~Laurel~"Kurt, I've been trying her number for hours now. She's not answering. Kurt, I'm scared."He snapped his head to look at me then turned back to his laptop.I can't believe he just did that. "Kurt, I'm talking to you! Don't you care at all? Your daughter's not at home and you're seated comfortably? At peace with yourself?"He threw the laptop on the floor and stood up to face me. "You. You did all this. If you hadn't done what you did, then none of this would have happened. You didn't approve of the merging, fine, I got it. But to sell half of your company to Mariano was a mistake. A mistake that has now cost you your daughter's trust.""I did it for her, Kurt. It was that or bankruptcy.""Well, I would have helped. That was nothing.""Like you said, my company. I have every right to do what I want with it. You have no right to tell me what to do with my own property.""Fine. It's your pride, isn't it? Well then, go find Mira and tell her that. Mira devoted her time to that co
~Mirabelle~I was the kitchen making lunch when Camila came to inform me that someone was here to see me."Kidd." He was the living room when I got there.I didn't know what to say. He came all the way to my house to see me."What are you doing here?""You've been ignoring my calls, Mirabelle. And since I just came back from Tokyo, I thought of paying you a surprise visit but when I got to your office, I was told you resigned. Why?""Well, it's nothing. I just um.." I cleared my throat. "I'm thinking of starting up my own business.""Well, that's good. I'm so proud of you, baby. You've got my full support." I smiled. "So what do you wanna do?""A restaurant.""What?""I want to open a restaurant. Start up my own business and you know, live my life.""A restaurant, why?""It's something I've always wanted to do since I was a child.""But that's bullshit, Mirabelle, you wouldn't know how to handle a restaurant. I mean, look at you. You barely even know how to run a company on your own.
~Mirabelle~I was the kitchen making lunch when Camila came to inform me that someone was here to see me."Kidd." He was the living room when I got there.I didn't know what to say. He came all the way to my house to see me."What are you doing here?""You've been ignoring my calls, Mirabelle. And since I just came back from Tokyo, I thought of paying you a surprise visit but when I got to your office, I was told you resigned. Why?""Well, it's nothing. I just um.." I cleared my throat. "I'm thinking of starting up my own business.""Well, that's good. I'm so proud of you, baby. You've got my full support." I smiled. "So what do you wanna do?""A restaurant.""What?""I want to open a restaurant. Start up my own business and you know, live my life.""A restaurant, why?""It's something I've always wanted to do since I was a child.""But that's bullshit, Mirabelle, you wouldn't know how to handle a restaurant. I mean, look at you. You barely even know how to run a company on your own.
Two weeks later~Mirabelle~"Okay, dad! That's the rest of the stuff?"He jammed his booth shut. "Yeah."I sighed and moved forward to lean on the bodice of his car. "I still can't believe this is happening. I've actually moved out from your house. It's not that easy.""Yeah, we should celebrate.""We will. Doing the housewarming party, I guess. As for now, I need to get settled in. And there's a lot of things I have to change about the house. The decor, the curtains, the flowers, the shelves and some other stuffs in the kitchen too. Likewise the bedroom. Once this is all done, we'll celebrate. Together. As a family.""Yeah," He smiled. "We will."After days of searching for an apartment, we finally found one here in Glendale, twenty minutes away from our home. It was a very spacious apartment, two bedroom flat and it also came with a swimming pool. Although the interior decoration of the house was pretty nice, typical me would want to change almost everything about the house. Mom was
~Mirabelle~"What are you making?" Dad asked me when he stepped in the kitchen after taking a bath."Some cheesy Mac and cheese. Also with some Pringle coated fried chicken. Ten more minutes and I'm coming up.""Well, would you like me to assist you? Like do you need help with anything?""No. I can take care of everything. You, just set the table.""You know this feels like old times. You and I.. cooking in the kitchen together. Your sister and your mother waiting in the dining.""Yeah. It feels like it. Just that there's no one waiting for us at the dining anymore. It's just you and me. You know, like old times.""So, have you thought of when to open your restaurant? You're using the place, your grandmother gifted you right?"Yes. And I've gone to check it out. It's amazing if you ask me. I just can't wait to start. I've got countless applications from people applying for various positions in the restaurant. As from on Monday, I'll be hiring.""That's good. Well, I've got an idea." H
~Mirabelle~"...and that was how the girl ended the life of 232 men, including the life of the man she loves.""Really?"I nodded, scrubbing his hair harder with my fingers."But that's just a sad story. Why the hell are you even telling me, Belle?"I shrugged. "I don't know, maybe, I have a gut feeling that the woman you're in love with now might end you sooner or later."He laughed. "Well, you see, that's the problem. I'm not in love with anyone. I don't love."I paused to look at his reflection in the mirror which was also staring back at me. "You don't?""Nope.""Why?""I've been hurt too many times. And besides, where I'm from, we don't really do the love shit probably because we consider it a weakness. The greatest weakness of man that has ever existed.""That's not true. Love is a beautiful thing. I mean... that's what I heard.""That's what you heard? Well, what about you? Are you in love with anyone?"Was I? "Well, I was. A long time ago. But that didn't end well. I was used,
~Laurel~I was lying down on the bed when Kurt appeared out from the bathroom, naked, as he starked towards me. "What's that?" He asked, cleaning his hair with a towel. He was probably referring to what I was doing with my laptop."Just databases. You know, ever since Mariano stepped in partly, sales has been ridiculously high and fast. Dude knows how to pull the crowd with him.""Was that why you sold half the company to him?""No. I sold half of the company to him because I trust him. And I owe him. During those years I spent with Luciano, Mariano has always been there for me. And Gabriel. And so I thought, maybe, now was the time to repay him.""With Mira's position?""Ugh. Mira doesn't rant about that to you, does she? You're just making a fuss about this. Learn to mind your own business, Kurt. It pays.""Is that an insult? Oh so now, you're insulting me because of him?""Look, I wasn't insulting you. I mean...you and Mariano even have some things in common.""Like?""He suffered
~Mirabelle~"My name is Grace Harbot. I'm from New York, California. I'm twenty seven years of age and I'm a graduate of the institute of Culinary Education, California. Studied Culinary arts.""So uh.. Grace, it says in your letter that you applied for a cook position?" I said, staring at her file."Yes yes, I did.""Why do you want this job? Yeah, I know you said you need the money but why do you really want this job? What really inspires you?""Cooking. I've been cooking since I was seven. It's been my dream to one day become a chef and you know...mix two or three and get a perfect recipe. I've been doing that for years now and I'm---""Stop, stop, stop. That's enough.""Oh. Did I um---do something wrong?""No, you didn't. Just uh...meet my assistant over there," I pointed to where Mariano was seated interviewing other applicants for other various positions. "...and finalized your application with him. You got the job.""Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you ma'am. I'm so grateful. Thank you so
*One year later*~Genevieve~"Hey. You ready?"Mason asked me as he walked into the room."Do I look okay in this dress?" I said, referring to the floral gown I was wearing. "I feel... really heavy, you know. I think this baby is using my energy to do kicks, don't you think?" I asked him, placing my hand over my eight months and two weeks old belly.Mason smiled and walked over to me. "You look beautiful, darling. And besides, I'm always here to lend you my strength whenever you feel too tired to carry our little Gael." He knelt before my bump and caressed it over the skimpy dress I was wearing. "Hey buddy, don't give mommy a hard time, okay? We know you wanna come out so badly but patience, little buddy, patience." He looked up at me and I smiled. Then he got up and closed his mouth over mine. "I love you, Genevieve Kenton King."I smiled as I wrapped my arms around him. "I love you too.""Now come on. Before we arrive late for your dad's birthday dinner." He held my hand as walked o
~Genevieve~Just like that. I couldn't believe it. She was gone.Gone forever. We weren't going to see her ever again.Some of the soldiers that had ran into the smoke, came out few minutes later with Gonzalez men. One was half-dead, the other was injured but very much alive. They put them both in the van and walked around to see dad. He was saying something in low tune to dad when another set of military men walked out of the already burnt and collapsed building with a burnt, unrecognizable body that seemed to have ropes attached to it. A body that was perhaps tied. Then I recalled Mirabelle being tied up before Ryder threw me out."No! My Mira...." Mom was already shaking in tears as they placed the body on a stretcher. Dad dropped to the ground in tears, mom was wailing profusely, Mariano remained stiff and unable to move, Mason had tears rolling down his eyes...none of us could even touch the body. It was Natasha who mustered up the courage to run to where the body was and embrace
~Mirabelle~"What are we going to do? He's going to kill her!" Mason exclaimed out of frustration as he plopped down on the couch, running his fingers through his hair. Mom has been trying to calm him down ever since. But it seems all her words of assurance were falling on deaf ears."My men are searching the entire city as we speak." Dad who had been on the phone came back few minutes later to the living room and said. "They couldn't have gone far. We'll get them in no time.""Hey," Mariano knelt in front of me and places his hand on lap. "Are you alright?"I shook my head."Belle, listen to me, this is not your fault.."I was trying to hold back my tears. "Yes, it is.""No, it's not. Gonzalez has been planning his escape from prison for a long time now. And it so happened to fall on the same time period of your return so none of this is your fault, okay?""Grandpa, are you going to give me to him? The bad guy?" Natasha who was in mom's arms asked Kurt who had been restless."Of cour
~Mirabelle~"Mama, where are we? What is this place?" Natasha asked me as Mariano pulled the car to a stop. I got out and so did Natasha, who looked inquisitive, looking around the place."Hello, Natasha."She turned to stare at the people standing few metres away, her whole face lightening up. "Grandma! Grandpa!"In a blink of eye, she was running into dad's open arms. "My lil baby. She looks just you, Mariano." Dad said to Mariano who was standing beside me as he ruffled her hair playfully, picking her up from the floor."I'm quite heavy, you know. Mama feeds me with good stuff." Natasha said jokingly."Well then, it's a good thing I have quite the strength then." Dad smiled as we walked into the house."Camilla," I greeted Camilla who was standing with the other servants. "I see you're still here." I said, moving into her arms. "Thank you.""Always, Mirabelle, always." She responded and we pulled away. "I'll make coffee and some toast."I nodded and she walked away. "It feels good
~Genevieve~He wasn't in bed with me when I woke up.I got up, stretched and slipped on his shirt. Then I got up and went on a mission to go look for him.I heard noise coming from kitchen area and do I just decided to follow my instincts. To my surprise, he was standing in front of the cooker, flipping something in a pan, shirtless in an apron and in a pair of sweatpants. He turned around and our gaze met."Hey. Good morning."I smiled as I made my way toward him. "Good morning. You're up early.""Yeah, I got up to make breakfast. Come on, have a seat. Breakfast is ready."I did as he told me and sat put as he served me. Breakfast was bacon, scrambled eggs, pancakes and maple syrup.As I ate, I noticed he was stealing glances at me. "What?""You're very beautiful, Gen. Very very."I snorted, hoping that was a joke. "I'm sure I look like a mess.""You look breathtaking."I met his gaze and he smiled. Then he got up from where he sat and walked around to where I was, then to my surpris
~Mirabelle~A lot of people were hovering over me when I woke up. Mom, Mariano, two women, a man, Natasha...."Natasha." I called out gently and she was the first to notice as she ran into my outstretched arms."Mama! Mama, you scared the hell out of us all." She was already crying as I brushed the tears away from her face. "Mama, we were so worried...I was so worried. Promise that you won't ever make us worry like that again."I smiled and pulled her close, her head was resting gently on my chest. "I'm fine, sweetie. I'm just...scared." I admitted softly."But why are you scared, mama? We are here for you, remember? Don't be scared, okay? Daddy is here for you. I am here for you. Grandma is here for you. Don't ever feel scared, okay? You're my best friend. I wouldn't know what I'd do if anything were to happen to you. I can't ever live without you, mama."I couldn't help chuckling as I wrapped my arm tightly over her. "Oh my sweet little red haired baby. I love you so much my darling
~Mirabelle~I stood there and watched as Genevieve expressed how she felt about Mason to Ryder. Ryder on the other seemed to be furious but he looked as if he was holding back from lashing out all on his anger on Genevieve. The moment he walked out, I decided to stay for a while. This was bad. I should be with her right now. She had just made a life-changing decision that would probably require a shoulder to lean on and here I was, hiding behind the wall.All of a sudden, she stood up. She glanced at the mirror and then stopped. But just before she could turn around, a hand grasped mine, pulling me into the shadows."What on earth do you think you're doing?""Mariano, she's my sister. I should be in there with her right now. I should--""Then what's stopping you?"I stared into his eyes."Go on. Go to her. She's your sister, right? She needs you. You should be with her right now. So why are you here?""I--I don't think that's a very good idea. She's down right now, I can't afford to a
~Mirabelle~The congregation was filled to the brim. The people present were mostly friends, elites, actresses, musicians, business elites and government officials from all over the world. From where I was seated, I could see Mariano, my friends, Gabriel and even mom. Natasha and I were both at the back row. We didn't want to draw much attention so we just hid there.Then there was Ryder at the altar, waiting like the gentleman he was. Although, there was something about Ryder. Something off about him, he didn't seem quite the man for Genevieve anymore.And then, there was the bride. Walking towards the altar with dad's arm strapped to hers. On getting to the front row, she quickly hugged mom and Gabriel before proceeding to kneel in front of the altar with her soon to be husband. After a short prayer, they were back on their feet as they proceeded to the ring part and then the exchanging of vows.Well, now it was time to declare them husband and wife."If anyone have reason why these
~Mirabelle~I was trying out the dresses, mom had brought earlier for Gen's wedding tomorrow. There was a silver splayed gown with emeralds, a beautiful black straight one with deep cleavage curve and split up the right thigh and a pink short one with diamonds stashed all over. According to her, the theme of the wedding was black and pink, if I wanted to fit in to be noticed, I'd wear pink but if I wanted to remain anonymous and hidden, I'd wear black.At first I didn't want to go. Mom and Mariano were the only ones who knew about my existence. Mariano had argued with mom about telling dad about me but she had slid him off, telling him the consequences that would result from my dad abruptly finding out about my existence. According to her, she would wine and dine him after Gen's wedding then tell him about me. As for now, I still have to remain hidden and try as much as possible to apply heavy makeups contrary to my skin tone, wear sunglasses and colored wigs. That way, they would nev