Vice Principal Divine walked into Class 1. "Melanie Bates," he called.
"Sir," Melanie replied.
"Your attention is needed in the principal's office."
Melanie walked into the principal's office, wondering why she had been summoned. Her gaze landed on Aiden, who sat in the principal's chair, tapping his fingers on the table as he listened to Principal Johnson.
"Principal Johnson, you called for me?" she said after a moment.
Aiden turned to her, his expression cold. "Sit," he commanded.
Principal Johnson and Mike promptly exited the room, leaving Melanie alone with Aiden.
"Mr. Williams, is there anything you need me to—" Melanie began.
"The Williams Corporation's 70th anniversary will be held Saturday evening," Aiden interrupted. "Our engagement will be made public."
Melanie wanted to protest, but her words caught in her throat.
Aiden stood up and walked towards the exit. "You need to end things with Xander or any other man before the engagement announcement."
With that, he walked out, leaving Melanie stunned.
She zoned out, staring at the door until Principal Johnson tapped her on the shoulder. "Miss Bates, I think you should leave now."
Melanie snapped back to reality. "Uh, yes, Principal Johnson."
She exited the office, her mind reeling from Aiden's demands.
Melanie walked through the school hallway, lost in thought. Aiden's words echoed in her mind: "End things with Xander or any other man before the engagement." But how could she? Xander was her first love, her first kiss, her partner in countless cuddles, laughter, and tears.
Memories flooded her mind: their daring adventures, late-night conversations, and whispered secrets. She recalled the time Xander proposed to her, his eyes shining with hope.
As she turned a corner, Melanie mistakenly bumped into Xander. "Hey, what's wrong?" Xander asked, concern etched on his face.
"I'm fine," Melanie said, forcing a smile.
Xander's gaze lingered. "Are you thinking about your parents? Everything's going to be fine, Melanie. You have me, right?"
Melanie's eyes welled up with tears. "Oh, Xander," she whispered, embracing him.
"Let it all out," Xander said softly, patting her back.
Melanie's heart ached. How could she give up this love, this connection?
It was lunchtime, and the students gathered at the cafeteria. Melanie and Xander entered, holding hands. As the perfect couple at Royal Academy, they were accustomed to the countless stares.
Xander Williams, heir to the influential Williams family, and Melanie Bates, heiress to the esteemed Bates family – one of the world's top 10 most prestigious families – made a formidable pair. The Bates family held the coveted title of Socialites of All Socialites.
As they dined, Principal Johnson made an announcement: "The Williams Corporation will celebrate its 70th anniversary on Saturday evening. Mr. Aiden Williams has reserved invitations for all Royal Academy students. Your invitations will be sent to your residences."
The students erupted into an uproar. Receiving an invitation to the prestigious Williams party was no small feat.
The news about the Williams Corporation's anniversary was trending in school; every girl was talking about the dresses they would wear, the heels, their makeup, and all sorts.
After a while, the bell rang, signifying the end of the day. As Melanie packed her bags, she received a text.
"Bitch, I'm back! My condolences. I'll see you tomorrow in school. xoxo, Love Sofia."
Melanie chuckled as she read Sofia's text. "Welcome back, Infanta Sofia Rodriguez. I bet your dad still needs to keep you in Spain for more etiquette lessons" (laughing emoji).
She walked to the school gate with a slightly cheerful expression. Her bodyguards bowed as she entered the car.
Melanie entered her room; her gaze landed on the files on her dressing table. She began sorting through them and saw her parents' autopsy results. A name caught her eye: Dr. Michelle Austin.
Melanie picked up her phone to dial the number. Dr. Austin's office answered, and a receptionist spoke.
"Hi, I'm Melanie Bates, and I need to speak with Dr. Austin about my parents' autopsy results."
Moments later, a warm, feminine voice spoke.
"Miss Bates, I've been expecting your call."
"Expecting my call?" Melanie asked.
"Yes, Miss Bates. I have some information about your parents' death. Why don't you drop by my office tomorrow, and we can discuss it? Come alone."
Meanwhile, at the Williams Corporation, Aiden sat in the presidential office with his childhood friend Liam Blackwood. Mike entered, bowing to both.
"Sir, there's a problem," Mike said
Aiden frowned. "Can't you deal with a simple thing?"
"Sir, it concerns Miss Bates," Mike replied.
"Bates?" Liam asked, his brow furrowing. "Why does that name sound familiar?"
Aiden gestured for Mike to continue.
"Sir, Miss Bates had contact with Dr. Austin regarding her parents' death," Mike explained.
"Who's Dr. Austin?" Liam asked.
"Dr. Michelle Austin performed the autopsies on Mr. and Mrs. Bates," Mike replied.
Aiden's expression darkened. "What have you learned?"
"Sir, Miss Bates is going to visit Dr. Austin tomorrow at 2 p.m.," Mike said.
Aiden's eyes narrowed. "You know what to do."
"Yes, sire," Mike answered.
Liam smiled. "No need, Mike. I'll take care of Dr. Austin myself."
Mike shifted uncomfortably. "Sir, Liam, I don't think you should—"
Aiden raised his hand, silencing Mike.
"Liam, I appreciate your offer, but—"
"I came here to show you our new innovation," Liam interrupted, pulling out a silver handgun. "Meet the Viper, our latest creation. Advanced stealth technology, lightweight, fires silently with minimal recoil, and ensures pinpoint accuracy. I spent six months developing this baby. The government wants to pay $100 million per unit."
Aiden's face remained neutral. "Interesting. The name Viper suits her."
"I made this for you," Liam said. "It's going to be the only one in the entire world."
"I want Dr. Austin to be the first test subject," Aiden said, his voice cold. "A clean and sufficient method. I'll do it personally. Make preparations for everything."
Liam nodded, a hint of excitement in his eyes.
*********
Hi it's your author Esther Obagwu esi,I'm Nigerian and this is the first novel I want to publish
You might not like it but please leave comments and reviews
Love Esther 😫🎀