79.Roland wasn't happy to see him but he couldn't care less. He had a mission to accomplish.“Anna.” He called.Annabel's face lit up with more smiles when she saw him. “Carson, you're here!” She hugged him.Carson pecked her forehead and Roland cleared his throat. He wrapped his hand around Annabel's waist much to the detriment of Roland.“I never knew a dinner party could be this eventful, Roland. Thanks for the invite.” Carson smiled.“I didn't invite you.” Roland frowned, his eyes on Carson's hand around Annabel's waist. His annoyance was that Annabel wasn't saying anything about it.“Yeah, that's why I'm thanking you. Anyways, I'd like us to talk alone.”Roland crossed his arms. “I don't think we have anything to talk about.”Carson chuckled and walked to where he stood. “You might be interested because it's about Annabel. I'll be at the lobby.” He whispered and started walking away.Just like he said, Roland was interested immediately. He took a paper and wrote to Annabel, tell
80.Roland sat in the bar, with five empty bottles of beer in front of him. He wanted to get drunk but it was not working for him. He seemed to be more awake and aware of the pain that gnawed at him instead of getting drunk.“Annabel,” He muttered as he glanced at the sixth bottle of beer in his hand.He wanted to meet her; to ask her so she could tell him everything Carson said was a lie, but what was there to confirm anymore? He saw the pregnancy, the ring and damn, Olivia was her daughter.It was then everything dawned on him; that was when his eyes opened and he started to think clearly. That was when he realized why Olivia was always at their house, why Olivia called Annabel mummy and why Annabel loved when the girl was happy, but why did she lie to him about that? He had no problem with Olivia. He loved the girl, he felt a connection with her not knowing she was Carson's child.Roland sniffed. “Why did you lie to me, Annabel? Why?” He ruffled his hair.His phone rang and he star
81.Next Day…Annabel got to the office a bit late expecting to see Roland in the office but he wasn't there. She wondered where he must have gone this early when his schedule practically showed that he'd leave for a meeting by 11am.She wanted to ask him different questions. She wanted to know why he left without saying a word. He told her to wait for him in the office and then he was nowhere to be found. He didn't only waste her time, he made her expect the unthinkable.She could remember how nervous she was because she had no idea about what he wanted to say to her.The door opened and Ashton walked in. She stood up to greet him. He nodded and dropped some files on Roland's table. He was about to turn and leave but Annabel stopped him.“Ashton,” She called, making him stop in his tracks. He turned to look at her, his face holding an expression that already asked what she wanted. “Um… I was wondering if you've seen Roland today. He isn't in the office and I can't reach him on phone e
82.“Something is wrong, Sasha, I can feel it.” Annabel ruffled her hair.It's been two days and Roland hadn't come to the office. He didn't reply her texts either.“Maybe he went on a business trip and can't disclose his location at the moment.” Sasha tried to calm her down.“Even to his personal assistant? He doesn't trust me that much?” She asked. “The least he could have done is to say hi and I'd know he's fine. He's getting me worried and I don't like it.” She sighed.“Let's wait some more.”“No, I'm thinking of going to his place if he doesn't come to work tomorrow. The worst part is that, Ashton isn't telling me anything.” Sasha sighed and massaged her temple. She wondered what could be wrong with Roland. “Did Carson tell him anything?” She asked and Annabel turned to look at her. “You said he disappeared after he left to have a talk with Carson. I'm having a feeling Carson must have said something to upset him.”“Something like?” Annabel asked.“Something like you have a daug
83.Annabel couldn't believe her past was finally back to haunt her. How did he find out? Did Carson tell him?She shook her head frantically. Carson would never do such a thing to her.Roland crossed his arms, waiting for her reply. “I'll ask again, Miss. Walter. Do you have a daughter?” He asked.“W… W… what?” She asked.“I didn't want to do this but I need to know the truth. Are you engaged to anyone?”“No.” She answered.“But you do have a daughter, don't you?” Annabel sighed. What's the use of hiding it from him. He would find out sooner or later anyway.“Yes.” She answered and Roland could feel his heart shatter to pieces.“I guess it's Olivia, right?” He asked and she nodded. He became hurt. “You told me you were babysitting Olivia and that she wasn't your daughter.” He complained, trying his best to stop himself from snapping at her.“Yes, I did but I can explain.”“You can explain? Annabel, you lied to me. You put my hopes up for nothing. I trusted you, I trusted everything
84.“This is all Roland's fault!” Carson yelled, throwing a bottle of whiskey to the floor. The bottle shattered to pieces and all its contents spilled on the finely placed rug in the bar.“He only gets everything and leaves me with nothing. It has been like this for years!” He yelled, throwing another bottle to the ground.Liam, who heard the sound of things breaking, rushed to him and was shocked to see the mess Carson was creating. That wasn't all. Carson threw all the glass cups on the floor and yelled angrily.“What's going on?” Liam asked. “Why are you so furious to the extent of trying to hurt yourself?” He questioned, pointing to the chards of glasses on the floor.“Annabel rejected me, Liam. My plan failed!” He yelled.Liam blinked. “Wait… I don't understand what you're saying. What did she reject you for? The job offer?” He asked.“I finally told her how I felt, Liam, but she rejected my love, and I know it's all Roland's fault. He told her everything I told him, even though
85.THE NEXT DAY…Annabel walked into the company and looked around, smiling. She was no longer entering the company as Mr. Roland's personal assistant but someone dear and close to his heart.As she reached for the elevator and opened it, she saw a hand turning it off and it closed. When she turned, her eyes met with that of Roland.She just stared at him with a smile, not knowing what to say. But when Roland's hand took hers and he intertwined their fingers, her eyes shot open.“What are you doing?” She asked.Roland smiled and started walking, taking her with him. “We're going to use my elevator. You aren't permitted to use the ones the employees use anymore.” He answered.“But must we hold hands? The employees —”“Can think whatever they want to think,” He cut her off and tapped his elevator button. “I am in charge.” He smirked and they entered.Annabel knew the employees would be gossiping about her soon because while they were going to the elevator, she noticed their stares and
86.“You look unusually happy these days. What's the secret?” Brian asked Annabel when they bumped into each other in the company one day. She had told Roland, she wanted to deliver somethings to the technical department so they could work on. He didn't want her to leave and wanted to call someone to get it done, but she insisted, and he let her go.Annabel smiled. “Don't I deserve to be happy?” She asked.“Of course you do. I'm just surprised because you aren't usually this cheerful, especially to Mr. Roland of course. But these days, there's this smile you always have on your face that makes me wonder what might have actually happened with you.” Brian smiled. Annabel sighed, wondering if she should tell Brian what was going on or not. Well, they just started, so she might as well keep it a secret. Besides, she didn't want anyone to know about them yet.“I'm just happy, that's all.” She smiled dreamily.Brian was determined to get the truth out of her at all costs “I know those kind
158. AT SCHOOL… Olivia was on a seat, trying to get a class work they had given to them done. Sebastian hadn't been to school for a while, and she was darn worried about him. She didn't know his place and had even asked Mrs. Genevieve about him several times, but she would tell him Sebastian would come soon. “Are you still pouting because of that boy?” Winter scoffed. “His name is not “that boy” Winter. His name is Sebastian and yes, I'm pouting because of him because I'm angry that he hasn't resumed school for days now.“ She folded her hands with a huff. “You care about me that much?” She gasped when she heard the voice she had been wanting to hear for a few days now. She turned and was shocked to see him. “Sebastian,” She called, and he smiled at her. “Where have you been?” She rushed to meet him. “Come with me,” He held her hand and led her outside to the car. When they got there, he smiled at her and Olivia wondered why he had brought there. “Olivia,” He called, and she loo
157.6 MONTHS LATER…“Congratulations, Mrs. D. Ville, you're four months pregnant!” Doctor Preston told Annabel, and she shrieked in surprise.. “Are you for real?” She asked because it looked like a dream to her. She was pregnant for her darling husband; pregnant with his second child.Doctor Preston nodded and she beamed. He handed over the test results to her, and she took them with excitement laced in every of her movements. She stood up and picked up her bag.“Thank you so much, doctor Preston,” She walked out of the office. “Roland is gonna scream!” She twirled happily as she headed for her car.When she got there, she was surprised to see Jacinthe leaning on her car. It's been months, but she still recognized the lady.Jacinthe smiled and waited for Annabel to get to where she was.“Hi,” She waved at Annabel with a friendly smile on her face.“Hey,” Annabel smiled back. “Jacinthe.” She called.“Wow, I'm glad you still remember me.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ears.“
156.Annabel's eyes widened as Nadia fell to the floor in pain.Roland sighed, happy that the policemen were not dull doing their jobs. They rushed to where Nadia dropped the gun and picked it.Nadia looked at her bleeding leg, where she got shot, and screamed in tears. “All I wanted was for someone to love me! Is that too much to ask for? It isn't fair that people don't get what they want!”Annabel sighed in relief. For a moment there, she thought she was going to die on her wedding day. Roland held her hand as they walked to where Nadia sat on the floor in pain.She looked at Roland and covered her face in shame. “I'm sorry, I apologize for trying to hurt you.”Roland just looked at her. “I'll see you in court.” He said, and left with Annabel.She glanced her parents' way, and they just stared at her with tears in their eyes. There was nothing they could do anymore. She has to face the law. She was taken away by the police, and Roland turned to the people.“Let's not allow what happ
155.THE WEDDING DAY…“Gosh, Annabel, I can't believe this is actually happening!” Sasha screamed in delight as she watched Annabel get into her wedding gown. The feeling was out of this world. She was so excited and she wasn't even the bride.Annabel couldn't believe it was happening either. Her dream was finally coming true. She was getting married to the man of her dreams; the father of her child and the person who proved to be more than a friend and boss to her. She loved him so much and just the thought that she was going to spend the rest of her life with him sent tingles down her belly.Tears rolled down her cheeks as she turned to look at Sasha, who was bubbling with excitement. Sasha rushed to her and hugged her tight.“Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!” Sasha exclaimed.Annabel chuckled. “You seem more excited than I am.” “You do not know the half of it. After everything you passed through, you deserve a happy ending my love. You deserve the joy that comes with this day and I'm really
154.Annabel tears rolled down in relief the minute Roland stormed through that door. She removed her veil and was about to run to him but Carson held her hand.“You are going nowhere, Annabel!” He snapped.“Let go of her right now, Carson. You do not want to see the other side of me.” Roland was vexed at how he held Annabel.Carson smiled. “I can't let go of her, Roland,” He pulled Annabel to himself and took a gun, startling everyone in the church.Roland was about to rush to them.“Don't you dare take another step else I'll shoot!” Annabel screamed.“Carson, don't try anything stupid, you'll regret it.” Roland lowered his voice, scared that Carson might shoot Annabel.Carson wasn't ready to let her go. This was his opportunity to finally get what he wanted right now that Roland was here.“I hate you, do you know that? Why do you keep ruining my plans and acting like a hero all the time?” He snarled. “I've tried my best to be ahead of you in all ramifications. I tried to surpass you
153.“What the heck did you just spit out of that ass you call a mouth?” Roland balled his fists. Carson had definitely grown wings to have the courage to talk to him like that. How dare the scumbag say he wanted to get married to Annabel? His Annabel? For what?Carson was happy that he had been able to get a reaction out of Roland. He knew the dude didn't like joking with anything that involves Annabel. “You heard me well. I would have invited you to our wedding but I'm worried that you'd turn everything upside down, so you're not going to be invited. But, I'll be lenient and give you a video of the whole wedding procession.” He laughed.Roland tightened his fists. “Shut up.” “Why should I?” Carson chuckled. “I'm just sharing my happiness with you and you're silencing me. I'm just happy that I'd be getting married to the woman of my dreams tomorrow—”“Shut up, Carson!” Roland snapped. He couldn't take it anymore. He wished he was with Carson now to reset his brain with a punch or sla
152.“I can't marry you now, let me out of here!” Annabel snapped at him but he chuckled and sped up.She couldn't believe Carson was behaving this way. Olivia was scared and held Annabel.“Mummy!” She called, her voice shaking.Annabel held her close to herself and quickly took her phone. She sent a text message to the number Sasha used to text her but it didn't deliver. With a frustrated sigh, she texted Roland, asking him for help. “If you think texting them the location of where I'm taking you will make them find you then you're mistaken. I suspected something like this might happen, so I already had my plans implemented and waiting for execution. Where I told you isn't actually where I'm taking you now, Annabel. Where I'm taking you is where our wedding will take place.”“Over my dead body will I agree to marry a monster like you. I saw you as a helper but you betrayed me. You have no conscience!”Carson laughed. “Hear who's talking about conscience? Where was your conscience whe
151.Roland sprung up from his seat and rushed to meet Sasha.“You said what?” He asked to be sure he heard her well the first time.Sasha tried to catch her breath. When her breathing was stable enough, she looked up at Roland. “Annabel is leaving the city with Carson and I have no idea when she'd be coming back.”Roland blinked. “What! Why?” He asked.“She said she wanted to go somewhere far away, rest for awhile and heal. She wants to forget about you and everything you two had.”“No!” Roland shook his head. “I can't let that happen, Sasha. Where is she now?” He asked, picking up his car keys immediately.“She should be at Carson's now. You have to stop her from leaving, Roland. I don't trust Carson one bit.” Sasha was scared for Annabel's safety.“Neither do I,” Roland said and rushed out.Sasha sat in the office with her palms on her forehead. She was already getting a headache from all these issues on ground.“Where is Roland?” Ashton asked the moment he walked in.Sasha sighed.
150.TWO DAYS LATER…“Nadia, how could you do something like that?” Mrs. Durand asked after the news about what Nadia did, got to her ears.It's been two days, Annabel didn't want to see Roland or anyone. Roland had been devastated over everything that happened and had refused to eat or drink. He was getting worse daily and no matter how much evidence they gathered, they'd always lose it.Nadia on the other hand was bent on making things worse for them. Roland's parents tried to talk to her but she refused to hear them out. She was indeed showing them the other side of her and it made them relieved that they didn't give her to their son in the First place.Nadia blew a bubble from the gum she was chewing and glanced at her mother. “I've done a lot of things, mum. Which one are you talking about?” She asked.Mrs. Durand couldn't believe how her daughter changed suddenly. Nadia wasn't always like this.“You framed Roland and you know exactly what I'm talking about. Meet Annabel and expla