~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
~Mirabelle~"I don't know but it feels like I know you from somewhere, I just can't seem to put a finger on where I've seen you before. Perhaps, in another life?""Wouldn't it be great then if it was another life? Probably another world?"I smiled. "Very funny. Come with me." I took his hand as I led him upstairs."Oh so now you're planning on locking me up in here? So I don't leave for Spain? Is that it?"I smirked. "Shut up." As soon as got to the couple's spot, I opened the door and led him in."Wow. This is so....""Beautiful, I know. It's strictly for couple's only and as you know, they're VIPs so...""Is that why you brought me here? Because we're a couple now?""Oh shut up. I brought you here so you'd be the first person to actually see it. In here. You can eat your food. Just sit while I look for a place to go warm it up. I'll be right back in a few minutes." With that I scurried away to the kitchen.Few minutes later, after warming up his meal, I served it on a plate, added t
~Mirabelle~"Welcome to Mira's kitchen! Free food for everyone!'' I announced and cheers filled the air."Congratulations, baby. I'm so proud of you." Aunt Kaitlyn said with a smile and hugged me."Thanks Aunt." Just then I sighted Gabriel coming in with dad. "Hey!"I scooted low and welcomed him in my arms. "Mira! I'm so happy to see you!""Me too. You're growing bigger huh?"He blushed. "Of course. Dad here is quite big so...''"You wanna be so big and tall like my dad? You wanna be like him?!" I asked playfully ruffling his hair."I think I'll pass. I'd rather be me instead."Dad and I laughed."So when are you coming back home?''"Huh..." I looked at dad, unsure of what I wanted to say. "Soon. That's all I can say for now. But you can come visit me if you want."His eyes widened."Really?""Yeah. You can even come spend the night at my place sometimes.""Wow! That's cool! Can I bring all my Spiderman toys too? And Superman? Can I bring him along too?""Sure, bring anyone you want!"
~Mirabelle~Forty minutes later, I was clapping to the drum of music playing. He didn't tell what actually this was... but it seemed like a festival. An open Indian festival on an amusement park to be precise since it was Indian music blasting in the air with bodies swinging here and there. Just then Mariano appeared in sight with two cups of coffee."I can see you're enjoying yourself!" He had to shout because the volume of the music in the air was quite stentorian.I collected a cup from him. "Yeah, I am! It's just... it's just so beautiful being here. Why didn't you tell me about this before?!""You were busy talking. Or questioning, rather."I eyed him and took a sip of the coffee. It was hot and at the same time soothing."Wanna dance?""What?!""Would you like to dance?!"I pulled my ear. "Sorry, I can't hear you!''"I know very well, you can. Would you like to dance?"I laughed. He was right. I could still hear him despite the noise. "I can assure you that I'm not a very good d
~Mirabelle~I was sprawled on the lounger, lying on my chest with my sunglasses on when Kaitlyn joined me on the next lounger."Hey.""Hey.""You didn't join the others for a swim why?""Not feeling like it.""You're not feeling too well?"I took off my sunglasses. "I think. Plus I'm not feeling like it. So how was it? Caught some waves?""Nah, I think I'll try again later. Just look how happy your mom is with your dad." I lifted my head to stare and I was fascinated by the smile on mom's face when dad lifted her up from the water and threw her over his shoulder."Yeah.. she's beautiful. She's always been beautiful.""Not like when she's with your dad.""Yeah, like you and Wesley too. Liam and Rita as well, just take a look at them," She turned to look at Liam who was unknowingly teasing his fiance under water. "It happens to everyone who's in love.""Yeah and I'm sure it'll happen to you too. Very soon." I snorted and laid my head back on the lounger. I didn't want to think about a
*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