---

"Darkness makes light golden. Even a strand of fear can bridge the known and the unknown, the possible and the impossible. A single dream sown in the soil of determination can make a change." Luna's voice faded into silence.

After uttering these words, the priest, struggling to catch his breath, sank to the ground. He had attempted to invoke Luna's spirit, but as always, her presence was feeble, often able to utter only the same phrases. The power of the curse was formidable.

The priest rose, mounted his broom, and glided out to sea. There, he chanted incantations until the water began to quake, causing the waves to surge and the skies to darken.

A handsome merman emerged; he was Zeus. His golden crown glowed, and his tall ears twitched in surprise.

"You have a pact to sign," the priest said. "Your son mated centuries ago, and they still bond. They create a natural rhythm between the two worlds. They are still inseparable.

Luna is in danger, and so are the entire merfolk. You must support Luna with your powers." Zeus's eyes narrowed, and he slapped the water with his tail.

The priest tossed a portion of his potion to him, and it floated. Zeus took it and drank, then started laughing. With a wave of his hand, he created squares on the water and vanished.


---

Valerie's lips trembled, and her legs and hands shook. "That night..." Ximena nodded. "What happened?" Tears bridged her words, the river of grief not stopping.

"Hey! Xie..." Ximena grabbed her phone. "I have something to show you. I'm coming over to pick you up. Be ready. Bye..."

She smiled and turned to Valerie. "What happened that night? Talk to me, Val." Valerie stared at the floor, picking at her fingers.

"I met a guy and..." Ximena hugged her. "It's fine to meet a new guy, but if you still love him, he needs to know that you still love him."

She stood. "I’m going to leave you to fix all this, and I want you to know that I love you, momma." Valerie nodded.

"You look stunning," Rex said as they rode. She smiled. "You look amazing too."

"About Ruby..." he said, and her smile faded. "What about her?"

"How do you want her to pay for what she did to us?"

"Transfer her to another branch or fire her, but don't give her a bad review."

"Hmmmm, anyway, you will be the one handling that. For now, let's focus on more important things, like..."

The ride was filled with laughter and conversation. The driver took the wrong turn, though the pay was high.

Rex and Ximena entered the company. "I'm anxious about your surprise. Give me a clue."

"How is running the company going? I know it's stressful." She shook her head at him. "Don't do that. Don't dodge the question and answer me."

He chuckled, and she playfully hit his arm. He made a face. "You are at it again." She laughed.

They opened the door, and their jaws dropped. "What the... is this? I thought you hated bright colors?" Ximena exclaimed.

"I still do, and I’m as surprised as you are..."

She walked out of the restroom to them and smiled. "Hey! Who do you think you are, making this mess out of his office?" Ximena said.

"I will ignore the spoiled rich brat." She glared at Ximena and turned to Rex.

"Hey ladies, don’t start on the wrong foot." Rex stepped between them. "Ximena, meet Carolina Stamford, our new social media manager. Carl, my love."

"Really..." Ximena breathed out. "Nice day." She left, and Rex followed suit. Carolina pressed her lips together tightly.

"C'mon Xie, it's for us," he said. "You and me..."

"No, it isn’t." She replied. "Why her of all people? I can't work with her; she is ill-mannered and sarcastic."

"I know, but she is the best in her field, and I want us to be happy." He held her hand. "I didn’t mean to be a jerk; I was just looking out for what is best for us."

"I didn’t mean to be stubborn." She pouted.

"If you don’t like her, I will fire her, and we’ll be happy." She hugged him. "I think starting on the wrong foot isn't the best."

"I think we're forgetting something." She moved away from him. "You haven't given me an answer yet."

"Oh, that." She smiled. "I know you are a great person, but a man for me. I know saying yes will be my best decision so far, so I agree to be your girlfriend..."

He lifted her in a playful manner. "C'mon Rex, people are watching..."


---

The table was set for two; he sat and stared at his watch, tapping his fingers impatiently. Her absence made the date feel imperfect.

Valerie looked flawless in her tiny-sleeved dress. Beautiful ornaments accentuated her beauty, and her cologne was intoxicating. Her braided hair was a lovely touch.

She walked to the table; they hugged, and she sat down. "You're beautiful," he said. "I ordered a drink already..."

"We’ve been through this." Her eyes dimmed. "Let the sleeping dog lie."

"Valerie, I don’t just love you; I need you, and I’m never letting you go." He said. "I know it's because of the tape."

She stared keenly at him. "I didn’t plan to hide it from you, but I expected you’d ask why didn’t you die in the crash."

She was silent, her mind racing. "Go on." She kept her purse on the table and rested her palms on it.

"I was with someone else all night. We did all the things, so I couldn’t wake up early enough, and I missed the flight." His eyes held so much pain and regret.

"I know I make you sick, but we can't give in to this temptation. Someone has been blackmailing me with the tape, so I have to tell you. I want a fresh start. Please."

He took her hands and wrapped them in his. She pulled away slowly.

"I’m supposed to demand an apology, but I demand forgiveness." His eyes widened, then narrowed. "When I saw the news, I was broken, so I went drinking until I was wasted.

I woke up the next morning in a hotel room, and my sister's boyfriend was in bed with me. Relationships can wait until I sort all of this out."

He moved closer and held her tighter, staring deep into her eyes. "We need each other; we have to work together, not apart." She nodded.

"This situation is less than our ability, so we are one in this game." She hugged him. "I love you so much."

"That was sweet." They turned. "Yes, girl, it’s your sister. Dad will be coming home soon, so we have an event to plan, but enjoy the moment..."

Valerie's eyes widened. "I'm just coming in. I only heard 'I love you so much.' I’m out of here."

They smiled.


---

Ximena and Mike sat in her office. She scrolled through her phone while he flipped through pages. Rex and Ruby entered.

"Mike, help me contact the event planner." Mike left. Rex walked to her, and they greeted each other before he sat down. Ruby frowned.

"Ruby, it's going to be a long time. I want to transfer you to the other branch." Ximena said. "I love Rexford Williams so much that I can't share him with anyone, not even you."

Ximena tossed an envelope at her, and Ruby’s eyes fell on it. She picked it up, read it, and then left, venom spilling from her.

Theo walked out of the elevator and bumped into Ruby. She glared at him as her letter fell to the floor. "Seems someone just got tossed." He said.

"I might have failed, but you'll soon trip on your wins." Theo walked away and entered his office. Ruby smirked, bent down to grab the letter, and left.

"Everything comes with a price, love. I gave you what you wanted. It's your turn." Rex walked to Ximena, twirling her seat to face him.

He lifted her in a playful manner and laid her on the table. He took off her heels just as the door swung open.

Rex smirked at him; Theo shook his head and left. "We should do this later." Ximena said as she got off the table. "Yes, my lady." He nodded.

Theo entered his office, punching the walls until his fist bled. He sat down while his assistant approached with a first aid kit. He gritted his teeth.

"Good news, Boss." His secretary entered, holding a tablet. He sat up and stared.

HE HAS A RECENT AFFAIR WITH HER SISTER. PATHETIC BOY. I'M SORRY, THE JONES; I WON'T GO SMOOTH. He thought.

© Chidimma Mirabel Ugwuozo