116.“I don't know what you're talking about.” She feigned ignorance, hoping to lie her way out of this one, but Roland had already seen through her. He gave her a small smile and walked to where she sat. He tried to sit beside her, but she moved away for the fear that he might study her body movement and find out she was lying to him. Roland was hurt by what she did, but he took it in now that he knew the reason she was acting that way.“Anna,” He called, but she couldn't answer him. “Annabel.” He called again, and she turned to look at him, eventually looking away in other to avoid his gaze.“Did I do something wrong? Maybe something you didn't like and you're annoyed or angry with me? Did I say something to hurt you, or is there something else that I don't know about?” He asked.“Nothing is wrong. I just needed space for a while.” She replied, being hurt by her own reply.“That's not true, Anna. You can't just wake up one morning and decide that you need space without a valid reas
117.Nadia smiled as she approached Roland and stood in front of him. “Hi, Rolly. Has it been like 6 years?” She asked.“Nadia, I can't believe—”“Yeah, I know, I know. I didn't tell you I was coming because you never bothered to call and check on me, which got me wondering if I have offended you or maybe someone or something is trying to come in between us.” She looked back at Annabel, said nothing, and averted her gaze to Roland.“No, that's not it. It's just that—”“Save your explanation and hug me already,” She chuckled and embraced him. Roland hugged her back, the shock still evident in his features as he stared at her. She had grown so much and he couldn't believe this was the girl he derived joy in teasing about how tiny she was when they were growing up.“I missed you so much, Rolly.” She sighed.“Rolly?” Annabel muttered as she looked at the girl, hugging Roland like she didn't give a care in the world.Nadia pulled away from the hug and looked at Ashton.“Welcome back, Nadi
118.It was night, she walked around the street, her head hung low as she reminisced over how her life had been for the past 5 years.After her mother's death, she didn't really know life would give her hope again, only for it to come shattering to pieces when her best friend traveled out.She lost her freedom and all of a sudden, everything changed and here she was. She knew if her mother was alive, she wouldn't have been subjected to such a cruel fate; she would have fought her battles head on, but this… this was becoming too much, and she wanted to forget about it all.She looked up ahead and caught a glimpse of a bar. With a satisfied nod, she headed that way and entered. “Two bottles of alcohol please.” She requested.The bartender nodded with a smile and gave her what she ordered and a glass cup. She didn't bother to use the glass cup and just downed it all down from the cup.When she was done with the second bottle, she ordered for three more. The bartender shook his head and
119.The next morning, Sasha woke up and was greeted with a throbbing headache.“Ah!” She exclaimed and placed her hands on her head.When the headache subsided, she looked and saw that she was in her room. “How did I get here?” She wondered, looking around. She tried to remember all that happened, but she couldn't. She realized she must have drank a lot.The door to her room opened and Annabel walked in with a tray of soup. “You're awake.” Annabel smiled.“Yeah,” She answered as Annabel dropped the tray on the bed and gestured for her to take it.“It's hangover soup. You'll need it.” Annabel smiled.Sasha sighed. “How did I get home?” She asked, taking a spoon of the soup.“Ashton brought you home.” Annabel answered and Sasha gasped, spewing the soup.“What!” She exclaimed. “Ashton? Tell me you're joking?”Annabel folded her hands. “Do I look like I'm joking?” Annabel frowned. “How could you go to a bar and get yourself drunk to the extent of not remembering anything? And you even wen
120.“What do we do?” Sasha asked.Annabel pressed her lips into a thin line and sighed. “We can still use Roland. We can beg him to help us.” “How are we going to do that when he and my father are at loggerheads? They don't get along at all, Anna. Once they see each other, it's from one argument to another. It's funny at times but…” Sasha trailed off.“Roland will agree to come with us if I'm the one who asks him. I'm sure he won't turn me down.” Annabel was confident.“Please do talk to him. Since he loves you, he might make an exception.” Annabel smiled. “Don't worry, he wouldn't even have the guts to say no.” She beat her chest proudly, confident that he wasn't going to say no to her.***D. VILLE COMPANY “No.” Roland answered after Annabel told him everything and asked him to help them.“No?” Her eyes widened. She couldn't believe he said no to her. “Why?” She asked.Roland sighed and closed his laptop. “Because he's annoying, and I can't put up with him.” He answered.“Come on
121.Annabel sighed as she finished what she was working on and stood up, so she could take it to the technical department. It was lunchtime as well, and she wanted to use that opportunity to see Brian.“Hey, I'll ask them to help you take it. Don't stress yourself.” He smirked.Annabel knew what he meant and rolled her eyes. “No, thanks. I can take the files there by myself.” “Are you sure you'd be able to walk there? Your legs might get tired because it just did an activity a few minutes ago.” Annabel's face reddened as she remembered what happened between them. “You pervert!” She exclaimed and threw a paper at him.Roland chuckled. “What? I'm not lying. I'm actually saying the truth.” He cleared his throat.“This is one of the reasons why I'm not staying here for now. I'll drop the files, have lunch and will be back after that.” She huffed.“Wait! Aren't you going to the private cafeteria with me?” He asked.Annabel shook her head. “No, sir. I do not want something more private t
122.The air became too thick for Roland, and he cleared his throat numerous times. He glanced at Nadia to see if she was joking, but she had a serious expression on her face. In fact, she looked too serious.Nadia just watched his reaction. She wished it would happen immediately, but since Annabel was now in the picture, she had to take things slowly.She suddenly burst into a fit of laughter, and Roland stared at her, confused.“I got you!” She laughed. “I can't believe I got you!” She laughed again.“Huh?” Roland stared at her.“Come on, dude, do you think I'd hit on you when you have a girlfriend? I was only joking.” She revealed and Roland didn't know when he released a breath he had no idea he had been holding.He had thought she was serious and couldn't think of any answers to give her. “Oh my! You got me really good.” He laughed too.“Just take that as a reunion prank.” She smiled.“Sure.” He smiled back as they continued to eat and talk about other matters.****“How has your
123.At school, it was lunch break and the kids were busy eating their food. Olivia walked into the cafeteria with Winter and was about to take a seat when she saw Sebastian sitting all alone.“Sebastian is all alone. Let's go and keep him company.” She smiled at Winter, but Winter frowned.“Why? Isn't he the kid everyone is calling dull?” Winter asked.“He's not dull, Winter. He's just shy.” She answered.“How are you sure he is just shy? Look at him.” She pointed at him. He was busy scribbling in a book instead of touching his food.Olivia shook her head. “My mummy told me that no child is dull, and I shouldn't look down on anyone.”“My mummy asked me to stay away from people I feel are not in the same class with me and that Sebastian is not in the same level with me. I can't make friends with him.” Winter scoffed.“But that's not right. Everyone is equal and should be treated equally. Because you're smart doesn't make him dull,” Olivia was disappointed at Winter. She had no idea Win
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