***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
***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
~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