Prologue
He claimed her lips in a deep kiss, holding her head steady as he worshipped her tongue with his. He grabbed her ass and pulled her closer so that she could feel his now erect dick. She pushed and freed herself, her face was flushed and her lips were swollen from the kiss, "how... how dare you", she stammered as struggled to catch her breath."I have told you to stay away from me", Nora said, "I am not some sort of charity case or a pet project for rich billionaires. A cute doll you play with until you get tired....."Princess BelleNora, a striking 5'3" brunette with long, lustrous hair cascading halfway down her back, enters the bustling mall with a sense of urgency. Her radiant beauty captivates those around her, as her expressive brown eyes shimmer with excitement. The soft, sun-kissed complexion of her flawless skin adds a touch of elegance to her overall appearance.As Nora briskly makes her way through the mall, the atmosphere reflects the vibrant energy of a lively shopping destination. The sound of cheerful chatter fills the air, blending with the melodic tunes playing softly in the background. The mall is adorned with colourful banners and vibrant displays, showcasing the latest trends and enticing customers with their allure.Shoppers of various ages move through the mall, creating a dynamic and diverse scene. Families with children wander hand in hand, their laughter echoing through the corridors. Couples stroll, sharing tender moments amidst the sea of bustling activity. The fragrance of freshly brewed coffee wafts from the nearby cafes, mingling with the sweet scent of freshly baked pastries, tempting visitors to indulge in a moment of culinary delight.Amidst this lively ambience, Nora's presence is like a breath of fresh air. Her graceful movements and confident demeanour draw admiring glances from passersby, who are momentarily enchanted by her beauty. As she hurries toward the toy aisle, the anticipation in her eyes blends with genuine warmth, reflecting her genuine love for the enchanting world of Princess Belle.In this vibrant mall, Nora's beauty shines as a beacon of elegance and charm, adding an extra layer of enchantment to an already lively atmosphere.Nora's heart sank as she stood frozen, staring at the empty shelves that had once displayed the coveted Princess Belle toys. Disappointment washed over her, threatening to dampen her spirits. However, amidst her despair, her attention was caught by a tall figure, standing at an impressive 6'4" with a full head of dark hair.As if sensing her presence, the man turned around, revealing a face that exuded a magnetic charm. His well-chiselled jawline and meticulously groomed beard added an undeniable allure to his features. Nora's eyes widened as she noticed the Princess Belle toy clutched securely in his arms. A glimmer of hope sparked within her.Summoning her courage, Nora approached him with determination, her heart racing with the urgency of her desire. "I have to get that toy," she whispered to herself, fueling her determination to secure the beloved Princess Belle for herself.Nora's eyes widened with a mixture of hope and desperation as she approached him, her voice trembling with emotion. "Excuse me," she began, her voice barely audible over the mall's ambient noise. "I couldn't help but notice that you have the Princess Belle doll. It's the only one left, and it's my daughter's only birthday wish. Please, could you please consider giving it to me?"The man, with his rugged charm and hazel eyes, furrowed his eyebrows slightly, caught off guard by Nora's plea. He glanced down at the doll in his hands, then back at Nora."I'm sorry," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "But I promised this doll to my niece. She's been looking forward to it for weeks."Nora's heart sank as she processed his words. She couldn't understand how someone could refuse her daughter's only birthday wish. Her disappointment was palpable, and her eyes welled up with unshed tears.Nora's heart sank as she pleaded with the handsome stranger to reconsider giving her the Princess Belle doll. Her voice trembled with desperation as she explained that it was her daughter's only birthday wish. She even went so far as to offer him money for it, hoping that would change his mind. However, the man's response was not what she had anticipated.With a coldness in his eyes, he lashed out at her, dismissing her pleas. "Everything isn't always about money," he snapped, his tone filled with annoyance. "Can't you understand that? I made a promise, and I won't break it just because you're willing to pay."Nora was taken aback by the man's sudden change in demeanour. She had approached him with hope and vulnerability, expecting a bit of compassion, but instead, she was met with hostility. His words stung, leaving her feeling small and insignificant.Hurt and disappointed, Nora turned and walked away, her shoulders slumped in defeat. She couldn't comprehend how a simple request for a doll could trigger such a harsh response. Her mind swirled with a mixture of confusion, frustration, and sadness.As she made her way through the mall, Nora couldn't shake off the lingering echoes of the man's words. She couldn't understand why he had chosen to be so unkind. Her heart felt heavy, and tears threatened to spill from her eyes. She wanted to believe in the goodness of people, but this encounter had shattered her trust momentarily.Nora reached the parking lot, her steps heavy with disappointment. She got into her car, the engine starting with a low hum. The once cheerful atmosphere of the mall felt suffocating as she sat behind the wheel, visibly shaken by the stranger's outburst.Taking a deep breath, Nora closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself a brief respite from the overwhelming emotions. She reminded herself that not everyone would respond with kindness, and it was important not to let one person's negativity define her day.With renewed determination, Nora wiped away a stray tear and started the car. She needed to put this unpleasant encounter behind her and focus on finding another way to fulfil her daughter's birthday wish. Nora knew that love and compassion would always outweigh any rude behaviour she encountered along the way.As she drove off, the memory of the man's callousness still lingered, but Nora vowed to rise above it. She would find a way to make her daughter's birthday special, with or without the Princess Belle doll. In the face of adversity, Nora would remain resilient, showing her daughter the strength and unwavering love that a mother could provide.And so, with a flicker of determination in her eyes, Nora set her sights on finding an alternative gift, ready to create a magical celebration that would light up her daughter's world, no matter the circumstances. Graycen has been a huge blessing to Nora, even though how she came into the world was quite tumultuous. That day they had just come back from a fundraising event. Nora was dressed in a red chiffon gown that flared from the bust. it was an alter neck gown that showed off her entire back. Her hair was pulled into a low ponytail. He had jumped into the shower immediately after they had returned. He came out fully naked, he always loved sleeping in the nude. "come to bed, I want to fuck you ", he had said in a slurred voice. he was a bit tipsy from all the champagne at the party. "I am having a headache ", Nora had said. he walked up to her and made her bend over her dresser. he pulled up her gown and tore the thong she had on. Nora struggled to release her hand that was secured together by him above her head, "please don't do this again", she pleaded as she struggled to break free, he was stronger and he subdued her. With one thrust he was inside of her, Nora gasped from the pain. he thrust harder until he came. A month after Nora found out she was pregnant.As Nora drove home, her mind filled with thoughts of her daughter, Graycen, and the love she felt for her. Being both a father and a mother to her daughter was a challenging task, but one that she embraced wholeheartedly. It had been a journey filled with ups and downs, but the rewards outweighed the hardships.Graycen had a special place in Nora's heart. Her daughter's sweet smile and infectious laughter could brighten even the darkest of days. Nora often marvelled at the joy that radiated from Graycen's tiny being, and it filled her with a sense of purpose and fulfilment.Living with her parents had its advantages, especially when it came to raising Graycen. Nora's father and mother owned a convenience shop, and they were more than happy to help with babysitting whenever Nora needed some time for herself or work. Their support and presence in Graycen's life provided a strong foundation of love and care.Nora cherished the moments spent with her daughter, whether it was playing toget
Nora's heart skipped a beat as she spotted the familiar face of the stranger who had refused to give her the Princess Belle doll. The sight of him stirred a whirlwind of emotions within her, bringing back the hurt and disappointment from their encounter at the mall. She sat in the car, contemplating her next move.Her gaze fixated on the stranger as he walked towards Graycen's school block. Curiosity tugged at Nora, urging her to find out what he was doing there. She knew it might be unwise to let her emotions guide her actions, but the need to understand the reason behind his presence overwhelmed her.A myriad of questions swirled in Nora's mind. Did he have any connection to Graycen's school? Was he a parent or perhaps a teacher? Could there be a coincidental explanation for his appearance? The need to satisfy her curiosity gnawed at her, urging her to uncover the truth. Nora's curiosity overwhelmed her, and despite her initial hesitation, she couldn't resist the urge to follow the
Nora's surprise deepened as she turned her attention to Graycen's new teacher standing before her. His unexpected presence and the gift bag he held in his hands intrigued her. She couldn't help but wonder what could be inside, a mixture of curiosity and confusion filling her thoughts."I have something for you," he, said, extending the cute gift bag towards Nora. His voice was friendly and warm, easing some of the tension in the air. Nora's eyes flickered with surprise and gratitude as she reached out to accept the bag, her fingers lightly brushing against his."Thank you," Nora replied softly, her voice laced with a touch of shyness. She couldn't quite comprehend the reason behind the gesture, but she appreciated the thoughtfulness. The mysterious gift bag held the promise of a surprise, and she couldn't help but anticipate what lay inside.Graycen's new teacher smiled kindly, his eyes meeting Nora's. "You're welcome. I hope you find it enjoyable. Open it when you get home," he sugges
Nora's heart skipped a beat as she read the message from Penny, the creative director. The words were short and to the point, but the urgency behind them sent a wave of worry coursing through her. She had personally delivered the illustrations to Penny's office, meticulously following her specific requests. She had even taken the time to have the illustrations printed, as Penny had requested.The unexpected urgency in Penny's text left Nora puzzled. She couldn't fathom what could have changed or gone wrong with the illustrations. Did she miss something? Were there any errors or discrepancies that she hadn't noticed? Questions swirled in her mind as she contemplated the purpose of the meeting.With a sense of apprehension, Nora made her way towards Penny's office. Each step felt heavier than the last, her mind consumed by thoughts of potential shortcomings. She replayed the entire process of creating and delivering the illustrations in her head, trying to identify any possible missteps.
As soon as Nora stepped out of her car she charged towards her parent's shop and before she could get to the door, Graycen runs towards her screaming her name "Mom, mom". "Oh my baby", Nora answers as she gets on her knees and opens up her arms. Graycen runs into her arms and Nora hugs her tight. "Mom not so tight, it hurts", Graycen cries out. Nora lets her go and notices the bandaid on her wrist. "What happened baby", Nora enquires. "I slipped at the playground", Graycen replies.Nora's heart skipped a beat as she noticed the bandaid on Graycen's wrist. Concern etched across her face, she gently took her daughter's hand and examined the injury. "Oh, my poor baby," Nora cooed, her voice filled with empathy. "Does it hurt a lot?"Graycen nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. "Yes, Mommy. It really hurts."Nora's motherly instincts kicked into high gear as she carefully removed the bandaid, revealing a small scrape beneath. She winced sympathetically, knowing how painful even the
Nora stood by Greg's side and watched as the man that walked in approached her father, from her father's face, he was struggling to remain civil. Her mother walked up to her and whispered into her ears, "Be civil at least for her. Think of your baby girl", she tapped her on the shoulders and walked away. Nora nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She knew her mother was right, and she needed to set aside her personal feelings for the sake of their daughter.Meanwhile, the man engaged in conversation with one of the children, who excitedly pointed in Graycen's direction. Nora's eyes widened as she watched him make his way toward her daughter, holding a gift bag in his hands. A mix of emotions surged through Nora—shock, disbelief, and a hint of mortification.Graycen's innocent smile greeted the man as he handed her the gift bag. Nora watched with a mixture of astonishment and concern as her daughter, oblivious to the underlying tension, thanked the man. It was a moment that t
Nora's hands trembled behind her back, a physical manifestation of the emotional turmoil within her. The strength she had mustered was now tinged with vulnerability as she confronted Alexander head-on. Her eyes locked with his, and her voice trembled slightly as she asserted her boundaries."Alexander, I want you out of my home," Nora stated, her voice gaining newfound courage. The anger and hurt she had carried for so long fueled her words. "That is my daughter, and you have no right to intrude on our lives or come close to us."Her voice grew stronger, her determination unwavering. "Get out," she commanded, raising her voice to emphasize her demand.Just as the tension escalated, the door behind Nora swung open, revealing her father stepping into the room. Nora's father, a protective figure, sensed the escalating conflict and instantly stepped in to defend his daughter and granddaughter.He swiftly picked up a knife and pointed it towards Alexander, his voice laced with a fierce pro
Nora opens her mouth but words won't just come out, Greg sensing her unease cuts in, "You don't have to say anything if you don't want". Greg could see the instantaneous relief on your face. Sensing the energy shift, Greg asked to be excused and Nora obliged. The rest of the party went smoothly with no drama. At about seven in the evening Graycen was already yawning it was obvious she had thoroughly enjoyed herself. After all the guests had gone, Nora and her parents presented their gifts to Graycen. She squealed with excitement at every gift she unwrapped. When Nora presented her gift to her daughter, the little girl unwrapped it with so much expectancy and excitement, when she unwrapped it to unveil the Princess Belle doll, Graycen screamed. She jumped up and hugged Nora so tight, she in turn hugged her grandparents. Nora's heart was merry at the sight of her daughter's joy, it was a sight to behold. Nora wished she could thank Mr Greg again, he was solely responsible for Graycen g
Before Nora's wedding, Nora had followed Greg to New York to see his family. Nora could see that they were really happy to finally meet her. One afternoon, she decided to spend time with Veronica, who was staying at her parents' home. As they sipped on glasses of apple juice, Nora expressed disbelief, "I can't believe they put you on bed rest."Veronica, reclining on the couch with her feet up, sighed, "Hmm, it's best to be safe than sorry. I can't wait to hold my baby in my arms." Suddenly, Veronica screamed, causing Nora to jump. "Are you okay?" Nora asked, hastily setting the glass down.Veronica, a mix of excitement and panic on her face, managed to say, "Call my mom, Nora. My water just broke."Nora's heart lurched in her chest as Veronica's panicked cry echoed through the room. The calm afternoon chat was shattered, replaced by a sudden urgency. Springing into action, Nora grabbed her phone and dialled Veronica's mother's number."Mom! It's Nora," she said, her voice trembling
Nora felt a rush of emotions. She hadn't expected this, and the genuine love in Greg's eyes overwhelmed her. "Yes, Greg, a thousand times yes," she replied with tears of joy in her eyes. Greg slid the ring onto her finger, and they sealed the moment with a tender kiss.Nora and Greg spent the rest of the night enjoying each other's body. Greg was such a passionate and creative lover. Later in the night, he brought in a bowl of ice cream, by the time they were done, Nora knew she would always blush anytime she thought of ice cream. The things they did, Greg licked the ice cream off her nipples and Nora heard herself moaning his name out loud. Early in the morning at about five in the morning, Nora was driving back to her parent's home. She didn't want Graycen waking up to her absence. As she turned the steering wheel, her eyes rested briefly on her ring. It was so beautiful, so exquisite. Greg had great taste.Nora remembered how she had mailed Alexander's ring back to him after the
In the hushed atmosphere of the doctor's office, Alexander and Nora found themselves ensconced in an uneasy quiet. The ticking of the clock echoed with the rhythm of their anxious hearts as they awaited the revelation that would connect the threads of their lives to an unseen benefactorThe sterile walls, adorned with medical charts and diplomas, seemed to amplify the gravity of the situation. Nora's fingers absentmindedly traced patterns on the armrest of her chair, a nervous habit that betrayed the storm of emotions brewing within her. Alexander, ever the stoic figure, sat beside her, his eyes fixated on the door as if willing it to open and unveil the secret they had been yearning to unravel.The doctor, a composed figure in a white coat, entered the room. Her demeanour carried a blend of empathy and professionalism, a delicate balance that bespoke her years of dealing with the intricacies of life and death. She explained the procedure they were about to undergo, the potential outco
The sterile walls of the doctor's office seemed to shrink as Nora and Alexander sat, anticipation hanging heavy in the air. An hour had passed since the doctor's cryptic message, each tick of the clock stretching into an eternity. Finally, the doctor entered, her face unreadable."I have some news," she began, her voice a low hum in the tense silence. "We have a match."Nora's breath hitched. "A match?" she choked out, disbelieving."Yes," the doctor confirmed, a hint of a smile gracing her lips. "We had several potential donors come forward, and we've found a perfect match for your bone marrow transplant, Mr. Steele."Tears welled up in Nora's eyes, blurring the doctor's features. The dam within her broke, and a torrent of emotions cascaded down her cheeks. Relief, joy, disbelief - they all warred within her, leaving her speechless. Alexander, his hand clasped tightly in hers, squeezed gently, a silent echo of the storm raging within him.The doctor reached out, offering a tissue box
The door creaked open, revealing Alexander lying pale against the sterile white sheets. An IV drip snaked its way up his arm, the rhythmic drip-drop the only sound in the otherwise hushed room. Relief washed over Nora like a tidal wave, momentarily erasing the frantic worry that had clawed at her insides all morning. He was alive.Hesitantly, she approached the bedside, her eyes scanning his face for any sign of pain. His features were relaxed, seemingly lost in sleep. But the dark circles beneath his eyes and the pallor of his skin spoke of a battle fought. Tears welled up in Nora's eyes, blurring the image before her.Suddenly, a nurse in crisp blue scrubs appeared at the doorway. "Doctor Thompson would like to see you in her office."Nora nodded, wiping her tears with a shaky hand. She needed answers. What had happened? Was he going to be okay? Following the nurse, her every step echoed with unspoken questions.Doctor Thompson, a woman with kind eyes and a reassuring smile, gesture
Unfortunately, you are not a bone marrow match for Alexander."Nora's heart juddered to a halt, the doctor's words echoing in the sterile void. Her vision blurred, and a choked gasp escaped her lips. Alexander's hand, warm and comforting, found hers, but it did little to soothe the storm raging within. Disappointment, fear, and a flicker of something she couldn't quite place – a cocktail of emotions churned in her stomach, leaving a metallic taste on her tongue.The doctor's voice continued, offering options, hope, but Nora was lost in the world of her own thoughts. Every word blurred into a distant hum, her focus solely on the image of Graycen, small and innocent, asleep in her bed. A pang of unbearable pain tore through Nora's chest, the fear for her daughter's future suffocating.Alexander's nudge brought her back to reality . "Let's go," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. Stepping outside, the chill of the night air barely registered against the cold fear gripping her hea
One week after Nora found out about Alexander's health condition her mind was constantly worried. Alexander was carrying on as if everything was right with the world, he spent every afternoon with his daughter and sometimes Nora would tag along on their little outings. They hadn't discussed the status of their relationship yet and Nora wasn't ready for that talk yet. That was why when Alexander invited her to be his date at an event she found it awkward and difficult to say no to him. As they sat in the back seat of Alexander's Rolls Royce, neither of them spoke to each other. Nora looked exquisite and she knew it, she was wearing one of the designs from her fashion line. It was a pale blue one-shoulder Grecian gown and the pearly bejewelled headpiece she had on matched the bejewelled belt that cinched the gown in at the waist showing off her hourglass shape. John Mason, a renowned hotelier, had just unveiled his five-star masterpiece, and the crème de la crème of New York City were
Alexander's words, calm on the surface but laced with desperation, hung heavy in the air. "I just... I didn't know how to tell you," he stammered, his gaze flickering between Nora and the envelope on the table.Nora's voice, laced with a tremor she couldn't control, cut through the silence. "Didn't know how to tell me you have leukaemia?" she echoed, the words raw and sharp. "But how could you do this, Alexander? How could you keep such a thing from me?"Nora was in a state of shock and so was Veronica. After calling and telling Nora what was written on the test result, she picked up her phone and went through the result again. From the result, Alexander just had a few months left. Veronica shook her head at the futility of life, she couldn't believe that Alexander was sick. The Alexander that used to physically and emotionally abuse Nora wasn't immortal after all. Tears welled up in Nora's eyes, blurring the vision of the envelope clutched in her hand. The medical jargon swam before
Nora couldn't sleep that night. She kept turning in bed, feeling anxious. Each time she called Alexander, he didn't pick up, making her worry even more. Why did he take their daughter to the hospital without telling her?Graycen's innocent words, "Dad took me to the hospital," kept replaying in her mind, making her angrier. She imagined scary scenes of needles and hospital rooms, making her more upset.Underneath her anger, a deeper fear crept in. What if something was seriously wrong with Graycen, and Alexander wasn't telling her? This thought scared her even more, and the quietness in her house made everything heavier.Miles away, Alexander was in a hospital bed, surrounded by machines. He was in a deep sleep because of the medicines, and his body was undergoing a treatment Nora knew nothing about. The machines beeped softly, creating a contrast to the chaos in Nora's heart.As the night went on, Nora's face showed the pain she felt. The questions, fear, and silence became suffocati