LOGINShare
61. NOT NOW
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
Related chapters
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 62. DO YOU HATE ME NOW?
Two weeks later Over the days, her morning sicknesses had augmented in all forms. From vomiting almost every passing hour to nonchalantly dropping on the couch and drifting into sleep at the slightest opportunity she got. Orla concluded maybe it was finally time for her to come to grips with the fact that she really was pregnant—with Callan's child. Though difficult news to swallow down her throat, it was her reality now. Stupefaction had been her acquaintance for days. Callan was in another part of the world, off on a business trip, and she was at home, alone. Not sure what she wanted out of her life… As much as she wanted to steer clear of him, she dangerously craved his presence now. Nothing made sense when he wasn't with her. Nothing did. She brushed aside his calls and texts whenever they popped on her screen and still didn't deem it necessary to tell him that she had a life growing inside of her, a life they made together. After that day she met with Sophia, she'd been
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 63. A BLESSED MAN
Jackson was the last Person Orla would expect to see in a lone park on a chilly evening. Looking deeply into his eyes in the lighted space at the park, something was off, something seemed off, but she couldn't wrap her head around what that was. "Look who we have here," he rushed towards her, pulling Orla into an embrace. She let him hug her, but her response was delayed and unwilling. "Are you stalking me? And didn't you go back to where you came from?" She asked, eyes still widened in shock. He needed to start spitting out his truth. Why would she see him all alone that evening when he was supposed to be gone by now? "I am a Doctor, you know?" "And What big deal is that?" "I don't have the luxury of time to stalk people. My hands are always filled with work. Now, I should ask you what you are doing here all alone, on a cold evening." Moving past her, he sat next to her on the bench and smiled, admiring how beautiful she had grown from the last time he had seen her. He was s
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 64. PERFECT
Hearts will align, and souls will communicate. Gazes will speak volumes without an utterance of words of mouth.You don't have to say it, the blissfulness that chaperones the feeling is enough. Oluwafunmito Star"I will melt if you continue gawking at me like that. Your eyes are burning me down, Callan."Orla whined, tossing a cushion at her husband. He caught the cushion and flapped the poor stuff with his large hands. His eyes remained on his wife, he couldn't. He tried to, but he couldn't take his eyes off her.Orla sighed. He had no idea what those eyes were doing to her."I am sorry, Orla." He veered closer to her when she was shifting away from him. He was careful not to hurt her again. He was prudent of even the littlest things, getting in her bad books came atop the list of all the things he planned to avoid in life."Callan,""I know sorry isn't enough for the pain I caused you, but if there is something you want me to do fo
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 65. DON’T STOP
"Do you really want to know?" His face crinkled frettingly. Orla bobbed her head in affirmation. She couldn't be more sure, she knew what she wanted.But why was he feeling indifferent? He didn't plan to ruin this moment for them, right? She rubbernecked him with cynical sentry."Are you worried about something?" She glimpsed how he shifted his gaze away from her, steering his eyes to the ceilings.Nothing riveting was up there to glance at. What was wrong with him again?"No, nothing." He feigned a small smile that dissolved as quickly as it formed."What's wrong with you, Callan? We were happy a few moments ago. What's with the gloomy expression?"Worry burned in her tone as she looked at her husband. She detested that he was still consenting to the culpability of cheating on her. She had forgiven him for crying out loud."I am good," came his curt response."Callan,""Hey," he smacked his lips to hers abruptly, dissuading her from asking more questions. "I am very good. I just mi
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 66. UNSAID WORDS
"Callan just had to be here before you agreed to my request, huh?"Sophia trained her gaze on Orla's stoic demeanor. It was conspicuous that she wouldn't answer her question."Sophia, can you tell me everything here? I don't want to go to that house."Orla sounded disturbed. Callan squeezed her hands, a reminder that he was there with her—he'd be with her through every phase of it all."I would love to, but Orla, I want everyone to be present." After an aching silence between them, she sighed and began again. "Have you decided on a day for us to go?""You should do that. You're the one who started the whole thing. So fix it up." Orla shot almost immediately.She was angry. Her glinting eyes that roamed around Sophia's tastefully furnished living room were evidence of her fury."Okay," Sophia absentmindedly connected her fingers to her chin as she thought of a perfect day to surprise their family with their unannounced visits.Callan sat there, staring at Sophia and back at his wife
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 67. WE WERE GASLIGHTED 1
Orla felt brand new.It felt like a new wave of confidence pierced her while she slept overnight.She could no longer feel the anxiety and unknown fears that always haunted her whenever she thought about her family.She was ready now, she wanted to face them now. And as Callan gave her words of encouragement before they left home that morning, she knew she couldn't back away from this anymore.She was ready.Her arm was clasped around Callan's arm, her eyes fixated on the colossal edifice that stood in front of her. Her father's mansion hadn't gotten any newer or older, it was the same. As if no changes had been made since she left."We are here," Callan gave her a small smile, compelling her to carry on.Orla returned the smile. She hoped that her fears wouldn't creep in as soon as she set eyes on her family.Even if it did, she planned to fight it off. She was no longer the weak Orla they used to know. She was stronger.She nodded, swallowing a lump that gobbled down her throat. He
The Billionaire’s Fragile Bride 68. WE WERE GASLIGHTED 2
Orla's heart Palpitated. She didn't know what Sophia wanted to say, but what if she had tricked her all the way here just to further broaden her wound? What if Sophia was pretending all along, and was against her?"Isla died, she drowned. That was the truth, but Orla didn't kill her…" Sophia caught the surprised stares they gave her and she nodded back."Orla didn't push Isla." She continued."Then who did?" Mila asked, impatience laced in her tone."No one did. She jumped on her own, she was too young to understand that she would die if she went deeper." Sophia answered, her eyes watering up."Crap! Bullshit!" Amelia yelled from where she was seated beside her father.Callan and Orla exchange a knowing look, her heart returning to its normal beating rate. She was pleased to know that she didn't push her sister. She had been made to believe that she did, all her life."How do you know this?" Arnold seemed interested in the story his daughter was starting. "Were you there with her? I
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
Latest chapter
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
