STEPHANIE I was going through the mail when the phone rang. “Stephenie speaking“ It was usually Only Steven who called me. A familiar voice piped up.“My office Now.” And there was a beep indicating that he had hung up. I blinked while still processing it. Did no one think of ever teaching him some manners?“Sure!” I answered the line which was, well, dead.I walked past Steven who smiled at me pointing to Edwards' door. He was always happy even though Edward was a jerk to him and everyone else. I knocked and he grunted a ‘Come in’ on knocking. This time his gaze wasn’t trained on his laptop screen unlike usual. It was on me.“How may I help you, Mr. Dan?”Edward's eyes twitched for a moment, what I had picked up from our interactions, was a sign that he wasn’t pleased about something. “It’s Edward for you.”“I’m afraid you’re my boss here.”“And that’s why you do as I say.” He stated, too calmly, as if raising his voice was beneath him. “Edward” “You’re infuriating!”“I’ve been tol
STEPHANIEI secured the seat belt around me as he started the car. “I’m satisfied by the awful lot of time I have been spending in your vicinity lately,” I said, trying to get over the fact that he tried to kiss me again, or it was just his thing to invade people's space. “Suppose you must be excited at the prospect of moving in.”“Oh yeah…Can’t wait!” I laughed sarcastically before frowning. “Why didn’t you just send your driver to pick me up? I would have liked that a lot better.”“Can’t say I didn’t want to. My Grandmother wouldn’t have been very pleased.” I couldn’t help the corner of my lips from curving up. It was funny, imagining this giant arrogant man getting scolded by his grandmother.I chuckled. “So the bossy and arrogant Mr I-Get-It-All has someone who can keep his ass on the line.”“Excuse me?” I grinned, enjoying the offended tone in his words.“You’re excused.” He exhaled, somewhat exasperated.I looked out of the window, my mood relatively better than it was in the m
EDWARD “Tell me, does Edward treat you right?” Grandma asked seriously as if Stephanie, whom she likes now, was dating a depraved or morally questionable man and not her grandson.Stephanie forced a smile on her face. “He does. He is a gentleman.” Grandma nodded to herself in approval before I saw her eyes shining with excitement. “So, how did you two meet? I asked Edward but his vague answers didn’t do it for me. I want the whole thing. Besides, he said that I would like it a lot better from you.” She rambled and I saw the slightest trace of nervousness flickering in Stephanie’s eyes. Something told me the reason wasn’t my Grandma but Dad. His silent watchful presence could be a bit unnerving.“I used to work at a Diner where Anna used to visit with Emma. Edward had come along one day and that’s how we met.” Well, this part was technically true.“I don’t believe it was love at first sight at all. This guy here doesn’t have a single romantic bone in his body.” Grams spoke with disa
STEPHANIETen minutes into the drive, we still hadn’t exchanged a word, and I wouldn’t have traded this silence for the world. I prefer him looking pretty and his mouth shut, but I rarely get what I want.“So, you have been narrating this to your family and everyone else; I was after you like a love-sick puppy.” He broke the silence. His tone told me that he was anything but impressed with the story. Well, I wasn’t aiming to do that either.“Nice, isn’t it?” I kept my eyes trained outside the window.“With all that shit you made up about me, flowers and the sunset proposal, I’m surprised that my Grandma believed you.”“What would you prefer I said? We signed an agreement and you slid the engagement ring across the office desk? I bet it would sound like you!” I snapped. He could have just told them about our ‘meet cute’ himself instead of pushing it to me.Frankly, it wasn’t just his remarks that had annoyed me. It was Rose. I saw her hanging on to every lie I told. She was genuinely h
STEPHANIE It was the weekend soon, I found myself needing to pack up and move. I had a chat with my mum, letting her know that I wanted to start living with my fiancé, and she was thrilled about it. My dad, on the other hand, wasn't quite as enthusiastic, but Mom managed to cajole him that he had to let me go if he ever hoped to have a grandchild. I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought, pondering who would take on the responsibility of making that happen. It certainly wouldn't be Edward, that's for sure.My mom helped me pack some clothes. Edward had everything so I just needed my clothes. As we worked, she seemed usually quiet, which was unlike her, and I knew something was wrong.“Are you okay?” I asked her and she shook her head.“I just can't believe you're finally engaged. Not to anyone but to a good man” I nearly scoffed. 'Who was a good man?' She had bought the front Edward put up when he visited. He was an insane jerk in need of Psychological treatment. But she looked s
EDWARD I arrived home to be greeted by silence. Normally, since it was the weekend, Anna usually stayed up waiting for me. But the house was eerily silent. I laid down my Jacket and suitcase when I heard Emma approaching.“Welcome back Edward” “Thank you. How are you doing?” She smiled, and I still looked around, searching for my daughter. “Where is Anna?” I asked finally.“Oh” She smiled “She's with Stephanie” I had forgotten for a second that Stephanie moved in today. “They've been together all day. Made pancakes and now seeing a movie upstairs” It was quite astonishing how quickly Anna managed to adapt to someone in just a single day. Sure, she had been meeting Steph at the Diner for a while, but this was her very first day living under the same roof, and yet she seemed completely at ease. I’m genuinely pleased with my decision to choose Stephanie. “You can call it a night, Emma. I'll take care of putting her to bed.” Emma has been a part of our family for as long as I
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 Maison met me curled up on the living room sofa when he came down in the morning. I couldn't find a way to escape and I couldn't sleep, I just lay there till morning. I was lost in thoughts but his cold fingers brought me back to reality. He placed his hands on my thigh “What are you doing down here?” He asked me. “Came down yesterday begging for an escape” the lady with the dark hair I met last night said. She laughed “She didn't know that there's no way out” I stared at Maison. He wasn't drunk anymore. He sat down beside me. His voice was gentle. “How long am I going to keep begging you to stay with me” I wasn't one to answer that question, so I got on my feet and wanted to walk away, but he grabbed my hand and pulled me down into him. “You don't walk away from me when I'm talking to you”, he said as I struggled to break free; I was sitting on his legs now. When I had gotten exhausted and decided to stay put, he used that opportunity to begin to touch me. “You shoul
EDWARD We tracked the phone and went back to the house we first went in search of Maison. We met a young boy this time. Sam asked to go in and we sat with him. “We traced a call from three days ago to this place” Sam looked at his hand, “It's this phone you're having now. Tell me why did you call the lady that day?” he began questioning the boy. “I did not,” The boy said turning away. “You called her before the accident and said nothing, just misplaced words” “I did nothing” he repeated. I just watched them. If Sam cannot get something out of this kid, I'll have to strangle him and get something from him myself. “It is your voice kid” Sam took out a recorder and played the recorded voice note. “Are you still going to deny it?” He kept quiet. I was exhausted “Hey how old are you?” I asked him and he answered.“I just turned eighteen” “Then I hope you know that if you are checked and by chance have anything to do with the disappearance of that young lady you'll no longer go to
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