45.“You promised that we weren't going to get drunk, Anna and you're already on your third bottle.” Brian complained. She had brought him to the immediately they left the company.Annabel said nothing. She downed the third bottle and was going for the fourth one but Brian collected it from her.“Give my drink to me or do you want to hurt me too?” She asked drowsily.Brian sighed. “Annabel, you're drunk.” He told her.“I'm not drunk, Brian. I'm tolerant to alcohol, now hand over my drink to me.” She ordered but he shook his head.“What's going on with you? I've never seen you this messed up before.” He complained and she snickered.He wanted to know what was going on with her; why she was withdrawn this days and angry whenever she saw Mr. Roland. Brian knew Roland wasn't a promiscuous person and wondered what he must have done to Annabel to make her act that way.He had confronted her about it when they entered the bar, but she didn't look like she wanted to talk about it and started d
46.The next morning, Annabel awoke with a throbbing headache. She first of all glanced around her surrounding and found it familiar. When she discovered that she was in Roland's room, her countenance changed immediately and she hurried down from the bed.She saw a slipper at the side of the bed, which she suspected to be his and refused to wear it. She walked barefooted to the living room where she met Roland giving orders to the maid.Roland turned and saw her. “Good morning.” He greeted with a smile but she didn't return it.“Where is my car key?” She questioned, suddenly remembering that she'd supposed to be home by now to prepare Olivia for school.“It's on the table, I'll get it.” He said but she stopped him.“Don't bother. I'll get it myself,” She was about walking to the table when something pierced her skin. “Ah!” She exclaimed.Roland rushed to her immediately. “What happened?” He asked but she didn't give him an answer. She raised her leg up and Roland gasped when he saw bl
47.Olivia blinked at Annabel cutely. “Please, mummy. I just want a father figure that day.” She expressed, smiling at Roland, who returned one of his own.“A father figure? Where did you learn such English?” Annabel placed her hand on her forehead.“What about your real mother, dear? Will she be okay with it?” Roland asked.Olivia furrowed her brows and was about to answer but Annabel interrupted them.“Why would you ask her such a question? Of course her mother would accept.” She didn't know when she blurted that out. Olivia beamed. “No, wait, that's not right—” She tried to explain herself but Olivia was quick.“It's settled, Mister. You're my daddy for next week.” She shrieked, hugging Roland, who smiled down at her.“That's not—” Annabel still tried to talk.“Aunt Sasha, I'm ready to go to school now. You can take me and leave mummy and daddy to talk themselves out.” She was so excited and held on to Sasha's hand.Sasha, who was still in shock simply nodded and held her hand. As s
48.After Roland left, Annabel sat and thought about all he had said.What did he mean by she was the one he wanted?The door opened and Sasha rushed in.“You didn't go to work?” Annabel asked.“How do you expect me to go to work when I no longer understand what the heck is going on with you? Where were you last night?” Sasha took a seat beside her on the couch.“In Roland's house.” She sighed and ran her hands through her hair.“I thought as much. What were you doing there or are you finally interested in him?” She questioned.Annabel shook her head. “Of course not. I got drunk and found myself there.” Sasha frowned. “Again? This is the second time it's happening. You aren't supposed to be drinking, Annabel. Stop it!” Sasha scolded her and placed her hand on her waist.“I couldn't help it, Sasha,” tears rolled down her cheeks, making Sasha wonder what was wrong with her. Annabel hadn't told her that Roland found out who she was because she didn't know how and she didn't want Sasha to
49.A week later...The moment Annabel walked into the company, the first person she ran into was Brian."Where have you been Anna!?" He asked and before she had the chance to do or say anything, he hugged her."Brian." Annabel chuckled and he let her go."Where in the world have you been? It's been forever since I saw you." Annabel couldn't help but roll her eyes at his words. "Stop exaggerating Brian." She laughed. "It's been only a week." She stated."Yeah, but it's like forever to me, I've been trying to reach you but all to no avail, what happened to you? How have you been? Or did you perhaps beat up Mr Roland and ran off alone." He teased."Very funny Brian, even if that sounds so fun, I still won't be able to do that." She winked. "And I'm sorry that you haven't been able to reach me, after what happened, Mr Roland gave me a week off work due to the injury I had on my leg.""That's very thoughtful of him and also, how are you now? Are you okay?" He asked."Yeah, as you can see
50."What are you talking about? Your personal assistant!?" She asked in disbelief."Yes Anna, my personal assistant, you're being promoted.""No! I..I don't want that, I'm quite okay where I am." "The technical department? No Anna, you're not okay there."''And how do you know that?'' She frowned.Roland shrugged. "I just know it and that's why I'm giving you this promotion, you'll no longer be a part of the technical department but my personal assistant and that's not all too." He said and she narrowed her eyes."Your office will also be in here, this place is big enough to contain two people, so your office will be right there." He points at a space not too far from his.Annabel shook her head, now she see where he's going, she trying so hard to avoid him but the pest won't leave her alone and now he's trying to use this means to get her, but she's not going to fall for it, no matter what he does."I'm so sorry, Sir, but I refuse, I do not want to work as your personal assistant, i
51.Work hours were finally over, everyone already left the company, including Brian, but Annabel decides to stay back since she has quite a lot of things to do and thankfully, she was finally able to get half of the job done before she decides to leave.She cleared her table, stretched her body a little, then she took her back and stood up to leave. When Roland popped out of nowhere, she gasp in shock."You scared me." She glared at him, still trying to calm her beating heart."Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." He smiled. Annabel rolled her eyes."Why are you here? Everyone has left already.""Everyone but you Anna, I was waiting for you.""Why?" She narrowed her eyes."I err...I want to get your answer on my offer, you should be done thinking about it."Annabel sighed. "Give me until tomorrow, I'm still thinking about it.""Come on Anna, what's there to think about, it's a really good offer so you should just take it.""Until tomorrow Sir, I'll get back to you by tomorrow." She rep
52."Triple your salary?'' Roland asked to be sure he heard correctly the first time."Yeah, you did say you were going to do it the first time, remember?" She then mimicked him. "It's a really good offer, I can even triple your salary if you want. I'm sure this rings a bell." She stated. "So Sir, if you're not going to do it, then I won't accept the offer of being your personal assistant.""Are you threatening me right now Anna?""Of course not, but you can think of it as whatever, I don't care what you think. You're my boss and I'm just your employee.""Are you sure about that Anna? Because at this point now, I'm not even sure who the boss is among us, it's more as if you're the boss here and I'm the one who's your employee." He stated because in reality, that's what it's looking like, she even holds more power more than he does and that's because he's foolishly in love with her, he's willing to do whatever she says not bothering what it is.Anna sharply turned around, she was tryin
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