MANNY“How? When? why now?” Avery asked dozens of questions all at the same time.She was confused.Why would Manny want a child now? and her mother approved of it?Unless… Avery thought.Kari had already decided to give her daughter the fashion house. A frown appeared on her confused face. “How is it even possible? You don't even have a boyfriend. No one agrees to date because of your appearance and you can't even get up from the chair without causing the table to shake." Avery pointed out angrily.She ran all the errands and now Manny was going to take her spot in the company? No way.Not wanting to hear the details, Avery quickly left Manny's office finding her way home.Manny clenched the side of her desk to suppress her emotions.So what if she caused things to topple over when she stood up? Couldn't she still have a family? A child?Manny tried several things to make her lose weight—dieting, exercising, detox—but nothing seemed to work for her.So she gave up and instead ate mo
Manny was speechless, as she turned to a squealing Josie. She beamed with joy.A week ago she didn't want the child and now here she was overjoyed that she was finally pregnant.She thanked the doctor, then she and Josie exited the office and left the hospital.All through the drive, Manny's hand never left her tummy, finding it hard to believe that she was pregnant.In a few hours, they reached Manny's house. “I will never get over the size of your house.” Josie said, her eyes roaming over the huge house.As they entered the house, Kari, Avery, and Andrew came into view. They were all waiting for Manny.Apparently, Andrew somehow knew that Manny had gone for a pregnancy test. He informed Kari who suggested that they wait for her and the result."Mum?” Manny called out, looking around suspiciously. "Did something happen?”"When were you going to tell us that you were pregnant?” Her mum asked, ignoring her question.Manny was taken aback by the question. Nobody knew that apart from Jos
ANDREW Andrew suspected something.Manny's behavior was odd and what was more odd was that she went to a different hospital to take the pregnancy test. Andrew sent out his men to watch Manny ever since he was told that she might carry his child. They were always watching her.One of his men had to pose as a nurse to get intel. They got the name of the hospital, but the doctor was a tough nut to crack.“Talk!" The beefy man towering over the doctor orders giving him another punch to the face.“Ms Larson must have paid you a lot of money for your silence." Andrew said, sitting down across the doctor with his arms crossed, the single light in the room casting a shadow on his face.“I can't reveal a client's information, it's the rule.” The doctor said through his bruised lips as he spluttered blood. He was a sorry sight.Andrew stood up calmly, motioning his men to finish the job. It was obvious that he wasn't going to say anything.Retreating back to his office, he called his PI to me
ANDREW Andrew went through the files smiling. Turns out Manny wasn't as innocent as she looked but all the information put together wasn't enough to get him what he wanted. He needed that last piece of information and Carter was taking too long. Going through the files again —carefully this time— his phone rang. Andrew expressed a sign, that he was tired of the phone calls that had been coming in since the day began. He picked it up without reading the caller ID. “Yes?" He answered, his voice rough. “Some information just came to light about Ms Larson sir.” A deep voice said from the other side. Andrew sat up straight away, his ears alert. It was about time his men gave him feedback, he wanted to know what Manny was up to. Yes he was spying on her, he had to know what and who he was dealing with and he became more suspicious after the incident that happened at her house. “Alright, tell me, what did you find?" “We followed her on that day like you asked, and we ended up out
MANNY Manny stood there mute, unable to find her words. He had finally found out. She was filled with dread as she gazed at his angry expression. “How are you pregnant?” Andrew seethed walking slowly towards Manny. Manny stepped back, her back hitting the wall as he came closer. She tried looking at Anything other than his face. Manny winced as his hands came in contact with the wall, his fist above her head. She didn't dare look him in the eye. Instinctively, Manny's hand found its way to her belly not knowing what Andrew might hit next. “You were going to take the baby!” Manny screamed, tears forming at the corner of her eyes. “So what? You've given me more reason to take the baby.” Andrew yelled back, his voice resonating and high. Good thing they were far away from the rest of the town. His large hand gripped Manny's fat neck, holding her against the wall. Andrew's grip tightened and Manny choked, gasping for air as her face reddened. She kept hitting and kicking Andrew
MANNY“He did what?" Josie’s voice came with full force through the phone.Manny had told her everything that had happened the night Andrew came over. Josie knew the rumors were true but to think he'll do that to the mother of his child?Josie was mad and made empty threats as she kept going on and on about how dangerous he was.“You're all talks and no action." Manny chuckled knowing there was nothing they could do about Andrew Cooper.He was untouchable.“I almost forgot. I was going to tell you that Tristan and I finally picked a date for our wedding.” Josie said excitedly."Really?” Manny mirrored Josie's expression through the phone. “So what's the date?"" It's on the 29th of this month,” Josie announced giddily, expecting Manny to reply with a joyous tone.“Your birthday? Why? And why do it so early?" Manny asked disapprovingly.The wedding was going to take months to plan and Josie hated celebrating anything else with her birthday.She always said it was her own special day. M
MANNYThe clicking sound of the lawyer's laptop filled the room. Andrew hasn't said a word. His hard gaze made Manny anxious.“Throughout the nine months of your pregnancy you will have to stop working, is that okay with you?” Andrew's lawyer asked, breaking the silence.Manny opened her mouth to speak but Andrew beat her to it.“That isn't up for discussion. Pushing yourself too hard at work might endanger the baby's health and I won't allow that.”Andrew said authoritatively.Manny kept her mouth shut, not satisfied with what Andrew had just said. He must have noticed it considering the next statement he made.“I'll hire someone to work in your place. Is that okay for you?” Andrew asked.Manny was in deep thought. It was a fine offer but she couldn't allow it. Her designs were unique and no one will be able to do it like she does.“No.” she finally spoke after a long time.Andrew's face twisted into an ugly expression. He had so much confidence that Manny wouldn't refuse the offer.
MANNYManny wasn't ready to face her mother yet, so she suggested that they go for the cake tasting first.They arrived at a place called the Cake Palace, and as they stepped in, their mouth began to water. Cakes of all kinds were available, the place where owning up to its name.After they went to the reception, they were led to the room where they would be sampling the cakes.It was a dainty room with crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling and gleaming marble floors. They settled in plush chairs and the aroma of the exquisite pastries filled their nostrils.Excitement bubbled up in them as the chef brought in miniature cake slices on silver platters, each with a beautiful design and different flavors.“Finally,” Josie exclaimed, her voice filled with joy as she eagerly reached out for the first slice—a decadent champagne-infused cake with layers of delicate elderflower mousse and edible gold leaf. As Josie took her first bite, she moaned with pleasure as the spongy cake m
In a bright, sunlit kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air. Amelia sat at the kitchen table, her hands gently resting on her pregnant belly. Her long, brunette hair cascades over her shoulders, and her eyes, filled with a blend of excitement and nostalgia, look lovingly at her two children. Aiden and Adelaide, four, sat eagerly beside her, their wide eyes full of curiosity. “Woah!” The little boy exclaimed with so much excitement. “Was that how you gave birth to us?” Amelia nodded, her smile wide. The children were waiting for their father when they pushed her to tell them a story about how she fell in love with their dad. Now that she was done, they looked at her, more curious than before. "You know, when I was a little girl, not much older than you two, I used to dream about the day I'd have my own family," she began. “And now I do.” She beamed at them. “But why was Daddy so mean to you? He even threatened to take away Angel?!” Adelaide asked,
The night was eerily quiet when Amelia's labor began. She had felt sporadic contractions throughout the day, but they were manageable. Now, though, as the pain intensified and the contractions came closer together, she knew it was time. But her husband seemed to be lost on what to do. "Hang in there Manny. I'm calling Josie and Tristan to come over." Andrew said, trying to keep his voice steady. “Call the fucking driver Andrew. I need to go to the hospital." Amelia yelled as the pain intensified. “Right, the driver." Andrew scurried out of the house and later came back in to get his wife. "Get the bags!” Amelia commanded and he complied, afraid she would tear him off with her eyes. On their way to the hospital, Andrew informed Tristan what was happening and he promised to show up at the hospital with Josie. Amelia's mind was a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, fear, and pain intertwined. She had done thousands of checkups and only ate the food Andrew cooked for h
The grand cathedral was adorned with cascading white roses, shimmering crystals, and soft candlelight, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the gathering. The air buzzed with the murmur of anticipation and the gentle strains of a string quartet playing in the background. Down the hallway where she was getting set, Amelia felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness as she prepared to walk down the aisle. Her dress was a masterpiece of silk and lace, custom-designed to fit her perfectly. She had designed the dress herself, she might have wielded a gun for ten years but her hands could still hold a needle. Tristan wore a proud smile as he stretched his hands out for her. She took his arm, feeling the weight of the moment settle in her chest, her heart pounding with each step. The doors swung open, and a collective gasp echoed through the hall. Amelia took in deep breaths, and with joy, she took her first step onto the rose-petal-strewn aisle. Her eyes locked with Andrew’s wh
Amelia spent a month and some days in the hospital getting better but mostly cuddling up with Andrew. Their love continued like she never left. There were times that she would cry while explaining everything she had been through and Andrew would console her, promising to do everything in his power to protect her. Andrew had come to pick her up from the hospital that morning and Josie insisted that Amelia come to her place first. It was her house regardless. “I can't believe this." Josie squealed, unable to contain her joy. All this while, her friend was alive and was right under her nose. She knew the first time she set her eyes on Amelia that there was something familiar about her. “You're alive." She spread her arms wide and Amelia wasted no time in jumping into her embrace. She had missed her so much. "I'm so happy.” "Me too Josie…me too.” The two women cried till they could cry no more. Their cheeks were red, their eyes puffy and their clothes were stained wi
The sound of something shattering jerked Amelia back into consciousness. She tried getting up and groaned as she fell back down. She looked at what was happening around her, her swollen eyes making it almost impossible to see who was who. She was kept hidden in a corner, away from the disaster that was happening. “Fuck.” She heard Sebastian's voice and quickly turned in his direction. She saw him tangled up with the man she had seen so many times. Her captor. “Sebastian.” She croaked, but he couldn't hear. Just then he received a bullet to the end. Amelia froze but then breathed out in relief as he saw Sebastian get up. She looked up to see who had shot the gun and saw Tristan helping him up. ‘Andrew.’ a voice screamed at her. Her eyes scanned the room, her heart pounding, praying something hadn't happened to Andrew as she searched for him. The firing of a gun caught her attention. Tilting her head out of curiosity, she found Andrew, firing his father's both legs. “
Andrew and his men moved out. The roaring engines of the cars filled the air as they drove deep into the outskirts of town. Andrew drove Tristan and Sebastian with him as he continued running the plan over in his mind. ‘nothing could go wrong.’ He thought, gripping the steering wheel tightly. “Dude, slow down. You're going to get us killed before we even get there." Tristan cautioned, feeling the increasing speed of the car. This was his first ever mission and his anxiety got the better of him. "I should have just stayed behind the scenes like always.” He muttered, regretting his decision the closer they got to their destination. “I didn't force you." Andrew reminded and Sebastian chuckled at the back. "Whatever. I just want to come back alive.” The car became quiet again and after a while, they got to the place. Allen and Lorenzo had done a good job hiding the place. At first, it was pretty hard to locate. Andrew stepped out of his car, the cool air sweeping
“I kept her under your care.” Andrew bellowed, his eyes blazed with anger as he punched Tristan. Tristan staggered back and massaged his jaw. Andrew had just arrived from Mexico and the first thing on his mind was to punch him. “How the fuck did she get kidnapped!” He roared, hitting him again before he could regain his stance. Couldn't something go right in his absence for once? “I tried to warn her, it's not my fault. She's a grown woman!” Tristan argued, dodging the next punch that Andrew threw at him. Andrew kept charging at him, and Tristan constantly missed it. He tried his best not to hit back, he knew Andrew wasn't himself at the moment. “Andrew!” Josie snapped, her sharp voice pierced through the hallway as her eyes blazed with fury and her lips curled up in anger. “She left on her own. Don't hold my husband responsible.” She hissed coming forward to stand between them. “You should have tried to talk sense into her.” “Who said we didn't?” Josie took a step
“What do you mean kidnapped?” Andrew barked, his teeth gritting. He left her right there for protection. How was it possible to get kidnapped? “She went out for a walk and never came back. We've been searching for her.” Tristan explained he could tell Andrew wasn't having any of it. “And then?” He hissed. “We got a note yesterday, saying if you want to see your wife, you have to bring the cash.” Andrew fumed at his statement, his hand clenched in a fist. Would his father go this far? Or was it someone else? “Did it say who it's from?” “Lorenzo.” He paled. His blood ran cold at what he would have done to Amelia. Then he felt immersed in Anger. He wasn't going to win this time. Without allowing Tristan to continue, he ended the call, picked up the documents from the table, and headed toward the door. He wasn't losing her for the second time. Getting closer to the exit, he saw Sebastian by the door, a duffel bag in his hand. “I'm going with you.” He said, h
“Why can't you just listen? Don't go out at night, it's a very simple instruction.” Tristan complained as he drove Amelia back to the house. She had gone out of the house again for her ‘evening walks.’ “You can't tell me what to do.” She whined, folding her hands like a child that had been scolded. “Andrew isn't here at the moment so as of right now, I get to tell you what to do.” Amelia just scoffed as she looked out her window, the night cool air, hitting her as Tristan drove. They got home to see Josie by the entrance, pacing. “Amelia.” She rushed over to her and hugged her. “You got me so worried, don't just leave the house like that ever again.” “Andrew said your life might be in danger, that's why you have to stay with us.” “I'm sorry for making you worry but I'm here now. Why don't we go inside?” Josie nodded and Amelia led her into the house by the hand. Everyone had retired to bed and was now sleeping, except her. So she decided to go again. Making su