LaylaThe day of the opening came sooner than expected and Amanda flew in from New York to be with me during the launch. Henry was also with her and some other business associates of mine.The party was going to be held in the store and the lipsticks and skin care products had been arranged in order for any purchase that might take place. I was just happy this was happening."Hey, how are you feeling?" Leo asked as he appeared beside me after one of my conversations with a guest and I nodded, "good""A lot of people turned up""Of course, she's the CEO of the LAYNAT brand and people love the brand". We turned to see Henry walk up to us, and he had a glass of champagne in his hand."Nice to see you Leo" he said, greeting him, and Leo nodded."Same here.""Congratulations on finding your son". That was right, I told him.Leo just nodded, and I moved on to another guest who came to greet me. They also talked to Amanda, and we talked about how to move the company forward."I'll send you t
LaylaOnly when we were in Paris did I realize that she was going for the fashion shows too, and she put on her sunglasses as we walked out of the airplane. Her secretary appeared from nowhere as some paparazzi approached her, and they walked together to a car that he had prepared.I myself entered a taxi and gave the address of the hotel I was going to the driver. The man started the ride and I relaxed in my seat.At the hotel, I collected my room keys and reviewed the schedule I had for that week. Immediately I settled down. First, some groups of workers and designers are to arrive the next day in order to prepare for our show on the last day of the fashion week. I'm also going to meet a popular designer in France to talk about some of the designs even though they're already done, and we're to do the last rehearsal for the runway a day before the show that day.I picked up my phone when it rang and saw it to be Leo and Nathan as it was a video call, "hey babe""Mummy!" Nathan interr
AriandeThe makeup artist arrived three hours before the event and I sat in front of the dresser to do my makeup. She started with the basic skincare and looked at me through the mirror when she was done with that, "which look would you like to go for?""Sassy and sexy, no hint of cute""Okay ma'am"It matched the sexy long Louis Vuitton black dress I had picked out for the event, and it had a slit that reached to the top of my thighs. It also had a wide strap arm that led down to a v-neck ending at my breasts and I loved the open back it had too.Finishing the makeup, the artist left, and I was left alone to put on the dress. I had put it on with the necklace from Tiffany when a call came in on my phone. It was from an unknown number, but I could guess who it was."I'm listening" I said when I picked up the call."I found a person to use and have my team ready to spread the pictures""Cool, I'll make it happen then, and my secretary will reach out to you.""Okay"I cut the call and w
Ariande"F*ck!! You're saying Tony appeared at the last minute?!""Yes, I wasn't expecting to see him either, but he suddenly came in."What was he even doing in Paris now? Did he follow me?I groaned and pulled on my hair lightly, trying to think. The whole plan I had put my all into just failed, and it was all because of that a**hole."First make sure the guys don't talk as that is crucial for my image, and pay them any amount they might want. I'll be going for the rehearsal now, just take care of the whole thing.""Okay ma'am"He left to do whatever it was that was essential, and I got ready for the rehearsal. I put on simple jeans and a top since it wasn't a party or a show and I got into a rented car which took me to Rodriguez fashion house.The building was bustling and hectic with all the preparations ongoing for the upcoming show and I made my way into the elevator that would take me to Rodriguez' workshop. A person entering made me look up from my phone and I gasped at who it
LaylaThe rehearsal went smoothly, and I was backstage for the next show with the designers deciding which cloth would go to what model and which amendments had to be made. The first model went onto the runway starting the show and the other designers for other brands worked with their models.I amended some clothes which I had made cause some last minute incidents happened and soon it was over. We cheered the success of another fashion week since I started my company, and we wrapped up the place.I went onto the red carpet after all to answer some interviews and I went home to rest. Leo called again as he had done almost every day since I traveled here, and I was happy when the last day of my trip arrived. I did an interview with a magazine there, and I got on the next flight home.I was happy to see Nathan the moment I walked into the lobby, and he jumped into my arms happily, "mummy!!""Hey sweetie, how are you?""Fine and you?"I smiled, "fine too."I went into Leo's arms, which w
LeoThe results came out in two weeks with both of us waiting expectantly, and I met up with Kai after I got the result."What does it say?" She asked as I opened it and I read through it. She was my sister indeed and that was just crazy.I handed the paper to her, indicating that she should just read it, and she looked at me after a second, "h-he's my father.""I know. What do you want to do now?""I don't really know. Should I tell him? Will you be okay with that?""I guess so. You came here to meet him after all."She fidgeted with her fingers and I sighed, "it's okay really, we could even tell him together.""Really?""Yes."She held my hand without warning, "I'm really sorry for all this and I want to thank you too. Thank you for agreeing and for your support.""Sure."I left the café where we had met and entered the company which was right beside it. I walked into the elevator where Tony was already, and he was smiling with this look that I hadn't seen on his face before, "what
KaiSo Kim and I finally met up that evening because she was curious about my call to her that afternoon and she tried to focus on both the road and me."So you and Leo are really siblings?""Yup, the DNA results confirmed that, and I'm so glad he's calm about it, even though I wouldn't be that calm if the situations were reversed.""Well, he has always been a logical person. So are you the oldest or he?""I think I, because I saw his age while I was looking him up on the internet and I think I'm at least two years older than him. I think my mom also met him, the senior Mr Cooper, now one or two years before he got married to Mrs Cooper. It's in the diary.""So he didn't really have an affair then."I nodded "where are we going to, though?"She had arrived at my house that evening saying that she needed my opinion on some things, and it had taken every ounce of control in me not to pounce on her cause of how sexy she looked in her outfit.I had said it was a one-night stand, so I shou
LaylaThe water was small yet freezing, and it jolted me awake from the trance I had been in. I couldn't really call it a sleep because it hadn't been natural, but it felt like a part of my brain had been erasedIt tried to take in my surroundings around me and figure out where I was, but it was difficult in the darkness. I wondered why, since it felt like hours since I had been out of it, but it could literally be minutes.I figured out why though, when the door opened and the lights came on. Firstly, there were no windows and secondly, why was Ethan standing in front of me, "Ethan?!""I see you're finally awake."He nodded to the man I was guessing had poured the water on me and sat on a chair that was in front of me. That was when i realized I was actually tied to a chair and in a very vulnerable position."What the f*ck do you think you're doing, Ethan?""Getting revenge. You shouldn't have come after me.""Well, you came after me first.""Because you didn't deserve everything tha
8–9 months laterAriandeI was already having contractions, and it was obvious I was going to go into labor soon. It was great I was with Layla though, and I tried to call for her. A yelp escaped my mouth as the contraction hit me harder."Oh my God, Ariande, are you okay?" Layla entered into the living room where I was, dropping the glass of water she had gone to bring, and she took out her phone to call Tony.He arrived sooner than we both expected, and he helped me into his car with Layla, who was pretty heavy too. She was to be due in a few days or a week from mine, and we'd both be free of mood swings and erratic hormones. Then she followed us to the hospital where I went into proper labor and gave birth to my girls a few hours later.I could tell from the minute that Tony walked in after my labor that he had gone through a lot of anxiety and I collected the baby when the nurse placed her in my arms, "Oh my God, Ariande, I'm so grateful for this, thank you for bringing her into t
AriandeIt was so great seeing these two get married, and I think I had seen Tony staring at me intently during the vow saying, I wouldn't be sure what that meant though.I loved the wedding reception even more, and it started off to a great start with some good music which me and the girls had gone through, including Layla and some good champagne. Other alcohols of different types were being passed around too, and soda for those who wouldn't want alcohol. There was great food and the couple when they finally entered.The song we had chosen for them to dance to upon entering started, and I have to say Leo gave his best more than Layla. It seemed like she was rather shy about dancing in public.Games were played and a lot of activities were thrown out. When the most awaited moment arrived, the throwing of the bouquet, I was in the front row because I wanted to get the bouquet and I got it.I squealed happily, "wow, I got it."Everyone smiled happily, and we waved the couple off to have
LaylaWedding preparations went on in full swing by the time we came back and as Nana, Leo's grandmother, liked hosting parties, she was the one that took control of the entire thing. She did seek my permission on some things and I answered as best as I could.Hannah was so happy for me, so also Mr and Mrs Cooper, and they very much petted me like I was their new doberman.Ariande drew me to a fitting shop days before the wedding, and I was surprised to see the other ladies "were just here to give our opinions."I was happy that they were all rallying around me, but it was just making me more nervous. I looked through the variety of gowns they had and picked one, "Go try it on."I walked into the dressing room with Ariande to help, and I had to admit we had become pretty much closer.I came out to the sight of the other ladies, and they were like hmm, hmm, I felt like that too, it wasn't really giving. It was nice though, like an off-shoulder gown with a full train and veil too. I fel
LaylaBy our fourth day there, the grill was out with the game night preparations being underway, and I helped as much as I could with the preparations. For one, I was feeling quite dizzy and nauseous and I did have an idea of what it might be, but I wasn't sure though, so I didn't want to make a big deal out of it.Tony and Leo helped set the lights on the beach and the chairs were set out around a fireplace in the middle. The beers were placed by the side and someone was to be manning the grill while everyone ate; Tony and Leo, of course. Kai offered, but the boys turned it down, and we all faced Kim."So what are the games we are going to be playing?""Okay, so I prepared quite a number of games, but the two most interesting ones would be never have I ever and two truths and a lie.""Oh, Kim" Ariande commented, making all of us laugh."So here are the rules for 'never have I ever'. Actually, it has just one rule. Everyone gets a turn to say 'never have I ever' and if you've done it
Ariande"Something fun, what would you consider something fun". The girls and I were sitting on the kitchen island pondering on what was fun, as the guys had gone off to God knows where."Well, we could go clubbing," Kim suggested, to which I agreed, though I wasn't sure I could drink with my pregnancy. Actually, I couldn't."We could also have a game night, just sit out on the beach and have some drinks too while we play some games,""I agree too," Layla said in agreement to Kai's suggestion."Well, we could go shopping. That would be for the girls, but the guys could also tag along if they want to."We all nodded in agreement, planning the whole thing and I and Layla offered to go buy the groceries for the day we would be there.It would be nice to just bake and cook for everyone. I learned there was a grill too."So have you decided on anything?" Layla asked as we drove to the mall."Yes, I decided to tell him first before I made any decision. I'll tell him probably a day or two fr
AriandeI was feeling quite funny and that was not good. I couldn't fall sick during production and at a crucial moment like this. I smiled happy when I saw my daily dose of bouquet delivered to my dressing room on set."He's just being so open now, isn't he?"Jeremy smiled, unsure of what to say."So how is your relationship with my brother?""Uhm... Actually I was going to say something about that. You're going on your break soon, right? I was wondering if I could take some days off then?"I cocked my head, "are both of you going on a vacation or trip?"He nodded slightly, "I could be back quickly if you want me to or cancel but...""It's okay, you can go. I'll manage on my own.""Really?"I nodded. As it was going to be my break soon, I wouldn't be having any shoots or production during that time because I would want some peace and quiet and, since I wouldn't be doing much then, it wouldn't be fair of me to rip his vacation from him.I called Tony when I was done with the scenes fo
LaylaThe designs were created within weeks and the collections were out together for another week. I looked through the portfolios of models that had been placed on my table and decided on the ones that we were going to use for the fashion show and campaign too.Amanda and Henry came in from New York to help with the process and a date was given for the fashion show. As for the campaign, I supervised the photo shoot and video shoot of the collections, and it was posted on both the models and CARTER'S official website as well as social media handles.I was going through one of the documents when my secretary came in, "this young lady...""Aunt Layla!" I looked up from the document to see Sofia rush in, and she was looking all bubbly and happy. I signaled the secretary that it was okay, and I gave her a big hug."Hey girlie, how have you been?"She smiled, "good""I heard you were in trouble" she smiled again, but this time more mischievous."It wasn't my fault that somebody wanted to
KaiI wasn't sure what to expect as I walked into the family house with Leo and Layla, and I was definitely surprised at the number of people that were there.Isn't that the famous actress, Ariande? And Leo's friend Tony, who were the couple that were looking about the same age as Leo's parents in a corner there too? There was also a grandma and grandpa too. Guess I had a lot of family."Leo honey" The Grandma greeted him, pecking him on the cheek, and he greeted her back. The woman also greeted Layla and a younger woman came to greet both of them too. Grandma stared at me, "and you're...""Oh you must be Kai, right?" The younger woman said, making me guess that she was Mrs Cooper, and I nodded."It's nice to meet you""Nice to meet you too", I shook her outstretched hand."This is Park Woojin, also Kai, Steve's daughter". Grandma looked confused."Steve didn't tell me about having a daughter.""Kai, meet Nana, your step grandmother and your step grandfather over there too."I greeted
Ariande"You still haven't figured out who is sending you the flowers yet?" Tony asked as I sat on the island in his kitchen. He had a bowl in his hand as he mixed chicken with mashed potatoes and I shook my head."No. I plan to use a private investigator though, because it could be a stalker and..."He nodded and smiled, "I understand.""Why did you invite me for dinner though?" I asked, surprised, since I hadn't been to his house since the last time I was drunk.He has only ever come to my house since our altercation and had sex with me. Nothing else, no dinner, no nothing, not even a drink, so what had changed that?"I just needed company to eat with today.""Oh" I felt honored even though I shouldn't, and I watched him intently as he started frying the mixture together on a bone stick.It was crazy just how much he had invaded my head. It was like I couldn't think of anything else but him and I deserved it because it had been the other way around. I had manipulated him at first, p