept any of them. Go take your break, we shouldn't talk about it anymore."

"Sure Boss." She replied and left while I engaged myself going through some files.

EVENING

"Welcome home ma'am Madison." The gatekeeper uttered as I came down from the car.

"Thank you, rhhm... Are my parents back?"

"Yes ma'am, they arrived not quite long as well."

"Okay, thanks." I answered and went into the house feeling extremely exhausted.

I walked into the living room and dropped everything in my hands and fell flat on the sofa as Alicia, one of the maids, walked up to me with cold water on a tray.

"Good evening ma'am Madison. You must be tired that's why I brought you something to cool off the stress." She said politely.

"That's so sweet of you, thank you." I answered and took the cold water from her gulping all down my throat before giving her the glass cup back.

"You're welcome ma'am Madison." She responded and left.

"Sunshine, you're home."

I heard my mum's voice from the other end of the living room and saw her approving me along with dad.

"Yes I just came in not quite long. Good evening dad and mum."

"Good evening sweetheart. How was work at the company?" Dad inquired, taking a seat right next to me while mum was standing.

"Stressful dad. How was your outing?"

"It was fun darling, you should have seen how your mum was holding on to me throughout the exhibition."

"Really?" I asked bursting out laughing along with dad.

"Yes honey, she was acting like a teenager."

"Will you both stop teasing me already? Sean, you know pretty well I'm really scared of wild animals yet you insisted we should go on with it." Mum cried out.

"I'm sorry heartthrob but you do need to get over your fears with wild animals. They aren't going to come after you after all."

"That's right mum, you really need to get over that fear but I really missed how your reaction was this time." I

"I'll get over my fears soon enough and show you both who the boss is." She boasted.

"I guess that is a challenge." He responded with a smirk.

"That's okay dad, mum. I'm so exhausted right now, I need a lot of rest so I'll head to my room now." I mused, dragging myself up and heading for the stairs when dad asked after the man who betrayed me.

"I broke up with him, dad. I'll be in my room if you need me." I answered and with that I took the stairs.

I walked into my room and fell flatly on the bed so weak and worn out. I don't know why dad had to ask about that betrayer when I just don't want to even think or ever see him again in my life.

"Honey, are you in there?" Mum asked, knocking on my door.

"Yeah mum, come in." I replied sitting up straight.

"Sunshine, is what you said a while ago true and can you tell me what happened? You know I'm your mum, you can share your feelings with me even if you don't want to share it with your dad."

"Where should I start telling you mum? I still can't believe Derrick would fool me when he is still married with kids."

"I'm sorry about that darling but that doesn't mean you won't find someone better than him."

"Mum at this point, I don't want to have anything to do with any man again. I prefer to be single than get my heart shattered again. I have got you and dad with me and I am happy that way."

"But honey, you can't take a big risk like that. Please have a rethink over it."

"I've made up my mind mum and I'll be happy if you and dad will support my decision."

"Okay sunshine, your dad and I will always go with what will always make you happy." She accepted and pulled me into a warm embrace.

Casabella's POV

"What the hell was all that you displayed out there?" My aunt ranted when we all walked back into the house after bidding Mr Henry and the rest of the guests.

"I just bid them farewell, it's not like I hurt them or something." I rolled my eyes.

"Just look at her attitude Smith, if it isn't because you always caution me not to lay my hands on her I would have killed her a long time ago so she can go join her parents in hell."

"Watch your words Lora, on no account should I ever get to hear you saying you'll kill her because if you do, I won't hesitate to kill you as well. Can't you always think before you utter a word? What do you expect to say? That, I had a hand in the death of her parents and killed her to gain my late brother's wealth all to myself? Think about that Lora?" My uncle

"I'm sorry honey but your niece's attitude is sometimes not acceptable. Didn't you see how she caught all your guests' attention?"

"It's fine by me Lora as long as she doesn't open her flirty mouth to say a word related to us with any of them."

"Is that all you can think of Smith? Don't you care how our daughter felt when the guests didn't appreciate her own beauty but had to keep praising this bitch here none stop. I'm really disappointed in you." Lora cried out with clear rage in her voice.

"This is just the beginning of your suffering in this house. Let go Annie." She added and left our presence along with Annie, who was all teary.

Finally, I made mother and daughter so pissed off and teary. Now they know how it feels to hurt an innocent human with their words and attitude.

"Go to your room now." My uncle yelled sternly and I rushed knowing he's so angry.

I walked into my room and pulled off the dress before taking a shower and drafting off to sleep.

~NEXT MORNING~

I got up early and set to wash all their laundry. I was really lucky the cleaners waited behind and cleaned up everywhere after the dinner was over which makes my work less stressful.

"Do I need to keep reminding you when to make breakfast?" Lora uttered standing at the entrance of the laundry room.

"I totally forgot. Good morning aunt."

"Safe it and go make the breakfast now." She responded and left without cursing words to me.

Whoa! That's unusual of her? She didn't yell or insult me after yesterday's incident? I'm sure she's cooking up something big and dangerous towards me. What's she up to now?

I hurried up to the kitchen and started making the breakfast which was meatball and French fries and in time I was all done and ready to serve the meals.

After serving the meal, I head back to finish the laundry and carry out other necessary things like cleaning all the rooms in the house.

***

"Bella! Bella!! Where the hell are you, bitch?"

"I'm coming, aunt." I responded and rushed to where I heard the sound from.

"I've been calling out your name for a long time. What the hell were you doing that took you long to respond?"

"I was working on the garden since you ordered me to chop off the unwanted tips of the plants."

"And so? Should that take you so long to do or ruse up here the moment you heard me calling out to you."

"Sorry." I mused.

"I'm starving so I want you to go make me lunch."

"Right now? But I am not done with the work you asked me to do before and now this?"

"You have no idea what I am going to do to you for causing a rift between me and my husband. You'll never know peace in this house either, will you ever be happy for doing so." She lamented with venom in each word she uttered.

Like I have ever lived happily with them in this house. She's just proclaiming all her words, the least all she can do is torture and insult me which I am already used to and as far as I am concerned, she doesn't have the courage to kill me even if she always nags about it.

"I had no hand in your rift with my uncle. You chose to blame me for it and nothing more."

"You insolent bitch." She screamed and gave me a slap across the face.

"How dare you talk back that way to me?"

I couldn't move or try to fight her back with words because I know I'll still be the one to end up hurt but at this moment, she has gone overboard.

"Lora, let's get this straight. I'm only putting up with your attitude because you're my uncle's wife, if it wasn't the case, I would have shown you your place." I blustered to her face and left her presence.

"What the fuck did you just say? Bella! Did you just talk back that way to me? Get back here or you won't like what I am going to do to you!" She ranted but I turned deaf and headed to my room.

I don't know where the courage and boldness came from but I'm so proud of myself for spilling the truth to her.

~LATER THAT DAY~

"Bella!" I heard my uncle calling out from the living room.

I left the chores and rushed to the call. "Yes uncle. Good afternoon."

"Have this." He said, handing his credit card to me.

"Go to the King's Plaza and get my favourite wine. I don't know why Lora had us run out of it. Did she mention where she's going to you?"

"No sir."

"Okay, get the wine along with a big sized onion pizza along."

"Okay uncle." I responded and set to go when he called me back.

"Go change your dress and look presentable. I don't know who might be watching over you. Also you can tell the driver to take you there with one of the cars." He stated.

Did he just say those words or am I the one dreaming? No, this isn't coming out from this heartless man. I think I'm dreaming.

I pinch myself to feel if it was real and indeed it was because I felt the pain.

"Don't take it to heart. He's only saying that to protect his prestige from being ruined." My subconscious mind nudged.

Yeah, it is. He only said it not to make anyone suspect the way he treats me.

"Okay uncle." I answered and headed to my room and changed into a purple off shoulder top and a black short skirt with a purple sandal to fit the dressing and packed my hair in a ponytail.

"Hurry up, girl. I don't have much patience again." He rumbled when I walked to the living room.

"Okay uncle." I responded and hurried outside.

The driver was already in the car waiting for me and without waiting more time, I got in and he took off to the mall.

Throughout the ride, I kept marvelling at the way that leads to the mall because it has already changed since the last time I visited the mall.

"We're here Miss Casabella." The driver, who is of middle age said.

"Oh... that's so fast. Thanks for the ride." I replied and dropped down from the car to see the King's Plaza, one of the most luxurious malls in New York.

The last time I went shopping at the mall was when I was about to graduate from university. My uncle brought Annie and I over to do a little shopping for the graduation ceremony which happened to be one of my best moments.

It was the first time I had so much fun throughout the moment I spent with them. But after that moment, everything turned into a nightmare for me.

I walked inside the mall as all eyes fell on me with a series of murmurs which I couldn't hear.

At first, I was feeling uneasy with the way everyone was staring but after so much courage, I proceeded to the reception and a skinny blonde lady.

"Hi, can you please direct me to the wine section."

"Hi madam. Of course, come with me." She answered, smiling.

"Okay, thanks."

"This way, please." She uttered and I followed her suit but she kept staring at me at intervals just like everyone who sees me.

Did I do something to my face or what? Because I don't understand why she keeps staring at me.

"Excuse me, may I ask you a question?" I asked her.

"Yes, please."

"Is there something on my face because everyone keeps staring at me including you too."

"You're so beautiful and pretty madam that's why everyone can't take their eyes off you."

"Thanks. I see the reason why I got everyone's attention on the way."

"Yes madam. I haven't seen anyone as beautiful as you look. If I am told you're a goddess, I will instantly believe."

"Thanks for the compliment."

"It is a pleasure. Enjoy your shopping." She uttered after showing me the section and left.

I roam my eyes going through the section to find Patria Avoyelles which was my uncle's favourite.

It didn't take up to a minute when I found it and made my way to grab the other items before paying for them and left.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

Madison's POV

"Good morning honey. You're all ready for the office?" Dad uttered from the dining area.

"Good morning." I greeted, joining them in the dining area.

"Good morning love." Mum responded with a light smile.

"Sweetie, your mum and I want to have a discussion with you."

"Okay. I hope all is fine?" I inquired, dishing out pancakes and bacon for myself.

"It has to do with your life"

"And what's that?" I was confused.

"Princess, you've got to look for someone who will love you unconditionally. Not all men are the same, you need to move onto another relationship and forget the past." He announced, making me stare at mum.

She did tell me, he's gonna accept my wish but I guess she wasn't so sure because dad isn't someone who takes things easily.

"Mum, I thought we talked about this last night? You both know I just got heart broken and haven't recovered yet and the only thing you both could be so concerned about is to find someone just like that and get my heart broken again."

"Honey, try and understand your father and I. We don't mean it that way. What we are only saying is that you ain't getting any younger so you'll need a man sooner or later and also have kids."

"I get it now. You guys are after grandchildren, right? No wonder, you both have been on my throat to get married and settle down. I'm really disheartened to hear such words from you guys."

"Princess, we do love you that's why we're saying all this to you. You really need to hear these words now or you'll come to see fault in us for supporting you later."

"Is that so? I've made my decision and it is final except you both don't want me as your daughter anymore."

"Never, don't say such words ever again. You're our only daughter and angel, we love you so much that's why we're trying to make you see the light in your decision." He pointed out.

"That's true sweetie. We really don't want you to be sad."

"You both know I can't be sad when I've got you guys with me. Also, I'm sorry for saying those words. I was only feeling sad that you both don't want to accept my decision."

"It's alright princess. We will always accept your decision to make you happy. Come over here angel." He assured me with open arms.

"Thank you so much dad." I uttered and ran into his arms.

*****

"Mary, how about the deal with Clinton corporation? Is it still up or have they reject our products again?" I asked with an heavy sigh, waiting to hear the bad news as usual.

"Congratulations Miss Madison. They accepted our products this time and want to have a collaboration between the companies by next week in New York."

"Oh my God! Finally, that's the best news I've heard in a while. Mary, inform all the staff we're organising a party tomorrow night." I ordered with so much joy.

"Sure Miss Madison. We really deserve a party."

"We sure do, Mary. It has been two months we've been sending our products to that company but no success and finally, they accept one of the products. Isn't it so great?"

"It is, boss."

"And before I forget, I heard the C.E.O of the company is here in London? How true is that?"

"Yes, he's here in town."

"That's great. Send out an invitation to the company. I want to meet him in person and see what kind of person he's made of."

"Okay boss. I also heard he's extremely handsome as a Greek god with a well fit body shape."

"Too bad I am not chasing after any man but I do hope we can get along as business partners."

"We can't say boss." She chuckled.

"Whatever Mary, just go make the arrangements."

"Okay Miss Madison."

I don't care how handsome he may look, all I am after is making him see how our products can benefit his companies in a large range. Asshh! I need to share the good news with dad and mum so they can invite some of their close friends and business associates.

I picked my phone and settled to call dad when a knock on the door distracted me.

"Come in, please." I mused and placed the call but heard the ringtone of his phone at the door.

I looked up to see him smiling at me, "I guess, I came at the right time."

"Dad! What brings you over to the company?" I asked as he shut the door behind and walked over to join me.

"Your mum and I came over to spend a lovely time with our baby girl."

"Aww... How sweet of you both but you do know am not a baby dad."

"Of course, you are. You're my baby girl and nothing can change that." He said, lightly.

"I'm blushing, so where's mum?"

"Oh... She's being welcomed by the staff but I am sure she's on her way."

"Okay dad. I got good news to share with you and mum."

"What's the good news about? Tell me princess?"

I was about to tell him when mum showed up. She never missed anything important.

"You both are having fun without me?" She inquired.

"Hey mum. You're just in time for the good news I wanna share with you both."

"Really? I guess it was perfect timing for me. You know how much I love to hear good news, so tell us." She bemoaned and took a seat close to dad.

"Okay. Don't get too blushing mum." I said with a little chuckle and continued, "Did you guys remember the multinational company, the Clinton Corporation in America I talked about months back that kept rejecting every product we keep laying out so we get a contract deal with the company?"

"Yes, we do." They uttered at the same time.

"The company is really a huge success, darling. I never thought of passing out the company products to them."

"Baby, don't tell me they rejected the products and that's why you're happy or you got a new offer with a company working under them?"

"Not that mum. Well, the company itself accepted our new products." I blustered out with so much happiness.

My dream of working with a great company will be fulfilled once I get my hands on their contract paper. I've worked endlessly to move this company to greater heights and today, our products have been accepted by the multinational company in New York City.

"That's great news princess. Finally, your endless work and constant determination has paid off. I'm so proud and happy for you, my darling baby."

"Thank you dad."

"Come here sweetie. I'm so proud of you as well." She embraced me in a hug.

"Thanks mum." I answered and hugged her back.

"Due to this great achievement, I've decided to organize a party for the county and everyone is invited from you both sides and mine."

"We support your decision, my love. And for that, I'll organise something special for you."

"Really mum? I can't wait for it." I uttered with excitement, acting a little childish as we all laughed.

"Angel, we came here with a purpose."

"What's the purpose, dad?"

"We came to spend some quality time with you so why don't we all go out and have some fun as a family?"

"Yes, sweetie. Let's have so much fun since it's been a while we've spent some quality time as a family and also we can make it more fun with your great achievement." She suggested.

"Anything you guys suggest is fine by me. I'll also get to take a little break with all this work." I said, pointing to the loads of files on the desk.

"That's more like you, angel. Pack up for the day, because it is a special day for you to have fun with your family."

"Exactly dad. Let me assign the unfinished work to Mary to handle it."

"Take your time honey. We've got enough time."

I picked my phone and put a call across to Mary to come to my office before packing my stuff ready to leave with them.

Not quite long, there was a short knock on the door which gave me the idea it was Mary.

"Come in, Mary."

"Yes boss." She uttered politely and proceeded to welcome my parents.

"You're highly welcome Mr and Mrs Williams." Dad responded.

"Thanks for the warm welcome, Mary."

"I hope you're taking good care of my baby girl?" Mum asked, with a naughty smile.

"Mum, I'm no child anymore. When will you stop already, you're making me feel shy."

"That's because you're my baby girl." She replied and I just smiled at it and turned to Mary.

"Mary, I want you to work on these two files by tomorrow. Can you do that for me?"

"No problem, Miss Madison. I can do everything today."

"Thank you, here you go." I handed the files to her as she took her leave.

"I'm done. Can we go now?" I said and picked up my bag and laptop.

"Okay honey." They both got on their feet as we proceeded out of the office holding hands as a family.