Chapter: Did she just say mum?/Annabelle's POV/"What is wrong with you?!" I screamed, my heart pounding with intensity, and I'd swear that if it continued this, it'd rip out of my chest.I hated the fact that he dared to trail me home, but it scared me more that he could run into Stacey. "I just needed to talk to you, Ann. You didn't give me a choice since you have practically been avoiding me since you got back. This just seemed like my only option." He said, his face hardening defensively."By following me?" I asked, incredulous. "That's stalking Ethan."Ethan's hands rose in defence. "No, that's not it...." He started, but I interrupted. "I don't care what your excuse is Ethan. You have no right to follow me.""I know, I know," he said, running his hands through his hair, something he usually did when he was getting frustrated. "You know? Yet you followed me regardless," I said, laughing dryly, taking a deep breath as I glanced across my shoulder to ensure there wasn't a sign of Stacey playing outside the c
Last Updated: 2024-11-06
Chapter: What the hell?!/Annabelle's POV/"What nonsense are you spewing?!" Penelope said her face red beet with fury. "If this is a joke, you better stop it because it isn't funny."A smug grin grew on my face, and I leaned against my chair, steeling my fingers together, amusement creeping in. "The last time I checked Pen, I might be a lot of things, but I'm not a clown. You are done here; your contract has been terminated; I'm even surprised you came to work today."Penelope's eyes bulged out, her fist tightening. "You can't do this! Ethan, tell her! She can't do this!"Ethan shifted uncomfortably in his chair, trying to avoid Penelope's desperate gaze. "I'm sorry, Pen..." He started, but she cut him off."No, Ethan, don't." She said, her voice laced with desperation. "You can't let her do this, right? "Ethan's jaw clenched, a hint that he was about to make a tough decision. "Penelope, I'm sorry, but the decision has been made. The board thinks you should focus more on your health rather than this job." H
Last Updated: 2024-11-04
Chapter: Breaking News!/Annabelle's POV/ "I thought... you were dead," she replied, her face pale and her lips parting with shock. I chuckled dryly. "Well, let's just say rumours of my demise were exaggerated," "Seems to me like you haven't lost your touch, cousin," Rico said, his gaze directly on Ethan. "You outdid yourself with the party, I'd give you that." "Cousin?" Penelope said, her poise restored as she flashed a venomous smile. "How quaint. Your desperation is quite an ugly look, " her voice dripped with malice. " It's crazy you've grown worse over the years. So now you have advanced to leaching on men for their money, right?" "Penelope, that's Enough..."Ethan interceded. "No, Mr Thompson. Let her speak." I interrupted, my eyes locked with Penelope. "I'm intrigued." "Just a piece of advice though, selling your body to men doesn't mean they'd love you," she finalised, her grip on Ethan's hand tightening once again. I chuckled, my eyes dancing with amusement. "Oh Penelope, years hav
Last Updated: 2024-10-18
Chapter: The Home Coming /Annabelle's POV/"Mom, why do we have to move again?" Stacey, my daughter's tiny voice, echoed in the plane as she stared at me with her big blue eyes.Stacey's poignant features always reminded me of Ethan, her father, since she looked a lot like him. Her bright blue eyes, chiselled jawline, and mischievous grin were all similar to Ethan's. Even the small birthmark shaped like a crescent moon on her left shoulder was similar to his.I took a deep breath. "Stacey, we've talked about this; we need to relocate because mummy has to go to work."I had intentionally included the condition to fire Penelope to get Ethan off my back since, if I remember correctly, all he'd ever done was follow Penelope around like he was a lost puppy.However, his quick agreement and willingness had caught me off guard. So here I was, on the next plane to New York to keep my end of the bargain."But I liked Las Vegas," she whined, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I had friends, plus I don't think it's
Last Updated: 2024-10-17
Chapter: Fire Penelope Barnes! /Annabelle's POV/"Hey babe. It's fine, I'm very sure Mr Thompson knows better, " I replied, snuggling into Rico's hold as I played along with his little act, a feeling of relief washing over me.Thank goodness he'd arrived. I wanted so badly to get away from the uncomfortable conversation I was having with Ethan.Ethan's gaze lingered, and his eyes darkened. However, I ignored him as I rested my head on Rico's shoulder. "So you both are together now? I thought you were just work colleagues, " Ethan asked, his tone laced with underlying tension.I raised an eyebrow, a subtle smile playing on my lips."Even though I don't see how that's any of your business, Mr Thompson, of course we are. We keep our personal and professional lives aside, something I have studied you have a problem with." I replied, my voice calm and collected even though I was irritated by his presence."I'd suggest you take lessons."Rico's hand tightened around my waist, and Ethan's jaw clenched, his fist tightening
Last Updated: 2024-10-16
Chapter: Marking His Territory /Ethan's POV/ "More, please," I told the bartender as I downed yet another shot of whiskey, still trying desperately to recover from the shocking revelation that just exploded right to my face. Annabelle was alive! She looked different from what I remembered. Her raven black hair cascaded down her back, longer and more luscious than before. Her curves had widened, accentuating her hourglass figure, and her eyes sparkled with a fire that left me breathless. Confidence radiated through her being, and her presence commanded attention, totally different from the once timid Annabelle that I used to know. "Ding!" My phone beeped, darting me back to reality to indicate I was getting a message. "What the heck!" I growled as I saw the notification from the bank indicating yet another debit. "Debit alert: $500,000 withdrawn from joint account. Penelope! Not Again! This was the 2nd absurd debit I was getting today. First, the channel "Diamond Forever Classic" Handbag. Now this?
Last Updated: 2024-10-15