Chapter 12 Most influential designerDS FASHION HOUSE, LOS ANGELES"Wow, this place is amazing! Checkout these gorgeous dresses!" Chloe squealed in delight as she surveyed the store.Desire laughed sweetly. "I knew you would love it. I tell you, Darby is a talented stylist. I just knew she would be a force to reckon with in the fashion world. The world isn't ready for her at all."Chloe nodded in agreement. “Her works are truly breathtaking.""I have been waiting for so long and feared you would never visit." Darby said behind them, wearing a bright smile on her face with a measure tape hanging around her neck. "I came as soon as the secretary called me.""Darby, my darling." Desire spread out her arms for a hug. "I am sorry it took me this long to come. Here, meet my goddaughter, Chloe. She is getting married and here to pick a befitting wedding dress for royalty.""Hi." Darby waved at her. "Congratulations on your engagement."Chloe gasped lightly, she didn't think the designer wou
Chapter 13 The Meet AgainLEO’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.Leaning his head against the bed frame, Leo tried to pay attention to Chloe's description of how her day went. She seem unusually excited which makes him more interested in whatever she has to say. Even if he lacks the ability to show her affectionate love, the least he can do is be a good listening partner."You should have seen the space! My wedding dress will definitely be the talk of the town!” She said walking out of the bathroom while ruffling her wet hair with a towel."But don't you meet different designers everyday? What is so special about this one?" Leo asked yawning lightly."That is a good question. Her creativity is what makes her different. And she got featured on FORBES under thirty influential women. She might not know this, but I am inspired to become great in my work as an interior designer. She has indirectly given me hope and to think I will be wearing the dress made by a FORBES lady? That's like the ultimate goa
Chapter 14 Making AmendsDS FASHION HOUSE, LOS ANGELESDarby held Sinclair back shielding him from Leo. "Isabella, come get him." She yelled feeling her blood boil."Mommy, come with me!" Sinclair whimpered, pulling at her hand. Isabella rushed towards them panting hard. "I don't want to go with Bella." He whined."I just need to do something quickly, baby. I will be with you in a minute. Please take him." Darby said, pushing him towards his nanny. Taking a deep breath, she turned back to Leo. "What can I do for you today, sir? What dresses would you like to pick out for your significant other?"Leo blinked rapidly, he almost got confused forgetting how he got there. "Oh, so sorry please. I am not here…here…here …to..to buy any dress." He stuttered."So, what are you here—“"That's my son, right?" He cut in holding her gaze.Staring at him unfazed, Darby raised a brow. "He is not yours. And I don't know why a stranger would walk in here to lay claims on my son. Please leave before I
Chapter 15 Moving onGRACE’S HOME, BEVERLY HILLS.Leo drove through the fancy streets of Beverly Hills lost in his thoughts. If he wasn't too cautious he would have probably rammed into a tree because of how far his mind was. All through the night he couldn't sleep. One of the reasons why he had chosen to visit his mother the moment he got up from the bed.He had practically dug a sleep depriving hole for himself when he chose to visit Darby. Her face kept haunting him, she looked more beautiful and he would have love to cup her face in his palms and kiss the living daylights out of her. But the most bothersome part of the entire issue is her bold denial of the child he had seen. To be sure he wasn't imagining things, he had gone to get a copy of the FORBES magazine she was featured in. Her family had been briefly discussed and a picture of Darby and her son, named Sinclair was right there. And it felt like he was seeing a younger version of himself. To keep his senses in check, he ch
Chapter 16 The Family LunchLEO’S HOME, LOS ANGELESLeo sniffed, wiping off the tears that lingered at the corners of his eyes as he drove aimlessly. He felt clueless on the direction his life was headed, even though he had to admit that he changed for the best and has learned to appreciate the life he got to live. However, he was feeling betrayed by his mother. If only he had stayed back home five years ago, he wouldn't have to drag Chloe into this mess called marriage. Sometimes he feels the urge to call it off but then he realizes again that he is too deep in to back out.After his mother breast cancer surgery, it took a while for her to recuperate and she almost couldn't do much by herself when she was discharged. To avoid the media coming at her, Leo and his father felt it would be best if she returned home and got healed properly. Leo and a nurse took care of her together. One night while she was still bedridden, he had gone out clubbing with his friends and had spent the night
Chapter 17 Guess who is back?LEO’S HOME, LOS ANGELESChloe huffed in frustration as she stepped out of the bathroom, Leo appears engrossed in the book in his hands. She knows it's just a facade, he only does that when he is disinterested in having any conversation with her."Can you at least say something, please? You have been mute since lunch and even refused to eat dinner "He remained quiet blinking slowly at the page of the book. His finger made an attempt to turn a page, but the book got snatched from his hand instead. Leo tilted his mouth to the side. "What are you trying to do, Chloe?""Leo!" She sniffed stomping her feet. "What's wrong with you, baby? Did I do something wrong?""So you still don't think you did something wrong? Why would you invite our families over without running it by me?"Moving closer to the foot of the bed, Chloe sat on it reaching for Leo's hand but he snatched it from her. Tears rushed to her eyes at his cold reaction. "I just wanted everyone of us
Chapter 18 A cheat and a leechMILLER’S HOME, LOS ANGELESEmma stood up from the bed staring at the wall blankly, her body seem to fail her. She didn't realize just how awful of a mother she was until her child left home and never returned. It felt like good riddance to bad rubbish at first, but learning that Noah has an older child outside their marriage who is well taken care of and enjoys the benefits of having a father makes her more miserable.To satisfy Noah and make him see just how sorry she was for the mistake she committed, she spent twenty two years of her life hating on the daughter she birthed herself. A single tear rolled down her eyes, Noah doesn't deserve her forgiveness and to make things clear she has to end her relationship with him. Living with him all these years had been walking on egg shells for her. Probably it's time to be actually free.The door to her room clicked open letting in Abigail who staggered in with her heels in her hand. She had gone clubbing last
Chapter 19 A paying purseDS FASHION HOUSE, LOS ANGELESSighing in satisfaction at the finished work that graced the mannequin, Darby gave herself a round of applause in delight. She and her assistant have been working hard for long hours to finish the order on time and they made it."Thanks for the good work, Irene." Darby said to her assistant. "You can take a break, I think it would be best we take the rest of the day off. It's just an hour to our usual closing time. Thanks for being so reliable."Irene smiled shyly. “Thanks, ma'am. It's always a delight working with you."Nodding her head with a smile, Darby stretched her neck to ease the cramps in it as she walked towards the receptionist. "How are you, Jenna?""Very good, ma'am. Do you need me to get you anything?" She asked."No, I just want to ask if you have gotten any response as regards the assistant job application."Jenna stood up, picked up her tab and stepped away from her table to show Darby some of the candidates. "Ac
Chapter 105 EPILOGUE: Happy EndingsTWO MONTHS LATER —- LEO’S HOMELeo looked around the large dining table and a pleased smile appeared on his face. Darby had insisted on a small wedding where only their family members are in attendance. He would have loved to show her to the world but he had to oblige to her needs. Seeing everyone's familiar happy face made him appreciate her decision. He smiled widely at Sinclair running around the open space stressing out both of his grandfathers."What are you looking at?" Aaron questioned in a taunting voice next to him.His eyes had been on Darby who seem to be having a good time talking to all of the women in attendance. Zac and Chloe were in attendance too, it surprised Leo when Chloe had told him about their new found friendship. It made him delighted that Chloe wasn't doing the pregnancy alone. Something he wished to have done during Darby's pregnancy with Sinclair.Leo grinned cheerfully. "I am staring at my beautiful bride. I can't believe
Chapter 104 Heart to heart confessionDARBY’S HOME, LOS ANGELES."Hey, baby." Leo spread out his arms as Darby rushed towards him. "How was your day?"Darby hummed as she leaned into his embrace inhaling his smell. "Hectic. Thank you for breakfast. It was amazing.""I'm glad you liked it. Are you ready to go home now?""Yes, please." He opened the door for her to get in before rounding the car. Darby looked around the car hurriedly. "Where is Sinclair?"Leo gulped, chuckling nervously. "I dropped him off with your parents. I hope you don't mind.""Why?""It's just for the night. I thought you needed to relax." He seemed worried that she isn't pleased with his decision.A mischievous grin appeared on her face. “Does this mean we would be spending the night alone?" Leo nodded in response. "Sweet!" She bellowed in excitement.He laughed in delight. "I'm glad you aren't angry."Darby reached for his hand. "I'm most delighted, Leo. Thank you. I love my son, but I love you too.""You are so
Chapter 103 The IntruderDARBY’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.Darby giggled into Leo's chest as he tickled her side while placing wet kisses on her face and nape. Her hands roamed his body hungrily. The past three days since he moved into the house, her sexual desire had gotten on a wild increase. Because it has been a long while, she couldn't bring her body to open up just yet. But there is something magical about Leo's touch that makes her want to lose control.Locking lips with her, Leo held her closely to himself moaning at the feel of her delicate skin. Darby grabbed a handful of his hair kissing him passionately. When he flipped her to be on top, his hands squeezed her breasts gently and she felt pleasure juices splatter out of her pussy. Slowly she began to grind against his already hard dick. Her hand found its way into his trouser until she was holding onto the shaft like her life depended on it.Leo moaned as her finger trailed his length. Flipping to change their position again, he p
Chapter 102 Family HangoutDARBY’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.Yawning loudly as she stepped out of her room, Darby scratched at her eyes when she saw Leo doing a pushup in the middle of the living room with Sinclair seated on his back and laughing heartily. Her heart melted at the sight, she was wondering why she got to sleep like a baby all through the night. It had almost skipped her mind that her man was around."I see you two are burning enough calories." She said."Mummy!' Sinclair called out getting off his father's back to meet his mother. She lifted him off the ground and kissed his cheeks.Leo stopped halfway to look at her. "Good morning, baby."Darby walked closer to him, placing Sinclair on the floor and she caressed Leo's hair. "How was your night?""Very fine, thank you." He grinned resting his head on his hand as his eyes trailed her face. "You look so beautiful."She blushed shyly. “Stop trying to appease me. I know I look a mess.""You know one thing I don't do is tell a lie
Chapter 101 Field TripLEO’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.A large smile appeared on his face as he stared at the phone screen talking to Chloe. ‘Pregnancy sure looks good on you. How has it been working in that condition?’ He inquired, pulling his suit over his shoulder.Chloe's laughter sifted through the phone speaker. "It has been nice. My dad and godmother seem to have nothing else to do but fuss over me. It can be too much sometimes but I really can't complain.’He grinned, ‘I'm glad you have them with you.’‘How is Darby and Sinclair? She called to check on me few days ago.’At the mention of his girlfriend and son, he couldn't hide the sheer joy he felt. ‘They are doing really well.’‘I should go now. Work is about to start.’‘I need to leave home now, too. I would call you later. Do take care.’ He said, waving at her as he hung up the call.Whistling a happy tune to himself, Leo typed a quick message and sent it to Darby. Her reply came in almost immediately. It made him feel giddy know
Chapter 100 Apologies acceptedANTHONY’S HOME, LOS ANGELES."Wow!" Maureen exclaimed at the sight of Anthony’s house. It's no surprise that he appears lonely. She feels it's absurd for a single person to live alone in such massive space.Darby nodded alongside her mother, her father is no doubt doing very well for himself. "We should hurry. It's bad enough that we arrived late.""Blame Maureen for using up our time." Emma chuckled.She flipped her hair in response. "I never can tell who I will be meeting here. I want to be prepared just in case.""It a close knitted family gathering, aunt." Isabella chipped in her eyes laughing.As they got to the door Anthony had his arms wide open to welcome them, Sinclair ran towards him not minding that his legs are just healing from the shock of the accident. He lifted the little one up. "I almost thought you wouldn't make it. Everyone is here." He said.They all turned to look at Maureen, she made them forty minutes late to the event. "What? No
Chapter 99 Love historyLEO’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.Scarlett nudged Aaron on the side, motioning towards her brother who sat with his back arched like someone who has lost his chances at life. "He has been like this for more than a week. Not even Sinclair's presence would cheer him up much."Aaron exhaled tiredly, he had only just returned from ending a successful basketball season delighted to share his wins with his friend but instead he met him looking out of the world. "I have been trying to reach him, it's almost like he is far away.""Whenever you ask him, he says nothing is wrong and hold up a very weak smile. But his eyes say something entirely different." She said sounding worried. After getting discharged from the hospital feeling very better, Scarlett had offered to stay with her brother for sometime considering the fact that his supposed wife was no longer with him all in an attempt to keep him company.However Leo didn't seem to notice anything around him as he has been movi
Chapter 98 What she wantsDARBY’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.Breathing heavily as she stared out at the early morning sky, Darby sipped on her black coffee. She didn't know why she chose to subject herself to such uninteresting caffeine but then the heart want what it wants. It was a bit late when she returned to the house with her mother. Leo had waited for her, Sinclair was already asleep by the time they returned. Maureen who had been waiting up anxiously for Emma was forced to retire to bed when the latter didn't say a word to her.She and Leo on the other hand got to act normal with each other. Even though Leo obviously wanted to discuss more on why they had argued in the first place, Darby was over it and she didn't want to be dragged to the past again. It has been a long couple of weeks and all she wants to do is rest and get back to the pile of orders from clients awaiting her at the fashion house. Drumming her nail on the side of the cup, she hummed absentmindedly. Isabella stepped o
Chapter 97 The visitMAUREEN’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.It took a while for Darby to get a hold of her mother. When she stepped out of the restaurant, Emma was nowhere to be seen and she wouldn't pick her calls. The police arrived and whisked Noah away from disrupting the peace of the restaurant. Since their lunch was ruined they had all practically lost their appetite. Unable to leave her mum wandering on the streets of LA, Darby pleaded with the rest to go back to the penthouse while she tries to find Emma.She went to the hospital just incase Emma ran into the arms of Anthony but he didn't see her either and has been trying to reach her. Since Darby didn't come with a car, Anthony drove them to Maureen's house. If Emma isn't there then they would have no other choice but to report her missing to the police. They didn't need to go to the police as she was found curled up on the porch bawling her eyes out.Darby stared at her mother pitifully, wondering how hard it must be for her to take