Gifted library

Kemi never believed in love at first sight. Lagos had shown her premium tears, potholes, and men that say “I’m not ready” after six months.

So when she met Tunde at the bus stop on a hot Wednesday afternoon, she wasn’t impressed.

He smiled but she ignored him. He offered to hold her bag.

She said, “No sir, I’m fine.”

But somehow, they kept meeting — At the supermarket, junctions, even as the suya spot where the pepper is always disrespectful.

One evening, as the sun dipped and the streetlights flickered on, Tunde finally said. “Kemi, can I be honest?”

She raised an eyebrow. “This better not be nonsense.”

He laughed. “I’ve been looking for an excuse to talk to you… but honestly, you shine too much.”

She blushed despite herself. " What do you mean?” she asked.

Tunde pointed gently at her neck. " That necklace… and those earrings. They fit you like destiny.”

Kemi touched them instinctively. She wore them on days she needed confidence—job interviews, family meetings, random Tuesdays when life felt heavy.

“You like them?” she asked softly.

“I like you,” he replied. “But those accessories? They complete the picture.”

That night, Kemi smiled all the way home — Not because of love alone but because she realised something powerful.

The right jewelry doesn’t just accessorize you — it announces you. ✨
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UNDESERVING ❣️~
BY: MERCY AHINZE ✍🏼
CHAPTER SIXTEEN — HER MOTHER'S WHEREABOUTS

DESMOND'S POV

It was our reception party, the opulent hall was filled with esteemed guests waiting for the arrival of I and my wife, Daniella. The word 'wife' sounded like ice over a burning coal, it soothed the pain I felt within. Finally, Daniella was mine and won't be taken away from me anymore. She wouldn't have to suffer for what she didn't commit, she now had the luxurious life I carefully mapped out for her.

My car parked at the space strictly reserved for the couple and my brows arched in perplexity as soon as I alighted " Why hasn't her car arrived?, she left me earlier on at the middle of the road" My anger boiled on the thought of her actions earlier.

Yes, I wanted to teach her power, sophistication and class, but I didn't expect my tutelage to showcase its results so soon. Why would she send me out of the car harshly? And where could she have gone?.

My heart pondered greatly as I paced round the marbled floor. " Could she be in danger?" I stood for a while, biting my lips in anxiousness before continuing my disturbed movement.

"Is anything the matter sir?" My chauffeur inquired, bearing a worried look but I shunned him off.

" Send for the guards this instant. Tell them to track down the limo. " I ordered in a gruff voice and he swiftly got into action with trembling hands.

My eyes were concentrated on my phone and my fingers swiped swiftly to my contacts. The sound of my heart beating was like that of a loud drum trying to send a warning message on dialling her number. " The number you dialled cannot be reached at this time, please try again later" The melancholic voice from the automated voice prompt sounded clearly from my phone speaker and my heart shattered into pieces.

It felt like my world was crumbling, the pain which was slowly dispersing to the air slowly returned like a fire being ignited by a match stick. I held my chest in pain and dialled her number again. " Please pick up Daniella..." I prayed silently with my eyes shut tightly, but the results were still the same.

" Did she leave me??" My hands shook nervously as the thought swept through my mind.

" No, she can't do that" I dialled her number again.

Unreachable. It was obvious, Daniella was in danger. " Who would do this?" Veins encircled round my forehead.

" Dylan..." My hands curved to a fist filled with large veins. He left immediately after his plan was thwarted, I noticed from the way he looked at Daniella, it was as though he had an unresolved grudge.

Tears gathered round my eyes in regret for sending away all of the entourage of guards meant to protect her. She has had enough ill circumstances already and my negligence and anger was about to cause her pain I swore never to inflict on her.

" Boss. They found her and they are on their way. " My chauffeur said and I sniffed back the tears threatening to come out from my tear ducts.

I sighed in relief. " Thank you" I said, barely a soft mutter.

My heart was calm and my mind, restored from troubling thoughts. The limo drove in with a fleet of cars following behind and my eyes beamed greatly at the chauffeur opening the car door for my queen to step out.

Without thinking twice, I engulfed her to the deepest hug. " Where did you go?, what took you so long!" I whispered softly, trying hard not to shed tears.

At first I thought it was just a mere feeling, but now I've come to realise the depth of emotion I feel for her. She wasn't just any woman, she was the only woman capable of stealing my heart. She was a queen, my queen, A savage Queen!.

" Are you trying to squeeze life out of me?!" Her muffled voice sounded softly in my ears and I disengaged from the hug.

My eyes took its time to appreciate the beauty standing before me in a green luxurious outfit. " You're so beautiful. " The words escaped out of my lips unknowingly.

DANIELLA POV 🍒

"You're so beautiful " My ears tingled on hearing such words coming out of Desmond's lips.

He was so lost to the point he didn't notice the intensity of my anger and anxiousness at that moment. The guards stepped out of the cars and stood afar off, I faced him immediately, standing still like I was sorting out truth from his heart.

" Did I hear you right or you were just bluffing?" I inquired with no atom of fear breeding in my eyes.

He looked at me like he had seen something different, then he gripped my shoulders lightly with his hands. " What do you think my love?" He said flirtatiously, staring at my lips.

' Is it that he's oblivious of what's actually going on or he's trying to gain control over me again?' I scoffed lightly, my hands clutching tightly to my purse.

' What's going on here?' I arched my brows, confused at his sudden change of attitude.

" You were accusing me not long ago, what changed?" I inquired further, turning my head slightly to see if there were any hidden cameras.

" And what are you looking for?" He asked, looking around and I smiled lightly.

I wanted him to say something, particularly something about my mother's whereabouts.

I let him out of the car harshly because I needed to know if my mother was safe. I wanted to get her elsewhere and I needed to do it discretely so he won't suspect a thing. Nevertheless, I went to the ward where my mother was, it was found empty — My mother was gone without a trace and my two suspects are Dylan and Desmond.

My arms folded across my chest and my hair swayed slightly while I bore direct contact at Desmond. "So you want to pretend like you don't know what is going on?" I blinked impatiently and he released a nonchalant sigh.

" What's going on?" His eyes protruded like he was ready for a fight, but his body posture was relaxed.

" Where's my mother Desmond?, my mother is gone!" My voice cracked loudly in tears and he stared back at me in shock.

"What???!"

TBC

~UNDESERVING ❣️~
BY: MERCY AHINZE ✍🏼
CHAPTER FIFTEEN — DO AS I SAY

Note: I'm so sorry for not being active for sometime now, I've been preoccupied with a lot and it took part of my time. Thanks for understanding, I love you.

DANIELLA POV†

" The papers you signed shakily in tears...could you explain its contents to the guests as well?" Dylan faced me with a cunning smile.

The tension in the large was palpable, the entire guest warmed their seats in great suspense and my heart raced greatly as I thought of the best way to answer that troubling question Dylan asked.

I felt Desmond's warm hands on my waist and my lips parted to give a tiring sigh. " Can't you see she's stressed already? Do you want to trigger her emotions?!" Desmond voiced angrily and Dylan clicked his tongue in disbelief.

He moved round the marbled floor, gesturing wildly with his hands. " I'm obviously doing this congregation a favour by exposing the truth and I ain't leaving this hall till I get all of the answers I need. " He said loudly, fixing an intense gaze at his half-brother.

My anger was boiling, I could no longer stand his behaviour however my hands were tied. If I didn't give an answer to the paparazzi then it's over — Desmond's name would be tarnished forever.

DESMOND BROWN — A RENOWN SON OF DE LA CRUZ, A CRUEL MAN WHO TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE PRIVILEGED WAS ARRESTED ON HIS WEDDING DAY FOR MOLESTION AND ATTEMPTED MURDER.

The headline read on my mind was bound to happen if I don't act fast. Feeling Desmond's hands on my waist I could sense fear and restlessness — His hands were shaky and sweaty, only at my notice.

I slowly placed my hands on Desmond's and bore large smile which offended Dylan the more. Then an idea was ignited from that touch.

My beloved opponent walked briefly but paused for a second to point accusing fingers at us. " Wait..was it a marriage contract???" He squinted his eyes and I chuckled.

" So the kiss isn't proof to you that we deeply love each other??" I blinked cutely and the congregation laughed which resulted in a hateful glare from an uncontrolled chauvinist.

" Please can you stop this melodrama and f*cking answer my question!" He spat and I raised my hands in submission.

" Okay. I'm so done with this egoistic buffoon ruining my wedding!" I said, freeing myself from Desmond.

" You want to know everything right?, about the papers????" I faced the motherf*cker and the congregation.

My eyes darted to Eliana and observed how her legs were instantly crossed elegantly in anticipation of my response to Dylan. That action of hers alone gave me a special kind of confidence that I had been searching for.

" The papers was from the doctor to approve her surgery with my signature as her family, it was on the grounds that the surgery was 50/50 and there are slight chances that she might die from the surgery. " I blurted angrily and walked to where Dylan was.

" So now tell me???, was I expected to laugh while signing the papers???!" I glared hatefully at him and he stood shocked, not bearing an answer from his disgusting lips.

" Uhmmmm, well...I'm so..." Before he could utter another word, I landed a huge slap on his face.

" Take your sorry out of my wedding motherf*cker. " I gritted and he stared at me angrily for a moment.

" Get out!!! " I angrily pointed at the door.

Eliana was the first to stand to give a resounding clap and the entire congregation followed with excited screams and claps. She looked at me, smiling widely and gestured with a slow blink of how proud she was of me.

" Now priest. Pronounce us as husband and wife. I need to f*ck my husband without a distraction like that. " I faced the priest, breathing heavily and the hall was filled with laughter.

***
The ride was silent save for the slow romantic music 'Stuck with you' by my favourite artists Ariana grande and Justin Bieber, playing softly from the car radio.

My head nodded rhythmically as the music played and my lips mumbled words softly. I could sense Desmond's longing stare but I cared less. I was in charge now and I was so sure that he hated it.

My diamond ring flashed alongside the moonlight and I bore a satisfactory smile of being free from Desmond's cage, thanks to Dylan — I didn't just get married against my will, I married because my favourite b*tch karma stood up for me.

I stared at Desmond and released a soft smile. "Now you're not just mine. You're my possession forever. " I held his hands, whispering softly.

He firstly squinted his brows before releasing a chuckle. " Yes ma'am. "

I heaved a sigh of relief and faced the window, blushing inwardly as he continued staring proudly at me.

" Did you plan this with Dylan to bring me down?" A question from his threw me off balance.

" Wait what???!" I stared back at him in astonishment.

Instantaneously his earlier reaction was quickly switched to a cold one. " I said what I said, Daniella. " He said with authority laced in his voice, expecting an instant answer from a weak Daniella.

Sadly I wasn't that Daniella he mistreated. I'm the new Daniella.

I released a soft chuckle on the thought of falling in love with an ungrateful being. My index finger pointed directly at his face. " I saved your motherf*cking you know, and you dare attack me with that dumb question?" I threw the first dagger with my eyes and he scoffed.

" Language Daniella, I am your boss. " He cautioned and i clenched my fist.

Oh I have had enough of chauvinistic men.

" Stop the car!." I half yelled and the chauffeur obeyed.

Angrily I faced Desmond and pointed at the door of the car. " Get out!" I uttered coldly and he looked at me shocked.

" This is my car...." He chuckled in astonishment and my face glowed with a scoff.

" Well, guess who is married to you now?" I said, flashing my ring at his face.

He looked at me stunned and I smirked. " I now have the upperhand motherf*cker. Now you'd do as I say!" I glared and gestured for him to leave.

It was my turn to be the demon he never knew....

To Be Continued.

~UNDESERVING ❣️~
BY: MERCY AHINZE ✍🏼
CHAPTER FOURTEEN — THE TRUTH IN A LIE

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DANIELLA'S POV

The tension in the hall was asthmatic; Widened mouths, profuse sweating, slow gasp for air as the evidence Dylan showcased wasn't just shocking, it was choking.

All eyes fell on Desmond for an explanation. Bloody shot eyes filled with anger and perplexity, glassy eyes from his siblings and a calm but inquiring eyes from the ever unfazed matriarch, Madam Eliana — The video could bring everything Desmond laboured for to ashes.

Was karma speaking on my behalf? Yes. I reasoned deeply with some level of doubt.

" Do you have anything to say Daniella?" Dylan said, his eyes piercing deep into mine, looking for a sort of appreciation from my lips.

My lips parted to a calm smile as I picked up the microphone which Dylan was too daft to notice was lying prettily on the pulpit before us.

" Firstly, I'd like to thank you for the grand entrance you took just because you want to save a life that doesn't need saving. " I began and the entire congregation fell silent, leaving Dylan looking stunned at my outburst.

Now the paparazzi who loved the ongoing heated scenario focused their destructive weapons directly on my face, adding the zooming effect to capture my calm demeanour.

" What...what are you trying to say?" My beloved opponent, Dylan uttered with a stuttering voice and I chuckled dryly.

I walked slightly to where the illegitimate b*stard stood. "The evidence you showcased to the entire congregation is simply a proof that my husband...yes, my husband because we already took our vow..." I retorted slowly, looking for a means to get Desmond out of this mess.

Yes, karma has proven to be a cold b*tch to Desmond but I would rather be a slave in paradise than be a freeborn in chains of repayment to Dylan — He was a wolf in sheep clothing, a demon whose heart has been replaced with hot iron.

" The video bears truth, but a truth in a lie. All accusations laid against Desmond are false!" I said, anger rising slowly in the tone of my voice.

How dare he provide evidence against Desmond when he is the monster himself?

Was he trying to cover his tracks??? These thoughts stirred anger inside of me but I maintained a calm pose for the cameras.

I faced the church, ignoring Dylan's clenched fist. "From the video, it was as if I was being threatened by Desmond. However, I have a witness that I wasn't. He was only trying to save my mother's life."

My eyes narrowed at Dylan and I smiled mischievously. " My mother was brutally beaten almost to death by a man because she owed him. " I said and the church gave a loud gasp.

Dylan was shaken by my words but he tried to hide his guilt by adjusting his suit and giving a slight cough. " And have you found the culprit?" He asked and I shrugged.

" Maybe...he might be in this congregation with me" My narrowing eyes became totally fixed at Dylan to see the uneasiness written boldly on his face.

" You provided your evidence, now it's time for mine. "

My lips moved closely to his ear to give a slow, harsh whisper. " You think I don't know?. I'd prove to you what a woman can do when you hurt someone she loves. " I whispered, and he let out a scoff.

" Desmond threatened for a kiss in the video right???" I said, dragging Desmond by the hand.

Before he could say a word, my lips captured his in the most roughest, tongue rolling kiss ever. The church went crazy, with loud screams in the air and camera clicking vigorously.

" I love him and I will choose him a thousand times!!!!, he saved my mother and the guard you see in the video that seemed like he was removing the oxygen mask, only noticed that my mother's oxygen tank had finished so he removed it and called the nurse to attend to her!. " I voiced loudly in tears and the entire congregation stood up, clapping insanely in astonishment.

Dylan was furious, I could tell from the large veins visible on his forehead and clenched fist and the way he sweated profusely — I won this time and it felt so good.

Desmond wasn't left out. He was greatly surprised at my actions, but his eyes told a different story. — It squinted like it calculated my every move and was observing something I couldn't place.

Just as I thought the issue on ground was over, Dylan raised his hand and the hall fell silent. " The papers you signed shakily in tears...could you explain it contents to the guests as well?" He faced me with a cunning smile.

My heart skipped beat on hearing the question he asked, if the congregation knew that my marriage to Desmond was only by contract and not by love, it would ruin everything I did few minutes ago.

My lips shook visibly as I tried to find a perfect answer, I could feel sweat dripping from my forehead and hand with which I held the microphone — I became scared and helpless.

What do I do???

To Be Continued💕

~UNDESERVING ❣️~
BY: MERCY AHINZE ✍🏼
CHAPTER THIRTEEN — VOWS AND EVIDENCES💍

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DESMOND'S POV 🍒

A large cathedral wasn't enough to contain the number of guests I wished to publicly serve as witnesses to my wedding to Daniella. Deep down she thought she was wearing a heavy crown of thorns by getting married to a despicable man like me, however, for the level of plans buried in my heart, I cared less of whatever thought she had towards me.

My marriage to Daniella wasn't just a contract, it was a purpose to reveal the truth.

Everyone stood save for the ensembles that gave a melodious rhythm from the various instruments on stage. Lights, cameras, photographers and videographers were all on ground to capture every moment, every beauty our union brought to our families.

A broad smile was planted on my lips on seeing Daniella walking down the aisle slowly, beautifully, majestically and gracefully with my mother by her side.

A soft liquid slowly left my eyes and I sniffed in shock. ' I can't believe I'm crying' I bent my head low, trying to prevent the tears from coming further.

I could notice the satisfactory smile on her face on getting closer to me but I couldn't place if she was genuinely happy or faking it for the paparazzi to feed on with their weapons of destruction.

She got closer to me and halted besides me "Well, shall we get to the main deal, servant of mine?" I whispered audible enough that only her could hear.

She responded with a blush and light smile and I was unsettled for a bit. ' Is she trying to...' I squinted my eyes and she faced the priest nonchalantly.

***
" Is anyone here that wishes to oppose the holy matrimony between Mr Desmond Browns and Miss Daniella Rose?" The priest voice echoed sonorously in the cathedral and we turned for a response.

For a minute the hall fell silent and we faced the priest afterwards, confidently knowing that no one would dare oppose our union.

Just as I thought to have a peaceful union, my confidence went into the mud as my step brother Dylan walked in with pride oozing greatly out of him.

" Brethren!, I guess it's a perfect time to witness my opposition to this slavery in disguise of marriage!" He bellowed with a mischievous smile directed at me.

The whole congregation gasped loudly in shock and the hall was filled with hush whispers and inquiring eyes. I could notice the disappointment written boldly on my mother's calm face, even Daniella's friends weren't left out — They all panicked greatly due to Dylan's presence.

The paparazzi began their job description fully as every photographers and videographers turned to him, facing every capturing tool at him as he walked defiantly.

My fists clenched tightly as he closer to I and Daniella. " Don't worry, I'm here to save you. " His hands fell on Daniella's shoulders sympathetically and my anger boiled.

" Go ahead with your evidence on why this wedding shouldn't hold Dylan" I gritted my teeth and he chuckled dryly.

"Two evidences brother...which do you prefer to see?" He mocked directly at my face.

Getting no response, he faced the congregation. " Brethren..." He began, throwing his hands in the air as he walked.

" We all here gathered happily to witness the conjugal bliss between my beloved brother and the love of his life, Daniella. " He spoke further.

" But!" He raised his index finger dramatically and I shut my eyes in anger.

" His dirty secrets are about to be revealed. Is Desmond marrying for love or is Daniella is slave whom he's blackmailing???" Dylan shouted loudly and the hall gasped again in terrible shock.

" And I ask again, where's your proof?" I glared dangerously at him and he smiled evilly.

" Daniella dear..." He beckoned with a knowing smile.

" Do you want to explain to the congregation why your groom's mother escorted you on the aisle and not any of your family member?" He questioned and I felt a lump on my throat.

' Sh*ttttt!' I mouthed disappointedly on realising my mistake.

Daniella's eyes fell on mine for answers but I stood speechless. " Well...uhmmm, that's because my...my..." Daniella tried to speak but didn't find the courage to.

Dylan's laughter filled the hall in confidence that he was winning.

A big screen facing the entire hall was turned on and a video which could ruin my life was played. ' F*CK!' I gritted my teeth ashamedly with my head bent low in anger.

" Beloved guests!, that's a video of the bride being threatened by your ever loving Desmond to get married to him or else her mother, whom is critically ill would be heartlessly killed in front of her!!!!" Dylan explained and the hall went into a heated pandemonium.

Smiling triumphantly, Dylan faced me directly, his eyes sinking dangerously to mine. " Now brother, you want the vow and I give you the f*cking evidences! " He whispered with a frown and I returned the gesture with a strong undefeated face.

" This marriage ain't happening!!!!, not on my watch!!!!" He yelled angrily and I chuckled.

" F*CK you!" I half yelled and he smirked.

Before I could spoke further, a punch landed on my face and I felt a slight cut on my lips...

TBC 💕

Welcome to 2026 my beloved fans🌹✨
Wishing you a year filled with unlimited blessings of the Lord 💓
As we start the year with joy in our hearts, may we see the end with immense joy of God's fulfillment in our lives.

I love you all 😘

~UNDESERVING ❣️~
BY: MERCY AHINZE ✍🏼
CHAPTER TWELVE – BEFORE THE VOW 💍

LIKE, COMMENT AND SHARE TO UNLOCK NEXT CHAPTER MY LOVES 🌹.
ALSO TAG YOUR FRIENDS TO READ AND ENJOY THIS BEAUTIFUL STORY.

†††
DANIELLA'S POV 🍒
< Wedding day ≈ Bride dressing room>

The large room was busy with my personal assistant Lucy attending to the stylists. I quietly sat on the soft Egyptian cotton bed and bore a large smile on my face — My smile was pretentious.

Sadness overshadowed my heart deeply like a blanket preventing cold. I had no friends on the list of invitees to even cheer me up in making the hardest decision of my life.

Just as I thought my life was already over, Lucy walked over to where I sat " Madam...your bridesmaids are here" She whispered softly and my brows squinted.

" Bridesmaid???..." I picked up my tab to check the event plan but found nothing. The wedding plan didn't add a bridesmaids list.

My eyes darted to Lucy's for an answer and she retorted with a calm smile. " It's a surprise ma'am"

In a swift, the door flung open and I widened my mouth in shock. " Hey brideeeeeeeee!!!" Two voices I thought I'd never hear again screamed elatedly and my heart skipped a beat.

" Amelia!, Zaneeeee!!!!!!!!" I cried happily with a fluttered heart on seeing my long time friends dressed in a blue floral gown.

Without exchanging further words, we engulfed each other in a tight hug, crying loudly on how much we've missed each other. " No, we don't want you to ruin your makeup" Zane sniffed, grabbing a paper towel to wipe off the tears trying to escape from my eyes.

" How did you...." I tried to speak but they quickly sat me down on the bed, preventing me from speaking further.

" Your fiance, he arranged for us to be here. " Zane uttered like she knew the question I wanted to ask and I simply replied with a light smile.

' What's part is Desmond trying to play in this?' I wondered but widened my smile in relief that I wouldn't be alone.

" Time to get dressed Ella!!!" Amelia brushed me softly and I chuckled.

Soft kisses were blown from their lips on walking away from the room and my confidence which was slowly fading intensified with double power.

Soon, I was on the most beautiful and luxurious wedding attire. The fabric, stitches and designs screamed loudly, elegance, prestige and wealth!. I indeed made a beautiful bride.

Every lips of the stylists in the room sang in adoration of how elegant I looked. Even Lucy couldn't stop her appraisal and camera from taking breathtaking pictures of me.

" Dammmnnnn, You're so beautiful ma'am. No wonder Mr Desmond is highly fond of you" Lucy flattered me and my cheeks flushed red.

Looking at the mirror, I couldn't help but smile. " Now, it's time to get married" I said to myself, staring emptily at the empty space of my fourth finger.

***
I've always been excited about a wedding event and the entire activities played to get the couple happy and fulfilled on their day.

One particular activity I gushed about was the usual ritual of the couple seeing each other for the first time before they walk down the aisle or as the bride walks down the aisle, I usually get excited on seeing the emotional state of the groom on seeing his bride and
sincerely wished to experience that.

Now it is time but anxiousness gripped me as my back faced the door to which Desmond would approach. My heart raced greatly in anticipation of how he'd react, if his reaction would be fake due to the numbers of cameras levelled at us.

Two footsteps sounded as the door opened and I exhaled anxiously. In a slow motion, I turned only to see a man who wasn't my fiance.

" Adrian?!!!!" I blurted out angrily as he stood speechless for a minute.

Chuckling shyly, he whispered an apology and I chuckled dryly so the paparazzi won't misjudge my reactions to feed to the internet.

Just as he stepped out, Desmond walked in the most stylish way ever. My eyes captured the most gorgeous man in a slow motion, from his eyes to his sexy lips and the most sophisticated tuxedo he wore, to his shoes that screamed Marry me nowwww!!!!!, Gosh, he looked soooo hotttttttt.

My hormones supported my lustful desires on sighting him. He stood for a minute and I stood speechless.

" You're sooo beautiful..." He tried to control his tears and I couldn't help but release a soft smile.

" Stopp smilinggggg, you'd make me cry!!!!" He groaned, starting to release slow tears.

' Whatttt???, he's actually crying???, oh my heart...' I blushed and walked over to him.

" You know you're bad at act...."

Instantaneously he grabbed my waist. " You're sooo beautiful" He striked a pose and the photographers swung into action.

' Gosh, I'm so in love with this man!' I gushed inwardly.

Forgive me...but love suddenly captured my heart and I'm sooo glad to be a captive to a man like Desmond.

TBC 💕

~ UNDESERVING ❣️~
BY: MERCY AHINZE ✍🏼
CHAPTER ELEVEN – THE SILENCE BEFORE THE VOW 💍

DANIELLA’S POV †
≈ THE MORNING AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENT ≈

Silence had a sound.
It echoed in rooms too large for comfort, clung to silk curtains, and seeped into the corners of a life suddenly measured in diamond-studded minutes. I woke up beneath Egyptian cotton sheets that smelled faintly of lavender and money, staring at a ceiling so high it made me feel small — deliberately so.

This was the cage. Luxury was never loud. It whispered. It convinced. It wrapped chains in velvet and told you they were gifts.

I rose slowly from the bed, my bare feet sinking into plush carpet. The mirror across the room reflected a woman I barely recognized — soft waves falling perfectly over my shoulders, skin glowing with careful care, eyes calm… too calm.

If anyone looked at me now, they would see security.
They would see a woman saved. They would never see the calculations running through my head like a ticking clock.

My marriage was in two days — Two days before my name changed, two days before Desmond believed he had finally won.

I smiled at my reflection.

“You rushed,” I whispered softly. “That was your first mistake.”

A knock came at the door. "Come in.”

Two ladies entered quietly, dressed in neutral tones, eyes trained respectfully on the floor. One carried a tray — breakfast plated like art. The other held a tablet.

“Mr. De La Cruz asked that you review the guest list today,” the second lady with a brown curly hair said gently. “He wants your approval.”

' Approval?' I almost laughed.

Instead, I nodded, taking the tablet from her hands.

The list scrolled endlessly — powerful names, investors, politicians, people who smiled with teeth sharpened by greed. People who would clap when we kissed and forget us the moment dessert was served.

Then I saw a name that made my breath pause for half a second — Adrian Brooks.

“So many people,” I murmured lightly. “Does he ever get tired of control?”

I had survived hunger, humiliation, and nights that stripped me bare of hope. I would survive Desmond De La Cruz too. Because this time, I wasn’t powerless.
This time, I was prepared.

TYLER’S POV †
≈ AFTER SCHOOL – MUSIC ROOM ≈

The piano keys were cool beneath my fingers, grounding me.

Music had always been my escape — the one place where the noise of expectations couldn’t reach me. I hummed softly, testing melodies, when my phone buzzed against the polished surface.

A message from my group.

Marcus: Bro, rehearsal tonight? Wedding song practice 😌
I smiled, shaking my head.

Me: You people won’t let me rest.

Kira: Royal weddings don’t wait, sir.

I laughed softly and went back to the piano, fingers moving instinctively. The song came easily — something gentle, hopeful. Something that sounded like love should.

But as the melody filled the room, a strange unease crept in. My brother was getting married to some Daniella Rose.

I barely knew her, but something about the announcement hadn’t sat right with me. Not fear exactly… just a quiet discomfort, like a chord played slightly off-key.

Why would anyone marry someone they barely know ? I wondered.

I brushed the thought aside. Desmond always knew what he was doing. Too well, sometimes.

The door creaked open and I noticed Amelia peeking inside.

“Tyler?” her voice was soft, hesitant.

I turned immediately. “Hey. What’s up?”

She stepped in slowly, clutching her backpack tightly to her chest. Her eyes looked tired. Too tired for a student in a rich prestigious school.

“You okay?” I asked, concern slipping into my voice.

She nodded quickly. “Yeah. Just… wanted to see you.”

I smiled warmly. “You can sit. I’m just practicing.”

She did, but she didn’t relax. It was then I noticed the faint bruise hidden beneath her sleeve.

ADRIAN’S POV †
≈ PRIVATE STUDY – NIGHT ≈

I poured the whiskey slowly, watching the amber liquid swirl like liquid fire.

' A marriage huh?' I chuckled loudly.

Desmond always moved fast when he wanted ownership. This wasn’t love — it was strategy. It always had always been.

I leaned back in my chair, fingers steepled beneath my chin. Daniella Rose didn’t look like a woman who surrendered quietly. I noticed how she watched, how she learned.

And now she was stepping into a battlefield wearing white. Either she was naive or she was dangerous.
I suspected the latter.

A soft chuckle escaped me.

“A home without love,” I murmured again. “How long can it stand?”

I reached for my phone, scrolling until I found the name I needed — Vanessa.

I didn’t call, not yet.

Chaos was best served slowly.

DYLAN’S POV †
≈ SOMEWHERE DARKER THAN HELL ≈

Amelia slept on the floor, curled in on herself like a wounded animal, breathing shallowly, as though even air had betrayed her before. I watched her from the shadows, fingers tapping idly against my thigh.

Vanessa stood beside me, arms folded. “Tyler trusts her,” she said quietly. “He won’t suspect a thing.”
I smiled.

“That’s what makes it beautiful.”

She hesitated. “And Daniella?”

I turned slowly, my gaze sharp. “Weddings bring attention. Attention brings weakness.” my smile widened.

“And weakness,” I continued calmly, “is an invitation.”
Amelia stirred, whimpering softly.

I crouched in front of her, lowering my voice to something almost kind. “You said you’d do anything, didn’t you?”

She nodded frantically, tears soaking the concrete.
“Good,” I whispered. “Because you’re about to earn your freedom.”

Her sobs echoed behind me as I stood.

DANIELLA’S POV †
≈ NIGHT – BALCONY ≈

The city glittered below me, alive and indifferent.
I rested my hands on the railing, the cool metal biting into my skin. Somewhere in this city, plans were unfolding — some meant to save me, others meant to destroy everything I touched.

Desmond stepped onto the balcony beside me.
“You’re quiet tonight,” he said.

I smiled gently, leaning into his chest. “Just thinking about the future.”

He kissed the top of my head possessively, so close, so blind.

Behind my smile, my heart raced — not with fear, but anticipation. Because the silence before the vow was always the loudest.

And when it broke?, no one would be ready.

TBC †