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17. A BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION
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The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 18. LULLABY
The night stars were beginning to align in the skies, Orla stood next to the window side, eyes intently on the dim moon that glimmered between the skies.A memory from her childhood traversed her mind and she smiled…broadly, she wanted to fill her head with that pleasant memory when the door to the bedroom flung open, the sound impeding her alone time.Her eyes swiftly moved across the room, to the doorpost. She saw Callan walking into the room with some files in his hand. He dropped the files on the vanity table and slumped on the bed, tiredly spreading his arms all over the place. He had left the room after he took his evening bath, gone for hours and now, he was back.Orla moved away from the window side, pulling down the curtains. She ambled towards the bedside. It was close to midnight, and her sleeping time had passed but was yet to close her eyes. She tried, but the sleep wasn't coming to her. She had to inundate herself with the view of the night stars when she couldn't sleep
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 19. STRANGE FEELINGS
"I want to do a different one for you this time, Callan." Liam scribbled down the last measurement he took of Callan on his notepad. He sat on the armchair in his office and flashed his friend a tired smile."You good?" Callan asked, his eyes stony. He sucked at caring, it always didn't seem genuine even though he meant it."Yeah, just nervous and shit. You know? I was nominated and I am kind of nervous about the whole thing. What if I don't win? They shouldn't have added my name to the damn list." Liam's forehead folded into a crease as he kneaded his long lean fingers against his temples."You are good. You should not worry about that. Winning or losing doesn't change the fact that you are good.""Oh oh," Liam guffawed at his friend's words. "Did that just come from you? Callan Barlowe is giving me some words of encouragement. Strange man, am I with the right person?" Staring intensely at Callan, he laughed again. "What the hell happened to my cold friend? Did marriage change you no
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 20. PARTY GUESTS 1
The dress was gorgeous. Liam went all the way out this time. Orla knew Liam was good, but he outstripped her expectations."This is beautiful," she remarked for the tenth time that evening.She gushed at herself, her eyes unmoving from the V-neck, open-back red gown that enveloped her. Running her fingers through the silky material, she let out a smile. The front slits ran from both thighs down to her feet, hiding her toes and revealing more skin. She loved everything about the dress, it suited her perfectly, analyzing her slender frame in a glamorous way. Sexy. That was the best word to describe how she looked right now."He took his time to make this," the brunette applied the final touches of makeup to Orla's face when she sat back, stretching back to take a full glance at her handiwork.It was perfection at its peak, the colour combination blended with Orla's skin, leaving it smooth and glossy. She nodded her head in gratification."I have to take some pictures, the boss needs to
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 21. PARTY GUESTS 2
Orla's heart skipped a beat when she sighted the gate. She had left the house in despair the last time she was there, now she was back again.The gate automatically pulled open and David drove in, he found a perfect spot to park the car. With shaky hands, Orla opened the door and got out of the car while Callan stayed a little longer to give David some instructions. When they were both ready, she looked at him, but he didn't acknowledge her gaze. He took a step forward, leaving her to struggle with her overly long-dress.She had loved the dress before, but now she hated it so much she wanted to rip it off her body. Her stomach churned and she tasted bile as she walked behind Callan. He didn't care, other couples who were present linked arms with their partners, but she was left alone to walk in.As she stepped into the foyer, a sudden rush of jitteriness consumed her, almost paralyzing her. The house was the same, nothing had changed except for the different colours of balloon decora
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 22. KNIGHT IN SHINNING ARMOUR
Mia was the first to spot Orla approaching them, she called the attention of her other sisters and they rushed to the middle of the lobby, stylishly crossing her before she joined them. The other three sisters smiled at the guests, gesturing to them to drink up and eat to avoid getting involved in their drama with Orla.Mia's grip was hard on Orla, bruising her skin as she hauled her out of the lobby down to the garden. The rage that surged through her smite Orla, she almost regretted why she had to do that now. Callan wasn't near, no one was near to save her."How dare you?" Mia yanked her arm off her, flinging her away. "How dare you ruin the party?" Her palm flew up and swiftly it collided with Orla's face before she could swerve."She sure has some nerves, who the hell do you think you are?" Camilla whisked towards them, tugging at Orla's hair. She pulled it so hard that her scalp began to hurt.She was striving to get her hair off her sister's hand when Emma showed up, slapping
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 23. MORE OF THIS NIGHT
"Now we are the same," Orla plunged the flowers into her hair, giggling hard. She took the hands of a little girl that was with her and they ran around the garden."Mom said we should not go over there." The little girl told Orla when they were in front of the pool. She walked some steps back, grabbing Orla's hands. "Don't go against mommy's words.""I won't," Orla whispered in her ears. "Let's go back to the garden." They trotted back to the garden, the sound of their innocent laughter filling the air."Do you know that I am older than you?" The little girl asked Orla when they got inside.Orla was about to respond when one of their sisters showed up."Where is your babysitter?" She asked them, positioning her hands on her sides. Her expression read fury, they detected that with little brains."Aunty Rose went to get…" The little girl with Orla was scared of the ferocious eyes she gave them."She went to get us water," Orla said sharply, swishing her small teddy bear in front of thei
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 24. MR SCARRED FACE
Orla flung her phone on the car seat. She kneaded her fingers against her face, distress blanketing her. She missed three calls from the veterinary Doctor who was treating Betty and all efforts to reach him back had proved abortive.She was in the car with David, heading to the venue where Liam's award ceremony was supposed to take place. Callan had pushed her forward, he had an important business meeting to attend."Will you stay back?" David nodded his head, turning to stare briefly at Orla. His bright blue eyes met her sad ones and he smiled. "The Boss said he would be there before the show ends. He does not want me to stay back.""I see." She wasn't the type to attend parties and award shows, but it was unavoidable because she got married to a billionaire. She didn't fancy the fact she had to accompany him to every party, she wouldn't have gone to this too, but Liam was a friend and she didn't want to let him down. He made a gorgeous dress for her, it was only fair that she honou
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 25. TOUCH ME
The names of nominees were called out and the mic was passed onto the VIP that was to give out the award."We have great designers here in Dallas." The VIP Blondie said, smiling. Meticulously setting the mic in her hand, she looked at the crowd and continued. "The winner was chosen based on netizens' votes and of course, the brand's designs... Ladies and gentlemen, the award for the best fashion stylist in the city goes to Liam Stone.""That's it!" Orla yelled from her seat, "Give it up for Liam." She roared, sipping from the cup of wine in her hand. She didn't drink alcohol, but she was trying out a new thing this evening.A round of applause rumbled among the guests, honouring him as he took swift gaits to the stage to receive the award. He gave an appreciation speech and went back to sit down."Now, it's time to dance." The host was back to anchoring, "I'm certain you all invited your guests because we have so many activities left on our list. But for now, let's hit the dancefloor
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The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 77. DADDY, MOMMY IS NOT A BABY. (THE END)
Arnold Sullivan brought his car to a halt as soon as he arrived at the grand Barlowe mansion. He lingered in the driver's seat, his fingers tapping nervously on the steering wheel, his mind drifting back to the days before Orla's misfortunes began. Orla had been a sweetheart, always cheerful and kind-hearted, and he had loved her and Isla deeply. Arnold replayed countless memories, trying to pinpoint the moment when everything changed, when his trust faltered, and he was quick to judge Orla without giving her a fair chance. The weight of guilt bore down on him like a heavy cloak; he had wronged her in ways that gnawed at his conscience.And he wasn’t certain there would be a chance for reconciliation. Orla allowed him to be close to his grandchildren, but she didn’t give him the chance to be close to her again.He was still lost in thought when he spotted the nanny approaching with the twins. They wiggled their heads, clearly excited to see what he had brought for them. Arnold smiled
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 76. PROUD MOMENTS 2
"Oh, this is amazing. So amazing. Never thought I would be doing this today." Callan's smile widened, his eyes drifting over the eager crowd, their faces alight with anticipation as they awaited the announcement. The buzz of their excitement filled the air, amplifying the significance of the moment. Callan's heart pounded with pride and love as he stepped forward, the spotlight warm on his face."The award for the architect with the most outstanding design this year goes to the woman of my dreams," he began, his voice strong and clear. "The woman who made me believe in love, my woman, the essence of my life." He paused, savoring the crescendo of emotions surging through him. "Orla Barlowe, my wife, the beautiful mother of our beautiful children.”The crowd erupted into applause, the sound like a wave crashing over him. Callan's gaze found Orla, standing at the edge of the stage, her eyes shining with disbelief and joy. "Please, let’s give her a round of applause as she rocks the sta
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 75. PROUD MOMENTS 1
Four years later,“Isla and Leor, you two need to stay put. Daddy will be here soon," Isla cautioned her rambunctious twins. They had been darting around the hall ever since they arrived at the event that evening. A pang of regret almost hit her for bringing them along, but with their nanny having left two days ago, she had no other choice. "Please, you two, listen to me," she pleaded, her voice rising as she saw Isla making a beeline for the podium again. Isla, the more mischievous of the twins, was always leading her brother into some new escapade."Mommy, I want the shimmers," Isla insisted, crossing her arms and sitting beside her mother, tears glistening in her large hazel eyes. An idea suddenly brightened her expression, and she hastily wiped away her tears. "Daddy will get it for me. I'll tell Daddy to get me the shimmers," she declared, a broad smile spreading across her face as she swung her legs excitedly against the chair.“Me too, I want the shimmers.” Leor chirped in with
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 74. LEOR AND ISLA
The tears that welled up in his eyes cascaded down his cheeks before he realized it. Callan had been gazing at Orla for five minutes, and he had yet to decide on what to do.Her radiant smile, the soft cries of their newborn twins—one embraced by the doctor, the other nestled protectively in Orla's grip, like she didn't want to ever let go—softened his heart.Orla looked at him, her smile inciting him to come forward, and without hesitation, he stepped closer."Congratulations, Mr. Barlowe," the doctor beamed, passing the baby into his waiting arms. "He looks so much like you, and the girl too.""They are so cute, but it's so sad they look exactly like you after ten months of carrying them," Orla remarked, her gaze fixed on her baby girl. "She's so cute."Callan sat next to her, his baby in his hand. "They are so beautiful. So beautiful I don't know what to say now."Orla noticed tears welling in his eyes for the second time that day. She had shed her tears upon seeing their twins for
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 73. THEY ARE HERE
The portable garden, the flowers, and the blue and pink wall decorations were all aesthetically giving a vibe. Gender reveals vibes. Orla scowled. They agreed not to do a gender reveal for their twins, but it seemed like Callan had deceived her. "Callan," she whispered, clutching his hands. She recognized a few people as she walked down with her husband. Rosa was present, it'd been a while since she saw her. Liam was there too, his arms wrapped around Rosa's waist. Orla smiled, wondering if they were a thing. Elizabeth was there, she had made up with Callan and Orla, and she'd been the best mother-in-law to her. Her sisters who weren't in jail were present, but Orla chose to keep to herself. She still didn't understand what was going on. The sheepish smile on Callan's face made it very impossible for her to even guess what was going on around her. "Callan, what's happening here?" She asked, but he didn't give a response. He was satisfied that he was able to bring her out of the ho
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 72. LET SINNERS PAY FOR THEIR SINS
They were on the news again.Their pretty faces were displayed on the hundred inch Laser TV in the living room.Orla watched her helpless sisters, all in cuffs.They were on the news as always, but this time, it was for something inimical. She watched them with bleary eyes, wishing they had never trodden that path that almost crumbled her life for years.Now, they were everywhere, wallowing in shame as lights from a hundred cameras flashed on their faces, capturing them to display to the world that they killed their sister and mother.Three Daughters of Arnold Sullivan Are Murderers. The news headline was displeasing, not anything that Arnold would ever be proud of. All he had worked for all his life was about to collapse because of the scandal. But he started it, he charged them to court. He must have thought of it and was ready to lose everything before thinking that sending his daughters to jail was the best decision to make."What's the final judgment?" Orla asked Callan. She ha
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 71. DOUBLE JOY
Five Months LaterEmotionally, things had gotten a lot better with Orla. Though she was still trying to let her mind off the pain her family had caused her, she didn't let her feelings override her anymore.She hadn't forgiven her sisters, especially now that Arnold had decided to sue the three sisters who were involved in the death cases.She had no idea why he was doing that now, but no matter what he did, she knew things would never be right between them. She had ignored several calls for him to see her. There was no point in doing that after all these years. He made it clear to her that he'd forever hate her, Orla wanted it that way—for him to forever loathe her. There was no point in patching things up because there were no pieces to pick up. He had shattered everything a long time ago.She was dabbing her face with the small foam, getting ready for the visit to the hospital that morning.Her baby bump was already visible now, and she and Callan had to get acquainted with some n
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 70. I LOVE YOU
When they settled in the car, Orla burst into intractable loud sobs. "How can anyone be so wicked, Callan? How can Mia be so wicked?"For a minute, Callan got drowned in the sea of thoughts. He wondered what would have happened if he had listened to his mother, and chose Mia that day they visited Arnold Sullivan's mansion. This day would never come up, Orla would never be vindicated, she would still live in distress, and he just knew he would never love Mia as much as he loved Orla.Relief washed through him for his choice. No one would have been better."How do you feel?" He asked her, taking her hands in his. A habit he was now used to and didn't want to ever stop."I don't know what and how to feel, Callan. I don't want to be a part of that family anymore." She shook her head, dejected. "They made me believe I was a murderer all along. How could they be so wicked to gaslight a young girl into believing that she killed her sister? Just how?""Don't get yourself worked up. I have al
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 69. THE CONFESSION
Sophia's eyes roved the living room until they finally settled on Orla. "Dad," her voice cracked. "Speak up, Sophia!" Arnold ordered, his tone brusque. "Mia did," she glimpsed the tremor that smacked everyone, and she wasn't too surprised. She anticipated that. "Mia was the only one with Isla that afternoon, and she was the one who told us to change the narrative." Arnold scoffed, "Nonsense," Orla soldered where she was seated. She knew Mia hated her so much, but she never thought that she would do something like that. "Sick! You're Insane, Sophia! What evidence do you have against me? How dare you accuse me of killing my sister?" Mia flared up, her eyes simmering with rage. She rushed towards Sophia ready to hit her, but Emma went after her, dissuading her. "I was there too. I am the evidence that we all need, Mia. I was there with Sophia that day, you cajoled us into lying about the whole thing, and we did because we wanted to obey you. Their other sisters remained in their s
