Damien's POVThe arrival of Jessica, the woman who cleans my home and cooks, woke me up. I realized Tessa had left already. After opening the door for Jessica, I called Donovan and asked him to come home.Then I went into the bathroom to freshen up before sitting to eat breakfast at the dining table. When Donovan arrived, I was done with my food and I instructed him to get my birthday present delivered to Zayden after wrapping the camera.As soon as Tessa went back to sleep this morning after the sex, I had gone back into the living room to get the camera and I hid it so she wouldn't see it on her way out of the house.Donovan has been gone for more than an hour already and I wonder what is keeping him waiting as I sit in the living room, going through the newspaper and also thinking of the next line of action.Now that dad and I are not on good terms, I don't know what else to do. Catherina is no good for him but he isn't seeing it. He is heads over heels in love with the devilish wo
Zayden's POVI was buried in my work till 7 pm when I remembered I had the intention of paying Belle and her mother a visit today.I quickly round things off and pack the files I will be using at home in my briefcase. I stroll out before locking the door. I had dismissed Chloe since 6 pm.I take the elevator out to the parking lot and hop in before driving off. Different thoughts are running through my mind as I drive to the neighborhood. I am hoping to meet her mother at home since it's past 7 pm already, I am sure she must be back from wherever she is always going to.What should I say to her? How can I succeed in convincing Belle? Should I plead with her to agree to my terms? Should I try sweet-talking just like Richard has advised?I shake my head at the thought of begging her.I can't do that, I mutter."What do I do then?" I ask no one in particular.A few minutes later, I drive into the neighborhood and park aside before going out of the car, hoping the dog that kept barking a
Daisy-Belle's POVMom is ransacking my closet for a decent dress to wear before Zayden comes to pick me up to his mother's home. I am laying quietly on the bed watching her. She is excited and I am happy that she is happy about the turn of events. The only joy I am deriving from this is that my child will be born within the confines of her father and mother's marital home and I don't need to go long distances to search for her father whenever she requests to see him.I know my mother wants this too. She doesn't want my daughter or son to be like me. I am fatherless but I am not too bothered, probably because I had always thought my father was long dead. I know she is also excited about this because of how our lives will change for the better. We deserve it, don't we?I have always dreamed of growing up, going to school for mom, and landing myself a good job with good pay so I can put an end to mom's suffering. She is suffering for me but she doesn't show it. I guess doing this for h
Zayden's POVAfter waiting for a few minutes, Belle comes out. I saw Evelyn at first after knocking twice and she asked me to wait for a second so she could get her daughter.I admire Belle's dress. It fitted perfectly well and I can see signs of her protruding belly already. It isn't too glaring to the eyes unless you look carefully or you are a good observer.I am making a mental note to take her shopping next week. Evelyn made a statement a few minutes ago about spending hours looking for a perfect dress to wear. Her hair is packed in a ponytail and I find myself liking it better than letting her hair down just like she did the first time we met at the club. She looks good today.I move over to the door to open it for her like a perfect gentleman. I can't believe I am actually doing this but my subconscious is telling me this is what I need to do to get what I want. We say no words to each other as she spares me a glance before entering the car. I can't seem to figure out what sh
Zayden's POVI can remember my mother said father shouldn't know about Belle yet until our plan has been executed and that plan will be executed on the award night. Mother and I have a lot to talk about but we couldn't talk because of the presence of Belle.From what we discussed with mother the last time, I need to pretend like I want Tessa too but I know it is going to be hard doing that since I hate pretense. If I let my father think I am agreeing to his term, he will tell Tessa's father and they will help me. But if I don't, I won't get any help even though I wish I can get the help from somewhere else and not from my selfish, monstrous father.Now I remember my mother's bandaged arm as I stand with Belle by the doorway. I want to rush to him and punch the living hell out of my father but I know I can't. I need to control myself. I need to be calm so I won't ruin things way too fast. I seriously need to get my mother out of this hellhole."Zayden", he calls again as he approaches.
Belle's POVAFTER THREE WEEKSI used to think rich people have it all and the poor are the unfortunate ones meant to have one problem or the other that they are to solve every single day of their lives, most of which has to do with their finances. My thinking now has changed, ever since the day I visited Zayden's parents and I got to meet his mother and his father. Zayden is a billionaire but he has his unfair share of life challenges. Despite his wealth, his mother is crippled and bedridden and I can sense that all is not well in their home. I am quick-witted, it was easy to detect that Zayden is not on good terms with his father and his father is one of the reasons why he wants us to be married.They say the rich have it all but that is not true. I have lived all my life in a poor home with little or no food but I find happiness in being with the people I love. I feel rich people lack this. I also feel sympathy for Zayden and his mother. The woman is sweet and pretty. Even if I d
Zayden's POVI am confident and excited about tonight. I can't wait to see the glint of disappointment on my father's face, then on Julian and Tessa's face too. The thought of this alone gives me joy.I am not relying on Julian, I have sought Madeline and Alexander's help and they are willing to mention my name to their acquaintances who will have a say on who the winner will be. Madeline kept assuring me that I am a winner already until I told her about my fears and she mentioned something about making sure that the result will be transparent.I bless Damien in my heart for sending me the camera. For once in over 10 years, I feel something for Damien again, pity and affection. I missed those years we spent together hating each other.I have been avoiding Tessa for the past three weeks. She called me the night after meeting my father and I figured out that father must have called to inform her of the good news. She wanted to come to visit but I told her I was busy and I promised to
Belle's POVThe horn of his car is louder now. This is the second time he is honking, I know he doesn't want to come in.I am done with my make-up and dressing up for more than ten minutes now. But I have been staring at the mirror, doing nothing other than admiring myself and thinking about what the future holds for me.When Zayden honks his car again from outside, I know it is time to go before I get on his bad side on a special day like this. I stand up from the small stool facing my mirror and watch myself in the mirror for a while. My new hairstyle is Teased Chignon with tendrils and my red high-end flowing evening party dress is glowing. I am wearing black stiletto heels and black stone earrings. Mother had specifically picked this particular dress out of the five dresses I got for the party. I did my make-up myself and I am proud of the result.I take a deep breath and pick up my black shiny purse from the table before moving out of my bedroom. I am taking a step at a time, w