STEPHANIE The sun peeked into the room, its rays dancing on my face. Morning had arrived, and I knew for sure I wasn't heading to work that day. I turned over and stared at the ceiling, widened my eyes only to find I wasn't in my own room. I had moved to Edward's place yesterday. Memories started flooding back. I had a lovely day with Anna, and we ended up watching TV, and that was it. How on earth did I end up in this room?I knew I was a deep sleeper, but I thought I'd at least remember getting up and going to bed. I searched every corner of my mind for any hint of last night, but it was a complete blank.I got up, rubbed my eyes, and felt parched, so I headed to the kitchen for some water. I didn't realize how late it was until I heard Anna say, "Good afternoon, Steph." It was a shock because I never sleep in. Maybe it was the comfy bed, I could never blame myself. Honestly, anyone else would have slept in too. “Afternoon cupcakes” I walked up to her on the sofa and ruffled her
EDWARD I was honestly quite surprised by Anna's ability to pick up on even the tiniest changes in mood. It really threw me for a loop when she asked Stephanie that question. But, I have to say, I was genuinely impressed with how Stephanie handled everything so gracefully. I watched her intently as she kept a close eye on Anna during her meal, almost as if she was making sure she wouldn't choke or spill anything on her dress. You could easily think she’s had kids before, given how naturally she seems to understand what they like and how to keep them happy. Honestly, if she ever decides to have children, she'd make an absolutely wonderful mom.A child with eyes so deep and captivating that you could easily lose yourself in their oceanic depths, paired with golden locks that shimmer like sunlight, wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Her gaze, as she ate, was as vacant as ever, giving no hint of the person who had asked me for a kiss the night before. I knew I had lowered my sta
STEPHANIE “So how long have you guys been together” Aisha asked me with a cheerful smile fitted across her face?"‘Almost a year," I blurted out, still reeling from the sensation of Edward’s lips on mine. It was just a brief kiss, but I felt every single millisecond of it. “I feel offended he didn't say anything about it” I held Anna's hand protectively. Edward had left her in my care now. “Well don't blame him. It wasn't serious at first, then later he didn't want to admit I was the one for him. Until recently when he begun to have sleepless nights. He proposed” she laughed. I glanced at my fingers and noticed the ring was missing. I had tucked it away safely in the jewellery box to prevent losing it. I hadn't realised I was such a convincing liar until now. The lies were starting to roll off my tongue effortlessly.“Awwwn I'm so excited for you.” She nudged me with her elbow “Don't worry since you're here we’ll stay friends” She picked out a red bikini and flashed the pair befor
STEPHANIE The wedding planner, Deloris, seemed to have everything sorted out as if it had all been meticulously arranged beforehand. I found myself standing there, feeling like an unnecessary presence, as she inquired whether I wanted this or that, and then promptly decided on my behalfI knew the marriage was a sham, and the wedding would be too, but for my parents and friends, it was my first wedding and should be something special. I was so upset with Edward that I was relieved when I didn't see him the next morning. With Anna off to school, it was just Emma and me listening to the wedding planner, who was dressed in a suit and high-silhouette heels.She knew what she was doing but I felt she would have given me room to make a choice. “I’ve had the hotel room for after the wedding booked out already in one of the most luxurious suits in town” I nodded.“Mr Dan's male friends will have to appear in a midnight blue suit,” She wrote something down. “What's his favourite colour?” “W
EDWARD I stood by the platform with Ryan, a few other friends, and the pastor. I wasn't bothered that we were going to lie when we said our vows or promises 'til death do us part. Even god knew I needed to inherit this company. With all the effort I'd put in, I deserved more. Everyone seemed genuinely happy for me, and I couldn't help but wonder why they all wanted me to just move on. I wasn't even certain if I'd moved on from her.I watched my grandmother gaze at me with pride while my father's expression still looked sceptical. Honestly, I just wanted to get it over with. I hadn't seen Stephanie since the day before, and I hoped she had not backed out. Emma mentioned she was with her family, and I left it at that. It might be their last long time together. I hadn't seen her that morning either, and I just hoped she hadn't backed out, as it would be a disaster for me and all over the internet. I crossed my fingers and stood there, trying to keep my cool.When I heard the soft t
STEPHANIE We arrived at the hotel and were greeted by a hostess who followed us into the elevator. She congratulated me and I ignored her, chugging from my bottle.I could feel her eyes on me, and it was clear that Edward was feeling uneasy. It didn't bother me, though, all I wanted was to have a drink and let go of everything that had unfolded earlier that day. Before long, we found ourselves in our room, with the hostess having left us and Edward quietly closing the door behind us. The room was beautifully adorned with garlands and bouquets, creating a lovely atmosphere. White petals were scattered across the king-size bed, and a charming dinner setting was arranged by the balcony.“This would all be beautiful if I didn't marry an asshole,” I said. I didn't mind anything or anyone, because now my mind was occupied with nothing."I always dreamed of this luxury, never certain I'd experience it until you came along and made me despise it," I said, turning to Edward, who had removed
STEPHANIE His voice sent a thousand lightnings across my body. His look driving through me made me feel naked. Sex was not part of our contract. Why was he saying we needed to consummate our wedding? Was he horny?“What's wrong with you?” I questioned “Are you drunk too?“Trust me Love, you wouldn't like it if I'm drunk right now “ I laughed. Was he someone who misbehaved? “Don't tell me you're someone who gets crazy when they are drunk” “No, Trust me, if I was drunk, you wouldn't leave this room walking properly” He moved closer, totally into my space now, eyes teasing me. “I'd fuck the shit out of you, till you pass out” My mind was in a whirl, and I found myself utterly speechless. Was he just some lustful creep or what? His gaze wandered from my lips to my neck and then down to my chest. The dress I wore was cut low, perfectly accentuating my bust. He leaned in, pressing his face into my neck, and took an awkward sniff of my scent. It was utterly bizarre, and all I wanted was
EDWARD I had slept in with my thoughts and the discomfort in my pants. It was a new day and I needed to make it count. I made myself a cup of coffee and took out my MacBook to work. I opened my email to check out the proposal Steven had sent to me. It's about redeveloping a fraction, Old Musty, with unmodernised houses, and the eviction notice has been sent out, and the compensation fee for the family is waiting for me to approve it. This was a big project I had to achieve so my father could see that I could have Dan Realty in my name. Even Anderson had tried to get this project but could not. I had to no matter what. Yes, I've tied the knot, but knowing my dad, he wouldn't just hand over the company, so I had to prove myself. Once I've finished redeveloping this section, he'll have no choice but to entrust not only Dan Realty but all the others to me. I reviewed the blueprint of the site and highlighted areas that needed adjustments and redesigns. Then, Stevens' message popped u
STEPHANIE Maison didn't mind my screams and cries. He was after pleasuring himself. He took off my underwear and opened my legs. He held me in a place and I could not move. He took off his shirt and unbuckled his belt, revealing his dick, which was all up and red burning with desire. “Maison, please don't do this”, I begged, but the look in his eyes showed that he was not willing to let go of me. “I'm hurt” I mumbled. He was leaning into me, and I shut my eyes, trying to subdue the pain I was about to feel.But instead, I felt his grip on me reduced, and his weight on me lifted. I opened my eyes slowly. He had gotten up and adjusted his trousers. I quickly got up and dressed myself too. He picked up his shirt without turning back, and he left. I was grateful he didn't rape me, at least he has a conscience. I got up and dressed properly. For a moment I thought he was going to have sex with me. I would have really counted him a monster truly if he did. He had been obsessed with me,
STEPHANIE I had no appetite, looking at the varieties Maison displayed on the table. The pain had reduced and the bleeding too. I laid in bed and began to feel uncomfortable. I got up and sat on the floor. It was night with no sign of a way to escape or anyone looking for me. I was starving and very weak. I looked at the table filled with food. Maison had brought food and clothes earlier. I knew I needed food for strength, but I didn't have the appetite to eat. I got up and sat by the table.I heard key sounds behind the door, and soon, the door was opened, Maison appeared in the doorway, looking intimidating. He sat in front of me, watching me. “You know you don't have to be locked in here for long, all you have to do is marry me and divorce your husband” “Where did you learn to become a monster, Maison? I once loved you, you were a caring guy with a good heart. Even when I found out you were in a gang, I didn't leave you because you were the best man I had been with, but then you
EDWARD I sat in front of the police detective who was asking me diverse questions about Stephanie. They found her car, crashed without a sign of her in it. She had an accident, but what happened after? I almost cried when I got a sighting of the vehicle. The night she went missing passed by quickly without me catching a glimpse of sleep or rest. We had contacted all hospitals by that side in case she was admitted to a hospital but none took in a victim of an accident. Her mother had run over to my place, struck with worry, I assured her that I'd look for Stephanie. We didn't gain any good news that night, all security footage didn't capture that particular place where she had an accident. My thoughts ran to Maison, but I didn't want to believe he had anything to do with Stephanie yet. Emma was asked a few questions and she told the detective that Stephanie had been going to her parents sometimes and coming back before I returned. She had left yesterday, saying she would come back
STEPHANIE I bled till morning earning just a tossed sanitary pad and towel from Maison. Was I really pregnant for Edward, or was it just an early period? Thinking about it, I wasn't sure I had my period last month, I didn't track it, and I was always having unprotected sex with Edward. The pain was unbearable but I couldn't do anything about it. I didn't have my phone with me or anything. After cleaning myself up, I lay on the bed twirling in pain. I was hurt. If I knew I had Edward's child, I would have done anything to keep it. I felt bad that I didn't even know I was pregnant. How can a woman not know she's with a child? I felt weak because I'd lost lots of blood, I had become pale and sickly. The sun had come up properly, when I saw the door open and Maison walked in. He stared at me for a moment before saying, “A doctor is here for you, you'll be fine in minutes” Immediately, what came across my mind was to tell the doctor that I had been kidnapped and he should help, but t
STEPHANIE Edward didn't like the name Maison or the statement that came after. “What?” he asked, fury already lingering in his eyes. I regret telling him. “When we were in the water park for a moment we couldn't find Anna, I wanted to call you but I found her with Maison behind an ice cream shop” “What?” Edward sprang to his feet, picking up his phone, and I followed. He was dialing a number. He was calling the cops. “He didn't hurt her, I swear” “But this is a threat, it's high time I get this over and done with.” He was frustrated, running his fingers through his hair. “What the fuck does he want from me?”“It is me,” I said quietly. “He said I should have a divorce and come back to him or he'll make my life miserable. “Why didn't you tell me this?” “Because it's my fault, it's my problem, I was the one who dated him. I didn't want to drag you into this” “You're my wife, Stephanie, we fucking shared a vow”, his voice rumbled. “Under a contract,” I said. I needed to know wh
STEPHANIE I was afraid. I had looked around for her, everywhere a kid could be. I met with the authorities, and everyone began to look for Anna. I felt like crying because I didn't know what to do. What would Edward say? How would he react to hearing his daughter was missing? The first time I had a day out with her and this happened? My skin was covered in goosebumps, shivering from fear. Poor Anna must be so scared.The authorities were not making any progress in finding her, so I picked up my phone to call the police and Edward when I remembered that we hadn't checked the ice cream shop area. I knew that Anna wasn't a child to wander off like that because of something she likes but never say never. I ran to the stall to find a young ice cream man. “Please sir have you seen a child about this tall” I gestured with my hand “Petite and dark hair” he stared at me as if trying to remember, “She's wearing pink and blue swimwear”“Oh I saw her leave with her dad after getting strawberr
STEPHANIE I swear I didn't realize it when I said Maison's name. I was a fool, a very stupid one. He stared at me before closing my legs, he sat at the edge of the bed, looking away. I started apologizing continuously and I had to do more. “I'm sorry Edward, I didn't know when I said that” He was silent. His face was void of any emotions. I adjusted my dress and slipped towards him. “Please” I touched his arm.“Tell me, Stephanie, I want the truth” His face was serious. “Do you still love him?”“I cannot love someone who has hurt me countless times.” I dropped my arms. “I hated him before I even ended things with him, and he went to jail.” I felt like I needed to explain everything to him. “It was two months before I met you that we broke up. He not only hurt me physically but he traumatized me, that I couldn't have a shut eyes without seeing him attempting to hit me again in my dreams. He was the guy I'd been with the longest. Please don't be mad” He didn't move an inch. “Please
STEPHANIE I had been at home for almost a week because Edward ordered me to rest and stay indoors. I know he can be overprotective at times but this was much. He asked Jude to accompany me anytime I was going out. I asked him the reason and he said he just wanted me safe. I had to spend more time with Anna, Rose had returned home but promised to be back. I enjoyed her company, she always tried to make sure I was comfortable. I called my mom and told her what happened between me and Maison and told her to avoid him and never let him into the house again. My mom was surprised because she never knew Maison to be a horrible person, so I had to apologize for lying before. I told her how he harassed me before and she was really sad. But I told her I was lucky now to have Edward. I made dinner and we waited for Edward to return. I took up my habit of making food if I was bored. It had not been all lovey-dovey for me and Edward since I returned from the hospital. He wasn't angry at me b
EDWARD I was so angry at Stephanie and I didn't want to see her until I heard a thud on the ground. Turning around I saw that she was on the floor. I rushed to her and lifted her head to see that she had fainted. I was afraid, even though I might be mad and all, I didn't want to lose her.I quickly carried her in my arms, calling Steven to help with the car. He was a fast driver and I was grateful to him for the first time. I stared at Stephanie, head resting on my body. Her eyes were swollen and she looked exhausted. I was sorry, but it would not have been great to forgive her easily. I did a background check on this ex-boyfriend of hers, and he was a psychopath. He sold drugs secretly and was part of a gang. I was surprised how Stephanie would have ended up with someone like that. I guessed she didn't know because she didn't look like anyone with a dark past or was trying to hide how crooked she was. I believed her story, Maison was capable of drugging someone and taking advan