*~Laurel*~The first thing he did was pull me into a hug. When we broke off, I stared at him in awe. "How did you....""I bought all Luciano's men." "What?""You don't have to worry anymore. They all work for me now.""But but..that would only put Gabriel in more danger. Kurt, you shouldn't have. I love Gabriel more than anything in this world and I won't be able to stand seeing him get hurt."He cupped my face. "You won't. Very soon, I'll get you both back. It's only a matter of time. Tell me, did he suspect anything?"I shook my head. "No, he didn't. But he's very vigilant now. He knows I won't hold down my feelings for you. So he's not ready to back down. He could fight if it comes to it. Kurt, you have to be really careful. How's Gen and Mira?""Good.""I know it must have been really hard for them.""You'll see soon again. Not as Rose, but as their mother. Just hold on for me. I'll take care of everything." Just then the door opened and Charles stepped in."Boss, we've got less
*~Mirabelle~*"Good morning, ma'am." My assistant PA greeted me. She was early today, I noticed. Reign was never early."Morning, Reign. Good to see you early this morning."She blushed. "It's just... it's just something good happened last night.""Do you mind telling me about it? Or don't?""I can tell you about it later if you want. And by the way, there's someone waiting to see you.""Send them in." I said and walked straight into my office.After settling down in my office, few minutes later, the door opened and the last person whom I expected to see, walked in."You again.""Don't tell me you're surprised," a sly smirk was playing on his lips as he helped himself to one of the chairs in front of my desk."I'm not. Only bothered by the fact that you're here right now. Unreal, isn't it? When I thought you wouldn't show your face to me ever again.""Too bad. Sadly, I crushed your expectations..." We were interrupted by the knock on the door after a second, Gen burst into my office.
*~Mirabelle~*The moment I got home, I was shaken. What exactly had just happened?Thirty minutes later, with a cup of coffee in my hand, I was still staring at the envelope on my table in my room. What exactly could be in it? What clearer picture was Rosalie talking about? Why did she jump on me like that? Why did she sounded like mom at first?The answer to my questions was hidden in that envelope. But the problem was, I wasn't manned enough to open it."That's it." After watching the paper for God knows how long, I finally decided to open it.Slowly, I picked up the envelope, opened and poured whatever was hidden in it on my table but to my surprise, there was only a folded picture and a small note in it.A note?What for exactly?Slowly, I unfolded the picture and the moment I was done with this, I was shocked and gasping for breath!The picture was exactly the same Greg gave to me. The one of Dad pecking Rosalie's cheek but the difference was Rosalie wasn't the one in the picture
~Mirabelle~Three days laterStrong arms were wrapped around my waist. Slowly and slowly, a hand slipped down, squeezed my butt, went down and down to my thigh. I threw my head back and moaned just as the other hand cupped and squeezed my breasts. I couldn't remember when last I felt like this but I wanted to feel like this....wanted to feel so much more at the moment. Slowly and slowly, the hand that was caressing my thigh, lifted the hem of my skirt and went further. I gasped the moment two fingers grazed my panties, pushed it aside and slipped in. I threw my head back and moaned as the fingers moved faster and faster. The faster the fingers, the louder my moans. And just as I was about to hit the edge of my pleasurable state, the fingers stopped. It felt as if I had just been tortured, my brain unable to function for a moment."Why?" I asked, turning to look at whoever had just left me hanging on the edges. I was shocked, unable to breath. "Mariano?" I woke up. All drenched and so
Mirabelle~I was putting on shorts that my butt had literally turned to into panties with a big black hoodie as I tried to focus on my work for the next day. Nothing was getting in. Even after speaking to Gabriel and mom on the phone, I still couldn't focus. Kidd was half the reason and Mariano, the other. I still couldn't understand why both men wouldn't just get the fuck out of my head, rather than stay and mess things up. I admit it. Somewhere deep down, I still had feelings for Kidd but I had made sure I was able to subdue it because I knew it would be capable of destroying me. One thing about me, I hardly fall in love, but when I do, I love hard. With body, soul and mind. And that's why I hardly do.A knock came on my door. "Who's there?"The door opened and Dad's head popped in first. "Mind if I come in?"A smile formed on the side of my mouth as I lifted both my legs on my chair. "Not so busy today?""I just want to talk to you.""I don't want to talk. I'm not in the mood."
~Genevieve~"Here are the drugs, Ryder, you need to take them now." I said arriving back in the bedroom with a cup of water. After bringing Ryder home, I decided to go get drugs and probably prepare noodles so he'd eat something before taking the drugs. I was surprised he lived in this kind of place. Was he that broke that he was unable to get a good apartment for himself or was it he decision to live here in the slums?"It's okay, Gen. Just leave them there and go home. You shouldn't even be here any longer. You've done enough. Just go home. I'll take care of myself.""Oh really? Just exactly how are you planning on taking of yourself in this condition? How? When you're dead? Stop with the bullshit and take these drugs already. Please."He sighed, sat up and collected the pills and glass of water from my hold. "You're so stubborn, you know."I heaved a sigh when he finally swallowed the pills. " And you're far worse. Here," I picked up the plate of noodles and placed it on my lap. "Y
~*Mirabelle*~"Aren't we there yet?" Gabriel asked from the backseat of the car. "No, still a few minutes away. You hungry?" Mariano turned back and asked him."I'd be grateful if I could get a packet of fries and a cup of chocolate ice cream." He muttered from behind. I gaped at him. Was he being shy right now?"What about you, Belle?""I'm not hungry." I tore my gaze away from his."Okay. Just wait here then. Both of you. I'll go get some food." He said and got out of the car."Exactly, how close are you to a stranger like him?""He's my friend. He's not a stranger,""Well, you don't know him that well, do you?""He's the brother of the man who's trapped you your whole life. You shouldn't trust a person so easily, kid.""I'm. Not a kid. Okay? I'm four and I'm no longer a baby.""Oh, you're a baby. You're mom's baby. You're my bab---""I'm not your baby, you took me away from mom." He said and scowled at me."To protect you, of course.""I don't...need your protection.""You annoyin
*~Mirabelle~*I came back in the bedroom to see Mariano busy with the sheets. "So, I'm really going to sleep here, ain't I?""Listen, I can leave if you want---""Leave.""What?""You said you can leave if I want. And now, I want you to leave. Go outside. Sleep elsewhere. Anywhere except here.""Mira---""Just leave! Mariano, stop making this harder for any of us. It's obvious I don't trust you so leave.""Fine." He tossed the bedsheets aside and picked his jacket from the wooden chair sitting beside the bed. "I'll leave." With that he stepped out of the room. When I appeared back in the living room, I saw Gabriel interrogating him. Quickly, I grabbed him and he flung away from my hold. "No! Let me go! You're sending him away, why? He brought us here. How could you do this to him?""He should leave, Gabriel. I cannot and will not endanger your life, our lives by letting in a total stranger!""He is not a total stranger! He is my friend. He was there for me when you or Dad wasn't. 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