ECHOES OF DECEPTION

he engagement party was in full swing below her, the chatter of the guests a dull hum in her ears. She felt out of place in her

sts, her beauty and charm captivating everyone who crossed her path. Francesca couldn't help but feel a pang of envy as she

rupted by a soft voice behind h

in hand and a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Just ta

looked Francesca up and down. "You should relax and enj

. Something about Beverly's tone made her un

seemed to blur around her, the faces of the guests indistinct and their voices a distant ech

ca's hand and leading her through the crowd.

mething was off. They made their way through the grand hallway an

ly?" Francesca asked, her

h something that sent a chill down Francesca's s

rly handed her a glass of wine. "D

t wanting to cause a scene, Francesca took the glass and sipped the wine. The taste was

rly murmured, wat

felt like jelly. Panic surged through her, but her body refus

ou...?" Francesca's words slur

. Her head pounded, and her body ached in ways that made her heart race with f

hen she

n Francesca's chest, and she scrambled to the edge of the bed, pulling t

haze of sleep left his eyes, recognition dawned in his expressio

began, but the sound of footst

guests, including Kola. Francesca's heart sank as she realized what was

mphantly, her voice dripping with venom. "My dear sister,

rancesca with a mixture of disgust and pity. Kola's face was

," Francesca pleaded, but her voice was drown

er hand and slapped Francesca across the face. The sting of the blow echoed in the

utter disappointment. He couldn't even look at her, and the sigh

the bed stood up. "I can't let this continue," he said, his

hat name. Ike was a ruthless billionaire with a reputation that s

altered, replaced by shock.

la," Ike continued, his voice steady. "But I take f

defending her? And why did his name send a jolt of recognition

topped him in his tracks. "I will marry Frances

akly, her voice barely a whi

-