***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
***NICOLE'S POV***I stared at my reflection on the mirror and nodded my head, satisfied with my appearance. I had on a sleeveless floral gown which stopped right above my knees, held in place by a black waist girdle with a gold head, and black leather tall boots to match.I left the room after grabbing my purse and walked into the living room. I glanced around, letting out a heavy sigh. The place felt so empty without Easton, and I kept thinking about our last discussion, and the way Easton stormed out without giving me a second glance.I wanted to tail him, find out where he was going but decided against it. He didn't return again until late night and when he did, I could perceive the smell of alcohol all over him. He didn't say a word to me about what happened after that day, and he's been speaking to me as though nothing happened but I knew that he still didn't trust me.A part of me knew my time with Easton was coming to an end but I would never let that happen. I decided to use
***MIRABELLA'S POV***I groaned as we finally departed from the airport after a five hour flight from New York to San Diego. Easton already had a vehicle waiting to pick us up and take us to the hotel.We arrived at the hotel in less than thirty minutes and our luggage was placed in a cart as we walked into the luxurious five star hotel to book our stay.“Welcome to Comfort Z, how may I assist you, sir?” The receptionist asked Easton, her tone professional with a slightly thick accent that made one conclude she wasn't a native English speaker.“We'll be taking two of the masters suites.” Easton responded and I furrowed my brows at him.“Two?” I asked and he turned to me with a slight smile.“One for you and your assistant and then the other for me. Or do you want your personal space?” Easton asked and I let out an awkward laugh.I initially thought he was booking two rooms to have us share one and Lola the second. My bad.“Oh that's completely fine.” I said and he nodded before return
***MIRABELLA'S POV***The conference room was filled with the sound of gentle chatter as everyone settled down. We were greeted with three representatives of the Hillgates Company, Mr. Alex Chain, the CEO, Ryan Thomson, the CFO and Ms. Samantha Lee, the Marketing director. After everyone was settled, the meeting commenced with Easton taking the first opening. He rose from his seat, confident and poised, and then picked up the control for the projector screen.“Good morning, everyone. Thank you for considering our proposal. Our company has been at the forefront of industrial innovation, and we believe our digital products can revolutionize the way your company reaches customers.” Easton stated as he clicked on the control remote, showing a chart flow of sales on the projector.The investors looked impressed by the charts and then turned their attention back to us.“We are impressed with your company's growth.” Mr. Alex said with an approving nod. “How do you plan to integrate our bran
***MIRABELLA'S POV***I stared at the message, blinking several times just to make sure I was not imagining. It was crystal clear.But why was I panicking? Easton clearly invited me over for work, yet my heart kept beating as though it wanted to burst out of my chest.I knew it was not a good idea but what's there to worry about? I wouldn't let myself get swayed so easily, I wasn't that Mirabella anymore but we both drank a lot tonight, and I felt as though I would be walking right into a trap if I was to accept his offer, a trap that was probably set up by my mind.But still, I had to be careful.“Since we have no schedule tomorrow, why don't we work on it tomorrow? It's late now and I'm certain you're tired as well.” I texted, holding my breath as I awaited his response.“Alright. Goodnight, Mirabella.” Easton texted back after a while and I finally released my breath.I quickly changed into my night gown and settled on the other side of the bed. Today was a success, and I hoped e
***EASTON'S POV***We were all settled in the hotel's conference room, Mirabella sat next to me, her expression unreadable as she kept her gaze locked on the investors as they signed each document.I let my gaze travel down to her outfit. She had worn a simple buttoned up long sleeve shirt and grey pants, with her hair let down, falling on her back and on each side of her shoulders. She radiated nothing but confidence, and elegance and I found it difficult to take my gaze off her.I tried to be on my best behavior throughout the trip but each time I saw her, I couldn't block out the longing feeling to hold her hand, to run my hands through the strands of her thick hair, and...My thoughts got snapped aside when Mr. Alex rose from his seat.“Well, Mr. Grey, I look forward to our joint partnership and future success.” He said while extending his hand.I stood up and accepted his handshake, a small smile on my face.“Thank you for choosing to partner with us.” I responded and he smiled,
Wow, I can't believe we actually came to the end of this book. I have a lot to say, a whole lot. Firstly, I'd like to express my gratitude to you all my amazing readers. You all have been my biggest encouragement. Your support kept me going and I really hope that your time spent on my book was all worth it. From Mirabella and Easton's story, to Alfred and Sandy's story, to Kiara and Gabriel's story, to Hailey and Danzel's story, thank you all for sticking until the end. But this isn't the end, I have begun a new book to keep y'all entertained. Reborn As The Lycan's Luna will begin March 1st and I assure y'all you'll love it too. If you've come this far, then please kindly drop a review. I would love to know your thoughts on my story as it helps me to improve in my writing. Thank you so so much for your support, I'm truly grateful. Best regards, ©️Cathystar
~SANDY~I felt my palms getting wet as I was called out onto the podium to give my speech.I had imagined this day since the first day I got into Ousen University, and now it was finally here but now, I felt really anxious. What if I said the wrong things, what if I slipped while climbing onto the podium and fell?Why were my thoughts suddenly so wicked?I should be confident in myself. I came this far, I survived all the hardship, all the challenges and the best part of it all, was that among the audience, my family and everyone I loved was present.Uncle Roman, my grandparents Lionel and Lucia, my granddaughter Martha, my adoptive parents Easton and Mirabella, my sister Kiara, my best friends Hailey and Gabriel, my new friends Natasha and Danzel, my Aunt Paulina and her children, and lastly, the love of my life, Alfred Grey.They were all present, and cheering me on. I found my confidence the moment I got up on that podium and saw their smiling faces.“I thank everyone who is presen
~DANZEL~I groaned as I heard the loud banging on the door to my room. “Danzel, don't you have a morning shift or something today? Why are you still in bed?” I heard Jeffery's voice yapping nonstop and I finally pulled myself out of the bed.I just wanted to sleep in today. I didn't feel like going anywhere but the problem is I haven't felt like going out ever since Hailey left here that night.I felt so stupid for hurting her. She didn't deserve it. She didn't deserve someone like me, she deserved better.She had genuinely made herself vulnerable by telling me how she felt and I coldly shattered her heart. I let her down real hard and it has haunted me every night and day.“Dude what the hell? Are you sick or something? You haven't left the house for a week now.” Jeffery asked worriedly as I finally let him into my room.“I'm fine, I just need a little rest.” I responded but he didn't seem convinced.“You said that yesterday and every other day before. What's going on with you?”I s
~HAILEY~“You got everything?” Mom asked as I zipped up my box, ready to leave.“Yes, I think.” I responded, my gaze scrutinizing the room to be certain I wasn't forgetting anything.When I was certain I had it all, I pulled my luggage downstairs. Sandy and Kiara were both waiting for me.Kiara was celebrating her nineteenth birthday this weekend and I decided to spend the week with them since we were on a school break as well.“Don't worry, Mrs. Jordan, we will take good care of her.” Sandy reassured my mom and I chuckled softly.“I trust you will. Have fun sweetheart.” Mom said as I hugged her goodbye.“I'll call you the moment we arrive.” I said and she nodded in response, giving us the green light to leave.The ride back to New York was a rather quiet one, until Kiara broke the silence.“So no one is going to say anything? Come on, tell me how it went!” Kiara beamed and I pressed my lips into a thin line.I wish I had never confessed to Danzel but at the same time, I had no regret
~HAILEY~ I opened the door, letting Sandy and Kiara in. They wanted to meet my mom before they headed back. Funny how five minutes after refusing to come with them, I had changed my mind and agreed to it.I wanted to spend more time with Sandy and school break was around the corner, so maybe I could leave then, and come back on resumption.“This is my first time being in your house in Pennsylvania. We mostly met up at your apartment next to school or you would come see me.” Sandy pointed out and I slowly bobbed my head.She's been talking nonstop about things we used to do and things we never did. I could see that she was making a lot of efforts to get me to remember, but even my mom couldn't make that happen.I guess I was the one slowly blocking my memories or something. I thought I would miraculously remember once I met Sandy, but even Sandy seemed strange to me at some point, while another, she was familiar.“My mom should be home shortly. Do you need anything while you wait?” I
~HAILEY~ Sandy's eyes teared up the moment I called out her name and she immediately rushed towards me, engulfing me in a tight hug. “Hailey! My God it's you!” She cried out and I found myself crying as well. I could feel her love for me radiating through her every being. Just like my mom, I didn't have to remember her to know that she was truly an important part of my life. She was my best friend, and I'm certain she was also like a sister to me. “I have missed you so much!” She pulled out of the hug, her gaze scrutinizing me from top to bottom. I suddenly felt a light smack on my shoulder and turned to the side to see the blue eyed lady glaring daggers at me. “How could you?! How could you ghost us like that?! How could you abandon Sandy like that?! Did your friendship mean so little to you?! Did we mean so little to you?!” She kept on ranting and I felt a bit overwhelmed with confusion. “You vanished without a warning. Did you know how worried we all were?” She asked but I
~HAILEY~ What the hell was I thinking?! What in the world made me think I could juggle working and studying at the same time?! I swear I would faint if I got there one more time. I barely had time to do anything, and to think I've only been there for a week! “Hailey, come help me off load the new stocks.” Charity, my work colleague called out and I let out a heavy sigh. I couldn't remember the last time I had a goodnight's rest. My weekdays were taken by school and my weekends were taken by work! Even Sundays weren't any exception. “You can quit now before it's too late.” Danzel's words to me on my second day echoed in my mind. I hated that he was so certain I couldn't handle the work. I wanted to prove him wrong, but at this moment, I think I wouldn't mind raising my white flag. “Have you been sleeping well? You have visible eyebags.” Charity pointed out and I let out a frustrated groan as we restocked the shelves with the new products. Today was Saturday, and since I didn't
~HAILEY~ The moment my name left his lips, I felt my pent up anger melting away instantly. I mean who cares if he ghosted me, that smile was more than enough to make me forget it all. “Danny!” My happiness was short lived the moment a blonde haired lady ran up to him and engulfed him in a tight hug. “We missed you at the party. I'm hosting another this weekend though. Do you think you can make it?” She asked but all the while, Danzel's gaze was fixated on me, and I found myself not being able to look away. At first I wanted to murder the blondy with my gaze but seeing how Danzel didn't even reciprocate her hug, it reassured me that she wasn't his girlfriend. “I didn't know you attended Bucknell. What a coincidence.” Danzel said to me, his expression blank but his gaze still held mine. I eventually gave up and looked away. Something about the way he stared at me always made me feel weak in the knees. “I didn't know you were an engineering student as well. I guess you're multi ta
~HAILEY~ “There you go. All done.” The nurse at the clinic said as she finished wrapping the bandage under my feet. “How long will I stay like this?” I frowned as I stared at my legs. Just when I was finally getting back on my feet, now I will be forced to go back to wheelchair until it's all healed up. “I would say about two weeks. Thankfully the cut wasn't so deep so it shouldn't take too long to heal up.” The nurse responded with a smile and I let out a sigh. “What were you thinking, Hailey? Why would you step on broken glass pieces like that?” Mom scolded. I lowered my gaze. I had no idea what happened. The only thing on my mind was the memory flash I had. Why was I on that bus? Why did only I survive out of everyone on that bus? While I was being wheeled to the clinic, I had done a little digging from the phone on the accident. That's how I found out about everything. Everyone else in that bus had died. “Hailey, are you listening?” Mom's voice pulled me out of my though