Alessa revisited Dante and asked him to help with her makeup. Help her look less like herself again. Just because she was going into shark-infested water didn’t mean she was going to go with open wounds. Dante did his thing and turned Alice 2.0 into Alice 3.0. Her hair was even lighter now, her eyebrows a different shape, and her nose and chin smaller, thanks to the contour. Her dress was a simple white floral print. Hopefully, all of this will confuse Frank even more.James came to pick her up at round six.“Kyle isn’t going to like another makeover,” James commented as Alessa got into his car.“Kyle also doesn’t want me to get caught. I think he’ll get over it.” Alessa shot back.She worked on her phone as they drove because along with everything else going on—the casting for the movie had begun and Alice was asked to approve every actor that was hired. She hated being this busy. Kyle meanwhile thought it was funny to veto all her approvals. He was lucky she loved him, because he c
“Did he have to kiss her?” Alessa paced back and forth in her room.“I mean they are married. I am sure they’ve done it plenty of times before.” James said. He was sitting on the couch, yawning. “The hand holding, I didn’t like.” “I didn’t like any of it. What if my plan doesn’t work and she picks Kyle?” Alessa cried. Her pace picked up. James shrugged but Alessa could tell he was worrying about the same thing. “Why isn’t he back yet?” She moaned. It was almost one o’clock in the morning. Alessa and Kyle had planned to meet after the dinner was done in her hotel room. “I am going to call—what if things didn’t go our way and Kyle had to sleep with her to prove his loyalty?”“Don’t be ridiculous. She isn’t a mafia boss.” Alessa paced some more as James laid down on the couch, his eyes closed, but he wasn’t asleep. Alessa knew he was wondering the same thing. Worrying about the same thing. Finally, at around three in the morning, Alessa fell asleep. In and out. However, she didn’t no
Alessa and Kyle left the two love birds to talk while they got dressed. Kyle was still trying to complete their previous activities. “Stop, I want to hear this,” Alessa warned, swatting Kyle’s hands away from her hips as he was trying to hug her from the back. She stuck her head out the door and saw James and Aspen still facing each other. Alessa assumed it was safe to go out, so she did and heard their argument firsthand. “You're helping them? Go behind my back?” Aspen said.“They love each other.” That was all James said.“I thought you were on my side.” Aspen cried.“I am, but only if you're right. Keeping two people apart when they wanted to be together wasn’t the right move. Putting Alessa's life in danger wasn't the right move. Forcing Kyle to marry you when he was mourning Alessa and their child wasn’t the right move. I told you then and I’ll tell you now. You were wrong.” James continued.“He is my husband!” Aspen cried. “He doesn’t love you, and if he is your husband, are
Kyle rushed over to their door telling Alessa to stay in bed. She of course didn’t listen and trailed behind him. Kyle swung the door open, to find James and Aspen. Aspen looked haggard. “It’s one in the morning. What is so important at this time of the night that it couldn’t wait till morning.” “Umm, she is having a panic attack. Crying and pacing. I think you should hear what she has to say.” James interjected.“Are you okay?” Alessa asked from behind Kyle. Aspen shook her head. “I—it’s about Frank. There is something he told me—I didn’t know how to tell you.”“What?” Kyle asked, irritated.“He—“ Aspen wailed before she could continue.Kyle began to shut the door on them. “Get her to bed!” He commanded, but James put his hand in the way and the door stayed open. “Give her a minute Kyle.”“So you know what it is? If you do, tell me. Alessa hasn’t slept well and I don’t want to waste any more time on this.” Kyle rudely said. James’ jaw clenched. Alessa stepped in between them.
“Aspen, how often do you meet with Frank?” Alessa asked. This was a few hours later. Everyone was well rested and since it was a Saturday, everyone was free. So, the four of them were huddled in Alessa’s room, ready to listen to her plan. “We have lunch together most days. Dinners, rarely but if it’s a business thing, Kyle and I are invited.” Aspen answer.“Perfect! How much do you think he trusts you?” “A little less now. I’ve expressed to him how much I regretted what I did to you.” Aspen sighted.“Do you think you can get his trust back?” Alessa asked. “How?”“Tell him Alessa is back.” Both the men sighted, “Not this again.” Kyle voiced.“I am not saying we tell him Alice is Alessa. I am saying we let him know Alessa is back. Like a looming ghostly figure.” Alessa cackled.“What if he figured out you are Alessa?” Kyle asked.“Not this again,” Alessa sighed. “He won’t. He doesn’t care enough about me. Take my word for it.” She said to the boys, then turned to Aspen. “Do it the
The girls met up at a cafe in the city, away from Camelot, away from the mansion, away from The Milton. “Well, lunch with Daddy ended up being beneficial. Daddy knows Adam.”“Probably because he hired him for something.” Alessa scoffed.“No,” Aspen defended. “Someone hired Adam to attack my dad, but he paid him off to let him live. At least we know how to get him on our side, just show him the money.” “That we can work with. Did your dad give you his info? How can we find him?” Alessa asked.“Hell no. Daddy may have forced me to marry Kyle but he does love me. He wants me to stay far away from him. He is even angry that Frank got involved with him.” Informed Aspen.“So we are at square one?” Alessa sighed.“Well, we would be if you asked an airhead heiress to help you. Lucky for you, you didn’t. ““What did you find out, my tiny frenemy?” Alessa excitedly asked. “Well, Daddy left his phone when he went to use the bathroom. It was as easy as searching for his name. Which is what I d
Alesaa cried late into the night. No matter what she did, she could not stop. Kyle said nothing. He just hugged her and urged her to fall asleep. Finally, after hours of inconsolable crying, with just these last words to Kyle, “It will get better with time,” she fell asleep. The next day came fast. The sun streaked through Alessa’s windows, the brightness causing her to wake up. She expected to find Kyle next to her considering she had a rough night, however, she found herself alone this morning. She sighed, the loneliness hitting her harder than she expected, tears welling up in her eyes again. She couldn't understand why she was feeling so emotional until she realized what date it was. She clicked on the calendar on her phone to verify, but there was no mistaking it, she was late. She had missed her last period. Could she be…Pregnant? Mixed emotions of hope, fear, and anger filled Alessa’s mind. She was of course hopeful that she could get pregnant again. Scared that Frank would d
“Where are you taking me?” Alessa asked as Kyle held her hands and directed her, mainly because he had blindfolded her. “Elevator. Step in.” He commanded. She did as he said.“Where are you—““Taking me? Yes, yes. I know you can’t stand not knowing but let me surprise you once in a while. So stop asking me.” “But where are you taking me?”Alessa asked again. Kyle laughed. Alessa felt the motion of the elevator and heard a loud ding. A familiar ding. She gasped. “We are at your penthouse! Aren’t we?”“Damn it! Why did you have to guess!” Kyle cried as Alessa took off her blindfold. She was right, however, they weren’t in his room. Kyle had led her to the restaurant. The same one they had their first date in. It was empty, just like it was then. “Table for two?” A waiter—not just any waiter, but Peter asked. “Peter!” Alessa exclaimed. “Hello, Alessa. Anything I can get for you? The humble servant at your service once again.” Peter joked.Alessa shook her head but smiled wide. It wa
5 years later… “Put the flowers right there.” Alessa directed her oldest, now four-year-old daughter, Melissa. “You put the flowers right next to hers.” She told her youngest son, Ross, almost three years old to do the same. Then she placed the flowers in her hand on the grave as well. “Thank you for looking over me, for looking over us,” she prayed. Urging her kids to do the same. They loosely repeated their mother. Tears were starting to well up in Alessa's eyes. “Sorry, it’s been so long since I’ve been here.” “Don’t cry. It’s okay. He is looking down and smiling at how far you’ve come.” Madison said putting her hands on Alessa’s shoulder. “He is thankful you came into my life,” Alessa said. “You're the reason I have all of this.” She pointed at her two kids. “Kyle had something to do with this.” Madison laughed. “What did I have something to do with it?” Kyle joined the cluster which included Madison, John, and their four kids. Aspen and James. Alessa and their two ki
Kyle took her hands as soon as Alessa got to him. “We are all gathered here today to join this okay-ish man and this wonderful lady.” James started. Kyle glared back at him. James cleared his throat. “Ok sorry.” He added. “The couples I hope have written their own vows because this is as far as I’ve got in my speech.” Kyle gave James a look of disbelief but he nodded and Alessa, who wasn’t told they were doing this, blankly stared back. Kyle took out a piece of paper out of his tux pocket and began reading, as Alessa began panicking. “Alessa, from the moment I met you, I knew you were my person.” “Took you long enough to admit it.” James quibbled. Alessa agreed with a small nod and this helped easy her nervousness. Kyle glared back once more at James. Then Kyle continued, “I know the journey here wasn’t a straight line. I am not sure it was ever a curved line. We’ve been to hell and back and somehow back again. It was more than most people see in a lifetime, but today, a
Alessa ran down to the fifth floor, where the elevator was stuck, and met with a cluster of firefighters. “Move. Move. Move.” They all shouted as someone fiddled with a box full of wires next to the elevator. “Kyle!” Alessa said. It looked like the elevator was a room that had fallen ¾ into the ground. You can see the top half of the elevator and Kyle, the second half was hidden underneath the floor. “Hey babe. This is my bride.” Kyle proudly told the firefighters. “Sorry for this mess Miss. We’ll get your groom out shortly.” One of the helmeted men said. Alessa kneeled down so she and Kyle were eye to eye. Kyle rested his chin on the ground and Alessa rested her forehead on his. “I thought something horrible happened!” Cried Alessa. “I am okay. Wish I could just jump out of here but I’ve been advised against it.” Kyle pecked Alessa’s lips. “I did learn a lesson in all of this.” “Yeah? What’s that?” Alessa asked, raising her eyebrows. “My wife is always right. Learned the
It was a week later. Alessa looked perfect as she examined herself in her bathroom full mirror. Her lace white dress hugged her in all the right places and fell in a circular pattern around her legs. Alessa walked out to meet the girls. As soon as she did, Madison handed her her white and pink bouquet. “Thank you!” Alessa smiled at her. The girls—Madison and Aspen—were in the penthouse, in Alessa’s room. The herd of people who usually fix Alessa's hair and makeup had already done their thing and she was now just waiting for Kyle. He of course decided to work today of all days despite Alessa warning against it, saying, “With everything going on, work did fall on the back burner. I’ll just run to work and be ready by the time we have to say our vows.” “I think you should put your hair up. The ceremony is outside, and it’s windy and cloudy today.” Madison warned back on the couch she had been sitting on as Matthew cooed in agreement in her lap. “It looks better curly and out like i
Alessa and Kyle walked all around the venue to ended up by a hidden back door. Kyle led Alessa up a set of stairs until they ended up at a balcony. The same balcony they had their first kiss at. “No one else is allowed up here,” Kyle said as they walked over so they could be under the string lights. “But what about the party? Shouldn’t I mingle? Get introduced as your fiancée?” Alessa asked. “There is time for that. I just wanted us to spend some time together. I haven’t had the chance to see you alone since the night you told me we were having a baby.” Kyle sat Alessa down on one of the many scattered chairs. He took a seat right across from her, still holding onto both her hands and playing with her ring. “Won't hiding out on the roof of your party interfere with your message, what was it? Rebrand and reassure. Camelot, a family business again!” Alessa asked. “Eh, let it. One party isn’t going to change the damage Frank did to Camelot’s reputation.” Kyle shrugged and kissed Al
Madison was back. Alessa was really excited about that but there was just one problem, she and Aspen couldn’t get along. Kyle and John had decided with everything they have all been through the past few years, they wanted to have a party to celebrate, a masquerade ball to be specific. “It will be for my birthday this time. Lord knows we need a celebration.” Kyle had said. Now, Alessa was stuck dress shopping with a very pregnant Madison, who was hormonal, and Aspen who didn’t hold her tongue. Alessa twirled around in all different dresses in front of a large mirror while the girls commented behind her. “I like the white one better. You are going to be a bride eventually after all.” Aspen said as she sat next to Madison on a couch the fitting room held. “She can’t wear white for the ball, it isn't her wedding that day. It’s just a ball. Wear this blue dress. That’s the color you wore last time.” Madison said pointing at the dress Alessa was currently adorning. Alessa gave anothe
Alessa had just finished telling her side of the story to the cop who was kind enough to come to the penthouse to ask her instead of making her go into the police station. She was still in bed. After Kyle carried her into their bed last night, she had slept for close to 17 hours. Kyle had been by her side the whole time. He had just left now when the cop had asked him to. She told him all about Jason threatening her, almost rapping her, about Jackie’s situation and help. She also gave detailed descriptions of how Jason and she got into a fight after he pointed a gun at Jackie. “After sending Cindy away I tried to get the gun out of his hands—I don’t know who pulled the trigger,” Alessa said.“What about Frank? Did he have a gun?” “No, he didn’t.” “Why did you shoot him then?”“Because he kidnapped me.” Alessa matter-in-factly said.“So it was revenge?” The cop asked.“No, it was fear. Fear that he was going to hurt me or Cindy or Jackie.”“A handicapped old man?”“A man who orches
“Come on now Jackie. You are supposed to be on our side. That was the only way we could ensure that little Cindy was safe.” Jason said. “At least for now. Eventually, she could work for me. Say at the age of 15? How does that sound?” Jason laughed. “Wouldn’t you agree Frank?”A few seconds later Frank hobbled into view. “Keep your perversions to yourself.” Frank moaned. “Jackie, go tie up Alessa. I am giving you one more chance.”“Stay away from her and stay away from my daughter.” Jackie gripped the gun harder.“Jason. You like touching the filth. Tie her up.”“My pleasure!” Jason said, moving towards Alessa. Alessa hid Cindy behind her. Jackie fired a shot but missed Jason. “You little bitch.” Jason yelled, turning his attention towards Jackie. “Jackie, Jackie. I need you to relax. You forget, I still have Adam tied up to some really bad stuff. It can put him away in jail for a very long time.” Frank warned.“I don’t care about him. He probably deserves it. He lied to me. Now all
“See this is why you leave things for girls to do. Just so you know James, we find out anything anyone is hiding from us.” Aspen said. Aspen, James, and Kyle were back at The Milton. Aspen had been feverishly researching for Jacqueline Hue on her phone.“What did you find?” Kyle said before James could defend himself. “From your FBI friend, we know she got arrested in Ohio, which is where she had her child, and where, up till now she was living. Till Adam got in trouble and he probably hid her and his child away somewhere.” Aspen hashed out. “We already know this, what else.” “Right, but Jackie—that’s the name her friends and now enemies call her—has an Instagram. Of course, it’s private but the girl world is small. Someone I met on a business trip a few years ago follows her. I reached out to her and she shared some pictures, and guess what I see.” Aspen turned her phone towards the boys. On it was a picture of Jackie. She looked young there, but the picture looked old. In it, sh