***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
***MIRABELLA'S POV***“Well ma'am, you have nothing much to worry about. All his tests came out clean.” The nurse said with a smile as she handed the results to me.I stared at the sheets, feeling a bit confused. “But what about his fever?” I asked worriedly. I had rushed Alfred to the hospital the moment I noticed he had a fever, as I didn't want to take any chances. I couldn't stand seeing him get sick, I couldn't stand seeing him sad or in any form of pain.“Well it's normal for kids to develop a fever without any serious medical cause. These fevers are benign and often go away in less than two to three days.” The nurse explained.“So you're saying he's fine?” I asked, my voice laced with uncertainty.“Yes, just keep him hydrated, make sure he's dressed comfortably and keep monitoring his temperature. If it persists then we can run more tests.” She explained and ruffled Alfred's hair with a warm smile on her face.“Take care, kiddo.” She said to him before leaving the room.I tur
***MIRABELLA'S POV***I had just settled down in my office when I heard a knock on the door.“Come in.” I ushered and the door swung open, revealing Lola, my secretary.“Mr. Anderson is here to see you, ma'am.” Lola informed me and I gave her a slight nod.“Let him in.” She leaves the office and soon enough, the door opens again, revealing a well dressed man with a deep scowl on his face.“Mr. Anderson,” I greeted, standing up to shake his hand. “Please, take a seat.”Mr Anderson sank into the chair across from my desk, his face still contorted in anger. “I have been wronged, Ms. Brookwood,” He said, his voice tight with frustration. “I have been cheated out of my hard-earned money.”“I see.” I responded, nodding gravely. “Can you tell me what happened?” “I entered into a contract with a local business to supply them with materials for a construction project," Mr. Anderson explained, his voice growing more agitated. ”But they've refused to pay me for my services."“How much do they
***MIRABELLA'S POV***“Private school?” I asked with a slight frown. “What's wrong with his home lessons?”“Come on, Bella. According to you, Alfred has been homeschooled since day one. Back then at least you were around more but he hardly sees you these days and he needs to be around kids his age more often.” Mom suggested but I shook my head negatively.“I don't think that's a good idea, mom. Alfred is already doing well, he's a smart kid and it won't make any difference if he's homeschooled or attends a private school.” I stated firmly while changing out of my work clothes.“You need to loosen up a bit, Mirabella. I get that you're trying to protect him but keeping him locked up isn't the best.”“He isn't locked up. You and Dad take him out on several occasions, and I do the same whenever I can—”“But now work has made you busier than ever. The least you can do is let him socialize. He's a very curious kid you know. He needs to make friends with kids his age and get used to being a
***EASTON'S POV***“Tell me you have some useful information for me.” I said while keeping my gaze focused on the wheels. I had the call connected to the car's Bluetooth, that way I won't get distracted.“Well, I was finally able to get the caller ID from the number you gave me. However, it was registered with a fake name so I couldn't track it down with any known person.” Kyle responded over the phone and I let out a sigh.Smart move. The caller must have suspected something like this and had taken precautionary measures.“And what about Mirabella's case?” I asked after a while and I could hear Kyle grumble from the other end before responding.“I told you already. The Brookwoods are high profile people, they don't let any personal information slip out just like that. All I can find are news headlines of Mirabella's return. Nothing about the kid or his biological father.” “So you're saying you can't track her activities in the last six years?” I asked with a frown, making a right tu
***MIRABELLA'S POV***I kept stroking Alfred's hair as he slowly drifted off to sleep. I kissed his forehead, pulling the blanket over his shoulders then exited his room. My mind drifted off to my encounter with Easton and our visit to his parents' house. I couldn't help but admire the way he acted around Alfred. There was no doubt that he would be a good father to Alfred but it was too risky. He wasn't a good husband to me, and though he is obviously trying to make up for it, I wasn't sure if I could fully trust him again.I remembered his mother's remark about Alfred. I felt bad for lying to them as well but I couldn't risk Easton finding out. If I should tell them about Alfred being their grandson, then there's no doubt that Easton would find out sooner or later.I walked into my room and found my mom comfortably sitting on my bed.“Did you forget the location to your room?” I asked mom jokingly and she smiled softly.“I wanted to have a word with you before you start packing for
***EASTON'S POV***“Come in.” I said the moment I heard a knock on my door and Emma walked in shortly after.“You sent for me, sir?”“Yes. Clear out my schedule tomorrow. I have somewhere important to be.” I responded and she bobbed her head.“I will do that, sir.” She responded with a small smile. “Is there anything else?” “Book a reservation for three people at any five star restaurant that's not too far off from midtown.” I instructed and she made notes of it on her tablet.“Will do, sir.” "That will be all." I said and she nodded before exiting my office.I let out a sigh as I stared at my phone screen which displayed the reply I had received from dad after asking if they were free tomorrow. I wanted to set things right, and make up for my past mistakes and I knew I had to start by apologizing to my parents. It may have seemed like they were controlling my life back then, but every decision they ever made was to the best of my interest.If they hadn't insisted on my marriage t
***NICOLE'S POV***“Argh!” I screamed as I smashed the phone on the wall, my anger rising by the minute.Eleven years! Eleven years of hard work flushed down the drain just like that! How could I have been so careless and not seen this coming?! “If you keep breaking my burner phones I might stop giving them to you.” I turned around to see Logan standing by the door.“You knew I was going to get caught that day, didn't you?” I asked through gritted teeth.“Nothing gets past me, Nicole. I already knew Easton was on your tail. I just wanted you to see for yourself that your beloved Easton doesn't give a shit about you.” He responded nonchalantly and I clenched my fist in anger.“Then why didn't you warn me?! It's all your fault that Easton is back with that woman!” I yelled and he let out a scoff.“It's also thanks to me that you're standing here right now and not behind bars.” Logan said and his gaze suddenly darkened. “Don't make me regret my little act of kindness.” He added, his pl
***MIRABELLA'S POV***I stared at Roman in shock, trying to find the right words to say as that was the last thing I had expected him to say. Was he doing this just to keep Easton away or did he really mean it?“Roman,”“You don't have to answer right away. Just think about, and whichever answer you give me, I'll accept it.” Roman said with a reassuring smile as he held my hands and gave them a gentle squeeze.“Roman if you're doing this because of Easton then you don't have to. I can take care of myself, and I'm not going to let Easton hurt me anymore. You don't have to tie yourself down to me simply because you want to protect me, you've already helped me a lot.” I responded and he seemed thoughtful for a while before responding.“Right, of course you can. I'm sorry if that was too forward.” He said before standing up from the bed.“Roman,”“You don't have to say anything or feel bad, Mirabella. This doesn't change anything between us. Should I pick you up tomorrow?” He asked and al
***MIRABELLA'S POV***"You know, when you told me you were moving, I actually didn't think you were serious." Roman joked as he walked into my apartment, followed by Lola who held two bottles of wine.“You should know that I always stay true to my words.” I responded while shutting the door.“Daddy!” Alfred beamed and ran into Roman's arms the moment Roman walked into the living room.“Wow, did I finally get a promotion?” Roman asked as he ruffled Alfred's hair and Alfred bobbed his head.“The place looks amazing, ma'am.” Lola beamed as she glanced around the living room.“All thanks to your help.” I responded with a smile.“Well then, shall we begin the housewarming party?” Lola beamed as she wiggled the wine bottle close to her face.“I'll go get the glass.” I said and went into the kitchen, taking out three wine glasses and a plastic cup for Alfred. I placed them on the table and brought out a bottle of banana milk from the fridge before going back to join them in the living room.
***EASTON'S POV***“Easton, it's not what it looks like.” I clenched my fists at Nicole's words. Did she take me for a fool? What possible excuse could she have that would make me think otherwise of the situation?“Then go ahead and tell me, Nicole. Tell me what it looks like other than you trying to murder your own flesh and blood!” I snapped, unable to keep my anger in check.“Sir, we will have the patient moved now.” One of the nurses said as they both helped Broody onto the wheelchair, then exited the room, leaving just Nicole and myself.“That man is not for father! He abandoned me for his own selfish desires!” Nicole responded as she pointed at the exit as though Broody was there. Her eyes were teary and her tone was filled with rage, all directed towards Broody.“Is that why you tried to kill him? Because he abandoned you? Is that also why you've been sending him money behind my back for years?” I asked coldly, ignoring her tears. I won't be fooled by her pity act anymore.“Th
DISCLAIMER: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS GRAPHIC VIOLENCE. READER DISCRETION ADVISED. ***NICOLE'S POV*** “And you're certain this would work?” I asked with a frown as I stared at the outfit in the bag. I had asked Logan for help in taking care of Broody and he asked me to meet up with someone in this location. I came here as told and met with a masked man whom I assumed was one of Logan's men since they always made sure to hide their faces. “As long as you follow all procedures. We were able to get your father's check up routine. A nurse comes to his ward three times everyday, four times during the weekend to take him out for fresh air. They keep the wheelchair in the store at the end of the underground hallway.” The man explained and I nodded. “So how am I going to get into the hospital without being noticed? I'm certain those nurses would recognize me the moment I cross those doors.” I said with a frown. “There's a wig in that bag as well to hide your hair. Keep the mask on at all tim
***MIRABELLA'S POV*** “You wanted to talk with us, sweetheart?” Mom said as she settled on the couch next to my dad. He isn't fully recovered yet but he's a lot better than before. “Yes, I wanted both of you to be present.” I responded and they nodded. “So, what is it?” Dad asked. I let out a soft sigh before responding. “I was thinking of getting my own apartment and moving in with Alfred...” I paused to observe their reaction and noticed they both had small frowns on their faces. “But sweetheart, we don't mind having you here with us. You know that right?” Mom asked with a sad expression. “Of course I know that mom, and I don't mind staying with you guys either. I just need my own space for now. Alfred can come visit whenever he wants and you can also come see us whenever.” I responded with a reassuring smile and dad let out a sigh. “Why do I have the feeling that you've already decided this and we can't persuade you otherwise?” “That's because I have, dad. I will still ta
***EASTON'S POV*** “Sir, are you listening?” Emma's voice snapped me out of my trance and I shifted my gaze to her. "Sorry what were you saying?" I asked with a perplexed expression. “I was just reminding you about your three O'clock meeting with Mr. Alex Chain from Hillgates Company.” Emma replied and I bobbed my head. “Let me know when it's three then.” I responded and she pressed her lips into a thin line. “What is it?” I asked when I noticed she wasn't moving. “It's already three, Sir. I came to remind you of the meeting.” She stated rather hesitantly and I gave her a faint smile. “Oh is that so? I'll be there shortly.” I said and she bobbed her head before leaving my office. I let out a frustrated sigh as I tugged at my hair roughly. I have been zoning out more often these days and I didn't want that to be too obvious. I just couldn't stop myself from thinking about Mirabella and how to make things right between us. I was also worried about her health so far. Was she alri
***NICOLE'S POV***The sound of shattering glass echoed in the room as I violently smashed the mirror on the wall. I couldn't stand seeing my reflection on it. It reminded me of the day I got kidnapped by Logan's men.I was tempted to call Easton and warn him against Logan but his threats stopped me every time. I never got to find out about his history with Easton and why he hated the Grey family so much but I knew that he was back for his revenge. He had been silent all these while, and I had almost forgotten about him.I can't just let him ruin my plans. If he hurts Easton before we're married, then it'll be over. My years of effort will be flushed down the drain just like that.No, I need to find a way to stop him, probably something to blackmail him with but I knew better than to do that. He can have me killed with a single snap of his fingers.“Damn it!” I tugged violently at my hair as I paced my room, ignoring the glass on the floor.What do I do? How can I persuade Easton to m