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
Tessa's POVZayden is not picking up his calls. I am going crazy with fear and anger. I am trying to calm myself down as I pace the floor of my room with the phone glued to my ears. I am already dressed and I can't think of one single reason why he hasn't come to pick me up. Why can't he send his driver if he is busy?He sent me the dress I am wearing and I can't even wait for him to see me in it. I have a new hairstyle and I have glamorous makeup on my face.I don't want to go alone because I want us to go to the party together. This is my plan and that of Trevor's. Besides, Zayden also said the same thing yesterday and this morning and now I can't think of anything."Goodness", I flop to the bed. "What the hell is happening?" A sudden feeling of uneasiness sweeps through me. Something isn't right, I say inwardly.Did something bad happen to Zayden? Why isn't he here yet? Should I just tell the driver to take me there while I wait for him in the car then we can go out together when
Evelyn's POVI catch Mr. Adams staring at me as the driver increases his speed. I smile shyly and look away. He is sitting beside me in his black suit. He looks good and I told him earlier about his looks. I am wearing an Asym off-shoulder party silk gown. I didn't have any work today because of the event but I lied to Belle that I was going to work because I didn't want her to know I was going out with her friend's father. Pamela doesn't know either, which is why I didn't tell Belle.I left home with a bag where I kept my dress and heels including the makeup I will be using. I was glad when Pamela asked me to help with her makeover, she said she was going on a date with her boyfriend. I was glad because she won't see me going out with her father.After she left, I quickly got dressed and we left in his car.He clears his throat and I glance at him with a smile again. "I have a sort of confession to make", he utters, without a smile and I wonder what he wants to tell me. My heart is
Zayden's POVSaying I am happy sounds like an understatement. I am over the moon and I feel fulfilled. Even though I know my father will think I won because of him and Julian, I am going to prove them wrong. Their help didn't take me anywhere. Justine prevailed. I won and Damien lost.After presenting my speech and appreciation to the people who stood by me, I was given another standing ovation. I didn't mention my father and I did that on purpose. I only mentioned the one absent person but I was sure she was watching my success from home.My mother! She stood by me, she sacrificed a lot for me to be where I am today.Even without her legs, she supported me and gave me strength. When I want to give up, she is the one I always run to, she gives me a shoulder to lean on and she keeps telling me my success is close at hand. Here I am, the richest billionaire in New York.I wanted to acknowledge Daisy-Belle too for telling me to believe in myself when I thought I was not going to be th
Tessa's POVI am a strong woman and I won't let anything break me down, not even Zayden. After crying for a while at home, I decided to come to see things for myself and here I am. I reapplied my makeup and asked the driver to drive me to the party with Zoe who was looking at me with pity. I don't need any pity. Zayden has just trampled upon me and I am going to deal with the idiot, I no longer care if he is the man I love or not.I am no longer here in the event because of Zayden, he is no longer the reason why I am here. I am here to satisfy my curiosity, I want to see the girl Zayden brought to the party in place of me. I want to see the person that took my place. I want to see how worthy she is. I want to see who she is and what she is.That will determine my next line of action.I ask the driver to drop me off at a little distance away from the entrance and I take bold steps out of the car when it comes to a stop. I didn't wait for Zoe before walking to the back of the hall. I