“We need to work with time. William isn’t going to take fashionably late as an excuse today.” Alois says ordering his team.“Bailey, I want you to hop into the bathroom and scrub your skin before we start making you sparkle for your engagement. You are the diamond of the season.”Yeah, you heard right, engagement. I was shocked too. It has been a week since when I went bridal shopping and yesterday night, Luke called me to let me know before the time that today will be my engagement day. Why couldn’t William pass on the message himself why did he always have to send someone in place of him to communicate with me?The next thing I knew, Derrick came to pick me up and he dropped me off at the same hotel we used the last time to get ready for the charity and Alois was already there waiting for me alongside his team.I walked into the bathroom and did as I was told. Once I was done, I applied lotion to my skin and put on the white cotton robe before sitting in the chair I needed to be in
William chose the rooftop of one of the finest and most expensive penthouses with skylight and floor-to-ceiling windows in New York to have the engagement party. Cedrick dropped us off at the penthouse building and William and I made our way up, I made a mental note to stay as far away from William as I could once we got up there. The elevator opened, and I placed my hand in the crook of William's arms as we made our way out of the elevator with a fake smile on my face. All the guests present gawked at us as we walked in and a few congratulated us as we walked past them.First of all, we had to share a dance to begin the event. The crowd parted ways for us as we made our way to the center. I placed one hand on William’s shoulder and used the other to hold his shoulder while he placed his hands on the bodice of my gown. I could feel his warm touch through the fabric which shouldn’t even be possible in the first place. The music started and we waltzed to it. I do hope I don't fall dur
The past seven weeks had been me riding my high. A high filled with excitement and ecstasy or so I assumed drowning myself in a state of cloud nine. I drowned out the voice of reasoning in my head letting myself get carried away by things so fake and Instead succumbed to the state of ignorance.It was so clear that all those planning, meetings, and enjoying the finer things of life were all just an illusion, a sad illusion. I subjected myself to planning a fake wedding, I didn't even know the man I was getting married to except his name and the basic things I had to learn from Luke to keep appearances and avoid any speculations.I poured myself another drink and downed the glass in a go. At this point, I just felt numb and I was in my own world ignorant about the people around me, I couldn’t even taste the bitterness of the drinks anymore. I knew by tomorrow whatever time I woke up, I was going to regret drinking so much today but I didn't care, I was tired of everyone and everything.
Guess what day it is.It’s my wedding day. Yay.I hope you noted the sarcasm in my tone. I stared at my lifeless self in the mirror as my gown was being arranged properly to look good. It was finally the day of no return. I thought staring at the ring on my finger in the mirror as I pat my wedding gown.The room was quite rowdy with Shayna having her hair styled while Hazel was having her makeup done since she’s been running around ensuring everything was in place with the wedding planner, Miss Flair so that everything could sail smoothly without any hitches.“You look stunning darling,” May says holding my shoulder, standing behind me, as we both focus our attention on the mirror in front of me.“Thank you, May.”“Just relax, Bailey, Once you walk down that aisle, you’re going to forget all the nervousness you are feeling right now all your focus will be on finally getting married to the love of your life, who will be standing on the other side of the aisle,” May says and I force a s
Immediately after the ceremony, I was practically dragged into the car by William. He did not even let me say my goodbyes to my friends. To him, they were not necessary as long as I was not dying. He threatened to leave me if I didn’t follow him instantly.He Is so arrogant I tell you. “Cedrick.”“yes sir.”“Take me to my office building and drop Miss Simmons at the house.” I make eye contact with Cedrick immediately. “Okay, sir.”“Why are you going to the office? We just got married that will-”“I don’t remember asking you for your opinion.” He says cutting me off. I roll my lips in my mouth in annoyance and suck them in to keep my anger in check as I glance out the window.“Tomorrow at 11 pm Cedrick will pick you up. You’ll meet me at my office and we’ll go to meet my grandfather’s lawyer. Don’t be late.” He says and I nod glancing back outside the window. Cedrick drops William off first before driving me to William’s home.I thank Cedrick as I alight from the car and walk in. Aga
I woke up earlier than usual today, I had just kept on tossing and turning all night. The house is going to have to take some getting used to.I stretched my limbs while jumping off the bed, I quickly made the bed before heading towards the bathroom. I ran my hands through my hair as I walked lazily into the bathroom, I reached into the bag I brought in yesterday for my toothbrush to brush my teeth before going into the shower.After showering, I glanced at the little clock sitting on the tableside for the time and I still had three and a half hours before Cedrick would come to pick me up. I changed into a comfortable outfit before making my way down to the kitchen where I met Agatha. As I made my way to the kitchen, I couldn't help gawking at everything in this house, the whole interior was so exquisite.“Good morning Mrs Agatha.” I greet her“Good morning Bailey. I placed your breakfast on the table.”“Thank you. I don’t know if I’ve asked this before but do you also live here?”“N
William tossed the files he was holding rudely on the table in front of Mr. White. Mr. White unfurls the files and brings out our signed marriage certificate. He read through it first, making uncanny hmmn sounds. He locked his gaze with me after reading and I felt as though he was using his eyes to interrogate me, trying to break me into saying this marriage was all a sham from the pressure of the eye contact but I wouldn’t dare do that, I knew better than that, I also knew what was at stake, there was a humongous fine hanging over my head. “You’ve seen the certificate, White, so read the fucking will,” William says breaking Mr. White’s gaze from mine and I held myself from giving out a sigh of relief. Mr White stares at the certificate once more before placing it back into the file he removed it from, handing it back to William.He unlocks one of his drawers and brings out a sealed brown Manila envelope, clearing his throat before reading out loud. “You don’t know how happy I am th
I woke up this morning and did my normal routine before heading down to the kitchen in my black sweatpants and tank top. I walked past the dining area and into the kitchen. “Bonjour, you must be Mrs. Armani.” A man dressed in black jeans and a black chef shirt says turning to me. His forearms were fully tattooed from what I could see showing from the shirt he wore and they looked like they extended up his arm.“Yeah, but you don’t have to call me that. Please just call me Bailey and you must be Chef Mario.”“In the flesh.” He says grinning. “What would you like to have for breakfast?”“I don’t know anything you want to make but I would love to assist there is really nothing to do here and I have just been here for a day.”“Alright, lady boss. There’s a spare apron in the storage.” He says pointing at the door. I walk to the door and open it. At the door side, I pick up the light blue apron and put it on, closing the storage door behind me as I knot the apron.“So Chef, what are we ma
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