I lay on the living room couch in shorts and a cropped tank top with my legs over the armrest as I spoke to Shayna over the phone. I wish I had places to be instead of staying here all day. It’s been a week since I was over at Ethan’s and I was just telling Shayna about it. “You’re kidding,” Shayna exclaims, covering her mouth.“I swear I’m not, I was surprised too. William’s aunt, Celia, asked me to inform them that lunch was ready. She already told me her son was going to be there but never in a million years did I think it would be him.”“That’s so wild.” She comments, taking a sip from her bottle.“He even had the nerve to nudge my feet during lunch. I swear I was so rigid throughout, I just wanted the lunch to be over quickly.” I say slightly cringing as I recall that day.“This is so messy. If I were you, I swear I would have found an excuse to not be at that table.” She says rubbing the back of her neck. “I respect you for being able to sit through that Lunch.” She says laugh
I ended up going up to my room to change to something more presentable. I didn't know what to wear since Ethan didn't tell me exactly where we were going and I still cannot believe I agreed to go with him, but can you blame me? Being alone in this massive mansion is depressing. I felt exhausted doing the same things I did over and over again…I know it seems like I wasn't going to leave with him earlier, Sue me.And also I taught never to say no to free foodI opted for something more comfortable since Ethan seemed to be dressed that way."Nice choice," Ethan says, running his eyes over my clothes; a pair of high-waisted jeans, a cropped shirt, and sneakers."Where are we going?" I asked as I locked the front door and walked behind Ethan."Somewhere, don't worry, you're going to like it." He says, throwing me a look over his shoulder."That's what all the kidnappers say to their victims," I commented looking over at him as I stood by the front passenger door.Ethan folded his hand on
Hey, you up?; Read the text message, I glanced at the clock that read 11p.mWhy was he even asking that?It's been a week and a half since my first horse ride with Ethan, after then Ethan and I exchanged numbers and hung out a few times. He was easy going which made it easier to be friends with him. And as for William, we've grown further apart, not like we were even close to begin with. I hardly see him anymore nor do we exchange words, he now goes on a lot of business trips and for longer periods too.Presently, he was away again on another business trip, William talked, back to the message I got from Ethan. “No, leave me alone, I am still sleeping” I texted back, placing my phone on the bedside table as I got under the covers. Not up to a minute later, the sound of my ringtone slices through the silence in the room. I groaned already knowing who was calling. Maybe if I ignored it he would stop calling.I watched it as it rang, I let out a sigh of relief as it finally stopped, and
Exiting the bathroom, I blow dry my hair first. Once dry, I pack it into a ponytail before applying lotion and pulling on a cute purple and white striped shirt and jeans.I pick up my phone texting May that we were still going to meet up as I exit the room, making my way down the stairs.Making my way to the kitchen, I place my phone face down on the counter and open the fridge in search of a bottle of apple juice. Once I find it, I close the fridge door, unscrew the bottle cap, and take a gulp, blessing my tongue with its refreshing taste.I pick my phone back up, sliding it into the back pocket of my jeans as I walk out of the kitchen, drinking from the bottle. I shrieked, nearly having a heart attack, the contents of my bottle on my shirt, hand, and floor."Are you fucking blind?" William asks, giving me an annoyed glare despite his features looking tired. I ran my eyes over his work clothes which means he just got back from his trip. I wonder if it was successful but I knew this
"If you aren't ready in thirty minutes, I'm leaving without you," William says, forcefully slamming my room door behind him.William didn't tell me where we were going but I had prior knowledge that tonight was Ethan's birthday. He already told me a few days ago so I had enough time to get him a gift.I quickly curled my hair and slid on the light blue A-line gown. With my heels in hand, I hang my purse on my shoulder and pick up my gift as I rush to meet up with William just in case he truly decides to leave me behind.I get in the car with a few minutes to spare. I secure my seatbelts as William speeds out of the driveway to where Ethan's birthday is taking place.I slid on my heels and watched as the scenery went by. A couple of minutes later, we finally arrived at the venue which had me dropping my jaw.Ethan's birthday was taking place on a yacht. The yacht was by the dock, the bright lights on, giving it the allure of a party. William walked ahead, his face stoic as he boarded
William's P.O.V."Where are you off to?" Luke asked, walking into my office as I got up to leave."It's Ethan's birthday today. I can't afford to miss it with the multiple messages I've gotten from him.""Oh, that's today." He replied walking to my desk. "I just came to drop these, you can read through them tomorrow." He says placing some files on my desk. I nodded in agreement and we both walked out of my office together and parted ways in front of the elevator. I got off the elevator, unlocked my car, and began my drive to my home.I decided to park the car In front of the gate since I would be leaving again soon. I unlocked the front door and shut it behind me as I made my way upstairs to remove my work clothes. On my way to my room, hearing voices from Bailey's room, I paused in front of Bailey's room door and pushed it open, standing at the doorway. "If you aren't ready in thirty minutes, I'll leave without you," I said, slamming the door as I walked out of the room.A little u
Bailey's P.O.VI laid in bed, not in the mood to get up as I stayed recalling all that happened the night before, I couldn't think straight. I found it hard to fall asleep as I kept on tossing with my jumbled thoughts.Suddenly, I heard the sound of William's door closing and a few minutes later the sound of his car resonated in the building as he drove off to work.I still didn't move a muscle thinking perhaps I would fall asleep after an extra hour of tossing, I finally got out of bed and walked timidly into the bathroom to do my morning routine.I exited my room pausing on the stairs at the sight in front of me. Ethan sat at the stairs, His head raising at the sound of my footsteps. He stood up, making eye contact with me as he tucked his hands into the pocket of his slacks.How didn't I hear his car pull in? I thought, maintaining eye contact with him."Bailey." He utters."How long have you been seated here?" I ask curiously, not taking a step from where I stood."Not long." He s
I walked back to my room in a hurry, throwing on a pair of jeans and a graphic shirt. I rummaged through my bedside drawer for the visitor card I was given whenever I wanted to visit the office and my phone as I dashed out of the house, ordering an Uber.The Uber arrived not long after and I got in, thinking of how I was going to go about it when I got to his office, I was nervous. Would he even want to see my face? I wondered what exactly Ethan said about me that got William this cold and mad at me. Once the driver stopped the car, I hurriedly paid him as I dashed straight into the building. I went straight to the elevator. The security guard stationed there didn't stop me since he already knew who I was. I nodded at his greeting as I pushed the button for William's floor, the ride up seeming longer than normal.I released a breath as I walked out of the elevator, heading for Henry's desk."Mrs Armani," He says, greeting me as I approach."Bailey. " I said correcting him and smilin
EPILOGUE A few months later…Bailey's POV I sighed as I finally laid Arlo to sleep after all the crying. I looked at his peaceful face and couldn't help but notice how much he looked like William.After a lot of horrible suggestions from William and Shayna. We finally agreed to name him Arlo after William's grandfather, it was either that or John Cena. And I was not gonna name my son after William's favorite wrestler or after Shayna's favorite rapper.I quietly left the room in search of William. It had been a very long day and I hadn't seen much of him. Matthew had thrown us a huge party to celebrate the renewal of our marriage vows and I was tired from all the rush and excitement.I opened the door to our room to find him asleep, at least that's what I thought. I went into the bathroom to take a shower and came back to lay beside him. It wasn't even up to 5 minutes when I heard Arlo crying through the baby monitor. I groaned in utter frustration and
A few months later…Bailey's POV “Thank you for coming with me,” I said as I adjusted my seatbelt. “You don't need to thank me, according to this book, it's my duty.” He said, pointing to the pregnancy help book on his lap, William has been reading a lot of these pregnancy help books over the weeks and I personally think the author sucks. Just last week, he kept trying to convince me to go for something called a vagina steam, and don't get me started on the time he practically coerced me into making a mayonnaise face mask. How does that help the baby? William pushing a stray strand of hair to my ear brought me out of my thoughts. He shifted it back a little so that it was not too tight on my belly. He was always so cautious and passionate when it came to my belly and he had no idea how happy and secure that made me feel. “Thank you. I'm tired already, I can't wait for him to come out.” I grumbled, touching my belly. He chuckled. “I gotta admit, pregnancy suits you.” He teased me
Bailey's POVThe gates of the mansion opened up as I pressed the entry code, as I got to the big doors I saw Agatha “Oh, child.” Agatha said, running to me when she spotted me. Worry was written all over her face. I was surprised to see her seeing as William wasn't sure she would come back after he jailed Gianna. “Agatha.” I smiled at her and entered the living room. She glanced at my stomach and I noticed her eyes got watery. “Oh, Bailey.”“It's been so long aunt, how have you been?” I asked her and she hugged me. I didn't resist. I hugged her back. She must be going through quite a rough time herself, I thought.“Erm.. I'm so sorry about Gianna.” There was a moment of silence and then she spoke.“You don't have to apologize for anything, child. She made her own choices and she has to own up to the outcome, hm?” She said, holding my chin, and smiling. I forced a smile too.“I'm so glad you're back. Should I make you something? You must be so tired.”“Noo, I am not um… I won't be lo
Matthew's POV“It all started when I fell sick, some months after William turned 9. I fell into a coma during my sleep and woke up with a stroke.”I recounted and Bailey gasped in shock.“Ohh my God! I am so sorry, that must have been horrible” she replied, tears welling up in her eyes.“It was and there is no need to feel sorry for me. It happened years ago,” I replied and she nodded. I know I was a bit harsh with my words but I absolutely despised it when people felt pitied for me. I continued talking, and Bailey inched closer.“My life was shambles. Vannessa wasn't working then and I was the main provider for my family. It was also the worst timing because prior to that horrible day, I remember making plans for us to take a trip.. I wanted to make an extra effort to bond with them and have a good time, as Vanessa always complained that I spent too much time working and was almost never at home.” I took a deep breath before speaking up again.“It wasn't entirely my fault I was alway
3 MONTHS LATER…Bailey's POV“Yes Shayna, I'm just getting home. I'm about to climb the stairs.” I said, balancing the grocery bag in my other hand.“Take the elevator. Why are you using the stairs, are you trying to kill my baby?” she squealed.“Your baby?” I asked.“You know what I mean! But just take the elevator Bails,” “If you must know, I got to the elevator and saw it was under repairs. According to Richard, it broke down in the morning. Besides, using the stairs would mean exercising, it keeps the baby active.”“Okay. How was the appointment? What did the gyne say?”“Nothing negative, Ultrasound is done, baby's fine. He said we'll be able to determine the baby's sex by next week.” I said and she squeaked happily.“Okay cool but don't wait up for me today, I'll be home late. I'm going out with Scott today.” “You guys have been doing a lot of that lately, but you claim it's nothing serious.” I mocked. “Yes, because it's nothing serious. Get your mind out of the gutters, Baile
Bailey's POV“What.. What's this, William? Divorce papers? W..why?” I asked, my voice trembling and breaking as I stared at William who types away on his phone. “Don't ask me why. Just sign the damn papers.” He replied, his eyes still fixed on his phone. He didn't bother to meet my eyes. “But this..this means..”“I know exactly what this means, Bailey. I breached the contract, so I'm gonna pay you. Henry would handle that aspect. Now, please, sign the goddamn papers.” He said, finally putting the stupid phone away. I don't know if it was the pregnancy hormones kicking in, but I hate that stupid phone.“I wasn't talking about the money, I-”“Bailey I really don't have time to waste. Sign these.” My leg started growing weak. I sniffed. I had been trying very hard to stop myself from crying but my voice was giving me off. I had to sniff to push the emotions in. “B.. But what about your grandfather's will? Your inheritance? How are you going to get..”I said, my voice breaking. “I don
Bailey’s P.O.V“William what…where have you been? No, don't answer that. I have never been so glad to see you. Did yo.. did you hear what Ethan said about gian-“Yes, I heard everything.” he replied with a sad look on his face. He looked tired and uninterested with what I had to say. I slowly observed his appearance and the sound of something dripping caught my attention. That was when I noticed the massive trail of blood around William, I gasped when I saw his bloody knuckles.“W.. William, what happened to you? Why… let me go get the first aid box,” I stammered as words failed me. “Just stay here, I'll be ba–”“Don’t bother, I can take care of myself,” he cut me off and turned around heading towards the kitchen door. “Wait, where are you going? I called out to him, “You can't leave me here. What about Ethan? W… what are we gonna do about him?” I whispered that last part out.“Nothing, I’m going upstairs to take a shower and as for Ethan, leave him. The cops will be here any minute
Bailey’s POVBang! A loud crash jolted me up from my sleep, I rubbed my eyes groggily to try to make sense of my surroundings when I heard another crash, it sounded like it was coming from downstairs. I reached for my phone to check the time and saw it was the dead of the night. I couldn't help but wonder where William was and who could be causing such a commotion.“What's going on,” I mumbled in a sleep state as I rushed downstairs, the kitchen seemed to be the source of the noise. The kitchen was in a mess, broken plates, broken silverware, everything was in a mess and Ethan was in the middle of it all, he was standing there in a disheveled state, his hair was a mess and there were dark circles under his eyes it looked like he hasn't slept for days. I was still taking in his features when he threw an empty wine bottle on the floor causing an ear shrieking noise.“Ethan,” I called out my voice trembling, “What…what are you doing,” I asked, “what are you doing here so late at night?”
BAILEYThe past week has been so weird, everyone's attention has just been weirdly fixed on me, especially William. I noticed that he's becoming more caring and always following me for doctor appointments whenever he has the time.It's nice of him to do so and I would never complain of such but it does seem a little fishy. I had always thought that he wouldn't want to even like the idea of having a baby, especially since Gigi is in the picture but he's different.And not once did he even opt for things like abortion or divorce. He's being so mature about it, I had expected earlier on for things to go much worse than this.I heard a knock on my door and it was like I was talking about the devil. I looked up to see Williams holding a coconut oil in his hands. I smiled admiring his peaceful nature. “Hey you,” he walked over to my side, sitting close to me on the bed.“Hi, how have you been?”“Good, just bought this for you,” he brought out the oil. I was about to collect it but he immed