107.“How did it go?” Roland asked Ashton the moment Ashton walked into the office.“The reporters have dispersed, but some are still lurking around, waiting for when you or Annabel will step outside the company so they could ask more questions.” Ashton answered as he sat down.“That's not what I meant. I mean, how did it go with taking down the post?” He asked.Ashton looked around. Annabel was not in the office. “Where is Annabel?” “She said she wanted to use the employees' restroom for a while.” Roland answered.Ashton shook his head. There was no doubt she was probably crying herself to stupor in there. He sighed and looked at Roland. “The post was taken down, and so were the news, but I don't think the people are going to stop talking or posting about it anytime soon. When something of this sought happens, what we need to do is show them proof. Only the proof can quench the fire.” Roland ran his hands through his hair. “I understand, but how do we find proof?”“How about you ta
108.Annabel was thrown aback by the question. “What?” She muttered.“Who is Olivia's real father?” He repeated, and Annabel's heart dropped to her stomach. Why was he asking her a question she was desperately trying to avoid all these while?“What brought about this question?” She asked, trying to think of an excuse to give him.“We need to know her real father so that we can clear the rumors in the air. Ashton was able to bring the post down, but people are still talking about it, and it's no doubt that they're going to continue talking about it for a very long time.” He explained to her, hoping she would understand his fear.Annabel sighed. There was no way she was going to tell him who the father was right now. She'd have to wait for all these to be over. After that, she'd tell him by herself. For now, she had to think of a perfect excuse to give him. She thought for a while, and then something clicked.She looked up at Roland, her face teary. “He's dead.” She said, and Roland ga
109.“Please, come in,” He ushered her in.Annabel walked in, and he gestured for her to sit down. He sat facing her.Annabel wondered why he didn't say something to her, or didn't he see the news? Why was he acting normal like nothing happened?“You don't look good, Anna. What's going on?” Carson asked, feigning ignorance. He was going to act as if he knew nothing, that way, winning her over to his side would be easier.“Why should I look good when things are falling apart, Carson?” Annabel asked.Carson blinked. “Falling apart? What do you mean by that?” He stared at her, his expression clueless.“Wait, haven't you seen the news?” She asked.Carson shook his head. “No. Ever since my phone got stolen, I've been trying my best to get my old number back and freeze the accounts on that one that I haven't really had time to check what's trending. Hope there's no problem?” He inquired, looking at her, concern etched in his features.Annabel realized that maybe that's why she hadn't gotten
110.“Have you been able to reach her?” Sasha asked as she rushed into Roland's office.Roland had called her to ask if Annabel was home. She left work, rushed home and realized that Annabel wasn't at home. She had to rush to the company, for the fear of what she might do to herself by being traumatized by the news flying around.“No, I couldn't find her. Her line isn't going through either.” Roland facepalmed as he paced to and fro in the office.Sasha sighed. The door opened, and they thought it was Annabel, but it was Ashton.“I was unable to find her. She's nowhere around the company.” He facepalmed.“Where could she have gone?” Roland was becoming worried now. He knew how everything had affected Annabel and didn't want her to do anything regrettable to herself. He was damn worried about her and no matter how much he tried, he couldn't stop his fear.“I'll see what I can do and will keep searching.” Ashton glanced at Sasha before walking out of the office.“I just hope she isn't i
111.A day later…Annabel walked into the company and was shocked to see the employees all gathered, waiting for her. She looked around, wondering what might have happened this time around that made them stand in her way.Roland walked out of their midst with a smile on his face and approached her.“What's going on?” She whispered to him.“They're here to apologize to you, Anna.” He answered, the smile not leaving his face.“Apologize to me? What for?” She was confused.“Are you in this universe at all? Haven't you seen the news?” Lucinda asked.Annabel shook her head, and they showed it to her. Carson had made a public post, and cleared the air, telling everyone that him and Annabel were best friends and nothing was going on between them. He also informed them that he wasn't Olivia's father, and that Olivia's father died 5 years ago when Annabel was pregnant, so technically, Annabel wasn't a cheat, and she deserved a chance to love whoever she wanted to love.When Annabel watched the
112.Roland returned to the company. He was in a very foul mood and ignored the greetings from the employees.When he got to the office and didn't see Annabel, he sighed and walked straight into the suite but was surprised at the aroma that filled the whole room.He closed the suite door and wondered who must have entered. “Could it be Ashton?” He asked no one in particular and went straight to the kitchen.He was surprised to see Annabel cooking. She stood in front of the electric cooker with an apron around her waist and a hairnet. The way she looked so focused on what she was doing brought a smile to his face, and he quickly forgot that he was in a bad mood.He tiptoed to where she stood and wrapped his hands around her waist. Annabel stiffened, but when she got a scent of his perfume, she calmed down and leaned into his touch, his breath fanning her neck.“What are you doing?” He asked and she smiled.“What does it look like I'm doing?” She teased him.“You're cooking of your acco
113.Before they knew it, three days had passed by. Roland and Annabel got themselves busy checking the things on Annabel's to-do list. From grocery shopping together to picnics, live events and movies with Ashton and Sasha.Annabel just returned from one of their outings and plopped on the couch, exhausted.“Look who's back!” Sasha exclaimed as she got down from the stairs. She walked to where Annabel sat and sat beside her. “Did you have fun?” She asked.“I did, but my legs are aching.” She sighed.Sasha cleared her throat and looked at Annabel suspiciously. “What did you do?” She asked.Annabel furrowed her brows. “I don't understand. What are you talking about?” She asked.“You said your legs are aching, so technically, something must have happened between the two of you — something secretive and sacred.” She whispered to Annabel, and Annabel quickly got what she was saying.“Oh my goodness!” Annabel screamed and hit Sasha's shoulder. “How could you even think of something like tha
114.Annabel couldn't believe what this woman was telling her.“I'm sorry, ma. Maybe I didn't get you quite right. You want me to leave your son for thirty million dollars?” She asked.Mrs. D. Ville looked at Annabel, her expression turning serious. “Why are you looking surprised? Isn't that why you're dating him in the first place?”“You think I'm dating your son for his money?” Annabel shook her head. “You're mistaken, ma'am. I'm dating Roland because I love him not because of his money. Please, don't misunderstand me.” She explained but Mrs. D. Ville didn't look like she was believing whatever Annabel was saying.“And you think I'm going to believe that gibberish you're spluttering?” She asked, her voice suddenly becoming cold and firm. “Aren't you ashamed of yourself, Annabel? You're a single mother. I don't see any reason why you want to have an affair with my son.” She said and Annabel lowered her head. “I don't think there's any need to bring the fact that I'm a single mother i