Mom patted my arm and took a sip from of her lavender tea as I waited impatiently.
"The cops chased him when he wouldn't slow down. Jaxon's car collided with the barrier on the road and skipped. He was driving over the speed limit, so the damage was big. His spine and pelvic region were severely injured at the impact."
"It took six months for him to get out of the hospital and his parents were shocked by the fact that he couldn't father an heir to their business empire. It was then someone told them about me and you. They met my parents with a marriage proposal."
"That's ridiculous. Why would you accept then? You should've married Nolan and you would've been happy," I exclaimed.
"I didn't agree to it at first. But, Nolan's parents who were equally rich like Jaxon didn't want me as their daughter in law. They came home without Nolan's knowledge and what can I say, it didn't go well."
"We may be poor, sweetie. But, as I said we valued our self-respec
Nolan turned out to be a much better person than I thought.Initially, I was wary of him. I mean, which man in the right mind would send gifts to a married woman, declaring their undying love for her.Now, I must speak to my mom and see, how she feels about everything. Most important, I must figure out, why she isn't leaving my dad. I never saw something good in him,none.Never once in my nineteen years of existence, he regarded me as a daughter when we were not in public. Not once, he gazed down at me with a love only those proud fathers held for their daughter. He was not even there for my graduation.To him, I was non-existent unless he was with his business associates or in one party he hosted. When my friends got their graduation gifts, all I got was a questioning look with a raise of his eyebrow, him silently asking me if that makes a difference.The only time he spoke was when he wanted me to attend a party or when he wanted t
"You remember Irwin Pierce, right?" Tracy asked me and I almost choked on my sandwich."Know him? No one in this table knows him better than Sophia," Jennifer snickered.I rolled my eyes and continued to chew the bite I've already taken."He christened her bed a few years back at one of her father's parties," Riley supplied."Is he really hot like he is seen in those photos?" Sana asked with dreamy eyes and I snorted loudly."He is rotten inside. Don't fall for the charms, Sana," I said, giving her a warning look and took another bite."She's right. He is bad news. The big B-A-D," Riley stated dramatically, making us laugh."What about him?" Noah asked. He didn't like Irwin. Who would like a man who tried to make a pass at your girl at every chance he got?"His grandfather has passed away recently and it is only last week he gets to know about his will," Tracy started."Apparently, the grand pops knew very well about his
It was finally Saturday and we were already at Noah's place.My dad didn't give a damn as usual and his party organizers were all over the place working on the full swing when we left home. I remembered to lock my room, so no one would get in. I hated strangers in my room.Elsa was full of energy and at the moment and she ran around in a pair of her pajamas with wet hair as we still had time for the party. We came earlier so we could help Mrs. Parker with the cooking.Noah and his dad Josiah were setting up the backyard for the party while his sixteen-year-old sister Natasha busied herself with the cake."Natasha baked the cake today," Mili stated proudly and the corner of Natasha's lips lifted slightly.Natasha has a keen interest in baking and one day she wanted to start her own business. I admired the way her fingers worked skillfully on the cake. She was drawing Elsa's favorite cartoon characters on it."This is so beautiful," I praised
"How long have you known Josiah? I want the truth, Nolan!""We met recently," Nolan's reply came unaffected by my mom's demeanor."Nolan!""What?" He asked again in a nonchalant tone. "You won't talk to me, don't respond to my messages and don't send a thank you card for my gifts. I had to find a way to talk to you.""Nolan..."Mom's voice came out weaker this time and we all released a breath we were holding as we relaxed against the wall. A smile filled with relief spread across our faces."Why are you not talking to me, Kate?""I-I–""We were best friends. At least I thought you were. How could you throw away everything we had in a heartbeat?" Nolan's pain filled voice brought tears to my eyes."Nolan, it's not what you think. I–""No, Kate. It isn't. If my parents said something to you, you should've told me. You should've asked what I wanted. You didn't give me a chance.” Nolan’s accus
That bastard!Mom was furious when she read the entire article. Another photo of my dad and Irwin together was published on the side. It was enough for me to connect the dots. So, this was the reason they cheered last night. If a bunch of fools thought they could decide my future they thought wrong.My insides felt like molten lava as my breathing quickened. I threw the first thing I came in contact with the wall. The coffee mug kissed the clean beige colored wall, breaking into several pieces before it touched the ground.The rage I felt within was nowhere near subsiding. I wanted to tear Irwin and my useless father into pieces.I had to see my dad first.With the decision made, I raced to my room for a quick morning routine. By the time I exited my room, ready to go see my dad, Noah, and my friends barreled into my home."Sophie, what the fuck is this?" Jennifer yelled, her face flushed with anger."I am gonna tear that creep into p
The setting sun or the beautiful orange glow it cast on the sky didn't hold my interest, unlike the other days.Noah left a while before with my friends. They offered to hang out more, to which I declined politely, wanting to be alone.A knock on my door distracted me momentarily."Come in!""Hey sweetie, do you wanna join me for grocery shopping?""Not today, mom. I just want to be alone," my voice came out tired and drained of energy."Trixie, do you wanna go girl?"Trixie lifted her head from the pillow and looked at mom and me for a moment before shaking her head and lying back on the pillow."All right, then. I'll be gone for a while. Food is in the fridge if you get hungry.""Okay, mom."I went back to stare aimlessly at the sky when Trixie pawed me."I am not in the mood, girl. Can you manage by yourself just today alone?"Her face fell, but she went to take care of her business.I didn
Next morning had me wake up in an unfamiliar cold bed.The absence of Trixie's warm fur against my face and the usual soft sheets confused me for a moment. The soft rays of sun peered through the only window in the room. The soft punk curtain danced in the morning breeze lazily as I sat up, looking around.I don't remember when I fell asleep last night. My sleep was not a pleasant one and whenever I woke up during the night, Noah was there, holding me tight in his embrace.Speakingof which,where'sNoah anyway?There was no clock in the room and my phone was dead. Finishing my morning routine before I went out, I stepped into the small washroom, which held a small washbasin, toilet and a shower stall.I cleaned the small mirror and frowned looking at my appearance. I was a wreck. My eyes were red and puffy, my face was swollen slightly and my lips slightly bruised with all the scrubbing I did last night to remove the remnan
The evening brought along my vengeful friends, who christened my ears with so many colorful words and a bunch of revenge plans. It took a while to console them all and cool them down so we could just hang out and relax."You sure you don't want to do any more damage to that bastard?" Jennifer asked for the umpteenth time and I smiled warmly at her."I think I've done enough damage already. Let's leave it right there, shall we? I just want to forget everything and move on with my life, probably I should find a job to support mom.""Jenni, Sophie is right. There is no point in going after that piece of scum. But, my question is, will Irwin let this matter slip?" Hayden questioned and I couldn't help the foreboding stirring in the pit of my stomach for the past few hours."Let's not think about it now," Noah intervened. "Our exams are close and we need to concentrate on our studies.""Yes, the Spring break is nearing and do you have any plans?" Tracy
~SophiaTrixie barked at the television when Noah’s voice rang through the living room in one of the commercials. She missed him. I found myself smiling as I leaned further into the couch, adjusting to find a comfortable position. We were going strong and steady for five years now.Noah has become a celebrated football player. I still didn't understand most of the terms used in football, yet I never missed a single match he played. It meant so much to him and the flying kisses he sent my way after scoring each goal was all worth it.Now, I was watching his game live on TV as I couldn't travel with him for this tournament. Trixie lay partially on my lap, her head positioned over my belly. The commercial ended and the game started with Noah’s team chasing the ball.I cheered as Noah sent a ball into the enemy territory and it hit the mark. I giggled when he sent flying kisses directly to the camera. I couldn't imagine how many girls just melted into a puddle by watching this.He got so
~RileyThe back of my neck ached as the stress mounted. I rubbed it, attempting to relieve the stress. But, it wasn't working.What am I worried about? It wasn't just about the wedding. No. I didn't want to see my mother or the man who calls himself my father.All those memories from the days of my childhood sprang forward just at the thought. He was there when I faced the humiliation and said nothing. Hector had consoled me several times when I cried, yet he never admitted he was my father.I still remember that day during my high school. Once again, I was bullied and they called my mother a whore. They even went far as to suggest my mom is having an affair with Uncle Hector.That was the first and last day I got into a fight with them. When I went home, Hector was visiting again. He tended my broken nose and took me for a walk.What hurt me the most is the betrayal. I cried my heart out to him that day, yet he made no move to accept the truth. It pained me to know they were having a
The morning was warm and pleasant as usual. A thrill coursed through my veins when I thought about my wedding with Noah. We hardly had two days left. We haven’t met mostly due to his practice, and we also kept Riley’s warning in mind. Our nights were usually spent talking, sexting and what not’s. A smile tugged at my lips when I thought about Noah’s sensual messages. We won’t meet until the very moment of the wedding itself. Something about the bad omen. Though we would travel in the same jet, I wondered how our friends would keep us apart. A knock distracted me and my frown deepened wondering who would come at this time of the day. It was still early–9:30 in the morning. Mom has left for work while Grandpa and Grandma has already left for Hawaii with Noah’s sisters and parents to supervise the wedding arrangements.My frown turned into a scowl when I came face to face with Irwin. “What are you doing here?” My voice came colder than I intended it to be.“I just wanted to talk,” he r
The stranger swallowed and shifted on her foot, not answering my question. I’ve seen her before, though not in person. Her face was familiar. “Who are you?” I asked again.“Miss Valentine?” Her voice wavered, her eyes shifted with discomfort.“That’s me.”“My… I…” She stuttered, her hands fiddling with her coat.“Why don’t you sit first?” I suggested, and she nodded before moving to occupy the single couch beside the table. By now, my friends had filled out the living area with puzzled looks.“I’m Madison. Madison Brooks.”That name rang a bell. “Wait, Madison as in the girl who caught photographed with Pierce.”“Y-yes.” Her uneasiness grew while I wondered what she wanted to do with me.“Why are you here?” Noah asked and came to sit beside me. The living room was soon occupied with my friends.“Well… it was a bad idea,” she said and stood all of a sudden. “I shouldn’t have come.”“Madison, wait,” I stopped her before she could leave. “These are my friends. Why did you come here?” Whe
"Trixie! Are you ready, girl?"A bark came as a reply from the living room, drawing a chuckle from me."Grandma, I am going to Alec's place. I'll message mom on the way.""Sure, honey. Will you be back for dinner?""I'm not sure, grandma. I'll call you, okay?""All right, my dear. You take care now.""I will. Don't forget your medicines.""I won't."I kissed her cheek before leaving the warm comfort of her home. She followed. "Where's grandpa?""Oh, it's Saturday. He went to meet his old buddies in the diner.""That's great. See you later, grandma.""Bye, sweetie."I hopped in mom's car and tightened the seatbelt around Trixie. Mom gave me her car since Nolan mostly dropped her at the office. I expected her to move in with him as soon as the divorce was finalized.I picked Tracy and Sana from the B2 bus station before continuing onwards. The drive towards Alec's home took thirty minutes through the traffic. The guys stayed over last night."Where's Jen? I thought she'd be with you guy
When we reached the venue which was once again Irwin’s mansion I loathed, the media surrounded us like hawks. Lightning flashes and clicks enveloped us, yet there was no warmth.“Miss Valentine, who is the gentleman with you?”“Is he your friend?”“Is he your boyfriend?”“Are you breaking up with Mr. Pierce?”“Are you calling off the wedding?”I shook my head at the meaningless questions that deafened us before being securely led away by the securities on duty.“That was crazy,” Riley whispered.“Tell me about it.” I rolled my eyes, wanting nothing to do with the attention.The huge ballroom I danced with Hector earlier was transformed for the night. Red curtains embellished with gold embroidery flowers hung from the ceiling. Everything from the red carpets to the mountain of foods showcased the wealth the Pierce’s possessed. Men and women of all ages, adorned with luxurious clothes and jewelry waltzed on the dance floor for a slow music.“Are we in Buckingham Palace?” Riley gawked at
"Why are you looking at me like this?" Riley asked with a suspicious look.I bit my lip, averting my gaze. How am I going to ask him?“There is something we need to ask you?” Noah drawled as I cast an uneasy look at him. He pulled out his phone as my frown deepened. I watched as his fingers typed away on the keypad. “Here,” Noah slid the phone to Riley. “Have you seen this man before?”My posture relaxed and stiffened simultaneously at this question. Relaxed because we wouldn’t offend Riley if he isn’t Hector’s son. Stiffened wondering what if Riley is, in fact, the illegitimate son of Hector?"Yeah, that's Uncle Hector. Mom's friend," Riley said, returning the phone. "Why do you ask?" His eyes swept through everyone in the room before locking with Noah’s.Our eyes were glued to his face, unable to believe that we had the heir among us all this time. That explained why his mother wasn't affected when Irwin targeted my friends. Hector must've done something.Noah asked for my phone an
~SophiaTrixie barked at the television when Noah’s voice rang through the living room in one of the commercials. She missed him. I found myself smiling as I leaned further into the couch, adjusting to find a comfortable position. We were going strong and steady for five years now.Noah has become a celebrated football player. I still didn't understand most of the terms used in football, yet I never missed a single match he played. It meant so much to him and the flying kisses he sent my way after scoring each goal was all worth it.Now, I was watching his game live on TV as I couldn't travel with him for this tournament. Trixie lay partially on my lap, her head positioned over my belly. The commercial ended and the game started with Noah’s team chasing the ball.I cheered as Noah sent a ball into the enemy territory and it hit the mark. I giggled when he sent flying kisses directly to the camera. I couldn't imagine how many g
~RileyThe back of my neck ached as the stress mounted. I rubbed it, attempting to relieve the stress. But, it wasn't working.What am I worried about? It wasn't just about the wedding. No. I didn't want to see my mother or the man who calls himself my father.All those memories from the days of my childhood sprang forward just at the thought. He was there when I faced the humiliation and said nothing. Hector had consoled me several times when I cried, yet he never admitted he was my father.I still remember that day during my high school. Once again, I was bullied and they called my mother a whore. They even went far as to suggest my mom is having an affair with Uncle Hector.That was the first and last day I got into a fight with them. When I went home, Hector was visiting again. He tended my broken nose and took me for a walk.What hurt me