40.“Yes, you, darling. You have exactly what I'm looking for in a model. Wait, do you work here?” Jessica asked.“Yes, she does.” Roland answered since Annabel couldn't form words.“That's great then! I want you to act in place of Lucinda at the show.” She suggested.Annabel was shocked. “But, I know nothing about—”“Nonsense!” Jessica interrupted her. “You know something and I'm going to polish that for you. We only have two days to the day and I'm sure you will get the hang of it before that time comes. So, what do you say?” Jessica asked.Annabel thought for a while as she weighed her options. If she took it, it'd be an opportunity to spend some time in the studio, and if she doesn't, she'd be missing out on a great opportunity to be on the runaway. She could remember how she used to visit the modelling studio in the place she worked before returning to New York, and smiled because she learnt a few steps from them.It'd only be two days before the show, so she had to make the best
41.Annabel was supposed to be the main event and so she was being attended to while the other models wowed the crowd on stage.“Are you nervous?” Her attendants asked.“Actually, I was anxious a few minutes ago, but I think I feel better now. I have someone I want to impress tonight, so it made me less scared.” She smiled.“I like your honesty and personality, Miss. Annabel. You're different from the rest of the models we've attended to, who are aloof and overconfident.” She scoffed.“Not everyone is the same, you know.” She smiled at the girl.“You're right. So which clothes are you going out first with? Since you're the main event, you're going to be appearing on the stage three times today. And we'd be changing your make up to match with the clothes you're putting on.” They explained.“It's up to you girls to work your magic then. Let your imagination fly and do whatever you know will make the crowd go…” She trailed off.“Wild!” They concluded and she chuckled.They were so excited
42.Annabel couldn't believe what just happened. How did he find out? How did everything turn out this way? She had so many questions she wanted to ask right now. She still stared at Roland, lost in shock.“Why didn't you tell me Annabel? Why didn't you tell me that you were the one all this while?” He asked and tears rolled down her eyes.“Is that why you acted mean around me? Is that why you acted like you hated me so much? Is that why you never let me come close to you or even talk to you? Is that why?” He asked.Annabel just let her tears flow. This wasn't how she imagined everything to happen. She didn't want him to find out and he still did. Just tonight that she thought she was finally happy; tonight that she was ready to unwind and have fun, then this happened.“Talk to me, Annabel! Talk to me, please, I'm dying here.” He said.She wiped her tears and faced him. “You're dying here, so what? What does that have to do with me and how the fuck is that my business? How is it someth
43.3 DAYS LATERIt's been three days and Annabel hadn't come to work. Roland was worried sick because whenever he went to the house to look for her, he wouldn't find her there. Sometimes he felt like she was purposely ignoring him and didn't want to open the door for him.Ashton was back and had explained things to Roland. “She doesn't even want to see me, Ashton. She hates me more than before now. What do I do, Ashton, I'm going crazy.” He covered his face and bent his head.“You've got to calm down, Roland. I know it's not easy but you shouldn't give up. I'm sure she'll come around. All you have to do is have a positive mindset and she will forgive you when the time comes.” Ashton tried to advice.“She stopped coming to work, Ashton. She stopped picking my calls. She doesn't reply my texts. She doesn't even view my texts.” He complained.Ashton sighed. This was complicated.Roland paced to and fro in the office, thinking of what to do. He even tried talking to Brian to know whether
44.Annabel sighed as she finished up her work for the day. She rested her head on her palms as the events of the previous days replayed themselves in her head. She didn't want to quit this job but she was getting fed up.Never in her life did she imagine that Roland would find out who she truly was this way. Now she was stuck avoiding him whenever they came to work.“Are you okay?” Brian asked and she sighed.“Can we go out for a drink after work today?” She asked and Brian hesitated.“I'd love to but you know what happened the last time. I almost got fired.” He whispered and she shook her head.“No, Brian. We will try not to get drunk this time around. I just need something to calm myself down.” She smiled.Brian sighed and nodded. “Sure, no problem.” He smiled and walked back to his seat.Work hours were finally over and Annabel exhaled. She thought the day would never end. She closed her laptop and stood up but was stopped by Mr. Carl.“I need you to take this files to Mr. Roland's
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
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