AubreyI opened my eyes to reveal my bed. What the hell happened?Haden stood over me with an unreadable expression."What happened?" I questioned."You fell while going down the stairs." He stated as he sat on the bed."My head hurts." I groaned, and he passed me a tablet and a glass of water.I downed its contents and sat up."Take it easy." Haden coaxed."I'm confused. I thought I saw Xavier in our basement.""What? That's ridiculous. That must be some sort of dream.""But it felt so real.""Baby, what would Xavier be doing in our basement? That makes no sense.""I don't know. But my head hurts.""The painkillers should kick in soon. You should rest while I prepare a meal.""Alright." I laid back down and closed my eyes.Was that really all a dream? No, that can't be true. I saw him with my own two eyes.I got off the bed and looked out of the window. This just isn't my life. I felt like a prisoner. This was all too confusing.I saw a car pull up in front of our house, and four guy
AubreyIt's been five years since I was free from Haden's clutches, and I'm married to Vincent. I'm officially Aubrey McKnight, and I couldn't be more thrilled.We have three beautiful children, Damien, Christian, and Amelia.Damien is now eight years old and is the best brother in the world. He looks after for his siblings and takes care of them. I really admire that.I was surprised when I found out that I was pregnant. It was a miracle. I remember crying when the test results came back. I was gonna have a baby. Vincent was the happiest man alive. It was great that Damien could have someone to grow up with, and I could have children.Christian is three years old. He is an active little boy. He is the spitting image of Vincent. He practically copies everything Damien does. Those two do a lot of mischief together. Amelia is one year old. She is really quiet and loves to be in my arms all the time. She looks a lot like me. She inherited my eyes and Vincent's smile. I love my children
Haden"Mr. Vanderbilt, how are you feeling today?" My nurse, Candace, asked."I'm not sure.""I don't like that answer. Do you need help?""No, I'm just thinking about something.""Alright, your therapist will he here soon. Call me if you need anything." She left the room.I think I found a peace of my mind but I can't forget her face. Don't get me wrong, I'm not obsessed with Aubrey or anything it's just that I keep thinking about the way she was built. I watched her grow as a person. I saw her progress.I saw the way she changed. When I first met her I thought she was just a pathetic woman. But then I grew to understand who she really is.I think we all made mistakes. I think Aubrey and I should have never gotten married in the first place. All of this could have been avoided. The fact that Aubrey wanted me to love her was almost impossible for me. I'm thinking about it now, and I understand. Aubrey is a great woman, but she wasn't the one I wanted. I wanted Ivory, and I genuinely l
Damien "Dami, wake up or you'll be late for school." My mom yelled.I groaned as I rolled off the bed. As a sixteen year old I need rest. I've been training a lot as it was soccer season."Damien, I'm not gonna call again." Mom yelled from downstairs.I walked downstairs and sat at the table."Finally, you're awake." Mom smiled as she placed my breakfast in front of me.Dad came downstairs in a hurry with his suitcases. He's going to Italy for a week. "Daddy, do you have to go?" Amelia whispered."Yes sweetheart, I do.""But I want you to stay." She whined. Out of all of us, Amelia spent the most time with Dad. They played a lot together. She is quite the spoilt nine year old but in a good way.He put down his suitcases and scooped her into his arms."Amelia, I'll be back before you know it. I have a surprise for you when I get back.""A surprise?" Her eyes gleamed."Yes, so will you be patient and wait for me?" She paused for a moment and then nodded."Good girl." He kissed her fo
Xavier "Xavier, please. Give me one more chance." "I don't think so." "I'm sorry about everything. It was a mistake." "Fucking that designer was a mistake? Parisa be serious right now. That wasn't a mistake and we both know it." "B-But I love you Xavier." She whispered as she took a step towards me. "Well I guess that love wasn't enough then. You cheated on me. You had no reason to but you did. Do you know how much I love you? Do you know how much I care? Did you ever stop to think about how I would feel? I gave you every single thing I could. I did all I could do for you but it still wasn't enough. I don't know what's wrong with you. I can't say anything else about this." I sighed."Please, let's just talk about this. I'm begging you. I want us to be together. I don't wanna give up on us. I'm so sorry Xavier. Please." She begged as she tried to hug me. I gently moved her away and took a step back. "I think the least you could do is respect me by leaving me alone. Parisa, I wa
"Blake, what are you doing?" An 11 year old Emma questioned as she picked up a tray that was on the table in the study."Nothing that concerns you Emma," He held a stoic expression as he looked through the files. "What do you mean nothing that concerns me? You're going through dad's files and that's wrong! I'm going to tell." Blake's eyes narrowed at her. He was five years her senior and she knew better than to challenge him. "Emma," He paused, "Perhaps if we're outing each other now. Why don't I tell mom and dad that you failed that Spanish test?" He calmly threatened causing her to stiffen and grow pale. "Blake, you can't do that." "Then mind your own business. There's no way that you would think that it's actually okay to be involved in my affairs do you?" "No, I'll leave you be now," She muttered angrily as she left the room. Blake rolled his eyes and continued his search. His eyes lit up as he came upon the delicious truth he was looking for. A devious smirk danced on his
Months had passed since Aubrey's return home. Despite the ongoing tension between her and Blake, life had settled into a semblance of normalcy.As young as she was, she was beginning to understand how things worked and how she would have to live with people not liking her. It might be difficult, but it was still important that she understand this concept. Aubrey had learned to navigate the unspoken boundaries in their home, trying her best not to provoke her brother's anger. She avoided him like the plague. She buried herself in her schoolwork, finding solace in her studies and the close bond she had developed with her parents and younger sister, Emma. Her parents ensured that she still enjoyed her life as she used to before. In fact, they sent Blake away as much as they could. One sunny afternoon, while playing in the backyard with Emma, Aubrey suddenly felt an overwhelming wave of dizziness wash over her. She had been running around, laughing, when her legs gave way, and she stum
Aubrey was now 18 years old. She had grown into a beautiful young woman. Her beauty held no bounds. People would turn heads as soon as they saw her. Aubrey sat at the table, a frown on her face as she calmly went through the numbers for the party. "Hm? Am I missing someone?" She thought out loud as she looked at the list. Suddenly the door opened and someone walked in. Aubrey got up from her seat and bumped into Blake. She tumbled into him and almost fell to the ground, but he steadied her. "Are you okay?" He asked politely, and she nodded."I'm fine," she smiled as she looked up at him with her beautiful eyes. Blake cleared his throat and stepped at the side. "This is my parents' home. I would like to know who you are?" Blaked cracked a smile. "It's Aubrey silly," she giggled and looked up at him, "Welcome home," she smiled. "A-Aubrey?" He stuttered. "Yup. You're just on time. I was planning your party." "Nothing has changed," he scowled, "I don't want to be around you."
Damien's POVI stared at the letter on my dresser. I hadn't given it to my mom yet. In the back of my mind, I was tempted to open it, but that wouldn't be right."Ugh, I should just give it to her," I thought out loud as I stood up.I took the letter up and went to her room. As I was about to knock on the door, Mom opened it."Hey, sweetie," She smiled."Mom, some guy gave me a letter to give to you," I passed it to her."Oh?"She opened it and I saw her eyes widen as she read its contents."W-Who gave this to you?" She stuttered."I don't know him, but he had black hair and blue eyes. He looked like he was in his 40s. He was tall and buff."Her eyebrows furrowed as she thought for a moment."Could it be....?" Her voice trailed off."Is something wrong?""Everything is fine, sweetie, but please don't speak to strangers, okay?""Sure."I wonder who that guy was and what Mom's hiding.I didn't have school today, and I just wanted to rest my body.As I was sitting on the sofa watching th
DamienI yawned softly as I got out of bed. Today is the soccer match. I was super excited and nervous, but I'm gonna do my best. Yesterday I got my driver's license, it was such a relief."Sweetie, are you getting ready for school?" Mom called."Yeah Mom. I'm gonna shower. I'll be down in a bit."After I brushed my teeth and showered, I got dressed for school. The game is taking place this afternoon so I still had time.My phone buzzed signaling that I had a notification.Checking my phone, I saw that I received a message from Dad.Dad: Hey, I just wanna wish you luck on your match today. I know that you're gonna play amazing. Always know that I'm proud of you Dami. His message brought a smile on my face as I replied to him.I made my way downstairs and met my mom placing breakfast on the table."Big day today Dami." She smiled as I took a seat."Yeah, I hope everything works out." "It will, you've been working hard for this.""We're coming to see your match this evening Damien."
Damien"So, are you gonna come to Jonah's party, Phil?" I questioned as we entered the library."Of course not.""Why?""I just don't feel like it." He shrugged."Is it because he's dating Evelyn?" I questioned and he stiffened."No, Evelyn can do whatever the hell she wants. That's not my concern.""Well, you never usually miss a party so I assumed something was up.""I'm just focusing on my studies, I don't need any distractions.""Whatever you say bro."We sat and finished our essay for literature class.Halfway through the essay I heard Phil sigh and drop his pen on the table. He rocked back on the chair, his arms propped behind his head as he look at the ceiling."This is so frustrating.""It's not that hard, we just have to write about any theme in the novel of our choice. Choose a few examples and explain how it was used.""You're actually good at literature, I wish I could say the same." He sighed."I'll help you.""Thanks man." He pulled out his copy of to 'Kill A Mockingbird
Damien"Hold up, Did you say Xavier Vanderbilt?" I repeated and she nodded."I know him. Well, actually my mom knew him. He was a friend of the family." "Do you think she would tell me about him?" "I'm sure she will. Speaking of that I should be getting home and you should come with me. You could ask my mom about Xavier." I suggested."That sounds good." We took the bus and arrived home in 20 minutes."Hello Cassidy. How are you?" Mom smiled."I'm fine Aunty. How are you?" "I'm good darling.""You're home early. Didn't you have practice?" Mom asked me."I did but something much more important came up. Mom, Cassidy and I need to talk to you about something." "Ofcourse." She said calmly but a worried look graced her features.We walked into the living room and mom sat opposite me."Do you guys want something to drink?" Mom asked."I'd like a glass of water." Cassidy said."Me too." I chimed in.Minutes later, mom came back with the water and some biscuits for us."Now, what's going
Damien "Dami, wake up or you'll be late for school." My mom yelled.I groaned as I rolled off the bed. As a sixteen year old I need rest. I've been training a lot as it was soccer season."Damien, I'm not gonna call again." Mom yelled from downstairs.I walked downstairs and sat at the table."Finally, you're awake." Mom smiled as she placed my breakfast in front of me.Dad came downstairs in a hurry with his suitcases. He's going to Italy for a week. "Daddy, do you have to go?" Amelia whispered."Yes sweetheart, I do.""But I want you to stay." She whined. Out of all of us, Amelia spent the most time with Dad. They played a lot together. She is quite the spoilt nine year old but in a good way.He put down his suitcases and scooped her into his arms."Amelia, I'll be back before you know it. I have a surprise for you when I get back.""A surprise?" Her eyes gleamed."Yes, so will you be patient and wait for me?" She paused for a moment and then nodded."Good girl." He kissed her for
Aubrey was now 18 years old. She had grown into a beautiful young woman. Her beauty held no bounds. People would turn heads as soon as they saw her. Aubrey sat at the table, a frown on her face as she calmly went through the numbers for the party. "Hm? Am I missing someone?" She thought out loud as she looked at the list. Suddenly the door opened and someone walked in. Aubrey got up from her seat and bumped into Blake. She tumbled into him and almost fell to the ground, but he steadied her. "Are you okay?" He asked politely, and she nodded."I'm fine," she smiled as she looked up at him with her beautiful eyes. Blake cleared his throat and stepped at the side. "This is my parents' home. I would like to know who you are?" Blaked cracked a smile. "It's Aubrey silly," she giggled and looked up at him, "Welcome home," she smiled. "A-Aubrey?" He stuttered. "Yup. You're just on time. I was planning your party." "Nothing has changed," he scowled, "I don't want to be around you."
Months had passed since Aubrey's return home. Despite the ongoing tension between her and Blake, life had settled into a semblance of normalcy.As young as she was, she was beginning to understand how things worked and how she would have to live with people not liking her. It might be difficult, but it was still important that she understand this concept. Aubrey had learned to navigate the unspoken boundaries in their home, trying her best not to provoke her brother's anger. She avoided him like the plague. She buried herself in her schoolwork, finding solace in her studies and the close bond she had developed with her parents and younger sister, Emma. Her parents ensured that she still enjoyed her life as she used to before. In fact, they sent Blake away as much as they could. One sunny afternoon, while playing in the backyard with Emma, Aubrey suddenly felt an overwhelming wave of dizziness wash over her. She had been running around, laughing, when her legs gave way, and she stum
"Blake, what are you doing?" An 11 year old Emma questioned as she picked up a tray that was on the table in the study."Nothing that concerns you Emma," He held a stoic expression as he looked through the files. "What do you mean nothing that concerns me? You're going through dad's files and that's wrong! I'm going to tell." Blake's eyes narrowed at her. He was five years her senior and she knew better than to challenge him. "Emma," He paused, "Perhaps if we're outing each other now. Why don't I tell mom and dad that you failed that Spanish test?" He calmly threatened causing her to stiffen and grow pale. "Blake, you can't do that." "Then mind your own business. There's no way that you would think that it's actually okay to be involved in my affairs do you?" "No, I'll leave you be now," She muttered angrily as she left the room. Blake rolled his eyes and continued his search. His eyes lit up as he came upon the delicious truth he was looking for. A devious smirk danced on his
Xavier "Xavier, please. Give me one more chance." "I don't think so." "I'm sorry about everything. It was a mistake." "Fucking that designer was a mistake? Parisa be serious right now. That wasn't a mistake and we both know it." "B-But I love you Xavier." She whispered as she took a step towards me. "Well I guess that love wasn't enough then. You cheated on me. You had no reason to but you did. Do you know how much I love you? Do you know how much I care? Did you ever stop to think about how I would feel? I gave you every single thing I could. I did all I could do for you but it still wasn't enough. I don't know what's wrong with you. I can't say anything else about this." I sighed."Please, let's just talk about this. I'm begging you. I want us to be together. I don't wanna give up on us. I'm so sorry Xavier. Please." She begged as she tried to hug me. I gently moved her away and took a step back. "I think the least you could do is respect me by leaving me alone. Parisa, I wa