“You’ll fit in just right Bailey, don’t fret,” Hazel said assuring me as we walked into my room.“Is that a nicer way to say I’m stuck up?” I ask jokingly and she snorts.“Not at all. You’re anything but stuck-up, I mean you will fit in, maybe not immediately cause it might seem a little awkward but you’ll also bring positive change, maybe help in broadening their horizon so it won’t only be for the wealthy.”“Yeah, maybe,” I mutter“Alright, let’s get you ready,” she says making her way into the closet while I sit on the bed waiting for what outfit she picks out for me to wear to this gathering knowing fully well she’ll pick something nice.We spent the next three hours going through basic etiquette lessons and also what to do while having tea. It was a whole thing. Once we were done with that, I put on the pastel pink colored A-line gown that stopped a few inches above my knee and had long puffy sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. The gown was paired with a white stiletto heel, pearl
“Good morning Hazel, do I have another event today?” I greeted her as I answered the phone.“Morning Bailey, no you don’t. I’m only calling to tell you that you need to make space in your closet.”“Space for what?” I ask because I haven’t even worn up to half of the clothes there.“More clothes. You can’t repeat the outfits you’ve already worn out for events, especially now that you are a member of the ladies’ society, you’ll have to replace them.”“That is such a waste, what’s going to happen to the clothes?” I ask.“Anything you want. We could give them away or throw them out, your choice.”“No, we'll give them out to people, there are a lot of people out there who would be grateful. I’ll also give some of them to my friends. I hope that's okay?”“Yes it is, I’ll talk to you later, bye.”“Bye,” I say and end the call by placing my phone face down on the kitchen table.It’s been a week since I got the invitation to the lady society and attended. When Cedrick and Hazel came to pick me
Mario walked out of the patio doors with a tray in hand containing what I assume to be the snacks he said he was going to get since I couldn’t see the contents of the tray from where I sat.He wasn’t wearing his usual chef uniform I was used to seeing him in, instead, he was wearing black jeans and a navy blue crew neck knitted sweater with its sleeves rolled to his elbow and his tattoos on display. The girls watched as he walked to where we sat and placed the tray on the table.“Hello, ladies.” He greets them before turning to me. “Here Bailey, as promised,” he said, gesturing to the snack tray.“Thank you very much.”“Yeah, I’ll be leaving now.”“Why, is it twelve already?” I ask and he nods.“Yeah, see you tomorrow,” he says, saluting with his index and middle finger before leaving. We all watched as he walked away from the pool area and back into the house through the patio doors until he was out of sight before they turned to me.“I repeat, who was that?” May ask.“My, My, he loo
The next morning, I woke up to the warm rays of the sun gleaming on my face. I groaned as I rolled over stuffing my face in the pillow to try and get more sleep. Instead of sleeping in William’s room, I slept in mine knowing fully well that I wouldn’t get in trouble since Mathew doesn’t come out of his room till later in the afternoon since it was a Sunday.I peeked one of my eyes open and glanced at the clock that read 10 a.m. before laying my head back on the pillow. The idea of having to get up from the comfy bed to start my day didn’t seem nice at all. After ten minutes of trying to sleep but to no avail, I opened my eyes, the position I was on the bed faced the ceiling, I studied the ceiling for nothing in particular.The sound of my ringtone disrupts the silence in the room and breaks my attention away from the ceiling. With a sigh, I stretch my hands over to the side in search of the phone. Once I feel the sleek device, I pick it up and glance at the caller ID before swiping
I led Milan to my room and he removed his shoes and bag before climbing the bed, he jumped on the bed, euphorically.“Your bed is so bouncy like a bouncing castle.” He exclaims still jumping ecstatically but safety first, so I had to kindly remind him to be careful. “Milan, get down before you hurt yourself.” I reprimanded and he stopped immediately laying down on the bed facing the ceiling.“Sorry, I really like your bed, it’s so comfy, I want it too, “ he says and I giggle. It’s sweet that he finds my bed comfy and wants one just like it.He sits upright and gets his tablet out of his bag to use it and play games.As Milan settles down playing games on his tablet. I couldn’t help but feel a little unsure of the things I could use to entertain him here. I racked my brain in an attempt to make a mental list. I take a moment to observe him.He was such a cute kid with a contagious smile and an infectious personality. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of responsibility to ensure he had
The week seemed to pass by in a blur, it felt like my life was caught in a constant time loop. All I did was eat, sleep, tweet, and repeat, I wasn't doing anything productive.It was Friday today, Shayna’s birthday. I had wished her earlier in the day, I sent her a text message and also a voice note of me singing happy birthday to her. We were going to a newly opened club to celebrate her birthday, Club Uno. Which was fitting since her birthday fell on a Friday, and she rarely misses going to the club on Fridays. She sent a message informing me to come to her place before 8 p.m. so we could dress up and leave for the club from there. I’ve not been to a club since I quit working as a strip dancer so I was really excited that I was finally leaving the house to have a little fun and not for any boring event. I have missed the loud beat and the euphoria of the club and let’s not forget free drinks.I got a small bag and placed my shoes, bag, the outfit I’ll be wearing to the club, and a
My head was pounding. I slowly regained consciousness and was immediately hit with an intensified pounding of my skull, my head was throbbing and It felt as though it was being hammered down continuously in multiple spots. I took in my surroundings, the room felt unfamiliar. I started to wonder where I was as I don’t recollect getting into bed.Shit!Did I follow a stranger home?My eyes remained closed in an attempt to recall all the details of the night before. It was an ineffective attempt to say the least, trying to think about anything proved to be very difficult as I couldn't go past the symphony of pain that flooded my skull. I groaned out loudly as all questions flooded my head, did Shayna and May bring me back? Where were they? I couldn’t remember anything. Did I fall asleep in the car?I opened my eyes again and this time I was hit by the bright glazing rays of the sun shining intensely through the window, the intensity of the sun coming through the blinds dominated the room
After a long phone conversation with Shayna and May, I made my way up to sleep in my room. It was 12:30 a.m. when I woke up. William and Mathew had retired to bed at the time, so I made my way into the kitchen for a light dinner.I don’t even remember seeing Mathew all through the day.After having dinner, I brushed my teeth and changed into my nightwear before making my way up to William’s room. William was already asleep when I walked into his room. I shut the door behind me quietly and made my way to my side of the bed.I placed my phone face down on the bedside table going under the duvet to lie down on my back, I stared at the patterned ceiling with a mixture of boredom and annoyance because I was struggling with falling back asleep.Disadvantages of sleeping during the day.My phone starts vibrating on the table taking my attention away from the ceiling I was staring at. I reach out to the phone and pick it up, glancing at the caller ID, a smile graces my face.Shayna was callin
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