45.**Author's POV**The wedding preparations were in full swing and Kayla was more than excited. She was finally getting everything she wanted. When she saw the numerous attention Nicole got from everyone while she was still struggling to make ends meet.At first, she wasn't bothered and stuck to being friends with her, afterall, Nicole was understanding and always helped her in some ways, but suddenly, she became too busy and they were not able to spend time like they used to.She felt left out and like she was lazy. She wanted to be known in the entertainment industry as well, but she felt that wouldn't be possible as long as people still liked Nicole, and so she did what she had to do to get that position.(FLASHBACK)Kayla walked around the luxurious halls of the Aura entertainment company. She held her head up high as she walked among the flock of employees. She didn't want her coming here to be suspicious, so she went to Nicole's dressing room first.When she got there, she plac
46.**Nicole's POV**As I sat among the flock of crowds, I felt irritated with every little thing they were doing. I was so annoyed that I literally had to stop myself so many times from going to the aisle and ripping the wedding dress off Kayla's body. The smile she had plastered on her face was annoying as well.I just wanted to tear everything apart, and as if on cue, the priest asked if anyone objected to the wedding.That moment, I felt like the chance to publicly disgrace them had finally come. It was time to end things once and for all, and this time around, I was sure there was no way I would fail.And with every fiber of my being, I stood to my feet and yelled the words that I've wanted to yell since I stepped my feet here, “Stop the wedding!” All eyes turned in my direction immediately. “I object to this wedding!” I yelled again and I could see surprise flash in Kayla's eyes. It was replaced with anger in a nanosecond and she stepped down from the altar, looking like she was
47.**Nicole's POV**“Why… why… Why are you asking me that?” I stuttered, the shock still registered on my face. What prompted him to ask me such a question?He held my jaw and made me look up at him. “I don't think you should know the reason I asked yet. I'll tell you the reason in due time, but before that, I need to know if you're a virgin, or if you've been tainted.” He answered, his voice casual, like he hadn't just said the silliest thing on earth. It was an embarrassing question that made me uncomfortable. Why did he look so collected?Gosh!The moment turned awkward, and I bent my head. I dabbed my fingers together, avoiding his gaze. He didn't want to tell me the reason, and I'm literally dying to know what it is. If only I could know his reason, then I'd know whether to tell him the truth or not.In the industry, virgins were considered novices. When I was still a trainee, my madam strictly warned me not to embark on the route of sleeping with men to get to a desired position
48.**Nicole's POV**“Carson isn't his real brother?” I asked because it felt like I heard him wrong the first time.“Yes, he isn't. I became Easton's Butler upon his birth and took him as a son. His mother was the nicest woman I have ever seen, and she raised him to become disciplined and a fine young man. Easton was still a kid when Ariana, Carson's mother, came to the house pregnant, claiming Easton's father was responsible. Mr. Ferdinand couldn't deny it because he had a one-night stand with her once while drunk during one of his business trips, but Easton's mother was doubtful.”“What's Easton's mother's name?” I asked.“Genevieve,” He answered, and I nodded. “She suggested they pay Ariana off, but Ariana refused and insisted she must get married to Mr. Ferdinand. The marriage took place and everything changed. Easton and his mother were no longer treated right and when Ariana gave birth to Carson, it got worse. She compelled Mr. Ferdinand to do whatever she said and a few months
49.**Easton's POV**Her eyes were wide in shock as she looked at me. “Did you just say a club, or did I not hear you well?” She asked.“I'm sure there wasn't gum in my mouth when I said it,” I rolled my eyes at her. “Are you surprised?” I asked.“It's just that I didn't think of you as someone who goes clubbing.” She answered with her head lowered.“You're right. I'm not that kind of person, but the club serves as a place of distraction. The loud music takes away every other thought from your head, especially the ones you want to forget about.” I answered and she nodded in agreement.“You're right. I do need it as well. I'll change.” She rushed out of the room.I took the picture I've been staring at for a long time before Nicole came in and sighed. It was a picture I took with mum while I was still in first grade. Looking at the picture made me miss her more. I wished she was here to share in my wealth, that way, I wouldn't be having money for nothing.I balled my fists when I remem
50.**Easton's POV**Her face scrunched up and with the way she looked, I knew she was annoyed.“It's not only bodyguards that open car doors for people, Easton. Gentlemen do.” She rolled her eyes and got in by herself.I said nothing and drove to the club. When we got there, she got down from the car and smiled. We walked in together, welcomed by the music blaring from the speakers. We walked to the bar stand first and took a seat.Nicole ordered beer and poured herself a shot.“Want one?” She asked and I shook my head. “If you aren't going to drink beer, why did you bring me here?” She frowned.“I told you I came here for a distraction.”“Come on! Drinking beer is another form of distraction.” She poured me a shot and gestured for me to take it. I was hesitant but the frown on her face made me give in.I took it and sipped from it. She scoffed and shook her head.“Do you think this is wine?” She chuckled and drank.“Hey, handsome, how about I escort you to the dance floor?” I and N
51.**Kayla's POV**I sat on the chair with my legs crossed as I thought about the stunt Nicole pulled today. That girl sure thinks she can burst out of anywhere and ruin my wedding. How could she think of doing something so mean? Gosh!I was expecting her to make a move, which was why I prepared that video in advance, but I didn't know she would go this far. That was totally uncalled for.I sighed and massaged my temple. How on earth am I going to deal with this girl? I have to make sure she doesn't stick her nose into my business again.“Kayla?”I turned to see Frederick approaching me with a towel tied around his waist. He had just gotten out of the shower.“What's wrong?” He bent to my level and cupped my cheek.“I'm just annoyed at what Nicole did. How could she frame us for something we know nothing about just to spoil our wedding?” I asked and placed my palm on my forehead.“But you stepped in and saved the day, Kayla. You shouldn't beat yourself up over something you know nothi
52.**NICOLE'S POV**“Why did I do that? Gosh!” I screamed at myself as I paced around the room. I had woken up that morning and the first thing that came to my mind was what I did last night. Gosh, why did I peck him? Why did I do it?I covered my face with my palms as I paced around the room. I have freshened up, and worn my clothes but couldn't step outside my room because I was embarrassed. Why the heck did I do that? I still couldn't comprehend what got into me.I sighed and ruffled my hair.“You aren't out of the room yet? I made breakfast, you should come out and eat some.” Joan walked to where I stood and held me.I shook my head frantically. “I can't face him, Joan.” “Why?” She asked and I sighed.How on earth was I going to tell her that my emotions got the best of me and I pecked Easton. Goodness knows what he's thinking of me right now.“Just bring my food in here. I'll eat it here.” I requested. I didn't care if I had to avoid him for the whole day or even for the rest of
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