Love, Lies and Survival.

r's company and build memories. For some, it marks the beginning of a journey toward starting a family, with passion and plans

ic. Instead of basking in marital joy, Esther found herself confined to the sterile walls of a hospital room. Every morning and evening, she sat by

void-a mental prison, perhaps reflecting on the life choices that led him here. The high doses of cocaine and heroin, the reckless indulgence in

oices as if they were her own. The weight of it all-his vulnerability, her suppressed dreams, and the suffocating environment-was unbearable. Y

He gently tapped Esther, who had her head resting on the edge of Philip'

Uncle Matty,"

m. "Good morning, Esther. The doctor

ious state wasn't caused solely by an overdose. The heroin he ingested acted as a catalyst, exacerbating an underlying liver condition. His liver is now

please," she said, her voice steady but insistent. "Speak

er can no longer filter toxins effectively, and those toxins are damaging his other organs. Simply put, his b

at?" she exclaimed, her voice trem

atty interjected, his voice low and cont

. "I'm his wife. His emergency contact. If you want m

uick glance with the doct

you start making preparations." His words hung heavily in the air before h

hoing in her mind. "One week," she whisp

n't need to worry about that now," he said softly, yet his tone ca

r and resignation. Uncle Matty gave her a reassuring no

ore gentle now. "You've been he

, as though the gravity of the situation had settled into her very bones. Un

ce at Philip's motionless figure, her mind racin

footsteps echoing through the spacious, elegantly furnished house. Despite the luxury surrounding her, the emptines

to herself, as though speaking the w

She hurried down the hallway to the storeroom, a place she hadn't visited in years. Throwing

ed it, revealing an old photograph. In it, a younger version of herself and Nita stood side by side, the

her face. The memory was vivid-two young girls dreaming of fre

dream back to life, Esther grabbed h

w about a black Chevrolet Camaro, 1968 model? Yes! Can you deliver it toda

back inside the box, her fingers lingering on the edges of the worn frames as if trying to hold ont

she took felt heavier, not from the weight of the box but from the emotio

bs. The glitz and glamor created endless opportunities for those eager to make their mark, and Nita was no exception. Sh

lientele seeking the latest styles and treatments. Nita thrived in this

ng her magic on a client's hair. "This way, perfecto!" she said, steppi

stood up, inspecting her reflection. "Gracias, mi hermosa dama

she loved her job-not just for the artistry but for the connections she made along the way. She quickly

lon. Their presence immediately drew the attention of everyone inside. Senior Dominic,

p you?" he asked, his

replied without hesitation, "W

salon. "¡Benita!" he called out in Spanish. "¡Algunos hombres es

he walked toward the men, unaware of their purpose but curious nonetheless. With a polite sm

us. "Madame Esther has requested your prese

ise. "Now? I can't," she said, glancing at her cli

ck wad of cash from his pocket. "Hey," he said, holding up the bills. "I

second thought, they snatched the money a

t had just happened when Bunny spoke again, his tone firm but not unkind. "Madame Esther wants

ly stunned. Realizing there was little room for negotiation with these men

employee lockers were and returned with an armful of handbags.

udacity but pointed t

citing protests from the salon workers. "Hey! Be careful w

d between them, feeling both irritated and uneasy, as the eyes of her colleag

und each other, smiling warmly at the camera. The image captured a rare moment of pure joy, a reminder of simpler, happier ti

canned a new text message, and smiled. The notification she had been waiting for had arrived. With

Uncle Franklin. I just received the payment notification for my mother's h

's beautiful, Uncle. From the outside, it looks like it's made entirely of glass, reflecting the sunlight in the most stunning way. And from the ins

, I have to go now," Esther said quickly, ending the voice

three days," Esther exclaimed as she threw the door op

aze. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows, sleek furniture, and opulent decor pai

a hint of sarcasm. "Yet, here you are, bathing in it. Esther, is

composure. "That's exactly why I called you over," she said, pulling Ni

ed me over? Really? You sent those two bold men to drag me h

cushions. "Alright, maybe I went a little overboard," she admitted. "B

eventually followed her sis

r first medical treatment in Dubai." She paused for effect, watching Nita's expression shift from irritation to surprise. "And," she continu

ive million dollars? Es

fe?" she said, throwing her hands up dramatically.

er," she said firmly. "Look around you. You're alone here. You can't go three days without Sex. How do you

quickly, her eyes darting nervously tow

ding her arms and leaning back against the couch. "But it's your r

wine room. She returned moments later with a sleek bottle of champagne. "You know what? This bottle of champagne c

Or is this just your way of distracting yourself from your problems?" She leaned forward slightly.

no... let's just enjoy the moment." She popped the champagne with a flourish, pouring it into two

d sipped. Esther clinked her glass

ing and taking Nita's hand. "Baby

ere a sleek black Chevrolet Camaro, 1

sunlight, its polished surface reflecting the rays like diamonds scattered on a velvet canvas. She reached out, lettin

in astonishment. She began circling the car, her eyes wi

ith a grin. "This is our dream car," she said

in this car since we were kids." She looked up at Esther, her

. Nothing should stand in our way. Not now, not ever." She stepped closer

ving," she declared, rushing to the driver's side. She sho

into the passenger seat.

g through the driveway. The sisters pulled out, cruising down the sunlit streets of Hollywood. The city buzze

ft the bustling city behind. The road stretched ahead, leading them to the serene beauty of the plateau

wheel, the wind tousling her hair. Esther leaned back, her laughter ringing

voice filled with awe. "We're actually

's more than a car, Nita. It's a symbol of everyt

ame to a stop at the traffic signal. The sisters shared a

oftly, her eyes reflecting the

d, reaching over to squ

yet convincing. I can still hear him say, 'Don't worry, my dear. I'll take good care of you. You'll be well-provided for, and you'll want for nothing.'" Her voice faltered for a moment.

call it off," she said, her tone sharp. "Cancel this so-called

her fists in her lap. "It's already sealed and signed. I'm in too deep. If

u not telling me?" She pressed, her voice rising. "W

nd. "Nita, I can't talk about it. Not now." Her voice softened as she avoided her sister's piercing gaze. "I need to get back to the city. Philip will be home so

scared-to share the full burden. "Esther..." she began, her voice gentle now, filled with concern. "Are y

ardening. "I've made my choices, Nit

ack toward the city. The sisters sat in silence, the hum of the engine filling the void. Esther stared out the wi

ith worry. She knew Esther was stubborn, but she couldn't shake the feeling th

lly broke the silence. "If you ever need me,

small, grateful smile. "

t of unspoken truths han

oom in a golden hue, its warmth providing a stark contrast to the cool, crisp night outside. Philip sat in his h

ight, my heart will beat, and my hands will k

st on Philip, who closed the book and leaned back. His e

followed by the soft voice of the house help. "Mr. Taylor, your wi

y against the marble floor. Her gaze was immediately drawn to a large portrait hanging on the wall-a regal image of Philip. In the painting, his hair was slic

slightly. "Why are you smiling?" she as

y and sure. Despite his condition, Philip's charm remained intact. "Champions don't cry; they

"Wow... You look beautiful, as expected," she

wish for death beyond this," he said, his eyes momentarily distant. Then, shaking o

gently on the wheelchair handles. "Let me help," s

g permission. Esther carefully pushed him into the dining room, the s

with gleaming silverware, crystal glasses, and a centerpiece of vibrant flo

er seat across from him. Various dishes, each more elaborate than t

smile. "Ola, what do you have for us today

began, his voice smooth and courteous. "Tonight's dinner has been specially prepared with a selection of your favorites: truffle-infused mushroom risotto, honey-glazed roasted duck, and a medley of fresh garden vege

crossing her face. This level of luxury was unfamiliar, and the weight of it felt

Thank you, Ola. That will be all for n

other servants followed suit, silently exit

with a mixture of ambition and weariness. "I must commend your uncle; he's a very resourceful man. My position as CEO of Big Apples Hotels and Tourism not o

l have a stake in this marriage," she said, her voice measured, b

already secured himself as a firm board candidate, but..." He paused, his gaze narrowing slightly. "Uncle M

champagne, she casually uncorked it. "I like wine; did you know that, husba

"I was told you're the life of the party," he said with a faint smile. "

"We've both made sacrifices for this union, Philip. But I'm

eeing to marry me," he said, his voice sincere now. "So... Thank you. I know this arrangeme

rsweet smile. "I suppose we're bo

ade sure that everything suits your taste-from the furniture to the lighting and the décor," he sa

it," she said, her voice carrying a hint

iqued. He raised an eyeb

smile playing on her lips. "Glorious," she

s approval. "Glorious, huh?

tness between them, a shared understanding

o retire to bed," he said, his tone apologetic. "I'm exhausted,

ning Funmi. Within moments, the nurse appeared, dressed i

" she asked, positioning he

ed back to Esther, offering her a small, tired smile.

f the lift echoed as it descended. Made of crystal glass, the lift was transparent, offering a clear view lik

crifices, and the complexities of her new life pressed heavily on her. Taking another sip directly from the bottle,

is room. A wave of dismay washed over her. She felt like a stranger in her own marriag

cal machines filled the air. Both Philip and Funmi froze as Esther

an, his voice low, "

d, her tone sharp, "you're not performing your husbandly duties. The rich ou

ice soft but commanding. "C

ft the room, closing the door gently behind her. The silence that foll

tion. "I know I've failed you. I'm a very sick man, E

Esther interrupted, her tone cutti

with purpose, her eyes never leaving him. She climbed into the bed beside him, her

between them. Philip's breath quickened, his heart pound

spered, her voice a blend of chall

lsed with a different kind of energy. It was as if the walls themselves were alive

't experienced in months. His eyes, once clouded with pa

fear and uncertainty, now cloaked them in a tender embrace. Their shared vulnerability tra

, surrendering to the warmth and passion that Esther brought. The boundaries of sickness