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
53.**Author's POV**Nicole barged into the house the minute she parked her car and rushed to the living room but could not find Easton there.“What is the problem, Miss?” Butler Steve, who had seen the way she rushed in, asked.Nicole placed her hand on her forehead and turned to face him. “Please, where's Easton?” She asked.“He's in his room.” He answered and she quickly rushed there.She forgot to knock and threw the door open. He stood by the water dispenser and turned the minute she stormed into the room. What was wrong with her this time? He dropped the glass of water and walked to where she stood.“What is it? Why are you looking like a bull that's ready to charge at its prey?” He asked and she frowned at him.“I'll charge at you if you don't tell me the truth.” She answered.Easton was confused. He had no idea what she was talking about. “Truth about what?” He asked.“Why did you do it?” She asked and he arched his brows.“Why did I do what?” He shrugged.“You were the one who
54.**Author's POV**“Is everything alright?” Mr. Ferdinand asked when he noticed the panicked expression on Easton's face.He shook his head and forced a smile. “Are you sure you want to hand over the documents to me now? Won't you go through them first? I'll give you all the time you need.” He offered but Mr. Ferdinand shook his head.“I have already gone through them. The person left to go through them is you, Easton. You can do that and get back to me.” He answered and Easton sighed.He stood up and bowed a bit before walking out of the office. He rested his head on the car wheel the moment he entered the car. This was what he always wanted, but why did he feel like it isn't what he wants anymore? Why was he feeling sad about getting something he had been fighting for?He turned the car on and drove home. Butler Steve rushed to meet him the minute he entered.“How did it go?” He asked.“He gave me the documents and is ready to transfer it to my name.” He answered and sat down on th
55.**Author's POV**Kayla finished from the evening show and got a text from Mr. Stark, asking her to meet him in his place. She sighed and ruffled her hair. This man was starting to get on her nerves.She checked her wrist watch and saw that it was 7pm. She should be able to return home before 10pm if she gets everything over with. She didn't want Frederick to suspect her.She flagged down a taxi that took her to his place and rang the door bell.The door opened and he ushered her in.“Mr. Stark, you're beginning to overdo things, you know. You keep calling me here every night to be with you, and you're aware I have a husband waiting for me at home.” She rolled her eyes.“I'm sorry if you feel like I'm being a disturbance or nuisance but your body is the best and I just can't trade it for another. Now, strip and show me what you're made of baby girl.” He approached her.“Let's just get this over with.”“You act like you don't like what I'm doing to you, but you love it so much. I can
56.**Author's POV**Kayla cleared her throat as she thought of a lie to give him. He didn't look happy and she was sure he wouldn't be ready for meaningless excuses.“I decided to work late today, so I'd be able to spend some time with you tomorrow. And about my phone ringing, I'm really sorry about that. I had no idea.” She walked up to him and wrapped her hands around his neck.He sighed and ran his hands through his hair. “I know you love your job, but you have to at least create some time to spend with me.” He complained.“I'm sorry if you feel neglected.” She tapped his nose.“How are you going to make it up to me?” He wrapped his hand around her waist but she removed his hand.“I'm pretty turned right now and not in the mood.” She said and walked away.Frederick sighed and took a seat on the couch. He wondered if he had made a mistake in marrying Kayla. Nicole never acted this way towards him. Even though she didn't sleep with him, she always made sure she created time out of he
57.**Author's POV**Nicole awoke the next morning with a smile on her face. Her thoughts drifted to what happened the previous night and she couldn't help but giggle like a teenager in love.Easton seemed like a different person that night and she couldn't forget what happened. How he had controlled himself and didn't have sex with her but looked for a way to make sure she was satisfied.She turned and saw that he was still asleep. He looked really cute in his sleep. Easton's features were softened by sleep, and Nicole found herself staring at him. She traced the lines of his face with her eyes, taking in every detail. His skin was smooth and clear, his lips were full and inviting. She longed to kiss them again, but she forced herself to look away.And then, Easton's eyes fluttered open. He looked around in confusion, before his eyes met Nicole's. She smiled at him, and he returned the smile, still groggy from sleep."Morning," She greeted him, her voice soft and sweet."Morning," He
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