*Harley's POVI stare in wonder as Xavier drives the car through a huge, silver gate and heads straight towards a palace that I could have only hoped to see someday in my dreams. The garden we pass through seems like it spreads across miles and has a beautiful fountain in the middle, surrounded by statues.I have never been to Xavier's house before. His place was for Bel, not me. I had no reason to visit this place but I heard Bel talk about it although she was really bad at describing things in detail.The mansion is huge, with three stories of stunning architecture made of white marble. The glass windows are large with wooden crafting decorating them. I can't help but roam my eyes around every part of the building, not able to get enough.Xavier stops the car right in front of the entrance and I see servants rushing towards us. I stare at the tall and fit man who opens the door to my side. He is dressed in a black T-shirt, black cords, black shoes and even has black sunglasses on. H
*Xavier's POVMy hands hurt as I continue hitting the punching bag with full strength. I have been going at it for an hour without stopping and even though my muscles ache and my knuckles feel like they have reached their breaking point, I can't seem to get rid of what Mom did today.I didn't bring Harley here for Mom to go ahead and embarrass me in front of her. I brought her here so that Mom could see for herself that I was telling the truth. I can't unsee Mom's tears. The last time I saw her cry was when Dad died four years ago. Her spilling tears today enrages me. Harley did this to her."You're hurting, Xavier." Mom's voice behind me stops me for a moment but I dismiss her and continue.She shouldn't be here anyway. The top floor of the house is entirely my space — everything from the gym to the swimming pool on the rooftop are my additions — no one is allowed to disturb me here."You embarrassed me today," I spit out without looking at her when I don't hear her leave; my voice s
*Harley's POVShit! I'm so late.As I step inside the house, I am greeted by darkness. The lights are off and everything is pitch black. Visiting the Everests is about to earn me a lecture from Dad. I quietly slip out of my shoes and pick them up, dangling them on two fingers as I climb up the stairs. I tiptoe most of the way, not wanting to wake my parents up. The lights are switched on just as I am about to enter my room, making me stop on my way.The universe is against me today.I am past my curfew time and even though I am a mature adult capable of taking care of herself and it shouldn't matter at all, Dad will be pissed when he sees me now. The man doesn't give a damn about my independence but is very cautious of me so that I don't end up dying like his son. It is annoying but that is the only thing I can't call him out on.I turn around slowly, shoes in hand, and find Mom and Dad looking at me. They are already dressed in their nightgowns which means they were about to retire f
*Harley's POVThe white wedding gown is beautiful. It has a deep V neck, classy but not slutty, that enhances my figure; it is full-sleeved with lavish detailing and has a lot of volume underneath. It reaches below my feet and drags over the floor when I stand. Overall, it is expensive and stunning.I didn't choose the gown; I didn't choose anything because I couldn't accept that I was indeed getting married in a week. I spent my days in my room, missing college and crying all the time. Mom did all my shopping for me and she is the one who dressed me today along with a few of her makeup artists.My hair is tied up in a beautiful updo and accentuates my heart-shaped face. There is a diamond necklace on my neck which sits between my collarbones, shining bright when the light falls on it.I feel nervous as I sit in front of the mirror. It will be a small ceremony, no media as a request for privacy, but the wedding will be mentioned in tomorrow's papers. Xavier said he had no control over
*Xavier's POVShe is not happy. She is not happy at all, which is shocking because she dug this grave for us herself. That's Harley Everest now — my wife, impulsive like her father."You may now kiss the bride," the priest says.I take a step forward and see her flinch away. It is a noticeable movement but I doubt anyone other than me has noticed it.I have been with many women in my life but never have I felt this nervous to kiss anyone. It is like walking into a death trap. With a happy curve of my lips, I slowly lift the veil off her face, pretending how much I am in love with the love of my life.I am left stars-truck. Harley looks breathtaking. I don't know who dressed her but they just enhanced her beauty even more without altering anything and that fucks me up. How am I supposed to just kiss her when she looks like that?This is torture.Her shiny blue eyes look at me and I see the hesitation in them as I curl my fingers around the nape of her neck while leaning in close. Her s
*Harleys POV"Good evening, welcome to Le Lion. How may I help you today?" The receptionist greets Xavier when we reach the counter of the luxurious hotel."I have a reservation. It's under the name of Everest," Xavier tells him while I place my elbows on the counter, cupping my face.This place feels nice. The entrance is very decorative and the marble flooring looks expensive. I vaguely wonder what our rooms will be like."Yes, Mr. Everest. We have reserved a room for you for two nights with the cost of food and travel included, is that right?" The guy types fast as he speaks to Xavier and the latter nods in turn.David follows behind us with our luggage. Xavier told him to leave us alone and he could manage by himself but David was adamant about ensuring that Xavier doesn't have any trouble settling in. I am starting to like this big guy. He is very serious about his job which I have no idea what it is supposed to be."Mr. and Mrs. Everest." The receptionist reads from his computer
*Xavier's POVLeaning against the wall, I observe Harley as she struggles to pull the zipper of her dress up. Both of her hands are on her back in an awkward manner as she tries to find the zipper she lost midway. She groans when she doesn't find it for the fifth time. For someone who was born flexible, Harley Everest surely needs a pair of eyes behind her head.The midnight blue dress reaches just above her knees and the material sticks to her curves like a second skin. I can't help but trail my eyes up her long legs and wonder for a second what she would look like with nothing on."You sure you don't need any help with that?" I ask."I'm fine. I can manage," she replies, turning to a side as she studies herself in the mirror."You've been saying that for the past fifteen minutes." I glance at my watch. "I'm standing right here. You can ask me.""I'm not taking your help, Everest," she scowls at herself in the mirror. "I'm not stupid. I can do it myself."Sighing, I stride towards he
*Harley's POVThere is nothing but awkwardness between us when we step back inside our room. I have Xavier's suit hung around my shoulders and flashes of the dance keep claiming my vision.What was all that about? Since when did Xavier and I start to behave friendly with each other? We never even said a proper 'Hello' and today we were dancing like two people who were madly in love with each other's company.I recall the way his strong hands slid down my waist, playing with my body as we moved to the sound of the music. It was unstoppable, raw and fun.I am having fun with Xavier Everest. Translation — I have sold my soul to the devil, except my devil wears Gucci."Hmm..." I bite my lip as I look at Xavier, unable to think of any proper words to acknowledge this discomfiture. "That was a good evening.""Hmm," Xavier replies, fixing his eyes on me. They are intense and look drunk even though we didn't drink much. I feel just a little tipsy but thankfully, my sense organs are still inta
The sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the backyard where the Everest family had gathered for Ivy's sixth birthday. The air buzzed with the joyful chatter of friends and family who had been witness to Ivy's journey from a tiny, cooing infant to the lively, spirited child she had become.In the midst of the celebration, Ivy darted around the garden, her laughter echoing through the air. Her curly hair bounced with each step, and her eyes sparkled with the innocence of childhood. Every now and then, she would steal a glance at her parents, her source of love and security.Seated at a beautifully adorned table, Xaveir and Harley marveled at the scene. It seemed like just yesterday when they held their fragile newborn for the first time. Now, Ivy was a whirlwind of energy, a testament to the love that surrounded her.As the evening unfolded, friends and family shared anecdotes and memories, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Ivy's life. Aunt Rose, who had onc
*Xaveir’d POV "Ice chips?""No.""You sure?"The moment Harley glares at me, I bite my tongue and have to swallow a chip myself as I take a seat near her bed. My wife has her arms crossed over her chest, grimacing every other second when she gets a contraction. Her hospital gown is blue with tiny white dots as their only design and Harley’s belly is huge, my baby kicking her every time she tries to move a little."It's been nine hours!" Harley frowns, unfolding her arms and letting them drop to her sides. "Why is she not out yet?"I place the cup of ice chips on the table nearby and touch her hand, lifting it to my lips to kiss. "Don't worry, honey. Maybe the baby loves you a little too much.""Uhhhgg..." Harley grunts, jerking my hand away from hers and grabbing her stomach with both hands, her eyes squeezing shut as she takes deep breaths when another contraction hits. "I hate this, Xaveir. Please do this for me."I remain quiet, not able to think of anything to say to that. Gettin
*Harley’s POV Xaveir: You're late. I'm coming in. You aren't allowed to see the bride. Xaveir: Fuck those rules...I want to see you. No can do. Vaughn: Xaveir Fine. After the wedding, you're mine. Get that? I do Xaveir: Good. Now get your pretty ass out here. I'm waiting. Will do I smile at the phone screen like a giddy teenager getting a love text from her crush. Xaveir’s texts never fail to raise the butterflies in my stomach. Every word is like a little spin to my heart. I put the phone on the table near me and glance at my reflection in the floor-length mirror of the dressing room. This wedding gown is even more gorgeous than the last one. The material is soft and feels like butter under my fingertips. The neckline has a net pattern stitched like flowers and the gown hugs my figure, accentuating my curves. I chose it myself this time and this is the gown of my real wedding. My hair is in a half-up-do with pearl clips keeping it in place. The make-up artist did my face we
*Haley’s POV Xaveir's office desk has three framed photos. One is of him and Bel on their graduation day with their arms around each other as they smile at the camera, their graduation caps half-sliding from their heads. I remember that picture because I was the one holding the camera.The second one is of our family — me, him, Doris, and Rose. It was taken a month after he returned from the hospital. We wanted to have a moment to ourselves. In the picture, we are all dressed fashionably and sitting on the sofa in the hall, Doris in between me and Rose while Xaveir stands behind us as we all smile at the camera.The third one, and the one he keeps at the front, is of him and me. It's a selfie we took while getting ready for a party. He is holding me to his side, both of us smiling at the phone in his outstretched hand. We didn't think the picture would come out that good but it did and it's Xaveir’s favorite.I trace a finger over the wooden frame holding the picture, feeling overwhe
*Xaveir’s POVThe first thing I notice about Noah Striker when the cops drag him to the other side of the booth is that he has grown a beard. His orange jumpsuit is fitted closely to his body, he has lost weight, and his hair has grown but it is the beard that I notice because the beard makes him look like he had been when he wore the disguise of Jake.I see a little bit of Jake in his green eyes as he takes the seat opposite me and the cops let him go, taking two steps back and standing behind him with hands behind their backs. Noah stares at me with a look of astonishment, like he can't believe that I am here to meet him.It was a difficult task to get a visit with him. I wasn't on his contact list so I had to find my way through somewhat illegally. The officer-in-charge, Jeremy Donovan, has always been a little corrupt. He was much obliged to let me in with a few dollars under the table.Noah's eyes follow my hands as I pick up the headset kept to the side and get ready to talk. He
*Harley’s POVTwo months later:"I'm happy to volunteer as the Godmother for the prettiest baby in this world.""No way! Harley knows that only I can be that. Don't you, Harley?""That's so rude! You're already a Godmother to your niece. This one's for me.""That's unfair. My niece doesn't even live here."With my palms on my cheek, I look at my best friends as they throw each other relentless comebacks. They have been at it for the last 5 minutes and 20 seconds exactly, going back and forth over who gets to be the Godmother to my unborn baby. We are at Hot Cup Brews, sitting by the round table besid
*Xaveir’s POVMy senses are somehow heightened with the long moments of unconsciousness. When the feeling of being alive starts to come back, the first thing I hear is the sound of soft breathing near my head and the feel of fingers curling around my palm — fingers that are warm and smooth. Everything else is quiet.I try to force my eyes open but it takes a lot of effort. For a second, I start to think that I will never be able to open them again but that feeling washes off when I am greeted with the sight of a plain ceiling above my head. There is an oxygen mask above my nose and it troubles me when I attempt to look around through it. I check for my arms and find both of them safe at my sides. Then I see her.She is sleeping quietly, her head lying above my hand. Her hair c
*Harley’s POVMy stare is fixed blankly on the white hospital floor as I sit with my feet above the seat. The sleeves of my shirt are pulled to my hand, my fingers keeping their hold on them tight. The place is quiet except for the sobs of Doris who has a handkerchief pressed to her nose as she sniffs hard. The waiting room has several anxious faces staring at the double doors. Each time they open and a nurse or doctor steps out, the people flick their gaze at the door, thinking that they bring news of their own.Tears on my cheeks have dried up, leaving behind stains as I wait and wait.I have been sitting here for three hours while Xaveir's body is being cut and stitched back by the surgeons in the operating room. He had a pulmonary embolism and the doctors arranged an emergency operation, telling me that his chances of survival are fifty-fifty. The entire family is here, except for my Mom and little Bel. They are at home, waiting for any news.Doris and Rose are sitting on the benc
*Harley’s POV“….We were rushed to the hospital on time. After a few tests they found out the baby was still alive and they needed to perform a surgery to take out the baby. The hospital insisted I call a sister or the mother’s patient to claim the baby, I panicked and didn’t know what to do so I called my the only other person Bella trusted more than me, my ex-girlfriend to claim the baby and then called my dad to move Bel and I to a different hospital”"LIAR!"Mom is the first one to break the silence after Xaveir finishes his story. I am startled when she pushes me toward Dad before stalking Xaveir, her knuckles white as she digs her nails into her palms."Isabelle..." Xaveir