~Laurel~"Here." Kurt passed me a mug of the coffee he had prepared. I stared at the mug and the thought of not taking it nearly crossed my mind.He read the look on my face. "It's just coffee, Laurel." I glared and snatched the mug from his hold before sipping it slowly. Kurt plopped on the sofa in front of me and sipped his. "I don't see anyone around here. You live alone now?""No, gave my workers days off. They had helped me move in so I thought it would be nice if I gave them days off and allowances to feast on for the weekend.""I didn't picture you to be this kind of person." He purred, moving backward to rest his back on the sofa."What kind of person did you picture me to be?"He rolled his eyes and stared at the ceiling. "Rude, proud and arrogant. The money makes people high."I laughed. "Like the way you're high?""No, mine has been a characteristic.""Good for you. Cos you're the most arrogant person I've ever had the bad luck of meeting.""You don't call fate, bad luck,
~Laurel~"What?""I said Jason proposed to me. After what happened last nigh--""Well congratulations." He said and turned to walk away."Is that all you've got to say Kurt? I didn't even accept it!"He turned to me, his eyes, stormy blue. "Well what do you want me to do?! Fight for a woman I don't love? Fight for a woman who doesn't want me? Can't say I've heard that one before."A woman I don't love..."I--I, I thought---""What did you think? That I still love you? Then you really must be out of your mind. Accept it and get married, Laurel. Do what'll make you happy. I certainly don't care."I swallowed in my tears and mustered the courage to feign a smile. "Good to know. I wish you'll find the right woman Kurt, who would change this man you've become. I only hope there's even such a woman." I said and walked out on him.It was clear now.Vividly clear.I had just written Kurt Kenton off from my life.~"Godmother do you like this movie?" Mira asked me halfway into the movie we wer
~Laurel~"Sir someone's here to see you." I heard Jason's secretary say to him and shortly after, she walked out and nodded, signifying that I could enter.I walked into Jason's office and saw him, buried in his work, but only I knew what he was going through underneath that suit of his."What are you doing here?" He asked, his gaze not lifting from his computer's. "Came to check if the heart's still in one piece? Then no, it's not." He lifted his gaze from his computer and faced me. I walked closer to him and drew out a chair, sitting opposite him. "I'm really sorry about what you saw or---""Allow me to specify it for you. I saw you kissing Kurt Kenton. Your ex. Infact, you didn't even know that I knew that you had a past with that man. Did you?"No. He wasn't aware and he wasn't even supposed to find out. "Look I--""I never cheated on you, Laurel. Not once. You know everybody warned me to stay the hell away from you. That you weren't into relationships and stuffs like that but I s
~Kurt~I was going through a few paperwork when the door slid open and Clarissa walked in."What do you want?" I asked her, moving my keyboard aside."Eaten?""No. How is Mira?""Hmm, I can't say that she is moody but at least, she's responding to me a little." She moved closer to me. "She's a fine combination of you and Laurel.""Don't even dare say her name.""Kurt you can't blame Laurel for everything. She had a life before you whirled back into her life. ""A mother's duty is to her kid and to the fath--" I paused, noticing the amused look on her face."You still love her, don't you?"I sighed, running my hand frustratedly into my hair. "Do you know how hard it is knowing that the mother of my child is going 'round in circles, sleeping and changing men like purses? Do you know how hard it is? I care about Laurel a lot. Why can't she see that I'm trying to reach out to her?""She doesn't see it because you're doing it forcefully. You're forcing her, Kurt and women don't like being
~Laurel~"So you mean to tell me that dad accused you of something like that?" Mira asked me, unable to believe that Kurt could actually accuse me of killing his mother indirectly. I didn't want to tell her this but looking at the situation, I wouldn't be able to clear my name off her black book without being sincere and truthful with her.She clutched her cup of coffee tight. "Did you do it?""What? No! I wouldn't cheat on your dad with his dad. I wouldn't do something like that to him. After everything he did to me, I couldn't bear it all, so I had to give you away.""Still doesn't explain the main reason why you gave me away. You were ashamed of me, I was a burden to you, and worst of al--""I love you, Mirabelle. If I didn't, I wouldn't have given birth to you. I would have ended your life even before you dreamed of your arrival into this world.""I know. You love me, I love you, I get it, but did you even love my dad? Did you at least try to prove to him that you were innocent?"
~Laurel~"Laurie, Laurie!" Mia ran into the dining room where we were having lunch and tossed a tabloid on the table. I picked it and flipped on the first page, shocked and at the same time surprised to see Mira and I on the first page.The headline stating;Who is she???Most hottest and famous Hollywood female star was spotted in Rodeo Drive today with a little girl of about twelve years old. Who could this little girl be?? Laurel Hyde hasn't been seen with any kid before apart from her best friend; Wesley Cooper's son, even our sources say she hate kids. So who could this twelve years old be??A relative or perhaps, a long lost kid?"Fuck!" I cursed running my hand through my hair. "Do I need to put a restraining order against these people now? Why can't they just leave me alone? I mean it hasn't even be up to twenty four hours! What if Jason sees this? What would he say? Oh god.""That's what happens when the whole world knows who you are." Mira mumbled out with a spoon in her mo
~Laurel~"Ma, there's someone here to see you." Julia told me and I tilted my head up from my computer to stare at her."Who?""She said her name is Bella Daniels. And that she had to go through a lot to track you down here.""Well does she know that I barely have time to spare?" And besides, what was Kurt's therapist doing here? In my company?"Okay, let her in."Few seconds later, Bella walked in. All gorgeously dressed. That sly smile on her lips broadened when she held my gaze."Am I bothering you?""What do you want, Bella?"She strode over to me and slowly plopped down on a couch opposite me. "Just here to talk, Laurel."I folded my arms. " You didn't come all the way here just to talk.""That's right. It's hard to book meetings with celebs these days, don't you think? Anyway, I'm just here to warn you."Warn me? "As in me?" I laughed, shook my head. "Have you had too much to drink? Because you barely even know me.""Oh I do you. I know you so very well. You're Mira's mom." My h
~Laurel~"What do you mean there nothing left to tell me? Are you sleeping with her, it's either a yes or no."He banged his fists hard on the table making me jerk backwards."This shit is completely pissing me off. Who are you anyway to ask me that? You that just can't seem to get your legs closed. You open them to just anyone wearing slacks and you think you are in the position to ask me that? Don't ask about something when it's obviously something you're good at."I gave out a bitter chuckle and shook my head. "I should have know you would use that against me. Well you wanna know the reason why I'm doing all of that? I just can't seem to get rid of your thoughts. And everything you said to me years ago. You told me to trust you and at the end, you just went ahead and betrayed me. Betrayed what I thought we had.""I betrayed you? Laurel please, we're not doing a couple's argument right now. I'm not up for any argument with you. I thought you said you're a lie detective? Well, if you
*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