Chapter twenty-two

AYANNA 

I gave him a curious look, but he just pretended not to see it and offered me his hand instead. I hesitated for only a second, taking his hand and letting him lead me wherever he wanted.

Minutes later, we stepped onto a rooftop.

A gasp escaped my lips, seeing the beautiful view of the city stretched beneath us. Thousand glittering lights sparkled against the darkness, and cars moved like streams of gold while the cold night breeze brushed against my skin. 

The sight was breathtaking.

 Slowly, my lips curved into a smile, my worries momentarily forgotten as I rushed over the railing to look down. I wasn't scared of heights; I loved it. It made me feel like I was flying.

"Do you want to gaze at the stars?" I whirled in Rain's direction, my gaze trailing towards the spot he was pointing at, and my smile brightened once I spotted a telescope. I dashed toward it, my heart racing with anticipation. The moment I peered through the telescope countless stars flooded my vision, scattering across the night sky.

"So beautiful," I mumbled, pulling him over so he could join in my amusement. But he looked through the telescope for barely a minute then turn to me. 

"The stars are beautiful, but pales in comparison to you."

I laughed, pushing him away gently so I could peer at the stars again. "Did you say that to all the women you brought stargazing?" I teased without looking at him.

"I've never taken any other woman to see the stars, just you," he says, the sincerity in his tone making me turn to look at him. 

I felt my heart beating heavily against my chest the moment our eyes met and I quickly looked away.

 Though I may not love Rain, the attraction I felt for him was undeniable.

Stepping away from the telescope, I turned to him again, my eyes racking over his body, halting at the cut on his neck.

"What happened to you earlier? You left for a few minutes and came back disheveled and bruised?"

He was silent for a while, then slowly he closed the gap between us, whirled me over so that my back was pressed against his front. I felt his cold finger lightly graze my neck, and moment later, the cool weight of a gold necklace settled against my skin.

"It's just a small accident, nothing you should worry about," he said, yet for some reason I didn't believe him. Nevertheless, I didn't push for answers.

Silently, I pressed further into him, allowing him wrap his arms around my waist while his head rested over my shoulder. 

"What do you wish for besides revenge?" He suddenly asked and I tilted my head to look at him in surprise. I'd not expected him to ask such a question after all, our relationship was built with the sole aim of revenge. Still I answered.

"There are so many things I wish for, first I want mother to be free and happy. To have everything she wants. I also want to be happy. I want to have a beautiful garden where I could watch the sunset and sunrise.

I wish to dance in the Rain, to have a pet. Perhaps a dog...

I trailed off looking into space, my heart clenching as I thought of what I wished for the most .

 I wish could turn back time to the day I met Alexander Greyford then I'd do everything in my power to make sure our paths never cross.

ALEX 

I've had this uneasy feeling ever since Ayanna came to the hospital. The way she acted and the remarks she made_ it was like she was indirectly accusing Kate and me of having an affair. Furthermore, she's been acting distant. Like last night, she came home, but then she said she had urgent business with Olivia and didn't return. One might say I'm making a big deal out of nothing, but then Ayanna has always wanted to be close to me. There's no way she'd leave my side, especially now that I just got out of the hospital, but it's like she doesn't even care.

I don't know why the thought of her no longer caring irked me so bad. It's not because I loved her, no. I just loved the affection she gave. I love having someone I could easily manipulate. A plaything. And the thought of no longer being in control of that plaything sent a flood of rage through me, especially after she managed to survive the accident. How the hell had she survived? Someone must have saved her, but who?

My thoughts were cut short by the sound of my phone. I picked it up and saw it was Kate calling. My scowl immediately changed to a smile as I pressed the answer button.

"Alex, have you seen the news circulating online? They're calling me a mistress, and I've even been removed as the leading model for the highway fashion event. They said they won't be working with me ever again. Not just them, several brands ended their contract with me following the news. Do something, Alex, or I'll be completely ruined," Kate cried out.

My smile fell immediately. I quickly looked for my tablet, and once I went online. Kate was trending. Several images of both me and me were leaked online, including a video of us hugging, kissing and doing other intimate stuff. But in all of them, my face was blurred. Which means whoever did this targeted Kate alone, but why? And who was behind this?

Was it Ayanna?

My gaze darkened at the thought. Yet I didn't want to jump to conclusion. Maybe someone else had done it. Nevertheless while I was still investigating this matter. I have to come up with a new ways to get rid of Ayanna.

I pondered over it for a while and settled on poisoning her slowly. However, I'll have to use a poison that would be undetectable so that if she died, it wouldn't be traced back to me.

At the thought I called Jeffrey the secret spy I hired recently to watch Ayanna however his number wasn't going through. That darn man he was supposed to keep me updated. I gave up after several tries instead putting a call to my personal assistant so he'd investigate Kate's case and also have the news as well as the videos and pictures deleted. Afterwards, I texted Ayanna that she had to be back home early my parents wanted to have lunch with us. I would begin my plan at my parents house.