>* Stop living your life like you've got a thousand years to live. Rather, you should live it like you are going to die the next second. *****Mira had just descended the stairs, when Joseph lifted her off her feet and swayed with her in his arms. “ You are looking absolutely breathtaking, Princess. ” He said when he released her.“ Really? ” She was still trying to recover from the sudden shock, as a big blush made its way to her face at his words.“ Yeah. I wish I could keep you locked up forever so no one would see you apart from me. ” Though he'd said it a dozen times, his words still made an impact on her.“ Too bad you can't. ”“ Says who? ” He sent her a mischievous smirk.“ I — ”“ Hey there lovebirds! ” Nanny's voice Interrupted their banter.“ Nanny. ” They turned to face her.“ Aw. You look breathtaking in that dress, Mira! ”“ Thanks, Nanny. ”“ Hm. So since both of you are heading out for your first date I won't nag you too much. All you have to do is be back home b
>* Live each day of your life as if it were your last, taking on a whole new expression, valuing each and every moment that you are blessed with. ****** * Oh my! Happy 100 chapters, guys! * Days later,Miranda and Joseph laid on the beach soil holding hands.“ You know, Jose. I had always dreamt of a charming prince who would sweep me off my feet when I was younger. ” Mira revealed.“ Really, Mira? ” Joseph turned to face her, as she was completely stunned at her sudden revelation.“ Hm. I believe it's a result of the fairy tales I binge watched as a kid. ”“ Oh. I can't help but wonder why you prefer being called a Queen, than a Princess. ”“ It's simple, a Queen rules while a princess doesn't. ” “ Oh. ”“ So if you are the Queen what does that make me? ” He asked.“ Hm. ” Mira placed her hands on her chin in deep thoughts. “ My concubine. ”“ Concubine? ” Joseph was stunned by her reply.“ I was just joking, Hehe. ” Mira grinned, ruffling his hair.“ Hey, stop that. ” He
> VOLUME THREE * If you want to enjoy life, learn to live in balance, work, worship, pray and rest. All work, with nothing else produces a person who lives a complicated, complex and joyless life. *****Edison's mansion.“ Mom, Dad. ” Elina ran into the house screaming happily.The workers present were surprised at this behavior of hers. They knew her to be very reserved – she hardly showed her emotions only if it was serious.So seeing her this way, they couldn't help but wonder why she was this happy and enthusiastic which happened to be a contrast of her usual self.“ Elina, dearest. ” Nicole came downstairs and approached her daughter.“ Mom, you won't believe it! ” Elina said happily, hugging her Mom.“ What won't I believe? ” Nicole couldn't stop the smile that broke out on her face, seeing her daughter so happy.“ Here. ” She handed an unsealed envelope to her Mom.“ What's in it? ” She said, opening up the envelope and bringing out a slip from it. She stared up at
>* Somethings should just be left in the past because it's already history. *****Joseph and Mira on the other hand were acting lovey dovey in the mini mansion. They were both in Joseph's room watching a movie on his laptop as they munched on popcorns.Having moved to the bedroom beside Joseph’s, it was now super easy for her to access his room. “ Aw. The male lead is so sweet. ” Mira said dreamily, her eyes glued to the screen in front of her. “ Oh, Really. ” Joseph's words were laced with a deeper meaning.“ But not as sweet as my darling though. ” Mira added pecking Joseph's cheeks to pacify him. Somehow, it worked. As Joseph countenance changed. Mira kept munching on the popcorns which was made by Joseph as she watched the movie.All of a sudden, the laptop turned off when it got to a kissing scene. She was confused at first, but then she stared at Joseph and realized that he was the culprit behind it all.“ You. ” She pointed at him in annoyance. “ I am
> * Believe in yourself even if no one believes in you. *****Coincidentally, the restaurant Joseph's subordinate made a reservation in was also where Elina booked a reservation with her friends who of course invited her out to gloat at her.But she being unaware of this, dressed up to the nineties. She wanted her friends to see that even though Moscow had fallen. she was still a daughter of a rich man and wasn't that affected by what had happened. Her action makes one wonder what would happen when she finds out that her Dad's company was on the verge of bankruptcy.Heartbroken maybe.As expected, her dolling up attracted a lot of attention. Though she was just eighteen she had a very good figure and was endowed in areas where it was required.Despite knowing this, she put on a dress that highlighted all her curves. This made the men in the restaurant lust after her at one glance. Elina who was ever so shameless, simply ignored the hateful gazes she received from women wh
>* The Bible says, “ everything is beautiful in its time. ” ****—- Author's POV —- A white Porsche drove into the parking lot of the restaurant.It screeched to a halt on the queue and soon the door was opened to reveal Joseph in a simple t-shirt and jeans trousers he walked over to the other side of the car and opened the door.“ Thank you. ” Mira smiled at him as she came out of the car. She was putting on a casual outfit just as him, a simple white top with a, “ Love is life ” Tag on it. She paired it with jeans trousers and canvas just as Joseph's.Due to their similar outfits and heights they looked like a couple.Well, they are now anyway. Just then.“ At last you guys are here! ” The duo stopped and turned to the source of voice and they saw Evie walking towards them.Unlike the duo, She was wearing a sundress which she paired up with a silver wedge and a sun glass. Any one who saw her would never have thought she had just graduated highschool as she looked real
* Just be yourself! * ****“ Isn't that your cousin, Elina? Evie whispered to Miranda. Miranda didn't reply quickly as she stared in the direction of Elina and her friends. Coincidentally, Elina raised up her head and her gaze collided with Mira's. Unlike before Mira didn't cower in fear or retract her gaze, rather she kept staring boldly at Elina as if challenging her. This small action of her's didn't escape Joseph's eyes. For some reason He felt proud and happy. It really seemed like Mira had gone through a whole lot of changes during the past few years. He still remembered when he’d first met her, how much of a scaredy cat she was, but now. She has changed. He was very proud of her. Realizing that the staring competition was taking too much longer than it should. Joseph patted Mira a little to bring her back to book. Mira smiled lovingly at him before turning to face Evie. “ Yes, she is. ” She replied.“ Um, It sure took you ages to reply to me. ” Evie pouted.“
>* ...And when you feel like giving up, Remember why you started in the first place. *****While having their lunch.Joseph received a message.He secretly opened the message when the duo weren't looking as they were both engrossed in their conversation about dress collections to notice.The message read.: Boss, The Edison's company is currently bankrupt. What's the next step?He smiled maliciously, that smile was enough to send chills down anyone's spine.: Find a reputable lawyer and acquire it.He sent.There was a pause from the other end before another message came in.: Are you sure about this, Boss?: Are you questioning me?He replied, his expression turning serious.: Am sorry, Boss. I will do just as you say.: Good. The time limit is 48 hours. Not a minute more.: Yes, Boss.At this, Joseph locked his phone and placed it back into his pocket.He returned his attention back to the duo who were chatting away without care for the world.Only for him to hear them talkin
Epilogue.“ The end of a thing is better than its beginning. ”****—- Miranda —-It's said that friendship is the backbone of every relationship, I can't help but agree more at this point. I stared into the ever beautiful eyes of my groom and the love and adoration in it couldn't be denied. It's been fifty years of friendship and thirty eight years of marriage, yet it feels like a lifetime.Is this really how beautiful love is?I've always heard about love being beautiful from my parents and now? I couldn't help agreeing more. Years ago, I had questioned why some things happened to me which weren't meant to. I know better now that God has been in my story all along. Slowly crafting and editing out unimportant details, to create a wonderful masterpiece. And now? After so many years and me being surrounded by my friends, family, kids and grandchildren, I can only say. God is good and his timings are always perfect. “ Didn't I say we'll celebrate fifty years of friendship? ” I s
“ Smile because your world brightens up when you do. ” *** —- Miranda —-“ Mom… ” It felt like my heart got caught in my throat at the sight of my daughter in white.I couldn't form a word as emotions rushed through me, I could see flashes of our moments together. The first time I'd held her, the first time she'd said Mom. Her first day at school, the day she'd finally opened up to me about her crush. I would never forget how long the conversation was that day on a small picnic by the lake. The blush on her cheeks and the glow in her eyes made me realize just how smitten my daughter was. “ I love him, Mom. ” I would never forget so soon how beautiful the words sounded when they echoed in the blue sky. And now? The same girl I had held as a baby and vowed to love and protect was now getting married to the love of her life. “ Babe. ” I couldn't control the tears that fell out of my eyes, as I stared at my daughter in the most beautiful dress I've seen. I've always admired supe
“ Having a guy best friend who truly loves and cares about you is indeed super priceless. ” *** “ Dad. ” “ Yes, Baby girl? ” He stared his little sweet sixteen who was looking more and more like her mom on a daily basis. “ Do you know I have a crush on someone? ” Her words made him pause from swinging the swing they were currently on. He'd made it a routine to spend quality time with both his children every weekend so he could get to know them and their personalities better. Though lately, he'd been spending more time with his daughter as it seemed the latter needs his time and attention most.“ Oh, really? Who's the lucky guy? ” He grinned, on seeing the red blush on her cheeks.“ He's Noel. ” She replied in a chicken-like manner. “ And he is? ” “ My Best Friend. ” “ Oh wow. ” Joseph instantly felt history about to repeat itself as he stared at his daughter.“ Does he know about it? ” He inquired softly, taking her hands in his. “ No… I don't think he sees me that way thoug
“ Pain is temporary. ”***“ I wish we can always choose the one we fall in love with. Perhaps it wouldn't be a big deal now that I'm in this case. I am Ava Smith and this is my story. A year ago, I fell in love with a young man who was 20 at the time of our meeting. He wasn't the most beautiful man I've ever come across but in my heart, he'll always be the best definition of beauty. Black beauty is what I'll call him. His smile was ever beautiful and never ceased to warm my heart. His voice was like the sound of many waters and the sound of his laughter was like a waterfall. I fell for this innocence, his honesty and thoughtfulness.I was attracted to him by his love for dancing and acting. I've never met someone as talented as him. Matthew was his name and I must say, his name did great justice to his personality, but I would have preferred for him to be named Daniel. I loved him in a way, I've never loved anyone before. When asked what I love about him, I get confused a
“ Be with someone who is afraid to lose you. ”*** “ How do you feel, Jose. ” Joseph turned to face his beautiful wife, who looked ever stunning at thirty. Perhaps it's true that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, cos even after so many years he still found her as stunning as she'd always been. “ You've asked that question three times already. ” He smiled seeing her pout. “ But it's okay, I get it. ” He turned to face her. “ It's Vera's wedding, I know. ” He pulled her to a seat on the bed beside him as he cupped her face. “ I'd once been infatuated with her, and couldn't imagine a life without her once. ” He paused to search her eyes. “ But that's in the post now, you know. I love you and you are my forever so you don't have to worry about me, Kay? ” “ Um… ” “ Besides, you look unusually beautiful today. ” He tucked her hair behind her face, as she blushed. “ Should we roll on the sheets for a few minutes before we leave? ” “ In your dreams. ” She stood up in an attemp
“ I cry when you cry. ”*** Five years later,Miranda opened the door to her daughter's room and sighed helplessly when she didn't find her there. She matched towards her son's and there she met them spooned together on the bed. “ Gosh, how many times do I have to tell them not to sleep together. ” She muttered under her breath. She'd thought the doctor had been over exaggerating when she said they'll be literally inseparable. Now? She figured Angelina was more than right. They couldn't even stay a moment without each other. “ Nuel, Nuella. ” She patted them lovingly and slowly but steadily she was welcomed by two deep blue eyes. Ones she'd come to fall in love with. “ Mom… ” Nuella was the first to react as she detached herself from her brother's embrace and went into her mother's arms. “ Good morning, Hon. ” She pecked her cheeks and straightened her short hair which was tied in two messy buns. “ Morning, Mom. ” She rubbed her head on Miranda's chest as she'd always done
“ Forgiveness sets you free. ”*** “ Can I take a seat? ” The duo stared at each other before nodding. “ I know you guys have a million and one questions to ask me. ” She smiled, “ That's not unexpected, right? Since I disappeared months ago and suddenly reappeared. ” The duo nodded. “ Well, I was imprisoned for three months due to my involvement in a crime relating to Miranda. ” “ What crime? ” Evie inquired, staring at the two.“ I planned to have her miscarry, but my plan failed as always. ” Her tone was solemn. “ Um… ” Evelyn sighed, realizing her Bestie had forgiven her already. So what right does she have to overreact?“ I heard God for the very first time in the police’s van. ”“ God? ” They were left completely stunned by her words.“ As you both know, I've always been an atheist. But for the first time, I heard the deity which you and Joseph had always spoken about. Prior to that, I've always believed he was nothing but a figment of your imaginations. But the single enc
“ Hard Work sets the difference between great and average. ”***“ You are pregnant, Bestie? ” The latter blushed heavily at the question directed to her.“ Yeah. ” She replied shyly.“ But why didn't you tell me? ” Miranda felt happy, yet a little disappointed at that. Best friends are meant to tell each other everything, right?So why hide that important detail from her?“ I just found out, okay? ” Evie replied defensively, not totally comfortable under her accusing gaze.“ Okay. ” Miranda nodded with a tight smile. ***Later in their car. “ You've been silent, Honey. ” He mused, pulling her into his arms. He'd never totally understand how quickly her mood changes. Thankfully he'd read a lot on post childbirth depression and understood that her feelings and reactions are absolutely normal. Though not totally normal to him as he craves for his wife to be completely alright. “ I feel Evie should have told me about her pregnancy earlier. ” Joseph sighed hearing her words.He'd nev
“ God never comes too late, he comes right on time. ”*** The day seemed to go slowly until the middle aged bride was handed a mirror. “ Oh my. ” Hannah couldn't stop the gasp that escaped her lips at her reflection in the mirror. For some reason, she'd always believed she'd never be as beautiful as she was at her previous wedding ceremony. But who knew. Her short almond colored hair was beautifully styled on her head, her makeup and mascara was perfect further adding to her stunning look. “ You make a beautiful bride, Nanny. ” She turned to hear the exact words she'd said at the latter’s wedding. “ Thank you. ”“ I'm super glad I got to witness your happy day, Mom. ” Those simple words made her emotional. She'd always believed she would never experience the joy and gladness this day brings. After her husband left her. She'd literally lost all hope in finding love again. She believed she can never be happy again as she'll never find a man better than Joshua.But who knew.“ Th