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
87.The day went by faster than expected and it was almost closing hours. Roland allowed Annabel to close early so she could go home and prepare for their dinner night while he remained in the office.Ashton came to meet him as he sat working. “Aren't you going to prepare for your dinner date with Annabel tonight?” He asked, taking a seat, facing Roland.Roland looked up at him with a smile. “Of course I will. I just need to get some things done first.” He replied.“I think it's about time you showed her to your parents. I always tell you that delay is dangerous and with Carson lurking around every corner, you need to officially announce her as yours before he makes any move.” Ashton sighed.Roland massaged his forehead. “Yes, I understand what you're trying to say. I also have that in mind, but don't you think she'd feel that it's too sudden?” He asked.“Nothing is sudden. You two have loved each other for some time now. The only reason the confession delayed is because the two of you
88.“Your parents?” Annabel's eyes widened. Seeing his parents sounded too sudden and urgent for her and she had no idea how to even react to this.She dropped the fork and cleared her throat. “Isn't that too sudden?” She asked.“I know it sounds too sudden for you but I have a reason why I want to show you to my parents now. I want them to see the woman who finally gave me her heart.” He covered her palm which was rested on the table with his palm and intertwined their fingers.Annabel couldn't help the feeling of anxiety that crept up her body that particular time. The feeling of meeting his parents was a nostalgic one. She had heard about them, and how strict they were.She had expected to finally see them during the dinner party in the company but they didn't later come and now she had to see them face to face; one on one and they'd been talking to her. How was she going to handle that pressure?Roland noticed her tension and gave her hand a little squeeze. “I know you're nervous a
89.“Wait, Roland, don't tell me this is the girl you told me and your father about.” Mrs. D. Ville said and looked at Annabel from head to toes. She could tell from Annabel's dressing and looks that the lady wasn't from a classy family.With just a glimpse, she's able to tell a first class lady whenever she saw her but this one? No, this can't be for her son.Mr. D. Ville had a frown on his face. When he told Roland to bring a lady and show to him, this wasn't what he meant at all. He didn't expect a middle class lady.“What's the meaning of this?” He asked Roland.Annabel's heart was racing. From the way they looked at her and how they spoke, she knew these people didn't like her one bit. Roland helped her to sit and gestured for his parents to sit as well.“Don't jump into conclusions this easily. You have to meet her first to know if she has class or not. I don't see class or anything relating to it in money or material things. I look at character.” Roland said and his mother sigh
90“How did it go?” Sasha asked after Annabel entered the house.Annabel placed her hand on her forehead, and with a sigh, slumped on the couch. Her face held an unreadable expression, making Sasha to wonder what was wrong with her. Sasha sat on the couch and moved close to her, wrapping her hands around Annabel's neck.“Talk to me, Annie. What happened at his parents' place? They welcomed you with open arms and his mother showed you embarrassing pictures of his childhood right?” She asked.Annabel shook her head. “They didn't like me. They said I'm not a lady with class,” She said and Sasha gasped. “I heard everything they said about me, Sasha. I just acted cool.” A tear was about to slip from her eyes but Sasha held her.“Hey, stop it. You're a strong woman. They don't know what they're missing out on. They're wrong about you.”“No, Sasha, they're right. Everything they said was true. This was my fear all along and it's finally reality. I always had this fear that I and Roland were f
91.CS Haute Couture CompanyCarson sat in his office one day, swaying left and right on his chair. He had different thoughts swirling through his head in diverse directions. He couldn't believe Annabel fell for Roland after all his efforts to make sure she loved him and no one else.He took care of her when she was pregnant and offered to be her backbone and shoulder to lean on. He was her hope when she had nowhere to run to, and now all he did had been thrown into the sea by no other person than Roland D. Ville, a man who once claimed to be his best friend.Liam sat opposite him, staring at him with a look of sadness in his eyes. Ever since Annabel rejected Carson, the fella hadn't been himself and was always so withdrawn and quiet. He knew Carson's quietness meant bad news, and he wanted to know what the mischievous fellow was up to, so he decided to engage him in a conversation.“You're awfully quiet these days. It's quite unusual.” He started.Carson grinned. “What do you expect m
92.Annabel returned to the office, maintaining a straight face. She was still annoyed over what the ladies said about her. She couldn't comprehend why people loved assuming unnecessary things. What's their business if she decides to keep her relationship with Roland hidden?Roland watched her. He could see that she was lost in thoughts. “What's going on?” He asked and she looked at him, forcing a smile.“Nothing is wrong. I'm just exhausted.” She lied and it was so smooth that it even shocked her.Roland wasn't convinced. “I don't think that's what's wrong with you but if you're exhausted, you can take a break and rest at home today.” He demanded.Annabel shook her head. “Don't worry, I'm okay.” She smiled.Roland watched her and sighed before nodding his head. She picked up her phone to check some messages when she saw Carson's text. She went through it and saw that he wanted to have lunch with her.She contemplated on whether to accept it or not but she started to think. If she do
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