***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
***MIRABELLA'S POV***I quickly freed myself from his hold and adjusted my top as I cleared my throat. “It's getting late, Easton. Don't you think you should leave?” I asked as I glanced at Alfred who seemed to be focused on his drawing.“Yeah, I guess it's late.” Easton sighed as he pulled his sleeves down. He turned to Alfred and a small smile appeared on his lips.“Don't you think now is the perfect time to tell him?” He asked and I stared at him with furrowed brows, wondering what he was hinting at but I quickly realized what he meant when my gaze landed on Alfred.Easton turned to me when I didn't respond, and he raised his brow at me.“Don't tell me you changed your mind?” He asked and I could see the hurtful look in his eyes.“I didn't change my mind, Easton. I just... I don't know how he would react to it.”“The longer we wait, the more difficult it'll be for him to adjust. I want to be there for you both, Mirabella. Please, give me a chance.” Easton responded and I let out a
~KIARA~The moment the door was shut, my legs gave way and I crashed on the floor, crying my heart out.Was this how it felt to be rejected? I was usually the one who rejected guys, never have I been rejected before, and to think it had to be my first love.I know I might seem silly, falling in love with someone who was five years older and apparently my brother's best friend but I just couldn't help it. I tried not to, I really did but it was as though the more I tried not to like him, the more I did until eventually, it became impossible to stop.I knew Alfred would never approve if I told him I liked Gabriel but this was my choice, my feelings and my relationship. I didn't care about his opinion but I guess Gabriel did. Else why would he reject me, knowing that Sandy would never love him back?We both had an unrequited love and I felt so stupid at that moment. I shouldn't have confessed to him so soon. I should have waited a while longer at least. Everyone was exhausted from the t
~NATASHA~“Welcome back, Ms. Flynn. I'll take those.” Butler Lee said the moment I walked into the house.“Thank you. I noticed my dad's car at the garage is still on. Did he come back late today?” I inquired and Butler Lee nodded.“Master Flynn should be in his study.” He responded and I nodded before heading to the study.“Dad, I'm home.” I said as I walked in and dad looked up from his computer, his face brightening up the moment he noticed me.“There's my little princess. How was your trip?” He asked as he stood up from the chair and spread his arms out for me.I smiled as I ran into his arms, hugging him tightly.“I had so much fun dad. I wish I could go again but this time with you and mom this time.” I responded with a pout and he pulled away from the hug.“I would love that too, darling but you know work doesn't give me much spare time to go on vacations.” He responded and I let out a sigh.It was true that he was a busy man, even Mr. Easton only went on this trip because of w
~GABRIEL~ The ride back home was rather a gloomy one even though Alfred had reassured us that Sandy was alright. I guess we all cared about her so much that the thought of her disappearing broke everyone's heart.I felt disappointed in myself. As her friend, I should have seen it coming. I did sense her sadness all through the trip, the only time she was truly happy was when we went to the beach and that was short lived though.I would have never forgiven myself if anything had happened to her or if Alfred hadn't found her in time. “Mom, I want to transfer to Ousen University.” Kiara blurted out of the blue, snapping me out of my thoughts as she was seated next to me on the private jet.“Why? You're the one who handpicked Winter Hall College.” Mrs. Mirabella responded and Kiara pressed her lips into a thin line.“I only did that because I wanted to be away from Alfred but now, I really want to go to Ousen. Alfred will graduate soon so I won't have to see him everyday.” She explained
~HAILEY~“Alright, got it.” I said with a sigh of relief before hanging up. “Did he find her?” Kiara asked worriedly and I bobbed my head.“This is all my fault. If I didn't say that to her —”“Don't blame this on yourself, Natasha.” I said, cutting her off.If anything, this was my fault. I had paid little to no attention to Sandy's feelings, and pushed her to her last limits. “I am supposed to be her best friend. How could I not see that she was hurting so much?” I sighed and Kiara patted my back.“Don't be too hard on yourself. The most important thing is that Sandy is safe.” She said with a reassuring smile and Natasha placed a hand on my shoulder as though trying to cheer me up.I guess I was wrong about her. Seeing how worried she was about Sandy made me believe she really cared about Sandy. I had misunderstood her intentions, she really just wanted to be friends with Sandy.“I'm sorry, Natasha. I really thought you were —”“There's no need to apologize, Hailey. You were just
~SANDY~ I let out a sigh as I turned off my phone to block further calls from Hailey. I knew it was stupid of me to leave just like that but I had to. I didn't want to keep hurting those around me. “Where to miss?” The taxi driver asked politely as he helped me put my luggage in the trunk. “The airport.” I responded as he opened the door for me and I got in. I had booked a flight back to New York from my savings. I needed to get my things from Alfred's apartment before they even realized I was back in New York. I knew it was only a matter of time, given their connection and all, and so I had to act quickly. Mr. And Mrs. Grey were not able to find any of my relatives back then but I've been searching for years and I was able to reach my aunt Paulina from Canada. We spoke on the phone and she was actually happy to know that I was alright. I had called her again last night and she was more than happy to have me stay at her place. Once I successfully get my things from the apartment
~ALFRED~“Honey, your dad and I were thinking —”“Just forget it if you're going to tell me to fix a date for my wedding.” I said, cutting mom off and she stared at me in a perplexed manner.“That's not what your mother wanted to say.” Dad explained and I almost rolled my eyes.“If not that then is it another attempt to control my life? Since you two obviously don't care about my opinion.”“Alfred,”“I think I'll go to my room if there's nothing else.” I declared and left the dinner table without waiting for their response.I got to the hotel room and shortly after, Gabriel walked in.“That was a bit rude of you, dude.” He pointed out and I scoffed.“Is this some sort of team up?” I snorted and he let out a sigh before responding.“Your mom was simply trying to ask you what you wanted for your graduation.” Gabriel responded as he sat on the couch next to me.“I want to move out far away from them. How about that for a present?” I snickered and he hit me hard on the head.“You know you
~SANDY~“Answer me!” Natasha thundered and I let out a sigh.“Why are you acting like she committed an atrocity? There's no harm in liking someone.” Hailey said before I could respond and Natasha let out a bitter chuckle.“I thought you were my friend.” She muttered and I rolled my eyes.“Friend? Friends don't try to sabotage each other. I know you see me as your competition. That's why you've been purposely trying to turn Alfred against me!” I snapped and she stared at me with a confused expression.“What are you talking about?” She asked while alternating her gaze between Hailey and me.“Oh would you cut it out already! We don't buy your miss goody two shoes act.” Hailey countered and Natasha furrowed her brows which almost made me believe she had no idea what we were talking about.“We know you purposely spilled that wine on Sandy's bikini because you were jealous of her. I saw the way you were staring at her before that. And even at the boutique, you were jealous when Alfred paid
~SANDY~The next day was pretty much exciting for everyone. After having breakfast, we all went shopping, well, mostly Hailey, Kiara, Natasha and me. Alfred and Gabriel just tagged along to help carry the bags.“How does this look?” Kiara asked as she stepped out of the dressing room in a yellow floral dress.“Like a sunflower.” Hailey beamed and Kiara's gaze shifted to Gabriel whose attention was on his phone. I noticed the little sadness in her eyes as she stared at him, probably expecting him to notice her.“I'll go try this one on.” Natasha announced as she picked up a blue dress from the roll and went into the changing room.“Sandy, you still haven't gotten anything.” Hailey pointed out and I let out a sigh.“Everything here is expensive. I'll get something when we go to a cheaper store.” I responded and Gabriel looked up at me.“Should I buy you a dress then? Since you don't want to spend from your parents' card.” He said and I shook my head immediately.“What do you mean expens
~SANDY~“Finally!” Hailey exclaimed as she ran out of the van the moment we arrived at the hotel. I wouldn't blame her, sitting for seventeen hours on the plane and then another twenty minutes in the van felt made my legs go numb.“Welcome to Queens Hotel & Suites, how may I help you?” The lady at the reception greeted us with a bright smile and Mrs. Mirabella turned to us as she counted our numbers with her gaze.“So that's four rooms for the girls and two for the guys and an extra one for my husband and I.” She said to the receptionist and I furrowed my brows.“We're getting single rooms?” I asked, and Mrs. Mirabella turned to me with a raised brow.“You don't want one?”“I'd rather just crash with Hailey.” I responded and she bobbed her head.“Same here mom. I want to stay with Sandy.” Kiara stated.“Okay so we'll get a master's suite for —”“Can I join you three? I don't want to stay in a room by myself.” Natasha said, cutting Mrs. Mirabella off.I turned to Hailey who stylishly s