70.**Nicole's POV**My eyes widened in shock at his words. “What? You believe me?” I asked, and he pulled away from the hug with a nod. I moved back from him.“Are you sure? You actually believe me?” I asked again and he just chuckled.“Of course I believe you. I'm not the kind of person who listens to what others say, especially in this industry. After you shocked everyone at the fashion show, your fans started to trust you again. Your rivals knew that this was going to lay the foundation for your comeback, so they had to destroy it.” He said and I gasped.I didn't really think that far. I just thought things weren't working the way I wanted them to.“How did you manage to know all these?” I asked and he sighed.“I've been here for a long time. I know how the industry works. It is something like survival for the fittest, and you have to be cautious. They're making people say mean things about you again,” He facepalmed and balled his fists. “I swear, if I catch the fool behind this,
71.**Author's POV**“Did you just slap me?” He asked, his shock switching to anger. He couldn't believe Nicole would slap him. His cheeks stung that he was barely holding himself from slapping her back.“And I will do it again if you open your mouth to say bullshit. What's your problem? Who do you think you are to frame me and still have no remorse? How much were you paid to ruin my image, huh? I don't know you, I don't even know your name, and you claim to be in a relationship with me? You should be ashamed of yourself!” Nicole snapped and the models gathered around them to see what was going on. His audacity was very stupid, and she was pissed… really pissed.“Ryan, did you really frame her? You don't know her?” One of the models asked and he scoffed. They knew Nicole wouldn't just react that way if she hadn't been holding it in. She wasn't someone to easily get angry, and they knew that, so they began to doubt the posts about her.“Of course I know her. She is my girlfriend and is
72.**Easton's POV**I crossed my legs and looked at them, my arms folded as I studied their expressions one by one. From the looks of things, I knew they were nervous, scared and anxious. They'd only act that way if they were responsible for what happened, but the only problem right now was that the only way to really hold them was to bring evidence; the evidence that would expose them, and give me the leverage to do with them as I please.When I saw how they bullied Nicole, it took everything in me not to beat the guy up and teach them a lesson. But when I saw Nicole standing up for herself, I couldn't help but admire her. She was always so tough as outspoken, ready to take on whoever stepped on her toes, and I guess that's the first thing that drew me to her. She was courageous, and wouldn't stand being trampled upon.I sighed. “Can someone explain what the heck happened a few minutes ago?” I asked and they exchanged looks.They lowered their heads without uttering a word. I frowne
73.**Kayla's POV**“That was so close!” I sighed and ruffled my hair, glancing at Demi and Ryan. “I know, right? I thought he had found out, and we were busted. Gosh, I was so terrified. If this gets out, my career is ruined. Easton won't hire me anymore.” She explained.“What about me? I'm also trying to get hired by him as well. This would utterly spoil my reputation and also bring followers back to Nicole.” I said.When Demi suggested the idea, it was a good plan, but I had no idea Easton was going to get involved. Did he know Nicole from somewhere, or is it because she was popular?Ryan cleared his throat, drawing our attention. “I think you girls are forgetting the most important person here. Me!” He exclaimed and we looked at him.“What does that mean?” Demi asked, folding her arms.“I'm in trouble. I had to lie for your girl's sake and you two kept talking about your career and forgot about me. If Easton digs deep into this, he's going to find out for sure, and be rest assure
74.**Author's POV**Demi and Kayla couldn't believe their ears. Were they dreaming or what?“She left? Like, left the hotel?” Kayla asked to be sure, and the last nodded before continuing what she was doing. Demi dragged Kayla as they made their way to the relaxation center. The models usually stayed there to have fun and catch up.“I still can't believe this. Did she leave the room for another room? I don't think Nicole would just leave the hotel like that. Or is it that she couldn't handle the shame and went to another hotel?” Kayla asked.“I guess that's what happened, but we need additional information. We were just with her a few minutes ago. How could she leave?” Demi sighed and ruffled her hair.They weren't sad that she left. It was even like good news to their eyes, but before they celebrated, they wanted to confirm if she actually left.“Hi,” Demi and Kayla sat beside a blonde-haired model, who had a glass of orange juice in her hand. “Did you hear the latest news?” Demi a
75.**Author's POV**“Demi is the one taking Nicole's place? Why?” Kayla asked. She couldn't believe what he just said. Last time she checked, she was the one supposed to take over after Nicole leaves. “That's what Mrs. Sullivan told me, so I don't think I'm in the position to answer your question.” He answered.“But I'm the second model after Nicole. It's paramount to me that I take that spot, Mr. Leo. Demi was never invited by the company, so why is she suddenly replacing Nicole when I should be the one? Besides, she's not even interested in the spot.” Kayla explained.Mr. Leo sighed and ruffled his hair. Even he had no idea what was happening. When Nicole left, the person he has wanted to use for the replacement was Kayla, because that's how it's supposed to be done. But then, he received a text from Mrs. Sullivan a few minutes ago, telling him Demi would be taking the spot. He inquired to know why, but was given a blunt answer instead.Left for him, he wouldn't even give the spot
76.**Author's POV**Demi stood from where she sat and faced Kayla. She chuckled at the expression on Kayla's face. “You know, at first, I thought you weren't smart, but hey, you just proved me wrong. Figuring it out so soon shows that this really meant a lot to you. I'm happy I was able to stop your smile.” She laughed.“I don't understand. You told me you weren't interested in Nicole's position!” She snapped.“I lied!” Demi snapped back. “I lied so you could trust me, and you foolishly did. I knew the only person I could use to get that spot was you, Kayla. And so, I came close to you, and thank goodness you were foolish enough to believe me.”#flashbackA few hours ago…After the model they met for information told them Nicole was kicked out, Demi used that opportunity to leave the venue and meet with Mrs. Sullivan.She placed a knock on the office door and was asked to come in.When Mrs. Sullivan looked up from what she was doing and saw her, she smiled. “Demi, to what do I owe th
77.**Kayla's POV**I couldn't believe this lady tricked me and I was so daft to not have noticed a thing. I couldn't help the hurt I was feeling. Fans were throwing shades at me and calling me all sort of names.In the end, I was the one who got hurt. I shouldn't be the one going through all these. Nicole is supposed to suffer the consequences, not me. My plan was to bring her down but it backfire and along with it, came betrayal; betrayal from someone I thought we were in the same boat.I wiped the tears that rolled down my cheeks and shook my head. “You might have your fan now, but believe me. I'm not going down just yet. I will not let you get away with hurting me, Demi.” I snapped and was about to walk out but she grabbed my hand.“I wouldn't raise my voice if I were you. Do you think you have any concrete evidence to prove your innocence? Even if you do have evidence, you're still guilty. The best thing for you to do right now is to make sure the public doesn't see you.” Demi ch
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