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 Edward got home, still recuperating from his injury, I had to move back in to take care of him. He couldn't use his hand properly or his body to do any harsh activities. I needed to be by his side. Anna was so happy I returned, they had told her I went on a trip. She kept on asking what I got her and I had to ask Emma to go get her the latest doll she had always wanted. Emma wrapped it up and I gave it to her as a gift. As a workaholic that Edward was, staying home wasn't funny for him. He still tried to work from home but I always reminded him that he should rest just like the doctor had suggested. I met him slumped on the couch in our room watching sports news. He looked exhausted. I laughed “You look like you're about to die because they asked you to stay home and recover” “Trust me now I'm getting an experience of what you felt while staying home all through that period” I smiled and sat beside him. “Have you taken a shower?” “Not yet. I feel so lazy right now,” h
STEPHANIE “GET YOUR FUCKING HANDS OFF MY WIFE!!” Edwards' voice rumbled and thundered down the street, and immediately, Maison let go of me. “So you brought your husband huh?” He threw me a very dirty look. “I thought I had told you to come alone. Now you're really going to get it dirty when we get home” He dug his hand into his back pocket and brought out a dagger before lunging into Edward, and they struggled with who would hit whom. I wasn't expecting to see Edward. How did he know what was going on and came? For some reason, I'm glad he came, but for another, I'm not; what if he gets stabbed? They gave themselves an equal share of beatings until Maison cut Edward on the arm. I just screamed where I was. Edward was trying to hit the knife out of his hand but he proceeded to pierce him with the knife in his abdomen. I felt like fainting. Edward managed to hit the knife out of his hands and held him to the ground, it didn't take a second before Sam and his team came and grabbed
STEPHANIE I ignored my mother who had seen me and Edward outside. I walked upstairs avoiding her gaze. I was ashamed of myself and also angry. I had ruined Edwards' life. I locked my door, slumped on the floor, and cried more. Thinking about it, how could Edward even want me back after knowing I slept with another man? What kind of a lover was he? I've never seen someone love me this bad in my life. I needed to do something concerning all these. I cannot sit back and watch Maison soil Edwards's name. I don't mind dying because of this. I needed to make things right. I should save the one who loves me more than the way I love him. I thought about it for some days before concluding. I picked out my phone and called Maison hoping he would pick up. He did, and I said. “You wanted me right? Now you can have me” ‘What are you saying?’ He clearly was pleased with those words. “But please don't ruin Edwards's name, please, I beg you, Maison. You can have me as you want.”‘Is it now you
EDWARD Stephanie was wearing his clothes, looking haggard, she had slept over, did she just have sex with him? Her mom had told me that she had gone to see me yesterday. But I never saw her, I just guessed she would be here, and here she was, in another man's clothes. “What are you doing here?” I asked her. “What are you doing here?” She asked me back. “You have no right to be here” She began walking down the stairs. “I do, you're fucking just leaving a man's apartment”“Just the way you fucking left a woman's apartment before coming here to pretend to beg” She was angry. “What?” I didn't understand her statement. She laughed “Edward you're funny” “I don't understand” She walked up to me, and I could smell tobacco and earth on her, it was unusual. She always smelt fresh and flowery. “Let me tell you something, you and I are never getting back together. Never” Perhaps did she hear about me and Camille but no one would tell her. “You cannot say that” “Edward you cannot stand h
STEPHANIE Gabriel kissed me roughly as if he had been craving for my body just like I was craving for a body. His hands caressed every inch of my body. I didn't mind that he was all muddy and could stain my clothes, I wanted his hands all over me. He hit me against the wall. Getting rid of my shirt first. Sucking my neck and chest. I ran my fingers through his soft locks. I was dripping wet, I had forgotten my pain. I just imagined that I was doing everything with Edward. He placed me on a console, taking his shirt off. He studied me before leaning in to kiss me slowly. He carried me into his workroom, to his pottery station, and laid me on the muddy floor gently. I stared at him. “What are you doing?” He smirked. “Just relax” He began to take off my clothes, and soon I was naked before him. “You're a total work of art” I just watched him. He took off his clothes before walking towards a heap of mud. He grabbed a bowl of muddy water and poured some on himself. I was surprised,
STEPHANIE I was into the kiss, my hands travelling to Gabriel's neck, when I realised that this wasn't right. I quickly pulled away to his surprise. “I'm so sorry. I can't do this” I said, getting up. “I'm not even supposed to be here” What was wrong with me? How could I kiss someone whom it has not been a week since I met? I was married, I shouldn't appear cheap before Gabriel. “Stephanie,” he called me. I refused to turn for fear that what would happen next might be more intense. “Stephanie please wait” I turned around. “I'm really sorry” “It's not your fault. It is my fault. I don't know what's wrong with me” I ran my fingers through my hair. “I have feelings for someone else” Gabriel stared at me with concern in his eyes. “It's normal to feel something for someone and at the same time feel something for another” “That’s not true” “You shouldn't deny your heart what it wants and your body what it craves,” He said softly. “I don't know you, Gabriel. I can't say I feel someth
STEPHANIE I didn't feel bad as Edward saw me on Gabriel's back. I felt happy so he would know that I could be special to any other man. I slid down his back and he watched me with concern. “Are you sure, I shouldn't take you inside?” “I have to speak to that man,” I gestured to Edward. I faced him properly. “Thank you so much, I would have been in lots of trouble without you. I'll come over later” Gabriel smiled. “I'll be expecting you” As he turned to leave, he gave Edward a quick look before walking away. I frowned when I turned to Edward. I limp slowly to where he is. “What are you doing here?” “Who was that guy?” “That's none of your business” Seriously, that's the first question Edward would ask me?He looked at my legs “What happened to you?” “Nothing much, I sprained my ankle” “Then you should get a doctor immediately” I stared at him with a frown. “What are you doing here?”He was silent for a while before walking up to me and sweeping me off the ground. He carried me
EDWARD I studied Camille as she said those words. How can this woman be so ruthless? I don't even know when she began loving me. “When did this all begin” “Hmm?” “When did you begin having a thing for me, I've known us to be best friends?” She smiled “Remember when you punched Raymond into a pool, that's when it all started”I shifted my head to the side. This was years ago in junior high school. We attended Raymond's birthday party, and when he saw her, he began teasing her for being so small. She began to cry. When I saw what Raymond did to her, I was offended and dashed to him, punching him and he fell into the pool behind. It was a very long time ago, I wasn't expecting it to be something that would make someone fall for someone. Plus she was my best friend. “Camille, we were kids,” I told her. “Well not anymore and you can keep to your word” “I cannot marry you” I was a bit offended. “I'm not asking you to marry me, I just want you as my man” “That cheating on Stephanie
EDWARD My bed felt cold without Stephanie beside me. The past few days have been a hard one for me. I couldn't concentrate well at work or home. I then realised the big hole in my life If Stephanie was not in it. The only time I got to hear her voice was when she called Anna to say hello. I had gone and tried apologising but she wouldn't listen. I wanted to give her space but I cannot live without her. I couldn't sleep and decided to go apologise this time forcing her to hear me out. Reaching her doorstep, I alighted only to find her on another man's back. They were talking, and she seemed relaxed and happy. Who was this guy that could make my woman happy? I was furious. Stephanie didn't know that everything I had done, I was doing it for her. It was getting to the busiest time of the year for me. There was a pile of work to do and lots of places to go. Sometimes it gets so busy that I would arrive home when Stephanie was asleep. I wanted to spend more time with her, especially