Brittany is one of the girls who has been overly obsessed with Joel for a long time. She has been asking him out ever since she laid eyes on him from high school, but Joel never looked her way because he was already attracted to Estelle and was finding ways of winning her heart. Well, it wasn't enough for Britanny to give up anyway.
She strikes at the least chance she gets and intentionally does anything she can to anger Estelle. Estelle knows that Joel loves her but it doesn't in any way take away her discomfort anytime Brittany makes advances at Joel.
Now, she is at it again and this time, in front of the whole student body. How far will she go for a guy who doesn't even think about her? Well, Estelle will not give her the chance. Before Joel knows, she walks up to Britanny, meeting her halfway, precisely center stage.
"His question was to me and not you", Estelle lashed out.
" Well, it seems to me, that you need time to make up your mind. In doing so, I will take what is mine." She responds adamantly.
Estelle stares her up and down
" I know it's easy-going shopping but I never thought you'll use your millions to buy rags...dear you look like a maid." Estelle heaved with a chuckle.
"Ouch, that hurts. But Joel likes it." Brittany said annoyingly, earning another flame of jealousy in Estelle's heart but she won't back down.
" Well, it doesn't seem so to me, cos he just proposed to me and Yes am going to marry him after graduation. Britanny's face squeezed with anger but Estelle wasn't done.
"And you know what, I checked with the guys and none of them are willing to take you out on a date, thoughtless of proposing marriage. You are so pathetic." Estelle sneered.
Brittany was not only angry but also embarrassed when the crowd began giving thumbs down and coed behind her. She runs towards Joel and was about to hug him but he cut her off before she knew it.
"Stop embarrassing yourself Brittany, you should leave when you still have some dignity." Joel retorted, making her run off the exit of the stage with shame but when she gets to Estelle, she can't help but give her another threat.
"This isn't over, Estelle, this is just the beginning," Brittany said, squeezing her brows in anger.
"Ohhhh am scared," Estelle mimicked a baby voice.
Before Estelle walks back to her seat, Joel meets her half-way, planting a kiss on her cheeks.
"Am very sorry babe. Don't let her ruin our day", he said truthfully, looking in her eyes.
" No need to apologize. It's not your fault that girls are so obsessed with you", She said, pulling him into a warm hug.
The roars and cheers from the crowd made them pull away softly, waving the crowd and walking away. Halfway, Joel turns to Anastasia and tells. "Sorry, we have to go".
" It's okay, thanks for joining us," she yells in her microphone admiringly before addressing the crowd in a dreamy voice.
"You all saw that, look, how cute they look together. So romantic," she said in a jovial tone. "I was right to choose them for the best couple this year. Thank you all for coming and I will see you in the next edition," She said, the crowd dispersing with cheers.
***************
Joel has the looks, charisma, intellect, and he is the captain of the football team. He has everything, except....one important thing...Cash. Yeah. I mean, he is as poor as a church mouse but he is also the sweetest thing you could think of. So caring, selfless, and poise.
That's why these girls never miss an opportunity to flog around him, pretending to be his girlfriend. There are times that girls got into a fight with each other because of him.
Nancy. You see, Nancy picked up Joel's face towel during their first year in college, and pretended as if Joel gave it to her.
Brittany wasted no time in lashing out at her. Well, it made her confess the truth. Whenever Estelle wasn't around, Britanny will pretend to be Joel's girlfriend even if he doesn't notice her. She will pick his backpack from his car without him asking and buy him lunch which he always gives to somebody else.
So, you are wondering how Joel survives on campus with all his designer wears? Estelle. She is the girl everyone fears on campus. She is the captain of the cheerleaders and also Joel's girlfriend since high school. She is from a wealthy home but rumors have it that Britany's parents are the richest because her father is the vice-president and a very popular businessman.
Estelle is not only pretty and sexy but also with a heart of Gold. She is very generous and understanding. The only person she can't stand in the whole college is her assistant Brittany. She didn't have a choice over Britanny's role as an assistant captain of the cheerleaders because it was by popular vote. Whenever she meets Brittany, she can't help but bring out her bitchy side.
Most people including Joel have no idea who Estelle's parents are. All they know is that her parents live in France and are rich but to the level of wealth, it's unexplainable.
They walk back to the lecture hall for their final lecture for the day when Estelle is pulled over by her best friend Nina.
"When will you stop being a show spoiler?" Estelle says annoyingly.
"When you begin to tell me your movements," Nina joked. "You never told me you were chosen for the campus magazine. It came as a shock to me".
" Oh sorry about that. It was a shock to us as well. Everything happened so...." Estelle stopped and looked in Joel's direction, making Nina move her head in the same direction. She couldn't fathom what was happening right in front of her.
" I have to teach that bitch a lesson." She says gritting her teeth.
Estelle has cautioned this new girl, times without a number to stay away from Joel but the scene in front of her said something else. Ignoring Nina, She walks straight to her, grabbing her by her hair harshly, and pulls her away from Joel. She was approximately five inches away from Joel with all smiles. But Estelle thought she was too close to her man."Don't ever get that close to him again,' She warned sternly."I was only asking for his autograph." She said apologetically, which made Estelle regret her action but she didn't want to admit she was wrong."Whatever," she scoffed"Hey, why are you being all worked up again?" Joel laughed and pulled her into a hug. She knows he likes it when she acts all possessive. He feels bad to yell at girls or anything close to driving them away even when they behave flirtingly around him. He is too nice. So now, Estelle is the jealous and possessive girlfriend but don't be too quick to judge her. Joel is no ang
"Dad?" Estelle howled when she listened to the voice from the other side of the line. Joel gaped at her with unreadable emotions. Her Dad is the only one who calls her Mon Cherri. But what she couldn't understand was why he was phoning her with an unidentified number."Why are you squealing astounded? Couldn't you divulge from my voice"? He implored disgruntled and wondering why she hasn't been responding to his phone calls." I partly did but why did you call with an unidentified number?" She asked bewildered, knowing that her dad only called her with his private number, which she had saved on her phone."Oui, Mon Cherri, if you hadn't ignored my calls, I wouldn't be forced to use this one". She remembered when the phone rang in the lecture hall and she didn't answer. But a few days ago, she had deliberately avoided her father's calls, fearing the worst." Sorry dad, it's been hectic these days due to project work and I'm barely close to the phone.
"Water?" Joel asked with concern, his head spinning with so many thoughts he couldn't voice out. He tried his best to look neutral but internally, he wasn't satisfied with Estelle's behavior and the answers she gave him but he trusted her so much and wished and couldn't suspect anything. He felt she just needed time like be needed to tell her about himself too. She wasn't the only one with secrets after all.Estelle's nods in the affirmative, as she felt fire in her nose. She coughed involuntarily, making the food divert it's way from her esophagus to her conchae. It was a short burning pain, slowly eased by the warm water Joel held to her mouth which she gulped down impatiently, easing her discomfort."Thank you" she whispers with glassy eyes. Joel waited till she finished eating, not wanting to say anything to make her choke as before."Babe, you are getting me worried. Ever since the interview, you've been acting all weird. Am not complaining. Just honestl
The next day, they didn't have much time to speak as they intended. Both of them were caught up in their preparation for the final match at noon. It was a competition between the two best universities in the world and other college students had begun making their way to their school. The cheerleaders were having a hard time choosing from the four new uniforms they ordered. They felt them all gorgeous but decided to vote and agreed on a blue and black turtle neck shell tank top with a mid-high pleated skirt won over spankies with matching white shoes. Black and blue were the school's official colors so it seemed like the best option from the rest.The football team waited in the lounges while their coach gave his final direction. It was a very competitive match with each team wanting to graduate as the winner, wanting to give the school it's glory. It was about five minutes to the end of the game before a ball entered the net in favor of Queens College. The roar from the crowd
"Nina, I don't like this. It's too short," Estelle whined, looking at herself in the mirror."But it's perfect. You will be the hottest at the party", she winks. Estelle moves to sit in her bed, turning to face Nina who has been grinning since she tried on that dress."I know, but I don't want to make him lose control. He has promised to wait till marriage and I don't want to tempt him to go against his words," she explains, moving her gaze from Nina, to Amanda. She hoped Amanda will defend her. She needed their help because she wanted to look her best, and at the same time not looking seductive."Well if he has waited this long, he can still wait a few months. This dress is not coming off your body, whether you like it or not." Nina insisted, In a firm but friendly tone.Estelle shifts her gaze through her vast closet, landing her eyes on a black, shiny, knee-length dress. "Okay, that is is fine"."No. I mean it looks good but not as good as what you a
Estelle sends a cold gaze towards Joel's direction when she beholds the brand new yellow Ferrari in front of her. Joel was just numb and she couldn't figure out if he was angry, excited, or sad. It seems to her that Britanny has succeeded in ruining their perfect party.Joel turned and with his hand still wrapped around her waist, begins to walk back to the party, throwing the gift box containing the keys on the floor in front of Britanny. Britanny looks on as her face drops in disappointment, as she quickly picks up the car key, leaving the box on the floor.This is the first time anyone has rejected an expensive gift like this from her. She was even more determined to make him accept the gift and kept running after him like a fool."Joel!" Britanny howled behind them, making them turn involuntarily to face her. "Look, it's your birthday and you are accepting gifts from everyone so why do you have to reject mine?" She asked with an innocent expression on her face.
Joel threw an angry look at Britanny, before following the direction Estelle exited but before he exited the door, he took another look at Britanny."What did I ever do to you? Just one memorable event of my life and you still had the brasses to ruin it. Are you even human?" He asked rhetorically, shaking his head in disappointment before following the and exit.From where Estelle had his new car parked, it took some time to get it out of the car park because she didn't want anyone to see it. As soon as he was out of the car park, he made his way to the police station and since it was about an hour to midnight, there was no traffic.Upon arrival at the police station, he realized he saw Estelle coming out, just as he was about to enter."Babe, did they hurt you?" He asked with concern, anger, and regret."No, they let me go," Estelle responds passively."Seriously? Just like that?""Hmmm," Estelle hummed, raising her brows.Whe
The week moved on fast and there were no major activities as everyone was preparing for the exams. Estelle and her friends spent most of their time in the library, but she did make time for Joel. Their discussions were short and brief. They were straight-A students and wanted to keep it that way. Soon it was time for Estelle to leave for Paris and Joel chaperoned her to the airport. Even though she promised to return in two days, Joel doubted it but didn't tell her, and kisses her goodbye.Before he drives out of the Airport, someone taps on his window and he winds down his window glass, thinking it might be security or something important. To his amazement, Brittany was standing there smiling innocently."Are you stalking me?" he asks furiously."Yes, to be honest," She says, directing her gaze to the floor. Joel was still angry with her for making the police arrest Estelle but gave her a listening ear regardless."May I know why?" He asks impatiently.
It’s been a little above twenty-five years since Estelle and Joel left her parent's house. Since their return, they have tried to locate them to no avail.Eventually, news about their new counseling passion has traveled far and near, capturing the attention of Estelle’s parents. They too, for some years now, have been trying to reunite with them. They made their way to the office in Estelle’s absence but were fortunate to get her home address.Unfortunately, Joel’s mother had just died two weeks ago and her father followed a week after. Those two seem to be inseparable, even in death. Estelle’s parents were now old and sought to reconcile with their daughter. Not only that, but they also had a plan.Estelle was surprised by the description the housekeeper gave about a pair looking for them. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw the two aged people and found herself locked in their embrace. Joel was upstairs and didn’t know about the visitors downstairs. Estelle’s fat
Nina's eyes were glassy when she took in Gerald's appearance. She could tell it wasn't easy for him also. His eyes were red and his face sullen as if sleep itself had eluded him. He moved closer and sat beside her."You think that I cheated on you but the fact is, I didn't. Even if I did, it wasn't in my right mind. When you threw me out last night, I went back to Bridget to seek clarification." Nina's heart sunk when she heard the name, Bridget. 'So he went back to his lover. I shouldn't have thrown him out of the house but I was too angry to think straight. But even if it's my fault, why did he go back to her house? Was it to continue with their stupid affair?'"So, you went back to the same woman. Tell me, where is your shame?" Gerald could tell that Nina was upset."Trust me, nothing happened. She indeed drugged me but she confessed I slept off before anything serious could happen. Those pictures meant nothing. If you don't believe me, I can call
Estelle couldn't sleep well through the night as she kept thinking of how to discourage Nina from getting a divorce. After making sure the house was in order, she went to see Nina, first thing in the morning. The smell of alcohol lurked in the room as Nina sat half asleep on the couch with an empty bottle of whisky. Estelle was repulsed by her behavior because she wasn't one who likes to get drunk in the first place. She shook Nina awake."What is this, Nina, pull yourself together." Nina stares at her indifferently. 'After all, Estelle hasn't been through what I am going through so it's easy for her to tell me to shake it off. What she didn't know was that Estelle has been through the worst and yet, did not result to alcohol. What is worse than being drugged, raped, and having a bastard child? No matter how you try, that child will be a constant reminder."My life is already over Estelle, I have nothing to lose. I already lost everything," Nina said.Estelle pu
The cool air of rejection blew over Joel's mind as soon as his feet lands in Paris. Everything begins to playback. 'This is where it all started. The jealousy, betrayal, rejection.' His only hope is that things will be better this time. He has no intention of retaliating if Mr. Montana shows him any disrespect.The journey to the Montana mansion has been a very solemn one as neither Estelle nor Joel knows what to expect. Jolene and JJ have been busy with their phones, leaving them no time to care about the coldness that lurks in the limousine they are riding to the mansion.The limousine parks in front of the huge gate of the mansion and are greeted by a talk bulky man, who appears to be the security in charge of the mansion. He casually greeted and Joel wind down his window."We are here to visit Mr. and Mrs. Montana. You should remember her daughter Estelle," Joel says rather casually. The security man frowns. "Mr. and Mrs. Montana have been away for a few months
The worst stupidity in life is thinking yourself a lion when you are merely an ant. That is the state in which JJ found himself. He cowardly recoils into an ant upon the sudden revelation. The man who loves him unconditionally is the one he betrays and falls for the scam.His envisionment becomes a bitter pill as he thinks of himself as f unworthy of the love he enjoyed over these years. How can he make amends? Joel will never forgive him and right now, he feels poisoned by the blood that runs through his veins. That stupid thing called DNA has caused so much havoc.This time, his anger is directed towards his father. "You, you lied to me. How dare you do this to me?" He yells.Indeed, Anthony is remorseful. "I am sorry son, I never meant to. I didn't know. The original documents were in his name. I have copies. I never knew he changed it. I was only fighting for your interest." His voice envisions genuine regret but JJ remains unmoved."Just stay away from m
Joel who had remained quiet suddenly erupted like a volcano. "You spent the days with Anthony, not caring about how worried we were. Since you discovered he is your father and believed everything he told you, why did you come back? Why come here? Did you suddenly grow tired of him or you came to revenge on us?"JJ was quiet. He has messed up. Now his plan has backfired. He feared Joel might hurt his father. Estelle is outraged to hear that Anthony is behind it all."Honey, what are you saying?""Why don't you ask your son?" Joel said, not hiding the irritation in his voice.Jolene is awestruck, just gawking as revelations are being made. "Mum, Dad, what are you talking about? JJ isn't my brother?""He is your brother," Joel said. "I have never made a distinction between both of you even though he is not from my loins. I have always loved him as my own.""Liar. You never loved me. You are only doing it to please mum. You are living on my father's m
On a fateful evening, JJ returned home to his family. To avoid too many questions, he went in the evening but Jolene who has had sleepless nights because of his disappearance was wide awake and heard the door to his room open.She went hurriedly out of her room, following the sound to JJ's room. She screamed in surprise, waking Estelle and Joel who couldn't sleep deeply. He sneaked into the house without security noticing. His car was parked a few meters away. Maybe he wanted to sneak in and take the documents, and then return as if nothing had happened.Jolene's appearance at the door startled him. He was shocked to see Jolene's face swollen and red from tears. It struck a glint of guilt in him which was quickly replaced with indifference.Jolene ignored his indifference. She was excited. "JJ, where have you been? We've been searching everywhere for you."His voice was cold. "I've been around. Let me sleep."Jolene was never used to this part of him. B
A few blocks to Joel's House, JJ was in a state of rage. He abused and cursed his parents verbally. He had no intention of going home anytime soon but the man who was Joel's age cajoled him to go back to retrieve certain documents.JJ did not have it in him to pretend that everything is alright if he goes back to that house. He felt betrayed by the people he called his parents.Two weeks ago, JJ dropped Jolene home and headed in the direction of his school. He was stopped a few yards away by a man. The man was not violent. He wanted a little of his time to speak with him. He has been watching him for a long time and even though JJ had Estelle's features, He had this man's brown eyes. Character-wise, he exuded more of Joel so the softness in him gave way to the subjection of true wisdom.He followed the strange man willingly to a two-bedroom luxurious house. There was a maid and a few guards. His car was parked in the man's garage.After settling down, t
Joel and Estelle left for their vacation as planned. Before leaving, they left a tall list of dos and don'ts. It was depressing for JJ to even look at it, judging from the length. So instead, he ignored it and went by his own rules.Naturally, he was responsible and caring so he didn't have any negative agenda up his sleeves. He is just relieved of his parent's presence. Together with his sister, they go through their normal activities from school to rehearsals and home. The only difference is, Joel doesn't allow Jolene to drive. He prefers driving her to and from school. Sometimes, he will drop her home before going back to college for practice.At school, Joel made sure to keep guys away from Jolene even though she was one grade ahead of him. He will find ways to threaten guys who got close to her. It wasn't difficult since he looked taller and stronger than most of the senior guys, thanks to constant practice.Everything was smooth as the days went by till JJ wa