Next Morning…The gentle morning sun gradually pulled Brixlee out of her slumber, coaxing her awake. She let out a wide yawn, feeling the slight ache in her bones as she stretched lazily. It was a serene Sunday morning, and a sense of contentment enveloped her.Before diving into anything else, she made her way to the bathroom to freshen up. The cool water cascading over her body awakened her senses, washing away any remnants of sleepiness. After her shower, she picked out a comfortable outfit, enjoying the simple pleasure of choosing clothes that made her feel at ease.With her phone in hand, she settled herself on the edge of the bed, ready to take on the day's messages. As she unlocked the screen, her eyes landed on two notifications, one from Nathan and the other from her beloved grandpa. A smile gently tugged at the corners of her lips, anticipation rising as she decided to read her grandpa’s message first.It read; “HEY BRIX, I NEED YOU TO COOVER RIGHT NOW!!!! IT'S URGENT!”Her
Brixlee sat on the couch in her living room, staring blankly at the TV screen. Her mind was numb, and her heart felt like it had been shattered into a million pieces. She couldn't believe it - that Nathan didn’t want her anymore because Allison was carrying his baby?Brixlee felt a sudden ache in her chest. Her eyes welled up with tears as she stared down at her feet. Her lower lips trembled as she struggled to blink back the tears before they dripped down her cheeks. She clenched her fists, quickly drawing in breaths, hoping the feeling would pass.She slowly rubbed her chest, trying to ease the ache in her heart and gulped in air once again. It was so hard for her to breathe. She tried to clear her throat but the twisted lump remained drawing her voice together. She sniffed trying to blink back the tears. She sighed heavily,letting her hand drop. It felt like she was struggling to swallow a still-breathing heart.She got on her feet, lowering her head in her palm as she fought back t
Brixlee’s jaws dropped as Xavier knelt before her with hope in his eyes. Slowly, she started to withdraw amidst gasps. What was she supposed to do? She was confused. As her eyes darted admist the tension, she could see her grandpa from afar, smiling at her and it dawned on her that he knew about it all along. Deep down, she knew exactly what he wanted from her. To say yes to a proposal she didn't know of?Brixlee glanced sideways and what she saw shooked her to the core. Nathan was standing at the other end of the bar, staring at her. When did he get there? How did he....? Why did he....? She clenched her fists realizing he was the same man that betrayed her. Why was he here? To witness her reunion with another man or to show he wasn’t moved by any of this? Why wasn’t he with his pregnant girlfriend?As Brixlee’s thoughts ran, she realized she was still standing there, in the middle of the crowd with Xavier still on his kneels, waiting for her response. She drew in breath, trying to p
As Nathan watched Xavier and Brixlee getting into Xavier’s car, anger bubbled within him and it was all Allison’s fault. He had never felt so angry in his life. Angrily, Nathan drove up to Allison's house, the anger within him simmering like molten lava.The car halted as Nathan got out. The autumn leaves crunched beneath his feet, echoing his frustration, as he made his way to her front door. Clenching his fists, he banged on the door, the sound reverberating through the quiet neighborhood."Allison! Open the damn door!" He yelled, his voice strained with anger.After a moment, he heard the locks turning and the door slowly creaked open. Allison stood before him, her face pale and nervous, but he wasn't concerned with her emotions. Nathan’s heart felt like it was going to burst out of his chest, the betrayal etched into every fiber of his being."What the hell did you think you were doing, Allison?" He spat, his words laced with venom. "Why would you stoop so low as to make up a lie
Xavier's features softened, his anger swiftly transforming into remorse. "No, Brixlee," he whispered, regret etched in his voice. "I'm the one who should be sorry. I didn't mean to react like that. It's just a painful memory, one I haven't fully come to terms with."Brixlee nodded, understanding glimmering in her eyes. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Xavier, realizing that beneath his composed exterior lay unresolved emotions. Silently, they both made their way back downstairs, joining his family once more.The atmosphere was lighter now, as if a shadow had been lifted. Brixlee tried to push aside her own unhappiness and immerse herself in the warmth of Xavier's family gathering. She exchanged smiles and pleasantries, but her inner turmoil lingered, a reminder of the difficult path she had chosen.… The office was eerily quite, as if someone had died and Nathan knew exactly what was wrong. Brixlee wasn’t at the office. He knew well enough that she wouldn’t b
Two days later, Brixlee decided to finally go back to the office. That morning before she left home, she had started having a bad feeling about it. Maybe she wasn’t ready to face Nathan yet? Maybe she didn’t have to go back?As she walked into the office, Nathan and Tyler weren’t there yet. She took her seat and inhaled deeply, questioning her inner instincts and as she did, the door slowly creaked open and Nathan appeared. Nathan’s heart raced when he saw Brixlee, it felt too soon. He wasn’t ready to tell her the whole truth about the bet, he wasn’t even sure if Allison hadn’t got to her first.Their eye met and Brixlee could feel her heart sink to her stomach. She could feel her heart race as Nathan walked up to her, stopping right in front of her desk.She managed to find her words, “Good morning, Mr Grey” her voice trembled under the weight of her grief."Brixlee," Nathan began, his voice tinged with a mix of guilt and desperation, "we need to talk."Brixlee nodded solemnly as
Brixlee walked into the cafe, deep in her thoughts. Samantha, Xavier’s sister had called her that she needed to talk to her. Although she wasn’t sure why Samantha wanted to see her, she saw her waving at her as she spotted her entering the cafe.She took her seat facing Samantha. “Hey, Sammy”Samantha smiled brightly. “Brixlee. I’m so glad you came” she said and smiled again. “Tyler wanted me to talk to you”Brixlee wasn’t sure why Tyler sent Samantha to talk to her but she remained calm anyways. Although, Tyler had been blowing up her phone for a few days after she had quit her job but she never answered his calls. She knew what he wanted to tell her.“He did?” She asked feigning intrest.“Yes. He said you quit your job and he’s not sure why.” Samantha explained further.Memories of Nathan’s betrayal flashed through a mind and once again, she found herself fighting to keep her emotions in check.She slowly forced a smile. “It’s nothing, Samantha. Tell Tyler not to be worried abou
Nathan couldn't let Xavier's threats deter him from seeking the truth. Brixlee deserved to know the kind of man she was about to marry. "You can threaten me all you want, Xavier, but I won't back down. Brixlee deserves to be free from your lies."Xavier let out a wicked laugh, his voice cutting through the air, “Like you’re any better, Nathan. We’re the same! We’re both liars! Don’t act like you’re also innocent. You’ve lied to Brixlee countless of times, it’s my turn to lie now and don’t even try to approach Brixlee, she would never believe a word you say so I’m afraid you have no power whatsoever” he said laughing so hard that Nathan felt disgusted by him.With a steely determination, Nathan turned on his heels and began to leave. Xavier's warning echoed in his mind, but he couldn't let fear dictate his actions. He knew he had to gather evidence, to protect his Brixlee from the web of deceit that had entangled her.As Nathan made his way back to Emily's abandoned house, his heart ra
The day had arrived, three months after the harrowing incident that had brought their lives to the brink. The grand baby shower was a celebration of life, a testament to the strength and resilience of their bonds. Brixlee stood in her room, a radiant smile gracing her lips as she admired her reflection. Her baby bump had grown substantially.Nathan's voice pulled her from her reverie as he entered the room. His eyes were filled with admiration as he looked at his wife. "You look absolutely stunning, Brixlee."Brixlee's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue as she met his gaze. "Thank you, Nathan. I'm excited for today."He gently took her hand, his touch reassuring as he led her downstairs. The sight that greeted them was breathtaking — the house adorned with beautiful decorations, a testament to the love and care their friends had poured into organizing the event.The party began in full swing, laughter and joy filling the air as friends and loved ones gathered around Brixlee. Each gi
Nathan's heart raced as he was finally freed from the chair he was tied to, his thoughts consumed by the sight of Brixlee, wounded and in pain. He rushed to her side, his arms wrapping protectively around her trembling form. Panic and desperation surged through him as he saw blood seeping from her stomach, his voice a mixture of fear and urgency. "Brixlee, stay with me. Help is on the way. You're going to be okay."Brixlee's breaths came in shallow gasps as she clung to Nathan's presence. She fought to stay conscious, her gaze locked onto Nathan's as she whispered, "I... I'm scared, Nathan."Nathan's voice trembled, his emotions laid bare as he held her close. "I know, Brixlee. I'm here with you. You're strong, and we'll get through this together."Soon, the ambulances arrived. Paramedics swiftly took charge, attending to Brixlee's injuries and stabilizing her condition.With gentle but hurried movements, they placed Brixlee and Fredia onto stretchers, securing them carefully. Nathan'
Just as their hiding spot was about to be exposed, Nathan's swift action shattered the tension. He leaped out of their hiding place, his determination to protect his family evident in his every movement. Brixlee watched in a mixture of terror and admiration as Nathan confronted the masked man.Nathan's bravery did not go unnoticed, and he was swiftly captured by the masked man. Brixlee's breath caught, her grip on her emotions slipping as she watched her husband being led away. Her heart screamed with a mix of worry, helplessness. As the masked men secured Nathan and the others, Brixlee's mind raced, she needed to protect her family. As the masked men's attention was occupied, she seized the moment. With trembling hands and a racing heart, Brixlee stealthily crept out of the kitchen, her footsteps light against the floor. Her heart pounded in her chest, her thoughts consumed by the image of Nathan and the safety of their unborn child. Brixlee ascended the stairs, her steps careful a
“Say hello to my shitty friends” Six masked men stood at the door, their menacing presence causing the room to fall silent. Brixlee's heart raced as her eyes widened in shock. Beside her, Nathan's expression hardened, his protective instincts kicking in. Among the masked men, a figure stood out — Ronnie Anne, a friend who had suddenly turned to a foe. The air grew thick with tension as she locked eyes with Brixlee, her gaze cold and unyielding."Get on your knees!" Ronnie Anne's voice was sharp, her words cutting through the room like a blade. Brixlee's knees trembled, and a shiver ran down her spine as fear gripped her. She sank to her knees, her mind racing to process the unfolding nightmare."Why are you doing this, Ronnie Anne?" Nathan's voice was steady, a pillar of strength amidst the chaos. His attempts to keep Brixlee calm were evident in the gentle squeeze of his hand on her shoulder.Ronnie Anne's lips curled into a sinister smile as she spoke, her voice laced with bitt
Patty's mind raced, and in a split second, she concocted a lie. "Oh, Talia, I was just trying on Brixlee's robe," she said with an attempt at nonchalance, her cheeks flushed.Talia's gaze flickered between Patty and the robe, her expression a mix of disbelief and incredulity. "Trying on Brixlee's robe?" she repeated, a hint of skepticism in her tone. "Why?"Patty shrugged, feigning casualness. "I saw it earlier and thought it might look good on me. You know, I was thinking of getting a similar one."Talia's skepticism lingered, but she seemed to accept the explanation. "Well, okay then. Just... remember to ask next time, alright?"Patty nodded, her heart still racing from the near miss. "Of course, sorry about that," she replied, attempting to appear contrite.With a lingering glance at Patty, Talia turned and left the room, the door closing behind her. Patty let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her pulse gradually returning to normal.After a moment to collect hersel
“Brixlee said we should stop by th…the…errr… fortune village to get our fortunes read so we should probably start going” Fredia stammered.Nathan furrowed his eyebrows, “Why should we get our fortunes read?” he asked, confused.“I mean your fortune. She said…by knowing the father’s fortune, you can predict the baby’s future” Fredia explained, hoping Nathan had bought his lie.Surprisingly, he did, “That tracks, that sounds like something Brixlee would say” he said with a smile. “We should get going, i don’t want to miss the movie”As Nathan and Fredia made to leave, Ronnie Anne stopped them.“You’re leaving without finishing the potrait?” She asked, her face suddenly stern.“Yeah, maybe some other time” Nathan replied.Ronnie Anne suddenly scoffed, “Do you always leave everything just like that because you got tired of it?!” she asked as Nathan and Fredia exchanged glances at her suddenly outburst.“Excuse me?” Nathan asked, still surprised.Ronnie Anne quickly cautioned herself, “I’m
Two Weeks Later… The early morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. It was a tranquil Sunday morning, and a sense of excitement filled the air as Brixlee carefully held a vibrant balloon and a small, wrapped present in her hands. She stood beside Nathan's bed, a warm smile playing on her lips as she watched him sleep peacefully.As the gentle rise and fall of his chest indicated that he was starting to stir, Brixlee's heart fluttered with anticipation. She took a quiet step closer to the bed, her eyes fixed on Nathan's serene expression. Today was a day of celebration, a day to shower him with love and joy.Nathan's eyelids fluttered open, and his gaze met Brixlee's, surprise evident in his eyes as he registered her presence. Brixlee's smile widened, and she held the balloon higher, the colorful ribbon dancing in the air. "Happy birthday, Nathan!" she greeted, her voice infused with genuine warmth.Nathan blinked, momentarily
Nathan sat in his office, going through some files. He was engrossed in reviewing a stack of documents when the door swung open, and Paige walked in. Her eyes were fixed intently on her phone, a small smile playing on her lips. Curiosity piqued, Nathan looked up from his work and raised an eyebrow. "Paige, what's got you so captivated?" Paige's gaze shifted from her phone to Nathan, and her smile widened. "Oh, hi Mr. Grey. Sorry to interrupt, but I'm just watching your wife’s show. I'm a big fan of hers." Nathan's interest was piqued, and he leaned back in his chair. "Brixlee's show, huh? What's today's episode about?" Paige's eyes gleaned as she replied, "It's really interesting. She's helping her friend Emily find clarity about her husband." Nathan's curiosity deepened, and he couldn't help but ask, "Clarity about her husband? How so?" Paige's grin grew wider, this was it. Her role was to make sure Nathan watched the podcast or at least learn about it in order to set their
With the shirt still in Brixlee’s hands, she walked out of the bedroom and down the hall to the living room. Nathan was sitting on the couch, engrossed in reading a book. He looked up and smiled warmly as he saw her approach. "Brix, everything okay?" he asked, sensing her unease. Her heart pounded in her chest as she hesitated, unsure of how to bring up the topic. Taking a deep breath, she finally spoke up, her voice tinged with concern. "Nothing, I just wanted to know if you needed anything” she lied, hiding the shirt behind her flowing gown. Nathan's brows furrowed as he looked at her in surprise,"I’m fine, Brix," he replied, going back to the book he was reading. Brixlee's heart sank, her mind racing with possibilities. She wanted to trust Nathan, but the sight of the lipstick stain stirred doubts in her. She couldn’t bring herself to question him also even though it bothered her. She didn’t want anything to come between them or cause any misunderstanding. She made her way