BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
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FIVE YEARS LATER
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DENISHA
***
My heels gently taps on the floor as I walk inside the huge company.
MYER'S PRESTIGE
It does have a nice catch to it. too bad everyone bearing that name is no longer on the face of the earth.
I am wearing a Purple Jumpsuit and gold heels. my hair is tied up in a ponytail and my car keys are clasped on my hand tightly.
"morning madam" my secretary greets me immediately I enter my office. I place my clutch on the desk as settled in on the chair.
I open my laptop and go through some files.
"Madam, your mother would like to have a word with you it's urgent" she tells me and I nod signalling her to leave.
.
I close my laptop and stretch a little before standing up and walking out of my office.
.
It's been FIVE years
Five good years ever since Dad died and Amber was burnt alive.
I still get nightmares about
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST***AMBER***"...Healing can never be done in the same place that caused you pain..."—Ella***FIVE years of torture.five years of angerfive years of bitternessfive years of sorrow.I dread today but sadly it has come and can't escape.I am going to a place where all my problems started.where all my pains surfaced.it's time to face them. My demons.."Mommy" I hear Genie's voice and I snap out of my reverie.I am standing outside as I watch the pretty flowers bloom.I was once like them, struggling to survive but I've in the end we sprout beautifully despite all the changes we had to go through."Yes baby" I say kissing her cheeks"Daddy said you're leaving for work. is that true?" she asks and I nod.her eyes twitch.something I'm used to by now.my Genie is everything that I ever wished for.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST***DENISHA***"Hello everyone, I am Lady Bella Ramirez. Chairman Kim's daughter in law and I would be representing him in this meeting" she said and I almost died of an heart attack.This is Amber. Amber is the daughter in law of chairman Kim?what is even going on here?she's supposed to be dead. I killed her. I watched the building explode. could it be possible that she survived?She can't survive. she was literally unconscious when I left her to die. is my mind playing games with me now!why is Amber here?here of all places? she's supposed to be six feet underneath the surface of the earth not here..I glance at my mother and it feels like she's going to slump any minute. she can't even believe that Amber of all people is seated here.."On behalf of my grandfather, I oppose to the motion of Chad being the president of this company" she said with courage and
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST***MIGUEL***I stare at her as she tries to hide in embarrassment.I know she feels something for me but she's doesn't want to admit it yet.And I don't want to rush her. I'll wait till she's ready. she's just dealing with a lot of trust issues so I know it'll be difficult for her to commit herself to me or anyone else.."My pizza" Genie requests and I smile."Don't tell me you forgot. I even called to remind you" she pursed her lips and folds her hands across her chest."I didn't baby. here" I say handing over the pizza to her.She grins as she carefully takes it from me."Thanks daddy I love you" she said kissing my cheeks as she runs off leaving me with her mother.I clear my throat and she looks at me rubbing both palms together nervously."Thanks for taking care of Genie" she finally manage to say and I nod making the room awkward for both of us."You
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST***Amber***I follow her majestically, Gently tapping my heels on the floor as I walked to my new office.this would be fun.She opened the door and stepped aside, giving me a chance to enter.I smiled and walked in.My office was beautifully decorated.The draperies were hung up nicely and my working desk was made with a very nice furniture.I'm impressed they put my father's money into good use.It even had my name tag on the table.*Lady Bella, Design team leader*.At the far end of the room were three other working desks.The office can accommodate more than five desks but who are these for?"Director""Yes" she answers almost immediately"Whose tables are these?" I ask pointing to the other tables."They are also designers but they will be working under you. all of you will work hard to create designs that will be good to p
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST***“... when a woman decides to be wicked, even the devil takes lessons... ”Ella***Denisha'*I parked my car and stepped down with my things.i strode into the house to see my husband and child lying down on the couch, watching a movie with a packet of pizza and ice cream.They didn't notice my presence as they were so engrossed in whatever they were watching.I cleared my throat and that's when I had an audience."Welcome Mom" Ivy greeted and I smile hugging her but she didn't look interested."What's wrong baby? aren't you happy to see me" I asked but she was regrettably quiet.All this time Chad was seated, never saying a word."No mom it's fine" she finally replied.I was shocked. my daughter is going as far as keeping things from me.I was really tired and had no time for parenting but I guess we're doing this now so I squat down and lift
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST***The teacher walked into the classroom full of chattering and laughing.As she walked to the table, her footsteps echo on the tiled floor catching the attention of the pupils and they keep quiet.she puts her bag on the table, open it and removes some books."Good morning class" she greets"morning miss Marie" they respond"How are you?""We're fine thank you and how are you too?' they ask.she smiled. it was their usual routine every morning."I am fine thank you" she responds.She asks one of the girls to say a short prayer and as soon as they say Amen, the bell rings indicating first period."Do we all have our home work books ready?" she asks"Yes"she goes around collecting the books and placed them on her desk. she stands in front of the class and starts explaining the first lesson of the day..The day flies by so fast a
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST***."Don't you dare tell me to calm down. I spent five years of my life protecting her so that she doesn't get in contact with that monster and you're telling me to calm down? she's leaving and that's final" I said and and left the dinner table before I could receive any more lectures from Miguel..I mean, why would he even try to calm me down. he saw everything. he witnessed it. that guy completely ruined my life that I wasn't so sure I would be able to stand on my feet again.His wife tried to murder me and he knew about it but not once did he try to correct his mistakes.I gave birth to my daughter without him in her life and I won't allow him to be part of it. that's the more reason I agreed to be Miguel's wife. so she would have someone to call her father.Genie chose that exact time to come down the stairs. I guess she noticed how worried I looked because she held my hands making me stare deep into her eye
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST****.AMBER'S POV.I parked my car in the driveway and headed towards my office.The minute I stepped into my office, I felt my phone vibrating in my pocket so I brought it out to answer. "Hello""So are you settled in?""Yes I am. how was the drive with Genie to school?""Beautiful as always. I'm having a great time being a Dad" he said and I smile "Thanks Miguel. you're the best husband and father a woman could ask for" "Go on. I thrive on flattery" he said and we both ended up laughing. "So how about we have dinner later when you're done with work?""I don't know""just dinner. nothing more I promise"I stare at my desk, lost in deep thought."Bella?""Yes, sure why not""Thanks. oh and grandpa would be coming in three days time" he said and I heard him sigh on the other end."Alright. we'll prepare for his visit""thanks Amber. tak
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST***BONUS CHAPTER***"There is no bond greater than that of sisters." Winnie.AMBER.I placed the chrysanthemum on both their graves and so did Genie and Ivy.Miguel wrapped his arms around my waist while I comfortably placed my head on his chest as we all stayed silent.Grandpa told us Dad was buried at the same place we buried Mom.So I decided that we pay our respect since we haven't done that in a long time."Are you okay?" Miguel asked"Yeah. I feel at peace now" I replied..Later, we went home and I invited my lawyer as well as Chad.We brought some papers which I requested and I signed them transferring the house back to Chad.I also opened a trust fund for Genie and Ivy. I'd be depositing money in there from time to time to secure their future if in case anything should happen cause I wouldn't want them struggling in life.I h
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST***FINALE***"Blood is thicker than water, but isn't rubbery thicker than blood? cornstarch too." Winnie.AMBER.Nothing can surpass the shock my entire being is going through right now.I couldn't stop staring at the Attorney that stood in front of me speaking gibberish.His words were already setting my body on fire. I would've cursed the weather but then I was clad in a bum short and sleeveless top so it can't be the weather.it's the fire of hatred burning inside my soul.Denisha really has some nerves I must say.And Miguel's expression isn't helping matters at all. Thank Goodness, I sent Genie to her room because I'm not sure I would be able to recognize my daughter after this."She said you're her sister and the only family she has that can help" he said and that's when I realise that this isn't a dream but reality.I scoff at that word "Sisters?"
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST***INSERT 32***.SEMIFINAL.AMBER(TWO DAYS LATER).I applied the finishing touches to my makeup and styled my hair. I wore an off the shoulder flair dress with gold heels.satisfied with my look, I picked up my clutch.I need to be at the office for an important meeting with the board.I'ts been two days already. I waited this long for the dust to settle before meeting with the staffs again.Grandpa promised to be there on time since he had something to take care of.."You look nice" Miguel compliments hugging me from behind. I smiled taking in his Cologne.I swiftly turned into his embrace."Why are you dressed? are you going somewhere" I asked"Yes" he said but I couldn't help but feel worried."Where are you going to?" I ask arching my eyebrows."You'll find out later" he said pecking my cheeks"Ok but what a
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST***.AMBER."Send her back Miguel""OK" he replied and the call got disconnected.I quickly adjusted my dress and walked inside the board room to take my seat..Denisha is on her way so I need to make sure she signs anytime soon.I'm so thrilled my plan is coming together perfectly.it was my idea to send her away till I get the papers signed.you see, I never underestimate an enemy. Denisha has been keeping tabs on me so if she's here the plan won't go successfully cause I have to make her sign them without reading them.."Today we mark an important day which is the coming together of two companies as partners. Myers Prestige And M.S Fashion World" Tasha announced and we all clapped."Let's not get ahead of ourselves, until we do the needful" she said and signalled her secretary to bring the papers while Maria did same, placing it on her desk in front of
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST******.DENISHA."Next time, don't try that or you will regret it" she said pulling my hands off her then walked away majestically..I was rendered speechless.I don't understand what's going on, I would have sworn that this woman is Bella but she's not.I really hoped to see that birth mark.I wanted to prove my suspicion right but nothing is adding up.she's up to something but what?I walked to Chad's office entering unannounced."I'll call you back" he spoke into the phone when he finally noticed my presence in the room."What is it" he asked, eyes on the PC but I know he's not working on it. he's just using it as an excuse to ignore me."I came to talk to you about that contract we're about to work on with Maria Sanchez. I don't feel good about it" I blurt out."And why is that?'"Chad she locked me in prison, so why would she wa
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST***.Miguel parked the car and I opened the door to step out.I'm guessing Genie must be asleep.We walked into the house and it was pitch dark. I held unto the papers tightly like my life depended on it..the lights suddenly came on and we found grandpa sitting on the couch with a huge grin on his face."Grandpa" I squealed running into his arms.he stood up to embrace me."Bella" he breathed out "I've missed you""I did too""How are you grandson" he referred to Miguel who stood behind us."I've been better. how was your vacation?""great but I miss work""Have you met Genie?" I asked pulling away from the embrace"Nope not yet. I came not too long ago" he said sitting down and we sat down next to him."Where have you been?" he asked after a brief silence.I didn't respond.I gave the papers to him and he took it hesitantly. He
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST***."we shouldn't be doing this" Miguel breathed out with a perplexed face. We were parked some metres away from Tasha's house.We came back after dropping off Genie at home."And what exactly shouldn't we be doing?""All of this" he said with a sigh and I couldn't help but feel worried too."I want you to trust me Miguel""I trust you Bella but I can't help but think about the possibilities of everything going wrong" he said with an air of finality..I inhaled slowly and took his hands in mine, squeezing gently."I know but I have to do this. I want to start executing my plan. I can't let them get away with this and for me to achieve my plan, I need those documents"He turned to look at me."But what if someone sees us?""Denisha isn't home. she left with Chad remember?"He groaned "But Tasha is in there and what if what we're going for isn't there. for a
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST***.DENISHA.I arrived from work and kicked my shoes off my feet then proceeded into the kitchen to make myself a cup of coffee. After drinking it, I rinsed the cup and placed in back in the cupboard the I made my way to the living room to watch a movie. .I sat down on the couchand turned on the television.My eyes were on the TV but my mind was concentrating on anything they were saying.I am beyond frustrated.I can't even go home cause Chad isn't prepared to talk to me. And what will I be going for anyways if my husband doesn't want to have anything to do with me.He's never considered me as a wife and now, it's worse..My phone rang and I immediately picked it up and placed it on my ears when I saw the ID of the caller."Chad?""Mommy" I heard Ivy's voice on the other endI sigh in regret "Hey baby""Where are you?""What did da
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST***.DENISHA.I arrived at work and the first thing my eyes caught wasn't what I expected to see at all.My husband was in a conversation who the very woman who tried to frame me for what I didn't do and from the looks of it, it was really obvious that they were enjoying whatever conversation they were having.I don't know why I'm feeling jealous about a woman who's already married with a child.Maybe it's because she looks exactly like Amber or because my husband was madly in love with Amber.Whichever was the case then it's not favourable to me at all.I shook my head in disappointment.All this while, I actually thought that he misses me or would probably call me to ask how I was faring or maybe to apologize so that we could get back together but no, it's the complete opposite.I wish I could fall out of love with this guy but sadly I can't.I love him way too much to