~Mirabelle~"I'm full," I pouted with a sigh as I looked at the different menus before me. Helena had literally taken her time to make so many dishes and I have been eating now for the past thirty minutes and now I couldn't take anymore. I was so full that I felt like I could burst. Mariano smirked and got up from his chair, moving to stand behind me. I felt his hands on my hair and in few seconds, he had taken it all and turned it into a braid. "C'mon." He held out his hand for me."Where to?""You're full now, right? C'mon, let's go somewhere."I stared at him blankly. "Where?"~*~I could go on like this. Dancing excitedly with people clapping and beating drums around us. Dancing all our worries away. It felt as if it was just us alone. I wanted to stay like this with him. Wasn't forever possible?"Here," he handed me a bottle of water as I tried to calm my breath."Woah," I uncorked the bottle and took a huge gulp. It had been so long I felt so free. Being here with him like this,
~Mirabelle~ The door to my room pushed open and he walked in. "Hey." "Hey." "Well, I just uh, came here to tell you that my friends and I are going out. I don't think we will be back until midnight." "We? So you're just gonna leave me here all by myself?" "Belle, it's not..." "Go ahead. Do whatever you want. I'm not stopping you, am I?" "What a shame. I wanted you to tag along. But nevermind. I'll just go and--" "Wait!" He stopped. "I'm coming with you." After a moment, he turned to look at me. "Well, get ready then. It's going to be a really long night." ~*~ Honestly, I just couldn't stop glaring at Camilla. The fact that she had the guts to wrap her arms around Mariano and the fact that he wasn't doing anything to stop her was annoying. I was trying to get out of the car when I felt arms around me from behind. "Here, let me help you." I didn't want to make a fuss so I just let Dante help me get down from the car. "Where is this place?" "One of the best beach bars here
~Mirabelle~"Are you in love with my husband?"She kept quiet. This was it. I didn't know why I asked but I needed to be sure and I also wanted to make it clear in front of Mariano so he doesn't think that it's all friendship with her."I'd rather drink," Before she could reach for the alcohol, I got hold of it and took it to my side."Woah, girl, take it easy. Drink and make a fool of yourself? Doesn't sound bold of you. It's a simple question, Camilla. Are you in love with my husban--""Yes! Yes, yes! I am! Happy now?"All I could hear for a moment were the gasps around."How could you?" Andrea shot at her. "I thought we've settled that already. You made it very clear that you weren't in love with him before..""I thought I wasn't. But things changed, Andrea, things changed...""So you were doing all these on purpose? To hurt who? Mirabelle?" It was Mariano. "Camilla...""Look, it's normal, okay? Totally normal for one to fall in love unexpectedly..." Aldo defended."Yes but it isn'
~Mirabelle~I was in my office working when I heard a knock on my door. Early this morning, I had disabled the voice command and decided to use lock instead. "Who's there?" "Mason."I leaned back on my chair. "Come in, the door's not locked."He pushed the door open and walked in. "Hey. You're back and you didn't even tell me?"I sighed. "I forgot, man, I'm so sorry. I was just so exhausted, I forgot to call you.""It's just okay. The deed has been done anyways. So how was it? Did you enjoy it?""Well, it was fun. It was okay." I said, nodding my head."Are you hungry? Maybe we could eat out?""Uh..."Just then, the door opened and Mariano walked in. "Actually, we have plans." He said, coming around to plant a kiss on my lips. "Right baby?"There was an emotion that was unreadable on Mason's face. "Uh..yes. I'll see you later, Mason." I walked up to him and embraced him briefly before stepping out, Mariano following behind.~*~"You do know he likes you right?"I tilted my head to lo
~Mirabelle~I pushed him away from me at once and the next thing I did was land my hand on his face."You bastard," I spat, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand as I turned to leave. Before I could step out, he grabbed me again, nudged my back against the wall and forced his lips on mine again."Kidd, stop it! Kidd, I said stop it!" I said, tried pushing him off me but he didn't budge. I bit his tongue and tried escaping from his grip but he punched my stomach and nudged me down on the ground.I gasped, coughing and trying to get back on my feet but he got on top of me and started unbuckling his jeans."Kidd... don't..." I tried catching my breath. "Don't, please.." I begged, tears rolling down my eyes. He lifted my gown up and just as he was about sliding down my panties, the bathroom door burst open and Mariano barged inside. Like a fuming panther, he lunged himself at Kidd and started hitting and punching the living daylight out of him. He didn't stop. He grabbed a handful of K
~Mirabelle~He was looking so beautiful in his sleep. I had to stay up all night after sex to watch him. It was creepy I know, but it was worth it. Who wouldn't want to watch a beautiful man sleep? Probably when he's not teasing and making you laugh?Just then he turned and made a sound in his sleep. That was when I knew he was about to wake up but before I could turn and pretend to be asleep, he grabbed my arm, making me fall on top of him as he chuckled."That was so not necessary, baby." He said, hugging me close as he positioned me properly on him."It was. I feel like a creep now."He laughed."You're not. I also stay up all night to watch you too sometimes.""You do?""You're so beautiful, baby, who wouldn't want to watch you sleep?""Do I snore?""He chuckled, nuzzling my neck. "No, you don't. But it would be fun if you did though."I slapped his arm. "Ouch!" He groaned and laughed.Noticing my hair tye was still tied to the headboard, I reached out to loosen it. "Annie will be
~Mirabelle~When I woke up, I saw someone staring at me. My visions were blurry so I couldn't make out the face but I could tell it was Mariano. Just before I could lean in and kiss him, I felt a soft slap on my face and that was when I realized I was actually going to kiss Gen."The fuck you saw him in your dreams?!" She asked me, laughing.I groaned. " I didn't only see him. I did a lot of things to him.""You had a sex dream?" A small smile curled up at the side of her mouth when she saw the look on my face. "It wasn't only a dream, it came to pass, didn't it?"I nodded, biting my lips. "I didn't know what came over me this morning. Mariano is slowly turning me into someone I'm not.""At least he doesn't deprive you. He gives it to you however and whenever you want it. Come on," she climbed off the bed and reached out for me. "Let's go make breakfast together. I miss having you around."I groaned, falling back on the bed. "I don't think I can get up. It feels as if my body has been
~Mirabelle~I had confessed everything to Mason today. I had held it all in for a long time now that I couldn't hold it back anymore. I was going insane. I needed to tell someone. I needed an assurance. And I was so grateful I got that from Mason. He didn't judge me for any of my actions and he even told me to give Mariano a second chance. He didn't judge me for having misplaced feelings for Kidd neither did he judge Mariano for everything that has happened. I was so glad to have him as my best friend even though I know I might be endangering his life as well, he took that risk by listening to me. And I was grateful. I was glad. It felt as if something has been lifted off my chest.Taking off my shoes, I walked in the living room. The whole room was quiet when I walked in and I was sure Annie must have gone home since it was so late already.Sliding off my skirt, blouse and bra, I was left only in my underwear as I plopped down on a couch to relax, my eyes closing. I had only closed m
*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