05/08/2024
"Sir, we've got a report. The girl who helped you escape from captivity five years ago is Rieka Fullams. In three days,she’ll be auctioned by her family and given off as a bondwoman to the highest bidder.”
In a villa located in Linton City,the muscular man dressed in a white shirt and black pants sitting on a couch narrowed his eyes.
”Auctioned?”
“Yes,her grandpa, Senior Fullams made the announcement.Their family business requires about 4 million dollars to come out of bankruptcy. He decided to give her out for money because...”
The man paused and glanced at Noah cautiously,gulped.
“Go on.”
Noah said coldly.
“Because she was assaulted by several men and severely tortured for helping you escape,and she developed amnesia from excessive drinking to forget the trauma and hurt she passed through. Ever since, she stayed indoors and her family hardly mentions her name. Everyone saw her as a disgrace...”
Noah clenched his fists firmly,his eyes turned red.
Five years ago, Noah’s family fell prey to the hands of a foe.
He witnessed all his family members tortured to death.
When it was about Noah's turn, a young girl appeared and freed him. She helped him escape, not minding the repercussions.
After he escaped, he settled in Fristico where he became a soldier.
Five years later, all due protocols were broken because of his great accomplishment.
He was the supreme ruler of Fristico, the position that commands a fearful aura.
Now he finally had the time to take a break in Linton City.
He craved vengeance and had a debt to repay.
He had to avenge his family and repay Rieka for saving his life!
"Rieka, if not for you my lineage would have been wiped out. With every breath I take I'll prove to you I am forever grateful."
“Get the helicopter ready.”
He stood up immediately and ordered coldly.
Five years ago, Noah’s family fell prey to the hands of a foe.
He witnessed all his family members tortured to death.
When it was about Noah's turn, a young girl appeared and freed him. She helped him escape, not minding the repercussions.
After he escaped, he settled in Fristico where he became a soldier.
Five years later, all due protocols were broken because of his great accomplishment.
He was the supreme ruler of Fristico, the position that commands a fearful aura.
Now he finally had the time to take a break in Linton City.
He craved vengeance and had a debt to repay.
He had to avenge his family and repay Rieka for saving his life!
Three days later.
At Fullams mansion.
The hall was filled with guests and members of the Fullams family were also in attendance for the event.
It was the hour that Rieka was given off as a bondwoman to the highest bidder.
A lady dressed in a pink long gown stood in the center. She lowered her head all the time,shaking slightly.
It was Rieka.
A young man, dressed in a suit, took a step forward. Staring at the paper he held, he announced, "The highest bidder offered 6 million dollars and that is— Noah Kendrick."
Her shoulder twitched as if she might collapse at any moment.
When all the guests left, Noah and the Fullams family members remained.
"Rieka, you belong to him now! You'll do all you can to please him even if it means getting on his bed." An old man uttered.
Noah frowned. They don't care about her feelings and happiness. They were after the money and they've gotten it.
However, he could see that she sobbed inwardly.
The Fullams murmured and threw a mocking gaze at Noah.
He was well-dressed, tall, and handsome. He could as well get any lady with a much less amount than he used to bid for Rieka. Rieka was a disgrace to the Fullams, why did he bid for her with a huge amount of money?
Noah walked towards Rieka, placing his hands on her shoulder, and staring at her.
She shuddered at the thought of what awaits her as a bondwoman.
"I assure you, you have nothing to worry about. You’re safe now."
Rieka froze,raised her head and looked at Noah with disbelief, those words coming from a stranger ignited hope in her. Whispering, he said, "shall we?"
Walking beside each other, they took their leave.
The entire Fullams looked through the curtain on the window and watched each step they took.
As soon as they stepped out of the villa, a Maybach was waiting with a man dressed in a black suit ushering them into the car and giving a bow.
The Fullams stared at each other in awe and concluded Noah stood in for his wealthy boss.
A man wearing a white shirt with shades was behind the wheel.
Noah ordered, "Proceed to the supreme villa! I have an issue to treat urgently."
Chapter two:
The supreme villa is situated in the center of the city and covers about 30,000 square meters. In Linton City, it was the biggest, most luxurious, and sophisticated villa.
Rieka stood in the foyer, speechless as she gazed around the villa. It was more than a palace.
She had known any man who would bid to have her would treat her worse than a slave because he bought her.
She thought her only duty was to keep the bed of the highest bidder warm, following the desperation of her family, despite not having an idea about the stranger.
Bringing her to such a luxurious place made her mind race about the intentions of the man.
“This house belongs to a distant family member, I live here so I could take care of the house in his absence.”
Rieka nodded.
Noah stood beside her and stretched his hands to hold her by the waist.
"I am not ready…"
Rieka shivered. Her mind was restless and scared. What if she doesn't satisfy him? She is yet to come to terms with the fact she is now a bondwoman.
Nevertheless, he held her waist and motioned her to have a seat.
Rieka was extremely nervous, she felt like a sheep to be slaughtered and had no say about issues in her life.
He had a pitiful expression on his face, a rare look for him. Remorseful he spoke, "I am sorry for all you passed through, you've gone through a lot."
Rieka sighed with her face expressionless. She tapped her feet gently on the floor to control the tension she was passing through.
"You'll recover totally from whatever amnesia you suffer from." Confidently, Noah said.
She fidgeted, not responding to what he said.
"I'll be back!"
Noah excused himself but returned in less than a minute holding a box.
The contents of the boxes were syringes, herbs, tablets, bottles containing unknown substances, and gloves.
Noah picked one of the bottles containing a substance, shaking it well to ensure even distribution.
Next, he sat beside her. She stared at him clueless. He stretched his hands around her shoulder but she stood up immediately. Folding her arms, she questioned, "What exactly is my job here?"
"Obey, lie flat with your face facing upward."
Lying down flat, tears welled in Rieka's eyes. She said calmly, "I am not ready for this. Let's do it some other time."
She knew what being a bondwoman entails, to avoid her family's wrath she must satisfy his desires.
After the incident, she used drinking to numb herself which led to memory loss. She could barely remember all that happened. But her family's daily insults and humiliation made her sad.
With his gaze fixed on her, Noah could feel the extent of her pain.
He hesitated but finally held her hands. He assured her calmly, "Trust me, I won't harm you."
Rieka's heart tinged with peace.
Noah took some from the substance in the bottle and gently massaged it on her face and her hair.
When he was done, Rieka's face was shining brightly.
He requested her to close her eyes.
"In five days, you'll never experience memory loss again. I promise you."
"I hope so," Rieka responded but her voice coated with doubt.
"Sure, I mean all I said."
Noah's charming, and gentle voice gave her relief.
So fast, five days had passed by.
Within those five days, She experienced genuine care, rest of mind, and happiness compared to the last five years of her life.
Every day, he makes sure she eats well, takes fruits, and has enough rest.
For five days, he applied the substance to her face daily without minding if he had other schedules.
She found it hard to believe she was pampered and cared for by someone she barely knew.
She felt life had given her a chance to love.
Sitting in the foyer, Rieka suddenly screamed.
"Please… don't hurt me!" She held onto the seat firmly.
Tears began to roll down her cheeks, and at a fast pace, her body trembled.
Noah rushed to the foyer, he met her trembling and crying profusely. Then she mumbled.
"I meant no harm. I could not watch them torture him to death. I had a guilty conscience and had no choice but to plot his escape."
"It's enough." Noah slowly rubbed her back giving her comfort.
Then, Rieka wiped away her tears with the back of her hand but sobbed inwardly.
"Why did I remember…?"
She held his hand tightly and buried her face in his chest. The pains she felt five years ago seemed fresh.
Noah hugged Rieka tightly. "It's all in the past now. You did the right thing by allowing him to escape."
Rieka was so emotional and forgot it was time to have her bath.
He loosened his grip around her and whispered. "Go have a warm bath so you can feel refreshed. I got you some clothes, just pick the one you are comfortable in."
Giving a loud sigh, Rieka headed to the bathroom.
Noah rested on the couch. His phone was placed on his ears.
"What information have you gathered?"
"General! Grichys, Swelvys, and Ariel's are now a strong force. Nevertheless, give the order and they'll be taken care of.”
It was just these three families who slaughtered his family.
Noah kept mute.
"Supreme ruler, we can't spare them. They don't deserve to move about freely. Say the word…
"Enough!"
Immediately, the voice on the other side stopped talking.
"I'll settle my scores with them. You should take care of the border, henceforth, I'm no longer the general. Don't worry about them, I have it under control."
The voice on the other side muttered. "We can help! I know you are the supreme ruler but I beg you let us help you out."
Noah spoke in a commanding tone. "I'll deal with it myself. This is a family affair. When it's settled, I'll stay with Rieka and enjoy a peaceful and quiet life without war.
"But…'
"Bye! Noah hung up.
Rieka returned from the bathroom.
She walked over and sat next to him. Her glowing skin made him stare.
She became tense because of his stare, although she did not know if he did not like the outfit or if she was shy.
She had spent some days with Noah but now she felt different towards him. Say shy or she was trying to figure out how she got fond of him easily.
Jolting out of her thoughts, Rieka asked, "Is anything the problem?"
Noah looked at her mesmerizing eyes, "How about we make it official? Let's get married."
"Huh?"
Rieka was surprised and confused at the sudden proposal from the man who she was supposed to be his bondwoman.
Noah gave a sly grin. "I want to be part of your family. Your grandfather gave you to me as a bondwoman but beyond that I want you to be mine."
"I'll be glad if you become my wife."
“It will be my pleasure.”
The past five days were the best days of her life, having nothing to worry about and forgetting about her toxic environment meant a lot.
Noah had shown her care and his kind gesture had maneuvered his way into her heart.
No man had treated her in such a manner!
She winked at Noah.
The next day.
Walking so close to each other, a man and a woman stepped out of the Civil Affairs Bureau.
Rieka looked at the marriage certificate and shook her head.
She was now a Mrs?
Drooling over her change in marital status. She was offered as a bondwoman but ended up as a wife.
However, She has no idea about the identity of Noah, her husband.
Chapter three:
Noah spent a full two weeks by Rieka’s side, helping her recover from the torment of past memories gradually.
And during the two weeks, Rieka had not seen any of the Fullams and none of them deemed it fit to check up on her via phone.
Noah decided to take Rieka for a shopping. Shopping always helped a woman pull herself together.
"Welcome!!!"
Entering into the mall, the receptionist said politely. "We are glad you stopped by to patronize us."
Noah shook his head instantly and smiled. "It's nice to be here too."
Rieka smiled, looking around the store, it was filled with luxurious items and she did not know what exactly to pick that would be within the money she had.
Now, a familiar voice spoke and Rieka's expression changed. Turning around, she saw Kendra and Ussy, her fiance.
Kendra was her cousin.
Ussy was from the Swelvys family. They controlled the affairs of business in Top Notch Group. They were known worldwide for their wealth and influence.
Kendra was stunned when she saw a bag in a cabinet, that looked classic and attractive.
"Please get me this bag."
The sales girl walking behind said politely. "This bag was introduced during the Hermes' 50th anniversary celebration. It is a limited collection and this is the only one we have left. It is worth eighty thousand dollars
"Huh?"
Kendra was shocked. Looking at the bag in front of her, she was mesmerized. "E-Eighty what?"
"Eighty thousand dollars. The bag is worth it."
Turning to Kendra, he said. "We'll get this some other time. I like it too but it's far above my budget.
Ussy can't dare spend Eighty thousand dollars.
He pursed his lips as she murmured. "But you can afford it, you are wealthy."
"Well, you have to wait till I get my pay for the month or take permission from my family to use from the business profit."
Holding onto Ussy's hand, Kendra said soberly, "A-Alright."
On the other end, Rieka was still walking around the shop to figure out what to buy.
Waiting at the reception, Noah sat down with his legs crossed over the other.
Demonstrating with his hands, he called one of the cashiers, Cynthia, who received payment for the goods purchased. "I walked in here with my wife." She nodded in affirmation. "Take, deduct the payment for all the goods from here and make sure she doesn't know who made the payment. Lastly, include the Hermes bag you have left." He handed her a black card and wrote the passcode on a small paper.
She widened her eyes immediately as she held the card.
"The black card?"
She couldn't believe Noah had a black card, he looked so simple and humble, unlike the famous rich kids who flaunt their wealth at every little opportunity. The card only belongs to wealthy first-class citizens.
She knew he wasn't one she could dare disobey. She gave a bow and left hurriedly.
At this time, Ussy and Kendra stumbled on Rieka. "What are you doing here?"
"Hi Kendra, I just stopped by to get something."
"What?" Kendra giggled. "There are other smaller stores you could patronize. Everything in this store is expensive and not for your level."
Rieka returned to Noah and said. "I didn't see anything to buy."
"Why don't I help you choose what to buy?" Cynthia offered, ignoring her position as a cashier.
"Rieka, go ahead. She has offered to give you a helping hand." Noah said.
She reluctantly followed after Cynthia.
Kendra and Ussy now pretended to be searching for what to buy but followed Rieka everywhere she turned.
"Please, Miss you can wait at the reception while I do the shopping on your behalf."
Rieka couldn't explain the special attention she got from Cynthia.
"I can come along…"
"I insist, just wait at the reception. By the way, you've walked around and didn't find what suits you. I promise to select beautiful things for you."
“Hmm!"
Rieka was speechless
Cynthia didn't bother to ask what her budget was, yet she wanted to select things on her behalf. Slowly she returned to the reception.
Within the twinkle of an eye, Cynthia returned with her shopping basket filled to the brim.
Cynthia noticed that Rieka was shocked when she saw the basket and thought she needed to add more things. Immediately, she said, "Is it small? Let me add one more thing" How about the Hermes bag left?"
"No! It's okay. Hermes bag?" Before Rieka could complete her statement, Cynthia picked up the bag and added it to her selected items.
What was happening?
Cynthia was so fast. Within a split second, she had packaged all the items and handed them to Rieka. Rieka collected it, although in a shocked state.
Before she could speak, Cynthia interrupted. "Don't worry about the payment, that has been settled."
"By who?" Kendra questioned angrily. "She can't afford all of this, there must be a mix-up somewhere."
"Miss, please you can't interfere in other customers' affairs. I am certain there was no mix-up."
Kendra and Ussy couldn't afford the Hermes bag but Rieka now has the bag with many other luxurious and expensive things.
Kendra couldn't control her anger, she grabbed Rieka's hand and pulled her closely. Sternly, she said, “Who was the man I saw you talking to at the reception?”
Rieka pulled her hands from her grab. “Really? That man is the same person who gave the highest bid to have me.”
“Who was the unknown person that paid for your goods?” Kendra gently asked.
“I have no idea, I also need to find out.”
“You liar!” Kendra spilled. “Tell me the truth before you get caught and thrown into jail.”
Kendra turned her attention to Ussy. “You, aren't you ashamed you could not buy me the bag? How could she obtain favor in the sight of a strange person to the extent the person bought all those for her.”
Removing his eyeglasses, Ussy stared at Kendra.
He was finding it difficult to believe she just said that.
How dare she? He always gave her surprise gifts and spent a lot on her. Today was just one of those days, that his allowance couldn't afford her taste.
With anger, Kendra walked to Noah.
“Hey, who is Rieka to you? She was supposed to be a bondwoman, that's why you bidding for her. How then is she free and enjoying luxury from an unknown person?”
“You fool…” Ussy added. “You don't look like one who had the money to bid. You are walking for your boss. Just look at what you are wearing, it's on the low-budget side.
“What's all this rubbish about?” Rieka snapped in anger.
Noah who had given them rap attention, now spoke calmly. “Well, I owe you no explanation. If you want to get any information about Rieka, go to her directly. By the way, I have no idea about who you are.’
Ussy held Noah's shirt at the chest. “You are not worth telling us what to do. Since when did your say matter?”
Noah forcefully pushed Ussy away making him stumble. Ussy felt embarrassed, he stood up and raised his hands at Noah, preparing to hit Noah.
Noah held Ussy's raised hand and turned it to his back, making Ussy wince in pain. Sternly, he spoke, “No one dares to raise a hand at me.
“Enough, let me go!”
“Please, let me go!”
Finally, Noah let go of him.
“Enough, this doesn't portray a good image for our store.” One of the sales girls pleaded.
Rieka hissed, she had had enough of the rubbish Kendra said, what Ussy did, and walked away.
Rieka had no savings that she could fall back to after leaving the house.
“What brought about the sudden turnaround in Rieka's life?”
“How could Rieka get such a huge surprise from an unknown person?”
"Can I get to know the person who paid my bills so I can appreciate it in person?" Rieka said calmly.
"That's not necessary, I'll pass your appreciation across."
While Noah stepped forward to help carry the goods, Cynthia slowly handed the card back to him with no one noticing.
While Noah held the goods, Rieka was wondering. She felt all that happened was just a drama.
“Dear Noah, I didn't understand all that happened at the store. I didn't even get the opportunity to appreciate the stranger who was behind the kind gesture. Do you think accepting the goods without knowing who paid is bad? Just the Hermes bag is worth a lot!”
“There's nothing bad in accepting a good act done voluntarily.” Noah smiled.
“Knowing the stranger would have made more sense to me.” Rieka sighed and wrapped her hands around his arms.
“Noah, you don't look jealous that my goods were paid for by a strange person. I received such treatment because of you, right?”
Chapter four:
Noah smiled,placing his hand on her shoulder. “Perhaps it's from one of your secret admirers. ”
“Secret admirer? No one knows me I've spent the last few years within the confine of my house.”
Listening to her speak with pain, he sighed.
“All I need now is a source of income.”
“That reminds me, I also overheard some prominent person discussing a vacant job position in Top Notch Group.” He added, “You can apply, who knows you may be lucky.”
“Did you just mention Top Notch Group?”
Rieka doubted.
She knew a lot about Top Notch Group, getting a job there is influenced by the rich's wealth and connections.
Top Notch Group was a company known worldwide, having controlled the business world in Linton City for decades.
Noah smirked. “Yeah, you heard me right.”
Rieka concluded, “Getting a job with Top Notch Group is not as easy as it sounds.” She gave a mischievous laugh.
“Okay, but there's no harm in trying! So give it a thought.”
Preparing dinner, Rieka headed back to the kitchen while Noah decided to take a stroll.
All Rieka was after at the moment was to get a job, encouraged by Noah's word, she'll give a try at Top Notch Group. With that, her family would respect her more and would never downgrade her.
Noah arrived at a small bar located a few minutes away from their residence.
He took a seat and took out his phone and dialed a number. “I'm at the venue, let's meet.”
Although he doesn't like to use his power as the supreme ruler, he has to for the sake of Rieka. He doesn't want to ever see her sad.
Minutes later, a man in his late fifties, dressed in a suit arrived at the bar.
“General Noah.”
“Immediately he stood before Noah, he fidgeted, sweating profusely.
In Linton City, he was the overall head and had the final say over the affairs of Top Notch Group. His name was Brucy Kings
After receiving a call from him, Brucy investigated who the call came from.
He was standing before the supreme ruler of Fristico. No one dares go against his order and see the sun of the next day. He conquered all his battles.
General Noah was accorded respect at its peak. He can't be compared to an ordinary man. He wasn't just a General but also a supreme ruler.
Still fidgeting, Brucy couldn't help but wonder if he had trespassed.
“Take a deep breath, Brucy Kings.”
Noah gulped down a shot that was on the table. Gazing at the man before him, he cleared his throat and said politely. “Have a seat.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Brucy sat. His legs were shaking uncontrollably. He wondered why he got a sudden and urgent appointment with a legend.
“Rieka Fullams, my wife, will be at Top Notch Group tomorrow. Her purpose is to seek a job opportunity and give her maximum attention. You know what to do.”
Brucy gave a loud exasperated breath and a smile pricked the corner of his lips. “Alright, Supreme Ruler. Even if she wants to become a director, it will be granted on your order.”
He giggled, “Let's take it gradually. Rieka Fullams is her name.”
“Yes, sir.”
“That would be all for now. You may leave now.”
“Thank you, sir.”
With sweat dripping around his face, Brucy hurriedly left at the speed of light as he had escaped from a predator.
Being a member of the Kings family, he was in charge of the Top Notch Group in Linton City. The top three prominent families: Grichy, Ariel, and Swelvy dare not get on his nerves but that was not the case when he met Noah.
After Brucy left, Noah headed back home.
The house was still and quiet, Rieka must have fallen asleep.
In his room, he sat on his bed and pulled out a picture. On it was him and his family members.
Five years ago, the Kendrick's controlled the business affairs in Linton City.
He was the last child and only 18 years then.
Within that year, his mother brought a woman to work as a housekeeper.
She was Fiona Grichy.
She pretended to be a housekeeper so she could have access to the Kendrick's villa.
She maneuvered her way into Noah's father's bed, accusing him of forcing her to sleep with him and that she carried his child. The Kendrick family legacy was shattered and became a mockery.
Months later, Fiona made a complaint against his grandfather, accusing him of attempted murder. His grandfather was so upset that it led to a heart attack. She didn't attempt to save him, instead, she closed his nose. She told everyone else that he died of heartache cox no one was around to rush him to the hospital.
After the death of his grandfather, the Grichys, Ariel, and Swelvys united and kidnapped Kendrick's family. They forced them to hand over all the family assets to them.
After they collected their assets, they tortured each member of the family to death.
Noah rested his back on the bed, tears rolling down his cheeks.
The Grichys, Ariel, and Swelvys terminated the Kendrick family, thanks to the bait they used; Fiona Grichy.
“I'll avenge the death of my family. Grichys, Ariel, and Swelvys will dance to the tone of the music they once played. "
Suddenly, Noah's phone buzzed.
He answered the call.
“Supreme Ruler”
“Address me as Noah. We are not in Fristico.”
“Alright! Kendicles Group, belonging to the Grichy’s, will be having a celebratory party tonight. Kendicles and Top Notch Group have signed a permanent deal. Henceforth, Kendicles will have early access to Top Notch Group deals before letting the other groups and companies get to know. Senior Grichy is also turning seventy today. The celebration is a huge one.”
“Kendicles?”
“Yes, Noah!”
Noah smirked.
Kendicles was the Kendrick family business.
Now, the Grichys have taken full charge of it.
Filled with anger, He stood up fast.
“Andy, Be at my house now!”
He stepped out of the house, with intention to wait for Andy at the entrance.
Lo, there was a vehicle waiting outside with a light-skinned man sitting in the driver's position.
Noah walked up and got into the car. “How did you get here so fast? Or have you been stalking me?”
“Not at all.”
“Are you sure about all you said on the phone?”
“Yes,
“We have a party to attend. I'll offer them the best gift ever.”
