Amara Nicholas:
"Ah!!" I screamed, almost causing the driver to have an accident. I was so shocked to see the face of the man that I am married to.
"What's the problem, my lady? Are you alright?" Mr. Timothy asked me in concern as he slowed down and gazed at me cautiously through the car's rearview mirror.
"I am sorry, sir. You can continue driving; I was only shocked to see my husband's face online," I said to him nervously. Mr. Timothy smiled understandably, and I took it as a mental note not to scream out so foolishly again.
The drive started again, and I continued to look at the face of the man who was about to become my husband. Darlington Briggs.
I had seen him before when I got into the university. We crossed paths, and I mistakenly stepped on him, not knowing when I was walking with my friend Esther Peters.
Esther was an accountant; she was a seductive person, and she never failed to observe all the handsome and well-to-do rich guys in the university.
I wondered how a rich girl like Esther Peters would be so easily swayed by money when she wasn't from a poverty-stricken home. Her parents were billionaires, but since we graduated from the university, Esther had traveled to another country farther away, and I lost contact with her.
She was not on F******k, which would have made it easy for me to search for her online and get her new contact, but she hasn't contacted me either, despite knowing that I use my real name online.
I marveled inaudibly at the handsome sight that occupied my phone screen. Then, I apologized to Darlington, not knowing his name, and told him, "I am sorry." He only stared at me in shock, not responding to me, and then he strode away.
Until I finished my schooling there, I never got to see him again. I learned that he may be a final-year student, and Esther was the one who I told about my secret crush.
Now, looking at the handsome face that had become mature, I think he was the only guy I saw and admired.
I saw some other guys, too, who usually admired me, but I didn't give them the chance. I had gone out several times with Esther in the hope of crossing paths with Darlington again, at least to know his name and to know him better. But I never got to see him.
I couldn't stop thinking about him, about how my heart had accelerated when he held me close by my waist to prevent me from falling after I mistakenly stepped on him.
Feeling his firm arms wrapped around my waist and caught me closely before I would drop to the floor like a dummy after getting lost admiring him. I think maybe that was why he didn't speak to me.
I learned from Esther that it wasn't good to drool over a man, and you should form a classic and stone-cold nature and allow the man to drool over you instead.
Well, that was not intentional. Darlington was tall; he looked so handsome in the casual clothes I saw him wearing. Even when he walked away without responding to me, I could see some other young ladies in our school glaring at me, like I intentionally stepped on him to get his attention.
I sighed and asked myself, "So this man is my husband now?"
I couldn't believe my eyes. How handsome Darlington now looks. I exited his profile picture to stare at some of his timeline photos, but then my eyes grew sad as I saw a photo of him and another lady.
"Did Father not tell me that Darlington was single and would be expecting me?"
My heart broke as I saw a photo of Darlington Briggs and the slim, formidable model that he proposed to.
Seeing the smile on their faces and how he went down on one knee and proposed to her broke my heart.
I could hear the shattering sound of my heart, seeing how lovely they look together and how Darlington captioned the post, saying, "She said yes to me. I am so happy right now."
Tears welled up in my eyes, and my heartbeat accelerated. I felt the urge to scream out and tell the driver to stop the car and drive me back home to my father's house.
But I remembered my father telling me to return home with my kids and his future grandchildren. Not only that, I remember asking my mother if Darlington was already in a relationship. She told me she doesn't think so.
I knew I hadn't been in a relationship; I was untouched. But the case would be rare for a man who grew up in the city and whose father is a billionaire, according to how my mother described them and told me not to pack my clothes too much the previous night. My mother wasn't pleased with my fashion sense.
I didn't know that I was crying; I felt cheated upon seeing the photos of Darlington and his girlfriend, and I saw him tag her profile along with his own as "my baby."
Her name was Jenna Colton online, and she had a lot of followers. A million followers, at least. She was a celebrity in Country Z, and I wonder how they would treat me now.
"I am sure Darlington didn't know that he was married to me. I am certain he wouldn't accept me, not when 'his baby' was there. I didn't want to continue with the journey of going to the city, but I still wanted to obey my parents, even if it was the last thing they wanted me to do for them before I finally became an independent woman. I want to get to the Briggs Family Mansion to see Darlington and his family. To know if I am indeed married to him or not. Or my father was deceived by his friend, who was the one who had settled everything.
I didn't want to believe that I was married off to my father's friend, with the disguise that I was his son's wife. Well, when I get to the city, I will find out.
I feel sad after seeing many photos of Darlington and that pretty, fair-skinned lady. I didn't look pretty and sophisticated like her, and I knew that I would be cast away and labeled as a wicked person for coming into another woman's relationship. But I wanted to confirm the whole truth before finally taking a concrete decision.
I relaxed my back to the car seat as the car drove ahead, continuing driving for hours to the city. Soon, I fell asleep at the back.
Darlington Briggs:I woke up in my bedroom to the fresh start of a brand new day. A New Year's Day. I was so excited, as I wanted to go downstairs to inform my parents officially that I wanted to get married this year, and I had made up my mind to settle down with Jenna Colton.Jenna has been my love since five years ago. I met her through her elder brother, Bruce, as Bruce was my best friend in school.We studied the same business course, and we live in Country Z, in the heart of the city. The Colton family was also a wealthy and well-known family here.Jenna has a successful career as an actress. She is also a model and has been featured as the face of many brands.I knew that she had gone through cosmetic procedures and had undergone a lot of surgeries to enhance her beauty, but I still love her nonetheless.I love Jenna very much, and I didn't regret my decision to propose to her last weekend to marry me.My father didn't react to my post, and to make matters worse, I cannot seem t
Darlington Briggs:I immediately rose from the black couch and stared at my father's face in shock."Whose wife, Dad?" I asked him again, wanting to be sure, and my father stood up too and said, "Darlington, I have told you that you cannot marry Jenna. The reason I arranged for you to marry my best friend's daughter is because she's well-mannered and not a corrupt young woman like Jenna Colton.""Dad... I cannot believe that you're saying this. I am the one who wants to get married to Jenna, not you! What gives you the right to think that you can decide on my life like this and impose a woman on me for me to marry?""That's enough, Darlington! I won't have you disrespect me in this house. You see what an elder sees from sitting down; even if you climb the tallest tree, you still cannot see it. Jenna is a corrupt woman, and she wouldn't make a good wife for you. Don't you see how she looks with her artificial body? Do you think that she will want to settle down and give you children? I
Darlington Briggs:Like how would you feel, if your parents imposed a spouse on you? Someone you haven't met before?I watched my father walk away from us by climbing the stairs, and he went back to his room, exiting our view."Mother," I gazed back at my mother, struggling to comprehend and assimilate the news my father had just shared about my impending marriage, like a piece of document signed on an agreement."Calm down, Darlington. You will not marry any Amara Nicholas, not while I am here," my mother said, and my sister laughed aloud, making me glare at her."What's so funny, Samara?" My mother asked her before I could. "Just because your father didn't marry you too off like that, right? That's why you are shamelessly laughing at your older brother, right?""No, Mother," Samara defended.Our mother looked displeased at Samara, who coughed and apologized to us, "Mom, I'm sorry. But this is very funny. How can our dad marry Darlington without Darlington consenting to it or knowing
Darlington Briggs:After my breakfast with my mother and my sister ended, I stood up from the dining chair and set out to leave our family house."Darlington, where are you going too?" My mother asked me with a worried look on her face.I assured her, "Mom, I am just going out; I will be back soon.""Okay, my son. But don't you think it is best not to inform Jenna? She may overreact; allow me to handle everything for you. Then later, you can share the news with her about how your father wanted to force you to marry a lowlife."I sighed."Alright, mom. I won't inform Jenna about it, but I feel like leaving this house as of now. I don't want to be here when that woman arrives," I said, with a hint of frustration."It's okay. Just be fine out there," my mother assured me."Sure, Mom. I'm not a kid; I will be good. Take care," I said, hugging my mother. Though I was taller than her and Samara, they're my family, and their happiness matters to me.Well, I cannot say the same about my dad. M
Darlington BriggsI waited for Jenna to arrive, and after taking my bath, I requested something edible to eat. My phone ringing on the table in my room woke me up after a long afternoon nap.I immediately got out of the hotel bed, and realizing it was already evening, I frowned as I had expected Jenna to arrive before this time.I picked up my phone, seeing that my mother was calling me."Hello, Darlington. Where are you?" Mom asked me, and I yawned and stretched before I replied, "I am somewhere special, Mom. Why are you calling me?"I didn't want to think it was because of the new lady who was arriving at our mansion, and my mother confirmed to me, "She's already here in our house, Darlington, and your father has been trying to call your mobile number since, to know where you are, but it's not connecting. Where are you? Start coming home.""No, Mother, why? I told you earlier that I wasn't interested in seeing this lady. I don't care who she is or where she's from. Father can go ahea
Darlington Briggs:Jenna turned to face me. Her lips quiver, but she shakes her head and replies, "No, Darlington. Not now. I cannot get pregnant now. I want to win the award for the top model of this year and also the best international model award. I have also signed a contract worth 50 million dollars, and you don't expect me to cancel all that and put it aside to become your baby mama. No, I cannot do that now."I sighed."Not a baby-mama for me, Jenna, but as my wife," I replied, standing up from the bed and walking up to meet Jenna, where she stood and folded her arms around her chest."I know, Darlington. Just give me some time to sort myself out first. I am not yet ready to become pregnant," Jenna stated."Hmm." I knew that my father wouldn't change his mind now. Especially not when he has married his friend's daughter for me.I was frustrated about Jenna's constant refusal to get pregnant by me, and I was not ready to lose my position as the CEO of Briggs Group yet.So what do
Darlington Briggs:I didn't care what Jenna used the money that she usually received from her work to do, as long as she was looking sweet for me. Also, I knew that her parents were billionaires and her elder brother, Bruce Colton, was my friend.Jenna didn't lack anything, she became speechless, but she still shook her head firmly and replied, "No, darling. I worked so hard to get to the top of my rank. I cannot just quit now... I can't get pregnant as of now. It will ruin my figure, and spoil my career too. You know all the problems that come to a woman after childbirth.""What!" I exclaimed, looking at Jenna's face in shock."Ruin your figure? Is that all you care about, your figure and money? How about us becoming married like you have always wished for and having our family together?" I questioned.Jenna frowned, walked up to meet me, and replied, "Darling, we will have children. I'm not saying that I won't. But not now.. I was planning to discuss this with you. About the two of u
Darlington Briggs:"Okay," Jenna agreed, and I called for room service.Soon we had our meals delivered to us, and I kept from telling Jenna that my parents had already arranged a wife for me, especially my father.I couldn't tell Jenna about it, not when she doesn't want to get pregnant for me or was suggesting we get a surrogate mother.I was frustrated about her constant refusal to get pregnant. But yes, I was a billionaire, and I could afford to get a surrogate mother, but I didn't like the idea of it.I wanted to see my wife become pregnant for me and bear our child.I don't know if I am being selfish about this, but I honestly wanted to see my wife become pregnant. I knew that some women had lost their lives through the pregnancy journey, and it wasn't an easy or simple task.I sighed and finally had my dinner with Jenna."Aren't you going home today?" Jenna asked me as she was through with her meal. We both had a plate of jollof rice and fried chicken.I frowned and replied, "No
Jenna's POV, The day of my wedding arrived. I dressed elegantly in a white wedding dress and accepted Collins Kingston as my husband. Collins was nice; he wore a black tux and tried to make me happy, but he wasn't Darlington. He could never be Darlington Briggs. I had to take my husband's permission to invite Darlington and his wife Amara to our wedding, but Darlington didn't want to attend. He only sent me a wedding gift: a big box full of baby clothes. After our wedding, I decided to focus on my career as a model and my husband. It was a private wedding, and it went successfully. Though I was heartbroken not seeing Darlington Briggs around. I had hoped Darlington would grace the event. But throughout the reception, I never saw him and knew that I was married to Collins now and not Darlington. I let go of the remaining feelings that I harbored for Darlington Briggs. A few days after our wedding ceremony ended, my husband and I traveled to California for our honeymoon. That was
Amara's POV, I wasn't happy when I came to Darlington's office and saw Jenna Colton with him again. Darlington assured me that he had nothing to do with Jenna, but upon seeing them standing close, I felt they wanted to kiss each other but quickly separated the moment they saw me enter the office. Jenna also appeared sad when I saw her leaving. She didn't tell Darlington goodbye, and she kept her face downward and fled the top floor where Darlington's office was. I was relieved when I saw that, and I told Darlington that I went to get some of my baby's things and would be heading home. So, I just dropped by his company to see him. Darlington smiled as he cupped my face and told me he was through with his office work. So, we went home together. Upon getting home, I saw the news trend on the television showing the engagement video of Jenna Colton that had gone viral. I couldn't believe my eyes as it hadn't been long since I last saw Jenna in Darlington's office, shedding crocodile t
Jenna Colton. "Huh!" My jaw dropped as I saw Collins with a golden ring, down on one knee in front of everyone, proposing to me. We stood in the hallway, not disturbing the others who had come for emergency treatment. Since it was no longer clinic hours, the hospital was less crowded than it usually was in the morning when a lot of outpatients filled the lobby and hallways. "Aww!" My eyes welled up with tears as I saw some fans pulling out their phones to record me. They awaited my response, and since I wanted to get out of the hospital ward quickly, I said yes, knowing that this was a new chapter of my life. Since Collins was ready to marry me, not minding my flaws and wanting to have me as his wife, I had to accept his ring. So I told him, "Yes. I accept." Collins slipped the engagement ring onto my left finger, and tears of joy welled up in my eyes as I hugged him heartily just as he rose. He was taller than me, and he didn't press to kiss me. We just hugged. "Congratulations
Jenna Colton: I walked out of Darlington's office to leave the Briggs group and saw him and Amara holding hands as he hugged her to his shoulder and walked ahead with her into his office. I immediately bolted from there like a flash, not sparing another glance their way. I went back downstairs, entered my car, and drove home. My phone rang in the car, but I was in no mood to pick it up. I cried as I found my way home. Soon, I arrived at my father's compound and wanted to drive in, but I recalled my mother would be at home. I then navigated the car and drove to the hospital to see my father. I arrived at the hospital where my father was admitted. I parked my car in the parking lot, and my phone rang again. I wanted to ignore the call as my crying could have made my voice break, and I didn't want to inform my mother about it or make her aware of my broken heart. I took up my handkerchief, wiped my face, and finally got out of the car as I proceeded into the hospital to check with
Jenna Colton, I awoke in my room to a fresh start of a new day. I decided to visit Darlington at his company to see him directly, rather than just talking over the phone as we had been trying to do. I knew that Darlington had blocked me, but I still wanted to see him. It had been a week since Darlington told me off and asked me to move on, but I didn’t want to adhere to it. Also, Lily’s brother had invited me to one of his clubs to meet with him, but I didn’t want to visit him. I desired to meet with Darlington first to know if there was still any hope of our relationship rekindling. After finishing my bath, I got out of the bathroom and dressed in a blue sleeveless dress, wanting to look pretty as I paired it with black shoes. I stepped out of my closet and went to adjust my hair in front of my room mirror. I wanted to look presentable before Darlington, so I exited the house, holding onto my car key and my black purse. So far, my father had been improving in his health, but he
Amara's POV:I awoke in the bedroom to a brand new morning, and Darlington was preparing to leave for his office. I hadn't expected the wedding gift he bought for me the previous night. I thought he was trying to reconnect with his ex, but he proved me wrong by telling me he had blocked Jenna and didn't want to have anything to do with her again.I smiled as I observed Darlington stepping out of the bathroom and walking up to the luxurious king-sized bed to meet me.He sat on the bed, water dripping from his wet hair, and drew nearer to me. "How are you and my baby doing?""I'm fine; our baby and I are good," I replied, a cute blush on my face. Darlington smiled and said, "That's good. I'm going to the office today. You remember that your dad wants to partner with me. Although he mentioned he would like you to be present, he hasn't spoken about the date for signing the partnership deal.""Does my dad want to come and visit us?" I asked Darlington as I watched him dry off his wet mascu
Jenna's POV:"Seriously, Jenna. You're very funny. Do you know that my brother has been your fan since forever? He really likes you and told me that you're his kind of woman. Hot and spicy," Lily teased me."That's enough of the teasing, Lily," I shouted at her. "I know you want me to move on from Darlington too, but I guess you haven't honestly been in love.""Oh, really? Tell me what love is all about," Lily inquired. I shook my head and went to pack my handbag that my younger sister, Rita, had brought from home."I don't have time to teach you about love. But I know what I want, and what I want, I shall get."Lily's eyes widened as I looked at her, and she burst out laughing once more. "Hahaha, how do you plan to win Darlington back? Tell me. Do you intend to kidnap him and force him to marry you, or do you want to harm his wife and eliminate her to have Darlington all to yourself now?"I paused packing my handbag and looked back at Lily's face."None of the suggestions. I know wha
Jenna's POV:I was still in the hospital, awaiting discharge. Although my father's health had improved and he had been moved from the intensive care unit after waking up, he suffered from a stroke that impaired his left hand and left leg. The doctor informed us that, with time, my father would improve as the stroke didn't affect his vocal cords.I was saddened by this fact as I waited for Darlington, who had promised to show up. However, he didn't. I called his phone several times, but it was switched off.As it got late, I was free to move around my hospital ward. The doctor had treated me after I fainted, so I was no longer confined to the bed. I called Darlington again, knowing he would have closed from his office as it was already past 6 PM. However, Darlington phoned me and told me that he didn't want to have anything to do with me anymore and that he was now dedicated to his wife, Amara.I couldn't believe what Darlington was saying. I knew he was now officially married to Amara
Darlington's POV:"What's wrong, babe?" I asked Amara as I entered our shared bedroom. She didn't reply and instead walked back to the bed to lie down. She wore a long white nightdress and laid on her side, ignoring me and not welcoming me.I frowned, looking from my wife to my briefcase in my hands and the gift I had bought for her.It crossed my mind that she was sad, thinking I went to spend precious time with Jenna when I had been working hard in my office, sitting for hours in my executive chair and focusing on some projects. I would have felt more guilty if I had actually gone to see Jenna, especially since I had switched off my phone after I told her I wouldn’t be able to meet her."Babe," I called Amara's attention as I carefully dropped my briefcase on the couch in our cozy bedroom. I walked over to the bed covered with a white mattress to meet Amara."Babe," I said, sitting on the bed beside her, but she turned to the other side to look away from me, not wanting to speak.I