Ethan's POV
I've already had a shitty ass morning at home and a terrible day in the office. I lost a very important deal that I was looking forward to for six months. Lunch was a drag-- I didn't enjoy it-- and Sharon wouldn't shut up about the Bahamas. I told her I would take her, that was before she got bitten by a mosquito. I lost my cool at the damn restaurant and yelled at her; one could only imagine what I had said to her. To my surprise, she didn't respond. She just got up and kissed my cheek and told me she'd be at the house when I calmed down.
Arriving home, I remembered the conversation I had with Agnes before hiring Emma.
I had Emma prepare another cup of coffee and met her in the kitchen for it where the others were assemble as well.
I'd let go Agnes. Why? Because she was getting up there in age had spoken to me about her retirement plan. She knew the drill. I had already placed a large sum of money in her account for the years she had
Emma's POVThough I was supposed to be off on the weekends, I did minor cleaning here and there just to keep myself occupied and ahead while Halley rested.My mind kept on reminiscing back to what happened last night. Mr. Hollen kissed me! He actually put his priceless lips on mine. I didn't know how to kiss him back, I had no experience and was caught off guard. What if I had drooled on him or bit his lips? I'd just stood there, afraid to react._________It was the beginning of a new week. I was in the living room cleaning the coverings on the chairs when Sharon appeared with a bundle of bags. She tossed them onto the chairs I was supposed to clean."Put these in the closet for me. Don't ruin a thing with your filthy hands." She went upstairs, heels hitting the polished marble as she walked.That woman is so...There wasn't a word to describe her. She was going upstairs to where the closet was, why couldn't she just
Ethan's POVI woke up wrapped in the arms of my beautiful fiancee. I looked at her as she was fast asleep. Tonight we would be going to the Bahamas for our week long vacation. I had promised her that. I didn't break my promises. I rolled her aside, gently kissed her forehead lightly, and got out of the bed.I whipped up a fluffy batch of pancakes with eggs and bacon. I poured two large glasses of orange juice just as the kitchen door was pushed open."Good morning, sir.""Hi Emma."She stood there, staring blankly at me like she had something she wanted to say."What is it Emma?" I asked impatiently."Sir, there's something I have to tell you.""Oh yeah, I'll have your paycheck ready before I leave. After all, I wouldn't be here for the week and the month's end would approach by then.""That's not... Um, okay.""There're some left over pancakes and eggs. Help yourself. Halley can have some too."&nb
Emma's POVWhen I saw him in the kitchen preparing breakfast I wanted to tell him. I had to tell him what I heard last night, but when he told me about the paycheck, my mind state changed. I was so looking forward to buying some new stuff, from underwear to clothes to getting a new hair-do; so I let it be.And Sharon was sort of scary with her judging eyes, sharp mouth and long nails. She would slap me back to Africa if I had told him about her conversation. Besides, it wasn't my business. Mr. Hollen was capable of taking care of himself and his relationship was above my pay grade.The next day I looked at my paycheck. I wanted to cash it out so badly. One thousand dollars in just one week was indeed generous. I didn't make that at Carl's Cafe in a month.I found Halley in the backyard watering the plants."Um, Halley," I began. I was still mindful of how I approached her. "I really want go to the bank and cash this so I'm taking my half day
Emma's POVShe had to be out of her mind to even think about stealing one of Mr. Hollen's watches. I didn't want either of us getting in trouble with him so I pulled her aside."Halley, are you crazy? Please tell me that wasn't Mr. Hollen's Rolex. He would skin you alive!""Emma, would you relax. How crazy do you think I am? I wouldn't steal from him.""Well, where did you get the Rolex?""It's a knock-off I purchased in Chinatown. Matt thinks it's real, but how the hell am I supposed to afford that? Now can we just enjoy the party?"I'd never danced before so I just watched at Halley and her boyfriend.A guy walked up to me and said hi. He was very handsome and looked around my age, maybe one or two years older. He had a Mohawk haircut, which complimented his handsome face. He was lighter than I was in complexion with light brown eyes and thick eyebrows."Hi," I replied, tucking my hair behind my left ear."I've neve
Ethan's POVI watched as she brushed her hair in the mirror. She had been giving me the silent treatment since we returned to the room last night from the walk on the beach. She was upset that I wasn't excited for our wedding.When did I say we'd get married here? Sharon was a beautiful woman, outgoing, cheerful and sweet at times but, lately, things had been different between us. She was becoming someone I never knew existed, nagging and possessive.I was rash when I proposed to her because I wanted to make a good impression on my parents when they came back from their anniversary in Paris. Although I didn't do things to please them, because I didn't see much of them when I was a kid, I wanted to at least assure my parents that I was capable of settling down.But was I in love with Sharon? Did I love her? Yes. But I wasn't sure I was in love with her.I knew she was upset. Who wouldn't be? But I just wasn't ready to get married o
Emma's POVI paced around the rooms, moving from corner to corner with the tears rolling down my cheeks and smudging my makeup. It was the first time in my life I could say that. It was getting late, almost morning, and the medical team was still at Halley's side, doing all they could to revive her; she was pulling through slowly, very slowly.But the scary part, Mr. Hollen was on his way back home.At 9:00 in the evening a black car pulled onto the pavement. Sharon stepped out carrying one of her suitcases with Mr. Hollen following right behind. They burst through the front door and walked over to me; I panicked."Who are you and where's Emma?" he demanded.He didn't recognized me?! Breathe, Emma, breathe. I became speechless, wondering how to tell him it was me standing right in front of him."Sir, she's right here," I responded."Where?" he looked around.What? Do I really look that different? "I am Emma."
Ethan's POVI woke up to the sound of footsteps on the floor outside my bedroom. I looked at the wall clock; it was only 5:30 am. Was Emma up already? I glanced over at Sharon. She was fast asleep, exhausted and jet lagged. I put on a T-shirt and a sweat pants and went to the second floor. I peered over the banister and saw Emma was already up, mopping the floors of the rooms downstairs. Her eyes caught mine as she mopped.I headed to my office to forward over a fax for Linda that she had been messaging me about in the Bahamas.The phone buzzed and I picked up."Good morning Mr. Hollen. Your coffee is ready.""I'll be right down."I must say I was impressed. I'd never been so happy for coffee in my entire life. I missed her coffee and I missed her too. What was I saying?Emma stood beside the kitchen counter looking like an angel-- so peaceful, happy and perfect. I took the coffee from her hands. She headed towards the living roo
Emma's POVHalley had broken down into a fit. I cuddled her with a hug and told her that everything would be okay. Something was wrong with her, apart from being drugged.Matt must have mortified her.Detective Sam and the others looked on, unsettled."Halley, please tell them what happened. You have to talk about it," I whispered calmly, making sure I didn't sound mean or harsh to upset her more."I don't want to. I can't," she cried.What on earth happened to her?"Halley, I know you're scared. I know you want to put this behind you but we need your statement on what happened when Matt pulled you into the house," Detective Sam pressed."I can't talk about it. I don't want to," she cried again and hugged me tighter.Mr. Hollen looked like he was about to explode."Where's the driver? Maybe he could describe what he saw when he fetched Halley," Sam said to Mr. Hollen who began
Emma's POVMotherhood is beautiful, but it's not always smooth. I help my eldest son through his first breakup and my daughter through her first heartbreak. As life came their way there would be more of that, and I wouldn't always be around to help them, but, for now, I was doing the best I could for themLove. Support. Provide. Three words that should be in every parent's dictionary. Without these three things you'll suck at parenthood.Loving your children means putting their needs before yours. You don't come first anymore. Love unconditionally. You have to respect them so they'll respect you in return. You have to be open with them so they'll tell you what you need to hear. You have to listen to them so they'll listen to you as well. No one is perfect, but you shouldn't use that as an excuse to not try.Support your children in every way you can. Be there for them when they need you to be or when they want you to be. Let them know they can cou
Emily's POVAs I stood in the hallway at my locker, getting my text books for the last subject of the day, I overheard a group of girls whispering about me. It was funny how they were talking about me and I standing right there. They knew I would hear them so, of course, they were seeking my attention, and I ignored them.I continued to get my textbooks and closed my locker when one of them said his name-- my Sebastian's name. Something in me lit, like a flare shooting into the skies. My blood boiled and I turned towards them and approached them."You have something to say, say it to my face!" I snapped at the ring leader, Ania Haynes.She backed away a few feet behind her friends, Samika James, Karrie George and Jamie Sams."All we were saying is that Sebastian is cheating on you," she said.I paused to process what she had just said, but I couldn't believe her. Those girls were miserable with their own dull lives, and onl
Emma's POVI watched my family sitting around the dinner table, eating the food I prepared. Ethan was at the head table, eating away at his delicious juicy steak. Evan was eating slowly because he was texting on his phone, which he hid underneath the table so I wouldn't notice. Emily was looking at the food carefully and always asking if it was going to make her fat or if it was full of calories. EJ was eating like the good boy he ought to be. His behavior had changed around for the better. He had made friends with everyone in his classroom and we had no more bad reports about his temper.I couldn't help but look at what I'd accomplished with the man of my dreams. Never had I thought I'd be here in life, sitting in a mansion around a huge dinner table with my own family. Everyone in the foster homes and group homes told me I was worthless and I'd amount to nothing in life. No one loved me, cared for me or protected me-- even my parents deserted me.
Emma's POV"Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice Mr. and Mrs. Hollen. I just wanted to talk to you about Ethan Junior's behavior and conduct."We were sitting in Ethan Junior's classroom with him and his class teacher. EJ had gotten into a fight with another kid in his class."First, Ethan Junior is a very brilliant and intelligent student. He's punctual and brave. Over there is what I call the Star Chart," she pointed to a poster on the wall that had the names of students and the stars they received for their academic performance.EJ had a full line. I was impressed. But there was another line for conduct and behavior, his had only one star while other students were all above five. I was disappointed, and Ethan was too. His eyes were getting darker and darker as he looked at our son."Ethan Junior has a temper that needs serious controlling. He got into a fight with another kid last week because that child accidentally s
Ethan's POV"How do you expect to take two girls to the high school dance at the same time?""Because they both agreed to it.""Young ladies are like that these days?""Not really. But when you're the most popular guy at school some girls just don't wanna miss out on you, so they'd rather share you than not have you at all.""Mmm, mmm, mmm.""Dad, I've got this. I'll just need one tiny favor from you.""What's that son?""Can your driver take us in the limo? I wanna roll with style.""Okay.""Thanks Dad, you're the best.""Have fun tonight and be safe. Your mother, brother and I are going out for dinner tonight. Call me on my cell if there's any emergency, and keep an eye out for Emily.""Yeah, yeah, yeah.""I'm serious Evan!""Okay Dad. I will."My sixteen year-old son were turning into a man and he had so much of me in him. His facial features resembl
Emma's POV"Evan. Stop right there. You have to come and take your bath!""No. I don't wanna take a bath mommy. I bathed yesterday already.""Evan!"He was running in all the corners and hiding spaces in his room so I couldn't reach him. It has been seven perfect years."Evan, if you don't come out of there I'm going to call your dad!""No! Don't call daddy. I'm coming out mommy!"He appeared in front of me smiling innocently like an angel. Well, at least threatening him by putting his dad on his case worked.I handed him his bath towel and toothbrush and led him to the bathroom. I turned the temperature of the water to warm."I don't want you to watch me bathe this time mommy. I'm a big boy and I could do it myself.""Okay, my big boy," I said with a smile and sat down on his bed."Mommy. Mommy!" Emily called from outside."I'm in your brother's room!" I called, hoping
Emma's POVIt was my birthday and Ethan wanted to throw me a party but I just wanted a small get together with my household staff and Nana.I took a shower and put on one of my favorite black dresses. I applied my makeup and combed my hair into a neat ponytail. The children were sleeping in their crib. Ethan came out of the shower wrapped in his towel and another drying his hair as usual."Happy birthday baby," he pulled me into him, kissing my lips sweetly. He was ruining my lipstick."Thank you sweetie."We went downstairs for dinner, leaving the kids upstairs with the nanny. They were too young for the dinner event we were about to have.Nana arrived a half hour later. Halley, the chef and the three evening shift security guards were seated. Wine and food were catered and served to everyone."Happy Birthday to Emma and Nana," they toasted to us."Thank you," I said. "Also, we have an announc
Emma's POV"I don't want a birthday party," I said to him as we attended to the children."Baby why?""Because I don't want a bunch of people meeting the twins at just a week old. I want to just have dinner here with the staff and Nana.""Okay.""Ethan, you're going to spoil Evan if you keep raising him every time he cries for affection." I watched as my soon-to-be husband took the baby boy out of the crib and placed him against his hard chest.Evan stopped cried and began to smile in the arms of his father. He was already spoiled by Ethan and it amazed me how much he was attached to him instantly, like he had been waiting to meet his dad."I love him and he smells so nice," he said sniffing him, which made me laugh.I picked up Emily and cuddled her in my arms. She was more attached to me than Evan. Evan only wanted my milk but longed for his father's time and attention. I didn't know what I'd
Ethan's POVI watched them sleeping so soundly in the double crib in our bedroom. I had redecorated and arranged a bedroom across from ours for them, but Emma wanted them in the room with us so she could keep a very close eye on them. The first pregnancy was unsuccessful and I believed she would become very overprotective of the twins.The twins had come into the world yesterday, July 8th, at 11:04 a.m and 11:07 a.m.Emma's birthday was only four days away and I planned on making it extra special for her and my Nana.As I watched my children Evan's eyes opened. They were a bright gray like mine. I couldn't help but smile as he looked up at me and gave a bright toothless smile. He was silent. He didn't make a sound, only stared as if he were judging me. I was tempted to pick him up and hold him in my arms. The son I'd always wanted was now here in my room looking up at me, and he was perfect.I couldn't help myself anymore.