MIRABELLA’S POV I paced back and forth in my room as thoughts of my discussion with Easton’s parents flooded my mind. It felt as though I was in a crossfire, and I couldn’t think straight. This was the first time they had made such a desperate request, and I could tell it really bothered them to the point of coming to ask me for help.“Mirabella, please help. We had an argument with Easton a few weeks ago, and he hasn’t visited us ever since. We were only trying to talk some sense into him, but he remains adamant on marrying that woman, Nicole. We had the strong feeling that the woman was just fooling him, but he wouldn’t listen to us. Please. Mirabella, could you talk to Easton about this?” Lucia’s eagerness kept resounding in my head.Easton may have been a jerk to me during our marriage, but his parents have always been good to me. They treated me like their very own daughter, and always made me feel loved when Easton failed to. I could never resent them; they’re like my second pa
EASTON'S POV I ransacked my wardrobe for the perfect suit to adorn. All my clothes were made by top-notch designers, and some were even the first of their kind, but today it seemed as though they weren’t good enough. I screamed at myself internally, reminding myself that this was just a simple dinner, and I was taking it too extreme by trying to look my best, but even with that said, I couldn’t help but try to look my best. I just felt I had to impress Mirabella.I admit that I felt a bit nervous to meet her in private. Although we’ve been working under the same roof for close to two weeks now, Mirabella only treated me like a co-worker. Rationally, I knew that it was the best state for us; it was better than her completely ignoring me, but on a personal level, a part of me wanted to be closer to Mirabella.When I had finally clad myself in my finest suit, I checked the mirror once more just to make sure everything was perfect. I brushed back a strand of hair that had left its posit
EASTON’S POVI tried so hard to focus on the steering on my way back, but thoughts of my discussion with Mirabella clouded my mind. I didn’t know how to feel about it all; if it wasn’t Mirabella, I would have concluded that this was all a vicious attempt to ruin my relationship with Nicole.My parents have always been against my relationship with Nicole, right from day one, but I never paid their words any attention, as I assumed their disapproval was due to Nicole’s poor background. I never cared about her background because, to me, she seemed diligent, well-mannered, and ambitious. She also showed kindness to everyone around her, and seeing how much effort she put into her studies contributed to my willingness to help her.I finally got back home, and Nicole was waiting for me as usual. She dashed towards the living room with a bright smile on her face and wrapped her arms tightly around me. “You’re back! I missed you.” She said enthusiastically with a cute pout, and I forced a smi
NICOLE’S POV I opened my eyes the moment I heard the closing sound of the door. A small frown settled on my face as Easton’s question resurfaced. “Would you still want to be with me if I gave up the company and married you instead?” Why would he ask me such a thing all of a sudden? Was he really planning on giving up the company? I can’t let him do that; all these will be for nothing if Easton gives up the company! My phone vibrated, and I picked it up reluctantly. It was a message from Broody. “Tick tock, dear daughter. I’m running out of patience.” I clenched my fist the moment I read the message. It all makes sense now! Easton was not planning on giving up the company; he must have asked me that because he was suspicious of me. It has to be Broody’s doing! My body tensed up immediately. What did Broody say to Easton this time? That old swindler has really become a thorn in my flesh! I stared at the message, thinking of possible ways to deal with this quickly. I need to get ri
MIRABELLA'S POV I watched in silence as the old man got rushed into the emergency unit. He had lost consciousness the moment we arrived at the hospital. The police arrived almost immediately, as I had called them prior to our arrival, and Roman had gone ahead to talk with them while I stayed with Alfred. “Who is that old man, mummy?” Alfred asked when we were seated in the waiting room. “I don’t know, sweetheart, but I hope he’s okay.” I responded. Roman joined us shortly. “Any news from the doctor?” He asked, and I shook my head in negativity. “He is still in the operating room. What did the police say?” I asked curiously. “They said they'd look into the case and try to find the man's family.” Roman responded, and I bobbed my head. The doctor finally came out of the operating room, and I stood up immediately, eager to know how the old man was doing. “How is he, doctor?” I asked with a worried expression. “He is one lucky man to have survived after losing so much blood. The
***EASTON'S POV***I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder and slowly raised my head up from the table. A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips when I saw Mirabella's face. She was dressed in just sweat pants and a hoodie and yet she still looked beautiful with her hair parked in a loose bun, allowing some strands to fall at the corner of her face.“Easton, are you alright?” Mirabella asked in a soft tone, laced with worry. I wasn't sure if it was the effect of the alcohol but at that moment, I felt like taking hold of her hand and never letting go. I guess deep down, I knew my greatest mistake was letting her go and now she was far beyond my reach.“Come on, let's get you home.” Mirabella said this and tried to help me up but I held her hand instead, and gave it a gentle caress. Her hand felt perfect in mine, and I realized that this was actually the first time I had held her so tenderly since our marriage. I had neglected her a lot during our marriage, I barely looked her way, and
***NICOLE'S POV***I quickly grabbed my purse and dashed out of the house the moment Easton's car drove out of the premises. I had waited patiently for him to leave for work so he wouldn't insist on driving me to my location.He had offered to take me to the hospital earlier but I declined, insisting that he had to go to work and I didn't want him to miss his meeting because of me. That was half truth. My main reason was because I needed to pick up something before heading to the hospital.If Broody is still alive, then I must make sure he stays silent. I was lucky enough to have escaped being seen by Mirabella the other day, if Broody should regain his consciousness and tell anyone what happened, then it'll be over for the both of us.I quickly called a cab and gave him the address of where I was heading. It was an abandoned warehouse and the best place to meet without being seen by anyone I know.I quickly paid the driver and alighted the vehicle the moment we reached. I brought ou
***NICOLE'S POV***“Miss, can I please see your hands?” I froze at the nurse's request, but I quickly composed myself and stylishly tucked the syringe into the pocket of my jeans then I stretched my hands to her.“Is something wrong?” I asked with furrowed brows.The nurse blinked severally, her expression that of uncertainty “Oh, I'm sorry about that. Who are you?” She asked, her gaze still lingering on my hands.“His daughter.” I responded firmly. “Is there something you need?” I asked her with a slight frown.“My apologies, miss. I just came to check his vitals.” The nurse said as she walked around to where I stood. I swiftly moved out of her way, making sure not to turn my back to her until I was at the door.“Thank you so much for taking good care of him. I'll visit again soon.” I said with a faint smile and the nurse gave me a nod and then began checking his drip settings and his vitals.I quickly left the room, heaving a sigh. Broody might have gotten lucky today, but I'll be
~DANZEL~ I slammed the door shut, wanting nothing more but to crash on my bed, but my roommate, Jeffrey, had other plans. The apartment had been turned into a mini concert venue as he played his guitar which was connected to the speakers and at a high volume. I had to cover my ears as it felt like my drums were about to explode. I made my way to his room and the moment I opened the door, the music became even louder. I didn't bother calling out his name, I just walked right up to the switch and pulled the plug out, shutting everything down. “Oh come on! I was just about to reach the best part!” He whined but I ignored him and went into my own room. I began taking off my clothes so I could take a quick shower. Another stressful day completed. The door suddenly opened and Jeffrey stormed in, obviously to complain. “You know you could say hello whenever you get back.” He mumbled as he plopped down on my bed. “Hello.” I sighed, throwing my shirt on the bed. “I don't get it. Why
~HAILEY~ At that moment, I just wanted the ground to swallow me whole. “What is wrong with you?” Came his calm yet rightfully frustrated tone. “I... I'm so sorry.” I apologized and that's when his deep honey brown eyes locked with mine. He stared at me for a while, his brows slightly knotted as though trying to recall where we had met before. It seemed like the memory finally hit him as his lips twitched into a small smirk. “Well if it isn't Ms. little fox.” He snickered and I felt my rage building up almost immediately, making me forget that I was in the wrong for spitting my drink on his face. “You! Did you follow me here?!” I snapped and he let out a soft chuckle, one that made my heart flutter. Wait what?! I must have been mistaken. Why would my heart flutter?! I didn't like this man! I didn't even know his name. I hated him, no, hate was a strong word, but I definitely didn't like him. He was so full of himself and the fact that he was fucking attractive, made it all to
~HAILEY~I decided to take a tour of the neighborhood since mom had gone to work. I didn't want to stay in my room all day. I don't think I was ever the type to stay indoors, I may not remember but deep down, the real me must still be there somewhere.“Look out!” I heard the warning remark of someone and almost immediately, I got tackled to the ground from behind.“Ouch!” I winced as I felt pain on my right elbow which had hit the ground.“Are you okay?” I heard a soft, smooth and deep masculine voice speak and I slowly turned my head to the side, my gaze locking with a pair of deep honey brown eyes. Time seemed to have stopped at that moment, and I couldn't feel the pain in my elbow anymore, the only sound coming from my fast beating heart as I found myself getting lost in those mesmerizing and piercing gaze of the hot stranger next to me.I didn't fail to notice the way his hands were cradled around me, as though shielding me from crashing directly at the hard ground but he had fai
~HAILEY~ “We are here.” Mrs. Jordan said as she wheeled me into the house. I could walk, my legs were perfectly fine but she had insisted on purchasing a wheel chair as she didn't want me to stress in any way. She's my mom alright, but I still haven't called her that. Everything still felt strange to me, everyone still looked strange. “Where are we?” I asked curiously. “Our home in Pennsylvania. Does it look familiar?” She asked with an expectant gaze but I shook my head negatively. “Do I have any friends? Siblings?” I asked and she nodded her friend. “You didn't have many friends except your best friend, Sandra Willows.” She responded. Sandra Willows... Could she be the one I saw in my short memory flash? “Where does she live?” I asked as Mrs. Jordan settled on the couch next to me. “Her family home is located at Upper East side, New York. Do you want me to contact them? I'm sure Sandy must be worried about you.” Sandy might know a lot more about me than anyone else but if s
~HAILEY~I woke up to the sound of something beeping in a steady pattern, like a machine... Wait I know that sound.My vision was blurry at first and I couldn't feel my body but it slowly cleared up and I realized I was in a clinic or hospital room.What was I doing here? I tried to wiggle my toe, I have no idea where the idea came from, but with much effort, I was able to move my big toes, and then the little ones followed. I did the same for my fingers and soon enough, my limbs were mobile again.I gently raised myself up, sitting on the bed and that's when I noticed a gingered haired woman sleeping on a chair next to the bed, her head resting on the edge of the bed.I gently tapped her and she drowsily raised her head up but the moment her gaze met mine, her eyes seemed to clear up and she stared at me in shock.“Hailey,” Her voice came out as a whisper laced with uncertainty, as though she had seen something impossible or rather as though she was staring at a ghost.I wanted to s
~KIARA~“Alfred!” I exclaimed as I freed myself from Gabriel's hold and ran into Alfred's arms, taking him by surprise.Even I was shocked at my own actions. I had no idea that I had missed my annoying and overprotective brother so much.“Gosh, I can't believe you're back.” I tightened my grip on his torso and he finally wrapped his hands around me, as though he had finally recovered from his shocked state.“I missed you too, kiddo.” He chuckled and I finally released him from my tight hold.“Do mom and dad know you're back?” “Not yet. I wanted to meet Sandy first but I guess she's not around.” He responded as his gaze went back to Gabriel who was now standing next to me.“It's good to have you back, bro.” Gabriel stretched out his hand but Alfred just glared at him.“What the hell did I just walk in to? Were you going to kiss my sister?!” He thundered and I almost facepalmed.I thought he would not bring that up. At least not right now.“Alfred, I can explain —”“Gabriel and I like
~KIARA~ Gabriel opened the door and I stepped out of the car, my gaze scanning the surroundings. I was mad at myself for giving in to him when I was supposed to be mad at him. His words had completely broken my resolve and I found myself getting in the car with him. “Whose house is this?” I asked, my brows knotted together. “My place.” Gabriel responded, his voice completely relaxed as he walked towards the porch. “Wait what?! Why are we at your place?!” I panicked and he let out a soft chuckle, one that almost made me smile back but I held it in. I guess I wasn't mad at him anymore but I didn't want him to know that. I mean how could anyone be mad at such a handsome devil? “Relax, Kiara. This is my parents' place.” He corrected as he opened the door, gesturing with his hand that I go in. I was hesitant at first but then decided to go in. I mean I was already here, I might as well just hear what he has to say that made him bring me all the way here. “Gabe!” A brunette haired
~KIARA~ “For your next project, you'll be pairing up with your seniors. I want five different designs, each should make a bold statement of your artsy abilities.” Professor Barnard instructed and I almost screamed out of my lungs in excitement. I couldn't believe he was finally letting us freshers sew our own outfits! I was already getting fed up with drawing sketches all day. Finally I get to see my dresses come to life! Professor Barnard made the list himself, then handed it to us to check out our names and partners. “You all have three weeks to complete this project.” He announced and we all exclaimed in shock. “Three weeks?!” “For five designers?! What are we, robots?!” “That's impossible!” Everyone had something to say. Only Phoenix and I sat in silence, waiting for the list to get to us. “If you feel you can't do it, you might as well quit my class. Three weeks is more than enough to get the job done, and I even made it a group project.” Professor Barnard said with a t
~GABRIEL~ I groaned as I stirred a bit, my head aching like never before. I slowly opened my eyes as I held my head to calm the headache. At first I didn't recognize the environment but slowly, the images began to clear up. “Take this. It'll help your hangover.” I flinched a bit on hearing Kiara's voice as I turned to the side and saw her standing next to the couch while extending her hand to me. “Kiara? What am I doing here?” I frowned but her expression was blank as she handed me a cup of what smelt like ginger tea. “Thank you.” I smiled slightly as I took a sip of the tea before turning my attention back to her. “Kiara, I —” “You can either stay here until Sandy gets back or leave right now. I don't care. I'm off to school.” She cut me off, her voice a bit cold. Was she mad at me? Did I do something to upset her? “Kiara, can we talk?” I asked as I tried to stand from the couch but suddenly felt dizzy and fell back down. “Gabriel are you alright?!” Kiara suddenly rushed to