Chapter 1

Angela

I hate flying commercials, but father believes it’s a way to keep us humble, although I don’t think that applies to my sister considering the fact that she always uses the jet anytime she’s flying. Four hours or approximately five hours, I’ll be home.

So you see, I traveled to Mexico for a business meeting when I received a call from my sister that she’s engaged, and that her wedding will be happening in a week’s time.

I had no idea she was seeing someone, not to talk of engagement or wedding. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for her, but I just feel she’s rushing things.

The air hostesses stopped next to my seat. She offered me a warm smile before walking away, leaving me with my handsome seat partner.

He glanced at me briefly before returning to his phone. Taking my seat, I fastened my safety belt, then searched around for the air hostess so I can request for a bottle of champagne.

To me, whenever the plane is trying to take off is the most scary part, which is why I always request for champagne to keep my mind busy.

When the air hostess announced that we’re about to take off and I’m yet to get my bottle of champagne, I started fidgeting.

The young man must have noticed my distress because he grabbed my hand. “Are you okay?”

On a normal circumstance, I would have pulled my hand away from his hold because I hate it when people touch me without my permission, but seeing that I’m about to have a panic attack, I accepted the little help I could get.

He held on to me until we ascended. The plane steadied and the air hostess announced that we’re free to move around, that was when I let go of his hand.

I stared at the hand I’ve been gripping for almost a minute and noticed that I bruised it up pretty bad. Gasping, I felt bad instantly. “I’m sorry,” I searched my purse for aid bands. “I didn’t mean to scratch you up like that.”

He waved off my apology. “It’s okay. Shit happens once in a while.” I cursed myself when I couldn’t find any band. “I’m guessing your afraid of flying.”

“Just taking off.” He nodded thoughtfully. “I’m really sorry for the injury.” I wish I can make it better in any way.

“It’s okay.” Adjusting his belt, he faced me. “I’m glad I could help.” Well he has to accept my apology, it’s not like I have any other thing to offer. “Are you traveling home or vacation?”

“New York isn’t the best place for vacation.” Everyone is always in a haste. “I’m traveling home. I live in New York. You?”

He stared at without blinking, his eyes slowly taking me in. “I live in New York. It might not be the best place for vacation, but it’s definitely the best place for business.”

“Yeah, I agree with you on that.” His blue eyes twinkled with fascination over the fact that I agree with him on his view about business in New York. “I’m Angela. Angela Shirley.” I stretched my hand for a handshake which he gracefully accepted.

“I’m Xavier.” He responded. Simple and short.

That’s all he’s going to give? I’m Xavier? “I want to believe you have a last name Xavier?”

He chuckled, deep and rich. “Doesn’t everyone?” I blinked slowly. “Do not be upset love, I’m not in the habit of giving out my last name. No hard feelings.”

I feel stupid for giving mine away.

“Don’t be love.”

Shit! Did I say that out aloud?

He chuckled at my facial expression. “Do not feel sad for giving out your last name. Do not be ruled by other people’s principles. Set yours.”

I’m impressed. I slowly took in his appearance. The black suit and shirt hugged his muscled arm, and the ash winter coat, complimenting his grey eyes. “Tell me more about yourself Xavier.” I drawled, openly flirting with him.

Although he seemed interested in me, he didn’t make any move. Simply kept his hands to himself as we spoke about random things.

I expected him I requested for my number or something when we landed, but he just bid goodbye and went his way.

I wasn’t really searching for commitment, but a good fuck wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

His loss not mine.

*********

David my driver arrived on time to pick me up from the airport, but I told him to take my bags to the trunk and wait for me because I urgently needed to use the restroom.

Locating the restroom wasn’t that difficult, thanks to the security man I offered enough tips.

Walking down the not so lonely hallway, I ignored every other person around here. My only focus was to get to the restroom, do my business and get the hell out of here. At least it was, until someone grabbed my hand without my permission. Seething, I turned around to face whoever that dared grab my hand, but I was shocked when I saw my ex Darren.

That didn’t stop me from roughly pulling my hand away.

“What are you doing here?” I asked through clenched teeth. “And why in heaven’s name are you grabbing my hand without my permission? You know how much I hate that.”

Chuckling with disbelief, he pinched his nose. “Still a bitch huh? Is that the hello I get after three years?”

I rolled my eyes at him. “What did you expect? That’ll I’ll jump on you and pepper your face with kisses?” He’s my ex boyfriend. I hope he hasn’t forgotten that.

“I expected you to be less a bitch, but then I guess old habits doesn’t die hard.” His lips tightened. “Still the old Angela Shirley.”

Indifferent with his insult, I smiled mockingly at him. “I expected you to be less an asshole the next time we meet, but here you are, still calling me names.” I took a step towards him. “Guess you’re still the old Darren Mashallow.”

Glaring at him, I turned to walk away but he grabbed my arm stopping me.

My face contorted into a frown and I forcefully shrugged my arm away. “You’re my past Darren, I’d appreciate it if you remain there.”

My words left him speechless. He stood there and watched me walk away into the restroom.

************

Inside the restroom, I walked into the cubicle, relieved my bladder and walked out only to find Darren inside the women’s restroom. I contemplated ignoring him, but then figured I couldn’t, considering the fact that he’s standing on my way.

“How cliché of you Darren.” I commented with a bored voice. “Waiting for me outside the stall in the ladies restroom is not just stupid but uncalled for.”

His unfocused gaze settled on me, his jaw hardly clenched. “What is uncalled for is what you did to me.” He suddenly gripped my throat, clenching it so hard that I found it hard to breath. “You rejected my marriage proposal and made me a fool in the eyes of my friends.”

I clawed his hands, trying to get him to let me go but that only made him tighten his hold. “I gave you everything Angela, yet you made me a fool.” He thrust me away and I crashed into the sink.

Rubbing my throat, I inhaled deeply, grateful for life. “I told you from the very onset that I wasn’t looking for commitment…I told you that I didn’t want to get married just yet but you still went ahead and proposed.”

“You didn’t want commitment yet you stringed me along.” He pointed his index finger at me as his whole body shook with fury. “You’re a mean bitch Angela. You didn’t even allow me touch you.”

“Let’s not pretend you weren’t getting it somewhere else.” I knew he was fucking the next door neighbor.

“I still wanted you!” He hissed. “I fuck other ladies, pretending that they were you. I fucked them wishing it was you on that bed.” He clicked his tongue. “But you know what? That ends today. I’m going to fuck you here and now.”

“You are crazy.” Always have been crazy and that is one of the reasons I left him. I tried to walk past him but he grabbed my arm. I twisted my arm, trying to get away. “Let me go you asshole!”

The door suddenly opened and I inwardly thanked whoever that just walked in.

“Rape is an act of cowardice.” A familiar voice stated calmly. “I gave you enough time to talk yourself out of it.” Xavier approached us, pried my hand away from Darren’s hold and placed me behind him, shielding me with his huge form. “I’m feeling generous. Walk away while you can.”

I peered at Darren from Xavier’s arm.

“Who do you think you are?” Darren asked, trying not to act affected by his presence.

“I’m someone who is going to send your ass to jail if you don’t get the fuck out of here.”

“This is not the end Angie, you’ll definitely hear from me again.” He stomped out of the restroom, banging the door behind him.

“Are you okay?” Xavier questioned. His eyes quickly scanned my body for any physical wound. “Come, we should get you to sit down.”

I don’t want to sit down. As a matter of fact, I want to forget this last few minutes, and there is only one way to do that.

Standing on my tip toes, I slammed my lips on his. Too shocked by my action to react, he stood still. His rejection was apparent, so I slowly withdrew. “Take that as a appreciation for what you just did.”

He blinked at me without uttering any word. “Well then…” not knowing what to say to break this awkward silence, I turned to walk away but he quickly grabbed my arm and drew me closer.

“I see the desires in your eyes Angela. Was that kiss really an appreciation?”

Biting my lower lips, I stared at him through my lower lashes. “We can turn it into something more.” I saw hesitation in his eyes, but being the temptress that I am, I leaned forward and kissed him again.

His hold tightened as he deepened the kiss. “Call your driver, tell him to give you some time, then go lock the door.” I did as I was told, excitement tingling in my blood.

“How hard are you going to fuck me?” I growled in his ear.

“Hard enough that you won’t forget about me in a hurry.” He slammed his lips on mine, and at that point, I knew I was a goner.

********

An hour later, I walked out of the restroom fully satisfied. He didn’t ask for my number, but even though I’d love to see him again, I won’t appear clingy; not when I personally initiated the sex.

David got out of the car and opened the door the moment he saw me approaching. I thanked him, got into the car and blocked my ears with ear pods. For the rest of the ride, I thought about my moment with Xavier.

“Make a stop at the mall please.” I need to get an engagement gift for Natasha.

******

Hunting for a gift delayed me, so I got home later than planned. Natasha was the first to welcome me. She screamed all the way until she jumped into my arms. “He’s here.”

Surprised at her words, I frowned. “Who is here?”

She looked at me as if I asked the most ridiculous question. “Mr. Ellmord of course. My fiancé.”

Oh. “Forgive me for my ignorance.” I pulled her into a hug. “Congratulations sweetheart, I’m happy for you.” I gave her the gift box. “A little gift for your engagement.”

“Awww…thank you sis.” She blew me a kiss. “You’re the best.”

“Are you going to let her come in?” Our father asked from the balcony. “Come on Angela, I’d love you to meet the son-in-law of this family.”

We both walked inside. I handed Regina, our housekeeper my bag before following Natasha to dad’s office.

When we walked in, my father who was seated behind his desk stood to his seat, but the young man whose back is facing me remained seated. “Ellmord, I want you to meet my youngest daughter Angela.”

Ellmord stood to his feet and turned around. Everything stopped; even the chiming clock stopped functioning, at least to my ears. What is he doing here?

Could he be?

Gracious heavens! What have I done?

“Aren’t you going you say anything?” Natasha whispered in my ear through clenched teeth.

Clearing my throat, I offered everybody in the room an apologetic smile. I took few steps forward and stretched out my hand for a handshake. “Angela Shirley. Nice to meet you.”

He accepted the handshake, his face void of any emotion. “I’m Xavier Ellmord. Nice to meet you too.”

I wanted to remind him that he told me he isn’t in the habit of sharing last name, but I held myself back. “Well, I have to freshen up.” I looked him straight in the eyes. “It has been a long day. If you’ll excuse me.”

I shuffled out of dad’s office, wondering how I’m going to live with the guilt of fucking my sister’s soon to be husband.

*******

Two weeks and I successfully avoided Xavier. I ignored him, walked opposite directions with him and made sure not to be alone with him. The last thing I need is my sister calling off her wedding because of it. I’ve tried to talk her out of the wedding, but it seems she loves him too much to let go.

Today, she’s finally getting married. The wedding is taking place in our garden according to mum’s request.

Back to what brought me to the bathroom. I’ve been having morning sickness lately. I already suspected what is wrong, but I prayed it’s not the case.

Peeing on the stick, I dropped it on the sink, closed my eyes and prayed to whoever that is listening. I do not want to be pregnant with my sister’s husband child. Having sex with him is enough atrocity.

Exhaling loudly, I opened my eyes and picked up the stick.

It confirmed my fears.

I’m pregnant.

Standing up, I stared at myself in the mirror. I can’t do this to my sister. I can’t ruin her life even before it starts.

If I stay here, Xavier will know that I’m pregnant, and he doesn’t look like someone who will just ignore the fact that he has a child. And my family will also know what I’ve done.

There is only one solution.

I’ll leave with this baby.

I’ll leave and never return.

Let this be my consequences for betraying my sister.