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
58.**Author's POV**“How could you say a thing like that to your mother?” She asked.“Correction, Ariana, you're not my mother and you will never be my mother. I'd rather die at birth than to have you as a mother, so don't ever say that again!” He snapped at her.“You're being unreasonable. Carson is your father's son!”“And I asked you to prove it with a DNA test result. If the result is positive, I'll accept that I've been wrong all these years and give him a chance, but if it's negative, it's over for the two of you. So, prove it to me right now.” He folded his arms, smirking at them.Ariana couldn't believe he'd dare to challenge her like this. What on earth was he thinking? She scoffed and held his gaze. “If you think pulling a stunt like this will make us stop fighting for what truly belongs to us, you're wrong. It's a DNA test result you want, right? You'll get one.” She turned to leave.“Of course I will, and in order to prevent it from being manipulated, I will be in the hosp
59.**Author's POV**Nicole stood in shock, still staring at him. She couldn't believe her eyes.“What are you doing here?” She rushed to him and sat down beside him.He wrapped his hand around her shoulder and crossed his legs. “Because I missed you.” He replied, and she soon realized why he didn't say he missed her when she was leaving. He had already planned to accompany her to Beverly Hills.“You cunning man!” She snapped at him, causing him to chuckle.“What? Why are you talking like you don't want me to be here?”“It's because I don't want you to be here. Get off the plane and go.” She pursed her lips.He lifted her jaw, causing her to look into his eyes. “Do you mean what you just said?” He asked, and she swallowed the lump that formed in her throat.She cleared her throat and used her eyes to scan the room, wondering if there was anyone that'll come to her rescue.“I…” She trailed off when she didn't see anyone. She was happy that he was coming with her, but didn't want him to
60.**Nicole's POV**Before I knew it, we were in Beverly Hill, which made me wonder if it was this close, why take a plane? Why not use a car?I sighed and shook my head. At least, I got the chance to spend some time with Easton. Easton and I separated after the plane landed, and he promised he'd be in touch.After the baggage claim, we gathered in front of the airport, waiting for our ride.“Pfft! I have no idea why companies like to show off. If it was this close, why take a plane and make me watch this bitch get pulled to the VIP section?” She scoffed.I knew she was referring to me, but I ignored her and stood with my hands folded.“Were you able to find who booked the VIP section for you?” Mr. Leo asked.“I have no idea who, but whoever that person is, I'm grateful. The VIP section has its perks and I felt sad that it ended too quickly. I enjoyed myself.” I smiled, intentionally annoying Kayla, who huffed and looked away.“You're so lucky, Nicole. I heard Easton Ferdinand was in
61.**Nicole's POV**I quickly pulled away from the kiss. “What are you doing? What if people see us? We have to stay away from each other as long as we're here, okay?” I pointed my index finger at him to warn him, but he just stared at me with a bemused expression on his face.“Okay?” I repeated, glaring at him.“Fine, as you wish, but if I'm not able to stay away from you for long, I'd have no choice but to come clean about our marriage.” He said and I gasped.“No, don't do that!” I snapped.“Why?”“Well…” I trailed off and licked my lips. “I want to get my revenge first. I don't want people to feel you helped me out or things walked out for me because I got married to you. I want to do this on my own.” “I know and I support you, but you shouldn't let what people think stop you from doing what you want.” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ears.I smiled and pecked his cheek. “I'll go now. See you at the fashion show.” I waved at him and snuck out of his room.“Where have you been
62.**Nicole's POV**“You're just a mere manager. There's nothing you can do.”“Oh, I know I can do more than a shameless bitch. I have the feeling you're about to meet your Waterloo, so be prepared for it.”“You…” Kayla raised her hand to slap Emily but I grabbed it. There's no way I'll let her hurt someone that just stood up for me.“Enough!” I yanked her hands away. “I've had just about enough of this bullshit. If you continue to act like this, I'll have no choice but to file a complaint against you.”“Go ahead. Let's see if anyone will believe you.” She chuckled and turned to leave.“I haven't forgotten about my revenge, Kayla. You should watch your back. Don't try anything rash, it won't be good for your reputation.” I smirked and folded my arms.She looked at me and chuckled. “That statement should be directed to you instead. Your reputation is stained already.” With that said, she walked away laughing.I held Emily. “That was so cool! You looked like a superhero.” I laughed.“I
63.**Nicole's POV**I can't believe Demi Luciano is here. Gosh! I was still trying to put up with Kayla, now this! Just when I thought things would get better. She had to show her rotten face here and ruin my day.How on earth did she even convince Mr. Leo to bring her here? Because I'm sure he didn't just meet her by himself.She cat walked to where we stood and locked eyes with me. I didn't lower my eyes. I wasn't scared of people who go about bullying others while acting like angels, and she definitely belonged to that category, so to hell with her.She smiled at me before bowing to the girls.“Girls welcome her, she's being so humble.” Mr. Leo exclaimed and we bowed our heads.“Welcome.” They chorused, but I kept my mouth shut. She didn't deserve any form of welcome from me. “Like I said, she will be your guide for tonight's fashion show. She knows what Mr. Ferdinand likes and would help you all to impress him. Please, do take her ideas seriously and make sure you listen to her,
64.**Author's POV**Demi chuckled nervously as she approached Easton, who was already walking towards them. “Nothing is going on, sir. I was only trying to ask her to choose other clothes, since Mr. Leo put me in charge of them. I wanted her to pick something that'd look better on her, but she picked up a fight with me.”Nicole blinked. “I don't see anything wrong with the ones she's holding. Besides, why would they put clothes that the models wouldn't be able to wear in places like this? And if by chance that even happens, aren't the models mature enough to handle it themselves?” He asked and Nicole smiled.Demi was speechless. She didn't expect him not to take her side. As much as she was embarrassed, she didn't want to show it, so Nicole wouldn't laugh at her. “Yes, I understand what you're saying, sir. I was confused before and blinded by the love I have for them, that I didn't see that.” She bowed apologetically.Nicole shook her head. The girl was really a good actress. How cou
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