LaylaI dragged myself out of the hotel, and everyone seemed enthusiastic about returning home. I was excited to start working with dad. It's been so long since I've visited the company, and I was really looking forward to it. The only thing that worried me was his thoughts on this situation. I let him down; this is not how I had pictured ever being married. I wanted the big wedding, with the long white gown, the fancy napkins, the big beautiful arrangements, bridesmaids, everything. Not be married by Elvis in the little chapel of Vegas while being highly intoxicated.I sat shotgun, it was Daniel's turn to drive, and I guess the proper thing to do was sit next to him. I tried falling asleep, snuggling on my seat, but I just couldn't. I was unease. I began feeling horrible for telling him I didn't want this marriage. There was a look in his eyes that told me my words had hurt him. Yet, he continued to caress me, squeezed my hand from time to time, and held my hand, kissing my knuckle
LaylaSo, after I headed upstairs, packed my belongings again, and looked over all my stuff while Daniel snooped through old photos, my parents finally kicked me out. You think maybe....just maybe, my mom would have cried, felt a little sad or what not, but no! They just let me leave. "We'll come by to visit sometime! Love you, honey." mom yells after the car as we drive off. Dad and Karly hug side by side, waving by. I sigh as I see them through the side mirror as we leave my parent's house. Daniel doesn't live far from my parents, but I miss them. My phone buzzes for the billionth time. Trevor and a few unknown numbers have been blowing up my phone. I grunt inwardly as I see another call from Trevor. I close my eyes in frustration, ignoring the call. "Who keeps calling you, ladybug?" Daniel asks, making me turn toward him."Uhh - no one important," I say, shrugging my shoulders. The phone stops vibrating, but seconds later, it begins again. I look at it and see Trevor calling agai
"Jenny, Layla, and I will be in Felix's office. If you need anything, make sure you reach me through Beth," he says, smiling at her. "Yes, sure. I'll do that," she says, smiling at both of us. "And welcome back, Miss Layla," she says, making me smile. "Thanks, Jenny. It's good to be back; I love your top the way." I say as I see her green cross-top shirt. She smiles, blushing and looking at her shirt. "Thank you, Layla. I mean, Mrs. Halloway," she says, making me blush. We walk across the floor to the other side and turn toward dad's new office. Since Danny is the new CEO, dad and he traded offices. Dad is now in the middle of all the mayhem, where all the other executives are, and Danny's is more secluded, with only two studios next and across from him that is used for photo shoots."Good morning, Beth." he greets dads secretary, making her smile. "Good morning, sir. Oh, Miss Layla. Good morning." she says as she gets up and hugs me, making me smile. "Good morning, Beth. How are S
LaylaI changed my shirt as quickly as possible and tossed my shirt on the coat hanger next to the door. Luckily, dad was skinny, and his shirt fit perfectly. I ran out and made my way toward the conference room. My blood boiled when I saw Sasha sitting on the seat next to Daniel. "If she thought she'd step in and take my man, she has another thing coming!" I thought as I gritted my teeth. Wait... Wow, Layla. Where the hell did that come from? Relax girl. This is not even a real marriage, remember? I closed my eyes and sighed, gripping the door handle and pulling it open. Daniel was talking and paused when I entered the room. "Oh, good. Layla, sit over here, please. Guys, scooch down one seat, please. You too, Sasha." she looks at him as if she has just been offended but still gets up and sits one chair down. I slowly walk past everyone, tucking a loose strand behind my ear. Daniel stands, pulling the chair out for me and sitting after I take a seat."Now, where was I? Oh, right.
✨✨Third person POV✨✨Sasha is eager. She just hung up with Sebastian and has great news for Danny and Felix. If she can get them both to have lunch with Sebastian, she can try and flirt her way into this deal. After All, no man has ever been able to resist her charm. She's sure Daniel is only trying to act hard to get, but he'll soon fall for her too. Soon as he sees her flirting with Sebastian, Danny will fall right to her feet and ask her out. She makes her way out and sees Felix; she smiles, glances at the glass door, and fixes her hair in the reflection. "Time to act, Sasha. It's time we get Danny back." after all; they did date a year ago. I mean, technically, it was just a few dates, but they were the best dates of her life. She wanted more, so much more, but one day he just ended things. No explanation, just the words; it's over, and that was it. She was upset at first, but the more time passed, and the fact he wasn't dating anyone just told her maybe he just felt too much p
LaylaI looked up and saw his eyes closed. I can't help but go on my tiptoes, kissing his lips. He sighs, tightening his hold on me and burying his head in my hair. "Danny, you need to trust me. Sebastian and I dated a long time ago; there is nothing between us. I haven't seen or heard from him in over seven years. And for all I know, he's probably dating or married." "And if he isn't?" Danny says, looking at me madly. "Danny, enough. It wouldn't matter, ok?" I say, holding my hand up and making him look at my ring. "This!" " I say, as my other hand rests on his chest. "Should be enough for you to have confidence in us. The fact that these rings bond us.""And it has nothing to do with the fact we signed a contract, right?" "You know what? If you don't trust me, then why did you marry me? Why not annul the marriage as I asked you from the beginning?" I was mad. "Wait. Layla, I'm sorry. I just... It pissed me off to see how he's just looking at you. I wanted to punch his teeth in." "
Layla"Danny, don't say that," I said, looking at him slightly disappointed. He looked back, smiling slightly, but I could see he was somewhat saddened. "I'm sure you'll have kids in the future. You'll be a great dad one day, I know it." I said, turning away from him and looking out the window. I sighed, leaning against the window for the rest of the ride. When we finally got home, I didn't have the energy or spirit to talk to anyone. I have been confused with everything that's happened lately. I was supposed to stay away from him. That was my primary plan. I knew if I came close to him again and talked to Danny, things would go downhill, and they have. He's making me fall madly for him again, and I don't think I can keep denying it. He's been the sweetest guy these past few days, and yesterday at Mes Amis, when he was jealous of Sebastian, I realized maybe he does care about me more than I thought. Was I ready to be a mom? I don't think I am, and we have only been together no more
LaylaDaniel held me tightly; I couldn't help but bury my head in his shoulder as I hugged him back. "Ladybug, I know you have every right to be mad and doubt in me. But I promise I had my reasons. I kept Zoey from you, and I have been nothing but a jerk to you for years. And I know I should have told you about Zoey, except..it's more complicated than it seems. Plus, I never thought I'd see her again, then this happened. Suddenly you and I are married, and-" he rambles on as he looks at me with teary eyes."Danny! Relax...True, I am a little upset. Ok, a lot upset... But I'm here for you. And I'm here for Zoey if needed. I'm all ears. Just tell me. I'm listening." I say as he takes a seat next to me. "Zoey is special to me, Layla. And now... I'm all she's got." he says as he lowers his voice. "What do you mean? Who's her mom, Danny?" I ask, making him look at me, worried."You know, the night you and I finally slept together, I felt my life was complete." he says smiling and looking d
Layla ( four years later) “Listen, I'll call you back, ok? I need to tend to a few things. No, I should be off soon, we'll meet you out there.” Danny has been acting weird lately. It's worrying me. It hasn't been long since we got married. Did he really get tired of me so soon? I mean I gave him two beautiful kids, and I have done my best to make him happy. I get it, I have been so busy with everything around the house and kids that, maybe, he feels I don't pay him much attention anymore. “Danny, dinner is ready,” I say, softly, trying to hold back tears as thoughts of the possibility of an infidelity could be at bay. “Thanks, ladybug. I'm not very hungry. I might be here late.” he says as he sits in his office at home, going through piles of paperwork. He's been expanding his restaurants throughout the southern regions of California, and he's been planning on opening a new restaurant in the northern parts. This means he will probably be at home less. “Are you sure? Maybe I can bri
Layla (A few months Later)Today, Danny called me right around noon to tell me the good news. He's been on top of the Alejo case. I am happy to say that it is finally over. Vincent and Trevor were both sentenced to jail for a very long... Long, long time. Vincent was given fifty-five years in prison, with no chance for parole. When the media became aware of what was happening, they went crazy. The news was all over the radio, magazines, and tv news. The more they talked about it, the more women came forward, willing to testify against Vincent. There was no way they would get away this time. Plus, Vincent's dad was not willing to help him this time. Mr. Alejo was on Heather and Lisa's side this time. Thanks to his help, Lisa and Heather were well taken care of. He made sure that Vincent's goons were kept far away from the girls and them. If they threatened them in any way, he promised to visit them if he saw the slightest trace of harm.As for Trevor, he was given twenty years before
LaylaI woke up feeling light for the first time in a long time. It was like a big weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I decided it was a good time to go downstairs to begin breakfast, so I got up and washed up first, placed my slippers on, and made my way out of the room. But, maybe I should check on my little Zoey first. I didn't see Danny in bed, so I figured he was probably downstairs working out or something. "Zoey... Time to wake up, baby." I said while opening the door slowly. I looked at her bed, but it was empty. Her bathroom was empty as well, and her closet was dark, so she couldn't be in there. "Huh? Where is my little cutie-pie?" I wondered, placing my hands on my waist. That's when I realized. There was music playing, and it sounded like it was coming from downstairs. I smiled and made my way down. As I made my way, the music just got louder, but not enough to bother your ears. I could hear the beat of the song as Queen begins with the song, Another One Bites t
LaylaI sat at the kitchen island, waiting for Danny to get home. I was a nervous wreck because I haven't heard anything from him since I called him and sent him what was in that envelope. But- I'm still saving the best part for when he gets home.After I had gone back to the office, I got a call from, Heather. She wanted me to go and meet her. Well, I was reluctant at first, but the girl has gone through so much! So I decided, why not? So, I told my dad I would be leaving early, and I made my way to see her at the hospital. Heather was finally going to be allowed to go home, but what caught me off guard was that Vincent’s ex was also there. But the way that she was talking to her and holding her so delicately, making sure not to hurt Heather... It gave me love vibes. Yes, you heard me right. I think Vincent’s ex is falling for Heather, but I am not sure if she caught on yet. Oh... I hope that she is in love with her. I hardly doubt Heather goes that way, but hey, you never know! May
DanielAs we waited for Gideon's signal, we could see Trevor walking on the street across from the motel. He held a small plastic bag. It looked like he had gone out to the small liquor store nearby. He walked with his head down, whistling away. Gideon gestured to one of the boys and he nodded, looking at Trevor. Capturing Vincent would have to wait just a few minutes longer. They quickly came behind him, tackling him to the floor and handcuffing him. He begged, crying to let them go, but there was no way in hell he was going to be free. Gideon came in front of him, and read him his Miranda rights. Trevor shook his head, giving me a death stare as he sees me come up to him. "You! You fucking bastard. How could you? I was going to leave. I was not going to bother either one of you! Didn't you have enough ruining my life already?" he says, making me scuff in disbelief. "You're an escaped convict, Trevor. You're the one who screwed your own life, not me." I say, as the officer pulls hi
DanielIt seemed as if things had gotten calm and quiet. It was as if everything was back to normal, or so I made Layla think so that she was not stressing over the dire situation with Vincent and Trevor.Their behavior is ominous and unpredictable. I can't take lightly their unforeseen actions, but I know who can help catch those assholes. Tasha thinks I am oblivious to her link to them. She has something to do with him, and I know it's just a matter of time before we catch those assholes, thanks to her. We have been tracking her whereabouts without her knowing for the past two weeks. "Give them time to feel at ease. The more confidence they feel they have, the better. Let's make them think they have gotten away, and we've forgotten about what they tried to do to you." he had said, the last time we talked. But the eagerness is getting to me. I need to make sure they are behind bars and long gone from our lives. They need to pay for what they did to Heather and for putting my family
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This chapter depicts a violent scene of assault and battery against a woman. If you are not comfortable with these scenes, skip to the next chapter if available, or kindly wait for the next upload. Please be advised and take precautions.✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨Third Person POVHeather drives happily to her step-daughter's new high school to drop her off. Never in her wildest dreams did she ever think she would have to tend to kids, even if they were teenagers. She never thought one of those girls would ever see her with the care and love enough to call her mom. But here she was, with two girls that loved her and called her mom. If only Zoey saw her the same loving way that the girls saw her. It would take a while, but she hopes one day she could win Zoey's love and affection back. Not that he wanted to take her away from Layla and Daniel, after all, she knew Zoey was where she was meant to be with. "Ok, honey. Have a safe and beautiful day. I will pick you up after school. Oh, and
Third Person POVThey say a person's malice can only go so far, but the truth is, some are more sinister than others and will stop at nothing to get what they want. Danny was so preoccupied, yet so happy thinking about the papers he had just been handed by Heather that he never cared to overlook what they said in their content. He went home feeling exhausted and for once, thought he could have a good night's rest. The battle with Heather was over, after all. The only thing left was to catch Vincent and Trevor. With the declaration they had gathered and the evidence Gideon had, it was enough to put them behind bars for a very... Very long time. There was only one problem for Vincent, Heather was too cunning. Her beautiful face and sexy body had kept him from thinking she could actually be a smart cookie. She had come up with a master plan to take Zoey away from Danny and Layla, all while still leaving Vincent in ruins. But she had changed her mind at the last minute. She knew Zoey wa
DanielI couldn't believe my ears. Heather had just confessed to me her husband's plan. From the corruption, he had been doing, laundering money, swindling people out of their paychecks, to secretly gambling hundreds of thousands of dollars. When he saw himself losing it all, he began to get physical with her. He was forcing her to take Zoey away from me, just to ask for money in return for her so he could save his ass. She not only had enough of him, but since his oldest daughter is old enough she had legally changed her name to her mother's last name and was fighting to take legal custody of the other daughter. "Where is he keeping Trevor?" I dared to ask, as I dialed Gideon's phone number. She hesitated for a while, looking around to make sure no one was around to see us talk. "I... I can't say anymore. They're watching us. But, the documents I gave you are enough to get them both behind bars for years. Do what's right for your family, Dan. I know you and I were no match, but I st