The entrance machine began to beep just then.Diana hurriedly hid the novel somewhere in between her luggage.The beeping became persistent as she hurried down the stairs.She completely forgot to change her dress back."Hold on,mom.I am coming!" she shouted by the time the beeping became even more persistent.She checked the machine and it showed Hailey's details.She pressed the button and the door below pulled open.Only then did she remember the short and open gown she had on.Because of this,she didn't wait to see who it was.She immediately began to climb the stairs.Edward Collins stepped into the small house.His gaze quickly landed on the slender figure of Diana.He narrowed his eyes and stepped in further,the sole of his shoe making a different kind of noise on the tiled floor.Diana stopped halfway through the stairs.It felt weird.Hailey entered and hasn't said a word to her yet.Considering the period Diana has spent with her she knew that Hailey would always make a comment
Diana thought she was dreaming..She instantly wished the ground would open up and swallow her just then.Edward ignored the blatant surprise on her face as he made his way to the small couch in the middle of the room.Diana was too shocked to move.Edward lit a cigarette with a non chalant look on his face."Don't you know better than to go against me?" he spoke calmly and then stared up at her "I thought you were different from the rest of them,but you're just as worthless and shameless"Diana found her voice."I don't care what you think of me Edward." although she was bold,her voice still broke "Whereas you think so ill of me I also think you're a disgusting man and the mere sight of you makes me sick to my stomach!"Edward curved his fist.He didn't expect her words to have this much effect.Besides,when did he start caring about what people think about him?As for Diana she didn't think she was any far from the truth.Considering the dirty video she had watched and the inhumane act
Jamie sold the last cake for the day.It was just five in the evening and it was snowing lightly outside.She didn't usually close this early.Mostly because she was running.Running away from the instant talks about Jake from Mrs Bryan.Jamie only began to sell cakes for little dollars so she could leave the house and have peace of mind for a few hours.She had given up on Jake.And if she has the opportunity she would even go as far as divorcing him.She shouldn't have forced herself on him.But she tried to encourage herself.It wasn't too late.This was why she also started this small business.To secure the future of her child.Who knows,Jake might come back anytime soon and request a divorce which she would gladly accept.She wants nothing more than just a peaceful life.She felt a bit nauseated and her body ached everywhere.Since that morning she couldn't understand why she feels that way.Tomorrow, she'd go for a check up and see if her baby is fine.However,as she closed the litt
"Never!" replied Diana.Edward's grip on her arm tightened and even though it hurt and caused her bruised wrist to bleed,she didn't show that she was in pain."Edward what's going on?!" Hailey immediately ran towards them.On seeing Stephanie's bandaged wrist bleeding,she pulled her away from Edward's tight grip causing his nails to scratch through her arm.His imprints rested boldly on her left arm."Welcome,mother" Edward said calmly as he straightened his shirt that Diana had roughened."Join the party." he said shortly.Hailey was confused.Edward picked the certificate from the floor and gave it to her.Reading halfway, Hailey's face lit up.She exhaled deeply."Oh Edward!" she cried out "This is..great news!!"She held him "I thought you had come to the court to divorce her!""No,mother.She is stuck to me forever." he said with slight hint of anger "Now you tell her to sign those papers."Hailey's eyes went to Diana's direction.Then she turned to the lawyer who was still standin
"You came home without Jamie??" Mrs Bryan looked alarmed.Jake turned back,even he felt tired"She wouldn't let me bring her.""Of course she wouldn't!" Mrs Bryan began to shout "You ditched her Jake! And never for once in the few weeks you have been away did you pick up your phone to call and ask after your child!""Mother I'm trying my best to set things straight but clearly,Jamie doesn't want it." replied Jake with stretched out arms."Of course she wouldn't!" Mrs Bryan said again "You haven't tried harder.Dont just expect her to give into you quickly."Jake stared at his foster mother.He had told her not to let Jamie know he was out looking for Diana."It's all your fault,mother" Jake said calmly as he poured himself a glass of wine "I have told you that I can never love Jamie but you constantly insisted we must be together!""That's a lie,Jake.You do love Jamie it's just that you don't realize it because Diana is still in the picture." Mrs Bryan exhaled "All I'm asking is for you
Edward sat in the living room waiting for Diana to make her entry.He was like the calm before the storm and even Hailey couldn't help but eat her food in a ridiculous silence.Edward checked his watch constantly.It was nine on dot and she wasn't back yet.He stood up and called his technician."Find my wife's location now." he paused and added sternly "And I mean now""Geez,okay" the voice replied on the other end."Edward."He turned towards his mother,his striking features set apart under the dancing lights of the chandelier."There's something you don't know." Hailey began.Edward raised his brows as he stepped over to the dinning area."The night before Stephanie left the house in the middle of the night.I don't know where she went." Hailey had decided to tell him this so he wouldn't find out from the mouth of gossipers.That would make things worst.Even now,she had managed to contain her curiosity and fear that Stephanie must have been abducted again."I found her room door aja
He dropped her gently on the back seat of his Rolls Royce.However,as he was about to straighten up she grabbed his collars and brought him in between her legs.Edward's eyes widened in surprise."You want everything right?" Diana was saying "Why don't you take it now?"Edward stared down at her,his hands by her side."Did he touch you?" his deep voice asked.Diana pursed her lips."Why? Is my husband jealous?" she returned as she winked at a stick faced Edward.He didn't find it funny at all.The sight of Diego's chest out in the open and her ridiculously short dress told him otherwise."Well you shouldn't be." Diana said absentmindedly "You forced me to marry you so don't expect only me to suffer the consequence"Edward curved his brows.Diana smiled at him and subconsciously licked her lips.Edward groaned,his emarald eyes blazing in the dark."Don't do that"Diana's baby blue eyes mocked him as she dared him again and licked her lips.This time more slowly,aggravating his demons.E
Jamie woke up to pieces of rose flowers on the floor.She looked puzzled.They trailed out of the door and she followed oblivious of everything until the trail stopped right outside their house.She stepped out of the house and was instantly sprayed with beautiful rose flowers.Jamie was surprised.Jake and Mrs Bryan stood some meters away and a bunch of balloons were hanging up in the sky holding an inscription."I'm sorry.Please forgive me" Jake handed the rope of the balloons to Mrs Bryan and stepped up to Jamie who was shocked beyond words.He held her fingers as he went down on one knee."I've been a real jerk to you.A douchebag and I don't think I deserve to be forgiven but how could I live happily with the thought that you don't see me the same way again?"He exhaled and held his gaze "So I'm apologizing in the best way I can.""I am sorry,Jamie.""Would you please marry me?"Jamie stared at him,distracted by Mrs Bryan chants of 'yes,yes,yes'Jamie sighed.If not for her then
The upcoming wedding ceremony of Edward and Diana shutdown the whole Illinois. Everyone was talking about the pre-wedding photos and they all anticipated the wedding day. People were curious where the wedding would take place.A day before the wedding, the location was revealed and half the population were disappointed. It was to take place at the beach and no one knows why sophisticated couples like Edward and Diana chose such a location.No one was as disappointed as high school girls who had lied to their parents the school had organized a trip. A whooping sum was allocated to their accounts and the girls were beyond elated. This is because they had guessed that the wedding would be overseas, possibly Paris, England or even Dubai. So they had duped their parents of a huge amount of money at the expense of being caught and expelled by the school. Despite this huge risk, they were not frightened of the consequences because they would do and give anything to attend Diana and Edward's w
Hailey showed equal surprise. But more than that she was happy and grateful. She had little hope of seeing Diana and also her grandchildren. As she came and stood in front of her, Diana had no idea what to do. She wondered whether to apologize. She didn't know what to expect because during her stay at the mansion, her and Hailey were close enough to pass for mother and daughter. Since she has been away for few months it was only natural to jump into her mother's arms and hug her tightly.Edward kissed her forehead and whispered, "It's the surprise" and then he left them. After a moment of silence, Diana parted her lips and spoke with her head lowered, "I..I don't know if I still have the privilege to call you mother." she lifted her head with tears in her eyes. In order to vindicate herself, she could easily explain that her sister was the mastermind but then again, she wouldn't do that."I'm to blame to everything," she began "I accepted to be a surrogate because my life was hard
The whole Illinois was thrown into jubilation in the early hours of October fifteen. Groups of Stephanie's fans that had now turned Diana's fans had come with lots of gifts and flowers but they were not allowed into the hospital.Still, this did not baffle them. They sang and expressed their happiness carrying beautifully decorated banners all over the streets. It was celebration galore.Meanwhile, Diana was yet to regain consciousness. Earlier that morning she had opened her eyes but closed them almost immediately. The doctor explained to the Collins' that she needed adequate amount of rest after being in labor for nine hours.Edward was super excited and Stephanie too. In fact as they stared at the baby boys in the crib she agreed that she could never have brought herself to murder this handsome creatures.She couldn't stop checking on them. Hailey was equally excited while Henry had spent some time admiring the new kids before he went off to the company.A while later, some of Hail
Pulling off his coat, Edward stormed into the hospital while sweating. He tossed the coat aside and immediately found his way to the reception with Hailey and Henry following behind."I'm-""The VIP room, sir" the receptionist answered before he finished speaking. "The last floor." she further described and Edward raced towards the elevator.Since Hailey and Henry were not up to his pace, they were left out of the elevator.Edward's heart was jumping in anxiety. Alone in the elevator he could hear his heart beat racing rapidly. If Stephanie hadn't been around and willing to help...his thought trailed off. He blamed himself for not being frequent with the due date. He was completely occupied and didn't want to show Diana and his unborn kids to the public yet. However,He stepped out of the elevator and picked up a steady race. Luckily, his eagle eyes spotted Stephanie afar off. When he got there, she approached him totally panic-stricken."Where is she?" Edward askedStephanie's eyes t
Hailey was having a quiet tea with Henry. Together they had watched the viral video of the crash scene at the bridge and how Edward had flown in to save Diana.It was all over the internet including the family feud that was witnessed by passerbys between Ryan and Edward.People were still waiting patiently for answers but after a month there was nothing. Edward had handed the company to his most trusted man and instructed him not to grant any interviews and reject every calls.Hailey was glad Edward found Diana after all and although Edward was refusing her calls she hoped that Diana and the unborn kids are doing okay.Tantrums and vile words were no longer thrown at Diana. After all, the citizens had witnessed Stephanie save the her and even shot at the man who had threatened Diana and the unborn kids. This left the entire Illinois in confusion. Not to add to the fact that they were all ashamed of how they'd jumped into conclusions and cursed at an innocent woman."Have you tried cal
Diana had a hard time falling asleep. Still in a private hotel booked by Edward, she hoped to speak with Stephanie but the latter had locked her door and would not listen to anyone.Edward managed to help her fall asleep and now as the sun rays seeped through the curtains a face popped up in front of her.Yawning, she got up and rubbed her eyes."There she is," Edward smiled "The love of my life and the woman of my dreams."Diana smiled."How was your night, hubby?" she could see him clearly now"Since you were by my side, it was perfect." Diana realized that he was all dressed up."Where are you going so early??"Leaning in, he stole a quick kiss and began heading for the door."It's a surprise, I'll be back.""B-but Edward-" before she could speak he was off. Diana wondered what the surprise could be. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard Stephanie's door opening. She hurriedly got out of bed and wore her slippers. When she got out of the room she met Stephanie with a tray o
Somewhere in Illinois, Ryan was laid to rest. No one was present in the funeral, except Stephanie, Diana, and Edward. It was a month after his death and Edward was recovering very quickly.Despite Diana's insistence for him to rest he refused and really wanted to organize a large funeral ceremony for Ryan."Edward, is that necessary?" had been Diana's reply."Yes, babe." he answered "I know he doesn't deserve it but still we're brothers and I acknowledge that. Things only went awry, and I still wish he had just humbled himself. We would have made the perfect duo.""But Stephanie-" Diana had said "She's refused to speak to anyone."Edward pulled out his phone, "She'll be fine." he said and then proceeded to make a call through when Stephanie had stepped into the room."No need for that," Edward and Diana turned to look at her."I want a peaceful funeral." she sniffed "Just me and him."Edward stepped forward, "I understand if you want a peaceful funeral but you're keeping us from att
Beverly stepped out of the plane first and Layla followed second. Two months in France has come to an end and now she is back to Illinois.Mike had followed them after all, but only after everything was settled back at the Don's estate. They drove to a hotel first and Layla was the first to crash on the bed. She was tired from the flight and soon dozed off quickly.Somehow, Beverly couldn't sleep despite how tired she looked. She was nervous because in an hour or two, they'd be meeting with the only man she had come to love. The same man who had married her but only for nine months as the contract had said.Having spent two months and some weeks away, only six months and some weeks were left. Mike had managed to convince her to meet up with him and hear his thought. If it were left to her, she would have just collected herself together and move on with her life.Mike came from behind with a glass of juice."Thanks." Beverly whispered.Slipping his hands into his pocket, Mike said"I
A week later Jake could walk around on his own and although the hospital declared him fit and still needed to take some rest, Mr Bryan came with the police.It was all his plan. The police were friends of his and Mr Bryan did not file for a case against Jake. He only wanted Jake to change for the better.When Jake saw the police, fear was written all over his face. In silence, they cuffed him and began to take him away. Mr Bryan watched, hoping that he would turn back and apologize.Mrs Bryan met them at the door as they were about leaving. "Please don't take my son to jail," she began to plead "Let go off him!""Mrs Bryan please let us do our job. Your son needs to understand the importance of human feelings. Until he is remorse for his actions, he would be sent to jail." the cop replied hoping that Jake would grab the message.Mrs Bryan held her son's face, "Jake, please apologize already. Is your pride more important than spending the rest of your live in jail away from everyone??