15.**Easton's POV**I sat in the office after the meeting, feeling uneasy. I had no idea why Nicole wasn't here already. I even went as far as looking down from the glass in my office to see if she had entered but there was no sight of her.I sighed and ran my hands through my hair. I don't know if I'd be able to wait much longer. A knock sounded on the door, drawing my attention.“Come in,” I answered and the door opened.My secretary, Linda, entered and bowed. “Sir, a lady is here to see you. I asked if she had an appointment but it seemed she had none. She said she had come to deliver something to you.”Finally!“Let her in,” I responded and she bowed before leaving. There was no doubt that it was Nicole coming. I wondered why Linda didn't look thrilled when she came to inform me that someone was here. There wasn't an uproar among the employees either. Was she in disguise?The door opened but what I didn't expect was to see Joan instead of Nicole.“I'm sorry for the delay, sir. The
16.**Nicole's POV**When we arrived at the Ferdinand's mansion, my eyes widened in shock at the magnificence. I thought Easton's mansion was huge but this one? This one was even larger and grander. I could almost hear the oohs and aahs as my eyes danced over the intricate designs and lavish decor. It was clear that the Ferdinands were people of immense wealth and power.The butler greeted us at the door, his face expressionless as he led us inside. I felt like I was walking into a palace, not a home. Everywhere I looked, there was opulence and grandeur. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and priceless artwork lined the walls. The place was amazing. We got to the living room and met a man and woman in their late forty's or fifty's and no one needed to tell me that they were his parents.We walked up to them I bowed slightly.“Good evening, sir, ma.” I tried my best to smile at them but they looked at me with shock written all over their faces.“Good evening dad.” Easton greeted. I w
17.**Nicole's POV**I woke up the next morning, feeling exhausted. I had no idea how someone who attended a dinner with her contract husband's family the previous night should be tired in the morning. It wasn't like I was forced to do any chores even though his mother's eyes were literally tearing me to pieces.I have a feeling the father didn't like me either considering I was the infamous Nicole Brennan, the model who slept with managers and CEOs to get to where she was today.I snorted at the thought and gave myself an assurance that at least, Easton's brother likes me and he has been the only one not acting like a dickhead. Not like I was going to be in their family forever though.With a sigh, I got down from the bed and freshened up. When I stepped out of the bathroom, a knock sounded on the door and knowing it was Joan, I muttered a “Come in.”She opened the door and walked in elegantly, making me wonder who the model was between the two of us. Not like I didn't like her, but t
18.**Nicole's POV**I stormed into my room angrily and threw a pillow at the door. I was so annoyed and pissed. That rude jerk!Gosh!“Nick?” Joan called as she entered the room.I didn't answer her and just paced around the room. What kind of a person did he take me for? Did he think I was interested in him and is acting all high and mighty? I scoffed.“He had the guts to make me feel bad just because I made breakfast,” I snickered. “What a jerk!”“You have to calm down. I understand how you feel.” Joan walked up to me.“No, you don't understand how I feel, Joan. Can you imagine nonsense? I was only trying to be nice but he keeps annoying me and making me feel like a nobody. I'm tired of his impudence. Gosh, I can't wait for this contract period to end.” I sat down and crossed my legs.Joan sat beside him. “You're in a contract marriage with him?” She asked and I nodded. “Whoa, I thought you two were married for real. I was so happy.”I scoffed. “Who would want to marry that kind of
19.**Easton's POV**I sat in the office, trying to work on some files but was too distracted with what happened this morning to concentrate. I ruffled my hair as I remembered all the things I said to her. I had no idea why I was feeling weird and a bit regretful. Whatever! I don't care at all.I never asked her to be nice. I hated it when people pretended to care and then at the end of the day, they show you their true colors and just how much of a devil they can be. I couldn't wait for the company to be handed over to me, and then I'd divorce her for good.A knock sounded on the door, disrupting my thoughts. The door opened before I could say 'come in' and Maven entered. The expression on his face was not a good one, leaving me to wonder what was wrong this time.“Sir, I just got a call from your father.”“Yeah?” I waited for the news that he was ready to transfer the company to me, but Maven delayed speaking. “Talk, I'm listening. I haven't got all day.” I narrowed my eyes at him
20.**Easton's POV**Immediately those words left my mouth, Ariana stood up, pushed Carson aside and faced me.“Repeat what you said. Say it to my face!” She snapped and I chuckled.“Ariana.” Father called.“Stay out of this, Evan. I want your son to say it to my face.” She glared daggers at me.“I would love to, but then this confirms what I just said. He's a stay-at-home mummy's boy. I've said it, what are you gonna do about it?” She tried to slap me but I held her hand. “Be careful. You can get sued for laying a hand on this face.” I smiled and dropped her hands.“You!” She snapped.I turned to face Father, who just watched us without saying anything.“Do what is necessary and stop all these shenanigans, dad. You wouldn't have been seeing me if you had kept your part of the deal.”“You're disgusting!” Ariana snapped.“That's the best compliment I've had in years,” I winked at her and walked out of the office. I could hear her screaming in her shrill voice and telling dad how annoy
21.**Nicole's POV**I was getting sick and bored with staying in this house all day doing nothing but sleep, and believe me, it wasn't good for my physique. I didn't want to start adding weight.I would have gone online to check out the latest trends, but how can I do that when everywhere I turn is news about me? I couldn't step out either because reporters flocked around me.With a sigh, I stood to my feet. Why should I even care about what they thought about me anyway? Me, hiding and running away isn't going to solve anything. Hiding might even confirm to some doubting people that everything said about me was true.I took my handbag and stepped out of my room. “Where are you off to?” Joan asked.“To face my fears.” I stepped into the compound and turned my car on.She rushed to me with Butler Steve walking behind her.“Let me come with you.” She offered, but I shook my head.“You don't need to worry about me. I'll be fine.” I smiled at Butler Steve and drove out. The first place I
22.**Nicole's POV**I stared at the invitation and arched my brows. Why was Mr. Stark holding a handover and reinstatement event? Why did he invite me? Was he trying to give me back my job because I caught him making out with a model? I was confused and decided to call Emily, she's the only one who can get to the root of this and tell me what's really going on.“Good evening, Nicole.” She greeted me.“Emily, I'm going to forward something to you right now. Help me go through it and tell me what you find, okay?”“Okay.” She answered and I hung up.After forwarding the message to Emily, I took my phone and headed for the living room. When I got there, I met Easton having a drink at the bar.“You didn't tell me you'd be home early.” I took a seat, facing him.“Is it necessary?” He asked and I shook my head.“It's not since I'm not your wife. I'm sorry for crossing boundaries by asking.” I answered plainly and poured myself a glass.I could feel his eyes on me as I downed the contents. T
180.FINAL CHAPTER**Author's POV**The day for the wedding finally came and Nicole couldn't stop her tears. She had come so far with Easton, and she was proud to say he was the best thing that has ever happened to her.As she stood, facing the mirror in her wedding gown that sparkled like diamonds in the soft light, she couldn't help but think about how far they had come. From the first day they met until this day, she had no regrets.It had started with some sort of agreement, but today it was something real; something sacred and something that would usher them into a new phase of their journey in life.Her makeup artist had to retouch her face and begged her not to shed any more tear. Nicole nodded with a smile.“You look stunning. I'm sure Easton's jaw will drop once he sets his eyes on you.” Emily complimented as she walked into the room.“I know, right? I ain't a model for nothing.” Nicole smirked and Emily laughed.“I see your ego is still intact,” she said, causing Nicole to c
179.SEMI-FINAL CHAPTER**Author's POV**The files were collected and handed over to the judge, who looked through them while Easton explained everything. “It turns out that Ariana was pregnant for her boyfriend and when she saw that he wouldn't be able to take care of her, she pinned it on my father because they had a one-night stand before and made him marry her. When she came into the house, she refused to acknowledge my mother as her co-wife and did all manner of things to get rid of her. All didn't work, and she resorted to poisoning her,” he explained, and the people present gasped.“That's not all, she made sure it was done neatly and did all she could to bury the secret in the rug. She thought she had escaped, and now she's trying to claim properties for a son who isn't even my father's. The DNA test has been conducted, and the results are there. She is a deceitful woman and must be punished by the law!”Carson couldn't believe all these. He faced his mother. “So, he is not my
178.**Easton's POV**As we drove back to my house, Nicole held me tight as she rested her head on my shoulders. Whenever we passed by a speed bump, her grip on me would tighten like she still couldn't believe I was alive and felt like I would vanish if she let me go. I placed a soft kiss on her forehead to remind her that I was going nowhere.Now that I have been granted a second chance to love her again, I would make her the happiest woman on earth. She looked at me with a huge smile on her face and I couldn't help but smile back. It was good to be back. We drove into the compound and I released a long breath. It's been a while and I wondered how Dad and the rest are doing. Edwin told me everything that happened and how things took a turn for the worst, including Ariana and Carson's atrocities. The good thing is I am back, and I am going to return order to this family.We got down from the car and Nicole intertwined our fingers as we walked in together. “I can't wait to see the lo
177.Author's POVTHE HOSPITAL…Nicole's eyes fluttered open and she looked around. She sat up, realizing that she was in the hospital. She laughed out loud when she suddenly recalled what happened.“I must be delusional! No, I'm going crazy!” she exclaimed, placing her hand on her head. “How can I be so dumb, huh? I missed Easton so much that I now have hallucinations because of him.” she spoke to herself, tears rolling down her cheeks.“You were not hallucinating, Nicole, it's real. Easton is alive,” Maven walked in with Edwin and Mrs. Felicia.Nicole shook her head. “No, I'm going crazy. You all are lying. You're just saying this to make me feel better. Easton is dead,” she snapped, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I was at the hospital. Edwin, you were there too. He wasn't breathing. His body was cold and stiff and when I took his hand, it went limp! He got buried right before my eyes, so stop making it worse for me. Just take me to a mental asylum because it's obvious I've gone
176.NEXT DAY…**Nicole's POV**My eyes fluttered open to the ray of sunshine that filtered in through the windows and I couldn't help but smile sadly; it was my birthday.“Hurray,” I muttered lazily and sat up on the bed. I looked up at the ceiling and pictured Easton looking down on me. “Hey, handsome, today is my birthday. It was supposed to be my first birthday with you, and I had already thought of how today would have been, but everything got ruined. You died and left me all alone here to celebrate today on my own. You have plenty of explanations to give me when we see each other again, mister!” I snapped, hoping he would hear me wherever he was.I smiled as tears rolled down my cheeks. I quickly wiped them off as Mrs. Felicia's words rang in my ears. I stood to my feet; I should make this day worthwhile for myself and for him.I rushed into the bathroom and took my bath. When I was out, I walked straight to my wardrobe and scanned through the clothes I had. My eyes went to the
175.Nicole's POVDays passed after my encounter with Ariana and Carson and everything seemed to have calmed down after that. We agreed to go to court as planned, but the case was adjourned until next month due to reasons best known to the court.My birthday is tomorrow, and I had already intended to spend the day with Easton. If I can't spend it with him while he was alive, I can as well spend it beside his grave.This was supposed to be my first birthday with him and…I trailed off in my thoughts and wiped the tears that rolled down my cheeks. I heaved a deep breath and stared at my computer. I missed Easton so much. Every day, I keep seeing things that remind me of him, and it hurts whenever I go out for an evening walk and see couples being all lovey-dovey with each other. He was the best thing that has ever happened to me and I would forever be grateful to him for that.I checked my wristwatch and sucked in a deep breath. Why was Edwin not back yet? He told me he was going to the
174.**Nicole's POV**The next day, it was already sunset and I couldn't help the eerie feeling that crawled up my skin. Ariana's threat kept echoing inside my head. I had a feeling that something bad was going to happen and till now I have no idea why.I took my phone and called Edwin. “Edwin?” I called immediately he answered the phone, my voice shaking.“Nicole, are you okay?” He asked.“No, I'm not,” I answered and he hung up. Before I knew it, the door to the office opened and he rushed to me. “What is wrong with you? You can tell me anything.” He said and I sighed.“I'm scared, Edwin. Ariana came with Carson tested and threatened to do something drastic if I didn't release the company's documents to her by sunset today. It'd already sunset and I keep having this sick feeling in my stomach that something bad is about to happen.” I explained to him and he sighed.“You don't need to worry. I already reported to the police by showing them the email sent to you and they are trying t
173.**Author's POV**BACK IN AMERICA…“Have you been stressing lately, Ms. Brennan?” Doctor Faith asked and Edwin gave Nicole the look.She dabbed her index fingers together and stared at the doctor. “She's been burying her face in work lately without breaks. At this rate, she has turned into a machine.” Edwin answered with his arms folded.Doctor Faith smiled. “I thought as much,” She brought out a paper and wrote something in it. “Your body has been stressed lately and you need rest. I'd suggest you take a two weeks break, go out for exercise, do recreational activities and go out to have fun more often. Your body needs it.” She suggested and Nicole shook her head.“I don't need any of that. Just hand me some drugs and I will be fine.” She countered.“Of course I'll give you drugs that'll ease your fever and make you feel better, but I won't go back on my word, Ms. Brennan. I insist that you take a break to bring your body back together. If you keep stressing it, you'll have a men
172.**Author's POV**The next morning, Nicole woke up with a severe headache. Her head banged like it was being put inside a mortar and pounded. She held her head and came down from the bed as she head to the water dispenser in the room.She took a cup and drank from it. “Fuck, why did I drink too much?” She asked herself and sighed.A knock sounded on the door and she muttered a “come in”. Edwin walked in with a tray of food in his hand. “Good morning,” He flashed her a smile and she returned it. She rushed to him and took the tray from him. “Good morning. You shouldn't have stressed yourself like this.” She ruffled her hair.“You were drunk last night. It's necessary that you take some hangover soup to help.” He replied, causing her to smile.“I'm already being a nuisance,” She sighed and sat on the bed. “I feel like I'm making you do a lot of strenous things, you know? You've been acting like a father and I've been more like a troublesome baby.” She placed the food in her mouth