Chapter 44 We are neighborsDESIRE’S STOREChloe twirled around as she stepped into the line of makeup kits. One of the things Desire is well known for is her amazing skin and face products, that helps every woman raise their confidence and help them look flawlessly beautiful. Practically half of the population in LA use Desire's product. Her popularity ranges from far and near.Picking up her products of interest, Chloe made her way to the counter to make payment before heading to the next floor to meet with her godmother. If she shopped for the desired products later after the visit, Desire would insist on it being on her tab. Even though Chloe enjoys free gifting, she takes pride in not doing too much. Desire had her eyes glued to the report in her hand when Chloe entered."Hey there, godmother." Chloe cooed with a bright smile on her face.Raising her head, Desire smiled brightly. "How are you my angel?""Very fine, godmother. I see you are busy." She noted, hugging her before tak
Chapter 45 Pouring out his mindDARBY’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.Sinclair rushed to the door to hug Leo. Lifting him up into the air, Leo tickled him in the belly with his head. The both of them were at it for a few minutes while the little boy kept laughing delightfully. Darby and Isabella watched the both of them keenly, they are soothing to the eyes."How are you my boy?" Leo asked as he put Sinclair on the floor and knelt in front of him.Sinclair leaned into him. “Fine, daddy.""Are you ready to see grandpa and grandma?"He nodded excitedly. “Yay."Leo laughed as he straightened up. “Don't you think it would be nice for them to meet with you too?" He said to Darby.Darby shook her head. “It would feel too personal. I don't want to do that.""It's just a picnic with my father and stepmother, then I will take him to see my mother. It's nothing serious." He urged."I would be getting in Chloe's way and I don't want that to happen. If she finds out I went with you both to meet your family
Chapter 46 Some substancePIZZA PALOR."I think I would have to drive you both back home." Leo said to Isabella as he ruffled Sinclair's hair. "He seems to love pizza."Isabella chuckled lightly, sipping on her drink. "That is a part of Darby he took after, she loves pizza too. If you don't mind me asking, why do you need to take us back? I thought you wanted to spend time with Sinclair till tomorrow."He sighed. “I thought so too, majorly because I thought we would be leaving my mother's place quite late. However, it didn't turn out well and I just had to leave.""That still shouldn't ruin your time with your son. Taking him back now would kill the anticipation you and Sinclair have had for days with the thought of spending an entire night together. We can just stall here and take us back to your home. I am sure Sinclair would love to know where his father stays.""Wow, Isabella. I must say you are quite thoughtful.""I am only like this because I no longer doubt that you are going t
Chapter 47 Evil AbigailDS FASHION HOUSE, LOS ANGELES.Abigail stared at the design boldly shining down upon her face. She scoffed in distaste, it still irks her at the thought that Darby was ever able to achieve this much in five years. She is definitely a lucky bitch no doubt. Even if her father hadn't promised her any money, she would have gladly volunteered to cause trouble for her without any complaint. It had taken her a while to get Darby's work place. The Forbes magazine and google map did help, but she still considered it quite stressful. Exhaling, she entered the space and headed towards the receptionist.Jenna held up a warming smile. “Good afternoon, ma'am. Welcome to DS Fashion House.""Thank you. I will like to check around.""Sure, ma'am. Take your time." Jenna said, ushering her to the display of clothes. She doubted the young lady’s intention due to the snide expression on her face but she didn't want to be quick to judge and decided to watch the camera closely instea
Chapter 48 His debtMILLER’S HOME, LOS ANGELESStaring at the screen of her phone, Emma exhaled tiredly. From the way things appear, she and Darby might never be able to see eye to eye till the end of both their lives. She had thought it wouldn't take long for Darby to accept her apology, but it's obvious her daughter is not so little anymore, she has grown into a woman who knows how and when to respond to situations on her accord.Sniffing back the tears that rolled down her face, she leaned further into the couch while glancing around the room. Noah's home had one time provided her with comfort, now it only feels like bondage. Everywhere she went to get a job they all can't allow her because she appears too old. It would have been sensible to apply for the role of a nanny, but Emma doesn't trust herself to be able to care for somebody's else's child when she couldn't even look after her very own properly.Even if she has to sweep the entire road of LA, all she desires is an escape.
Chapter 49 Help with some cashCHLOE’S APARTMENT, LOS ANGELES.Flipping her hair to the back, Chloe hurried towards the door in excitement. Opening it, she squealed at her childhood friend, Susan standing by the door."SUSAN!" Chloe screamed as she hugged her tightly.Susan laughed heartily. “How are you girl? I have missed you so much.""Please come in." Chloe invited as she made her way to the kitchen to get her some refreshments."How long has it been?" Susan asked as she sat on the couch."Two years girl. How could you leave me like that?" She inquired jokingly while handing her a bottle of soda.Her friend hummed as she took a sip of her soda. "You still remember my favorite drink." Susan giggled.Chloe giggled as she joined her on the couch. "The moment I knew you were coming, I just had to stock up my fridge. I am still shocked you came home for my wedding.""I couldn't resist it. I had to cancel out all of my schedule and finally agree to meeting Collin's parents. He was more
Chapter 50 The troublemakerDS FASHION HOUSE, LOS ANGELES.Darby tried to focus on the new dress sketch she was planning to work on, but she felt restless instead and the more she tried to pay attention, the more something plagues her. As much as she tries to deny it, having Abigail storm her personal space without warning makes her feel quite uncomfortable. It reminded her of how desperate her sister was when they were younger. It's no doubt that Abigail has a kind of natural hate towards her.Kissing her teeth, she tapped her pen on the tablet in an attempt to put her mind back to work. Her phone rang distracting her. Darby reached for the phone and a small unconscious smile appeared on her face at the caller's ID. She answered the phone after clearing her throat.‘Hi.’ She mumbled.Leo moved a bit on the other end. ‘How are you doing, Darby?’Darby hummed. ‘I'm okay. How about you?’‘I feel great.’‘Were you unable to reach Isabella? I'm sure Sinclair would love to speak to you. H
Chapter 51 He is at it againMILLER’S HOME, LOS ANGELES.Emma was taken aback at the call she received yesterday from Darby's acquaintance. She had thought Darby would reconcile with her and ask her to come to the fashion house but the person talking on her behalf insisted he would visit the house. She stretched out her neck from the porch to check for any car coming towards the house. Just as she thought it would be best to go back inside, the cold was beginning to bite at her bones as her body isn't so strong like before anymore. She heard a car horn behind her.Zac parked the car in front of the house after the GPS announced his destination. Getting down from it, he saw a woman who looks like an older version of Darby. Dialing Emma's contact to be sure she was the one, the woman waved her hand at him. He nodded jogging towards her after locking his car with a bag in hand."Good day, ma'am." He greeted politely.Emma held up a weak smile as she ushered him into the house. "Hello. I
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