No More Lies

By Hilda A. Stephens

Braxton DePaul, R&B singer have created many enemies along the way. This thrilling romance novel masterpiece is coming to end, and everyone is dealing with their lies face-to-face, no one can escape. The search for the person(s) who shot Braxton DePaul is closing in. Everyone has something to hide, but the tables are about to turn.

No More Lies will leave readers scratching their heads and searching for clues to solve this mysterious mystery. Will justice be served? Will you be able to identify Braxton DePaul's shooter?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669828600

Hilda A. Stephens

Hilda A. Stephens is a published author of two books: “God is This my Man” and “God is This my Man part 2 The Saga Continues.” Hilda is a graduate of Ashworth University with a degree in Psychology and certification in writing children’s books. Hilda’s gift has inspired her to write four children book, three stage plays and thirty-five song lyrics. Hilda is the mother of one daughter, Latesha, son-in-law Terrance and three grandchildren MonTerris, Shayla and Jahvon. Hilda resides in Durham, North Carolina.

Book preview

It Is Happening Again

Things are returning to normal. Paris and Patrice are home from France, and they are busier than ever. Braxton DePaul is number 1 on the charts again in France and the United States, and he has Paris Morganton to thank for that. But this is not enough for Mr. DePaul.

Alana is close to her due date for the birth of their second child, but Braxton has distanced himself from all the excitement. Braxton wants this to be over with and move on with his life. Alana feels something is wrong. Braxton spends his time in the studio and occasionally spends time with his Emilie.

Alana does not push the issue for now, but she keeps a close watch on Braxton’s behavior. What is the problem? There could only be one reason, Alana thinks aloud. My instinct tells me that my husband is not in love with me. It’s an awful feeling, but it so true.

Tonight, Alana plans to get to the bottom of this, but she could be walking into a beehive. Braxton has more conversations with Emilie than with his wife, and this is getting into Alana’s nerves. One minute Braxton is on top of the world, and things are going great, and in a couple of days, he shuts himself off from the world. It is just a matter of time before he falls apart.

Braxton is not the only one feeling the pain. Patrice keeps busy so she will not have to think about Mr. DePaul, but Paris is no fool. Every time Patrice Albright Morganton is in Braxton DePaul’s presence, something magical happens, and it takes a while for Mrs. Morganton to settle down.

Paris is quiet. He does not confront Patrice yet, but you can just imagine that he has had enough of this mess. They continue working in separate offices to keep the peace. The reason is Paris is not ready for the truth, and Patrice is not heeding Mr. Nathan Tidwell’s advice, maybe because she thinks she knows Braxton better than his father. If you ask me, Patrice may have a point.

There is distance between both couples. Nothing is bringing them any closer together, but something is going to give eventually. The pressure is mounting, and the feelings are getting stronger between Braxton and Patrice. Although they are in separate places, love always has a way of finding them.

There are a lot of things on Paris’s mind, and one of them is Jaylan. What is his wife hiding? It is not long before Patrice enters Paris’s office. The look on her face indicates she is stressed and troubled over something. She quickly smiles as she informs Paris what is going on with Braxton DePaul’s account. The mention of Braxton’s name brings joy to Patrice.

What’s wrong? Paris watches closely.

Braxton is overpaid. Would you like to oversee this, or should I explain this to Mr. DePaul?

It would be great if you could take care of this matter.

I understand. I will get right on this.

Thank you. Patrice, I have a question.

Yes, Paris?

Is there something you would like to talk about?

No, I’m . . ., Patrice hesitates.

Are you sure?

I’m a bit tried from the trip. I need rest, that’s all.

Are you happy?

Paris’s question startles Patrice.

Is something wrong? Patrice quickly replies.

Please answer my question.

I’m happy. Are you satisfied?

I’m okay. You may return to work. Thank you for taking care of Mr. DePaul’s account.

Patrice quickly picks up the account, but the tone in Paris’s voice indicates that something is going on in his mind, and he has a good reason to question his wife. Patrice sits, staring out the window. As Paris leaves his office to make copies, he notices his wife as he passes her office.

Patrice is in her own little world, in deep thought. Paris stops, and his heart breaks as he continues to watch her. Patrice quickly turns around; she sees Paris and smiles.

In that moment, Patrice knows. It’s happening again. I know that feeling, and so do Paris. I got to make this right. I’m not going to lose my husband.

Paris heads back to his office. Patrice immediately jumps out of her seat and calls Paris. Do you have a minute?

I always make time for my wife.

Please come in. Paris drops the copies on the desk, and Patrice hurries and closes the door.

Is there something on your mind, Patrice?

Paris, I have been thinking and . . .

Yes, sweetheart?

I think we should let Braxton out of his contract.

Is there a reason why we should do this?

I can’t explain it, but it’s for the best.

Who’s best? Black Label Records, my best, or would it have something to do with you?

It’s nothing like that. It’s just time.

Please tell me the truth. You are in love with Braxton.

I care for Braxton. I’m not in love with him. I love you.

It’s happening again. I know you. I have tried to understand your relationship with Mr. DePaul, but it’s the same answer every time.

And what is that?

You are in love with him.

You got to be kidding me.

Please don’t do this.

We can work this out.

I can’t do this again.

What about our family?

What about me? I need my wife to love me, and I don’t think that’s possible.

You got this all wrong. I do love you.

How much?

I have told you this repeatedly. What else can I do?

You could show me. I need to get back to work.

You are not going to leave me.

I promised. I would never leave my family again. This hurts, but I will deal with this. I can’t make you love me.

I do love you, but sometimes things get so twisted in my head.

I understand. Do not fret over this anymore. Please make the call to Mr. DePaul, it will help you relax. Paris picks up the copies and leaves.

Patrice cannot believe Paris’s statement, but it is true. There is something about Braxton DePaul that Patrice cannot resist. The conversation has Patrice thinking. She makes the call to Braxton DePaul. As she waits for an answer, she can feel the rush coming over her body. Braxton answers on the fourth ring.

Hello.

Good evening, Mr. DePaul.

It’s good to hear your voice.

I’m going make this call very brief.

I see, something is troubling you.

This call is not about me. How is Alana?

That is funny. This call is not about my wife. You could care less about Alana.

I called to discuss your account.

I’m listening.

You were overpaid for the show in France.

"I know. My accountant sends the check back this morning. You should know this. But this is not the reason for your call.

You are covering yourself just in case Paris questions you. Does that sound, right? You missed me. You can’t get me out of your head.

Don’t flatter yourself, Mr. DePaul. This is business, and I talked this over with my husband before I made the call.

That’s a smart move. Now you sound like a good lawyer.

There is nothing going on between us. I’m taking care of the affairs of Black Label Records.

I like that there is nothing going on between us. That is right, nothing physical, but listen to this. Do you feel my touch on your lips? Do you feel the tingle from my fingertip racing across your body? Do not play games with me. You feel me.

Patrice quickly looks around the room. Mr. DePaul, thank you for the information.

It’s my pleasure, anytime.

Patrice quickly says goodbye, but she needs a drink of water to cool off. Alana walks in the studio. I brought you a glass of wine. Who was that on the phone? Braxton does not look up. Patrice Morganton.

What did she want?

The same thing you want.

Alana laughs. What is that?

Me. Now I have work to do.

DePaul, I refuse to let you get away with this. I’m your wife.

Alana, I’m not in the mood. Thank you for the glass of wine. You can leave now.

You got this all wrong. You can leave.

What did you say? Braxton stops playing the last note on his keyboard.

I said you could leave, but just remember you will never see your sons again.

Is that a threat, Alana?

No, it’s just your choice. I’ll be upstairs if you need me.

Wait, Alana, I am sorry. I’m really sorry.

DePaul, something has to change. I am not living with you under these same conditions. If you love Patrice that much, it’s best you leave.

I won’t do this to you.

It’s time for you to show me respect. I will not put up with this. It’s your choice, DePaul.

You made your point. I understand. I’ll be up soon.

Alana gives Braxton a short, sweet kiss. I’ll be waiting.

Braxton quickly picks up the phone and slowly dials Patrice’s number. He waits.

You reached Patrice Morganton. I’m sorry I’m unavailable to take your call. Please leave a message at the beep.

Braxton, in a panic mood, dials the number again.

Answer the damn phone, Patrice.

Patrice is talking with a client. Paris quickly answers, Hello, Black Label Records.

Braxton quickly looks down at the number. There is a pause.

Hello, Paris Morganton.

Oh no! Braxton whispers. Good morning, Paris. I am trying to reach Patrice. I have information about the check.

Patrice is with a client. I can take the information.

That’s great, but I need to talk with Patrice.

I’m sure I can manage this, Mr. DePaul.

If you don’t mind, I need to talk with Patrice.

I do mind, Mr. DePaul. What do you want?

It’s business, nothing personal.

Mr. DePaul, every time you need to speak to my wife, it’s personal.

It’s business. I will have my attorney contact Patrice with the information.

Thank you, Mr. DePaul. I will pass the information on. It’s good talking with you again.

The same here. Braxton is furious.

Two weeks have passed since Braxton and Alana announced that they are the proud parents of a seven-pound baby boy named Elias Everett DePaul. The news travels fast to the state, and Grandfather Nathan is beside himself and cannot wait to see his grandson. While everyone rejoices over the birth of Elias, Judge Marco Albright is searching for the person who shot Braxton DePaul. He will not rest until the case is solved.

It has been over a year, and there is no clear evidence, but that is not stopping Judge Albright. One thing for sure, his gut instinct tells him the person is closer than you think. Tonight, he has invited the Tidwells over to celebrate the birth of their grandson, and at the same time, if he can get Nathan’s head out of the cloud, he plans to talk business.

Attorney Sheena Jackson Albright has joined her husband in the quest. It is the hot topic around the Albrights’ house. Judge Marco Albright is consumed with the case since Braxton has significant issues dealing with the shooting. He plans to discuss the new evidence with Nathan. Marco prepares dinner, and Karlyn cannot wait to see her godfather to talk law and foreign policies. It has been a while, and Mrs. Albright is pleased as well.

Tonight is going to be special, Sheena shares with Marco.

I hope so. I really need to talk with Nathan about this case.

You should go easy with Nathan.

Why is that, Mrs. Albright? Is there something I need to know?

I’m just saying. Nathan’s mind may be on other things.

Like what?

The baby. What are you thinking?

Don’t get me started. You look genuinely nice tonight.

Thank you, sweetheart.

But the look on Marco’s face say, You look too damn nice just for dinner with friends. Sheena gives a quick smile as she hurries to open the door. Kylan gives his mother a kiss as he greets the Tidwells on his way out to spend the night with a friend. Everyone gathers in the family room before dinner. Nathan is upbeat, but he cannot keep his eyes off Sheena. Shavonna sits quietly as Nathan talks about his new grandson. Marco listens carefully.

Shavonna and I will be leaving for Paris, France, soon.

Marco does not respond, but he knows it is not the news he needs to hear now.

What about the case? Don’t you want to find out who shot your son?

I do, but . . .

It’s been over a year. We have some new evidence.

Please can we discuss this. Nathan sits up.

I would be happy to inform you. Would you like a drink before dinner?

Yes. Thank you.

Sheena is working on the case with me.

Is that, right? Shavonna quickly looks over at Sheena.

I can’t believe this. It will be like old times. Nathan smiles.

I didn’t have a choice. Nat, this is all I heard in this house for the last year.

Nat, you haven’t called me that in a long time.

I’m sorry, it just came out.

Don’t be. It’s good to hear it again.

But I prefer my wife call you Nathan.

Light up, Marco, it’s only a joke.

Marco, why don’t you and Nathan discuss the case, and I will get dinner ready. Shavonna, would you join me?

Sure, I can help.

Karlyn and Myles set the table, while Sheena and Shavonna finish their meal. Shavonna is quiet. Sheena notices something is troubling Shavonna. Finally, Shavonna looks up.

What is it, Sheena?

What is what?

You still have a way of getting my husband’s attention.

Please, not tonight. Are you referring to Nat?

I’m referring to my husband, Nathan.

How long have we been friends?

It’s been some years, but this conversation is about my husband.

I’m not in love with your husband.

Good. Let us keep it that way.

What I did not say is I still care about Nathan.

Why?

Nat is my friend.

Please don’t call my husband that. Shavonna walks away.

Shavonna, what do you want from me? I not leaving Marco.

It’s just your way. You always excite Nathan. He loves you.

Don’t be silly. Nathan loves you.

Not the way he loves you.

Would you listen to yourself? This is not true. It is all in your mind. Now can we eat?

You are right, but you do have a hold on Nathan.

The conversation between Marco and Nathan is not that much different, but Marco sets the record straight with Nathan. This is a case concerning your son and not my wife. Sheena is off-limits as always. But Nathan does not seem to be moved at all. In his heart, he knows Sheena may still have feelings for him. It does not matter what Marco says; if Nathan gets one moment alone with Sheena, that is all he needs.

Sheena enters the room. Nathan immediately looks up. Marco, we are ready for dinner. I’ll get Karlyn and Myles.

Thanks, sweetheart. We will meet you at the table.

Dinner is going great. Karlyn spends time with her godfather Nathan, discussing law and foreign policies. Marco keeps his eyes on Shavonna. She seems a bit upset about something, and his hunch is his wife.

Sheena continues to flow, taking care of everyone; she does not miss a beat. It is hard for Marco to read his wife’s mood. Sheena is good at what she does. Nathan excuses himself from the table to take a call.

Karlyn follows close behind her godfather. This is the time for Marco to ask Shavonna if anything is wrong while Sheena and Myles prepare to serve the dessert. Shavonna quickly drops her head; she can feel Marco staring in her direction.

You are extremely quiet tonight. Is something troubling you?

You don’t get it.

I don’t get what?

Your wife and my husband.

What about my wife?

Your wife is in love with my husband.

Is that what you think? It is so, but Sheena is never going to leave me.

How do you do this? You know it’s true.

It’s not true. I take care of my wife. I meet all her needs. Sheena is off-limits to any man. Doesn’t Nathan meet your needs?

Nathan takes loving care of me, but . . . Nathan walks back in the room.

Did someone call my name?

I did, sweetheart.

I will give you time to talk. I’m going to help Sheena.

I’m waiting, Shavonna.

Marco and I were having a discussion.

"Did your discussion include me?

It did.

And who else did it include?

Sheena.

Did you get an answer from Marco?

Yes, I did.

How long are you going to bring this up?

I guess until I know the truth.

You will never know. Do not bring Sheena’s name up again in this house or my house. For God’s sake, don’t you understand this?

No, I don’t. You love Sheena.

No, I care for Sheena, but I love you. Get over this.

I’m sorry.

Marco and Sheena return with dessert and a bottle of champagne. The conversation immediately changes. Nathan and Shavonna talk about the trip to Paris, France, and the new grandson. Marco knows that Nathan had a talk with Shavonna because she is in a better mood. By this time, the champagne has everyone a little mellow. Sheena keeps whispering in Marco’s ear and kissing him as though she needs to make a point.

Nathan does not miss a thing; he stands. It’s time for a toast. To my beautiful wife and my dear friends, may we continue to enjoy life to the fullest and take care of our family. May our friendship last forever and may the peace and blessing be with us. Thank you for a wonderful night and . . .

Shavonna stands.

I do not always say the right things, and I know my husband loves me, but no more lies. I have been so jealous of Sheena throughout my marriage, but there is something you need to know. When Marco was detained in California, I was a part of the whole mess. I stole a hundred thousand dollars from Nathan’s real estate account and gave it to Bria to have Marco lock up. I was so mad with Nathan because I knew I was going to lose him. Sheena, I am so, so sorry. I cannot live with this anymore. But there is more.

Shavonna, I think you have said enough. Nathan takes Shavonna’s hand.

No, let me finish. I got to say this. Sheena, I tried to have an . . . Nathan gives Shavonna a look that can kill.

You had too much to drink. It’s time to go home, Shavonna.

No, Nathan, let Shavonna say what she needs to say to me.

I tried to have an affair with Marco.

Did it work? Sheena laughs.

No. Marco really loves you.

Do you feel better now? Marco and I never keep anything from another, whether it be good or bad. I know all about this. But if this is what you needed to do, you did it.

I’m sorry for my wife’s behavior. Shavonna makes things complicated.

Nathan, Shavonna is troubled by our relationship, but I keep telling her I’m never going to cheat, lie, or leave Marco. I love Marco. Do not make any excuse for Shavonna. You are my friend, and sometimes it’s hard for Marco to understand our friendship. Since we got this out in the air, go home take care of Shavonna, give her everything she needs, because I can guarantee Marco is going to take care of me. It does not matter what I feel. I have an obligation to my husband and my family. Nothing else matters.

We understand this has been overdue. Shavonna, I am sorry. I do love you.

I love you too, Nathan.

It’s been a remarkably interesting night. Sheena and I will meet with you next week to discuss the case, but I have other plans for tonight.

As you can see, readers, Shavonna thought she let the cat out of the bag, but the cat had been long gone. Do you really think it’s over?

The Call

It is Jaylan’s twelfth birthday, and he cannot wait to celebrate. The Albrights are traveling to New York for the big celebration. Patrice makes the final preparation but thinks something is missing. It is going to be difficult for Patrice because Nancy, Braxton’s mother, will be attending the party with Mr. Quincy Morganton, Jaylan’s grandfather.

It is hard enough that his father will not be attending. Did I say that? This is what Patrice believes. It is not easy for Patrice to continue to hide the truth from Paris. It is obvious that Patrice needs to come clean.

In Paris, France, Braxton is feeling the pain. He has a one-month-old son, but he thinks about Jaylan every day. Patrice stops sending pictures and has cut off all communication. She just cannot deal with this anymore. After their last conversation, Patrice knows she still has strong feelings for Braxton DePaul, and that is not good.

The Albright family is the first to arrive. MJ and his family are on the way. Marco wants to spend time alone with Patrice before the party. He knows this is difficult. Sheena prepares the family a light snack as Marco and Patrice head out for lunch. Patrice does not say much on the way to the restaurant. She does not understand why she is feeling this pain because Braxton has a new son.

Patrice quickly opens the car door; her mind is all over the place. Marco follows slowly behind his daughter. The host immediately sits them. Patrice is lost for words; she does not know where to begin. Tears start streaming down her face; she cannot speak. Marco simply hands Patrice a tissue. The phone rings, and Patrice quickly answers.

"Is everything ready for Jaylan’s party?’

Almost, Patrice whispers.

Honey, is everything okay?

Yes. I am having lunch with my father. How are the boys?

They are playing ball. Jaylan oversees the business for the day.

That sounds great.

I’m leaving the office at noon. I should be home by six. The boys and I are going shopping. See you soon.

That’s fine. Don’t let the boys eat too much junk.

I promise. I love you.

I love you too.

Marco waits, and Patrice calms down after the call from Paris, but there are things on her mind.

Shall we order, or do you need more time to think?

Daddy, this is not going to go away.

It’s your call. Jaylan is eleven and happy. What are you going to do about this? It could break his heart. Is Jaylan Braxton’s son?

"I think