MIRANDAMy heart fluttered when Hazel confessed that he was in love with me. I held his face and kissed his cheek softly. I wanted to tell him about my feelings for him too but how could I do so when I was keeping something from him?I couldn't bring myself to tell him that he was being deceived by the people he trusted.But at the same time, I felt as though I was deceiving him as well. It was a battle inside of me and the more I stared at him, the more I felt plagued by guilt.Eventually, I could not take it anymore and said, "I need to tell you something, Hazel."He caressed my face, "You know you can tell me anything. Do not hesitate, baby.""I...." I wanted to speak, but I hesitated. I recalled how Hazel had cried when he found out what had happened to his daughter, Princess.I recalled how he told her bedtime stories at night and how happy he was whenever he was with her. I just couldn't bring myself to tell him."You are the most handsome man I have ever met," I rather said.H
MIRANDA Listening to Hazel's question, my heart began to race again. Was he already aware of it but was waiting to see if I would tell him?"What are you talking about?" I asked."Relax, why do you look so serious suddenly?" He questioned. "All I am asking is; do you have anything you feel I should know about?"I smiled awkwardly, "Like what?" "Nothing in particular," he replied. "The thing is....Miranda, I am... I am learning to trust again in my life. After I found out Shayla was betraying me back then, I was broken. It wasn't because I was too besotted with her, but because I had so much trust in her.I have seen firsthand what infidelity can do to a family. It broke my family when I was a boy and my mom suffered so much for it. So, growing up, I swore to take a different path and decided I would never be like those disgusting men out there.Who would have thought that a woman I trusted would betray my trust in such a way?After that, I didn't think I could trust a woman again u
MIRANDA The next morning, when I arrived at school, I was all smiles because I was very happy about how my relationship with Hazel had progressed.Melody and Steph were so happy to see me and I got a lot of stares, mostly because I was all dressed up."Tell me about your vacation. How was it? I want to hear all the juicy details," Melody said excitedly."Relax, I'm going to tell you after our class," I told her. However, I couldn't hold myself back in the class and began whispering some of the exciting things that happened into her ear until I got caught by the lecturer who glared at me and said, "I've heard about how popular you are and powerful too, but if you know you cannot stay in my class quietly, feel free to walk out.""I'm sorry, sir," I apologized.At this point, everyone had turned their attention to me again. I tried my best to focus, but I could barely hear what the lecturer was saying as a particular face kept coming into my mind.Once the class was over I asked Steph
MIRANDA I closed my eyes, smelled the flowers, and afterward, said to Melody, "Unfortunately, I have to ditch the rest of my classes and go spend some time with my husband. Some students are still staring at me and I don't want them to follow me. Help me divert their attention, okay?""Okay, I'll take care of it," Melody replied.She turned and began to make an announcement to the students while I took advantage of the opportunity and snuck away. I ran towards the parking garage and waved at Mel who was sitting in the car waiting for me at the entrance. I looked around for Hazel's car and finally spotted it. He was leaning against the car with his arms folded.When he saw me, a surprised look appeared on his face.I ran to him, placed the bouquet on his car, and threw myself into his arms. "Oh, Hazel, this is an amazing surprise. I love it so much, I am so excited," I gushed"Really?"He sounded as though, he was surprised that I was so happy about his gift.I looked up at him, cu
MIRANDA I followed the lady who led me to a room. When I got there, she wasn't the only one. There were more than three women; one with a dress, another with a pair of shoes and a purse, another with a makeup box, and one more lady and I couldn't figure out what she was there for.Staring at all of them and how they smiled fawningly at me. I understood what was about to happen."Please take a seat, ma'am." The lady who had welcomed me said to me. I quickly took a seat and they began to work on me, beginning with my hair which was rolled and styled beautifully. Makeup was applied to my face, after which I was changed into a very beautiful dress and I was given a pair of red heels to match the silver-colored gown I was putting on. I was given a red purse as well, with silver earrings to match. Once they were done with me, I stared at my reflection in the mirror and exclaimed, "Wow! Is this what my husband asked for me to look like?" The lady who had led me into the room said, "Well,
MIRANDA My eyes remained closed until the plane landed. Afterward, Hazel carried me bridal style and descended the plane.My arms circled his neck securely and I was really tempted to open my eyes. Nevertheless, I controlled myself because I did not want to ruin Hazel's hard work.After walking for a while, he finally stopped walking and I realized we had arrived at our destination.I waited until he placed me on the ground and said, "You can now open your eyes."I opened my eyes, adjusted to the light, and looked around."Wow!" I exclaimed."Do you like it?" He asked.I nodded, "I love it."It was a beautiful island, there was a blue sea to my right and a beach house to my left. But what attracted me the most was the table which had been set up. It was so beautiful and from the decorations, one would think that we were about to get married. Two chairs had been placed on both sides of the table and there were white flowers and white curtains designed above it. An array of food and
MIRANDA When I opened my eyes in the morning, I stared at Hazel who was lying on the bed beside me. I thought about how passionate he had been last night and all the things he had said to me in bed and smiled.I suddenly recalled that I had to go to school since we were going to be vacating soon. I got up, picked up my pillow, and wanted to leave. I didn't want to go without saying anything to Hazel but he was still asleep and I didn't want to disturb his sleep since it was still very early in the morning.When I got closer to the door, however, I heard a voice ask, "Where are you going to, baby?" I stopped and turned, "Good morning, Hazel.""Good morning," he replied. "Are you trying to run away?"I shook my head and went back to sit on the bed, "No, I wasn't trying to run away. I just wanted to get ready. I have to go to school today.""Okay then, I'll drive you to school today.""Really? But why?""What's wrong with it?" He asked. "Can't I drop off my wife at school? Tell Mel tha
MIRANDA "It's not that I want to take anyone's life," Hazel explained. "The gun is just for protection, okay? Don't think too much about it.""Alright then, I guess since you have protection and I'm with you, I have nothing to be afraid of." I beamed."Of course, you have nothing to be afraid of," he concurred. I kissed him again and waved him goodbye.I watched until he got into his car and drove off. As I began heading to my class, I heard Mel's voice calling my name and I stopped. She ran to me and said, "Hmm... Someone is in love and so happy.""Yeah, you can say that again," I replied."How does it feel to not have an impostor for a husband?" She asked.I chuckled, "Well, it feels amazing. Everything between me and Hazel is so perfect that... I don't know, I'm a little scared.""With good reason," replied."With good reason?" her words surprised me. She nodded, "Yes. You haven't told him about Princess and the fact that she's not really his daughter. Isn't it?"The smile on m
MEL I walked into the home of my best friend, Miranda which had been thoroughly decorated. "Mel! You came!" she exclaimed and wanted to get up so she could hug me. "No, you don't need to get up," I said stopping her. "You just brought a new life into this world and should get all the rest you need." She rolled her eyes, "It's been over three days, Mel and I feel quite strong. I gave birth but everyone acts like I'm handicapped. My mom, my mother-in-law, my husband, and now you." I laughed, "They can't help it. You are their princess. Where's everyone by the way?" She sighed, "They are all in my son's room. I instructed the maids to send you here because I wanted us to chat for a little. It's been a while." I sighed, "Yeah. It's been quite hectic, with my pregnancy and all. I rarely even go to the company because Simon takes care of everything and insists I should rest." Miranda smiled, "He is just like Hazel, but I can't blame him. Your stomach is protruding because y
"Wow! I am so happy, Simon." Gia gushed. "I feel as though I am dreaming." "The party will be held at seven," Simon added. "When it's time, I'll pick you up and take you to the venue, okay?" She nodded her head excitedly. "Now, you can go back to your office, I have a lot of work to do." As she walked away, Simon smiled, "Finally, I'm going to put an end to all the drama and enjoy my marriage to the fullest." While in her office, Gia kept daydreaming about how the news of her upcoming wedding to Simon would go viral. Thinking about how sad Mel would be when the time came, doubled her happiness. After spending a little time in her office, she went out and did some shopping, getting herself a nice dress for the party. At six-thirty, she was ready and waiting for Simon to pick her up. She imagined how envious of her, people would be, as well as the various opportunities that would be open to her once she became Simon's wife. If only she had known that Simon would be the o
After leaving the station, Gia went back home. She felt so happy that everything had gone her way and she began to celebrate. She changed the password of her door, just in case Simon wanted to come around to pay her a visit. She had a feeling it would happen anytime soon. When she heard a knock on the door, she opened it a little and saw her boyfriend, Bill outside. "What do you want?" She asked. Bill scoffed, "What sort of stupid question is that? And why did you change the passcode of the door?' She smiled, "Have you forgotten that this is my house? Yes, I paid for this house so I can decide to do whatever I want with it." "What has gotten over you?" He asked her in surprise. "Why are you being so rude? Move away, and let me in." However, she slammed the door on his face. He knocked on the door again while she went straight to the room and began to pack up his things. Putting all his stuff into a bag, she came back, opened the door, and threw his bag outside. "What
Jude, who had spent the night at Riley's, showed up at Mel's company before she even arrived. He was filled with so much anger because of what Riley had told him, and he had four men with him, all armed. He planned to deal with Mel thoroughly. They hid and waited for Mel, until she showed up, went into the company and up to her office. Afterward, Jude led the men, and they all barged into Mel's office. When Mel saw Jude, she rolled her eyes, "What do you want?" He turned and gestured to the men, who took out their guns and pointed them at her. "What does it look like, Mel? I'm going to give you a taste of your own medicine. Simon has divorced you, so he is not here to protect you. Just as you forced Riley at gunpoint to say those things, I am also going to force you to your knees at gunpoint and make you clear her name. I will reveal who you truly are to the entire world." Jude snarled. Mel chuckled, "Is that what Riley told you?" She threw her head back and laughed, "Oh Ju
After spending time thinking about what to do, Sandra finally made up her mind. She called Becky and Aria; the maids she had planted in Simon's house, and asked them to meet with her secretly. Since Simon was not home, it was easy for the maids to sneak out and hurry to meet Sandra at the agreed location.Sandra stared at the bottle in her hand, with the liquid inside it, and said, "I never wanted it to get to this Simon, It's all your fault. You just have to die. As for Gia, she will learn the consequences of double-crossing me. Gia, watch what I will do to you once Simon dies and I take control of the company. Both you and Mel will learn that I am not someone to be trifled with."Simon was in his guest house with Mel when he received a call from the man he had planted in Sandra's house. "Okay, thank you," he replied. After the call ended, he turned to Mel and said, "Finally, Sandra is taking that bold step we wanted her to take." Mel gasped, "Really? I never really thought sh
Sandra got out of her car, her face beaming with excitement as she thought, "Mel has signed the divorce papers, moved out of Simon's house, and found accommodation elsewhere. Meanwhile, Simon is having an affair with his ex, taking her out to dinner, and even getting intimate with her. How would Dad react to this amazing news?" She could not wait to present all the evidence she had before her father. She believed that once he realized that Simon's wife had divorced him due to his infidelity, he would never forgive Simon. Even if he did forgive him, their relationship would never be the same again and nothing could make her happier than that. Of course, that would also pave the way for her to get the company back from Simon. Because once his father gave him the order, Simon, who valued his father's approval and happiness more than anything, would have no choice but to obey him. When Sandra walked into the house and her father saw her, he sighed. She sat beside him and as
After Riley left, Mel and Simon spent some more time together at his guest house, taking pictures, making videos, and talking about their plans before Simon eventually left and went back home. In the morning, while it was still very early, Mel got dressed and ready for work. She packed the fruit Simon had brought the previous day into a bag and left for her father-in-law's house. She planned to go to work from there, so she had to leave early because she had a lot to do at the company. When she arrived at his house, Simon's father was so happy to see her. "I have missed you," he told her. "I thought you guys had gotten so busy that you'd forgotten about me." "That is not possible," Mel told him. "Here, I brought some of your favorite fruits." He smiled, "Why did you go through the trouble? There are more than enough fruits here for me." "I know," Mel replied, "I just... I still wanted to bring something that you would like." "Thank you," he beamed. "You must have your hand
When Mel opened her eyes, Simon was sitting up staring at her with one of his hands gently stroking her hair. "Good morning," She told him. "Morning, Darling," he replied. She was about to speak when he placed his hand on his chest as though he was in pain. She immediately became alarmed and sat up, "What is it?" Hand still on his chest, he smiled, "You are beautiful." She furrowed her brows, "What?" "How can you be so beautiful even in the morning?" He asked. "Just the thought that I won't get to see you until evening makes my heart hurt." She shook her head, "You are impossible. Is that the new pickup line these days?" He threw his head back and laughed, "Seriously, I have no idea. I'm just expressing how you make me feel." She looked at the time, "It's almost 5.am. You should leave now so our plan doesn't get ruined. He sighed, "It seems those two vultures are already awake. I need to be very careful." As he got up to leave, Mel asked him to wait, so she coul
When Simon arrived at his company, he could not stop smiling due to the conversation he earlier had with Mel. However, when Gia walked into his office, dressed in a provocative black dress, the smile on his face disappeared, and he pretended to be sad. She stood on the other side of the table and said, "Simon, I know you told me not to come into your office, but I'm worried about you. I see the way you look sad and worried. For old times' sake, I can't just leave you all by yourself." Simon stared at her from head to toe and said, "I thought I told you that this form of dressing is not allowed in my office." She smiled, "Oh, I actually came with a jacket; it's just that it's in my office." He stared at her exposed thighs and scoffed, inwardly thinking, "I can't believe I was ever in love with someone this shameless." "It seems you have a lot on your mind," she said, turning to the other side and taking a chair with her so she could sit closer to him, "Do you want to talk