97.**Kayla's POV**I walked into Aura's Entertainment and went straight for Mr. Stark's office. I flung the door open and was shocked to see his face buried in a model's pussy. “Stark!” I snapped and they stopped whatever they were doing.I balled my fists and looked at him in disgust. “Kayla, when did you get here?” He asked.My eyes darted to the model he was making out with and she hid her face before rushing out of the office. I turned to Mr. Stark and he rubbed his palms together.“I thought you said you were coming later in the evening. Why are you here now?” He asked, rubbing the back of his head.“What were you doing just now, Mr. Stark?” I asked and he shrugged. “How could you be having an affair with another model?” He sighed and sat down. “I don't understand what you're talking about, Kayla. Is it wrong for me to have an affair with a model?”“I thought I was the only one in your life, Mr. Stark. How come there are others?” I asked, feeling hurt that he had the nerve to
98.**Author's POV**Mr. Stark felt like a bomb just exploded in his head the minute that threat left her mouth. He can't risk her telling the whole world that she was pregnant. That would cost them a lot. He stood from where he was seated and walked to her. “Kayla, you don't have to tell the whole world. There's got to be a way out of this. We used protection. How can this happen?” He ruffled his hair.“Do you recall the day you asked us to go raw?” She asked and he gasped. “Yes, now you remember. I'm pregnant for you now.” She rolled her eyes.“If this pregnancy gets out, we're screwed for life, Kayla. You can't tell anyone about this.”“If you do the needful, I'll keep my mouth shut. And that need is to accept the child as yours.” She frowned.Mr. Stark licked his bottom lip. “How about you tell your husband about it in the meantime? We can shift it to him, and I can take care of you after the premium event. That premium event is our only hope for shining. If you're found pregnant
99.**Nicole's POV**I looked around to see if they were clapping for someone else, but there was no one behind me except Easton, and if they wanted to applaud Easton, they would have done that a long time ago, so what's going on?“It's so nice to finally meet you in person. I can't believe this!” One of the models exclaimed and I forced a smile, still confused about what was happening.Did Easton tell them about me? I turned to face Easton but realized he also looked puzzled.“Well, Incase you don't know, these models see you as their role model, and they've been wishing to see you in person. They've always dreamed that you joined them here one day, and look, you're here.” Mrs. Roxy explained and I was shocked.“Me? I was the one wishing to come here. I wanted to be like you guys.” I confessed and they giggled.“We learnt most of our routines by watching your videos, Nicole. We couldn't meet Mr. Ferdinand to bring you here, and we lost all hopes when the scandal broke out. We almost
100.**Nicole's POV**I scrutinized her from head to toe, wondering what she was talking about. I only just got here, and she's talking about turf? What does that even mean?“I'm sorry, I don't understand what you mean.” I answered and she snickered.She turned away from me and looked at all the models that were on a single file. “Didn't any of you tell her about me?” She asked and they lowered their heads without answering. “You all are dimwits!” She snapped and turned to face me again. “I am Pocha Will, star model of E.F Entertainment,” She said, and my eyes widened.I knew her. No wonder she looked familiar. She was usually wearing makeup during her shows, but today, she looked natural, and I couldn't believe she was still so beautiful. Easton does have eyes for good models. She was the star of his company, and she always led the main events. Fans love her and guys go crazy for her. I wonder why Easton has no feelings for her. What am I even thinking?I sighed and stretched out my
101.**Author's POV**“This isn't fair, Mrs. Roxy. How can a newbie take my spot?” Posha snapped.“Nicole isn't a newbie, Posha. She isn't someone new to modeling. She has been in this career all her life. She was once an international model. Would sye have reached that high if she didn't know what she was doing?” Mrs. Roxy snapped at her. She wondered why Posha wouldn't just listen. On a low-key note, she was happy that Nicole was given the spot. She was starting to get tired of Posha's impudence and how she mistreated the other models in her absence. It was better that a more competent person had taken that spot.Posha on the other hand hated everything that was going on. How could they betray her like this? She was always the main event, and she had waited for this show all her life. This was a big show and opportunities awaited her. She balled her fists. No way was she going to let Nicole take her spot.For years, she had put in her all to be the best, and when Nicole emerged as a
102.**Easton's POV**“You have introduced her to the models? That was fast.” Maven chuckled after I told him that Nicole was in the company and had been taken to the studio. “Yes. I don't want to waste any more time, Maven. The show is in a few days and I want her to familiarize herself with all the routines before that time comes. This is a chance for her to finally make a comeback and prove her innocence.” I smiled as I went through the laptop.“I understand. So, what role are you going to give her?” Maven asked.I stopped what I was doing and leaned my back on the chair as I seated left and right. “The Main Event.” I answered and he gasped.“Whoa! I thought you wanted Posha to be the main event.” He said and I arched my brows.Posha? When did I say something like that? I told them I was going to be announcing who would be the main event when I returned. My initial plan was using Krystal as the main event, I never spoke about Posha.I looked up at Maven. “Who said that? When did I
103.**Nicole's POV**After some time, we pulled away from the kiss to catch our breath, and I looked into his eyes with a guilty expression on my face.“Look what you made me do!” I snapped at him and covered my cheek immediately as a blush crept up.“It's not my fault that you can't resist me, Wifey.” He smirked and I blushed. I could recall how I detested him calling me “Wifey”. It's funny how the same name sends shockwaves through my body now.He was right. I couldn't resist him. I was so busy this morning that I didn't get the chance to see him. I smiled. “Of course you're irresistible, but please try not to seduce me next time. It might not stop at just a kiss, you know.” I smirked, and I saw something like shock flash through his eyes.“Nicole?” He called, and I blinked at him, batting my lashes in a cute way.“What? I'm telling you the obvious truth, hubby. So, please be careful how you behave with me these days. My control is slowly slipping away from my grip. I might not be
104.**Author's POV**Nicole was literally trying to control herself. She didn't want to lash out at these girls, and she didn't want them to talk about Easton either. The way they acted like they couldn't wait to get their hands on him vexed her to the core.“Nicole!” They called and she gasped.“What are you thinking about? And why do you have a frown on your face?” Cisca asked and suddenly gasped. “Don't tell me you also have a crush on Mr. Easton. You do, don't you?”“Why would she have a crush on someone she doesn't even measure up to?” Posha asked as she walked to where the girls were seated. “He isn't her type and definitely doesn't fit into the category of the kind of girl he wants, so tell me, Nicole, will you look at yourself and tell me you deserve him?”Nicole was offended. “What the heck are you talking about?” She asked.“Me?” Posha laughed. “Look at me from head to toes,” She turned around before facing Nicole again. “By merely looking at me, you should already know whe
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