***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
***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
***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 ma
***EASTON'S POV*** “You know I was actually shocked when you asked us out to dinner.” Dad said as he sliced his steak with the knife before using the fork to pick it up. “Not that we're not happy about it, but it just seemed strange since you never did anything like this before.” Mom added and I pressed my lips into a thin line. “I'm sorry. I guess I haven't indeed been a good son to you both.” I said with a sigh and mom grabbed my hand from across the table. "It's alright, son. We don't blame you. After Beauty passed, we put all our focus on you and wanted the very best. I guess we ended up becoming helicopter parents." Mom joked, causing dad and I to laugh a bit. “You can say that. It felt like you guys were controlling my life and I hated it. I wanted to make my own decisions and live my life the way I wanted and not in your shadows. But then again, I wouldn't be here right now if it weren't for you both. That I graduated top of my class in highschool, that I graduated as an ho
***MIRABELLA'S POV*** “This came in for you, Ms. Mirabella.” Lola said as we walked into my office and I widened my eyes in shock at seeing the flower invasion in my office. The desk and corners were all covered with bouquets of fresh flowers of different variations. My eyes began to tear up and I immediately covered my nose before sneezing. “Lola, who brought these?” I asked, sneezing again and the tears began to stream down my face. “I think it was Mr. Grey.” She responded with a worried expression. Of course he would do something as disastrous as this! Easton never gave me flowers both artificial and real in the past, and now he was trying to kill me with these? If he had attempted this in the past he would have known that I was allergic to flowers! “Clear them out! Quickly!” I instructed as I frantically ran out of my office, sneezing uncontrollably. Half an hour later, my office was finally habitable. I settled down on my chair, taking in a deep breath before unpackin
***MIRABELLA'S POV***I furrowed my brows when I got to my doorstep. There was a package laying on the floor.“Is today Christmas or something?” I asked no one in particular as I picked it up because entering my codes on the keypad and pushing the now unlocked door.“Finally. I was beginning to think you got kidnapped or something.” Roman joked as I walked into the living room.“And who would dare kidnap the daughter of Holden Brookwood?” I asked proudly while raising my chin slightly.“Exactly. You would make them a fortune for ransom.” He responded and I chuckled.“And then they'll end up behind bars for life.” I pointed out as I let myself fall on the couch. I felt exhausted.“Alfred fell asleep already. I couldn't just leave until I was certain you came back safe.” Roman said and I bobbed my head, a small smile on my face.“Thank you, Roman. You're the best.” I responded and he nodded before standing up from where he sat.“I'll leave now. Get some rest. You have a big day ahead o
***MIRABELLA'S POV*** I let out a heavy sigh as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I had on a blue navy suit and white wedge shoes to match. I needed to make a good first impression, and prove to the board members that I was just as capable. I walked out of my room and met Alfred sitting on the couch with his backpack next to him as he played with his rubric cube. “You ready, sweetheart?” I asked and he looked up at me. “You look beautiful today, mommy.” He complimented me with a sweet smile and I kissed his cheeks in response. “Thanks, sweetheart. Now let's go. We can't be late for school and I can't be late for the board meeting.” I said as I picked up his backpack and we made our way to the door. I pulled it open and froze when I saw Easton standing right in front of us. From his pose, it seemed like he was about to ring the doorbell. “Mr. Grey!” Alfred ran into his arms and Easton picked him up, giving him a light hug. “Off to school I see.” He said before placing a s
***MIRABELLA'S POV***I got out of my car and slammed the door shut in annoyance before walking into the building. How could it be so hard to find an investor for just one project?!I had spent my remaining hours making phone calls, going over the list of our partners and sending out emails but all had the same response.“Sorry, we want short term projects for now.” I mean I know four to five years is a long time to wait but this is people's health we're talking about. We'd be saving a large percentage of people with different neurological illnesses and that is worth waiting five years!The elevator door opened and I walked down the hallway until I got to my apartment door. I punched in the codes and the door unlocked but I was not prepared for the sight that welcomed me. “Surrender now, doctor octopus! You have nowhere to run to!” Alfred exclaimed with one leg on Easton's chest who laid on the floor.“Oh really? You underestimate me, Spider man. I'm not your regular villain!” And w
~ALFRED~ I wanted to go after her, to pull her back into my arms where she belongs, but my legs suddenly became immobile. Her words struck me hard and the pain in my chest was excruciating. I have never felt this way before, this broken. I couldn't understand why she was pushing me away when it was obvious she was in love with me. I could tell it was difficult for her to do this, I could see the hesitation and regret in her eyes but she tried to cover it up. As I stared at her retreating figure, all I could think about was the question, why? Where did I go wrong? Was it the picnic? Did I go overboard with it? Or should I have waited until her birthday to actually surprise her? Did I unknowingly pressure her into being with me that she had no other choice than to reject me? What exactly did I do and how can I fix it? I scoffed at the question. Fix it? There's obviously nothing to fix anymore. I could try to make up a million excuses as to why she did what she did, but it all
~SANDY~“Can I look now?” I asked desperately as I have been covering my eyes for almost ten minutes now as Alfred led me to Ousen knows where in his so called attempt to surprise me.“You can look now.” He said and I immediately removed the blindfolds, fluttering my eyes open.I gasped as the beautiful scenery came to view. I could see the golden rays of the setting sun dancing across the surface of the lake. Alfred took my hand, leading me to a small picnic set that was nestled beside the water's edge.“Alfred,” I called out softly, lost for words.“I wanted to surprise you." He said, his smile warming my heart.I looked out over the picturesque landscape, admiring the serenity of the water, the beauty of the flowers, and the way the sun cast its golden light over everything.“But I thought this place was restricted since the accident two years ago?” I asked in a slightly worried tone.This lake was located behind the school and students often came here in the past to party or just
~SANDY~It was barely up to five seconds after Gabriel kissed me when he got yanked away and Alfred threw a heavy punch at his face.“Alfred!” I gasped as I stared at Gabriel's bleeding nose.I had no idea he would react that way, and I never meant for Gabriel to get hurt.“What the fuck do you think you're doing?!” He thundered as Gabriel rose from the ground and wiped his bloody nose.“The real question is what are you doing? What did I do to deserve such a heavy punch?” Gabriel asked with a smirk and I could already image the smokes coming out of Alfred's ears as he shot Gabriel a death glare.“Baby, you didn't have to hit him. It's obvious him and Sandy has something going on.” Natasha said with a pitiful gaze and I glared at her.If eyes could shoot lasers, she'd be six feet under the ground by now.“Are you alright?” I asked Gabriel worriedly and he bobbed his head as he pulled me close and wrapped his hand around my waist.“What? Am I not allowed to kiss my girlfriend?” Gabriel
~SANDY~“Sandy are you listening?” Hailey's voice snapped me out of my trance and I turned to her with an apologetic gaze.“Sorry, what did you say?” I asked and she rolled her eyes.“Come on, spill. What's wrong?” “Nothing's wrong. I shouldn't even care, I mean I'm the one who pushed him away so I should not care whether or not he hangs with his new girlfriend or fiance or whatever!” I blurted out all at once, breathing heavily and Hailey stared at me in shock.“Okay, back up a little. What on earth or who on earth are you talking about?” She asked as she led me to the school's garden and we sat on the bench.I took in a deep breath before responding.“Alfred got engaged and —”“Wait what?!” Hailey exclaimed, cutting me off.“It's kind of a long story.”“That you need to tell me now! How did this happen?” She asked and I narrated everything to her.“That jerk! How could he get over you so fast after a love confession?!” Hailey snapped and I sighed.“I guess I should have just stayed
~SANDY~I felt my heart shatter into a million pieces as I watched Alfred leave my room. The look in his eyes told me he was hurt. I had hurt him, and in doing so I had hurt myself as well.I wiped off the tears that had blurred my vision as I made my way to the bed and tucked myself in. I just wanted to sleep and forget this dreadful feeling but the pain in my chest couldn't even let me close my eyes.I kept telling myself I had done the right thing, and he would eventually get over it but then the thought of him actually being with another lady made me feel sick to my stomach.“It was for the best. I'll feel better when I wake up.” I said to myself and forced my eyes shut, pushing all thoughts of Alfred at the back of my mind. By the time I opened my eyes again, it was already morning.I took a quick shower and changed into a baggy white pants, with a black long sleeve t-shirt to match. I tied my hair up into a high ponytail, then grabbed my bag and walked out of my room. I bumped
~ALFRED~ I was greeted by the unfamiliar face of a middle aged man and a blonde lady who I assumed to be his daughter. “Alfred, join us.” Dad said as he gestured for me to sit next to him. “I'd like you to meet Mr. Byron Flynn, and his daughter Natasha Flynn. Mr. Flynn is the President of The Drew Special Care center and also a very good friend of mine.” Dad explained and I walked up to Mr. Flynn and offered my hand to him. “It's nice to meet you, Mr. Flynn.” I said with a slight smile and he nodded as we shook hands. My gaze met with his daughter and I found her a bit familiar but quickly looked away and made my way to the chair next to dad. “We finally meet again, Alfred.” She said with a smile and I furrowed my brows a bit. I did find her familiar but I had no idea where I had met her before. “You two know each other?” Mr. Flynn asked and she bobbed her head. “Alfred and I met during the JFK business orientation.” She responded and it finally hit me. “Oh you both met on the
~SANDY~ “My goddess! Sandy are you alright?!” I flinched a bit when I suddenly heard Mrs. Mirabella's voice and the look of horror on her face finally brought my back to my senses. “Oh no!” I gasped on seeing the shattered glasses and wine bottle on the floor. “I'm so sorry.” I quickly bent down to pick them up. “No, Sandy don't!” Mrs. Mirabella warned but it was already too late as the first glass I touched, made a big cut on my hand. I winced as I retracted my hand and Mrs. Mirabella raised me up immediately, staring at my bleeding hand. “What were you thinking, Sandy?!” She scolded as she dragged me away from the broken glass. She quickly removed the scarf she had used to tie her hair up, and wrapped it around my hand to stop the bleeding. “Go wait for me in your room, I'll clean this up first so no one else gets hurt, and then I'll dress your wound.” She instructed and the look on her face told me there was no room for argument, and so I bobbed my head and slowly went u
~SANDY~ I let out a heavy sigh as I finally sat my ass down on the chair. I had been standing for hours, observing the nurses and surgeons in different operations that were carried out today. I wasn't complaining though, I couldn't wait to finally be the one holding the scalpel. “Hey girl, how did your observation class go?” I smiled the moment I saw Hailey walking up to me. “All surgeries performed today were successful with no complications.” I responded and she bobbed her head then sat next to me. “That's good to hear.” “What about you?” I asked and she sighed. “A two year old boy was rushed in today. Poor thing had a bacterial infection and vomited everything he ate.” She responded and I widened my eyes in shock. “Oh my goddess, is he okay?” I asked worriedly and she bobbed her head slightly. “He'll be fine. He was prescribed some antibiotics, and with proper care, he'll be fine. I just felt sad seeing him cry so much.” Hailey responded and I smiled softly. She has alway
~SANDY~I woke up to the smell of bacon and toast and my stomach grumbled almost immediately.I sat up on the bed and realized Alfred wasn't in his room, so I went back to mine and freshen up. I had to be at the clinic today and so I quickly put on a denim jean skirt and matching jacket, tied my hair up in a neat bun and strapped my bag on before heading downstairs.“Good morning.” I froze the moment I saw Alfred in the kitchen.“W-what are you doing?” I stuttered, trying to keep my eyes on his face but the dude was shirtless! And not to mention his wet hair which lapped on his forehead, making him look smoking hot.My goodness it was too early for my panties to get soaked!Get your head out of the gutter, Sandra. This isn't the first time you've seen him shirtless.I tried to stay focused but my damn eyes betrayed me as it immediately dropped down to Alfred's rock hard biceps and eight pack abs.Stop staring! Stop staring!I scolded myself and finally forced my gaze back up to his f