Haden"I now pronounce you husband and wife."As those words left the priest's mouth, my entire world fell apart. This couldn't be happening. Itall felt so unreal, but sadly enough, it was my reality, and I could do all but truly embrace it.I turned and stared at the wretched woman standing opposite me. I couldn't really see her faceunder the veil, and neither did I care.This was all my father's doing. Forcing me to marry this woman in order to get the company andinherit his wealth. The Evans Company and Vanderbilt Company were now going to be in alifelong partnership.He claimed that he needed to secure my future. Therefore, I needed a wife. Strangely enough,this woman's parents agreed. Pathetic! They were business partners, after all. I guess she neededa husband too.I rolled my eyes at the thought. Who does he think he is? He could at least allow me to choosefor myself.I'm sorry Ivory. This should be you standing here not this whore. Who in their right mind wouldagree to
Haden's POVMy head throbbed with a pounding headache, and my eyes stung with ridiculous pain. Hangovers were never enjoyable, yet I couldn't seem to resist the allure of drinking despite the consequences.As the sun's harsh rays pierced through my window, I groggily checked the time—it was 11:00 am. The realization that I had slept that long only made the headache worse.Feeling restless, I turned around in bed and spotted a glass of water and an aspirin thoughtfully placed on my nightstand. Aubrey must have been the one to put them there. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her predictable yet caring gesture, even though part of me appreciated it.Regardless of my annoyance, I knew that water and aspirin were just what I needed to alleviate the throbbing pain. Swallowing my pride, I reached for the glass of water and the pill and downed them with a reluctant sense of gratitude.I went downstairs and into the kitchen. To my surprise, pancakes lay on the counter while Aubrey stirred s
Aubrey's POVI avoided Haden for weeks. What he said had really hurt me. How could he think of me in such a way? I never wanted his money. That's absolutely absurd.I spoke to his mother earlier and informed her that I wasn't feeling well. It was partially true. My head was hurting and I had a slight fever.I did it for Haden though. He really expressed how much he didn't want to go to Tahiti with me. Also I couldn't bear to be around him right now.It would be weird to insist on going somewhere with someone when they didn't want to be there especially with you.I was bored out of my brains. I didn't really have any friends and my parents were out of the country. I was all alone in this house.I decided to prepare dinner and watch 'The Little Mermaid' it was one of my favourite Disney movies. I absolutely loved it. Call me childish but I don't think I'll ever be too old for Disney movies.About 2 hours later I ate dinner and started watching '13 reasons Why'. I waited up for Haden to
I stood on the porch as I watched Haden and Ivory leave for their two week trip. My heart pained to see him go. Don't get me wrong, he's somewhat an idiot but I can't tell myself how to feel."Bye Aubrey," Ivory waved as she climbed into the car. Is she seriously telling me bye right now?"Bye Ivory. I hope you guys have a good time," I said through gritted teeth. I looked at Haden but he wasn't looking at me. I waited for him to tell me bye but the words never came. Then they left. Here I was standing on the porch sad, lonely and pathetic.I went back into the house and sat on the couch. I switched on the TV and flicked through the channels. I wasn't really paying attention to what was going on. My mind only wandered back to Haden. Why couldn't it be me with him? More importantly, why couldn't he apologize?The ringing of the doorbell disturbed me from my train of thought. Who could it be? Did they forget something?As I turned the doorknob and swung the door open, I found myself u
AubreyMy eyes fluttered open to reveal Haden sitting next to me.The memories of last night came flooding into my mind. My face instantly flushed at the thought of me begging him to stay. He looked rather uncomfortable sitting on that chair. I took a minute to observe his features. His long lashes fanned over his face and he wore pink pouty lips as he slept. As if noticing my gaze his eyes snapped open.I looked away from him, a crimson blush covering my face."Good Morning," I greeted."Morning." "Thanks for um, staying the night," I smiled and his eyes softened for a moment."I didn't do it for you Aubrey. I did it because if I didn't stay you would have kept crying and disturb me from my sleep," his words stabbed me.I promised myself I wouldn't cry when he insults me. I'm better than that."Okay, I understand."He paused for a moment then left my room.Why is he so bipolar? Yeesh, it's annoying.I jumped into the shower and took a nice refreshing bath. After brushing my teeth,
HadenThese past few days I've been avoiding Aubrey. I don't know why I brought these women here every night. I just needed to be free because I was very frustrated.I woke up earlier than usual this morning. A brunette was lying next to me. I can't even remember her name, she threw herself at me last night and I just brought her home.I shook her awake. It's time for her to leave."Hey baby," she purred seductively. She wasn't even attractive and she was trying way to hard. Her makeup was smudged and she was naked under the sheets."Its time you leave," I stated as I got out of bed."We could have more fun," she winked and I rolled my eyes. I was losing my patience with this girl."Look, whatever you thought happened last night was just pure sex and quite frankly I want nothing more to do with you. So get your ass up and leave my house now." She stared at me in terror, grabbed her clothes and rushed out of my room.A couple minutes later I took a shower and got dressed in some casua
Aubrey's POVBlake's words rang through my head as I ran outside and darted into the rose garden. I use to always come here whenever I was upset.Blake never liked me, not one bit. Ever since we were young he despised me.Sitting on a nearby bench, I took some deep breaths. I needed some time to recuperate.I felt a presence beside me. It has to be Emma she always use to come after me."Not now Emma. I'm in no mood to talk," I whispered.'I'm not Emma," Haden spoke huskily."Oh, what are you doing here?" "I don't know, I came to look at the moon," he answered sarcastically.He actually came looking for me. That brought a small smile to my face."You didn't have to.""Can you explain what happened back in there?" He questioned completely ignoring what I just said."That's my brother as you may have realized. I was adopted when I was a baby. My adoptive parents found me in an alley one autumn morning. I was left there in a small basket which surprisingly held enough warmth for me to su
Haden"C'mon Haden, you're cheating," Vincent whined."I'm not. I'm just way better at this than you," I retorted.We were currently in my office stacking plastic cups that we found in the storage room. I suppose I was better at it than Vincent."I win!" I shouted as Vincent glared at me."I swear we are so childish sometimes," he laughed."So how are things going between you and Aubrey?" He questioned."Still the same. I'm angry at her for ruining my life. Speaking of that, I miss Ivory. She hasn't spoken to me since she left." "She's probably mad at you or blames herself for what happened to Aubs." "Aubs? And yeah, I guess so. I have to make things right between us.""That's my nickname for her," he said and I rolled my eyes."Just don't tell Ivory about when you were sleeping with all those women." "Damn it. I completely forgot about that. I'm such an idiot.""Right you are," Vincent sniggered which made me glare at him."I really screwed up this time," I groaned."You can tell
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