Becky’s POV I changed my clothes and headed downstairs. Then I met Frank on the stairs.“Phillip told me what happened,” he said. “He said you tried to call him but couldn’t. Why did you not call me?”“I did not remember your number,” I said.“You mean you do not know my number?” He asked, offended.“Sorry, I was under a lot of pressure. Where is Phillip?”“He went back to the office. Who was the girl who attacked you?”“She used to work at the salon Anna visits. She was fired for padding our bill, I guess.”“Is that why she attacked you?”“Yeah. Perhaps, I will still be in a lot of trouble over it,” I said.“If she started it, then you won’t, but please, if you ever get in such trouble, call me. No matter where I am or what I am doing, I will come over.”“Thank you,” I smiled.I heard Anna calling me.“See you later,” I said, and went to join her.“Where did you say you were?” Anna asked as I got ready to read to her.“I went to see my mom.” “She is alright, isn’t she?”“Yeah, she
Celine’s POV After I stormed out of Phillip’s office, I went straight to see my dad, but he was not in his office. Feeling frustrated, I called him.“Dad, where are you?” I demanded.“I am in a meeting. What is it?”“I went to see Phillip, he does not want to have anything to do with me,” I complained.He sighed. “I told you to stay away from him for now.”“How am I going to get him to marry me if I can not draw him to even talk to me?” I yelled.“Phillip will marry you, okay sweetheart?”“He won’t. Not when Rebecca is still around! You need to get rid of her.” “Relax okay. I am taking care of it right now.” “How?”“You will know soon. I have to go. I will catch you later.”“Dad-“He hung up. I cursed.He said he was planning something against Rebecca? Really? Hopefully, it would keep her away from Phillip forever. I went back to work, impatiently waiting to hear the news. Would it be something bad? Would it spread all over social media? Whatever it was, I would be told. I hoped to
Becky’s POV “Before all the afternoon's craziness, I was thinking of what romantic thing I could do to surprise you this evening,” Phillip said, rubbing my cheeks.“And what did you come up with?” I teased.“Nothing yet. My thoughts were interrupted.”“My fault,” I said, wincing.“No, it was actually Celine that came over to distract me.”“Was Celine in your office? What did she want?”“To bother me as usual. Forget her, let’s talk about us.”“What should we do?” I smiled.“This first.” He kissed me.“Have you now thought of how to surprise me?” I asked.“Mmm…hey! I have it,” he said, and lifted me in his arms.“Wait! Where are we going?” I asked as he carried me out of the room.“It is a surprise,” he said, and carried me to the elevator. We rode upstairs.“Here we are,” he grinned, stepping into his private swimming pool.He put me down gently on a recliner. “I will be right back.”He left. I leaned backward, and looked up at the stars, enjoying the gentle breeze creasing my face.
Phillip’s POV Rebecca turned pale.“What!” She gasped. “That is awful. I am so sorry.”“Me too. It may have been caused by the fall.” I sighed. “Celine’s drama has gotten her into trouble this time.”“I hope she is going to be okay.”“I hope so too. I have to get to the hospital.” I left, my heart beating wildly as I drove to the hospital. I had a feeling Celine and her dad were going to somehow try to get Rebecca in trouble because of this, and I was determined to protect her.The hospital was a small private hospital, and I wondered why they had come here instead of a bigger hospital. Perhaps it was not so serious, I hoped. I rushed in and met Frank in the waiting room.“Where are they?” I asked.“Inside. I was just on my way out.”We sat down. “Did the doctor say what happened?” I asked.“Yeah, he said the fall caused her to lose the baby.”I sighed. “Damn! I really am sorry about that,” I said.I knew from his expression there was something he wasn’t telling me.“What is it?” I
Phillip’s POV They stared at me in surprise as I left the room.They hadn’t expected my reaction. They thought I would do as they had asked, but I wouldn't. Now that I knew their plan, I could think how to stop them.The first thing I had to do to outsmart their plot was gather evidence against them.It is true that Celine had informed me of her pregnancy, and even brought a test she carried out to confirm it. But what if it was all a lie, and I had foolishly taken her word for it? I went to find the doctor. I saw him in the corridor.“Doctor, I want to talk to you about one of your patients, Celine Davis. She is a friend of mine.”“Who are you please?” He asked.“Phillip Dale.”“Really? Can we go to my office?” he said, and I followed behind him.“What are you interested in knowing?” He asked when we were seated.“First, was Celine pregnant? Because I find it hard to believe a small fall would cause her to lose the baby,” I said.“She was. She was pregnant, and the fall was not small
Becky’s POV I watched the video in horror. It was a clip of the fight in the supermarket. It had been taken from the supermarket camera. Not everything has been shown though just a part of it, the aspect that did not tell the full story. It showed me pushing Kate. It was just after she slapped me and pulled my hair, before I hit her in return.It was edited to make it appear like I had just attacked Kate.“This is not what happened,” I insisted. “Kate attacked me first.” “I know, but the clip does not show that here. This is Davis' doing,” Phillip said, frowning.“But why?” “He is trying to make you look like a troublemaker. To make people believe you go around looking for trouble, so that they will believe you attacked Celine and his case will look good.”“Would it work?” I asked, with wrinkles evident on my forehead.“I am not sure, but I do not think so. Even if you did attack Kate, which you didn’t, that does not mean you attacked Celine. Don’t worry, this means nothing,” he sai
Becky's POV The lawyer's name was Jake. He and Frank arrived just before lunchtime. Phillip, Anna, and I were at the dining table when they walked in. Frank introduced him to Anna as a business partner and they joined us. They talked about business while we ate, then later on I helped Anna upstairs and came to join them. He began talking about my problem.“Frank has explained everything to me,” Jake said. “The case is a bit difficult because there were no witnesses, but not bad.”“What about the video? Can that cause us any trouble?” Frank asked.“No, not really.”“Good. See I told you.” Phillip smiled at me.“Well, I am glad,” Frank said.“Except,” Jake continued. “We have to make sure there is no witness who Davis can hire to ruin Rebecca’s image.”“What do you mean?” I asked.“If maybe a friend, or relative was to say you were a troublemaker or someone who liked fighting, then it would be very hard to prove you did not do it.”I recollected what Davis had said and became scared.“
Becky’s POV After I took Anna upstairs that evening, I went straight to my room. Phillip was in his private pool, and he was expecting me to join him, but I was not composed enough to do so. I couldn’t face him just yet. I paced about my room trying to think of the best way to tell the horrible lie.What would his reaction be? Good or bad? What would he think of me? Would he fire me and ask me to leave immediately? I became cold as I thought of it. Where would I go if he did?Maybe I should not inform him. I would leave things as they were, I decided. But what if we lose? His reputation would be ruined. I can't let that happen. I have caused him enough trouble already.My buzzing phone startled me out of my thoughts. My heart skipped, it was Phillip.“Hello?” I answered. I could hear my voice trembling.“Great, you are awake. Aren’t you coming to join me? The weather is really cool.”“Em I....”“Are you okay?” He asked.“No. I have a little headache, but I will be fine. I just need s
Becky’s POV“Are you okay?” Jenny asked as we left the café.“Sure,” I nodded.“I hope you aren’t thinking about Jerry, the jerk?”“A little. I don’t want the loser making trouble for me.”“Relax. He won’t. He is just making noise. Come on, let's go pick out your wedding dress.”I winced. I didn’t want to go with her because I knew her very well. She would pick out the thinnest, most expensive dress in the shop and I was right.“No way Jenny. This dress barely covers me,” I protested as she pulled it from the hanger.“So? It is a wedding, and not a funeral dress. This is perfect.”I squinted my eyes, “No it isn’t.”“Try it on and see.”Sighing, I did. It was worse than I imagined.“I need something more covered up,” I said, frowning.We tried a few more dresses, but still couldn’t find the right one.The store assistant asked us to come on Saturday afternoon when a new shipment would have arrived.“Okay, we will be here on Saturday, and I promise to get you a dress,” Jenny said.“I ca
Becky’s POV“We read you are getting married, congratulations,” he said.“Thanks.”“You are preparing for the wedding, right?” Someone else asked.“Yes.” I answered, not sure what to make of it.“Would you be able to juggle working and preparing?”“It will not be easy actually, but I will try.” I shrugged.“How about you take time off and let us handle things here until after the wedding?” The manager suggested.“No, I can’t. I have to run this place.”“When you come back,” the company’s accountant added. “We will help you hold this place down. Meanwhile, concentrate on your wedding.”Everyone agreed. I didn’t want to, but their suggestion made sense. So I had no choice but to obey.By 3:00 PM that afternoon I was waiting for Jenny at the airport. Her plane was late and l was getting impatient when I saw her coming towards me. “Becky!” She said, hugging me tightly. “It feels like centuries!”“I have missed you too,” I said, putting her bags in the truck.“I have so much to tell you a
Becky’s POVA week has passed, and I still hadn’t gotten over the shock of my discovery. Phillip tried to help me heal, but I was still upset anytime I thought of how much time I had spent not knowing my real mother. I tried to imagine if she had ever come around to visit. She hadn’t. She just abandoned me.Luckily I had already quit Lenora Fashions, so I didn’t have to go there or see Sandra. She called me almost every day, but I ignored those annoying calls. I wanted nothing to do with her.“Sandra called me. She says she has been calling you, you aren’t picking up,” Phillip said at breakfast one morning.“Why is she calling me? What does she want?” I snapped.“To talk to you.”“She has survived years without talking to me, or even seeing me so why the sudden change?” “Babe, I know you are hurt and angry, but please you have to calm down and talk to her. She is your mother. And she loves you.”“No, if she did, she wouldn’t have abandoned me.”“She does. She didn’t abandon you. Try
Becky POVI ran as if someone was after me. I didn’t know where I was going and didn’t care. I just wanted to get away. Running, I had only one thing in mind: Sandra was my mother! I had lived with her for weeks and never realized it. Phillip was aware, why hadn’t he told me? Who else knew? I imagined that I had run a few feet, but I was shocked when I saw where I was; in the center of the town. I must have run for an hour, perhaps. My heart and legs ached. I observed around, and noticed a café I often went to across the street. I went in and ordered coffee immediately, eager to calm my nerves, and get hold of the situation at hand.It was unbelievable for me. I preferred to run away because I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I was suddenly very furious. All along I had been living with April who didn’t love me, thinking I was the problem, not knowing my real mom was so close and didn’t say anything. If I hadn’t started asking questions, would she have still kept silent? And why had m
Becky’s POVOn Saturday afternoon Sandra called me.“Rebecca, how would you like to come to dinner this evening?” She asked.“Yeah, sure but,” I hesitated. Phillip and I planned to go to a movie. “Phil and I have plans.”“I won’t keep you long. I promise. I want to talk to you. It is kind of important.”“Is everything okay?”“Yes. Please come.” She sounded serious.“Okay sure. When and where?” I asked worriedly.“Five in the evening. At my house. I will be waiting for you.”“Who was that?” Phillip asked, coming to join me in the living room.“Sandra. She is inviting me to dinner this evening. I will try to be early so we can move on with our plans.”“Sure.” He joined me on the sofa. “Are you okay? You looked troubled.”“Sandra’s tone speaks of anxiety. I don’t know what it is, but it sounds serious.“Really? Have you told her you are leaving her company?”“Yes, but she said she was okay with it.”“Then relax. I am sure it is nothing. Maybe she just wants to sort a few things out,” he
Becky’s POVI looked at the door, but did not see anything unusual. I turned back and was shocked to see Phillip on his knees, holding out a sparkling diamond ring.My hands flew to my mouth; my skin turned crimson red, embarrassed by the number of people staring at us.“Will you marry me, Rebecca?” I could hear some people in the background saying, “Awn!” “Say yes!”I didn’t need much convincing. I had longed for this day.“Yes!” I screamed excitedly.He slipped the ring on my finger, and kissed me. Observers clapped while I blushed red.I couldn’t wait to get back to our car.“Phillip! Did it have to be in the public?” I asked, still flushed.“I love you. I want the whole world to know.”He kissed me, then started the engine. When we got home we changed into our pajamas and cuddled together in the living room, while sharing a bottle of our favorite wine.“How would you like our wedding?” Phillip asked as we sipped our drinks.“Something small, but beautiful.”He laughed. “It cannot
Becky’s POVOr could my mom have been lying to her sister? I didn’t think so. Why should she? I shut my laptop, and began thinking far back. Growing up, I had sometimes wondered if she was really my mother the way she treated me. Now after hearing this, I had my answer. But I needed more. Where would I get them? The only people who could have told me were her and my late Dad. I doubt if she would accept to tell me. I thought of Aunt Helen. Perhaps she knew something, and if she did, would she open up?I decided I will have to visit her and find out. But first, my arm had to heal. I was still sitting in the garden when an emerald green car drove in. I was wondering who it was before Phillip stepped out. He saw me and waved.“Nice car,” I complimented, walking over to him.“Do you think so?”“Sure. I love the color, and I know Anna would love it too,” I told him.“Anna? You think this is for her?”“Isn’t it? You talked about buying her a new car some weeks ago.”“Yeah, but her doctor
Becky POVI gasped in fear. “What is that?” I asked in alarm.“Relax. Dinner is about to be served,” Phillip grinned.“By setting us on fire?”He laughed. “It is the food that is being set on fire. This is a Hibachi restaurant. We eat and are entertained.”I have heard of such a restaurant, but had never been in one. I watched the chef perform magic tricks, and settled down to be entertained.It was a lot more fun than I had imagined. Phillip fed me the food so all I did was relax and enjoy. When it was over, he drove me to see a movie.“I enjoyed today. Can we do it again tomorrow?” I said.“I will be happy to. Maybe I will find another interesting place.”“How did you find this one?”“I was searching for something to entertain you.”“Why?” I asked teasingly.“Because I love you.” I smiled, and kissed him.“How about we skip the movie and just go home to enjoy each other’s company?” I suggested.Phillip was okay with my request as he said, “Sounds good to me.”It was late when we go
Becky’s POV“What does it look like?” he asked, nibbling my ear.“It looks like something romantic,” I said, staring at the picnic basket near the swimming pool.“Yep, a picnic by the pool,” he grinned.“Have I told you, you are romantic?” I teased.“No. Never.”He kissed my forehead, then led me to a deck chair. He gently brought out the food from the basket, laying them on the table.“Do you like it?” He asked.“It is cute, where did you steal the idea?”“Steal? No way, I thought it up myself. Are you saying that I am not romantic?”I laughed and learned back in my chair, watching him-- wealthy, handsome, and romantic, I really was a lucky girl.We sat down to our little picnic. “Did you tell Anna I was going to be living here again?” I asked. He looked uncomfortable. “Well I tried to but…” he hesitated.“What is it?” I asked.“Gran doesn’t really remember you,” he said sadly.“What? She does not?” He shook his head.I sighed unhappily. I was sad, but not surprised.“So it has got