“Daisy, hurry, we will be late for the wedding!” Amanda careened the name of her best friend, Daisy who has been in preparation for more than an hour now. If there was something Amanda is ever embittered with Daisy about in this life, it is the outrageous level of her tardiness whenever she was going out. Daisy smiled ruggedly from her room where she was still struggling to smother her rouge lipstick, dropped it, and patted her mouth to even it. She knows how much her time waste would agonize her dear friend, so she didn’t waste as much time as she would have taken to apply a nude shade to the rouge to form an ombre lip before running to her closet to pick out her shoes. “Daisy!” “I swear to you, I will soon be done in a minute!” She returned impishly, rummaging through her rack. “You said that about thirty minutes ago!” The latter retorted with an audible huff and went to lap against the living room leather cushion to wait. Knowing her friend it would take an extra thirty minutes before she came out. Daisy rummaged through her shoe racks, throwing away from one shoe to another as she searched for the right color to match her red short tulle. Fashion was something she could never flounder on, but if she would have to bruise the heart of her friend for another few minutes, then she has to make it worth it. It was all her fault. Daisy reflected. She had told her she wouldn’t be able to go for this wedding but the latter persisted. It all started three weeks ago when Amanda returned from her dancing class full of exuberance about meeting a new lesbian partner and then she had gone on to tell Daisy that the said girl is Bi, and would be getting married on the next the third Saturday, which happened to be today. At first, Daisy had refused, saying she wouldn’t want to be present and watch her, Amanda, marry off another lesbian partner after watching her break apart the first time that happened but Amanda insisted, saying she wanted to be there for the new friend because she was honest with her from the first, unlike the first time. And that was how she found herself in this obtuse situation. Exactly as envisaged by Amanda, it was thirty minutes before Daisy hurried out of her room, possibly looking hotter than the bride herself. “Daisy!” Amanda cried in alarm, “how come you look fancier than the bride? I told you, that for today you should be considerate with your fashion! Oh, Mother Mary…” She huffed and stood, not daring to ask Daisy to go back and change or risk forfeiting the wedding in total. “I’m sorry, Mandy…” Daisy dragged, sucking in air and holding herself from laughing as she followed Amanda out of her apartment. “You know me well that there is no possible way I could have dressed lower than my standard just because I want to be considerate,” She rambled on as they reached her black Chevrolet outside, and the back door slid open for them to enter. Daisy Raven Richards is an accomplished fashion designer who resigned from her modeling career and had gone into the fashion business after suffering a terrible divorce from her husband who accused her of cheating on him the first day she broke it to him that she was pregnant. It is one huge blow she doesn’t think she could ever overcome in her life no matter how much she tried. Ethan was her everything. She literally adored the ground he walked on and yet that very day he stood before her and looked deep into her eyes and told her it was over. At first she thought it was a prank, as they were often playing tricks on each other. Once, she called him and told him she was about to hang herself to test his love for her, meanwhile, she was in her house sipping a glass of lemonade and in a frenzy, the poor man rushed back to her from work and was very furious she had to lie to him about that. He had promised to pay back and it went a long time before he did. So, that day, when he accused her of cheating and declared his intention of divorce, Dasiy didn’t take it seriously, until the next morning he left the house, and one week later after nearly suffering a miscarriage from thinking something ill occurred to him, their lawyer has arrived with the divorce papers. That was the worst day of her life and the very day she truly believed it wasn’t a prank at all. Today would make it five years and their son, now in a boarding school somewhere in the Pacific. Ethan ruined her life after that and she swore come what may, she would never give her heart to another man, and if anything makes her get married, it would be without emotions and she just has her financial security for herself and her child. Somehow the wedding reminded her of Ethan. Her lost love. “Daisy!” She jerked and took in a deep breath as she twisted to face her friend. “I have been telling you something, are you all right?” Amanda ventured with a concerned expression.. “Yeah…” She nodded fervently and watched the road. ” I hope someday the husband of your friend doesn’t wake up and accuse her of cheating on him.” Amanda scoffed, knowing why her friend said that. Her hand found Daisy soothingly, “You have to learn to forgive eventually so that you can have a chance at true love again.” Daisy retrieved her hands from under Amanda’s and folded them on her chest as she scowled outside the plying car. “Sometimes you talk like you are under the influence of one of those stimulants!” Amanda hissed with laughter. “You know that is not possible! I will rather eat my eyes than play that lane ever again. I learned from my first. All I care about right now is to take care of myself and my son! And of course, my dear baby, Ella.” Ella was her tiny little Collier. “I know you will say that, but still, I won’t stop believing that someday, that man will come that will change your perspective. Becky did mine…” Daisy snorted acerbically. “And yet today she is walking down the aisle with someone else…” “I respected her decision not to be with me. After all, she promised to continue-” “Fucking you!” Daisy finished and shook with laughter. “And here I am saying someday her husband would accuse her. Maybe when he does he won’t be far from the truth!” “Daisy!” Amanda smacked her arm. “You are not being kind.” “Whatever, Amanda. It’s not like I give two fucks about it. Maybe when that day comes, she would finally be yours if her husband is a prick like my ex and is kind enough to cast her out. Into your arms.” their laughter rang in the car. “Maybe if you put it like that, I might pray for that day…” She trailed off as their laughter receded, and Daisy hummed in response. Amanda and Daisy have been friends since they were in third grade and Daisy’s parents packed into the neighborhood at Belmonte when Daisy’s mother got a contract in France then. Daisy’s mother became close friends with Mrs. Anthonio, Amanda’s mom and their kids were Introduced after Mrs. Anthonio suggested to Mrs. Richards to admit her little girl into the same school with her princess. That was how the two kids charmed each other, being that they were often in the same environment with their mothers. The first time Daisy found out Amanda did drugs and loved women was in college at a classmate’s party. That was the first time Dasiy took into cognizance that Amanda’s refusal to have a boyfriend while incessantly watching lesbian porn and loosing herself gawking at a female anatomy, was actually not because she had interest in becoming a female gynecologist but because for a fact her girl was into women but hasn’t gotten the opportunity to express it. That day, there was this girl Florence who was from New York, where their college was situated, who was always picking on Amanda. Daisy found it irritating and wanted to shun the girl but to her chagrin, Amanda liked it. She told Daisy that the girl made her come alive. The statement perplexed Daisy but she understood it that night at the party when she caught Florence nestled in the arms of Amanda while devouring her sizable blossom in the female bathroom. They had dismembered when they saw her but it was relieving to Daisy who later quarreled Amanda for not telling her. They have come a long way, from college to moving to the U.S to base fully, and Amanda at one time falling in love with a man from their field and getting married. At least, that was what told Daisy. He never knew until his death that his wife was a lesbian. Now, after Daisy resigned from modeling in which Amanda was her manager, being that she was also a fashion designer, they both run their own line and take care of their kids while Amanda jumps from one female to another, her present catch being this female whose wedding they were going for. The car pulled into the parking lot and the ladies looked at themselves and smiled, and Daisy said as though in prophecy, “Let’s go crash a wedding, sis.” And Amanda, like the loyal buddy, nodded once and alighted. Several cars parked in the front of the church showed they were late for the wedding and had to hurry to the only entrance. “Everyone would see us enter, Daisy!” Amanda bemoaned. “This was why I asked you to hurry but…” “Shhhh, less talk, more bravery. The more we are noticed, the merrier. You see why it’s good to be hot. Now they will admire us rather than snarl at us.” An unaffected Daisy, instantly yanked the door of the church open and at once an uproar went on air. They paused at the door and their eyes flew in worry towards the aisle where the officiating pastor stood watching them and then said, “Which of you have something to say that would make this marriage not commence, Ms?” He eyed them. Then it dawned on them that they might have entered when the pastor asked if anyone had anything to say that would halt the commencement of the ceremony. But that wasn’t the problem, the problem right now is that, standing before the aisle holding the hand of the brunette bride is none other than Daisy’s ex-husband, Ethan and immediately she looked at Amanda, from the panicked eyes of her friend. Daisy could tell the latter recognized him too and they both shrieked. “Ethan?!” ….
“Raven?” Ethan dropped the hands of his bride and twisted to them, his face contorted into something indecipherable. Daisy, who was still shocked at seeing him again after five years, couldn’t believe it. She swallowed loudly and shook her head, stepped back, and held the church door. This can not be happening. She moved far away from Seattle to New Orleans just to avoid ever having any contact with and still, this is happening? “I swear I didn’t know anything about this,” Amanda defended herself, reaching out to her friend. “I know,” Daisy quickly agreed. She knew if Amanda knew she would have told her. They had suffered together when it took place so there was no way she would keep something that delicate from her. “We have to leave,” Amanda suggested. Amanda looked up to meet the eyes of the bride, who was glaring at her, her eyes relaying a message to Amanda inquiring what was going on, and if she could understand she would realize from the eye Amanda gave her that she was as shocked as everyone else. “Let’s go,” Daisy conceded, took one look at the aisle, and swung around but then she stopped, something mischievous rising inside her. One of revenge. She flipped back and faced the aisle once more. “You know what, pastor,” She smiled bitterly… “What are you doing?” Amanda rugged her hand. “I have something to say that might save this young lady here from future destruction. A word of advice baby girl, if I were you I would never marry this man and you know why, the same way he looks at you now with all the praises of forever might end the day you get pregnant. Then he would_” “Raven!” Ethan thundered. “Shut the fuck up, Ethan, and don’t ever call me that. You lost every right the day you…” She bit down on her chin and decided not to finish the sentence. She smiled sadly and proceeded with what she was telling his poor bride, “The day you get pregnant, he would accuse you of cheating on him, and then he would kick you out! If you are not strong, always know that my friend here,” She hugged Amanda to her, “loves you enough to attend this shitty wedding!” The church was dead in silence, as everyone’s eyes roved around in confusion looking from the couple to the ladies at the door, unsure of what to make out of the fiasco. Seeing that her feat of revenge has been achieved, Dasy smoked broadly, gave a mock bow, and dragged her appalled friend out of the church room. “What was that for?” Amanda asked the instant the car pulled out of the church ground. Daisy, having recovered from her slight bravery, snapped her eyes to Amanda and shook her head. “I don’t even know to be honest. One minute we were walking in and then… I swear to God I was gobsmacked at seeing him for so long.” “Is that why you have to pull sick madness off?” Her friend confronted her snidely. She surprised Daisy who thinks her friend would be happy that she stood up for her. “I didn’t think you would be mad at me,” Daisy asked Amanda quietly. “Do you know what it meant to me walking in there to see him so happy after destroying my life?” “Daisy…” “Do you think I’m like this today because I woke up one day and decided to? How dare you judge me?” Tears brimmed in her eyes. She might not have succeeded to stop the wedding, but she was sure the bride would live henceforth is rummaging through every word she good her today. “I’m sorry_” “No, don’t tell me you are sorry,” Daisy stopped her. “I am the one who is sorry for standing for you when it is obvious you are bent on remaining dumb all your life!” “What do you mean by that?” Amanda Inquired darkly. Daisy, who has lost her mind since at the church, pivoted her entire body to Amanda to attack her. “You think I don’t know that you married Gregory because your parents refused to accept you for who you are. That they threatened to disown you like my parents if you don’t marry him? Unlike you my friend, I don’t chicken out!” She spat her. “This has nothing to do with me!” Cried Amanda. “Yeah, it does!” retired Daisy in a snide comeback. “If you will for once stand up for yourself, I wouldn’t have had to go for this stupid wedding in the first place and may never have had to see that prickhead!” “You would still have seen him, he is the father of your child!” “Stop talking nonsense!” “You started it.” Daisy nodded in furious thought. “I have been by your side since we became friends, Amanda, because I love you. I accepted you for you and I never allowed anyone to trample on you, but I’m done. I don’t have to keep fighting for you when you hide things from me and won’t do anything for yourself!” “Daisy, this is not fair…” Amanda started crying and Daisy huffed and averted her gaze, fury still eating inside her. She can’t believe it that she saw that bastard. After everything he did, he doesn’t look like he was affected one bit. So many nights she cried and rolled in her sleep thinking of how he ruined her life and her happiness. Meanwhile, he was having the best time of his life. The car stopped in her house and she alighted and went in, not caring to check if Amanda alighted with her or wanted to go into her house. This is always the routine. When they quarreled, that didn’t stop either from spending time in the other house. Particularly Amanda. She saw Daisy as her everything and doesn’t take to heart most of her blows off. She knew by morning everything would go back to normal which is why she ignored her, banged the door to her Chevrolet, and trudged after her into the house. “Welcome ma, what should I get you?” Daisy’s maid asked her when she marched into the house, still seething. “Get the fuck away from me!” Daisy snarled and rushed upstairs to her room. The maid stood there still in shock until her distressed friend came in and in the same light without talking to her, ran after her friend. She entered Daisy’s room and stood at the door watching Daisy before the closet with her head bent. She knew she was crying. “Daisy…” “I just want to be left alone, Amanda…” Daisy whined. “You know I won’t hear that…” She approached her calmly. “That asshole ruined my life and he is not affected. Why should I be the only one to suffer for something I had no control over? Something he caused!” “I know, baby. I am very sorry. What do you want me to do?” Daisy slowly facedher. “You should have snatched that woman from him! You shouldn’t have allowed him to marry her so that he would be heartbroken like me.” ” I swear if I knew he was the groom, I would have done that. You know how much I want him to suffer,” Amanda patronized, coming close to stop in front of her. The statement kind of tickled Daisy whose face morphed into a dainty smile. “I’m sorry for shooting at you, Amanda.” She exhaled and went to flop down on the bed. The latter joined her and they fell back on the bed and looked up. “I am sorry for making you mad.” “No, you didn’t.” Daisy countered, knowing Amanda would rather accept the fault than accept she was to blame. “I know how much of an asshole I can be at times and still you put up with it.” “Because you are my best friend. You also take my bullshit, I think far more than I take yours.” Daisy chuckled sardonically. “Well, I think you are right there…” And Amanda joined in. They only stopped when they heard a scratching sound at the door before it flew open and Ella’s chubby form trod into the room. Most times Amanda wonders how the dog manages to haul itself up to open the door without falling to its devastation. Daisy sat up and smiled at it. “Come here, baby. I know you are bored to death,” She waved it and it managed a run in its short legs to the bed and jumped on the bed to receive a rub for accolade. Amanda twisted her mouth to the side and patted the dog’s hanging ears. “For a fat one, you sure are flexible.” Daisy hooted and sat up fully, abandoning them on the bed. “What are you up to? You wretch!” Amanda asked, cursing in her breath when Ella came to lick her face. “Bringing a dress for tonight,” Daisy asked, thinking it was her Amanda was referring to. “What happens tonight?” “Well, let’s say to soothe this ache in my heart, I might need to soothe the one between my legs. So I hunt!” “Uhm… By hunt you mean go to club and fuck some random stranger?” “How else does a vampire survive?” She quipped. “Then I will go with you,” Amanda cleared her throat. Daisy faced her. “I thought you were supposed to meet with the bride tonight or…” “I will call her, that is, if she would respond…” And when Daisy’s eyes expanded, she hurried to clear herself. “I will make sure you don’t see her.” Daisy didn’t look down. “I love her, Daisy! You can’t possibly want me to stop seeing her ” An idea struck Daisy. “Maybe I want you to see her…” She stepped forward. “Bring her to the club and fuck her on her wedding night! It would give me much pleasure…” She trailed off devilishly. “Wh-what if she doesn’t agree? You know, with everything that happened today.” Amanda inferred. Daisy’s eyes pierced her friend on the bed. “Then make her Amanda. You have brought more women to their feet with your charm than Apollo could with his weapon.” “While you get ready, I will be heading to the store, to store, we’re low on wine and I need some right now.” Amanda rolled her eyes. “Why don’t you just send the maid?” Daisy turned to face her friend again. “I don’t know… I guess I need an excuse to go out for some fresh air.” She said. With that, she smirked sassily and went back to the closet, leaving her friend wondering how she was going to fulfill such a nasty feat, just to make Daisy happy. …
Daisy staggered out of the liquor store, her eyes spinning as she staggered forward, everything around seemed weird, the road looked funny, like the kind of squiggly roads that Daniel always drew in his drawing books, the cars all looked like they were made out of jelly, she looked around shaking her head hoping to get the alcohol out, everyone around her looked like they were twins. She looked at her empty hands, she couldn’t remember if came with her car keys or not. “Damn.” She muttered under her breath. She would have to walk home. She staggered towards the road, almost running into a large man. “Excuse me.” The man said, as he gently shoved her aside. Daisy turned around to stare at the man. He was with his wife and son. A little family. It reminded her of what she had always dreamt her life would be like with Ethan. Just the three of them, a small family filled with love. But that asshole had decided to leave as he pleased, he had decided to cast her out and treat her like trash and with everything he did to her, he was still getting married today. Daisy cursed under her breath. “Was the bride blind? Couldn’t she see who she was marrying? Couldn’t she see the type of man he was?” Daisy staggered forward, lost in thought, cursing loudly as she walked, a few mothers and children on the road had proceeded to cover their kids ears, while eyeing her in disgust. Daisy smiled, they must all see her as some drunk homeless woman. It wasn’t her fault. It was Ethan’s. Why did he appear out of nowhere, just when she thought she was done with him for good, just when she had begun to heal and forget him. Yet there he was, on the alter, looking happy as hell. “Curse you Ethan!” She screamed drunkenly as she stumbled down the street, barely aware of her surroundings. Just then. A sleek Lamborghini aventador sportscar burst around the corner at crazy speed, the driver distracted by his phone. Daisy raised her head, her eyes widening in alarm as the car sped towards her. She tried to move but her body was rooted to the ground in shock, she opened her mouth to scream as just as she did, the driver raised his head, looking away from his phone, his eyes widened in horror. He swerved the car to the left but it was a second to the late as the car slammed into Daisy, sending Daisy sprawling across the pavement. She laid still, unmoving. *** Nolan Van-Louvre was a little heartbroken, his ex-girlfriend was getting married today to some chump. He wasn’t heartbroken because he didn’t want his ex, to get married or because he was jealous, he was heartbroken because they had been hooking up for a long time, and he could say he had begun to develop a soft spot for her. She never even told him she was seeing someone, he had always suspected she loved girls, because of the look he always saw in her eyes when she was around other women, but he never expected to hear that she was getting married. He suspected she was seeing someone because she had been a little distant this past month, but she never told him that was why. Nolan stepped on the accelerator, his Lamborghini aventador surging forward, tearing through the road at an alarming speed. He was headed to her wedding, not to see her but to see the chump she was getting married to, and why she wanted to throw away everything they together had for the chump. Just then, his phone beeped as a message entered. He quickly grabbed his phone, it was a message from Lance, his personal assistant. He had send lance ahead of him, to attend the wedding and tell him exactly how it went, Incase he didn’t make it, because he didn’t want to attend earlier, he hated going to places that he wasn’t invited, but his pride had gotten the better out of him, he wanted to see this person for himself, he wanted to see who exactly she chose over him. He hadn’t told Lance why he sent him to the wedding, instead he had told him that it was for business purposes, even though he suspected that lance knew he was lying because he had seen him with Becky multiple times. Nolan opened Lance’s mesaage. “An emergency occurred sir and the wedding was canceled, the bride ran out, leaving the groom on the alter after the wedding was interrupted by two women.” He read. A smile broke on his face, as he dropped the phone, he slowly looked up at the road ahead. His eyes widened in horror, he could feel his blood run cold. A girl stood in the middle of the road. Nolan swerved the car at the last moment, the side of the car brushing against the girl as the car went crashing into the side of the road. He quickly lept out of the car, rushing to the woman’s side. His heart racing as he stared at her. Was she dead? Had he just killed someone? He stared at her silently, her body and clothes were covered in mud from the puddle she had fallen into before she rolled onto the pavement. He carefully rolled up the sleeeved of his shirt before grabbing her in his arms, ready to take her to his car to drive her to the hospital. When her eyes slowly fluttered open, as she weakly stared at him. She was beautiful, her eyes were like emeralds, green, glowing under the sun, her lashes long and beautiful. Nolan held his breathe as he stared at her, she was beautiful but that wasn’t also why he was holding his breathe. She had this strong stench on her. It smelt of alcohol, cheap alcohol. He stared at the woman again, who in their right mind would be drinking this early afternoon when the sun was still up? Was she an homeless woman? She seemed like it because he was sure no normal woman would be standing in the middle of the street on a afternoon. He looked at her again, she was too beautiful to be an homeless woman but he was sure she was one. The homeless woman groaned as she attempted to roll out of his arms. Nolan quickly grabbed her, helping her to her feet, and steadying her gently. “Are you alright?” He asked, gently. Daisy stared at the man, frowning in anger. He had just hit her with his car almost killing her and he had the nerves to ask if she was alright? Why was he driving at such speed in a residential area? What if it had been a kid he hit. She slowly raised her head in anger staring at him. He was tall and lean, she worked with models a lot so she could guess he was around six foot four inches, he had long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, with dark eye brows, his jawline was beautiful carved, giving him a distinctive look, he wore a white flannel shirt, designer pant trousers and expensive shoes. She knew all the brands and from the look of them, they were all original, she looked towards his car, she could guess he was one of those rich spoiled kids who did whatever they liked. The thought of her son Daniel playing on the road and an asshole like this driving recklessly and risking the lives of people on the road made her mad. What if she had been with Daniel and the both of them had gotten hit? “Are you okay?” The man asked again. In a swift motion, she struck her hand against his face, slapping him in anger, delivering a stinging slap to his face.
Nolan looked up at her immediately, his face mixed with different emotions, shock, disbelief, surprise and finally anger. Anger flashed in his eyes. “What the hell? What was that for?” he snarled, rubbing his cheek. He walked closer in anger, his long frame covering hers. Daisy stood on her toes, squaring up to him, she wasn’t the kind of woman to back down from anyone. “You could’ve killed me, or any passerby be it a little child you drunk idiot!” “Do you know who I am?!” He asked, shouting. “Do you also know who I am?!” Daisy asked, returning the energy. The man looked away, his face flushed to a bright pink, as he shook his head in anger and surprise. “Do you fucking know who you’re talking to?” He asked, his voice shaking with anger. “I don’t fucking care.” Daisy shouted back. “You insolent little…. Before he could complete the sentence, her hand struck against his face again. Nolan staggered back in shock, his eyes two times wider than they initially were, his mouth parted in surprise. “You…. You homesleas drunk woman! What do you think you’re doing?!” He shouted, shaking his anger. He could taste blood in his mouth, he looked towards his car’s mirror, he could see her hand had left a muddy trail on his face. He looked at her in anger. “Oh… better believe you’re going to pay…” He said as he balled his hands into a fist, ready to fight her. Did he know how to fight? No. When he was younger and his father insisted he join his friends and take lessons, he never agreed, he loved music, art and food, fighting and sports felt too rough for him. He stared at the woman in anger, he could see a few people had gathered, ready to video them. Nolan looked back at the woman, she had also balled her fists up. What if she beat him? What if he lost the fight and it was caught on video? It would go viral. His grandfather and his mother wouldn’t like it, he would lose all his reputation. Nolan slowly put his hand down, he quickly stormed back to his car in anger, and started the engine. The beast roared to life. He slowly smiled as he prepared to drive away, he saw the woman standing beside the puddle, he made sure to drive into the puddle, making sure his tires kick up a wave of muddy water from the puddle, drenching the woman again. He grinned wickedly, accelerating away before she could run after him. Talk about getting off on the wrong foot. He didn’t know what was wrong with the women here, back in France he had it easy, but here everybody was always angry about one thing or the other. Just then his phone rang and he grabbed the phone, his eyes widened as he stared at the screen. Fifteen missed calls from Lance. He quickly placed a call through to him. Lance picked up on the first ring. “Young Master! Where have you been? I’ve been calling your phone!” Lance shouted from the other end of the line. Nolan stared at his reflection in the rear view mirror, squeezing his face in disgust as he saw her muddy finger prints on his face. He prayed never to encounter a woman like that again, and if by chance he did then he would get his payback. “Master? Master are you there?” Lance asked, distracting him from his thoughts. “Yes.. yes.. I had a little trouble, but I’m okay now.. where are you?” Nolan asked. “I’m still at the wedding hall, almost everyone has gone home and I’m the only one left.” Lance complained. “I’m on my way, I’ll be there soon.” Nolan said, as he dropped the phone and stepped on the accelerator, the car speeding away. Daisy stood there, trembling in anger, her body dripping with mud. She looked towards the car filled with rage, as the car disappeared around the corner of the street. She couldn’t believe that man. “Such a coward.” She muttered underneath her breath. If she ever crossed paths with him, she would make him pay. She dreadfully looked down at her soaked, muddy clothes and groaned. This was not how she’d planned to start her evening. With a sigh, she glanced at her watch, cursing under her breath. The party would be starting soon, and here she was, looking like a drowned rat. If Amanda found out that she had spent almost 3 hours at the liquor store and still proceeded to have spent almost an hour walking she would give her a piece of her mind, and Daisy wasn’t sure she was ready for that. Shaking her head, she took off running towards her apartment, she was a little greatful for the accident, it had shaken her a bit, washing away the alcohol and everything. Now all that was on her mind was to go to the party with Amanda, have fun, drink, dance and forget about Ethan, she was going to make sure she did that over and over again, till she was sure she had forgotten about him. Daisy ran through the front door of her mansion, panting heavily. She could hear Amanda’s voice drifting from her spare room, chatting happily on the phone. Knowing her friend’s impatience, Daisy tiptoes past the spare room, before hurrying towards her bedroom and gently locking the door, hoping Amanda hadn’t heard her. She had to move fast if she was going to avoid another talking to from Amanda. She slowly stripped off her wet clothes, gingerly stepping out of them and tossing them in a heap on the floor. Daisy quickly got changed into a pair of comfortable house clothes before racing towards her closet, rummaging through the closet, before grabbing the first decent outfit she found. It was a gown, gowns looked good on her and she was sure Amanda would also pick a gown, atleast both of them would twin in them. She heaved a sigh of relief as she placed her clothes on the dresser. She was a little tired. It had been quite the day for her. From Ethan’s wedding to the liquor store to the asshole who had hit her with his car. She walked towards her bed, collapsing onto it. She let out a sigh of relief as she sank into the soft king sized bed. As she laid on the bed, her mind wandered back to earlier that day, her infuriating encounter with the asshole hit her with his car. Now that she was thinking clearly, there was something about him that felt familiar, she knew she had seen him somewhere before but she couldn’t place her hand on where. His eyes, his jawline, the way he talked. He seemed familiar. Daisy quickly shook her head, pushing the thoughts away, she was just getting over one asshole and here she was thinking about another one. She squeezed her eyes shut hoping to get some sleep before Amanda came to drag her out. As she closed her eyes, Ethan’s face flashed through her mind, making her scowl loudly. She didn’t want to think of anyone, all she wanted to do was sleep and party later. Tonight for her was about moving on and having fun, enough fun to make her forget everything and she planned on doing just that.
That evening, Amanda shooed her off to start preparation on time, knowing how much she dallys with everything when it comes to dress-up, particularly in time like this. Here was one of the secrets about Daisy, she loves to be noticed too often and always imagines anything can go wrong. So the secret to her overcoming humiliation was to dress too often to kill. It was her slogan since she came to love fashion even before venturing into it. To her, if she finds herself in a situation where she doesn’t know what to do, her fashion sense could save her. Makes perfect sense to her. At exactly five o’clock, Amanda heard the door open, she knew daisy was back from the store. She had stayed long but she always gave her friend a little slack, daisy had been through a lot and she knew she would let her do whatever she wanted, she deserved to. Amanda quickly got off her bed, and went to start getting ready. She went to her room and after giving herself a lot of enabling talks, she dialed the number of the bride which rang for so long and she didn’t pick. Amanda tried up to three times and when she didn’t still pick, her heartbeat quickened, thinking about what she was going to do now that we had promised Daisy to make her ex pay tonight. That son of a bitch deserves his face scrubbed in the hottest part of hell just to feel the heat enough and has that dashingly smokey hot face of his, destroyed so that in his next life, he wouldn’t mess with any woman again. Amanda knew the tribulation her girlfriend had gone through because of that bastard. This is part of the reason Amanda loved Daisy. She believes if Daisy could go through what she did and still came out of it with her head held high, then she deserved her respect. Everything she had today, she built it herself. At the time of the divorce, she had nothing to her name but a pregnancy, and her parents were supposed to stand by her, disowned her for dishonoring her marriage, and kicked her out of the house to the street. In tears, pain, and rejection, Daisy struggled back to the city, stayed with Amanda for a month to gather some money from the last runway and then got her own place. Thanks to her manager, her name in the modeling industry was still aflame and her price topnotch. It was with the money we started her life after and fought through it to what she is now. She caters for her son, who, curse the devil ex, is a spitting image of him. That child was everything to Daisy even though she doesn’t show it much. That was part of the reason she flung him to Spain for his study, so she doesn’t get to see his face all the time and get reminded of whose seed he was formed from. “Daisy, I swear to God, if I finish and you are not done, I’m leaving you!” Amanda shrilled from her permanent room in the Richards household. Daisy giggled from her room, “I bet you will.” Amanda rolled her eyes and started dislodging her clothes. She removed everything to her panties and bralette, taking her time so she doesn’t have to wait for Daisy when she is done as well as hope that the bride returned her call. She checked herself out in the mirror, admiring her appealing aflamed red hair cascading down her back and sharp blue eyes she had taken from her mother. Sometimes when they were younger, she had argued with Daisy which of their eyes was more beautiful being that Daisy’s was a contracting green. Very green that most times it scared Amanda to look at. She smiled at the memory and trailed her hand to her cleavage where her full bosom clung to the top of her bra enticingly, making her recall that was how she had first gained the attention of the bride. That day at the club, the girl looked at her breast so intensely as though it was the best thing she had seen. Amanda is a very exquisite woman with her round curves and goofy face, she knew no one, not even the men could take her eyes off her. Same with Daisy. If there was one thing Amanda has secretly admired about Daisy, it was her blessed curves, which she hid in the pile and pile of tulle gowns. It is very rare to catch her in jean trousers or skirts. It’s always from one designer gown to another. Amanda took notice of all this because she loved her friend so dearly and would make sure Ethan pay for making her unhappy. A long time ago from the day Daisy found out she loved women and promised to stay by her side as long as she doesn’t look at her that way, Amanda had smiled and agreed as well as vowed also from then never to leave her side come what may. Her phone chiming loudly broke her out from her drift and she dashed to it and exhaled in relief when she saw who was calling, just who she wanted. “Hey,” “Why the fuck do you think you deserve to call me after what you did to me?!” Becky blasted, not giving her a chance. “I’m sorry, I–” “Fuck you!” Becky cried, informing Amanda that she was crying. “What do you want?” Amanda’s heart broke, it looked like they shot a bullet through it. “Where are you? I want to see you, please. I will explain everything, I promise.” “I don’t care what you have to say. And why do you want to know where I am?” She snickered sadly, “you are so selfish, even on a day like this you want to come and fuck me!” “No!” Denied Amanda quickly, “I swear I won’t… if you don’t want to,” She added the last part knowing she would very well want to do what she was accused of if given the chance. “I just want to be by your side…” She was about to ask her if the wedding took place when the latter rapidly said… “I’m alone right now…at home..” “Can I come over? I’ll pick you up? We can hang out and I will try to make it up to you, okay?” There was a stretched silence that Amanda felt she would tell her to go fuck herself, but she suddenly muttered, “okay. Come to the house.” “Okay, I will be there in ten minutes,” She enthused, and slowly whispered “yes!” with a balled hand gesture. When she cut the call, she rushed out her room in her nude form and dashed across the room to Daisy’s room and without knocking pushed the door open and entered, regretting it that instant. “God, what the hell!” Daisy jumped up from the bed where she was lying, administering self-pleasure and threw her vibrator to the side and eyed Amanda. “This is my room, Amanda. Fucken knock!” “I’m sorry… I was only carried away, that I forgot to knock. By the way, since when did I start knocking before coming into your room!” Amanda, who covered her face with her hand removed it and just as she was about to close the door, Ella used the opportunity to dash into the room with a single bark. “What do you want by the way?!” Daisy wore her panties, scooped up Ella to scratch her ears, kissed her furs, and dropped her on the bed. “I can’t believe that all this while I have been shouting my ass out for you to hurry up, you were here, stuffing yourself! Please….” Daisy rolled her eyes. “I was damn horny and couldn’t wait till the club. Again, I ask what do you want that made you stop me from my precious release?” Amanda recalled the reason for her wild entrance and smiled. “It appears I will leave before you with my Chevrolet. She just called and she sounded very broken. I told her I’m coming to bring her to the club. So, we will go before you.” She clapped exuberantly. Daisy took her time to regain her composure and then smiled. “Well, I’m glad someone will be deprived of their wedding night. At least now he would know why it means to be truly cheated on.” She huffed wickedly and went to her closet. Amanda hummed excitedly and made a funny face at Ella. “Try to make her see you as indispensable, Amanda. I know I’m not in the right position to dictate to you how to handle your love life with your chick, but this means a lot to me, and believe me if I were queer, I would make sure it happens,” Daisy conferred to Amanda while sampling an alluring red shot gown adorned with diamond sparkles. “I know…” Amanda trailed off as her eyes landed on daisy’s muddy clothes. “When did that happen?” She asked pointing at the muddy clothes. Daisy followed Amanda’s gaze, her eyes resting on the clothes. “Oh that?” She said. “I was coming from the store, when this guy ran his car into me almost killing me…and he didn’t even apologize… such an asshole.” Daisy hissed in anger. “What?! Are you okay?” Amanda asked, her face filled with concern. Daisy nodded. “Yeah, not even a scratch.” She replied. “I don’t know why I keep running into assholes, he was lucky I was a little drunk if not, he would have regretted the day he bought that car.” She said pouting. Amanda smiled, she knew her friend would definitely make him regret. Her gaze moved towards her wristwatch, her eyes widened. “I have to go now, Daisy. See you at the club.” She said as she waved her hand at Ella and stomped away just the way she entered. An hour later, Daisy made her way to the fancy club in the middle of the bubbly city. It was Saturday evening and therefore most people had already made their way to the club to have a good time. “What a day to have heartbreak,” She said to herself and grinned widely as she made her way into the club already filled to the brim with men and women of diverse distinctive backgrounds in the city. It wasn’t your regular clubhouse. “Let the party begin!” …
Amanda strolled towards her car, she had to go see Becky, as she neared the car she could hear Ella barking after her, the dog taking forty tiny steps per step Amanda took. Amanda reached down to pick up Ella, cradling the dog in her arms and showering her with kisses. “You’re such a sweet girl, Ella,” she cooed as she rubbed the dog’s head. The maid, who had been watching from daisy’s mansion’s entrance, quickly hurried over to take Ella from Amanda. “I’ll take her, miss,” she said with a smile. Amanda nodded smiling, as she handed over Ella to the maid and continued walking towards her car, her heels clicking on the driveway. She reached her car, opened the door, and slid into the driver’s seat. She started the engine and drove out of daisy’s garage, heading for Becky’s apartment. ** Fifteen minutes later… Amanda pulled into Becky’s driveway, her tires crunching on the gravel as she parked the car and took a deep breath, she was feeling a mix of different emotions running around her chest, excitement, nervousness, and a little bit of fear. She felt pity for Becky but deep down in her heart she was happy that the wedding was ruined. She slowly stepped out of her car, walking towards the front door, her eyes fixed on the door. She raised her hand, knock three times. After a few seconds the door creaked open, opening partly. Becky peeked through the partly opened door. “Who’s there?” She asked, “It’s me, Amanda.” Amanda said smiling as she moved towards the door for Becky to see her. Becky stared at her silently. “What do you want?” She asked, her voice gruff. Amanda’s heart skipped a beat as she saw Becky’s teary face, her eyes were red, like she had been crying a lot. “Can I come in, Becky? Please, I need to talk to you.” Amanda asked, her voice gentle. “Why should I let you in? You’ve already done enough damage today.” Becky said, her voice sounding like she was struggling to hold her tears. Amanda’s heart sank. “What do you mean? What’s wrong, Becky? Why are you crying?” Becky rolled her eyes. “You know exactly why I’m crying, Amanda. You ruined my wedding day. You humiliated me in front of everyone I love.” She cried. Amanda took a step closer towards the door, “Becky, I…I wasn’t trying to stop the wedding or anything like that…” she pleaded. “Please, let me explain.” Becky shook her head. “Then tell me what all that was about Mandy..” “When I told you I was getting married and you asked me what would happen to us, I told you we would still be seeing on the side, so why did you ruin everything?” Becky asked tears in her eyes. Amanda’s eyes widened in shock. “Becky, I…I can explain. I didn’t mean to ruin your wedding.. I wanted you to get married… I wanted your happiness.” Becky shook her head, staring at Amanda directly in her eyes. “I know you mandy, I know the look in your eyes when you lie and right no you’re lying to me.” Amanda kissed her tongue as she rolled her eyes. “Okay yes, I wasn’t happy with your marriage obviously because I have feelings for you and not just any type of feelings, I want to take a big step with you..but I would never be happy to see you unhappy.” Becky’s face twisted revealing anger and pain. “Take the big step with me? You’ve had months to take it, Amanda. But no, you chose to do that on the day I was finally taking my own big step Why should I let you back into my life now?” Amanda took a step forward, her hands outstretched. “Becky, please listen to me. I was confused and scared to take the big step. I didn’t even know if you would feel the same way. And then I saw you with Ethan, and I knew right then and there that I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you.” Becky shook her head again, a tear streaming down her face, “You should have thought of that before you embarrassed me in front of everyone and ruined my wedding, Now, just leave me alone, Amanda.” “But you said I should come over…” Amanda said. “I changed my mind, please leave.” Becky answered as she slammed the door. Amanda sighed in disappointment, her shoulders shaking. “Becky, I’m so sorry. I was wrong to do what I did, and I know I hurt you. Please, forgive me.” Silence followed, it felt like she was apologizing to the wooden door. Just then, Becky opened the door, her eyes downcast, as she stared at the ground silently. She stepped aside, allowing Amanda to enter. Amanda followed her into the living room, still trying to get her to talk. “Becky, please say something. I know I don’t deserve it, but I just want to make things right between us.” Becky sat down on the couch, her eyes fixed on the floor. Amanda sat beside her, reaching out to touch her hand, but Becky immediately pulled away like Amanda’s hand was electric. Amanda shook her head as she continued to apologize, trying to reach Becky. “I was selfish and stupid, and I hurt you. I don’t expect you to forgive me right away, but please, just talk to me.” Becky remained silent. Amanda could tell from her body language that she was in pain and still very angry at her. Amanda sank back into her seat, as she realized this time Becky wasn’t letting her off easy. Just as she finally gave up, Becky slowly turned to face her, her voice was low and weak. “Who was the woman you came with earlier? The one who…who ruined my wedding?” “That was Daisy, my friend that I always told you about.” Amanda said. Becky’s eyes narrowed. “That’s Daisy? The one you always talked about? She’s so different, you always talk about her like she’s some angel but she’s actually a bit….” Becky paused, changing her language. “That’s quite a friend you have. What’s her problem with me?” She asked. Amanda took a deep breath, as she tried to explain. “Daisy didn’t mean to hurt you, Becky. She was trying to help me. I told her how I felt about you, and she wanted to support me.” Becky stared at her, her eyes widened in disbelief. “Support you? By humiliating me in front of everyone? That’s not support, Amanda. That’s something else.” Amanda nodded. “I know Becky, I know Daisy can be a little extra but trust me she’s not that kind of person.. she was just a little thrown off by the person you were getting married too.” “So please, Becky. I was wrong to involve Daisy, and I was wrong to ruin your wedding. Can you ever forgive me?” “Thrown off by the person I was marrying? Why was she thrown off by Ethan?” Becky asked Amanda took a deep breath. “Remember how I told you that she was a single mom after all the evil that her ex husband did to her?” Becky nodded. “Yeah you told me about her ex husband.” Amanda took another breath. “Well that ex husband is actually Ethan, your ex fiancé.” Becky’s eyes widened in shock. “Ethan?! How? That’s not possible, he never mentioned ever being married to me.” Amanda smiled weakly. “That was why Daisy reacted the way she did.” She explained. “I’m sure if you meet her this evening, you’ll see she’s a whole different person.” As Amanda finished speaking, Becky’s expression softened. Without a word, she leaned in and kissed Amanda gently on the lips. Amanda was slightly taken aback, but she quickly returned the kiss, cradling Becky’s face in her hands. Becky pulled back, her eyes shining with tears. “Thank you, Amanda. Thank you for not letting me marry that man. I had no idea.” Amanda smiled. “I couldn’t bear the thought of you being hurt by him, the same way he hurt Daisy. I had to stop the wedding.” Becky took Amanda’s hand in hers. “I’m glad you did. I’m glad you came back for me.” Amanda smiled, her face a bright pink. “Hey, so are you still coming with me to the night club tonight? I think we could both use a little bit of distraction and fun.” Becky’s face lit up. “I’m definitely coming, just give me a few minutes, let me go and freshen up first. I feel like I’ve been crying for hours.” Amanda laughed, “You have been crying for hours! But you still look as beautiful as ever. Go get ready, I’ll wait here.” Becky smiled. “Okay, but don’t think you’re getting off that easy. You’re going to do a lot through the night to make me forget all about today’s drama.” Amanda raised her hands surrendering playfully, “I wouldn’t have it any other way!” Becky smiled as she quickly headed upstairs, leaving Amanda to wait in the living room. Amanda relaxed on the sofa, she could hear Becky singing in the bathroom. Just then, she noticed Becky’s phone on the coffee table vibrating, it was ringing. Amanda quickly picked up the phone, her eyes moving to the screen. Her face squeezed in confusion as she looked at the name, it was a name she didn’t recognize Nolan. She felt her chest tighten, Who was Nolan? And why was he calling Becky? Amanda shook her head. She had no right to be possessive or jealous, yet she still felt her chest tighten as she stared at the name, contemplating if she should go through Becky’s messages with whoever it was. She quickly dropped the phone as she heard Becky coming down the stairs. “I’m back…” Becky announced, smiling. Amanda forced a smile as she stared at Becky, walking towards her, with a small white towel tied around her waist. “Hey, your phone rang while you were upstairs,” she said casually. “Someone named Nolan called?” Becky’s face immediately changed. “Nolan? Oh, that’s just…an old friend, I wonder why he would be calling” she said quickly as she turned to face Amanda. “Don’t worry about it.” Amanda raised an eyebrow, she could sense there was more to the story. But she had to drop it, she didn’t want to ruin their evening. “Come help me pick a dress.” Becky said, as she strolled back up the stairs. Amanda forced a smile, silently following Becky. Her head felt blank, except for one question, who the hell was Nolan?
“Give me two shots of tequila and a glass of mojito,” Daisy demanded from the enticing bar boy whose face was iconical and his body… She checked him out, well, he would pass to her taste, but tonight, she was going for something more… classical. So, internally she shook her head and averted her gaze. Her phone vibrated in her purse on her body and she took it out to check who was calling and gleamed when she saw her best friend’s name appear. “Where the fuck are you?” She asked Amanda, her eyes raving around the clubhouse for a glimpse of her friend’s distinctive hair color. She saw nothing. “We just entered and I took her to the booth by the west wing. I took an excuse from her to use the restroom. Where are you?” “Well, I’m still at the bar, having a couple of drinks. Have fun and bring me the evidence.” Amanda giggled. “I’m sorry, bitch, I won’t promise that.” “Okay, see ya later. I have to look for a man to deprive me of this gnaw between my legs lest I nag you to death.” The other accented before she cut the call and dropped the phone back in her bag. The club buzzed with loud music and people shouting on top of their voices to someone to be heard while Daisy in the bar section watched everything from the vantage point with a certain enthusiasm. If she was suffering this night, she was glad she wouldn’t be alone. Someone somewhere would possibly be gnashing his teeth in a likewise mood. She jogged down the fifth shot of tequila and her head swarmed, her eyes growing fuzzy. Everything was starting to look foggy and her brain was shutting down. She looked towards the west wing that her friend said she would be in but due to her present state, it seemed like the end of the world, and never would she dare to go there unless she wanted to dock on her face. “You want another shot?” The foxy barman asked her with a smirk as though with a senile thought of his own to drown her. She nodded, letting him believe he had the upper hand. “Give me two!” She gestures with her fingers and grinned, distracting him. “It’s on you.” “My pleasure. Are you sure you don’t want me to help you?” He asked as he swirled the drink in a clubber glass jug. She shook her head. “Thanks.” “I’m very good, you know.” He winked at her as if Daisy hadn’t got the point already. Her grin expanded at his juvenile method, downed the next shots, stood and opened her bag, bringing as many bills as her hands could lay on and dropped them on the table. “Keep the change.” it seems she would have to find her way to the bathroom and pour water on her face. It feared her, but she would rather chance it than allow some teenage horny dude to leer at her in that way or make silly advances at her. She felt like some deprived pedophile. “Arh!” She touched her temple as a sizzling pain shot through her head. She would call Amanda from there and ask her to come help her to the car. Any other move to drink tonight and she would end with her face to the floor. Daisy slowly stood up, staggering backwards as she did. “Hey watch where you’re going!” She heard a voice yell from behind her. Daisy tried to turn around but it was too late, she felt something cold run down her back, and the strong stench of alcohol followed. She turned around in anger, to see who just poured their whole drink down her back. Her eyes widened a little in recognition as she looked at the person. It was a man, thin, tall with blonde hair, he was dressed in black joggers and a back tank top that showed all his lean curves. She blinked drunkenly as she stared at his face. It was him. The man that hit her with his car in the afternoon. The man’s eyes widened in recognition as he recognized her. “You!” They both shouted in unison, as they both pointed at each other. Daisy frowned as she stared at him, trying to concentrate but her head ached and she could barely see. She stumbled backwards, almost crashing into the bar tender, as she felt long muscular arms wrapping around her waist, pulling her back up. Daisy slowly opened her eyes to see his face so close to hers. “What are you doing?” Daisy drunkenly asked. Nolan stared at her, a disgusted expression on his face, he immediately pushed her toward the bar stool, looking away, his face a little red. How could she ask him that question? Did she think he was some sort of creep that took advantage of drunk women or something. He looked back at her, her head was sagging, as she drunkenly dozed off. “Are you some kind of jobless drunken woman who always drinks?” He asked, as he sat down beside her. “How come everytime I see you you’re always drunk.” He looked at her, she was already dozing off. He looked towards the bar tender who was already giving him an awkward look. “Are you her boyfriend?” The bartender asked. “You both look cute together.” Nolan stared at the bartender in disgust. “Boy… what?” He asked, his eyebrows slightly raised.” I don’t even know her… why would I know someone like her?” He asked, as he looked back at her. She didn’t look as homeless as she did in the afternoon, now she looked better, he could almost call her beautiful. Her eyes, her face, her hair they all looked too expensively taken care off for him to classify her as some kind of homeless woman. Nolam looked away, he was beginning to look at her too much, he didn’t want to seem like a creep, he quickly looked back towards the bar tender. “Get me a glass of whiskey, no ice.” He said. The bartender nodded smiling, as he went off the prepare the drinks. The bartender came back a minute later, serving all his drinks. Nolan smiled as he took a glass, downing its contents. He needed the alcohol. He had come here to clear his head. He hated the city, his grandfather had forced him back here from France where he stayed permanently in the family’s house, with the threat that if he didn’t spend a year in New York, learning about the family’s business, he wouldn’t inherit the company. He was the only son and only grandchild. His grandfather was the famous billionaire Lucian Van-Louvre, the owner of Van-Louvre one of the biggest fashion brands in America, and he was his heir. Coming to newyork was something he didn’t look forward to, but immediately he landed in newyork he had remembered that Becky, one of his old fling was also here, he had hit her up and she was one of the only things he looked forward to in newyork, even though he suspected she loved women, he didn’t mind, because as the heir to the van-louvre empire, he couldn’t attract attention to himself. But when he heard that Becky was getting married, it had changed everything for him. He couldn’t let that happen. He had dropped everything he was doing and rushed off to stop it by all means, only for Lance to call him and tell him that the wedding had been cancelled, that two women had stomped in and ruined everything. He had tried calling Daisy but her number hadn’t been going through. Nolan took another gulp of the whiskey, whisking the contents around his mouth. He looked down at the woman, she was fast asleep, he didn’t know what to do. Wether to wake her or let her sleep. He couldn’t leave her here by herself. He quickly dialed Lance number, taking another glass of whiskey as the phone rang. Lance was his personal assistant, he had been by his side ever since he was a boy, the man never married or had a girlfriend. If not that he had seen Lance look at a few women in lust, he would have sworn that the man was gay. Lance picked up on the third ring, his voice sleepy. “Yes?” He said, sleepily. Nolan cleared his throat, gulping down the whiskey. “Where are you?” He asked. “Trying not to sleep because someone made me stay at home against the orders I was given.” Lance snapped. “Young master, his grace specifically ordered me to never leave your side.” Lance whispered. “If he finds out i left your side, he would be very disappointed in me and the last thing I would want is for his grace to be disappointed in me”. Lance said. Nolan rolled his eyes. “I’m at this party.. I only came to get a drink to clear my head but I’m in some sort of trouble.” “Trouble?! What trouble?!” Lance shouted. “Young master where you robbed? Are you hurt? stay where you are, I’m coming right now!” Lance shouted, his voice shaky. “Calm down…” Nolan said as he took another shot of whiskey. Ever since he got robbed by two beautiful ladies on the first night he arrived in New York and went out on his own and his grandfather found out, Lance had always been paranoid about him getting robbed again. “I’m fine.” Nolan said. “I’m just in a bit of trouble, I’m with this girl or should I say woman.” He said as he looked at Daisy’s face, she was still fast asleep. “Woman? Did she rob you?!” Lance shouted. “No Lance! She didn’t rob me!” Nolan said, his voice rising. “She fell asleep on me, and she’s drunk, I don’t want to leave her in the hands of strangers, I would have called someone she knew with her phone but I don’t want to pry in her privacy.” Nolan said. “Do you know her?” Lance asked. Nolan rolled his eyes again. “Lance, I’m calling you so you can come and help me.” “Help you? Help you with what?” Lance asked. “I don’t know.. maybe we can find some sort of hotel and lodge her in, she’ll be safer there, when she wakes up she can find her way home.” Nolan said. He waited in silence before finally hearing Lance sign in defeat. “I’ll be there in five minutes.” Lance said, as he ended the call. Nolan shook his head as he downed the contents to another shot of whiskey, silently staring at the woman as music played in the background. “Young master?” He heard Lance call from behind him. Nolan stared down at his wrist watch and smiled. “Seven minutes? You old snail, how can you drive the Lamborghini aventador and be here in seven minutes, I’ll have made it in three minutes.” Lance rolled his eyes in frustration. “Three minutes? Except you wanted me to come naked.” He muttered. Nolan threw his head back in laughter. “So you sleep naked? You old snail.” Lance face reddened. “No I don’t.” He defended, but stopped. He knew it was pointless arguing with Nolan. “Is that the lady?” He asked pointing at Daisy. Nolan nodded. “Yes, help me get her into the car.” He said, still laughing. Lance reluctantly walked to where Daisy slept on the bar stool, turning her face around as he tried to carry her. He paused, staring at her. “She looks awfully familiar.” He said. “So you do stare at women?” Nolan said, as he broke down laughing again. “No, I’m not joking, I’ve seen her before.” Lance said shaking his head. “Just help me get her into the car.” Nolan said, still laughing. Just then, Lance eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Daisy. “I remember where I saw her!” He shouted. Nolan turned to face him. “What do you mean?” he asked. “She’s the one..” Lance whispered. “The one?” Nolan repeated in confusion. Lance slowly nodded, his gaze still glued to Daisy’s sleeping body. “Yes, she’s the one, she’s the lady that ruined the wedding earlier today.” He whispered.
Nolan turned around in shock to face Daisy. “Are you sure?” He asked. Lance nodded. “Yes I’m sure.” He said, still staring at Daisy. “It’s her, she’s the one that ruined the wedding.” Nolan turned around to face daisy again. Could she be Becky’s lover? Could that be the reason she ruined Becky’s wedding? Was she also here drinking because Becky broke her heart like him? “Do you know her?” Lance asked him, still staring at Daisy. Nolan shook his head. “Then why do you want to help her?” He said. “Young master you’ve done enough today, why don’t we just go home and have a good rest, you have a lot of people to meet tomorrow, your schedule is packed.” Nolan nodded as he stared down at Daisy. Just then his phone began to vibrate. He looked down at the screen, it was his mother. Nolan looked towards Lance. “Keep an eye on her.” He said as he walked outside to answer the call. Lance sank down into the stool Nolan had been previously sitting on, he grabbed Nolan’s glass, emptying its contents, he turned towards the bar tender who was looking at him weirdly, his eyes moving from Lance to daisy who was still asleep. “Can I have another glass.” He asked. The bartender smiled forcedly, walking off to get the drink. Lance shook his head, he could tell the bartender was contemplating calling the police. This wasn’t the first time young master had called him to do some obscene things. He grabbed the glass, downing its contents, his gaze moving back to Daisy, he couldn’t understand why the young master was interested in her or the wedding. The chairman had given him direct orders that the young master was not to party, but here they were. Lance stared down at the dance floor, he could see a few couples dancing. He wondered if he could ever find someone for himself, he wondered how it felt to be in love or be married, the only love he knew was the love he had for the young master. Just then Lance stared back at the dance floor, he had caught a woman’s eye on him. He stared back at the woman as she smiled at him, she was petite and red haired, she was beautiful. She used her finger, motioning for him to come closer. Lance blushed as he looked around making sure it was him she was talking to. He nervously adjusted his shirt button as he stumbled off to meet the woman, leaving Daisy all by herself at the bar. * Daisy’s eyes slowly opened as she stared down at her wrist watch, she looked around, she was still at the bar, she could remember meeting the asshole she met that afternoon but she wasn’t sure if it was real or if it was a product of the alcohol she had downed. She still felt very blotted and nauseous. She needed to leave. She slowly stood up, holding the wall for support as she took a step forward, her head hurt a lot, she could barely see. Two steps, three steps, she counted on her way to the bathroom, her eyes to the ground. She was so intent on the ground with her feet planted strongly on it, not to have noticed a sturdy body coming towards her until it was too late and she collided into it. “Watch the fuck where you are going!” The owner of the wall of Jericho echoed, causing Daisy’s head to spin, the sound coming off as something from the speaker positioned directly in her ear drum. She let go of her purse and covered her ears, lost her balance, and went spinning in space. “Shit!” The man veered, his arm coming around this woman whose head was bent to the floor. He grabbed her on time before she hugged the floor, and at the same time, Daisy lost control over her stomach, and boom! Retched right on him. “Fuck! Woman!” That was the last thing she heard before she kissed darkness. . “Make sure you replace the clothes on her forehead, I have work to do,” Daisy heard a distinct distant voice and was certain this time she wasn’t dreaming. Her eyes rolled inside her eyeball wondering why everything was dark. “Yes, sir,” Another said, and then a door banged so loud that Daisy’s head singed in pain. She winced and just as her body shook, a wet cold cloth was placed on her forehead. At that, her eyes trembled and fluttered open, meeting with the stunned ones of a woman. She trailed her eyes slowly on the woman who was still bent over in shock, then she stood off from the bed and her dilated eyes gradually returned to normal. “Thank God, you are back.” “Where did I go?” Daisy asked ridiculously, striving to get up but the latter rushed to her. “Please, stay put. I will quickly call the master and inquire if you will be taken to the hospital.” Hospital? Daisy was confused at everything going on, especially on why her head felt like she was hit by a trailer. Her mind worked to decipher what took place and then it came at once. The club! That asshole Nolan, who hit her with his car! Was she in his house? Was he the master? If he was she would make sure she gave him a piece of her mind? Without a second thought, she jumped up from the bed at the same time the woman rushed to her just as the door snapped open and a man walked in, a man she didn’t expect to see again, or more like she wasn’t prepared to meet. “Ethan?” She blurted, and winced from the pain in her head. She stopped and waited until the pain passed to lash out at the man still standing by the door drinking her in. “What in God’s name am I doing here?” She remember going to the club to look for a man to fuck her until she wouldn’t remember she saw him that day, but him being that man wasn’t part of the plan. At that, her eyes flew to her body and instantly shook off the hand of the appalled woman on her. “Leave us, Maggie,” He instructed the woman who bowed and scurried out of the room. “I know I’m the least person you will want to see now, Daisy, but you have to rest first before you fight me,” He said mildly, coming towards her. “Do not fuxken come close to me! Ouch!” She fell back on the bed, tears pooling in her eyes as she met the white decked ceiling. How many shots of whatever she took did she take to have her like this? “I will not come close to you, but just take the drug on the table to help with the head pain and hangover.” He pointed to the table and when Daisy followed his motion, she saw the drug and despite resenting him and wanting his head on a platter, she sat up to take the drug. When her head hit the pillows once more, she fell into a slumber.
Nolan stepped out of the loud bar, into the chilly night air, to answer the phone call from his mom. He walked far away from the few couples who were still cuddled in each other arms in front of the bar and took a deep breath, preparing himself for the conversation. “Hey, Mom,” he said, trying to sound as innocent as possible. “Hey sweetie! How’s New York treating you?” his mom asked, her voice filled with excitement. Nolan hesitated for a moment before responding, his mom was a human lie detector, she could tell whenever he was lying, “Everything great, Mom. The city’s amazing. I’m loving every minute of it.” “And how’s your job? Are you enjoying it?” His mom asked. “Yeahh.. I’m enjoying everything.” He lied. “Where are you, sweetie.. it’s quite loud?” his mom asked, her voice filled with concern. “I’m meeting some really interesting people. Actually, I just got back from meeting a dignitary, it’s been a long day.” Nolan lied again. His mom’s tone changed, her voice filled with concern. “Oh, okay dear. Well, you must be tired. Why don’t you go home and rest?” Nolan felt guilty for lying, but he didn’t want his mom to worry and he wasn’t ready for her usual sermons. “Yeah, I’m pretty tired. I’ll head home now.” His mom’s voice softened. “Okay, sweetie. Be careful, and don’t work too hard. I love you.” Nolan’s face softened, “I love you too, Mom.” He ended the call, taking a deep breath again before heading back into the bar. He paused at the door, his eyes widened in surprise. The seat was empty. She was gone. Nolan’s eyes scanned the room, searching for the drunken woman. Her seat was empty, and he couldn’t spot her anywhere. He could feel his stomach twist anxiously. Where did she go? Was she okay? She had been pretty drunk earlier, and he knew she could’nt have woken up and left that fast. He looked towards the bar but the bar tender was also gone. Did someone take her? Did she leave on her own? Where the hell was Lance in all this, he told him to watch over her. He looked around, trying to find Lance. He stared in surprise as he saw Lance, dancing drunkenly with a red haired woman on the dance floor. Nolan frowned. What the hell was Lance doing? He was supposed to be keeping an eye on her, not getting distracted by some random woman. Nolan made his way through the crowd, his heart pounding with every step. He reached Lance and tapped him roughly on the shoulder. “Hey, where the hell is she? The woman I told you to watch?” he shouted over the music. Lance turned around, a sheepish grin on his face. He could smell the alcohol oozing off Lance. “I don’t know, dude. I thought she was with you.” Lance replied drunkenly. Nolan’s face changed, his frown deepened. “I told you to watch over her! What the hell happened?” Lance shrugged. “I needed some fresh air, and when I looked back to check on her, she was gone, she just took off. I thought she had gone to the bathroom or something.” Nolan’s mind raced. He didn’t know her but he didn’t feel comfortable thinking about the fact that she was alone, drunk, and who-knows-where. He needed to find her, now. Nolan dragged Lance roughly from the red haired woman’s hands, pulling him outside the bar, as he looked around hoping to see her. “What were you thinking?!” He shouted. “I told you to watch over her!” Lance stumbled, trying to keep up with Nolan’s pace. “Dude, I’m sorry! I didn’t think she’d just take off like that!” “Dude?!” Nolan repeated, his eyes wide in disbelief. He stopped as they reached the sidewalk, his eyes scanning the crowded street. That was when he saw her. Becky, his side fling, standing under the streetlight. But she was not alone. She’s with a woman, they were laughing and smiling like they were having the time of their lives. Nolan frowned, as he stared at them from affair, holding the drunk Lance before he fell over. Becky slowly turned around like she had noticed Nolan’s stare, her face changed immediately. She looked guilty, like she had been caught red-handed. “Nolan, what are you doing here?” She asked. Nolan stared at Becky silently, his eyes moving from Becky to the woman beside her. “What are you doing here , Becky? Who’s this?” The woman stepped forward, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “You must be a friend of Becky’s, I’m Amanda. And you are…?” Nolan’s gaze moved from Becky to Amanda’s. Amanda…the name sounded familiar. Wait a minute… was she the one Becky was seeing? If so the who was the drunken woman from earlier. Just then, Lance drunkenly pointed at Amanda, his finger wagging accusingly. “She’s…she’s the one!” Nolan quickly grabbed Lance’s hand, holding it down. “Shut up, Lance.” “What’s going on, Nolan? Why are you here?” Becky asked. Nolan looked towards her. “What are you doing here, on your wedding night? You should be with…with your husband.” Becky’s face turned ice cold. “Maybe I should ask you the same thing, Nolan.” She said, her voice low. “ What are you doing here, instead of being with your mom, or your job, or whatever it is you’re supposed to be doing?” Nolan’s smile tightened, feeling a little hurt from Becky’s words. “That’s not the point.” Amanda stepped forward, her voice calm and gentle. “I think the point is, Nolan, that we’re all adults here, making our own choices. And maybe, just maybe, we’re all exactly where we’re supposed to be.” Becky placed a hand on Amanda’s shoulder, Amanda sighed as she stared at Nolan for a brief moment, before she finally nodded and smiled. ” I think I’m going to give you two some space to talk.” She said as she turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd of people on the sidewalk. Becky watched her go, before turning back to Nolan. “So, Nolan,” Becky said, her voice low and even. “What are you doing here?” Nolan hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. He couldn’t say yet if Becky knew the drunk woman or not. “I was looking for someone,” he said. “A friend. She was supposed to meet me here, but she hasn’t come.” “A friend?” Becky repeated. “I hope you’ve changed and you don’t treat your friend like you treated the rest or us.” She added. Nolan smiled. “I was always a gentle man to you, wasn’t I?” He said. Becky rolled her eyes. “By the way, who’s your friend?” She asked. Nolan frowned looking away. “What about your marriage, Becky? I thought you were supposed to be on your honeymoon right now.” He asked, changing the topic. Becky’s eyes darkened. “Cancelled. The whole thing was a mistake.” “What happened?” He asked as his eyes brows shot up in surprise. Becky shrugged. “Let’s just say today I realized I was making a huge mistake. And besides I already had Amanda.” Nolan’s gaze moved back to Becky’s face. “Is Amanda your lover?” He asked, his voice low and filled with curiousity. Becky looked away, her cheeks flushed slightly as she nodded. “Yes.” Nolan smile faded a little before he quickly forced himself to smile again. He hadn’t seen that coming. He slowly looked around, trying to spot Amanda in the crowd, but she was nowhere to be found. Becky turned back to him, her eyes filled with tears. “I know this may inappropriate, but I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. Amanda makes me feel alive, Nolan.” Nolan’s stare softened a little. “I’m happy for you, Becky. I really am, if she makes you happy then go do her.” He said as he forced a smile. He slowly turned around. “Goodnight, Becky. I’m glad to see you happy.” He said as he turned to Lance, who was still mumbling gibberish. “Come on, buddy, I’ll take you home.” Lance protested, but Nolan dragged him toward his Lamborghini Aventador, parked on the sidewalk. He opened the passenger door and shoved Lance inside. “What about that woman?” Lance asked, still confused. Nolan sighed and closed the door. “I don’t know, man. We’ll try to find her another day, I just hope she’s safe.” Nolan got into the car and started the engine. The Lamborghini roared to life, as he gently pulled away from the parking lot. * Amanda frowned as she spotted Becky walking back into the bar, she immediately waved back to her. As Becky approached, Amanda stared at her with concern. “Who’s Nolan?” she asked, nodding towards the Lamborghini that was now driving away. Becky shrugged, trying to downplay the situation. “Just a friend.” Amanda raised an eyebrow. “Just a friend I felt the tension around you guys, that doesn’t feel like the tension from just friends.” Becky laughed. “Yeah, he’s got money and we were once close but that’s all. He’s not a big deal to me.” Amanda frowned. “Is he the Nolan who was calling you this afternoon? The one you’ve been avoiding?” Becky frowned a little as she nodded slightly. “Yeah, that’s him.” Amanda’s eyes widened in surprise. “Becky, what’s going on? Who is this guy?” Becky sighed, realizing she couldn’t hide the truth anymore. “Nolan and I… we have a little history. We were involved, it was complicated but it all ended a long time ago. He’s been trying to reach me, but I’ve been avoiding him.” Amanda shook her head, her face serious. “Becky, we need to talk about this later. But right now, let’s focus on finding Daisy.” “Daisy? Didn’t you say she was in this bar?” Becky asked. Amanda nodded, “Yes she was meant to be here but she wasn’t isn’t here anymore.” “And it’s weird because she called me and said she was here, waiting for us.” Becky and Amanda search the bar from top to bottom, scanning through the crowds and asking people if they had seen Daisy. But there was no sign of her anywhere. Amanda kept trying Daisy’s phone, but it just kept on going straight to voicemail every time. “Maybe she went to pick up something or maybe an emergency came up.” Becky suggested, trying to stay optimistic.” Amanda frowned, her eyebrows raised in confusion. “Daisy’s not the type to just blow off on plans like this. Something’s definitely wrong.” As they searched, Amanda continued to try Daisy’s phone. She was growing anxious in each passing minute, she had called daisy’s maid and the woman had told her daisy wasn’t home yet. She had tried texting too, but there’s no response. “Let’s check outside again,” Amanda suggested, as her eyes scanned through the crowded bar. “Maybe she’s waiting for us out there.” Becky nodded, as they made their way back outside, searching the sidewalks and the street. But there was still no sign of Daisy. Amanda was starting to get worried Where could Daisy be? And why wasn’t she answering her phone? * Meanwhile… Morning came and her phone was still blasting non stop as Amanda tried to call her. Amanda was very worried and not even the soothing words of her lover could calm her. She paced from one end of her house to the next, dropping so many voicemails and hoping wherever her best friend was, she would see it and return it. So many things flitted through her mind but she refused to entertain any of them. Daisy is a big girl and can take care of herself. Maybe she went home with a man and he had banged her so good that she had overslept. But there was a situation, a situation that only she could handle. “Where is my mummy?” The five-year-old son of Daisy, who was the situation that Amanda didn’t know how to handle, asked. “She is good, Danny, can you go play with Ella?” Amanda asked him and his response was to stick his nose in the air like his mother when she was in disagreement over something, poked his little red lips, and without another word went in search of his beastie bestie. It all happened in a flash. Early that morning, Amanda had received a call from Daniels’s School_being that she was his second guardian, and they told her they have been trying to reach his mother and tell her that they were sending Daniel home for the holiday with the team that was dispersed to the U.S. And just like that, Amanda’s early morning pleasure was cut short as she had to head to the airport to pick him up. And since that morning they came back till now in the afternoon, her friend hasn’t picked up her call and the little monster won’t stop tormenting Amanda at the request of his mama. “Maybe you should give her till evening, okay?”Becky came behind her to suggest. She gradually turned to kiss her nose and smiled. “Yeah, I really don’t mind, it’s just that knowing him, he won’t rest until he sees her.” Back in Ethan’s mansion, Daisy woke up for the second time, and this time she was as good as a fiddle. She sat up from the bed, picked up her stuff, and made her way out of the room as silent as she could. However, just as she made it to the front door and twisted the knob, the man of the hour came up behind her and said, “I didn’t know you to be a coward, Raven…”
“Stay the fuck away from me, Ethan, or I swear I will castrate you!” Daisy swore at him and tugged the doorknob once more. “Okay, okay, I just wanted to tell you that you have succeeded,” He told her, clapping theatrically behind her. She stopped what she was doing long enough to grasp the meaning of his statement. “What’s that?” She cocked her brow. “Yesterday… destroying my wedding. Ain’t you happy?” She smiled. “She left you?” “Of course. After all the nonsense you said back there, if you were the one would you have continued?” She thought about it. Five years ago, even though a pregnant woman had come to their wedding ground with proof of her pregnancy for Ethan, she might have never minded. Because of how much she loved him. If only she knew what an idiot he was. “Well, she did the right thing,” She dropped her hands by her side and smirked at him, relishing in his discomfort. “At least you might not sleep well tonight, knowing I ruined something for you just the way you ruined mine five years ago.” “I didn’t ruin anything!” He blared, “you cheated on me and got pregnant for another man and you expect me to forgive you and let it go?” She was taken aback by his effrontery. So many years have passed and still the idiot still thinks so poorly of her. This time she wouldn’t let it go like the last time. . So she took a giant step forward, and delivered a hot slap across his cheek which sent him staggering back a few notches. She didn’t leave it there, she rushed to him and kicked his groin with so much pressure that Ethan fell across the cold floor in a shriek that had his housekeeper running out and stopping with a gasp when she saw the sick lady being mean to her master. “Ma’am, that is not fair,” The scrawny lady veered. Daisy nodded in assent. “Most certainly what is not fair is that your useless master would insult me after everything he has put me through in this life!” She stomped toward him and the old lady was quick to block her from the growling injured man. “The next time you see me, you better hide, because this time is your manhood, the next one might be your head! Open the damn door old lady!” She snarled at the woman who rushed to open the door and let her out. She hurried out of the gate to the street and was lucky to see a cab passing and hopped in, allowing the tears that were choking her to pour. She can’t believe he would say that to her. If he is now living in this city she will have to leave. She can’t afford seeing him nor would she afford him seeing her son anyday and recognizing that truly he was the foolish one. Daniel is his father’s spitting image as though God had wanted to shame him by making the boy his replica. If by chance he comes across the boy now, nothing would stop him from laying claim to him and it would be over her dead body before she would allow it. When the cab stopped in front of her home, she gave him extra bills and rushed in. Once she was inside the house, that was when she calmed down. Her housekeeper hurried to her. “Welcome, ma,” “I need a hot meal prepared for me and make sure you drown it with enough pepper sauce. Has my friend been here?” As she was talking, she was scurrying through her bag for her phone but didn’t see it. Could it be that she forgot it in the house of that bastard? Wait, her purse, she rummaged faster, her eyeballs growing bigger, all her cards were in that purse there is no fucken way! She halted her movement, her heart stopping at once to what her housekeeper just said. “My son is back?” She asked frantically. “Yes, ma’am,” The latter fidgeted, nervous at her mistresses’ behavior. Whenever she was like this, the best thing was to avoid her. “Madam Amanda has been calling your phone repeatedly but you didn’t pick up, so she took him and the creature to her house.” “Oh, God!” Daisy stomped her feet and flung her bag away from her. How could everything be happening at once? How could she have forgotten that it was summer break and her son was supposed to be picked? “Should I proceed with the meal m__” “Forget it!” She thundered, “clean this up and make sure his room is ready. I will head there now.” She made her way out, registering in her head she would have to go back to the house of her bastard ex for her purse by tomorrow when her son is settled in. The driver took her this time to the home of the Antonio’s and as though her boy saw her through the window, no sooner as Daisy got out of the car, than the front door of the mansion flung open and he flew across the yard with the little beast, to her. “Mom, I missed you!” He wrapped his tiny limbs around her and she tucked in his curly brown locks behind his ear and kissed him, making room for her other baby. “I missed you too, baby,” She kept peppering him with kisses. “I’m sorry I wasn’t around to pick you from the airport.” “It’s okay….” He drew in a raspy tone. How she has missed him so much. “Aunty Amanda was there.” “Yeah, she is, always.” “Maybe you two can come in so I can have time to roast you alive, Daisy!” The aunty in question bickered from the foyer. Daisy snickered, the first lightweight released from her chest since today. She strode to the door with the weights on her, and only dropped them in front of her friend. “Thanks, Mandy. I swear I didn’t see your calls,” She expressed in a damp tone . “I was so worried!” Amanda complained. “I know, I got drunk and then_” she paused when she saw the second figure that loomed from behind crawling up until she was nestled beside Amanda as though for safety. “Seriously!” Daisy careened, pinching her eyes closed. “You brought her close to Daniel?” “We were together when they called. She went with me to the airport!” Amanda defended her lover. “That doesn’t make it right! She is my enemy!” “As you are to me!” The other woman hissed. “Excuse me, did you say something?”Daisy advanced at her. “Daisy!” Amanda cut off her tirade, “behave yourself! We have a child in our midst.” “Is everything alright, mom?” Daniel stood from scratching Ella’s ears to ask. Daisy clicked her tongue and crushed her hand through her thick mane. “Of course, baby. Let’s go inside before I…” “Let’s go inside everyone,” Amanda interrupted her from saying the foul shit. She eyes Daisy in a warning and the latter hissed and showed took her two hands as though in reassurance. When they were together in her room upstairs later, Amanda confronted her. “Look, you will not make her uncomfortable, okay? It wasn’t her fault. Yeah, he told her he was once married, but how was she supposed to know that they will meet her ex’s wife in their new state?!” “I don’t care right now, Amanda,” Daisy cheered into the apple in her hand. “The only thing I know now is that I’m leaving this shitty place with my son. I can’t let that asshole lay his filthy eyes on him.” Amanda snickered derisively. “Till when are you going to continue running?” “Until I’m sure my son is safe.” “You said that before we came here. Hasn’t this taught you that no matter how you try nature would always prevail? You left Seattle because you said it was too close to NY, and then now that we are here, according to her, he also left New York because he felt it was too close to Seattle. You two are running around in circles.” Daisy’s heart boiled. “That idiot ran because of me?” “You also ran because of him, so don’t take it personally.” “He hurt me!” “I know,” Amanda paced to the window and faced her, “where were you last night?” Daisy exhaled, recalling she hadn’t told her. “I met him last night .” “What! How?” She went on to tell her. “Ohmygod. I should have known! Why didn’t you tell me?” Amanda came to the bed to sit beside her. “I was on my way to the fucken restroom to relieve myself and then call you to come help me. But he beat me to it.” Daisy gestured with her hands, the memory burning her tongue. He was so different now. Even more handsome. More of everything. Even more stupid. “D-Did he do anything nasty?” Amanda stuttered. Daisy nearly puked. “NO!” She eyed Amanda wryly. “I would have truly castrated him for real if that he did!” Even as she did, she doubted she would. They say everyone had a weakness on earth, Daisy has accepted it a long time ago that Ethan was hers. This is the main reason why leaving New Orleans would be the best idea. …
Even as she thought about it, other things besieged her mind. Where would she start? Her business is here. Her house, everything. Since five years ago, she has built her life here. Everything she knows and people she has built her life around, are all here. If she leaves here, it’s going to raise questions and is going to affect her greatly. She might not be the flamboyant celebrity she was five years ago, still, that doesn’t mean the spotlight has left her. They watched her movement and soon they would know her ex-husband was here and any move from her they would think she was running away. Five years ago after the awful incident, it shaked her career. It was part of the reason she had to stop the runway. They all looked at her as a wretch. The one who got pregnant from another man in her husband’s house after six months of marriage and then tried to pin it on him. Of course, the clod told them in an interview. Ethan, did her a number. A number that she was willing to do back at him if only she had the courage. She wants to see him cry, and beg for her mercy while she makes him pay for all the suffering she inflicted on her rather than run. “I think you should slow down…” Amanda’s hand took hers and squeezed softly, “he is an asshole, I get it, still, why don’t we calm down and address this issue.” “Then send her away! The more I see that woman the angrier I get!” Daisy snatched her hand away and clenched her jaw. “She has nothing to do with this, she left him, is that not enough?” Daisy’s heart rejoiced for a notch but that isn’t enough. From what she saw back at the fools’ house, he doesn’t seem to be hurt enough. “He is still having fun, going to clubs to have a good time, does that look like he is hurting?” Tears stung her eyes. Amanda exhaled. “What do you want us to do, Daisy? If that oafhead wasn’t hurt from her rejection, then it’s not her fault.” “I don’t know, Mandy, I just want him to suffer so much like I do,” She finally broke down and snuggled unto the arms of Amanda who held her and soothed her gently. “It’s going to be alright. Maybe all you need is to forgive and forget him.” Daisy jerked away, abruptly wiping her death face. “Never! Until he begs for my forgiveness, I will never forgive him. Over my dead body!” “Then let’s make him pay, but how?” Amanda tried to patronize her, knowing that’s the only thing to appease her friend. Daisy was thinking about what they could do, when the door to the bedroom swung open and a woof! followed and then bumpy curls and loud shriek from her son. “Daniel, you have to be careful so you don’t fall, okay?” She implied to him and he nodded, jumped on the bed and allowed the dog to tickle him with her muzzle. A few seconds later, the petite brunette lady flew in, her heart in her hand. “I’m so sorry, I tried to hold him, but he dashed off with the critter,” Becky said while panting. “Do not touch my son!” Daisy was at her face at once. Amanda came to push her gently away from her lover. “Why don’t you wait for me in the room, sweetheart? I will join you soon, I promise,” She clamped her hands around her lover’s waist and turned her out of the room. “Mom, why are you screaming at her? She is so cool,” Her son was beside her. Daisy held her tongue from making him eat his words. “Are you not tired from playing, baby?” She touched his plump cheek. He giggled and shook his head, offsetting his curls. His first teeth were already missing which made his laughter somewhat amusing to his mother. “Okay, guys, everyone has to chill out and you, soldier, out of here with that monster!” Amanda commanded and he frowned, took his padding friend and they left the room. “I left my purse there, now I’m scared to go back there,” Daisy whined, hurrying into the covers and pushing it up to her chin. “Never in my life did I think anything would scare you–” Amanda was interrupted when someone knocked on the closed door. “Oh, not that your_” “Daisy!” Amanda warned before she would finish. “Just make her go away,” Daisy hissed and flipped to the other side. When Amanda opened the door, it wasn’t her lover there but her housekeeper. “What is it?” she asked snidely. “It’s a man at the door who said he is here to see Ms. Richards,” At hearing her name, Daisy shut off the bed and was beside Amanda at once. “What did you say?” She queried the old lady. “The man–” Daisy was already out of the door, dashing down the stairs before she heard the brawl. “How dare you show your face here, ain’t you ashamed of yourself? I’m never marrying you again!” It was the brunette lady’s voice, further confirming Daisy’s suspicion. God damn it! She should have known the lout would use her card to locate her. But how did he find her here instead of her home? She was even more frantic, hoping her son wasn’t done there. But once on the last step, her heart dropped to the ground. Standing there with the dog sitting at his feet, was her son, very much cautiously staring at the man who when his eyes rose and fell on her, was filled with so much guilt. She shook off the apprehension on her face and vaulted forth like a protective mother hen. “Daniel, upstairs now?!” “But, mom…” “Don’t question me, boy, do as I say!” The little boy’s face fell as he twisted and started making his way out of the room, the dog trodding after him. “Daisy_” “What the fuck are you doing here?” She found her voice to ask, avoiding the eyes of Amanda’s lover who at this point must have realized he wasn’t here for her and had shut up. Feet padded down the stairs before Mandy materialized. “Oh, man…” She dragged. “Ethan you should at least not have come here.” “I came here for my wife!” “Well, I said I’m not mar__” “I’m not talking to you, Becky!” He shut off the lover of Amanda and faced Daisy whose face turned red with rage. “I’m talking about her, Daisy.” For the second time that day, her hand lost its direction and located his face. He stumbled back from the force of the slap and once more she was about to dive him when her friend grabbed her waist and held her still but not her voice. “I swear I will kill you if you come near me ever again, Ethan. Your wife? I’m suddenly your wife now?” She screamed. “I’m sorry,” His face looked so downtrodden. “I will never forgive you for what you did to me, Ethan. It will be over my dead body!” “But my son_” “He is not your fuxken son! I cheated, remember?” She cried, tears cascading down her eyes. “You accused me and threw me out of your house after everything I sacrificed for you. You made my parents disown me and ruined my career because of your unnecessary insecurity and you stand there and call him your son?” “I swear if I could take back my words, I would, Daisy. I was stupid, I was_” “And this morning?” She asked him, gaining back a little momentum. “What about this morning when you still accused me once more?” “I didn’t know…” “Exactly! And you will never know!” She spat at him. “You lost us, and come what may, you will never have a taste of what it would have felt like having us in your life! Done with it. We are happy without you and I swear Ethan, if you cross me, I will fulfill my words of castrating you!” “Just go, Ethan,” Amanda urged him. “She is not in the right state of mind now.” Daisy cried, still held by Amanda who knew she can fulfill her words on the castration if she doesn’t hold her back. “I swear I will live my life making it up to you, Daisy. I’m sorry,” Ethan said, his eyes brimming with tears. When he saw the boy that afternoon, for a second it was like he was dreaming. The boy looked so much like him. He can’t believe he let something that beautiful slip away from him. “Just get out!” Daisy clawed. “I will go now, Daisy. But I shall be back. I will never let you go again, I swear.” “Then you will die! I must kill you!” He nodded as the first tears fell from his eyes, and made his way to his car. Fuck! He cursed himself. He fucked up so badly and now he would have to pay the price. If there was something he knew about Daisy, it was how unforgiving she can be. And this time, he deserves it.
“Don’t you think you were so hard on him?” Amanda asked Daisy after Ethan left the house. “What!” Daisy rounded on her with a murderous glare. “Hard on him? That bastard made me suffer and you say im–” She paused when she noticed how Amanda’s lover was gawking at her from Amanda’s arm. “What is she still doing here? Shouldn’t she be with him or what?” Having had enough of her bitter outburst towards her, Becky came to Daisy’s face to end their beef once and for all. ” I don’t care if you hate me or not, okay? But stop being a bitch! I was also hurt. Do you know that? It wasn’t my fault that he did what he did to you. He lied to me, are you satisfied? He lied that you cheated on him with another man in your matrimonial bed just to secure you modeling contract which was why he divorced you! So fucken give me a breathing space, I’m also hurting!” Daisy’s mouth fell open at her statement, shocked that Ethan would say such a thing. How could he accuse her of sleeping for a contract? Even while they dated, never would she have contemplated doing that. “I’m sorry for saying that, maybe I shouldn’t have,” Becky corrected, feeling bad that she was adding salt to injury in the former lover’s situation. “No, it’s good you said it. Now I know what that idiot said behind my back!” Daisy said and stumbled backward. “Can you imagine that, Amanda? After everything I did for him! Men!” “I would have you know all men are not like that,” Amanda quickly corrected. “You know what?” Daisy was losing her mind. “I think I will need a rest. Please help me keep an eye on Daniel, please…” She implored her friend who nodded. “Please take your time, okay?” Amanda patted her shoulders and she nodded and left them there. When she was out of their sight, she let the tears she was holding back to cascade down her face in tides. All these years she had fought to forget Ethan, even went as far as sending her son to study abroad and now out of the blues he has resurfaced in her life without any notice. Amanda was right, she can’t keep running like this. She would have to face him and fight. He denied their son and pushed her away and went on to lie to people about her! she will never allow him to take her son from her. Never! She slid down the door of her room and cried her eyes out. She placed her napkin in her mouth to muffle the sound and even when her son came pounding on her door later, she refused to open it for him. She couldn’t allow her son to see her crying. She has never allowed that. She was bringing him to be a strong lad, and to her, that means not letting him see her at her weakest point. The day she left her husband’s house and went to her parents with her belongings and told them what happened with the hope that they would speak to him, unknown to her, he had already called them and told them another version of the story. They didn’t care to find out from her what truly happened and kicked her out, calling her a whore. That day she sat under the rain, her car the only possession of significance she had, and cried so hard. She thought her life would come to an end and she might lose her baby because she had nothing or anywhere to go. Because of Ethan’s insecurity she stopped her modeling job, just to make him happy, and even though her manager kept pestering her, she became enemies with him for the sake of saving her marriage. A marriage the useless lout didn’t waste time throwing in the trash. it all occurred at once. One minute, she was thrown out by her husband, then her parents, and then she charged her phone and called Mandy who was abroad in a fashion, for help. She woke up one day to the blasting from the press calling her a whore. Even if she had any chance after the marriage, there was her pregnancy and then her ruined image. She had a snowball chance in hell to revamp such a ruined image when it comes to the high demand for chaste imagery on the runway. And that was confirmed when she called her manager to beg for his audience. He told her he had nothing against her but he couldn’t help her because the news her ex-husband confirmed was flying faster than the hurricane breeze and no company of sane repute would want to do anything with her again. That day was the second worst day of her life and a day she knew her child was a miracle child. She fell from the top of the stairs of Amanda’s house to the floor, just to die at once. But, Amanda saved her, and her baby. Amanda has been there all along and Daisy didn’t know what she would have done without her. She might not tell her all the time, but she was her saving grace. This is why even though she hated that creature downstairs for reasons she can’t tell, as far as Amanda liked her, she can endure her presence. Her fall from the stairs, brought with it good news though, as an insane modeling company that hyped on people’s disdain for progress decided to give Daisy a chance( based on her past reputation) and it paid off. She appeared on the Vogue list that year, and got enough money that bought her her present freedom and launched her back, if not fully, then to a large extent into her old reputation. Today, she had one of the highest sorted-after designs in the world and her son is doing well, and many years from now, she had agreed maybe it was a natural blessing for her ex to deal with her so she can be saved from his myopic bondage of their marriage. Now, he is back! “Daisy?” Amanda’s knock sounded on the door breaking through Daisy’s train of thought. She sniffed and stood from the door and walked towards the bed, ignoring her bestie. “Daisy I know you can hear me, please open the door. We have to talk about this.” “I am not talking about it, just go away.” “Daniel is asking me if the man that came is his father,” Daisy’s heart skipped. “I don’t know what to tell him. I swear I’m as lost as you in this so we have to talk. You know he is my son as much as he is to you, so if he doesn’t get the answers he seeks from you, his next place of investigation would be from me.” “I know,” Daisy mewled. “I just don’t want to talk about Ethan because… Because as much as I tell myself I hate him… Today when I saw him, Mandy, when I saw that bastard, my heart skipped again. I was broken when I saw the tears in his eyes and I hate myself so much for caring!” “I know, I understand… He is the father of your son, so I can comprehend the level of the bond. Just open up, okay?” “I don’t want you to tell me it’s okay, Mandy. I don’t want you sweet talking me into forgiving him because I will never do that.” “I’m not going to tell you to, I promise.” Daisy thought about it, then made up her mind to open up. When the door swung open quietly, Amanda stood from the ground she had reclined and took her best friend into her arms. “I hate him so much!” Daisy cried. “He ruined my life and he is here to do it again!” “We are never going to let him!” Amanda strokes her back gently. “I won’t let him, I swear.” “What if I let him?” Daisy croaked. “Then I will have to make you not to, even though I have to tie you down.” Daisy nodded on her shoulders and sniffed her tears away. “I fear… I fear that I might kill him if I see him again,” She peeled away and started trodding back into the room, and Amanda strode after her. “Then, for now let’s calm down and decide what to do? Daniel is asking questions.” “I will send him back to the states!” “No, you can’t do that!” Amanda refused, “You can’t push him away. Sooner or later he would find out and he might hate you for it.” “I can’t let that devil take him away from me. Did you see how he looked at him today?” “He would never take him, Daisy. He denied the kid before he was even born. He is remorseful. The best retribution would be to let him look at the boy he so freely pushed away without being able to own him.” Daisy was bobbing her head, her mind telling her this plan might backfire. …
“So you are suggesting I tell him the truth about his father?” “No, not the entire truth, but enough for him not to remain curious. It won’t harm him to know the dude is his father…” Amanda looked into her friend’s watery eyes, her heart aching from seeing her in so much pain. “I can’t lie to him. I swear if I open my mouth to tell him about that wretch, I will spew everything… Maybe you should tell him yourself,” She sat up with her hand to her head and walked to the window. Amanda bit into her lower lip, knowing nothing she said would sink into her friend’s head. Perhaps it would be good she told the boy about his father because she wouldn’t want Daniel having the wrong idea about any of his parents due to their bad decisions. With that decision, she exhaled and went to stand beside Daisy and agreed. “I will tell him if he asks again.” “You will?” Hope bobbed in Daisy’s eyes. “Of course. He is my son too!” They hugged so tightly, Daisy almost melted into the arms of Amanda. That evening at dinner, there was an unhealthy silence on the table. From time to time, Amanda’s lover would peek over her long lashes at Daisy who was having a hard time eating her porridge. “Mom, I think Ella needs to go to the hospital,” Daniel finally broke the eerie silence. Daisy perked up and forced a smile on her face as her eyes flew to the chubby dog laying beside her son’s legs as she inquired, “what is wrong with her, baby?” “She has been drooling, and wouldn’t eat anything.” He complained sulkily. “Oh,” Daisy mumbled and took a closer look. She has been so carried away lately that we haven’t even taken Ella for her weekly veterinary check. “I will take her to the veterinary tomorrow,baby.” “Okay…” he scooped food into his mouth, his eyes pinned on his friend. “Can I come, please?” Daisy shook her head. “No, baby. You can….” “Of course you can go with your mom, buddy!” Amanda chipped in, firing Daisy a stern glare. “Mom always wanted to take you with her around so you can catch the fresh air, isn’t it, Dee?” She queried with a hint of ’don’t you dare refuse’ in her eyes. Daisy, seeing Amanda would chew her alive if she turns the boy into a victim of her own fears, quickly bobbed her head with a fake smile. “Of course!” “You see? settled!” Amanda clapped her hands and the boy giggled in juvenile vitality. “So tomorrow, I will be going to the company to make sure that the dresses for the upcoming show are getting ready as planned, would you like to come?” Amanda chirped, asking her lover. “Wow! You would want me?” The brunette’s eyes skidded from Daisy to Amanda as though frightened Daisy would snap at her. “I couldn’t leave you alone here, can I?!” “Doesn’t she have a house or something?” Daisy interrupted their love eye combat. The girl regained her composure and her eyes fell to the food in front of her in despair. “She is from Argentina and was living with Ethan before, you know…” Amanda trailed off, fearing to say the avoidable. “So for now, she stays here.” Her eyes met Daisy as though in a challenge. Daisy knows she could never tell her friend who to entertain in her house or not but she couldn’t help but feel jealous. For a long time, no one has claimed the space of Amanda’s heart but her. Yes, Amanda had her tryst with different girls when she wanted but none moved in. It was just one-night stands or club quick bangs. And now, not only did this girl claim the heart of her ex husband, she also wants to claim her bestie’s heart? “I-I will go if I will cause any trouble!” The brunette sensing stiffness quickly offered. “No!” Amanda hurried out and took her hand. “Are you two like a thing?” Daniel asked with a red cheek. “Daniel!” Daisy blurted with a disappointing glance at him. “Concentrate on your food, and don’t get involved in adult conversation.” “But aunty Amanda told me it’s not wrong to learn certain things at a certain age, isn’t it, aunty?” The kid looked at Amanda who prayed for the ground to open and close on her that minute. “Yes, darling, but can we skip the lesson over this one, okay?” she pleaded with him with her eyes. “Okay…” They were in silence afterward and the sooner they finished, Daisy dashed to the kitchen and kicked the maid out, believing the eye she spared Amanda before leaving the dining room should tell her she needed to speak to her immediately. And the latter got the message as she appeared immediately. “What was that about? You are now bringing her in to live with you? I thought it was just for fun?” Daisy attacked her. “I like her,” Amanda defended, “plus she has nowhere else to go. Won’t you think me wicked to just let her go like that?” “And you didn’t bother to tell me? I am your best friend for crying out loud and right now I need you more than ever!” “I know,” Amanda took her trembling hands. “I will always be here for you, Daisy, I have always been haven’t I? But, I need to also settle.” “Settle? You have two kids, isn’t that enough?” “I mean to find love… Till when am I going to continue jumping clubs and doing nightie?” “I do…” “Well, I think we will have to change that,” Amanda wiggled her brow and Daisy pouted. “I feel soon you will discard me and she will occupy every corner of your heart.” She spilled her mind and Amanda broke down into a loud mirth. “You are jealous! Oh my, I need a camera to keep this for posterity!” She brought out her phone and Daisy grinned, swatting her shoulder. “Seriously, dude, there is no need for that. You got married to Ethan, I never complained and it didn’t affect our relationship, did it? Be happy for me and give her some chills so she won’t feel uncomfortable. I really like her and I love you.” She winked at Daisy. “Well, soon the like might turn to love…” “And yours would always be greater, don’t be silly. Now you are acting like Daniel when you stop him from taking a cookie at Walmart!” Amanda quipped in mirth. “Never!” Daisy joined in laughing. “Aww, you look so sweet in love…” She grabbed Amanda’s shoulder and pulled her in for a hug. “Maybe I will try to like her a little bit.” “Just a little,” Amanda implored. “Mom, are you kind of a thing with aunty Mandy, too?!” Daniel appeared from nowhere. “Son!” They both chorused, awestruck! …
The night air was cool as Nolan’s car glided into the large garage, built within his grandfather’s palatial newyork estate. As he parked the car, he could see his grandfather’s butler, Gareth, standing by the large doors, waiting for him, he briskly walked towards the vehicle, his eyes shining with a warm welcome. “Master Nolan, it’s been so long.” Gareth greeted, smiling from ear to ear. “Gareth, how have you been?” Nolan asked as he stepped out of the car. “I’ve been well sir,your grandfather awaits you on the Tennis course.” Gareth said, walking towards the mansion. “So he still hasn’t gotten over his Tennising habit.” Nolan said, staring at his wristwatch, it was almost eleven midnight. Gareth smiled. “I can’t question the master’s hobbies can I?” he replied. “Allow me escort you to the course.” He added walking forward. With a nod, Nolan followed Gareth through the palatial mansion. The mansion had just undergone a recent renovation, as Nolan stepped into the mansion his gaze fell on the huge crystal chandeliers, its beautiful diamonds shinning across the polished marble floors, a few famous artworks hung on the walls, Nolan recognized a few of the artworks, he could remember his grandfather purchasing them from an auction a few years ago, the cheapest one had cost fifteen million dollars. His mother had called him that she was in New York and she wanted them to have dinner together with his grandfather. He had come because he was a little worried about his mom, she never travelled without telling him, so he knew their must have been something she wanted to discuss. Gareth led him through a large wooden French made door, stopping at the door. “Master Nolan, my escort ends here, I will call the next butler to escort you to the main Tennis course.” gareth said, his voice polite. Nolan shook his head. “Don’t worry, I’m fine.” He said, walking away, he could already see the Tennis course, it was his grandfather’s personal owned course, and it held a lot of memories to him. Nolan’s footsteps echoed through the mansion as he approached the Tennis course. As he stepped into the course, he could hear a few familiar voices, he recognized his mother’s voice and his grandfather, it seemed like they were having an argument. He could see his mother, Lucy standing beside the Tennis cart, her face red with anger, while his grandfather, lucian Van-Louvre, stood calmly, his eyes fixed on her, a sly smile on his aged face. “Father… you are already old, and I’m also old why do you want to be so hard on him.” His mother hissed, her voice shaking with anger. “I’ve dedicated my life to the company and everything you wanted me to, so please let me raise my son as I please and not as you please, he’s my son! Mine! I carried him for nine months…. And he will get married to whoever he wants to.” lucian Van-Louvre’s expression remained uninterested. “Lucy, my dear, this is men matters, and Nolan may not act like it, but he’s already a man, and the shareholders at the company are not delighted about me stepping down for my grandson who is still a bachelor with no experience in the industry.” He said, his voice calm. “I make decisions based on what’s best for the company, not personal relationships.” He added, focusing his attention on cleaning his Tennis balls. Lucy’s eyes flashed with anger. “Personal relationships? You’re talking about family, Father! I’m your daughter, and I’ve been by your side since I was a child. I’ve earned the right to treat my son as I please.” She snapped. As Nolan approached them, Lucy’s gaze shifted to him, she immediately shot an accusing finger towards him. “And are you even thinking about Nolan? He’s your grandson, and he’s been working tirelessly for the company.” “You should give him a chance to choose what he wants for once in his life and not force him to do as you please.” “He’s not some toy or some game, he’s my son with his own life, his own mind, his own type… why should he still give up everything for those old goons at the company!” “Those old goons own fifty percent of the company’s shares!” Lucian shouted a little. Nolan stopped abruptly, he felt a tiny surge of discomfort at being drawn into the argument. He didn’t like being in the middle of family drama, especially one that involved his grandfather. He forced a smile, trying to appear neutral, but inside, he boiled with anger. He couldn’t believe his grandfather wanted to perform an arranged marriage for him just to please the other share holders of the company, he watched his parents loveless wedding after his grandfather had given his daughter in marriage to the son of a big finance firm so he could secure almost ten billion dollars in investments, the marriage didn’t even last for six years before they divorced, his grandfather was old school and he had been so angry at the thought of his daughter divorcing that he didn’t speak to her for almost two years. Nolan knew that if he refused, his grandfather would either not speak to him till he died or he may even disown him, but he didn’t care, he didn’t want to marry just anyone. He wanted to marry someone he loved, someone that would love him as much in return. “Mother, can we not discuss this now,” Nolan said, attempting to distract her, while avoiding eye contact with his grandfather. Lucy’s turned towards Nolan. “I know you don’t want to get married to just anybody dear, I’m sure you must have a special someone in your mind.” She said, her voice was a mix of frustration and disappointment. She knew her son had ended numerous relationships due to his grandfather not wanting him to associate with just anybody. lucian Van-Louvre gently placed the Tennis ball on the table, his eyes narrowed slightly as his gaze turned towards Nolan, studying him silently for a minute, he slowly turned towards Lucy. “Enough, Lucy,” lucian Van-Louvre said finally, his voice firm and cold. “I’ve made my decision, and it’s final. Nolan will get married to Juliano Moncler’s daughter.” “Moncler’s shares are skyrocketing, and if Nolan can get married, it would create a good deal for us.” Lucian added. Everyone was quiet as the air was filled with tension as Lucy’s face sank, her anger and disappointment were very obvious. Nolan looked away, tightening his fist in anger, he felt sympathy for his mother, but he dared not show it. Instead, he maintained his neutral face, he was aware of his grandfather’s watchful eye on him. Nolan slowly backed away from his grandfather and mother, plopping down on the soft leather chair, he stared at his wristwatch, time was already twelve midnight. “Young master, don’t think too much of it.” He heard Lance say, as he walked up to him, sitting down beside him, he placed his hands across his shoulders pulling him closer. “The chairman has good taste in women, I’m sure he’ll make the best choices for you.” Lance said, chuckling, his breath smelling of alcohol. “I know you may feel angry, but the chairman knows what’s best for you, after all you’re his grandson.” Nolan rolled his eyes, as he pushed off Lance’s hand from his shoulder. “Shut up, Lance.” He snapped. “You don’t have to always kiss that old geezers ass.” He muttered underneath his breath, low enough for only lance to hear. Lance laughed, patting Nolan on the back. “I’m sorry. Whatever you say, young master.” Nolan shook his head, his gaze falling back on his grandfather’s small frame, he was still busy cleaning his Tennis balls. His mother’s word still in his head. He deserved to love someone for once in his life. He deserved his own happiness. He wasn’t some toy to be used whenever his grandfather wanted. He had his own life to live, and he wanted to live it on his own terms. He immediately stood up, briskly walking towards his grandfather, who was still focused on cleaning one of his Tennis balls with a soft white towel. “Grandfather, can I talk to you for a minute?” Nolan asked, trying to sound casual. lucian Van-Louvre looked up, his eyes piercing as he examined Nolan’s face. “Of course, Nolly, What’s on your mind?” He asked. Nolan took a deep breath, hesitating, unsure on how to start the conversation. He glanced at Lance, who was sitting at the edge of the leather chair, trying to listen in on their conversation. “It’s just that…I was wondering about your decision to choose my marriage and everything,” Nolan said finally, trying to sound nonchalant. lucian Van-Louvre’s expression turned surprised, his eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. “Ah, yes. Juliano Moncler’s daughter, Avana, she’s going to be a perfect wife. She’s such a talented young woman, don’t you think so, Nolan?” He asked. Nolan nodded. “Yes I do grandfather, it’s just that.” Nolan trailed off as he rested on the table lucian was arranging his Tennisballs, the table swerved forward, sending his grandfather’s meticulously cleaned and arranged Tennis balls rolling to the ground. The sound of the balls bouncing and scattering across the floor was followed by an uncomfortable tense silence, everyone around silently staring at him. lucian Van-Louvre’s face turned blood red with rage as he stared at Nolan, his eyes filled with anger. “You clumsy disappointment!” he thundered, his voice echoing across the Tennis course. Before Nolan could react, lucian Van-Louvre’s hand shot out, striking him across the face with a resounding slap. “You failure!” lucian Van-Louvre spat, his voice filled with anger. “You have nothing to offer, Nolan. Nothing!” Lucy’s eyes flashed with anger as she rushed to her Nolan’s side, her face pale with shock. “That’s enough, Father!” she exclaimed, her voice firm. “You have no right to my son like that! You have no right speak to Nolan like that!” She hissed. She immediately grabbed Nolan’s arm dragging him away from lucian. “Come, Nolan. Let’s get out of here. We don’t need any of this in our life.” She snapped, walking away. lucian Van-Louvre let out a chuckle, as he watched them leave. “I want to hear your report as you resume work at the company! You must create a new brand, one that hits number one on the sales chart before I see you as my grandson!” Lucian yelled as they walked away. Nolan closed his eyes in anger, he could still feel lucian Van-Louvre’s eyes burning with contempt, the pain of the slap still fresh on his cheek. He knew he had to get out of there before things escalated further. One of the standby butlers immediately rushed forward to pick up the scattered Tennis balls, but in his rush, he accidentally stepped on one, causing it to roll further into the mud. lucian Van-Louvre’s face turned blood like red with rage in a swift motion he snatched his Tennis club, swinging it down hard at the butter. The sound of the Tennis club striking the butler’s back and shoulders repeatedly, accompanied by the man’s cried filled the air, making Nolan’s stomach turn. He could feel Lucy’s grip on his arm tighten, her eyes fixed on the scene in horror. “Look away, Nolan,” she whispered, her voice shaking. Nolan immediately looked away, his heart racing with discomfort. The other staffs were all going about their duties, each of them pretending to not notice anything. Nolan stole a peek in the direction of his grandfather, he was still beating the butler. Sometimes, he just couldn’t believe his grandfather’s cruelty, sometimes the man was a nice and jolly as Santa Claus and other times he was this menacing demon.
Amanda walked out of Daisy’s room, her eyes moved to the clock on the wall, it was almost ten p.m She had left Daisy’s room just a few minutes ago, where Daisy was reading a bedtime story to Daniel. The corridor was silent, except for daisy’s soft voice as she read Daniel his normal bedtime story. They usually did it turn by turn, today Daisy would read to Daniel, tomorrow she would read to Daniel. When Daniel was younger, she always acted like his father while Daisy acted like his mother and the boy seemed to like it, but now that he was a little more mature, they didn’t want him to start asking weird questions. Amanda looked around as she walked down the staircase, she wondered where Becky might be. She had thought she would wait for her in her room but she wasn’t there when she checked. Amanda looked around the empty hallway, feeling a concerned. She knew that Becky would be feeling uncomfortable with the way Daisy had treated her, she just hoped she hadn’t left the house already. As she got to then bottom of the stairs, she saw Kathy, the maid, she was dusting the living room furniture. Amanda slowly approached her. “Excuse me, Kathy, have you seen Becky?” She asked as she looked around. “I thought she was in her room, but I didn’t see her there.” Kathy looked up from her work, smiling sheepishly, “Actually, Miss Amanda, I saw Miss Becky walking towards the garden a little while ago. She seemed tired and angry, so I didn’t disturb her.” Amanda’s eyes widened slightly. She wondered what could be on Becky’s mind. She hoped Becky wasn’t taking Daisy’s words seriously. She wasn’t ready for the two most important people in her life to have issues and ask her to pick a side. “Thank you, Kathy. I’ll go check on her.” Amanda said, smiling at the maid, as she made her way to the garden, the sound of gravel crunching beneath her feet. She walked down to the last row of plants, her eyes shining as she finally saw Becky sitting on a bench, looking up at the night sky. The moon was full moon, casting a silver glow over the garden. Becky’s eyes seemed lost in the stars, her facial expression was a mixture of sadness and anger. Amanda looked towards the bench beside her, a bottle of whiskey sat open, next to a half-filled glass of whiskey. Amanda frowned slightly, wondering if Becky was okay. She hadn’t seen Becky drink like this before, and it worried her. “Hey,” Amanda said softly, as she approached the bench. “What are you doing out here all alone?” She asked gently. Becky slowly turned her head, her eyes focusing on Amanda. For a moment, they just looked at each other, the only sound was the distant chirping of crickets and the frogs croaking in the garden. “I was… I was Just enjoying the night,” Becky said finally, her voice a little husky and deep from the alcohol. “Just trying to clear my head and get my mind straightened.” Amanda sat down beside her, putting a gentle hand on Becky’s knee. “Do you want to talk about it?” she asked, her voice soft and warm. Becky looked over at her, before turning back to her glass of whiskey, downing the contents. Amanda’s eyes filled with concern as she watched Becky empty the glass. “What’s going on, Becky? You seem really upset.” She whispered. Becky sighed, refilling her glass and downing the contents again. “I don’t know, Amanda. I’m just thinking about life, marriage, everything and I feel like I’m stuck.” Amanda’s hand on Becky’s knee tightened a little. “What do you mean by stuck?” She asked. Becky’s eyes moved away, as she stared blankly at the sky. “After the wedding was ruined, my parents didn’t even check on me before they left, till now they haven’t even spoken to me.” She whispered, her voice shaking. “I’m not sure my parents would accept me for who I am. I mean, they’re always talking about me getting married to some guy, having kids… but what if I don’t want that?” She said, her voice barely above a whisper. Amanda’s eyes softened, as she looked towards Becky, the girl had tears in her eyes as she slowly sipped the whiskey. Becky turned to her, her eyes searching for answers. “Did your parents accept you, Amanda? When you told them you were a lesbian? Did they accept you for who you were?” Amanda looked away, she slowly reached for the whiskey bottle, pouring herself a glass. She took a sip, as she purposely avoided Becky’s eyes. The silence between them grew thicker. Both of them silently sipping the alcohol. Becky’s voice cracked as she spoke again, “I feel so alone, Amanda. Like I don’t have anyone. After the wedding was canceled and my parents left, I felt abandoned. And even you… you’re always with Daisy now. I feel like I’ve lost my best friend too.” She said, her words spilling out in a rush. Amanda finally looked Becky in the eye, her eyes filled with a mixture of guilt and shame. She set her glass down, turning to face Becky fully. “Becky, you know that’s not true,” Amanda said softly. “I’m here for you, always. I know I’ve been spending a lot of time with Daisy, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care about you, I care about you a lot.” Becky laughted bitterly, as she took another sip. “You have no idea how it feels, Amanda. To be constantly reminded that I’m not good enough, that I’m not the right person for you. My parents, the wedding, everything… it’s all just a reminder that I’m alone in all this.” Amanda’s face fell, as she listened to Becky speak, not wanting to interrupt her. She knew that she hadn’t been a perfect friend to Becky, she had just been using Daisy as an excuse. Becky shook her head, smiling sadly. “I feel like I’m just a burden to everyone,” She said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Like I’m just taking up space. And I don’t know how much more of this I can take.” Amanda looked pained as she reached out to Becky, holding her hands. “No, Becky, that’s not true. I’m sorry if it feels that way, but I’m just trying to be there for Daisy right now. She’s going through a really tough time with Ethan coming back into the picture.” Becky stared at her, her eyes filled with hurt. “I know it seems like I’m always with Daisy, but she really needs me right now. Ethan’s return has brought up a lot of old wounds, and I’m just trying to support her through it.” Amanda continued, her voice gentle. Amanda’s hand on Becky’s arm tightened. “You’re more than a friend to me, Becky, and I care about you deeply. I’m not abandoning you, I promise. I’m just trying to be there for Daisy in her time of need.” She said. Becky looked towards Amanda, her eyes searching Amanda’s face, looking for reassurance. For a moment, they just looked at each other, silently. Finally, Becky slowly nodded. “I understand. I just feel so lost right now, Amanda.” She said, her voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes filled up with tears as she took another sip. “I understand daisy is your friend and you want to be there for her but what about me, Amanda? Who’s going to be there for me? I feel like I’m falling apart, and I don’t have anyone to turn to.” She asked, her voice cracking. Amanda eyes softened, she slowly pulled Becky into her arms. “I’m here for you, Becky. I know it feels like I’ve been distant, but that’s not true. You’re more than a friend to me, and I care about you deeply.” Becky slowly pulled back, her eyes searching Amanda’s face for reassurance. “Really? Because it feels like you’re always putting Daisy first.” Amanda smiled, taking a deep breath. “Becky, I promise you, I’m here for you. I’ll make time for you, I’ll listen to you, and I’ll support you. You’re not alone, okay?” She said, her voice gentle. Becky stared silently at Amanda for a while, before she finally nodded, a small smile on her lips. “Okay.” She whispered. The silence between them stretched as they both stared at the sky silently. The only sound the was the sound of the whiskey bottle clinking against the tip of their glasses as they poured more whiskey. Amanda slowly turned her head, her eyes looking down at Becky’s lush lips. Then back at Becky’s eyes, her breath hit against her face. Without a word, She leaned in, her lips brushing against Becky’s. The kiss was soft, gentle, but it sent shivers down their spines. Becky’s eyes gently closed as she felt Amanda’s lips soft against hers, her tongue in her mouth, searching for hers. Becky raised her hand to Amanda’s hair, her fingers tangling in Amanda’s hair as she kissed her deeply. “Miss Amanda?” A tiny voice from behind called, distracting them. Becky and Amanda quickly pulled apart. Both of them staring at Kathy with guilt in their eyes. “What do you want?” Amanda snapped. “Ma’am, I wanted to ask if I should close the garden door as it is quite late already.” Kathy said. Amanda rolled her eyes. “Leave it and go, we’ll close it when we come it.” She said, her patience running thin. “But madam it’s quite dangerous and… “Go!” Amanda shouted, interrupting the woman. Kathy quickly turned around, heading back the way she had come. Amanda smiled shyly as she turned around to face Becky, both women cuddling in each other arms, sipping the whiskey and staring into the night sky. Meanwhile… Nolan stepped out of the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist, his mind still reeling from the heated argument he had witnessed between his mother and grandfather. He couldn’t believe they were still pushing for an arranged marriage, trying to control his life like he was some kind of puppet. He walked into his bedroom, dropping the towel and slipping into a pair of comfortable pants and a white shirt. His eyes wandered to a photo on his bedroom table- a picture of his dad and mom, taken on their wedding day. They weren’t even smiling, they looked like they had been forced to be there. He couldn’t blame them at all, aftrerall he heard that they both each had lovers of their own when their parents forced them to get married. His mind was made up. He didn’t want an arranged marriage, no matter how much his family pushed for it. He wanted to fall in love on his own terms, at the right time, with the right person. He thought about his parents’ marriage, arranged by his grandfather, and how unhappy they seemed. He didn’t want that for himself. He wanted passion, excitement, and true love. Nolan walked over to the window, looking out at the night sky. If the cost of disobeying his grandfather meant a year or two of being disowned, then he was ready to do it. He would rather do that than get married to someone he didn’t want. He had always obeyed his grandfather but this time he just couldn’t. Nolan’s attention moved towards the door, a smile on his face as his cat, Luna, walked into the room. She jumped into his lap, purring contentedly as he picked her up and began to rub her head. As he stroked her soft fur, he paused, his eyes widened in shock, he noticed that she was shedding more than usual. He gently ran his fingers through her coat, noticing the loose hair. “Luna, you’re shedding a lot, aren’t you?” he whispered, his face filled with concern. “I’ve been so busy that I forgot to check up on you regularly.” “I promise, I’ll take you to the vet tomorrow, okay? We’ll get you all fixed up.” He said, as he rubbed her head. Luna purred and nuzzled her head against his chest, as if understanding his words. Nolan smiled, as he laid back on his bed. Even Luna had freedom to do whatever she wanted so why would he live by his grandfather’s rules. He would never do that. Never.
The next day in the morning, after breakfast, Amanda left for the company with her lover and Daisy had to go home to change as well as attend to her son and dog before taking her to the veterinary. On her way there, she decided to stop at the company and see what was going on because at the latest she has been away from the company due to certain things that came up. When Amanda saw them walking into the company, she was surprised and eyed Daisy quizzically but the latter smiled, ignoring her friends’ chiding glare to see the workers. She greeted everyone and enjoyed a moment touring the same grounds as though reassuring herself of all she has worked for over the years to secure. “What are you doing here?!” Amanda came behind her, almost startling Daisy who took in steady breath and faced her friend with a biting smile. “Can’t I stop by again to see how things are going here?” “No, not today. You are supposed to take Ella to the hospital with Daniel.” “Well, I brought him here maybe to convince you keep and_” “C’mon, Babes, don’t be like that,” Amanda reprimanded her, having caught up with her sly act. “You can’t keep him away from the outside forever. Just because his father is back doesn’t mean he should suffer for it. I know that’s why you are doing this.” “I’m not…” She lied through her teeth. “Then take him.” “You know how he gets outside. I don’t have the strength of barreling hard around the yard trying to control both of them, please.” She gave Amanda poppy eyes and the latter shook her head, placing her right hand on her forehead. “Just stop being dramatic, Daisy. You take Daniel and Ella almost everywhere, today won’t be any different,” She rolled her eyes. “It’s because of Ethan.” Knowing that there was no way she was going to win against her friend today, Daisy exhaled and sagged her head. “Fine, then I better get going. I just rh__” “Please, take Ella quickly, her muzzle has been drooling on the floor showing she might have caught something.” “Okay…” Daisy bounced out of the room towards her son who was squatting over a launching Ella, brushing her furs softly. He perked up when he saw his mother and ran to take her hand, “mom, can we go now? Ella is really sick!” “Yeah, here, Ella, don’t be sick…” She sang as she brushed through the beast’s furs as they walked out. Amanda’s lover waved at her and in return, Daisy gave her a slight smile so as not to appear rude. She might have promised to be cool with her, still, it was a slow process. “Is she going to be alright?” Daniel asked her. “Of course, Danny. Every living thing falls sick once in a while, that doesn’t mean it will die.”She dropped Ella at the back of the car and Daniel jumped in after her. When they got to the veterinary, she came around to bring her out and as she turned, an attendant came to take Ella from her and kissed his head, repeatedly purring to him. “I will take him inside,” She said to Daisy who nodded, and before she would choose the door and twist around, her son was sprinting across the yard after the nurse. She inhaled deeply and locked the car doors and ventured after them. She was equally worried about Ella. It’s all her fault that their dog is sick. If she hadn’t missed his veterinary check-up at the start of the week, they would have avoided this. She looked around, looking for Victoria the veterinary nurse she was familiar with, if Victoria was here she would make everything easier. “Ms Daisy..” She heard a familiar voice call, she looked up to see Victoria walking towards them, a warm smile on her face. Daniel’s eyes lit up, immediately he saw her, “Victoria!” He squealed happily as he dropped his toy and ran to her, throwing his arms around her legs in a tight hug. Victoria laughed as she handed him the juice bottle with her. “Hey there… little man!” She said as she bent low to look at him well. “I brought your favorite juice.” Daniel eagerly took the bottle his eyes shining with happiness as he began to drink. As Daniel hugged her, Victoria looked up, her eyes meeting Daisy, who smiled weakly at her. Victoria smiled in return as she gently pried Daniel loose from her leg, “Okay, buddy, let Mommy talk to me for a minute.” She said, smiling. Daniel nodded, still clutching his juice bottle, and Victoria turned to Daisy, smiling. “So, tell me, what’s been going on with Ella? What symptoms have you noticed?” she asked, her voice gentle and concerned. Daisy took a deep breath, as she looked towards the room they had taken Ella. “Ella’s been a little… swollen, and I’m worried. I don’t know what’s wrong with her.” She said, her voice shaking. Victoria’s smile faded, a sympathetic look on her face. “I see. When was Ella’s last treatment?” she asked, as her pen jotted down on her notepad. Daisy looked away. “I bring her to the vet every week for a check-up… but I forgot this week. I was so busy with work and taking care of Daniel…” She said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Don’t worry. We’ll get Ella checked out and figure out what’s going on. Can you tell me more about the swelling? Where is it, and when did you first notice it?” Victoria said as she nodded understandingly. Daisy took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. “It’s her paws… and belly. I noticed it yesterday evening. I thought maybe she just hurt herself, but… but it looks worse today.” She said. Victoria nodded, as she jotted down everything Daisy said. “Okay, let’s get Ella in for an examination. I’ll go ahead and prepare the exam room.” She said, her voice gentle. Just then a loud noise interrupted them, a loud voice rang out from a nearby vet office. It sounded like two people were arguing. Daisy could recognize one of the voices, it belonged to Dr, smith, the head veterinarian doctor. The other voice wasn’t familiar but she assumed it belonged to a pet owner. “It is nothing serious sir, it’s just a case of neglection if you actually cared about your cat so much then you would have known.” She heard Dr smith shout, his voice booming through the hallway. “Neglect?! I take care of my cat more than your mother ever took care of you! Maybe it’s your mother’s neglect that made you look like you do!” She heard the pet owner shout back. She slowly placed her hands around Daniel’s ears, the little boy looked up at her, his eyes wide with worry as he clung to her leg. Victoria quickly walked towards Daniel. “Do you want to watch as Ella gets examined?” She asked smiling. The boy nodded smiling toothlessly. Victoria gently grabbed his arm, ushering him into the exam room, trying to shield him from the argument. “Say bye to mummy..” She said. Daniel turned around, waving to her as Victoria slowly closed the door behind them. Daisy picked up a magazine by her side, trying to go through it as the argument seemed to escalate, the noise echoing through the hallway, making it hard for her to focus. A minute later, Nurse Victoria returned alone, smiling reassuringly at Daisy as she walked towards the office where the argument was coming from. “I’ll be right back. I just need to… um… help resolve a situation,” she said, as she hurried towards doctor smith’s office. As she hurried off, the shouting between Dr. Smith and the pet owner grew louder, their voices raised in anger. An orange cat ran out of the office, jumping into Daisy’s hands and nuzzled against her hand while whining softly. Daisy stroked the cat’s fur, trying to comfort her, she was a little surprised that the cat decided to jump into her lap out of every other person there: “Luna! Luna!” She heard the pet owner shout from the doctor’s office. She looked down at the cat, her name must be Luna. She looked like a gentle relaxed cat, a contrast to whoever her owner was. As Victoria neared the office door, the door suddenly opened and the pet owner, a tall, and lean man, burst out of the room, his face red with anger. He slammed the door behind him, making Daisy and Luna jump. The man’s eyes was with anger as he glared at Victoria. “You people are unbelievable!” he spat. “You call yourselves professionals but can’t even treat a poor cat!” Victoria stood her ground, squaring up to the man. “I understand you’re upset, sir. But please, let’s try to find a solution that works for you and your pet.” The man smirked. “Solution? You call ignoring my cat and telling me nothing is wrong with her a solution? She’s shedding her fur! How can you say nothing is wrong!” Dr. Smith’s voice came from inside the room, interrupting the man. “That’s enough, Mr. Nolan. We’ve done everything we can to help your cat.” Daisy’s eyes widened in shock as she stared at the tall man, his long blonde hair packed in a pony tail. She stared at him in disbelief. It was him – the same rude and disrespectful guy she had met at the bar, who had left a drunk woman in the bar all alone without even trying to call her family members. And to make matters worse, he was the same person who had hit her with his car the other day! What was he doing here? And did she keep running into him?
Earlier that morning, Nolan woke up in shock, his chest heaving as he gasped for air. He was panting and sweating, his sheets were soaking wet with sweat. He rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the remnants vivid dream that had left him feeling like this. It had felt so real. Nolan slowly sat up in bed, as his mind began to clear, and the memories of the dream came flooding back. He had been dreaming of being forced to enter an arranged marriage by his grandfather and as if that wasn’t enough his grandfather had moved in with them after the wedding, to watch after them and make sure his marriage didn’t end in a divorce like his mother. It was a nightmare. Nolan shuddered again at the thought of the dream. The thought alone made his skin crawl. Nolan threw off his bed covers and got out of bed, pacing back and forth in his room, his dreams usually came to pass. Was he going to have an arranged marriage truly? Never! He would never have one! He stopped pacing about and looked around his room, trying to find anything he could use to calm himself down. Just then his eyes landed on a photo of his grandfather, and his parents on their wedding day, his grandfather hovering over them like in his dream. Nolan almost screamed as he looked away, he could feel goosebumps on his arm. He took a deep breath, trying to focus on the present moment. He needed something strong to shake off the fear from his dream. He headed to the mini bar in the lounge to grab a cup of whiskey, hoping the alcohol would clear his head and calm his nerves. Nolan paused in anger as he got to the mini bar, the shelves were locked. He cursed underneath his breath. This must have been Lance’s doing. He always rambled on about how bad it was to take alcohol early in the morning. Nolan sighed as stumbled to the kitchen, his feet heavy dragging lazily against the marble floor. His grandfather’s words kept echoing in his mind – “You need to settle down, Nolan. And I would find you a good woman and start a family, what do you think of the Moncler family? Their stocks are rising currently blah blah blah.” Nolan sighed as he brewed coffee, he knew his grandfather was just informing him to fulfill all righteousness and not because he wanted an opinion or a response. He took a sip of his coffee, but it tasted bitter, he liked it like that. He sank down on the kitchen stool, silently drinking the coffee. It slowly calmed his nerves. Just as he was starting to calm down, his alarm rang loudly, Nolan sighed as he remembered that he had set an alarm to take Luna to the vet today. Thirty minutes later, Nolan hurried downstairs, Luna cradled in his arms, her soft purrs made him smile a little, Luna always enjoyed following him around and he was sure she was happy. As he crossed the large dinning room, Lance, looked up from his breakfast, his eyes filled with concern. “Young master, what’s wrong? You don’t have any meeting today till twelve… where are you going?” Lance asked, following Nolan to the door. Nolan didn’t respond, his eyes fixed on the floor. He just shook his head and kept walking. Lance followed him, his short stocky legs taking two extra steps for each step Nolan took to catch up with him. “Young master, is everything okay? Where are you going? Wait for me let me grab my coat.” Nolan remained silent, his grip on Luna tightening as he opened the car door and slid inside. He started the engine, and without looking back, drove off, leaving Lance standing in the doorway, surprised. Nolan parked his car at the parking lot and stormed into the clinic, still angry over his night. He marched straight to the vet’s office, Luna still clutched in his arms. The vet, was a middle-aged man with a fat sweet smile, he looked up from his notes. “Can I help you?” he asked, his voice a little too happy for Nolan’s mood. Nolan gently pushed Luna forward, her shedding fur revealing. “She has been shedding fur unusually, and I want to know what’s wrong with her.” He said. The vet glanced at Luna a smile on his face as he stared at Nolan. “There’s nothing wrong with her sir. It’s just a normal shedding process. Cats do it all the time.” Nolan stared at the doctor as the man kept on smiling at him sweetly, He could feel his anger rise, he felt like the man was mocking him. That his knowledge of cats was so low that he had driven here for nothing. He felt insulted. “Are you kidding me?” he exploded. “You’re just going to blow her off like that? You don’t even care to check her well!” The vet, taken aback by Nolan’s outburst. “Now, now, sir, let’s just calm down…”The doctor said as he stared in surprise. But Nolan was too angry, he had a lot of pent up anger, and pouring everything out on the poor man made him feel a little bit better. “You’re just like all those other quack doctors, aren’t you? You don’t care about helping people or animals. You just care about collecting your paycheck!” Nolan shouted and shouted till he felt a little bit satisfied. He looked around to see that Luna had run out of the office. He stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind him. The doctor’s startled face was the last thing he saw as he stepped out. He looked around the clinic, looking for Luna. Where had she run to? He could feel the several judgemental stares he was receiving from the people at the clinic but he didn’t care, all he wanted to do was find Luna and leave. That was when he saw her – the girl from the bar. She had disappeared that night and he hadn’t seen her ever since. He looked at her again, She was sitting in the waiting room, her eyes fixed intently on him. Nolan felt a wave of embarrassment. He hadn’t expected to see her again, especially not here. Just then, he looked at the brown coat of fur in her lap, it was Luna. That sly cat, out of everyone in the waiting room she had decided to run into those particular laps. Nolan took a deep breath as he walked towards her. “Hey,” he said, trying to sound casual. “Do you if I sit here?” She looked up from her phone, slowly shaking her head. “Oh, sure,” she replied, moving a little to the side to make room for him. Nolan sat down beside her, trying to calm himself as Luna ignored him and kept on nuzzling against the lady’s lap. They sat in silence for a moment, the only sound was the constant nurse calling for the pet owners in the clinic to pick up their pets after the examination. Finally, Nolan broke the silence. “So, what brings you here today?” He asked. She looked up at him. “My collie dog, Ella, has been gaining weight, and I’m worried she might be developing some health issues. I’m waiting for the vet to check her out.” She said. “I’m sure she’ll be fine. I’m here because my cat, Luna, has been shedding fur like crazy. I’m worried it might be a sign of something serious.” Nolan said as he nodded sympathetically. Daisy’s eyes lit up with interest. “Oh, I’ve heard of that happening to cats before. Is she eating okay?” Nolan shrugged. “Yeah, she seems to be eating normally. But I just got into a fight with the vet because he didn’t seem to care.” Daisy laughed. “Sounds like you had a rough morning.” Nolan smiled widely. “You have no idea.” Daisy laughed and said, “I think I know what’s going on with your cat.” Nolan raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” He asked, genuinely curious. Daisy smiled playfully. “I think your cat is just shedding because it’s stressed. Maybe it’s picking up on your stress.” Nolan’s eyes widened in surprise. “How did you know that?” He asked. Daisy shrugged. “I just know cats. I love them a lot, and I’ve had my fair share of experience with them.” She said. “Are you a nurse or something?” Nolan asked. Daisy chuckled. “No, nothing like that. I just have a passion for cats. I’ve learned a thing or two about them over the years.” She said smiling. Nolan was impressed. “Well, you’re definitely right about Luna. I’ve been stressed lately and I haven’t had enough time for her so she must have also been stressed lately.” Daisy nodded. “I thought so. Cats are very intuitive creatures. They can sense when we’re upset or stressed and they pick it up from us.” Nolan smiled, as he stared at Luna who was still ignoring him. She was right, because it didn’t look like Luna was willing to forgive him and leave with him anytime soon. He looked towards her smiling. “Thanks for understanding. I feel like I’ve been worrying for nothing.” He said. Daisy smiled back. “Anytime. I’m just glad I could help.” She said. Nolan relaxed into the seat, she was fun to talk to, it made him remember the night at the bar, he wondered why she had been so drunk, “Hey, can I ask you something?” he said, his curiosity got the better out of him. “Sure,” she replied, looking at him briefly before looking away. “What happened the other night at the bar?” Nolan asked, his eyes fixed on hers. “You were really drunk. Is everything okay?” Daisy’s face changed in an instant. She immediately looked away, her jaw clenched tightly. “That’s none of your business,” she snapped. Nolan was taken aback by her sudden defensiveness. “I was just worried about you, that’s all,” he said, trying to reassure her. “I’m sorry.” He apologized. “Like I said, it’s none of your business,” she repeated, her voice harsh. Nolan didn’t want to push the conversation any further, he knew that he had touched a sensitive nerve and he regretted doing that, he had just been curious. He nodded and looked away, wondering what had really happened that night.
Nolan, looked over at her again, as she silently went through her phone. “You know, I actually went to the bar that night for a private reason too,” he said, turning to Daisy. “I needed to let off some steam.. to get some things off my mind.” Daisy looked at him reluctantly. “Are you okay?” Nolan took a deep breath. “I’m actually based in France. I came here because my grandfather wanted me to take care of some family business.” Daisy’s eyes widened. “Family business? That sounds serious.” Nolan nodded. “It is. My grandfather can be…overbearing at times. And now he wants me to settle down with a woman he already picked for me and also take over the family company, but I’m not sure that’s what I want.” Daisy listened silently, her eyes softening, she knew how it felt to be placed with such high expectations, with nobody caring about what she actually wanted to do. “I know how that feels,” she said. “Family expectations can be tough to live with.” Nolan smiled, as he turned to face her fully. “Exactly! It’s like they think they know what’s best for us, but really, they have no idea.” Daisy laughed. “Tell me about it.” “It’s just so le’ savage” Nolan said. Daisy laughed loudly as she turned to face him. “Le’ savage? Really?” She said still laughing. “I can tell you’re not from around here.” She added. Nolan raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? Why’s that?” Daisy grinned mischievously. “The way you talk, and your fashion sense. You look like you just stepped out of a paris runway.” Nolan chuckled, feeling a bit self-conscious about his clothes. “What do you mean?” He asked, his face slightly red. Daisy laughed. “I actually like it.” She said. Nolan blushed, his face cracking into a smile. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” He said. Daisy laughed again. “I’m sure you would. But seriously, you do have a certain unusual feeling. It’s refreshing to see someone around here who doesn’t wear flannel and ripped jeans every day.” She said. Nolan smiled, enjoying her compliments. “You don’t look bad yourself..” He said. Daisy smiled, shaking her head. “But seriously I’m really impressed with your dressing.” She said, as someone with so much experience in the fashion industry she hardly ever saw a man who knew how to combine colors and brands. She pointed to his outfit, a sly grin spreading across her face. “I mean, that Van-louvre shirt you’re wearing? That’s from their 2021 spring collection. And those pants? They’re also Van-louvre, from their 2019 fall line. And don’t even get me started on your shoes – those are limited-edition Van-louvre, from their 2018 collaboration with Saint-Lauren, only three pairs were released worldwide.” She said. Nolan’s jaw dropped slightly. “How do you know all this?” He asked. Daisy shrugged, looking proud of herself. “I’m involved in the fashion industry… I can spot a designer label from a mile away…oh and I’m sure those shoes are fake.. there’s no way you would have gotten your hands on them.” Nolan laughed, impressed. “Well, I guess so… they’re the fake versions.” he said as he looked down at his shoes. They were infact original and his grandfather had made three pairs for himself, his mother and Nolan. Daisy laughed, But hey, at least you’re wearing your labels correctly.” Nolan smiled nodding. “Thanks, I think.” He said. “But I’m impressed. Not many people can spot designer labels like that, let alone know the exact collection and year.” Daisy smiled, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. “I know, right? Fashion is my thing. I’ve been in the industry for quite a while, so I know if anything is real or fake at face value.” Nolan nodded smiling, he was surprised that she hadn’t recognized him, Nolan Van-Louvre, only grandson and heir to the Van-Louvre billion dollar corporation. “I know what you mean. I’ve always loved fashion too.” He said, smiling at her. Daisy’s face lit up. “I have to say… I misjudged you, you seeemd like a show off and an asshole the other day but you’re quite an interesting person.” She said smiling. Nolan smiled, his face reddish. Daisy’s smile slowly faded as she looked away. “To be honest, I went to the bar that night to drown my sorrows with alcohol. I thought I was over my ex, but he showed up out of the blue and… it brought up a lot of old feelings.” Nolan listened intently. “I’m sorry. That can be tough.” He said, his voice gently. Daisy nodded, her eyes clouding over with tears. “I thought I was fine, but I guess I’m not. Seeing him again made me realize I’m still angry. Really angry. And I don’t know why.” “Maybe you’re still processing everything. Healing takes time, and it’s okay to feel angry.” Nolan said, a smile on his lips, he looked down at Luna and she had began to snuggle between the two of them. He looked to to see her staring at him, her eyes searching his face. “But why am I still angry? I thought I was over him. I thought I’d moved on.” Nolan shrugged. “Maybe it’s not about being over him, but about being angry at yourself for staying angry at him for so long and for giving him so much power over your life. Maybe it’s about you feeling angry at the whole situation, not just him.” Daisy’s eyes widened. “Maybe you’re right.” She said, as she stared at him, he didn’t look it, but he spoke so intelligently, she was actually surprised. Just then, a young boy with a messy mop of hair and a bright smile walked up to them, running into her lap. “Mom! A cat? Are we getting one?” The boy asked. She smiled as she looked down at him. “No, Daniel it’s not ours.” “Oh..” the boy said as he smiled at Luna. “Mom, can I get a cookie?” he asked, looking up at her with big brown eyes. Nolan’s eyes widened in surprise as he watched their discourse. “Oh, is this your little brother?” he asked her. Daisy burst out laughing. “No, this is my son, Daniel!” Nolan’s jaw dropped. “Your son?!” He looked at Daniel again, this time seeing the resemblance to her. “I had no idea! You were so young!” He said. Daisy chuckled. “Thanks, I get that a lot. I had Daniel when I was pretty young, but he’s my world.” Nolan smiled. “I can see that. He’s a great kid.” Daniel looked up at Nolan with curiosity. “Who are you, are you my Mom’s friend? She doesn’t have many friends, just aunt Amanda.” The joy said. Daisy laughed loudly, placing her hands over Daniel’s mouth. Nolan smiled. “Yes, We met at the bar a few nights ago.” He said. Daniel’s eyes lit up. “The bar? My mom doesn’t go to bars!” Daisy laughed. “Well, I do occasionally.” She said. “Besides he and I were just talking about fashion.” Daniel’s face squeezed. “Fashion? Do you work with my mom? That’s so boring!” Nolan and Daisy laughed, and Nolan ruffled Daniel’s hair. “Hey, watch it, kiddo. Fashion is cool!” Just then, Victoria walked out of the exam room, a warm smile on her face. “Ms Daisy! I’m all done with Ella’s check-up. She’s doing great, but we need to keep her here for about thirty minutes for observation before you can take her home.” Daisy nodded, feeling a little relieved. “That sounds good. Thanks, Victoria!” Victoria smiled. “No problem, happy to help. And don’t worry, Ella will be just fine.” Daniel, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, suddenly grabbed Daisy’s legs. “Can I go play with Ella now, Mom? Pleeease?” Daisy smiled. “Of course, sweetie. Go ahead and play with Ella while I finish talking to this nice mister.” Daniel happily ran off towards the exam room, excited to play with Ella. Victoria chuckled and headed back into the exam room, leaving Daisy and Nolan alone once again. Nolan turned to Daisy and smiled. “So, it sounds like Ella is doing okay?” Daisy nodded smiling. “Yeah, thank goodness. I was worried sick about her.” She said. Nolan found himself staring at her as she smiled. He knew she was beautiful but he couldn’t understand why her eyes were drawing him in, her lips looked so soft, her green eyes drawing him in, her smile was making his heart face fast. He quickly looked away before she could notice his stare. What was wrong with him, he was already falling for her without even knowing her name, she even had a kid so she was definitely married. The man was definitely lucky. But what if her husband was the ex she was talking about? If he was then maybe he still had a chance. He slowly looked up at her smiling. “So, what’s your name?” He asked. Daisy replied, “I’m Daisy.” “After the flower?” Nolan asked smiling. Daisy nodded. “Yes after the flower.” “I’m Nolan.” Nolan introduced. Daisy burst out laughing. “Nolan? You don’t even look like a Nolan.” Nolan raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” Daisy teased, “You look like every other name except Nolan, Nolan sounds like a guy who loves sports and drinks beer every day. You know, a total bro.” Nolan chuckled, feeling a little self-conscious about his name. “Heyy…” He said. “No need to poke fun at my name flower girl.” Daisy playfully rolled her eyes as she laughed. “Flower girl? Oh you really want to try me.. prince Nolan.” She said laughing. Nolan laughed, enjoying their conversation. He slowly looked up at her. “I’m actually free tonight. Would you like to grab dinner with me?” Daisy stared at him silently doing a mental calculation of her calendar, he was cool and fun to talk to, a good friend since Amanda had decided to spend all her time with Becky, so she would definitely go. “Yes, I’m free too.” She said. Nolan’s heart skipped a beat. “Great! I was thinking we could try City Shell Restaurant. I heard it’s one of the nicest places in New York.” Daisy’s smile grew wider. “Okay, that sounds perfect.” Nolan grinned. “Awesome! Should I pick you up at seven.” Daisy shook her head. “No, I’ll be there myself.” She said. Just then Nolan’s phone rang, he looked towards the phone it was Lance. He checked his wristwatch, it was already twelve, he was late for the meeting. “I have to go.” He said smiling at Daisy. “See you today at seven, flower girl.” Daisy smiled to herself as she watched Nolan walk away. She couldn’t believe she had agreed to go on a date with him, but a part of her was excited. Maybe, just maybe, this was what she needed to take her mind off Ethan and the lingering feelings she still had for him. She slowly stood up to head to the exam room to check on Ella and Daniel, as she thought to herself, “Why not? Why not try something new and see where it takes me?” She deserved to be happy, and if Nolan could help her forget about Ethan for a little while, then she was definitely going to go for it.
“Daniel, Ella, come on let’s go.” Daisy said as she walked into the examination room. Daniel ran straight into her arms, Ella at his heels. Victoria walked towards them smiling. “So we ran a vary of tests and she’s fine, but she will have to exercise more.” She said. Daisy nodded as she scooped the furry collie into her arms. Victoria laughed shaking her hands. “Like now, you have to let her walk, and when you get to the medication center on your way out, pick up a few tablets for her it’ll help her.” Daisy nodded as she gently let Ella down. “Are you ready to go?” She asked. The boy nodded smiling, as he clung to her leg, the dog at his heels. Daisy thanked Victoria, as she quickly walked out of the clinic. However, what greeted her when she crossed the entrance of the clinic nearly made her drop dead. She stood at the door with her heart in her mouth trying to process what was going on. How come? “Hey, Daisy,” Ethan called, his hand around her son’s shoulder, the boy blushing innocently. Daisy felt the fire in her chest explode, snapping her out of her daze and at once? she barged across the hall to harshly snatch Daniel from his grip. “What the fuck is your problem Ethan?! Are you stalking me now?” She confronted him immediately, as she dragged her son away. Safely tucking him underneath her arms away from Ethan’s grip. Passerby who saw the manner she snatched the boy stopped to observe. “Calm down, Daisy, please listen to me. I wasn’t stalking you,” Ge said as he tried to manage the situation with a solemn smile. “Then fuck off! Leave us alone!” She hissed angrily at him as she dragged Daniel away. Leaving Ethan stunned, with an astonished and dumbfounded look on his face, as he watched her stump away with their son. He knew Daisy and how much she could be a blow off. So in order to avoid that, he simply smiled widely at his son and stood to the side, not going after them and creating more scenes, he turned around waving harmlessly to the boy, making funny faces at him. His heart melted as the boy returned his smile, it was like looking into a mirror from the past or looking into a school year book. Meanwhile, Daisy was beyond pissed, as she dragged Daniel behind her, taking huge strides, Ella struggling to keep up with them. She wished she hadn’t listened to Mandy and brought her son along with her to the clinic. She should have left him at the house or even at the fashion house irrespective of him complaining and making a mess. She was his mother and she knew what was best for him, and she knew that Ethan was nothing close to what was best for him. She couldn’t imagine letting her son stay around someone like him, or even be around someone like him and risk raising another version of Ethan. She already hated that he looked like him a lot, she wasn’t going to let him be like him. The thought of Ethan’s hand on her son replayed multiple times in her held, making her tighten her grip on him. She pulled him towards her, holding him tight, she was never going to let that fool Ethan take her son. The way he looked at her son with pity made her angry that she had even allowed him to see for boy for once with those eyes, those eyes that cast him out when he was still in her womb. She could see in his eyes that he wanted to be with her son, Never! She couldn’t even fathom how he knew that they were going to the clinic today. Was he truly stalking her or did someone tell him? Amanda? It couldn’t be Amanda, she would never. Becky? She didn’t like her one bit, but she didn’t think Becky could do something like that. Daisy shook the thoughts out of her head. “Baby, come on let me get you crackers, you want some, right?”She asked as she bent to face the boy whose heads bounced in the direction of his father with a likewise expression. His huge brown eyes filled with confusion. “Why can I not be with him, mom?” Daisy quickly blocked his view of Ethan. “You can’t be with him honey, do you remember that bed time story I used to read to you? The big bad wolf and little red riding hood?” She asked. Daniel nodded. “That man, he’s the big bad wolf, and you are little red riding hood..” Daisy said, looking in his eyes. “Are you the little red riding hood grandmother? The one the wolf ate?” Daniel asked. Daisy laughed a little. “We can look at it like that, but that man he is the big bad wolf and he is not good for you, okay?” She whispered. She never ever thought that one day she would resort to bad mouthing Ethan in front of her son but if that was the only way to do it, then she would do it. “But he seemed nice. I –” “Daniel!” She said stiffly, her voice louder than she wanted to. She quickly smiled to rectify her mistake. “I am your mother and I know what is right for you honey, okay? You trust me, don’t you?” He nodded reluctantly and followed her as they walked out of the public reception into the medication corner, to pick up Ella’s drugs. The nurse on duty checked out Ella and confirmed Victoria’s prescription that she was growing too much fat and would need exercise and other prescriptions which would demand Daisy drop her off at the pet’s gym every day to recover since she won’t have all that taken in her hand. They took her meds and left the veterinary. She couldn’t fathom the happiness she felt as she didn’t see any signs of Ethan in the hallway. She quickened her steps, hoping to outrun him if he had gone to any of the offices, she needed to be out of here before she saw him again. As she stepped outside the clinic main’s doors, she dropped Ella on the floor and it seemed the injection they gave her back inside the clinic gave her a little energy because the next minute she was racing in full force down the sidewalk, and before Daisy would get ahold of the situation, her son chased her down. “Ella! Danny! Stop!” She yelled and ran after them in equal force, a loud unladylike curse leaving her mouth. They made a U-turn at the corner and ran in another direction and Daisy lost it. This was totally a bad idea. She has often brought Ella to this veterinary check but it was as though nature was bringing to pass her premonition of her suffering in their hands today. “Danny!”She called when she lost sight of them. “Ella! Oh, God, not today…” She rapidly skidded her eyes about for any signal of them but saw nothing. She stopped in the middle of the field with her hand to her chest panting loudly from her hot chase, still searching in fear. “Over here!” She pivoted with so much force she lost footing and went flying to the ground due to her heels. “Son of a gun! I’m going to make sure those two are severely punished for this humiliation!” She veered and made to stand but then a hand came about her and helped her up before she would protest. Her breathing hitched from the contact for a while she was speechless but when she came about, she cringed away and regained her claws to attack. “Where is my son, you bastard?!” She flared at Ethan. Ethan stood staring at her, savoring for a moment watching her pour off some pent-up steams. She couldn’t tell how the question she asked sounded funny to him to have an amusing expression. “I swear I’m going to kill you if you touch any hair on his head, Ethan! Give me my son, my dog!” Her eyes flew around in search of them. “Calm down, Daisy, I was merely walking Boss when I saw your dog bounding down the lane. What did you expect me to do?” “Where are they?!” “Playing over there…”He pointed at the field at the corner which her orbs dilated to at once but he blocked her sight from catching anything. “What are you playing at?” She tilted her head defiantly at him. “Just a moment with my son, Daisy, is that too much to ask?”He inquired very slowly, yet, suspiciously. “He is not your son, Ethan, stop talking nonsense!” “He is, Daisy. It’s written all over him,” His eyes fell as he spoke, “look, I know I messed up, babe-” “Don’t you dare call me that, Ethan. You lost every right the day you divorced me! From the moment you accused me of cheating, Ethan. He is not your son and would never be! Danny! Ella!” Having heard his mother’s voice Daniel rushed out from the thicket, his face wide in a delightful beam. It broke his mother’s heart. He was having such a great time with his father. “Mom!” He coursed and bounded to her with Ella after him and… Well, a nice-looking short-legged Weiler. “We have to leave now, Danny!” She ordered the little boy. “Dad said he wants to stay with me a little, mom. Please….” Dad? Daisy’s head exploded. …
“Daniel, can I speak to this man for a minute?” Daisy asked, beaming fauxly at her son who was oblivious to the furnace burning underneath his mother’s smile, as he played with the two dogs. “Sure,” he mumbled, “Ella! Boss!” He called and took off towards the shattered shrubs they ran out from. Daisy’s heart almost skipped in fright at the speed of light he ran. “Don’t worry he will be alright. He is just like his fa__” “Don’t you dare finish that statement, you coward!” She whirled at him, pointing her index heinously at him. “He has no father! He died long before my boy was born!” She advanced menacingly at him, anger flashing in her eyes. “What do you really want, Ethan?” She stopped in front of him, their eyes clashing in combat, none willing to lose to the other. Ethan was overwhelmed. He can’t believe that Daisy would bear this amount of hate towards him. He wanted to find out if it was truly from the inside or she was putting it up just for show, so he smirked, raised the tip of his index to her face and bent to her ear to whisper… “Are you sure that his father is truly dead? Or this is all your show for vendetta?” Maybe he had imagined it, or, maybe it surely happened, Daisy shuddered, gasped and jumped away from him. “Stay the fuck away from us, Ethan, or I swear…” “Or what would happen?” He took a long step to her front and she darted back, her eyes wild with shock. She was ashamed of herself, particularly her body, for being so traitorous! This man ruined her life, her career and her emotions. Yet, her silly body trembled for him, and right now, watching him smirk devilishly in front of her, those sharp brown eyes penetrating the depth of her heart, and his dimples dipped on his flawless face, a true image of her Daniel, she knew she wouldn’t like this opposition if she continued. “Daniel!” She screeched in a voice that nearly choked her lungs. “Come here at once with Ella! Daniel!” “Listen to me, Daisy,” he reached and without thinking grabbed her, startling a tough breath out of Daisy. “I messed up big time. I fucked up but I’m sorry and I won’t stop now that I have been given a second chance with you. I was young and stupid. Do you think I don’t think about you all these years? I regretted my actions ten times over and prayed to meet you once again so I can rectify what I spoiled!” “Ugh….” She forcefully yanked her hand out of his, her heart breaking with every sentence he produced. He had the nerve! “You wanted to meet me once again? When? When you are married with another woman like you almost did three days ago? How dare you? So now you regret your actions because you suddenly found out about Daniel?!” she tilted her head to the side, frowning gravely. “I swear it wasn’t about him! Yes, when I saw him it doubled my regret and my need to have you back, but it wasn’t the reason why…” She stepped further away, shaking her head. She wagged her finger at his face. “I hate you with everything in me, Ethan. I regret the day I met you, I regret giving myself to you, living with you and giving you the power to destroy me. But it’s alright, I have been given a second chance to be better and believe me, I will never allow you ruin it for me again. Stay the fuck away from us!” “Daisy!…” “Daniel!” She screeched and veered in the direction he disappeared, her heart thudding in rage. “Oh, I’m going to make sure you are grounded for this stunt!” “Daisy, listen…” “Ella!” She tried with the dog because she often heeds to her calls… “Daisy!” He caught up with her and grabbed her waist, whirling her around to him. “Please let him play for a while… Tell me what I’m going to do, to gain your forgiveness.” He pleaded, his countenance one of uttermost remorse. She was close to the brink of losing her sanity. She nodded with fervor, holding herself back from punching at him for thinking she would ever allow herself to do that. “You want to gain my forgiveness?” “Yea, babe? I swear it, tell me what it is and I will do it!” She continued nodding, and looked around, still searching for her son. “Call him to come now, Ethan and maybe you will have a chance.” She said, tricky. “Just that?” Ethan asked suspiciously. “Yeah…” She ripped her arm off his and folded on her chest, still trying to act cool. “Okay… Daniel, come here, my boy,” He called and like magic, the boy and the two dogs materialized from the low thickets as though waiting for his call. Daisy eyed her son, already planning how he is going to remain indoors for the remainder of his holidays for this stunt. “Dad?” He brushed the curly hairs falling on his face to look up at his Dad, their similar beam on his face and the dimples deep into his cheek far more than his father’s. “Mom, are you okay?” She bent to pick up Ella and then in a split second gripped Daniels’s wrist in her other hand and then faced his father. “If you want my forgiveness, then Ethan you will have a fat snowball chance in hell than to have it. You can as well work hard to kiss my ass!” She snarled the last part as she dragged her son and dog out of the scene, the other dog going berserk as his new friends were rudely snatched from him. “I will see you, Daisy,” Ethan called, stooping to brush his dog furs. He smiled after them, somehow feeling bad. “I will see you soon, son.” He waved when his son looked back with a poppy eye as his mother dragged him away. He stood there watching after them until they disappeared around the corner, then he started walking in the direction of his black Audi parked under a shed, not far from there. He fucked up, he knew that, and even though it is the last thing he does, he would gain back the forgiveness of his ex-wife. It was all because of his mother that he lost her. His mother never approved of Daisy because according to her, nothing good could come from a model. From the first day Ethan introduced Daisy to his mother, she took one look at Daisy and told him she wasn’t good enough for him. It didn’t matter that she was accomplished in her career. She said she must have gotten there by sleeping with different men and won’t stop even though she married her son. At first, Ethan fought against his mother because he loved Daisy so much and was willing to go against his mother to marry her. She told him she would prove him wrong about her and proved her disapproval by not attending the wedding. He was heartbroken but he had Daisy and she comforted him. Three months into the wedding, his mother kept sending her right-hand man to supply him with photos of Daisy with different men during photo shoots and when he confronted Daisy, she told him they were partners and the shoot was mandatory. It was nothing personal. And he believed her. But then four months down the line, one day his mother’s man came with this picture of her kissing a man at a fair in Paris. It broke Ethan’s heart and made him doubt his wife for the first time. When he confronted her again, he told her to quit modeling because he wanted to try a family with her and would take care of her. It was a hard decision for her to make because she was at the apex of her career but she loved Ethan and wanted to do whatever would make him happy. A month later after she quit, Ethan’s mother’s man came in with another photo of the same man that kissed her, smiling brightly at her in a photo he knew they took recently. It devastated Ethan’s heart beyond words that he could barely control himself. He started monitoring her and banned her from going out without a guard that he assigned to her. She took all these because she was clean and had nothing to hide. The sixth month when Daisy announced her pregnancy to Ethan, he was so certain it wasn’t his and told it to her face that he knew she was sleeping with someone else and he wasn’t responsible for her pregnancy. He was overcome with jealousy that even when she wanted to explain to him, he wasn’t willing to listen and kicked her out. It was all his fault and today she resents him so much. As he powered his car and made his way out of the park, he was heading to his family’s house that weekend to make sure his mother gets an earful for making him lose the love of his life and a son! “Do you think she would ever forgive me, Boss?”He asked his dog, whose response was a mild whimper. …
“I told you it was a bad idea but you won’t listen! He nearly took my son from me!” Daisy rumbled the minute she crossed the threshold of her bestie’s house that evening. “Calm down, Dee,” Amanda soothed, knowing Daisy would not hear a word of it being that she was the one that made her take the boy out that day. “At least he didn’t take him and I don’t think he would. Maybe he just wanted to see the__” “I can’t believe you still take his side! Do you know what that bastard said to me? He asked me to forgive him! After everything he did, he asked me to forgive him, imagine the audacity!” Amanda dragged her lower lip, her head banging from listening to Daisy shout. “I think you need to rest, babe. Trust me when you rest you will discover this is no big deal. After all, Daniel is safe with you…” “Yes! He is now, but how am I sure he would be for long? What if that asshole thinks he can take him away from me!” “He will not, Daisy. He knows it’s not possible, you have the upper hand. But, I will advise you to take it easy lest your son thinks you are stopping him from seeing his father.” “But I’m trying to protect him,” Daisy stopped from pacing and faced her friend. “I’m his mother and I’m doing what is best for him.” Amanda stood, seeing the frenzy on her face, took her shoulders between her hands to steady. She took a deep breath, smacked her lips and said cool, “You need to be laid, girlfriend. You have been so tense lately and I think it’s because it’s been a long time since you had some…” Daisy couldn’t believe her ears. She was going nuts and her friend thinks it because she needs a man? She sagged her shoulders and with a giant rip from her friend, stepped away. “I can’t believe you will say that, Amanda.” “C’mon that’s the truth, Dee. You remember when I was struggling with Tommy’s recent defiance, you recommended I got some and I did. You saw the result.” Daisy rolled her eyes. “That was different!” She flailed her hands in the air. “Your son acting up and my son’s father showing up to take him away from me are totally different.” Amanda didn’t look like she was listening which left Daisy hopeless. “You know what?” She picked her bag. “I have to go home to him. These days I don’t know if you are for me anymore.” “Dee…” “No, maybe it’s because you are now getting laid consistently you now think I need to be like you… I will see you tomorrow at work.” with that she stomped off the foyer and out of the house. Amanda was conflicted with her friend’s behavior. She never likes Daisy being upset because she hardly reasons with anyone. As far as Daniel is concerned, she could comprehend why Daisy is like that but still, she knows if the boy eventually grows up, he might want to go to his father which is why she wouldn’t want by then for Daisy to be heartbroken. It would be better if they started now one step at a time to handle this. Ethan fucked up, still, he was Daniel’s father and she wants the boy to have one in his life. “Babe, are you okay?” Her lover came behind her and Amanda slowly twisted around to smile at her. “I heard you arguing with your friend.” “Yeah…” She gestured towards the door and returned her hand dejectedly. “It’s a rough time for her now.” “I understand. I hate Ethan for lying to me, but I think they share something very… Special.” Amanda shook her head with a humorous snort. “Please don’t say that when she’s around. I’m working on building your relationship, don’t ruin it.” The other chuckled. “She is a difficult one…” Amanda shook her head, her hand circling her lover. “She is not always like that. I think she is very scared of losing Daniel. I have to visit Ethan to make sure that he knew that I would never sit aside and watch him hurt my girl again.” “You think that’s a good idea?” “I don’t know, but I have to do something for her. She would if she were in my shoes. That’s what we do for each other.” They stood in silent contemplation until finally, they strode into the living quarters to see the evening Harvey’s show which was Amanda’s favorite. Back in Daisy’s mansion, she sat in front of her laptop checking out a design sent to her by one of the designers. But her mind wasn’t there. She has been staring at that design for the last ten minutes but couldn’t make any decision on it because so many things were bothering her. Her son’s safety at the forefront. She needed someone to speak to now more than ever but as it seems her friend found a lover and she was no longer important, she sulked. “Damn you, Ethan for making me feel this way!” She cursed under her breath and dropped the Laptop by the side and went to her bar at the corner of her study to pour an enormous quantity of Macdowell’s into a glass which she tipped in her mouth at a gulp and smacked the glass back on the table. She poured another and this time sipped it slowly, her mind rummaging through all the pains she passed through to birth her son and how all that might go to dust if Ethan decides to take her son. His family was very influential in the U.S and might try to file for custody particularly that cursed mother of his. She recollected all the stress that woman made her go through when she was married to her son. How much the woman hated her and didn’t want her to progress with her son. She tried everything possible to separate them and Daisy knew deep within her that she might have had an ample input in the separation between her and Ethan. All that doesn’t matter, they might be bigger than her, still, she would fight with everything in her to keep her son away from them. They are sick people and her son can’t be allowed to mingle with the likes of them. But first, she would need to calm down as Amanda said. She can’t afford to spook her son into thinking she was going crazy. No way. There were three raps on the door and she sharply hid away the glass, picked the bottle and returned back to the bar before telling the caller who she knew would be Daniel to come in. “Mom?” His tiny raspy voice sailed to her. “Yes, baby?” She instinctively wiped her hands on her beige gown and strutted to him. “Are you okay?” “Yeah… I couldn’t sleep and you weren’t in your room, so I thought to Check you here..” She stooped to his height and cradled his face. “I’m here, baby. Why can’t you sleep?” She kissed his cheek affectionately and pulled him to the chair which he gingerly jumped on. His small shoulders rose and fell, his hands fiddling together as though he knew what he was about to say would upset his mother greatly. “Are you mad at father?” Daisy’s heart lurched. She controlled herself from flaring at him. He was just a little boy still going through the euphoric stage of meeting a vile man who claims to be his father. For a kid who even though he hasn’t bothered her much about knowing his father, she saw how he looked at other kids when they were with theirs. “Why are you asking?” He looked down at his hands. “I heard you shouting at him… And also because he said he loves us but that he made you angry…” That son of a gun! She clenched her lips tight, her smile still on for her boy. She took his hands. “Baby, can you trust me on this when I tell you he isn’t good for you?” “But mom, you always said I should forgive my friends when they wrong me.” “I know, baby. But he is… He is simply not what you need now. All you need is to focus on becoming better for yourself. Don’t you want that?” She tugged him close, cradling his little face once. Looking at him was pure torture because of how much he looked like his father. But if it would mean making him stop thinking of the oaf, then she didn’t mind burying her head in his. He nodded gently and smiled, making him more handsome. She hugged him, thankful that he was such a sweet and gentle boy. Growing up, he didn’t give her so much trouble. Always so calm and sweet. She hoped the unhealthy presence of his father would not turn him against her. “How is Ella now?” She asked him to distract his attention. “She finished her food,” He ripped away excitedly. “Are you going to walk her?” “I don’t think I can, baby. But I will hire someone?” “Okay, I w__” Their attention was snatched by the loud shrill of her phone on her desk. When she grabbed it, she saw a foreign number. Who the heck?! She hoped it wasn’t who she was thinking it was. …
Daisy walked towards her phone, as it rang loudly. “This is Daisy Richard on the line, who is speaking?” She asked, the moment she picked up. “Hey…” The caller sighed lowly as though treading cautiously to avoid being lambasted. “Just calling to make sure you got home safely…” Daisy’s stomach twisted as her fear came to pass. Her damn ex-husband! She looked at her son, bent to him, and whispered, “Give me a minute, okay?” He nodded and she shifted to the door, indeed going to lambaste him. “What exactly is your problem, Ethan? Calling to check if I got home safely. Really? Since when did you start caring about my welfare, huh?” “Please, Daisy, I didn’t call for any trouble, okay? I was worried after the_” She cut the call with a loud hiss, balled her fist until her phone nearly cracked, and then exhales audibly and veered back inside. “Is that Daddy?” Daniel rushed to her and she stilled, her left hand holding him to her and lifting her head up to restrain herself from lashing out at him to stop that bastard his Daddy. “No, son, just a pestilent client.” “Huh! Do I need to fight to protect you? Daddy said I should make sure you are always safe…” Just great! “Really?” She feigned overjoy as they began making out of the study. “Maybe you don’t need to protect me, baby. I’m your mother and should do that.” “I know… Still,” He insisted. “Okay, my love. I’m fine. I have handled that well.” “Okay, mommy.” She took him back to his room and read him a bedtime story until he smuggled the pillows into sleep before she kissed his curls, trailing her eyes softly over his soft baby features in his unconsciousness, and striving not to imagine what it would feel like not having him with her. She felt a flurry movement close to her and looked down to see Ella hunching there, his watery orbs fixated at her. “What? You want to sleep here?” She asked her. Woof! She barked, stood and ran to the door, meaning she wasn’t willing to stay here tonight. Daisy smiled, stood and followed after her. When they got to her room, she jumped in Daisy’s bed while Daisy went to refresh herself and change into her nightie and started checking out the prior designs on her phone. This time she willed her mind to concentrate on the present and then examined the designs as well as sent them back to her designers with the corrections. Tomorrow would be a busy day and she would have to drop Daniel and Ella at the kiddies so he doesn’t grow bored at home or have to watch her work which would be very boring for him. Meanwhile… Nolan pulled his Lamborghini into the parking lot roughly , the tires loudly as he did. He didn’t care – he was still a little high on happiness, after his conversation with Daisy. As he stepped out of the car, Lance appeared at the entrance of the mansion, a confused smile on his face as his eyes moved from the roughly parked Lamborghini to Nolan’s smiling face. “Good day, sir. You seem to be in… good spirits.” He said. “May I know what the occasion is?” He asked. Nolan grinned, unable to contain his excitement. “I’m just having a great day, Lance. That’s all.” He said. Lance slowly nodded. “Indeed, sir. Shall I prepare your usual refreshment?” Nolan nodded, still humming to himself as he followed Lance into the mansion. He couldn’t wait to get ready for his date tonight, he felt like a kid on Christmas morning. He couldn’t understand why he was so happy, it was just a normal date and he had been on thousands of date, maybe it was the fact that he had been so scared of loosing his free will and marrying someone he didn’t want to or it was the fact that Daisy actually interested him and her smile made his heart race. He happily strolled into his large bedroom, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and chuckled. He looked like a fool, grinning from ear to ear. But he couldn’t help it – he felt different, and he knew that this night was going to be special for him. Just then Luna, strolled into the room, leaping into his arms Nolan picked up the cat and began dancing around the room with her. The cat meowing angrily as Nolan twirled her around the room. He laughed, happily as he kissed the cat’s forehead repeatedly, the cat meowed angrily. Nolan laughed as he held the cat infront of him. “Luna, don’t you understand. I’ve got a date tonight, and I know you may think it’s a normal thing, but this one is different, I actually want to go to this one.” He said. Luna meowed again, as if scolding him for his foolishness. Nolan chuckled and he set the cat down on his shoulder. He continued to dance around the room, feeling carefree and joyful. It was a feeling he hadn’t experienced in a long time, and he didn’t want this feeling to go. As he danced around, he clumsily tumbled over a pile of boxes, Luna still clutched in his arms. They both went down with the cat letting out a loud angry meow. Luna squirmed free and flew out of his arms as Nolan landed with a loud thud. But instead of getting up, Nolan just burst out laughing. He lay there, surrounded by boxes of cat toys, holding his sides as he laughed at what had just happened. Luna, startled his change in attitude, curled into a ball and watched him, her tail twitching. He didn’t understand cat language but he could tell that she was thinking. “What’s wrong with this human?” Nolan couldn’t stop laughing. He was happy, truly happy, and he couldn’t even explain why. As he lay there, still laughing. He wrapped his hands underneath his head, and turned to face Luna again. “I think this is it.” He said softly. “I think this feeling I’m feeling right now is the feeling I’ve been missing. This is what it means to be alive, to do things that you want to do and not things that you’re forced to.” He said. The cat stared at him, silently licking its paws. He finally sat up, still grinning from ear to ear. Luna, seeming to sense his joy, crept back over nudging gently against his hand with her head. Nolan gently scratched her behind the ears, still chuckling. “You know, Luna, I think tonight is going to be a night to remember.” Just as he was starting to calm down, he heard Lance’s voice from the doorway. “Young master, is everything okay? I heard a loud noise and thought I’d check up on you.” Lance asked Nolan looked up to see Lance standing in the doorway, a look of worry on his face. Nolan waved his hand dismissively, still chuckling. “Everything’s fine, Lance. Just a little… celebration with Luna gone wrong.” Lance raised an eyebrow. “A celebration, sir? You and the cat on the floor with a pile of boxes?” Nolan grinned. “Should I get the maid?” Lance asked. Nolan shook his head. “Don’t worry about it, I’ll clean it myself.” He said. Lance slowly nodded, as he sniffed the air, trying to know if Nolan had been drinking or smoking. “Very well, sir. If you’re sure everything is alright…” Nolan nodded vigorously. “I’m positive, Lance. Thanks for checking in, but I’m good.” He said. Lance shook his head, sighing loudly as he bowed and walked out of the room, leaving Nolan alone again. As soon as Lance was gone, Nolan let out another chuckle and shook his head. He couldn’t believe how happy he was, he couldn’t even remember the last time he felt this way.
Nolan glanced at his watch and saw that he still had a few hours to go before his date with Daisy. He decided to make the most of it. He liked to cook homemade meals for Luna whenever he felt happy, he slowly headed to the large kitchen to start cooking. He slowly began to chop vegetables and brown meat, he couldn’t help but dance and sing along to the music playing in his head. He spun around the kitchen, his apron flying behind him, as he sang off key to his favorite songs. Lance, who was passing by the kitchen, stopped abruptly, silently watching him, his face pale in surprise, he couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the sight of what he was seeing. Nolan was usually composed and would either be watching movies or drinking himself to death. But here he was, dancing and singing, he hadnt seen him like this for almost a decade. He shook his head, chuckling to himself, as he walked away silently, to not disturb him. Nolan didn’t notice. He was too caught up in the meal he was cooking. He dashed across the large kitchen, singing off key, as he grabbed the fish, milk, eggs and everything he needed to add. Luna sensing the meal was for her, leapt the kitchen table, purring contentedly as he threw her a few slices which she nibbled on as she watched him cook happily. Nolan finished the cooking and dished out a nice chunk for Luna, along with warm milk. Before leaving a note for Lance to run a warm bath for Luna when he left. If the cat always fed off his stress when he was stressed, then she deserved to feed off his happiness when he was happy. As he was done cooking, he slowly walked to the large bathroom, carefully trimming his toenails, making sure not to leave a single edge rough. He massaged lotion into his feet, feeling the softness spread through his skin. Luna followed him, watching with curious eyes, her tail twitching occasionally as she tried to make sense of this strange ritual. He never allowed her follow him into the bathroom but this time he didn’t care enough. As he worked on his nails, his mind wandered back to Daisy. He pictured her smile, her laugh, and the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about something she loved. He couldn’t wait to see her tonight again. Luna, bored with watching him, jumped down from the counter and ran into the room to finish her meal. Nolan chuckled and quickly locked the door before continuing his pampering session, determined to make every detail of his body perfect for the date. He moved on to his hair, styling it with enough gel to last him a week. He added a little of cologne, just enough to leave a good scent. Finally, he stood back and admired himself in the mirror, feeling more confident and ready for the night ahead. Lance walked into the room, knocking on the bathroom’s door. “Sorry sir I don’t mean to intrude, but… are you quite well?” Nolan, still admiring himself in the mirror, turned to face the door. “I’m fantastic, Lance! Never been better!” He replied. Lance raised an eyebrow. “Indeed, sir? I’ve never seen you so… enthusiastic about an evening out.” Nolan grinned. “That’s because I have a feeling about tonight, Lance. A good feeling.” He said. Lance smiled. “May I know exactly where you’re going to sir?” He asked. Nolan chuckled. “Don’t worry Lance, I’ll be home by 10.” Lance hesitated for a moment before walking off, his high heeled shoes clinking on the floor. Nolan sank into the warm bath, feeling the tension melt away as he soaked his tired body in the warm water. He closed his eyes, savoring the feeling, he repeated the process a few more times before stepping out of the tub. He slipped into one of his best tuxedos, the expensive fabric slipping perfectly against his lean body. He adjusted his cuffs, making sure everything was perfect. Next, he reached for the perfume. Not just any perfume, but his signature scent, something different, something that spoke of Paris. He applied the perfume generously. The fragrance filling the air as he made his way to the door. “Lance!” He called. Waiting patiently as the man came running to him. “Lance, I need a bouquet of flowers. Daisy’s, The best you can find, have the gardener pick it now. And make them large,” he instructed, his eyes filled with excitement. Lance nodded, as he stepped forward to adjust Nolan’s the. “Of course, sir. I’ll have them delivered to the car immediately.” Nolan nodded, satisfied, as he headed out to his sleek black Lamborghini. He slid into the driver’s seat, and put down the rear view mirror, adjusting his hair with it. As he arrived at the restaurant, he quickly came down from his car, taking a deep breath. He couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. He glanced at his watch, he was still a few minutes early. Perfect. He leaned back in his seat, took a deep breath, and waited. The Daisy flowers sat beside him, they were a bright splash of color under the restaurant’s light. He smiled to himself, feeling like the luckiest man alive. Tonight was going to be special. He could feel it. Nolan sat patiently, the large bouquet of roses on the seat beside him, their sweet fragrance filling the air. He glanced around the elegant restaurant, taking in the soft music and the silent conversations of the couples in the surrounding tables. As he waited, a waiter approached him, a note pad in the waiter’s hand. “Good evening, sir. Can I start you off with something to drink?” Nolan smiled. “Not yet, thank you. I’m waiting for someone.” He said. The waiter nodded. “Of course, sir. Take your time. We’ll be here when you’re ready.” Nolan watched the waiter walked away, he couldn’t help but wonder if he was overdoing it a bit as he looked at the people at the surrounding tables, they were all dressed normally. The roses, the tuxedo, the fancy restaurant… was it all too much? But he immediately pushed the thought aside. He wanted to be a gentleman, to make a good first impression. He glanced at his watch again, his heart beating just a little bit faster. Any minute now, she would walk through that door. He adjusted his tie, a smile on his face as he patiently waited. Nolan checked his wrist watch for what felt like the hundredth time. Three hours had pass. He couldn’t believe it. He had been stood up. The restaurant that was once filled with people and music, was now empty and quiet. The staff had already began cleaning up, he could tell that they were all whispering about him, as he sat silently at his table, the flowers by his side. The waiter, who had been checking in on him through out, approached him again. “Sir, I’m so sorry to bother you, but we’re going to be closing soon. We can’t stay open much longer, it’s past eleven p.m.” Nolan nodded, feeling a little disappointed and embarrassed. “Of course. I understand.” He said. He looked down at the bouquet of roses, and felt a little bit of regret. He had been so sure that this was going to be a special night. The waiter hesitated before speaking again. “Sir, if I may ask, did you… um… confirm the time and date with your… guest?” Nolan nodded, then shook his head, feeling a bit foolish. “I.. I guess I didn’t.” He stuttered. The waiter nodded sympathetically. “Well, maybe try calling her? Sometimes these things get lost in communication.” Nolan nodded, as he took out his phone, then he remembered he didn’t take her number. He didn’t want to give up just yet, what if something had delayed her? As a kid he always wanted his mom to read him multiple late night stories. He would wait a few more minutes. He quickly stood up, walking towards the waiter, He slowly approached the waiter. “How much to rent out the restaurant for… three more hours?” The waiter raised an eyebrow. “Sir, I think there may be some misunderstanding. We’re closing soon.” Nolan pulled out his wallet, taking out his gold card. The waiter’s eyes widened. “Name a price. I’ll pay it.” Nolan said. The waiter smiled nervously. “A hundred thousand dollars?” He whispered, unsure of it. Nolan nodded immediately, agreeing without hesitation, as he passed the card to the waiter. Who dumbfoundedly grabbed the card. For the next three hours, Nolan sat alone in the empty restaurant, sipping a glass of wine and staring at his phone. Silently watching as the time ticker away. He wished he had her number. He wondered what had come up. As the time went by, He began to feel a sinking feeling in his chest. He started to feel like a fool, sitting there in his tuxedo, still holding on to the flowers. The waiter, who had been waiting patiently with him, finally started to clean up around him. Nolan realized it was time to face reality. Daisy wasn’t coming. He slowly got up, and placed a generous tip in the counter before walking out of the restaurant, into the cool night air. As he walked away from the restaurant, his mind raced with questions. What did he do wrong? Had he said something that offended her? Was it the way I smiled, the way I talked? Or was this how New York women behaved in general? Even Becky had stood him up to go almost get married to some punk.. His mind went back to their conversation, replaying every detail, but he couldn’t pinpoint where exactly he could have said anything that would have scared her off. He slowly glanced at his wrist watch, the harsh glow of the 2am display stared back at him. He couldn’t believe he had wasted the entire evening waiting for someone who never showed up. He slowly began the lonely walk back to his car, the streets scarily quiet around him. He reached his car, slid into the driver’s seat, and just sat there, staring blankly into the darkness. His heart felt like crushed, he couldn’t explain the feeling, he was the one that always stood women up, and not the other way around. For a long time, he just sat, lost in his thoughts, the only sound the quiet sound of the engine. Finally, with a sigh, he started the car and drove away.
Meanwhile The next morning arrived faster than normal for Daisy, It didn’t take long after she managed to close her eyes and the next thing, she felt bright light on her face from her curtain which she realized she had left open last night. She rushed down to the dining room to have breakfast and while at it, as well as checking up on her morning emails. her maid came with a little package to the surprise of Daisy. No one has sent her any package for as long as she could remember. It wasn’t like she didn’t have admirers, but she made sure not to tag them along as she wasn’t interested. If she ever needed a one-night stand, she made sure she went with the man home and disappeared the next morning before he even awoke from sleep. So who could have sent this? “Drop it in my room, I will check it when I’m done eating,” She instructed her maid and went on with her food, her mind now distracted. Something very odd tells her that the package is from the one person she wouldn’t want it from, she mused, but shook it off. There would be no way he would have the audacity to send her anything, not in his damn life! As the maid carried the package to her room, Daisy’s eyes shook her head. She hadn’t ordered anything online recently, and she couldn’t think of anyone who would be sending her a gift, except Ethan of course. She turned her attention back to her emails, scrolling through the usual spam and newsletters. But then, one email caught her eye. It was from City Shell Restaurant, and the subject line read “Reservation Confirmation – September 4th”. Daisy’s heart skipped a beat as she opened the email. And then, her eyes scanned the message, her face growing warmer by the second. “Oh no,” she whispered to herself. “Oh no, oh no, oh no.” She had completely forgotten about the date with Nolan. She had been so angry yesterday after her encounter with Ethan that it had totally slipped her mind. How could she even forget? She had actually been so happy to go. She had met him at the clinic and he had asked her out. She had said yes, and she had stood him up? She had totally forgotten, and she hadn’t even given him her number. No wonder he hadn’t called. Daisy felt a feeling of guilt wash over her. She had stood him up. Just then, the maid returned to the room. “Miss, I put the package on your bed. It’s quite heavy.” Daisy nodded absently, still staring at the email. “Thank you. I’ll take a look at it later.” She said. But for now, her mind was filled with thoughts of Nolan and the night before. What had he thought when she didn’t show up? Had he waited for her? Was he the one that sent the package? She looked around her room, trying to distract herself from her thoughts. She wondered if by chance he was the one that sent the package. Curious, She got up and walked over to her bed, picking up the package and examining it. It was a large box, wrapped in brown paper. She stared at the package, wondering if it was from him? She had initially thought it was from Ethan but maybe it was from Nolan. But she quickly shook her head. It couldn’t be from him. Why would he send her a gift after she had stood him up? Besides, the package was too large to be from him. It was probably just something she had ordered online and forgotten about. But as she turned her attention back to the package, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that they were from him. Daisy’s thoughts were interrupted by her maid, who came into the room again to ask if she needed anything. Daisy hesitated, wondering if she should ask her to open the package, but then decided against it. “Not now, Maria. I’ll take care of it later.” Maria nodded and left the room, leaving Daisy alone with her thoughts. She looked at the package again, her curiosity getting the better of her. Who could have sent it? And what could be inside? Daisy shook her head, trying to clear her mind. It couldn’t be from Nolan. There was no way he knew her house address. She had never given it to him, and they had only met and spoken once at the clinic yesterday. She tried to focus on her work, but her eyes kept drifting back to the package. Who could have sent it? And what could be inside? Daisy sighed, trying to push the thoughts aside. She had more important things to worry about, like her upcoming project deadline. But as she turned her attention back to her computer, her mind kept wandering back to Nolan. She couldn’t believe she had stood him up like that. It was so unlike her. And now, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that the package was somehow connected to him. But that was impossible. He didn’t know her address. Daisy rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. She needed to focus. She couldn’t let her mind keep wandering back to Nolan and the mysterious package. But as she glanced at the package again, she couldn’t help but wonder… what if? “Good morning, mom,” Her son came down the stairs and pecked her cheek, removing her mind from Nolan and every other thing. “Morning, baby. Hope you slept well?” “Yes, mom. Are you leaving so early?” “Yea, baby. I have an early appointment at work but don’t worry, Lucas would take you to the kiddies with Ella and maybe you can even walk him while there, what do you think?” “Okay…” He drew and started picking his food. She noticed something off with him and dropped her skin to find out. “What’s the problem, did you have any nightmares?” His eyes shot up. “No! Why will you think that?” “You are acting strange like you are unhappy..” “I’m fine…” His eyes didn’t drop, as though he had something to ask her but was holding back. “Go on, baby. You know you can always talk to me. I don’t want you to ever feel you can hide anything from me.” She encouraged, slightly feeling bad that he was hesitating to tell her something that is apparently bothering him. “I-I… Can Dad come, please, mom?” She rolled her eyes within. Maybe it would be nice to have the conversation with him about her not being with his Dad anymore so he doesn’t think his father had any right to be with him. Or, maybe not. “Babe, not today, okay? I swear, when it’s the right time, i_i will call him to spend time with you.” “Okay…” He seemed to bobble up a little and started eating earnestly. When she finished eating, she pecked him and left for her room, her heart heavy with the latest turnaround of her life all because of the rotted man who she never believed would surface anytime in her life. Her phone started ringing and when she checked, it was Amanda.
“Hey,”Daisy greeted as soon as she picked the call., somehow happy she still had time to call her this early. “Babe, you good?” Amanda quipped. “Yeah… I’m good. You?” “Fine! Eh… I was wondering if you will be dropping the big man over here instead of taking him to the kiddies. He can spend the day with…” “Is that even a good idea? What if she harms him?” Daisy countered, still not trusting the brunette. “Cmon, Dee. You know she won’t do that. Becky is working so hard to get your approval. Please give her a chance… For my sake.” She knows when she puts the last part it would get to Daisy. “I dunno… I’m preparing to leave for work now, I will tell Lucas to drop him off there, then.” She finally budged. “Cool! Thanks, babe.” She said as she leaned back in her chair. She let out a sigh of relief and reached for her laptop staring at the email from the restaurant, wondering if she should tell Amanda about Nolan. She was still trying to figure out a way to get Ethan out of their lives she knew her friend would judge her for inviting someone else in. “I had a date last night.” She blurted out. Silence followed on the phone. “Sorry I didn’t hear you, come again.” Amanda said. “I had a date last night Mandy, but I didn’t go.” She said again. “Date? With one of our business clients?” Amanda asked. “No, this guy asked me out on a date and I agreed.” She said. Amanda immediately screamed, startling her. “What?” She said, feeling her face redden. “Date? How was it? Did you go? How was the guy? Who is it?” Amanda blurted the questions out. Daisy hesitated, feeling a little guilty. “It was… interesting. I actually stood him up.” Amanda gasped. “What? Why?” Daisy explained the whole story, including the meeting at the clinic and the mysterious package that had arrived that morning. “And now, I’m wondering if it’s from him or Ethan, But that’s impossible, right? He doesn’t know my address.” “Girl.. you have a lot going on in that life of yours.” Amanda said laughing. “But the package could be from him, have you opened it?” She added. Daisy’s eyes widened. “You think it could be from him?” She asked. “Stranger things have happened,” Amanda said. “Open it and find out!” Daisy’s heart raced at the suggestion. Should she open it? What if it was from Nolan? What if it wasn’t? What if it was Ethan? She didn’t want anything to do with Ethan again, opening it would feel like giving him an open invitation back into her life. “Who is this guy, anyway?” Amanda asked, her curiosity evident in her voice. “And why didn’t you tell me you had a date sooner? I would have prepared you for everything, Spill the tea!” Daisy hesitated, feeling a bit shy. “It skipped my mind, okay? And besides, it’s not like it was a big deal… remember the other day when I told you I got into an accident with an asshole? well, he’s actually the same guy who hit me with his car the other day.” Amanda’s voice screamed again over the phone. “What?! That asshole? You agreed to go on a date with him? Daisy, what were you thinking?” She asked. Daisy sighed, knowing she had to explain. “I know it sounds crazy, but he seemed really sweet and genuinely sorry about what happened. And we had a great conversation at the clinic… I don’t know, I just felt that maybe he was different.” Amanda’s tone softened. “Okay, I get it. But still, he’s the one who hit you with his car! And was a total asshole and now you’re wondering if he’s also the one who sent you a mysterious package? Girl, be careful.” She said. Daisy nodded, as she sighed over the phone. “I know, I know. I’ll be careful. But what if it’s not from him? What if it’s just a weird coincidence?” Amanda’s voice was firm. “Then it’s still weird, and you should still be careful. Keep me posted, okay?” “What it’s name again?” She asked. “Nolan.” Daisy said. “The name Nolan sounds familiar,” Amanda said, her voice thoughtful. “I’ve heard it before, I just can’t remember where exactly.” Daisy sighed feeling embarrassed. “He seemed a little different from the other men I meet.” She said, Amanda laughed. “Well, at least you’re honest. You always were a bit of a scatterbrain. But seriously, Daisy, you need to make it right. Call him and apologize, or something.” Daisy nodded, she knew Amanda was right. “Yeah, I know. But we didn’t exchange numbers that day.” Amanda chuckled. “Didn’t any of you plan it out well? The two of you sound like two scatter brains.” She said. “Find a way to call him and explain,” Amanda said firmly. “Apologize for standing him up and clear the air.” Daisy hesitated. “But we never exchanged numbers, Amanda. I don’t have a way to reach him.” Amanda hissed. “That makes it harder, but not impossible. You could try looking him up on social media or something. But even if you can’t contact him, you need to try. He seems like a good person, and if you of all people feel bad that you stood him up, then maybe he’s a good person.” Daisy nodded, feeling a little guilty. “Yeah, I do. He seemed really sweet, and I feel terrible for standing him up. I just wish I could explain and apologize.” “Well, maybe you’ll get another chance. And even if you don’t, at least you’ll know you tried. But I have a feeling you’ll see him again, Daisy. And when you do, be honest and apologize. That’s all you can do.” Amanda said, her voice soft. Daisy took a deep breath. “You’re right, Amanda. I’ll try to make it right, even if it’s just for my own peace of mind.” Amanda suddenly burst out laughing. “Oh my god, so my friend is finally moving on from Ethan! I’m shocked!” Daisy quickly corrected her. “It’s nothing like that, Amanda. I’m just being nice to someone who was nice to me. Don’t read too much into it.” Amanda’s laughter reduced, but her teasing tone remained. “Okay, okay. But you have to gist me more when you come to the office. I want all the details!” Daisy rolled her eyes. “There’s nothing to gist, Amanda. Really. But I’ll fill you in if anything interesting happens.” “I’m counting on it. And who knows, maybe this Nolan guy is just what you need to get over Ethan once and for all.” Amanda said, her voice sly. Daisy sighed, knowing her friend wouldn’t drop the subject easily. “Amanda, I’m serious. It’s not about Ethan. Let’s just drop it, okay?” “Okay, fine,” Amanda said, laughing. “I’ll drop it for now. But just remember, I’m watching you, and I want all the juicy details when you’re ready to share.” Daisy smiled,she knew her friend was just trying to help. “I’ll be at the office soon, and we can catch up in person. See you then!” “Sounds good to me,” Amanda replied. “I’ll be here, eagerly awaiting the latest news of everything.” She said laughing. Daisy chuckled and shook her head, as she ended the call. She wondered why Amanda had been so adamant on her bringing Daniel over, She didn’t want to think it’s because Amanda wanted to use her son to get her to approve of her lover that she called her, so she strode into her room to dress up. Entering her room, she opened the door and her eyes landed on the black box on the minor table in the room. She hurried to it, unwilling to accept she was excited to know what could be inside the box. Picking it up, she twisted side to side to check for any attachment but got nothing. “Hmmm,” She hummed and ripped the pink ribbon holding it together. Her eyes widened, inside was a red gown, and silver shoes, very gorgeous ones. She picked the label on the gown and checked and her eyes popped. $5000! Who could this be from? She hastily offloaded the packages from the box and an envelope fell from the box. She picked up and tore it and a card, a very scented one pulled from it with a tiny red rose. This surprised her further. She read what was inside. I saw your designs at the last showcase and now I want nothing more than to invest in it. Do me the honor of meeting me in the upcoming 1996 opera gala held at the Basque on Saturday. Santiago Santiago? She pondered. Well, she placed back the card and eyed the gown..In this line of work, there are bound to be clients, very weird ones. This isn’t the first time she is getting such nice things and invitations, nor would it be the last. As far as she has to secure an investment, so be it. Well, well, it appears she has good news and a gala invitation to extend to her friend. She twirled, finally getting something to sweeten her mind. She readied and left the room for work. Today that has started with investment invitations, she hopes it remains interesting and no one ruins it for her. The day’s work was smooth, and she shared the early morning opportunity with Amanda who was equally shocked and declared she was more than willing to go. Of course, the gala would be the talk of the town and every influential person in the society would show up. So it has to be attended in grand style. “Maybe the President might even be there, what do you think? Or maybe his first lady…” Chimed Amanda. “Maybe…” Daisy assented, and danced to her office.
Nolan stumbled into his room, slamming the door behind him. He didn’t bother turning on the lights, as he collapsed on his bed in the darkness. Lina’s couch was empty, he was sure she was on another of her late night adventures. He reached for the bottle of whiskey on his nightstand, unscrewing the cap, his hand trembling as he did. He took a long swig, coughing loudly as he felt the burn of the alcohol on his dry throat. His eyes moved towards the bedside lamp. It was five a.m He hadn’t slept all night. After waiting till two a.m at the bar at the restaurant and Daisy didn’t show up, he had left to a nearby bar, hoping to drink away his disappointment. He took another long swig of the whiskey, coughing weakly at the harshness of the drink. Maybe he should have just defied his grandfather’s orders and stayed in France. Atleast that way none of this would have happened. He wouldn’t have been forced to marry and he wouldn’t have met Daisy or even went on that stupid date at all. He took another long swig, desperately trying to shake off the feeling of emptiness and the feeling of being trapped in a life he didn’t want. The whiskey made his mind start to hallucinate. Nolan’s body shook with sobs as he began to cry, he didn’t know how to process the emotion he was feeling, it was new to him. He was used to being alone, but something about the whiskey, and Daisy not showing up made it hit deeper, as his body shook with tears, his cries echoing round the room. After what seemed like a long time and many bottles later, the first light of the early morning crept into his room, Nolan finally passed out, an empty whiskey bottle clutched in his hand. The room was silent, the only noise was his heavy snoring. Morning was worse. Nolan woke to a pounding headache, his eyes aches, his body ached from sleeping in a bad position. He slowly stretched his body on the cold floor, and lay there, staring blankly at the ceiling, wondering how he’d face another day. He sleepily sat up, rubbing the sides of his head. He still couldn’t believe Daisy had stood him up. He had been looking forward to their date all day, and she had simply never shown up. No call, no text, no explanation. Just then, a soft knock at the door broke the silence, disturbing his thoughts. “Young Master, is everything okay?” He heard Lance’s voice come from the other side of the door. Nolan paused, he didn’t want to see anyone, or more like he wasn’t ready to see anyone. But he knew Lance, the man was like a bubble gum stuck to your hair, he wouldn’t leave you alone no matter how much you told him to. “Come in, Lance,” he said, his voice rough from the bottles of whiskey he had downed all through the night. Lance entered, his eyes scanning the room before settling on Nolan’s untidy face. “Master Nolan, what happened? You look… unwell.” He said, his voice filled with concern. Nolan shook his head, as he tried to force a smile but he couldn’t, he was just to tired, weak, hurt and embarrassed. Lance’s stared at him, he could see the man’s eyes soften with sympathy. “I’m sorry, Master Nolan. Would you like me to…?” Nolan shook his head, as he waved him off. “No, Lance. Just leave me alone for now.” He said. “You know I can’t do that young master, my job is to make sure you are always happy and assist you with everything.” Lance said. “Lance… please..” Nolan whispered weakly. Lance paused, before sighing in defeat. Nolan remained silent, avoiding eye contact with Lance. He didn’t want to talk, didn’t want to explain. He just wanted to be left alone. Lance took a deep breath as he tried again. “Master Nolan, please, if you can’t talk to me, then atleast eat, I made you breakfast.” Nolan shook his head, he didn’t have an appetite, if not for his splitting headache, he would have headed to the bar for more whiskey. “Young master, you need to eat something. You’ve been holed up in here for hours,” Lance said, his voice filled with concern. Nolan didn’t respond, instead he turned around pretending to be asleep, hoping Lance would take the hint and leave. But Lance wouldn’t give up. “Young Master Nolan, I know something’s wrong. You can’t just shut me out like this. Is it about where you went yesterday evening? Did something happen?” Lance asked, his voice softer now, more gentle. Nolan stayed silent, just hoping the man took the hint and left. He heard one of the windows open, followed by a rough meow, and he knew Luna was back from whatever adventure she had gone for that night. The cat neared him but immediately leapt back, Luna detested the smell of whiskey. Nolan sighed, as his head ached more, he felt a little guilty for ignoring Lance, but he just couldn’t face him yet. Lance sigher louder, his footsteps echoing as he moved closer. “Fine, Master Nolan. But know that I’m here for you, whenever you need someone to talk or you’re ready to talk.” Nolan felt lance hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently before feeling a push on the bed. He couldn’t tell if Lance had sat on the bed or if he had placed something on the bed and left. The room fell silent again, the only sound was his harsh breathing and Luna constant as she scratched at the door, he knew the poor cat must be fed up with the heavy smell of whiskey. He knew Lance was still there, waiting patiently for him to talk. Nolan slowly turned around. True to his thoughts, Lance was still standing by the door. Nolan’s eyes widened weakly as he looked towards the bed, seeing a large bottle of whiskey. He looked up to face Nolan. The man had a small smile on his face, as he nodded towards Nolan, instructing him that he was free to drink. Nolan smiled weakly, that old goat, he was trying to bribe him to talk. Nolan grabbed the bottle and took a long swig of whiskey, feeling the burn all the way down his throat. He slowly looked towards Lance. “I… I met this girl the other day at the clinic Lance. Beautiful, wonderful, well spoken, she even knew a lot about fashion, she had… everything I thought I wanted.” He said. Lance slowly sat on the nearby sofa, as he turned to face Nolan attentively. Nolan sighed, as he took another long swig. “She said her name was Daisy, such a nice name, like the flower.” “I asked her out on a date, and she said yes. But she never showed up, Lance. I waited and waited and waited but she just never showed up Lance.” “Why?” He asked, his voice cracking. Nolan’s eyes dropped. “When we spoke at the clinic thought we had a connection, Lance. I thought she felt it too.” Lance’s face softened. “Oh, Young Master Nolan, I’m so sorry. That must have been really tough for you.” He said, his voice gentle. Nolan smiled weakly, taking another swig of whiskey. “Tough? That’s not even the word, Lance. I feel like a fool. Like I was just being led on.. what if she was just being nice to me and I read into it as her being attracted to me?” He asked. Lance stood up, walking closer to Nolan, he gently placed his hand on Nolan’s shoulder. “You’re not a fool, Master Nolan. You were just… attracted to the wrong person. And that’s not a bad thing.” Nolan looked up, his eyes searching lance’s face. “But why? Why would she not show up? Was it something I did or said when we were discussing?” Lance smiled, his eyes shining. “I can’t say young master, but all I know is that, it can’t be your fault, you’re literally the most charming man I know.” Nolan shook his head, he wasn’t in the mood for Lance praised. “Lance, be honest with me. Do you think I am ugly? Do I have some kind of behavior that turns women off?” He asked, his voice shaking. Lance’s eyes widened, his face pale in horror. “Oh, young Master, no! Not at all! You’re… you’re literally the perfect man in the world!” “I need to meet this girl who made you doubt yourself like this young master!” Lance exclaimed. “Young master you are perfect!” Nolan raised an eyebrow. “Perfect? Don’t be ridiculous, Lance.” He said. Lance shook his head angrily. “I’m serious, Master Nolan! You’re kind, intelligent, handsome… what more could a woman want?” Nolan smiled, his ego still felt badly bruised. “Apparently, not me.” He said. Lance’s shook his head again, his face pale. “That’s not true, Master Nolan. It’s her loss, it’s Daisy’s loss, I assure you. She doesn’t know what she’s missing out on.” Nolan looked away, his heart still felt weird. Most people that knew him, spoke to him with respect, of course they all wanted a favor from him or his grandfather but she had been different, No one had ever spoken with him like that before. No one had ever made him feel so… seen. Lance squeezed his shoulders again. “Young master, you deserve someone who loves and appreciates you for who you are, young master Nolan. And I have no doubt that person is out there, waiting for you.” “Don’t worry about daze or whatever her name is, it’s her loss.” Nolan’s turned around, facing Lance, as he shook his head. “It doesn’t feel like her loss, Lance. It feels like mine.” He said, his voice barely above a whisper. Lance’s eyes, softened, his face filled with emotions. “Oh, Master Nolan,” he said, his voice gentle. “You’re hurting, and it makes me hurt too, I’m so sorry.” “Look at your eyes, they’re so red from lack of sleep, look at those dark circles around your eyes, even your skin looks a little bit off.” Lance said, his voice filled with concern. “You need to sleep, it’ll help you forget everything.” Lance said as he grabbed the bottle of whiskey from Nolan’s hands as he slowly helped him sit up. He poured a glass of water and handed Nolan a couple of painkillers. “Take these, Master Nolan. They’ll help with the headache, the… emotional pain and also help you sleep and forget everything.” Nolan looked at the pills reluctantly, he took a mouthful of water before throwing the pills into his mouth immediately, swallowing it with the water. The water felt good in his throat, so he kept on drinking till the glass was empty, before setting it on the night stand. He let Lance guide him back onto the bed, feeling like the times when when he was still a little kid and he was down with a little cold. Lance pulled the covers up, tucking Nolan in bed gently. “Sleep tight, Master Nolan. Let your body and mind heal. I’ll be here when you wake up.” Nolan closed his eyes, he didn’t need any music or anything to fall asleep, he was already tired and drowsy from the pain killers. He let himself slowly drift off to sleep. “Thank you, Lance,” He whispered, as his voice faded into sleep. Lance smiled, as he looked down on Nolan’s sleeping form. “Sleep tight, Master Nolan.”
Lance silently slipped out of the room, his eyes on Nolan’s sleeping form as he gently closed the room’s door behind him. He quickly pulled out his phone as he walked away from the room, silently dialing out a number. His face turned serious as he waited for the number to ring. “Chairman Van-Louvre,” Lance said, his voice low as soon the person picked up the call. “Yes Lance, how is everything over there?” The chairman asked. “How is Nolan? Has he gone to the company today?” “No your grace, master Nolan is still at home in bed.” Lance replied. “Why?” The chairman asked. Lance took a deep breath. “I need to inform you of a situation regarding Master Nolan.” “What is it, Lance? What’s happened?” The chairman asked, his voice a little worried. “Did he run away to France?” “No your grace, it’s something else.” “What?” The chairman asked, slowly growing impatient. Lance hesitated, he had to choose his words carefully, he was only doing this for the young master. “Your grace, Master Nolan went on a date last night, sir. But the girl… she stood him up.” There was a pause on the other end of the line, as Lance waited, his heart racing for the chairman’s reply. He knew the chairman wouldn’t be pleased, he had already picked a girl for Nolan to marry, and if pictures of Nolan on a date with another woman surfaced, it would cause trouble for the arranged marriage. “Who is this girl?” the Chairman finally said. Lance swallowed hard, he knew he was about to cross a line. “I don’t have much information, sir. But I can try to find out more if you’d like.” He couldn’t risk Nolan doing anything stupid, he needed to inform the chairman and let him know. The Chairman’s response was not what Lance had expected. Instead of anger, he heard a deep, rumbling laugh echo through the phone. ” Oh, Lance, I knew it! I knew it all along, that boy thought i didn’t know what was good for him?!” The Chairman said, as he continued laughing for several minutes. Finally, the Chairman held himself. “I was right, Lance. Arranged marriage is the way to go. These modern dating games are a waste of time and would only bring disgrace to a family like ours.” Lance hesitated, unsure of how to respond. “And to think, Nolan was so against the idea of an arranged marriage, I even thought the boy had someone he was seeing which made him disagree with me, you know how all this young lovers behave when you try to seperate them,” the Chairman said, as he continued to laugh. “You called at the right time Lance, I’m close to the mansion, I was just seeing a friend, maybe I’ll stop by the mansion to see him, and even speed up the date of the wedding, I was thinking of setting it to three months but now I’m thinking of two weeks, after all why wait when he doesn’t have anyone else in mind.” The chairman said. Lance’s eyes widened in shock. He hadn’t expected the Chairman to take the news like this. This wasn’t what he was aiming for when he called the chair man. “Yes, sir,” Lance finally said, trying to sound excited. “I’ll make sure to prepare the mansion well for your arrival.” The Chairman laughted again. “I’ll show Nolan how easy love can be Lance. He’ll come around to the idea of an arranged marriage soon enough, wether he likes it or not.” He said as he dropped the phone. Lance stared at the phone silently as the line went dea. He felt uneasy. As Lance paced about the hallway, practicing how he would explain what he just did go Nolan, the sound of car engines and sound of tires on gravel filled the air. He quickly looked outside the window. An entourage of sleek, black limousines pulled into the compound in a straight line. The chairman was here already. Lance’s heart sank to his stomach as he watched the convoy come to a stop outside the mansion. He took a deep breath as he stared outside the window again, he could see the Chairman step out of the first limousine. A long line of body guards in black suits following him as he walked into the mansion and began walking straight to Nolan’s room. Lance quickly ran to Nolan’s side, to the wake him up and prepare him for his grandfather’s unexpected visit. “Master Nolan, your grandfather is here,” he whispered, his voice urgent. Nolan sleepily opened his eyes, still sleepy from the painkillers and whiskey. “What’s… what’s going on, Lance?” he mumbled sleepily. “The.. the chairman..” Lance stuttered. “The what?” Nolan asked sleepily. But before Lance could respond, the door flew open as the Chairman burst into the room. The Chairman’s looked towards where Nolan laid as he entered the room, his eyes judging him. He slowly shook his head. “Look at him, laying there lazily, like he has given up on life, just pathetic.” He spat, his voice bitter. “At your age, I know how many achievements I had under my belt.” Nolan frowned as the sleep slowly faded from his eyes, confusion in his eyes as he stared at his grandfather. “What are you doing here, Grandfather?” he asked, still confused as he tried to sit up despite his pounding headache. The Chairman shook his head, his eyes filled with disdain. “I’m here to put an end to this pity party of yours, Nolan. Look how old you are! You’re clearly incapable of finding a suitable partner on your own. It’s time for an arranged marriage, like I’ve always said.” “A marriage that will benefit you and the family.” Nolan shook his head in anger. “No way! Never in my life would I do that! Never would I let you control my life like that.” The Chairman’s stare turned cold. “How old are you Nolan? I’ve always let you do as you pleased and you’ve always made it your mission to disgrace me and this family, and now that I want to give you direction, I want to let you do something for the family for once you say no? “You’re a disappointment to me, and to our family’s legacy and It’s time for you to do what’s expected of you.” The chairman said. Lance watched in horror as the Chairman’s words cut deep into Nolan. He could see tears in Nolan’s eyes. This wasn’t what he wanted when he called the chairman. The Chairman’s shook his head as he walked towards the coach, slowly sitting down. “You think I don’t know? I know everything going on in your pathetic life, Lance here always informs me.” He said. Nolan turned to face Lance, who immediately hid his face. The chairman chuckled as he shook his head. “You can’t even manage a date with a woman, Nolan. What makes you think you’re capable of choosing a wife? You’re clearly not capable of making such an important decision on your own which is why I have to do it for you.” Nolan shook his head angrily. “No grandfather, please, don’t do this, please I don’t want to get married.” His grandfather shook his head. “It’s time to face the reality, Nolan. You need guidance, and I’m here to provide it. Henceforth, you’re not required to go to the office, You’ll start preparing for your arranged marriage immediately. I’ve already spoken to the Monclers and they are excited, Tori Moncler would be flying in to meet you on Saturday so start preparing yourself down, I need you to impress her.” His grandfather said. Nolan’s eyes widened in horror as he shook his head. “No, Grandfather! I won’t do it!” The Chairman stared at him harshly. “You will do it, Nolan. You have no choice. You’re a part of this family, and you’ll do what’s expected of you. Your childishness and immaturity ends now, you have been a fool for so long, you can’t be a fool forever.” Lance felt a chill run down his spine as he watched the Chairman and Nolan exchange words. This wasn’t what he wanted, he didn’t want any of this.
Nolan’s eyes filled up with tears as he sank to his knees, grabbing his grandfather’s leg, begging for mercy. “Please, Grandfather… just one more chance. I’ll do anything… please don’t make me get married like that.” The Chairman’s face remained the same as he stared at Nolan in disgust. He finally sighed. “Okay then, Nolan, let’s play a game.” He said. “I’ll give you till Saturday night, when Toria Moncler shows up, I’ll give you then, because I’ve already arranged a date for the both of you on Saturday night to get to know each other well.” He said. “So I’ll give you till ten p.m Saturday night, if you can secure a date with the girl who turned you down and bring her to me with talks of marriage… then I’ll let you be with whoever you want, but if you fail, you will never question your marriage again.” Nolan’s face changed, as she slowly shook his head. “But Grandfather, we haven’t progressed so far yet, we just met a few days ago.” The Chairman shrugged. “You can pick her or anyone else or do you want me to pick for you?” He asked. Nolan’s head sank in defeat. The chairman sighed. “See, That’s your problem, Nolan. You have till Saturday night to convince her or anyone you have in mind otherwise. If you fail… then you’ll accept the arranged marriage and never question my authority again.” Nolan nodded as tears rolled down his cheek freely, his body shaking as he cried silently. Lance watched, helpless, as the chairman turned and walked away. Nolan watched as his grandfather walked out of the room. He waved goodbye, his hand trembling as he did. The Chairman didn’t turn back. Immediately the door closed behind his grandfather, Nolan collapsed onto the bed, his body shaking as he cried. How did his grandfather know about Daisy, he had only told one person.. Nolan’s head shot up immediately, he had only told Lance, he had no idea that the old goat was reporting everything they spoke about to his grandfather. He quickly turned to anger, marching towards Lance, his fists clenched by his sides. “You!” he shouted angrily as he grabbed him by his shirt, slamming him against the wall. “Why did you tell him, Lance? Why did you have to go and tell him about everything I told you?” Lance sighed as he remained calm. “I’m truly sorry, I was just doing my job, Master Nolan. I was ordered to report every situation to your grandfather.” Nolan’s face was filled with anger. “You’re supposed to be on my side, Lance! Not his!” He shouted. Lance nodded, his face blank. “My duty is to the family, Master Nolan. I’m sorry if my actions upset you.” He said, his voice bland. Nolan felt the anger in him increase as he squeezed Lance’s collar slamming him against the wall, his eyes filled with anger. “You’re sorry? You’re sorry?! You have no idea what you’ve done, Lance! How can you be sorry!” Lance’s face didn’t change, as he stared blankly at Nolan. “Master Nolan, please… let go. I understand you’re upset, but I keep my word, my job is to serve you and to report back to the master.” He said. Nolan’s grip tightened, but then he released Lance, his chest heaving in anger. “Get out,” he shouted. “Just get out.” Nolan stumbled back to the bed. Saturday? He had till Saturday to secure a date with Daisy? He didn’t even have her phone number. How was he supposed to set up a date with her or even meet her again? He paced back and forth in his room, trying to think of a way. And then, it suddenly hit him. He remembered when he had seen her heavily drunk at the bar the other day, and Lance had told him that he recognized her, that she was one of the women that ruined Becky’s wedding. His eyes widened! If Lance was correct then it meant there was a chance that Becky knew who she was. He quickly rushed to the door and flung it open, calling out for Lance. “Lance! Lance, come here!” Lance appeared almost immediately. “Yes, young master Nolan?” “Do you remember the wedding I sent you to the other day?” He asked. Lance slowly nodded. “Yes master.. the wedding that was ruined?” Nolan nodded. “Yes the wedding that was ruined, the other night at the bar, I was with this drunk woman and you said she was one of the women that ruined the wedding, were you sure?” He asked. Lance nodded. “Yes, Master Nolan. I’m sure, she was one of the women that ruined the wedding.” Lance said. Nolan’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Get me my phone now, I need to call Becky!” He shouted, watching as Lance took off to find his phone. Nolan’s hands shook slightly as he dialed Becky’s number. It rang twice before she picked up on the third ring. “Hey, Nolan?” Becky said, her voice unsure. “Yes it’s me.” Nolan replied. “Oh.. Nolan, How are you?” Becky asked reluctantly. Nolan could tell she didn’t really want to speak to him, and the feeling was mutual, he didn’t also want to speak to her. “Hey, Becky. I actually need your help with something, Can we meet?” He asked, trying to keep his tone casual. “Meet?” Becky repeated, her voice unsure. “Yes please, can we meet..” He repeated. “Uh, okay sure. Yeah, we can meet. What’s going on?” She asked reluctantly. “Where are you? So I can pick a place nearby.” He said. “You can come to the coffee shop in town, I’m heading there for coffee already.” She said. “Okay, that’s good, thank you.” Nolan said as he dropped the call. He quickly slipped into a pair of designer jeans and a designer sweat shirt, as he hurried over to the coffee shop. He arrived early, his heart almost in his mouth, as he sat down to catch his breath. Becky walked in a few minutes later, looking at him wearily. Nolan smiled as he stood up to welcome her. “Hey.. have a seat.” He offered. “Thanks, but let me first order my coffee.” Becky said. “I already did.” Nolan said. “You always liked an americano iced coffee.” He said. Becky smiled a little as she slowly sank down in her seat, The waiter came to drop their coffee, and they began to sipp their coffee quietly, Nolan cleared his throat as he got straight to the point. “Becky, I need to ask you about your wedding.” He said. Becky paused, as she stared at him and gently dropped her coffee. “My wedding?” She asked. Nolan nodded. “Yeahh, the one that got canceled.” He said. Becky nodded. “Okay what about it?” She asked. “The woman who crashed your wedding.. do you remember who she is?” He asked. Becky stared at him in confusion, “Daisy?” She asked. “What about her?” Nolan’s heart skipped a beat. “Yes, that’s the person, please Becky is there anyway i can meet her? I have to meet her.” Becky frowned in confusion as she pushed her coffee aside. “Why? What’s going on, Nolan?” She asked. Nolan paused, he had already opened up to one person and it cost him a lot, he wasn’t sure he wanted to open up to any other person. “I just need to meet her, okay? Can you help me?” He asked. Becky looked at him for a while before she finally nodded. He could tell she was curious, but if there was one thing he knew about Becky, it was that she always liked to help people. “Fine, I’ll give you her number.” She said. Nolan’a face brightened up immediately as he grabbed her hands, thanking her. Becky raised an eyebrow, clearly curious about what this was all about. “You know what? I’m not sure she’ll appreciate me giving out her number, so I’ll do better than give you her number. I’ll take you to meet her.” Nolan’s heart skipped a beat, his eyes widened in shock. “Really? You’d do that? Thank you so much, I love you Becky.” “Hey hey hey.. easy.” Becky said, cutting him off. Nolan’s smile faded a little but he was still happy. “Thank you so much.” He said. Becky nodded. “Yeah, let me finish with my coffee and we can head out, by the way why do you want to meet her so badly? And how do you know her?” Nolan looked away. “It’s a little complicated.” He muttered. Becky nodded. “Okay then.” She said as she took a long sip, setting the empty cup down. “I’m ready. Let’s go.” She said. Nolan smiled as he left a tip for the waiter and quickly stood up, following her out of the coffee shop. “I’ll drive.” Nolan said as he pointed over to where he parked his car. Becky smiled as she followed him over to where he parked his car. “That’s good because I took the bus here.” She said. “I’m actually curious to know, how you know Daisy because the two of you are polar opposites.” She said. Nolan shrugged, “We met a couple days ago at the clinic.” He said as he opened the passenger door for Becky and got into the driver’s seat. Becky laughed. “I should have known, the both of you are pet lovers.” She said. Nolan drove them following Becky’s directions to a large, beautiful mansion on the outskirts of town, with a huge garden full of beautiful flowers and trees. He brought the Lamborghini to a halt, and came down, Becky following him. His eyes widened as he looked around him, as he followed Becky to the door. “This is… quite a place,” he said, trying to hide his surprise. Becky grinned. “Yeah I have to agree, the girl has taste.” She said.
Meanwhile Daisy and Amanda were sitting at the front porch, both women drinking cocktails while talking about the package and the mysterious Santiago, whoever that was. Daisy was about to try on the gown in the mysterious for Amanda, when they suddenly heard the sound of tires and a car’s engine outside. Daisy knew Daniel was home so that couldn’t be the kiddies teacher coming to drop him. She slowly looked out of the window, her eyes widened in surprise as she saw a sleek black Lamborghini pull up to her garage. Becky stepping out of the car, followed by a tall man with long blonde hair. “Nolan?” She muttered. Amanda stared outside, a frown on her face. “What is going on?” Daisy shook her head dumbfounded. “I don’t know…” she muttered as she watched Nolan and Becky walk down towards the mansion’s door. “Daisy!” Becky called out, as she walked up to the door. “Someone wants to see you.” She called. “I brought someone to meet you.” Daisy raised an eyebrow, watching silently as Nolan approached the door, his eyes fixed on her. “Hey,” he said, his deep voice sending a shiver down Daisy’s spine. Amanda’s gaze moved from Daisy to Becky to Nolan. “Who are you?” She asked, as she eyes him up and down. “Wait have I seen you before.. you look familiar.” “Nolan.. what are you doing here?” Daisy asked as her eyes moved from Becky to Nolan, trying to understand what was going on here. “Nolan..” Amanda muttered. Her eyes suddenly widened. “Wait aren’t you the guy from the bar the other night..” she said. She slowly turned to Daisy. “Wait dee, is this the Nolan you have been speaking about?” She asked. Nolan smiled sheepishly. “So you have been speaking about me..” he said, as he stood towering over Daisy. Daisy’s rolled her eyes. She would have thought she would be glad to see him again, but she wasn’t. She wasnt glad he found her house or he was standing beside her with Becky. “What are you doing here? How did you find me? Did Becky bring you here?” She asked, her voice rising in anger. She turned to Becky, her eyes accusing. “Becky, what is going on? You’re bringing strangers to my house now?” She asked angrily. Becky slowly raised up her hands, defensively. “Hey, hey, calm down. I can explain.” “Explain what?” Daisy snapped, cutting her off angrily. “You’d better explain. I thought you were more sensible than this, Becky. I thought you of all people would understand boundaries.” She said. Nolan stepped forward, his hands raised, trying to pacify her. “Daisy, please listen. I mean no harm. I just wanted to meet you and I called Becky, she said as the only way I could meet you.” But Daisy wasn’t having it. “I’m sorry but you need to leave. Now. Before I call the police.” She snapped, she didn’t understand why she was angry, but she was. Amanda stood up, her eyes filled with anger as she stared at Becky who was standing by Nolan’s side. “Yeah, get out. This is Daisy’s home. You can’t just show up uninvited.” Nolan shook his head, trying to apologize. “We are sorry if there’s any misunderstanding, I just came to see Daisy, please.” He said. “We?” Amanda whispered, as she eyed him, Becky had told her he was just a friend. “Who’s we?” She whispered. Nolan looked towards Becky. “Becky and I.” He replied. “We have a little bit of history but it’s all over, we are just friends now, we used to be a thing but not anymore.” He said, hoping his sincerity would move Daisy. Amanda’s eyes widened in shock, her eyes moving back to Becky. “Becky, is… is that true? You… you never told me you had an ex-lover!” She stuttered. Becky’s face turned bright red, her eyes moving guiltily to Nolan before returning to Amanda. “Amanda, I… uh… I can explain…” she stuttered. Amanda shook had head, she slowly turned to face daisy. “Daisy, is this the Nolan, who asked you out on a date? The one you told me about?” She asked. Daisy nodded as she eyed Nolan and Becky. “Yes it’s him.” Nolan didn’t understand what was going on, but he could sense he wasn’t very welcomed here either him or Becky. Amanda shook her head, as she turned to face Nolan. “My friend didn’t show up to the date for a good reason, you can go now.” She said coldly. Nolan raised his hands in frustration. “What’s going on? What did I do so bad Daisy? I am just trying to…” “Stop..” Daisy cut him off, her voice filled with anger. “Please leave, Nolan, please leave my house, and don’t come back and take her with you.” She said pointing to Becky. Nolan stared around in confusion, he could see Becky trying to plead with Amanda with her eyes. Amanda shook her head in disappointment and walked out of the house, her anger and hurt was evident in the way she walked. Becky rushed after her, apologizing and explaining, it all made sense to him, that must be her partner. Daisy watched them go, before she turned back to face Nolan. “What are you still doing here? I already asked you to leave before I call estate security.” She threatened. Nolan moved a few steps away, raising his hands slightly to the air. “I’m here because you never showed up for our date, Daisy. You just disappeared without a word.” Daisy frowned. “I didn’t realize I was supposed to find a way to inform you of my every move. Besides, I was interested in you then, and I’m not interested now.” She said. “I lost interest in the date.” Nolan took a step closer, his eyes filled with emotions. “I don’t believe that, Daisy. I think you should just give me a chance, you can’t just show interest in me and turn it off, give me a chance I’m willing to do whatever it takes to prove that I’m worth it.” He said. Daisy’s laughed. “You’re delusional, Nolan. I like you as a person, but not enough for a date, please leave now, before I have to call the police.” She said. But Nolan didn’t budge, as he looked at her silently. Daisy sighed, feeling a little guilty? She knew she was being unnecessarily cruel and rude to him. “Look, Nolan, I’m sorry. I forgot about the date, okay? It was a crazy time and it slipped my mind.” She said. Nolan’s face softened, his eyes shining. “It’s cool, Daisy. I’m not here to hold that to you. I just… I wanted to see you again.” He said. Daisy looked up at him, shaking her head. “Why? What’s so special about me?” She asked. Nolan’ smiled sincerely as he took a step closer to her. “You’re the first person who has ever made me feel different, Daisy, and I really want to be close to you.” He said. Daisy stared at him silently. Lines like that would have worked on her five to six years ago, not now after everything she had gone through with Ethan. Nolan smiled, his eyes shining. “Please say you’ll give me another chance. Say you’ll spend some time with me, get to know me. I want more of that feeling, Daisy. I want more of you.” Daisy shook her head, trying to clear her mind. “Nolan, we just met and you’re a great guy, but It’s too early for… whatever this is. And to be honest, I don’t see you like that.” Nolan’s heart sank, but he nodded understandingly. “I get it. I was getting ahead of myself thinking you were attracted to me, I’m sorry.” He said. Daisy felt a little bit guilty at the disappointment in his eyes. “Nolan, it’s not that you’re not… appealing. You’re just… not my type, okay?” Nolan smiled weakly. “ But can I ask for one thing?” Daisy hesitated, but nodded. “Yes, what?” She asked. “Can I be friends with you?” He asked. Daisy raised an eyebrow, surprised by the request. “I… I don’t think it’s something I want right now.” She said. “Oh?” Nolan whispered, his heart sinking more and more. Daisy nodded. “Leave me alone, okay? No more showing up at my house or trying to convince me to date you. I mean it.” Nolan stepped closer to her, she was his only emotion, the more she rejected him the more he wanted her. “I’ll do anything you want, Daisy. Just give me a chance.” Daisy shook her head, her voice soft but firm. “Nolan, I told you I don’t see you like that. I’m sorry.” Nolan dropped to his knees in front of her, his eyes pleading. “Please, Daisy. Just one date. If you give me a chance in your life, we can make it work.” Daisy felt a bit overwhelmed, it was getting too much, her patience was wearing thin. She didn’t care what Amanda would say, she would give Becky a piece of her mind for putting her in this position. “Nolan, please. Get up.” She said. Nolan stood up, his eyes desperate. “Daisy, I know this is weird and uncallled for but Please, Just one more date.” Daisy sighed, feeling her patience wearing thin “Nolan, no. My answer is no. Please accept that and leave me alone.” “Daisy, please. Just one date. If you give me a chance in your life, I promise we can make it work.” Nolan pleaded, his voice filled with desperation. Daisy walked back and forth silently and frustrated, unsure of how to respond she was already at her breakfast point. She didn’t want to go on a date with him, but a part of her felt guilty for rejecting him so harshly. “Nolan, I… uh…” she stuttered, trying to find the right words, before she could finish, his face lit up, a wide smile on his face as he jumped to his feet. “I’ll take that as a yes! I’ll pick you up at six pm Saturday night. Don’t be late!” Daisy’s eyes widened in shock. “No, Nolan, that’s not what I meant!” She shouted after him. But he was already running away, rushing towards his car. “I’ll see you Saturday, Daisy!” He shouted as he got into his car and pulled away, leaving her standing there.
Meanwhile… Amanda sat alone in the dark living room, the only sound in the room was the sound of the TV in the background. She stared blankly at the screen, the bottle of whiskey held tightly in her hand. She took a long sip, feeling the whiskey burn all the way down her throat. She didn’t flinch or scream or even blink. She just kept staring at the screen silently. The whiskey was her only companion tonight, and she was drinking it to keep her from thinking about Becky. When she had seen him call Becky’s phone the other day she had suspected but she had let it lie because she didn’t want to drag it. She took another swig, feeling the room start to spin a little. But she didn’t stop. She kept drinking. She now understood why Daisy always resorted to alcohol, it made her feel a little numb to the pain she was feeling. The door slowly opened as Becky walked into the room, her eyes looking around the dark room until it landed on Amanda’s shoulder. She could smell the strong stench of alcohol from where she was. “Amanda, I’m so sorry,” Becky said gently, as she sat down beside her on the couch. Amanda didn’t look up, she didn’t acknowledge her presence. She just kept staring blankly at the TV, the bottle of whiskey still clutched in her hand. Becky reached out and gently took the bottle from Amanda’s hand, setting it on the table. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Nolan,” she said, her voice soft. “He was just a fling, Amanda. An on-again, off-again thing that I didn’t even take seriously.” Amanda finally looked up, her eyes red-rimmed and puffy. “Why didn’t you tell me?” she whispered, her voice cracking. Becky took Amanda’s hand in hers. “I was afraid of hurting you,” she said. “I didn’t want you to get hurt because of my stupid mistake.” Amanda pulled her hand away, her eyes filling with tears. “You should have told me,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I had a right to know.” “I’m sorry.” Becky whispered. Amanda shook her head. “No you’re not sorry, why did you tell me he was a friend?” “Why did you lie to me, Becky? Why did you tell me Nolan was just a friend?” Becky’s eyes dropped. “I loved you too much, Amanda. I didn’t want to let something as meaningless as that ruin our relationship.” She said, her voice low. Amanda laughed bitterly. “Meaningless? You call what you did meaningless? You lied to me, Becky. You lied to my face.” Becky reached out, as she placed her hand gently over Amanda’s arm before pulling back. “I know, Amanda. And I’m so sorry. I was trying to protect us, our relationship. I didn’t want you to think less of me.” Amanda looked up at her, her eyes filled with anger. Becky looked away, avoiding the eye contact. “I’m truly sorry, Amanda. I’ll never try to hurt you again. I promise.” She said, her voice trembling. Amanda’s expression was skeptical, her voice laced with pain. “Have you and Nolan…since we’ve been together…have you two had sex?” Becky shook her head immediately. “No, Amanda. I swear. I’ve been loyal to you. Nolan and I haven’t been together like that since we started dating you.” “He only called me this afternoon, asking to meet Daisy.” She said. Amanda turned to look at her again. “Why should I believe you?” She asked, her voice low and shaky. Becky’s hands clasped together, her eyes pleading. “Because I love you, Amanda. I love you for who you are, and I don’t want to lose you. I’ll do whatever it takes to regain your trust.” Becky walked slowly towards Amanda, her arms open, as she pulled her into a warm hug. Amanda stiffened for a moment, then relaxed into the Becky’s arms, letting the warmth wash over her. Just then, the door burst open and Daisy stormed into the room, her face red with anger. “Becky, what the actual fuck was that?” Daisy demanded, her voice sharp. Becky’s eyes looked up to Daisy, then back to Amanda, before responding calmly. “What? I brought it because he kept on telling me he wanted to see you.” Becky said. Daisy frowned. “He wanted to see me? And you couldn’t call to let me know before braiding your old fling to my house and ruining my mood and my friends mood.” Daisy snapped. Amanda pulled back from Becky’s hug, her eyes fixed on Daisy. “Daisy, it’s fine, I’m fine now.” Amanda persuaded. Daisy ignored her as she marched over to face Becky. “I only entertain you here because of Amanda and you decide to do to my house as you please?!” Daisy asked in anger. “Please don’t speak to me that way, I never asked to stay in your house.” Becky retorted. Amanda turned to face Becky. “Becky, how could you bring a stranger to daisy’s house?” Becky’s eyes widened in defense. “He said he knew Daisy. He said they were friends.” Daisy’s face turned red with rage. “What if he was someone who wanted to harm my son? What if he was a predator or a monster? How could you be so stupid, Becky?” Becky took a step back, her hands raised. “I didn’t think…I didn’t mean to put anyone in danger. He seemed harmless, and he knew things about Daisy…” she said angrily. Daisy cut her off, her voice angrily. “He seemed harmless? You’re not even a good judge of character. And what things did he know about Me? What could he possibly know that would make you trust him?” Amanda stepped forward, placing herself between Becky and Daisy, her hands raised in a calming gesture. “Okay, let’s just stop this. We’re not going to resolve anything by fighting.” Daisy’s face was still red with anger, but she took a deep breath and nodded. “Fine.” Amanda turned to Daisy. “I’m so sorry, Daisy. I had no idea Becky had invited him over.” She said. Daisy’s face softened a little. “It’s not your fault, Amanda.” She said. “But what did he want, anyway?” Amanda asked. “Ask her, the one that brought him here.” Daisy said pointing at Becky. Amanda turned to Becky, who was still, pacing angrily. “What did Nolan want, Becky?” Becky looked up, her eyes puffy. “He…he said he wanted to ask you out on a date, Daisy.” Daisy frowned. “And why would he think it was okay to come to my house and ask you out?” Becky shook her head. “I don’t know. He just said he had to see you, Daisy. He said he had to talk to you.” Daisy’s face darkened. “I don’t want to talk to him. I don’t want to see him. And I definitely don’t want to go out with him or any of the rest, they’re all the same.” Amanda turned to Daisy, her voice gentle. “Daisy, would you…would you consider going out with him? Maybe just to see what he wants?” Daisy’s stared at Amanda unbelievably. “No, Amanda. Absolutely not. I don’t want to go anywhere near him. He’s Becky’s ex, and I don’t want to have anything to do with that, his chapter in my life never opened and I don’t want it to.” She turned to face Amanda. “I mean it. I’m done with him. And Becky, you should be done with him too. Please never speak of him again.” Amanda nodded, her expression sympathetic. “Okay, Daisy. I understand. We’ll drop it.” “Now who wants to watch a soap opera with me?” Daisy announced. Amanda laughed as she hugged her friend. Daisy turned to Becky. “I’m sorry for shouting at you, I was just a bit temperamental.” She said. Becky smiled. “It’s okay, I understand.” She said. Daisy smiled. “Amanda, you and Becky should prepare the movie and the pop corn, while I go check on Daniel, only God knows if he slept through all this noise.” She said as she walked out of the room.
Friday evening.. Daisy rolled her eyes playfully as Amanda bounced into the room, a huge smile on her face. “Oh my god, Daisy, tomorrow’s the day! You’re going to meet whoever that Santiago is!” She said. Daisy flopped down onto the couch, as she shook her head. “I don’t know, Amanda. I’m not exactly thrilled about it.” Amanda plopped down beside her. “Come on, Daisy! It’ll be fun! You never know, you might actually like him and besides do it for the company.” Daisy couldn’t help but laugh at Amanda’s excitement. “You’re impossible, you know that?” Amanda grinned. “That’s why you love me! Now come on, let’s go get ready for tomorrow. We’ll do your hair and makeup…and everything.” Daisy sighed, a small smile on her lips. Maybe, just maybe, Amanda was right. Maybe she didn’t have anything to worry about tomorrow. “Let’s go to the living room, it’s the usual Friday movie night.” Amanda said as she walked to the sitting room. Daisy smiled as she jumped off her bed, following Amand. * The living room was filled with laughter as Daisy, Daniel, Amanda, Becky, and Ella all snuggled up together on the couch, watching one of their favorite movies. Daniel screamed, giggling uncontrollably, as he pointed at the screen, “Mommy, Mommy, look! Elsa’s got ice powers!” Daisy smiled, ruffling his ball of hair, “I know, sweetie, isn’t it cool?” “Yeah, and I’ve got ice powers too…to chill my drinks!” Amanda said, chiming in. Becky groaned, rolling her eyes at the bad joke, “Amanda, that was so cheesy!” Ella wagged her tail and barked in agreement. “See even Ella agrees.” Daisy said as she patted Ella’s head. Daniel, still chuckling, turned to Daisy, “Mommy, can we have pizza for dinner mom? Pleeease?” Daisy smiled, “We’ll see, sweetie. Maybe after dinner, we can even have a special treat.” Amanda jumped in, “Ooh, yeah! Let’s make some popcorn and have another movie night, there’s this new romance movie that came out last week!” Becky nodded happily, “Sounds like a good plan to me!” “New movie? Is Daniel old enough to watch that with us?” “Of course it’s pg13.” Amanda said. As the new movie started, Daniel’s eyes widened as he moved closer to Daisy, silently watching, but then his expression changed, a confused look in his eyes as he turned to face Daisy. “Mommy, will I ever have a father?” He said, his voice low. Daisy’s heart skipped a beat as she stopped abruptly, unsure of how to respond. Amanda and Becky exchanged glances, sensing the sudden change in the mood of the room. Daisy took a deep breath and gently wrapped her arm around Daniel, pulling him close. “Hey sweetie, you know you have me, and Amanda, even Becky, and Ella too. We’re your family, and we love you so much.” Daniel looked up at her with big, curious eyes. “But why don’t I have a daddy like the kid in the movie?” He said as he pointed a chubby hand to the screen. “Well, sometimes families come in different shapes and sizes. Just because we don’t have a daddy at home doesn’t mean we’re not a family.” Daisy said, her voice soft. “And we’re a pretty awesome family, if I do say so myself!” Amanda added, smiling. Becky nodded in agreement. “Yes kiddo, you’ve got all the love and support you need right here.” Even ella joined in the family comforting session as she rested in his short stubby arms. Daisy smiled, trying to reassure him. “We’ll always be here for you, no matter what, a family doesn’t have to have a father or any other person to be complete as long as you’re surrounded with love.” She said, “But everyone has a daddy.” Daniel persisted. He turned to Amanda. “Did you have a father when you were a kid?” He asked. “What about you aunt Becky? Did you have a father when you were a kid?” He asked. Both woman looked at each other silently. “Mommy, everyone had a daddy, even you, so what about me?” Daisy’s face turned concerned, “Daniel, who’s been telling you things like that?” Daniel looked down. “The other kids at school. They all have fathers, and they say I don’t have a father because my father doesn’t want me.” He said, his voice low and sad. Amanda and Becky exchanged another glance, they could sense the sensing confusion in Daniel’s words. Daisy’s heart ached as she pulled Daniel into a tight hug. “Oh, sweetie, that’s not true. I want what’s best for you, and if having a father in your life is important to you, we’ll figure it out together, okay?” Daniel looked up at her, his eyes welling up with tears, “But if I have a father, why doesn’t my father want to see me, Mommy?” Daisy’s voice cracked as she struggled to find the right words, “Sometimes, grown-ups make mistakes, and it doesn’t mean they don’t love you. Your father…he’s not ready to be a dad yet, but that doesn’t mean you’re not loved.” “Daniel, you are so loved, and we’re all here for you, no matter what.” Becky added, her voice low. Amanda nodded in agreement, “Yeah, and we’re your family, no matter what.” Ella, sensing Daniel’s change in mood, licked his face, trying to comfort him. Daisy held Daniel at arm’s length, looking into his eyes, “We’ll get through this together, okay? And we’ll find a way to make you feel loved and supported, no matter what.” Daisy looked to Amanda for help, and Amanda stepped in. “Hey Daniel, if you need a father figure in your life, I’m here for you, okay? I mean you used to call me dad before kiddo what changed?” She asked, her voice playful. Daniel looked up at Amanda, his eyes filled up with tears as he shook his head, his voice trembling. “I want my real father, Amanda. I want to know why he doesn’t want to see me.” “Did I do something bad to him because mom also grounds me and says she doesn’t want to see me whenever I do something wrong.” He said. Amanda’s eyes softened, and she knelt down beside Daniel. “Oh, sweetie, I know it’s hard to understand, but sometimes grown-ups make choices that hurt the people they love. It doesn’t mean they don’t love you, it just means they’re not ready to be the parent they should be.” Daniel’s face squeezed up in confusion. “I want to see him, aunt Amanda. I want to ask him why he doesn’t want to see me.” Daisy’s heart ached as she watched her son ask for Ethan. She knew it would only increase, how would she navigate with things like this, the boy had seen his father and now it’ll be impossible to keep him away from him. She looked over at him, as he sniffled a tear, he was a splitting image of Ethan, they even cried the same way. Everything was Ethan’s fault, it made her feel angrier, as she thought back to when he wasn’t even in their lives, everything was going well for him, she thought about Ethan’s sudden interest in Daniel’s life. She couldn’t believe the nerve of that man, crawling back after all these years, thinking he could just waltz in and play father to her son. Daniel had never even asked about his father before, content with the loving family Daisy had built around him. But now, with Ethan’s arrival, Daniel’s curiosity was piqued, and Daisy knew she had to protect him from the truth. Ethan was Daniel’s biological father, but that didn’t give him the right to just show up and claim a relationship with their son. Daisy had worked too hard to build a safe and loving life for Daniel, and she wouldn’t let Ethan’s toxic presence ruin it. She clenched her fists in anger, her mind racing with ways to keep Ethan away from her son. She would do whatever it took to shield Daniel from his Ethan’s harmful influence. Ethan might think he can fool anyone with have his charming smile, but Daisy knew the truth – he was a master manipulator, and she wouldn’t let him near her son, a son who he denied, abandoned and sent away.
Daisy moved to sit down beside Daniel, her voice softening as she looked into his eyes. “Hey sweetie, I understand how you feel. I feel angry too. You know, when I was pregnant with you, my parents disowned me. They didn’t want anything to do with me, or you.” Daniel’s eyes widened, in surprise as he stared at her. Daisy continued, her voice filled with emotion. “I feel like I have deprived you of meeting your grandparents, and your father. But the truth is, Daniel, they didn’t deserve to meet you. They didn’t deserve to know how amazing you are.” Daniel looked down, his small shoulders sagging. Daisy wrapped her arm around him, pulling him close. “You deserve so much better than people who don’t want to be in your life. And I’m sorry, Daniel. I’m sorry that I couldn’t give you the family you deserve.” Daniel looked up at her, his eyes shining with tears. “It’s not your fault, Mommy. I love you.” Daisy’s heart swelled with love and pride. “I love you too, Daniel. More than anything.” “Aww.” Amanda and Becky whispered. “There’s our boy.” Daniel slowly looked up at Daisy, his eyes curious. “Mom, why do you hate Dad so much?” He asked. Daisy’s face reddened. “I don’t hate him, Daniel. I just…I don’t want him close to you, that’s all.” She said, her voice defensive. Daniel stared at her, a little confused. “Why not, Mommy?” Daisy hesitated, choosing her words carefully, she had explained this to him before, but she knew kids only hear what they want. “Because, sweetie, Ethan…he’s not a nice person. He’s not someone I want influencing you or being a part of your life.” She whispered, gently patting him. Daniel looked down, his small eyebrow raised high as he looked at her. “But why, Mommy? What did he do?” Daisy’s eyes shone with anger, but she held back her words. She wouldn’t poison Daniel’s mind with stories of Ethan’s behavior before she was born, Not yet, anyway she would tell him but maybe when he was a bit older. “Honey let’s just say, that your father, Ethan made some choices that hurt me, and I don’t want him to hurt you too.” Daniel nodded slowly, seeming to accept this explanation. But Daisy knew this conversation was far from over. Daisy looked to Amanda for help, hoping for her to distract Daniel from the kind of questions he was asking. Amanda noticed Daisy’s eyes on her and immediately understood what she was saying. She quickly grabbed Daniel’s shoulder. “Who wants ice cream?” Amanda shouted, her voice bright and loud. Daniel’s face lit up immediately as he jumped to his feet. “Me, me, me!” he shouted, bouncing up and down. “Ice cream, ice cream ice cream.” he began to sing joyfully Amanda smiled, relieved to have changed the conversation. “Okay, buddy, let’s get you dressed up and we’ll go get some ice cream!” She turned to the maid, who was quietly watching from behind. “Hey, can you please help Daniel get dressed? We’re going out for ice cream.” She said. The maid nodded, smiling, and took Daniel’s hand, leading him out of the room to get changed. As they left, Daisy let out a sigh of relief, grateful to Amanda for intervening. Amanda turned to her, a knowing look on her face. “Don’t worry, Dee, we’ll get through this. One ice cream cone at a time.” Daisy smiled. As Daniel, Ella and the maid, finally went upstairs to get ready. Daisy sank into the chair, breathing out in relief, she felt drained. Amanda sat beside her, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders. “Hey, forget about everything for now, okay? Focus on your fashion business. You’ve got a big meeting with our mysterious Santiago on Saturday, remember?” Daisy nodded, taking a deep breath. “I know, I just can’t believe Ethan is back in the picture especially at a time like this. I thought I was done with him for good.” Amanda squeezed her shoulder. “You are done with him, Dee. You’re just protecting Daniel now. But for now, let’s focus on Santiago. Securing a deal with him could be huge for our business.” Daisy nodded, as she smiled at her best friend, Becky silently watching the two of them talk from where sat. “You’re right, I need to focus on this meeting. I need to make a good impression.” Amanda smiled. “You will, Dee. You’re talented, your designs are amazing. Just be yourself, and whoever the Santiago is, I’m sure he will love you.” Daisy smiled back. “Thanks, Amanda. I don’t know what I’d do without you, I really appreciate it.” “Aww please, I’m the only one you have and you’re the only one I have.” She said. Becky looked up from her phone, a curious look on her face. “Hey, Daisy, I wanted to tell you something yesterday, but I forgot. Did you know who Nolan’s grandfather is?” Daisy frowned as she looked up at Becky, her eyes moving freely from Becky to Amanda, she had told the girl to not speak about him again, what kind of mother would she be if she was speaking or bringing other men around Daniel. “Why do you ask? What’s going on?” She asked. Becky leaned in, her voice going low, to almost a whisper. “ You would actually know who he is..” she whispered. Amanda rolled her eyes. “Come on Becky, spill the tea, who is he?” She asked. Becky’s eyes shone with excitement as she continued. “I remember when I still used to see Nolan, I saw him meet his grandfather once. And you wouldn’t believe who it was?” She said. Amanda and Daisy shared a glance. “Who?” They both asked, getting tired of Becky dragging the conversation. “Lucian Van-Louvre!” Becky whispered. Amanda’s jaw dropped as she slowly processed what Becky just said. “Lucian Van-Louvre? As in, the billionaire mogul? That is Nolan’s grandfather?” Becky slowly nodded. “The one and only Lucian Louvre. I had no idea who he was at the time, but Nolan told me later. He said his grandfather was a ruthless businessman, but he loved him anyway.” She said, her voice low. Daisy’s mind raced as she tried to find the connections between them. She had noticed that Nolan was always wearing Van-louvre but she had just passed it off as him being one of those people who were obsessed with only one fashion brand. But Lucian Van-Louvre as his grand father? Lucian Van-Louvre was a legendary figure in the business world. He was known for being revolutionary and strict, every fashion piece he released always went to number one trending in the whole world, he was even one of her mentors, she had read every autobiography book that had been released about him, she knew everything about him, including his full name and his children’s name. She paused as the dots connected in her head. Nolan Van-Louvre. She had seen him as such a big asshole that she hadn’t thought that a blonde haired man names Nolan who was always wearing Van-Louvres could be the grandson of Lucian Van-Louvres. Amanda spoke up, her voice filled with concern. “Daisy, what does this mean for you and the company? Do you think he’s Santiago? What if he tries to sabotage you for turning him down?” Daisy’s eyes widened as she remained silent, she doubted if he actually knew who she was, but if he did, he would have actually spoken about it. She silently stared at Becky and Amanda who were bought starring at her silently. Maybe it was a different Nolan, it couldn’t be the Nolan she knew. She slowly nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “You mean Lucian Van-Louvre, founder and chairman of Van-Louvre Corporation, the biggest fashion company in the world?” Becky nodded, her expression serious. “The same one. Nolan’s grandfather is the head of the Van-Louvre fashion empire.” Daisy’s face paled as she processed the connection. Van-Louvre Corporation was the industry leader in the fashion industry, and Lucian Van-Louvre was a legendary figure in the fashion world. If Nolan was his grandson, that meant… Amanda finished the thought for her. “That means Nolan is a Van-Louvre, and he could be Santiago.” Becky nodded, as she smiled. “Yes, Nolan is the grandson and heir to the Van-Louvre empire.” Amanda and Daisy exchanged looks, their minds racing with different emotions. Daisy frowned, her voice filled with concern. “There’s a high percent chance that the mysterious Santiago who invited me on a date is actually Nolan.” Amanda’s eyes widened in surprise. “What? Why do you think that?” Daisy hesitated, her mind linking all connections. “Because of the timing…and the fact that Santiago is interested in my fashion designs. It all adds up.” Becky’s nodded, as she looked at Daisy. “And you don’t want to go on the date?” Daisy shook her head firmly. “No, I don’t. I don’t want to get entangled in the any other huge family dramas the one I suffered at the hands of Ethan’s family is enough and besides. I have a bad feeling about this.” Amanda placed a reassuring hand on Daisy’s arm. “We’ll figure this out together, Dee. You don’t have to face this alone.” “But this would be a good thing for your company Daisy.” Becky said. “Why allow anything hinder it.” Amanda nodded. “Daisy, Becky is right, you have to go. This could be a huge opportunity for your fashion career. And think about it, if Santiago is indeed Nolan or Ethan, it doesn’t matter as long as you keep them at arms length.” Daisy paused, her mind was filled with doubt. She knew Amanda and Becky was right but she didn’t want to receive any favors from either Ethan or Nolan. She took a deep breath, as she turned to focus on the movie playing on the television screen. “Okay, fine. I’ll go.” She said. “But I’m only doing this for my fashion career, not for any personal reasons.” Becky and Amanda nodded both of them smiling wide. “That’s the best thing, Daisy! And who knows, you might even have fun.” Daisy raised an eyebrow. “I doubt it. But I have to admit, I’m a little curious…is Santiago Nolan or Ethan or even a different person entirely?” Amanda grinned as she patted her friend gently. “There’s only one way to find out. Go on the date and see for yourself.” Daisy’s heart skipped again as she thought about who Santiago could really be. Who was he, really? And what did he want from her?
Saturday finally arrived, it came faster than the wind. There was a whirlwind of activities prior to that day, but all that occupied Daisy’s mind was this one activity because later that day, her accountant had called her and told her that someone in the name of Santiago had deposited a whooping sum of money into her account. It mesmerized her that someone who she wasn’t related to and hadn’t made any physical impression on would be showing her so much kindness. Even Amanda thought it was simply surreal. Which is why even though anything by any chance comes up that would make her not attend the ball, she would rather forfeit it than miss meeting this man. The only thing that scares her is that she is likely to meet either Nolan or Ethan today at the ball. But she felt more of Ethan, this was his style. His family was one of Americans’ most influential people and it is not impossible that such activity would take place and his family won’t be represented. Since he has the fortune of being here, it is imperative that he attends. Still better than that hawk of his mother, she supposed. Her phone vibrated and she spared it glance. It was Mandy. “Hey, Mandy,” She coursed, running the lipgloss through her lips and smacking it together for evenness. “Hey…” “Don’t tell me you are ready?” “Far from it…” She smacked her lips-a behavior she displays when she is reluctant to say something, “I don’t think I can be able to go…” “What! Babe, why?” Daisy was alarmed. She hardly knows this man and won’t be happy to be left alone at the mercy of maybe even a serial killer who entices women with big dreams. “I’m sorry. Becky woke up this morning with a huge headache and I can’t leave her just like that. I can come pick Daniel and Ella while you are gone.” Daisy exhaled. Anything that had to do with Becky, she has learned not to stress it. Now she would be left to handle this huge event on her own. “Fine… How is she?” “Gave her some aspirin, now left for it to kick off. I would be there in ten minutes to pick the dudes…” “Okay… because I will need you to check me out too,” Daisy affirmed and dropped the phone. She rounded up her makeup and went to pick up the red gown from the bed where she had it out initially. Twice she brought out the gown, and twice she attempted dropping it back. It was too alluring and with her kind of body, might draw too much attention to her. However, that’s the whole point, right? She was a renowned fashion designer and her work should show for it. So, she’s going to rock it! She wore it and went to the mirror and instantly started purring. It was even more exquisite when worn. The intricate sparkles became prominent and the curve of her waist made it more seductive. God, she hoped the press wouldn’t notice her tonight. And most especially that bastard! He hasn’t pestered her for the last few days and she was almost believing he had regained his senses and left her alone. That’s what he is, a loser. He couldn’t even fight enough for her forgiveness and had run off. It relives her as well as irked her. All the same, all that matters is this night and she has to nail it! The door opened and closed downstairs and she knew Amanda was here. Her son’s screech proved it. Two minutes later, her door swung open. “Damn!” Amanda careened. “If you weren’t my best friend now, I might just have some mushy on you, “she commented and Daisy started laughing. “You are an ant!” “I know, seriously, girl, this gown is gorgeous. That man must have an eye on his head to pick this.” “Maybe he asked someone that has an eye to pick it. It doesn’t necessarily mean he did it himself. He knows I’m a fashionista and had to impress me.” Daisy intoned. “And he did more than impress you, girl…. Look at those sparkles and the silk!” She came to touch the material of the gown. “I think we will need to design something like this.” She reasoned and Daisy shook her head. This is so Amanda. “What if it’s Nolan or Ethan? I meet there.” Daisy said. “Girl if it’s either of them then you should leave immediately, call me and I’ll come and pick you up but you do look beautiful.” She said. Daisy smiled. “So from your reaction, I assume I’m good to go?” She twirled with her bag in hand. “Yeah, dude, you are. So is his stuff packed?” She asked, referring to Daniel. “Yeah, I’m sure his nanny packed his stuff, including Ellas. Thanks for watching them.” “Nothing much. And maybe the man might be dashingly handsome and you can, you know…” Amanda cleared her throat as she trailed off, assuming Daisy would get her joke. “You are entitled to your opinion, Mandy. I’m never hooking up with some strange dude just because he wants to invest in our business. I’m not a horny teenager…” “I’m just saying, girl..” Amanda dragged on as she walked back to the door, meaning to check on her companions for the night. When Daisy came out of the room, she was looking dazzling to her satisfaction and somehow it made her feel good. If she is going to be an internet sensation, she should at least be her best. She has been hiding for too long and maybe as Amanda often said, she would need to come out of her shell. She represents a brand and has to be out. Amanda has been featured twice in Vogues because of her exhibitions and great fashion sense. She represented the branch of Latinos in the last Forbes list for the Caribbean and all this is because of how open she was. Most of the top clients they have bagged were all thanks to her, this Daisy knew. It wasn’t fair. So, it’s time for her to stay woke. “See you guys later,” She went to kiss her son on the cheek and made her way out of the house. Once she came outside, packeI in front of her mansion, was a black Ferrari. She passed at the door, meaning to go in and ask Amanda when she launched the new car when the driver honked at her. Plus, parked by the side was her black Audi which Daisy was familiar with. So who has the car? She stalked closer, tilting her head to the side to see who was driving the car but couldn’t recognize the man so, she tapped the window until it winded down. “Sorry, I’m sure you are in the wrong house.” “No, ma’am. Aren’t you Mrs Richard.” “It’s actually a Ms. But yeah… Who sent you?” “My boss asked me to bring you to the gala, so if you don’t mind, may we leave?” The back door slid open and she hesitated, looking behind to determine if to venture into the car or not, but seeing as she had no choice, nodded and slid in. The car drove out of the compound and as much as she wanted to ask him who sent him to bring her, each time she opened her mouth, she found herself shutting it and relaxing back. Amanda had her location connected to her phone so there was no way they could kidnap her. The drive was an unbearable one as Daisy had to sit there unable to say anything other than watch the flitting cars and endure the mad rush on the road as the driver twisted and turned. One time she had nearly told him to slow down but then as before, she lost courage because this man looked like he wouldn’t listen to her. So she laid back and prayed she wouldn’t die today because of an investment. Eventually, the car arrived at the venue and to her greatest astonishment, she was whole, every part of her body intact. She rushed out of the car, thinking she was going to throw up. But standing by the sidewalk, tapping at her chest, she couldn’t release anything so she stood up and jumped when she saw the driver behind her. “I’m sorry about that…” He bowed slightly, looking very frightened. She knew he might be afraid she might tell his boss about his relapse so she quickly smiled. “No worries, it remains strictly between us. But, if by chance you take me home, please don’t drive like that anymore.” “Thank you. I promise.” He bowed again. “Let me tell him you are here.” “No!” She stopped him. “I can find my way inside from here.” She indicated to him and began making her way in. From the flits of exotic cars parked outside, she knew people had already arrived so she walked faster so as not to miss the show. At the door, the bouncers opened the door and took her coat to hang by the side, and gave her a card of identification hence she proceeded in. As she anticipated, the place was brimming with people already seated in the seats talking inaudibly amongst themselves, and the stage was being arranged. This is where she regrets not accepting the driver’s plea to call the man that invited her. How is she supposed to identify him when she didn’t even know who invited her? As she stood there, running her eyes about the hall, she didn’t see the funky figure sauntering from behind her until he was an inch away from her. “You are just as beautiful as I had imagined the dress would be on you, Daisy.” Her body froze, hot goosebumps sprouting through her pores. The unfuckenbelievable! How could she not know?! “Ethan?” She whirled around with so much force her head spun. …
Ethan smiled at her, knowing she was in a tight corner where she can’t turn him down now. But he cornered her from the door sight, knowing his seat ex-wife was capable of anything. “Hy,” He mumbled. “You sly fox! You have the nerve!” He shrugged. “I knew you wouldn’t come if I had come out straight to invite you so don’t blame me for opting for this.” Daisy blew out an angry breath. She thought about this but didn’t know he would have the balls to pull this kind of stuff off after what he did to her. “Ethan, do you know I can arrest you for stalking me and my son? What is wrong with you? You think because you invested in my busin__” “Ladies and gentlemen, you are welcome to this great moment of the season when we are all gathered to witness the amazing performance like the time of the old, of our dear opera singer, Madame Celeste all the way from France. Please let’s give a round of applause as we welcome her to the stage!” The man of the occasion cut her off to announce. Ethan scooted closer and grabbed her hand, knowing if he had to get her attention he had to go hard. He was glad she still retained his name which means he still has chance. She didn’t hate him that much to change her last name and he was willing to take advantage of anything within his grasp to have her back. She struggled away but he started pulling her away from the door. “Let me go, Ethan, this minute!” She shrieked, her voice drowned out by the applause from the audience as the singer came on stage. “Cmon, Daisy, the most interesting part of the show is about to start, you won’t want to miss it out!” She wanted to struggle more but they are already within her eyesight of so many people and any move from her now and the press camera would zero on her. He planned this right and now she was trapped. With him. They reached the seats he reserved and he ushered her into one of them and faced her with a broad grin. The grin that had swept her off her feet six years ago. She smiled at a woman by her side who smiled back intently and then focused back on the stage. Then Daisy whirled around to him still smiling and bit out, “if you think…” “Just enjoy the opera, baby. We will sort all that out!” her heart boiled the more he feigned everything was alright with them. It wasn’t! How could he smile at her when he knew she resents him? What is this to him? Some game? A very sick one she would say. He faced the stage and started listening to the music while she sat there deciding between concentrating on the song and lashing out at him despite knowing he wouldn’t listen or from what she thought, might not care. So at the end, she had to join him in listening. The opera singer sang a very compassionate song that left the audience enamored and their heart touched. It went long after she started singing, there were concealed sounds of sniffs and even some people crying. Daisy was very emotional mixed with rage that she had to listen to something that beautiful while with the worst person on earth right now to her. Still, it didn’t stop her from shedding tears. Before she could realize it, it was too late and when she searched for a napkin to wipe it off she didn’t see any. She hissed and wanted to use her hand when a napkin blocked her vision. When she looked up, it was Ethan offering her a napkin. She didn’t want to accept it. He has done more than enough and she was planning on returning his gift, accepting more wouldn’t do her any good. She was still trying to decide when he leaned in and started dabbing the napkin on her face. She flinched off, he inched in. “Stay put, unless you want me to smear your makeup,” he said and without thinking about it, she knew he might likely do it so she stayed still while he dabbed away her tears. It was just like in the past. It made her reflect and made more tears pour. “I’m sorry, Daisy, please forgive me,” he said as though realizing she might have remembered when he did this in the past. She shook her head and looked away. The woman by the side must have caught her movement because just when she was thinking of beating the remaining of the opera and giving up all the opportunity she stands to gain from it, the woman inched her chair close and said, “You look so familiar, are you by chance Daisy Richard, the award-winning model of the Princeton runway?” Daisy blushed crimson because that was the last job she did before she had to quit for this man who didn’t think twice to ruin her. “Yes, I am,” She acquiesced, seeing no need to lie. Maybe in the past she would have denied so as to avoid attention, but not today. She came here to be free and even though Ethan has started ruining it for her, she would see it through. “Wow!” the woman cried and flipped around to her partner and hailed him, “babe, come see Daisy, our daughter’s number role model!” her husband’s eyes lit up and he looked over. “Is that truly her?” He asked and dragged his chair close, “That means we have to take a picture of her to show to Modella. She would regret not coming as we had encouraged.” His wife laughed. “Cmon, Chase, you can’t be so wicked. Do you want her to hate us for not forcing her enough? Anyways, you are right we will have to show her pictures for her to believe us, in case of next time.” She brought out her phone and then her eyes flew up and met with Ethan. “Is that your…” “Yea!” Ethan came closer. “Her husband!” Daisy’s eyes widened. She opened her mouth to deny it but their excitement wouldn’t let her say a word. “Omg so it’s true? The rumor has it that your husband looks like a god!” the woman reeled, further making Daisy uncomfortable. She glared at Ethan telling him with her eyes he is going to die for this. The woman’s husband’s reaction was to break into loud mirth at his wife’s open admiration of the beauty of another man. Which planet are they from? “Maybe I can help you snap?” Ethan offered to, reaching out to take the phone from the couple who nodded hysterically. It made Daisy confused. Is this Ethan? Long before, these things angered him..the way people threw themselves at her all the time and wanted to engage in conversations or try to take pictures. It made him really mad. And here he was offering to snap them? She wondered in dismay. “Thanks very much!” The woman continued. “When I saw you the first time, I thought perhaps it’s someone that looks like you, but I couldn’t help sneaking side glances until I was good enough to ask. You two look lovely by the way,” She winked at them, referring to Ethan and Daisy. She was speechless and didn’t know what to say while Ethan was the one who shouted, thank you! “So, since the singer is done, why don’t you honor us with your presence at the bar. We have a reservation and would be really glad if you will be our guest.”The man asked them expectantly. “That is amazing!” Ethan said and stood, taking Daisy’s hand which she couldn’t yank off now that these people think they are a couple. How come things were working for him? Pondered Daisy. She won’t be surprised if he paid them for all this. “Yeah…” Her lips quivered to the side in a forced smile and allowed him to lead her out of the pew. It was a long walk but it was one where she had to suffer camera snaps and frequent stops to greet one person or the other and then the few people who they used to know from before, who knew they were divorced. She saw the look of confusion on their faces and couldn’t blame them. This was surprising to her too and she was trying very hard to flow along. When they got to the reservation, the couple greeted their friends and then ushered them into their seats while the waiter went on to bring their order. “So how has your career been for you, Mrs. Richard?” The woman asked Daisy, beaming widely. “Fine!” She nodded, trying to maintain a peaceful decorum. “Though I no longer model.” “Oh, since when?” The woman appeared shocked. Oops! Daisy hesitated at first, the memory washing over her. Then she said it. “My husband made me stop.” Since he wants to play this game. “Oh,” The woman started chuckling and Daisy looked at Ethan and saw him go pale. “Men and their ego. I totally understand, if I were in his shoes with a beauty like you, I might have asked the same.”What is she saying? Supporting him? “Well, it was a mistake on my part, I’m hoping my wife forgives me for it someday,” Ethan chipped in, bringing the table to a silent hush. …
Meanwhile * Saturday night came fast. Nolan’s hands moved easily as he tied his bow tie, he had done this a thousand times and doing it was like muscle memory to him, He slowly looked up; his eyes fixed on his reflection in the mirror. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. This was it, the moment he had been waiting for. Lance knocked softly on the door, before entering the room, a gentle smile on his face. “Young master, you look very handsome today. I’m sure Daisy will be impressed.” Nolan smiled as he nodded, his eyes still fixed on his reflection. “I hope so, Lance, if anything goes wrong, I will have to do as grandfather says.” “That old goat.” He muttered underneath his breath. Lance cleared his throat. “I’ve taken the liberty of arranging everything you would need for the evening’s events, sir. The car will be waiting for you at 7 pm sharp, I’ve made sure that the restaurant is aware of your…preferences and I’ve ordered the gardener to prepare a bouquet of daisy flowers.” Nolan’s gaze moved from the mirror to Lance, his eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Lance. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” He said. Lance bowed slightly. “It’s my pleasure to serve you, sir, shall I escort you to the car?” Nolan nodded, taking one last look at his reflection before turning to follow Lance out of the room. Tonight was the night. He would finally meet Daisy, and if she rejected him again, he would have to agree to his grandfather’s arranged marriage with Toria Moncler. His eyes moved to his phone, his heart racing loudly as he checked for any messages from Daisy. But there was none. He felt a little disappointed but he waved it off. He had sent her a hundred questions, but she didn’t reply any. He felt a little nervous, what if she didn’t come, what if she stoop him up again like last time. Last time, she had never showed up, leaving him feeling disappointed. What if she did it again? Nolan pushed the thought aside. He decided to fill his mind with reassuring thoughts instead. She had agreed to meet him this time, and she had seemed genuinely interested in the date. There was no reason to think she would stand him up again. But he was already beginning to doubt and he couldn’t shake off the feeling of. He took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on his reflection in the mirror. “You’ve got this, Nolan,” he told himself. “She’ll show up. And even if she doesn’t, you’ll handle it with well, and you’ll be fine.” “Sir, the car is waiting. Shall I escort you downstairs?” Lance asked again, distracting him from his thoughts. Nolan nodded. “Yes, let’s go.” He said. Nolan walked towards the black limousine, the engine sound was heavy in his ears. Lance followed him closely from behind, his eyes looking over Nolan’s appearance one last time. As they reached the car, Lance hurried to adjust Nolan’s tie. “There, sir. You look perfect.” He said. Nolan smiled shyly, as he patted Lance’s hands. “Thanks, Lance. I think I’m going to need all the help I can get.” Lance smile faded his face turning serious. “Everything will work out well, sir. Just go, wait, and when she arrives, pour your heart out. Be yourself, and she’ll see the real you.” Nolan nodded, taking a deep breath as he stepped into the limousine. Lance followed him into the car door. “Remember, sir, be patient and kind. And don’t forget to smile.” He said. Nolan nodded and smiled as Lance closed the door closed behind him. He took another deep breath, his heart pounding. As Nolan settled into the limousine, Lance closed the door behind him and handed him a bouquet of fresh daisy flowers through the open window. Nolan’s face broke into a small smile as he took the bouquet, the sweet fragrance filling the car’s air. “Thanks, Lance. You always know how to make me feel better.” Lance smiled back, his lips curling at the corners. “Good luck, sir. You’re going to need it.” Nolan smiled and nodded to the driver, the limousine zoomed off, moving smoothly through the evening traffic. Nolan plugged in his ear phones, listening to music to ease his anxiety. A few minutes later, the driver parked the car and turned around to face him. “Master Nolan, we have arrived.” He announced. Nolan lifted his head, removing the earphones from his ear. His heart began to race again as he Nolan’s heart raced with anticipation as he stepped out of the limousine. He was welcomed by hundreds of camera flashes and hushed conversations erupted from the gathered crowd. Nolan looked around, his eyes wide in surprise as he held the bouquet of daisies close to his chest. He should have known Lance would choose an extravagant restaurant and make his entry extravagant, he just hoped Daisy would like something as extravagant as this. He took a deep breath, his eyes staring straight at the entrance of the restaurant. Where was Daisy? Was she already inside? He took another deep breath as he pushed open the door and stepped into the restaurant. It was empty except for a single table and two chairs in the middle. There were roses and candles everywhere. He carefully navigated around the roses and candles before he finally settled into one of the chairs, his eyes fixed on the entrance of the restaurant as he waited patiently. His heart racing, his mind was full of her face, Would she show up? Why hadn’t she shown up? Was she running late? A waiter approached him, a friendly smile on his face. “Good evening, sir, Can I start you off with something to drink? Perhaps an appetizer? Or a glass of our world famous sixty year old wine.” Nolan shook his head, his eyes still fixed on the entrance. “No, thank you. I’m fine. I’m waiting for someone, but we will have the wine when she comes.” The waiter nodded understandingly. “Of course, sir. Take your time. I’ll be back to check on you and to deliver the wine.” Nolan nodded, his hold on the bouquet of daisy flowers tightening. He prayed that Daisy would show up soon. He couldn’t bear the thought of being stood up again. More minutes passed and daisy wasn’t still here. Nolan was already feeling anxious. He checked his watch for what felt like the hundredth time. His eyes still fixed on the entrance, his heart heart felt heavier with each minute that passed. He had tried calling her, but his calls kept going straight to voicemail. He had left rows of messages, pleading with her to answer, to let him know she was okay. But she didn’t reply. An hour passed, and Nolan’s nervousness had began to turn to frustration. He checked his watch over and over, wondering if he had been stood up. Two hours passed, and his frustration turned to anger. He couldn’t believe she would do this to him again. Three hours passed, and his heart felt like it had been ripped apart. He slowly stood up, the bouquet of daisy flowers slipping out from his hands, the flowers scattering across the floor. He didn’t even bother to pick them up. What was the point? When she wasn’t going to show up. His heart felt heavy in his chest as he turned to leave, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the empty restaurant. He felt like a fool, for waiting for someone who didn’t even have the decency to show up. Not once but twice. Just as he stepped out of the restaurant, his phone began to ring loudly. He paused as he looked at the caller, it was his grandfather. Calling him at exactly 10 pm. That old goat, he must have also been looking at his watch while waiting impatiently. “Granddad, hi..,” he said, his voice low as he picked up the phone waiting for the man to start laughing at him. “Nolly, how are you? I hope I’m not interrupting anything important,” His grandfather’s voice boomed through the phone. Nolan sighed bracing himself for his grandfather’s jokes. “You’re not interrupting anything, Grandfather. She didn’t show up… again.” Silence followed, and he slowly breathed out, maybe his grandfather wasn’t going to laugh at him. But he spoke too soon, because almost immediately, his grandfather’s familiar laughter echoed through the phone, vibrating in his ear. “I told you, Nolan! I told you, you weren’t man enough to do something as important as that on your own, you need my help and besides, You owe me, by the way.” Nolan frowned. “What do you mean?” He asked, faking ignorance. “We had a deal, Nolly! Remember? That if she didn’t show up, you’d go on a date with someone of my choosing, Tori Moncler.” Nolan’s heart sank. He had done his research on Tori Moncler last night, she was a socialite, known for her beauty, she even had almost fifteen million followers on her social media. He had no interest in her whatsoever, he wasn’t looking forward to being with someone like that. “Grandfather, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” He protested. Lucian’s voice turned stern. “Nonsense, Nolan. You need to move on from this….immaturity. Tori will be good for you. I’ll arrange for the date tonight since you’re free.” “Grandfather I…” Nolan protested. “Behave yourself, Nolan,” Lucian warned, cutting him off. “I’ve already sent Lance to bring Tori Moncler to the restaurant. She’ll be arriving soon so get ready.” Nolan’s eyes widened in horror at what his grandfather just said. “Grandfather, what have you done? I don’t want to go on a date with Tori Moncler! Not at a time like this..” “Nonsense, Nolan. You need to learn to appreciate things and also learn to sacrifice for the family. Tori is a suitable match for you, chosen by me, and you will treat her with respect and courtesy. Lance will bring her to you shortly. Be ready.” His grandfather said, his voice stern. Nolan felt a little dreadful. He knew his grandfather had planned this all along. He looked around, considering if he should quickly leave. The limousine was still parked outside, the driver waiting patiently. Just then another black limousine pulled up, the limousine door opened, and Lance stepped out, followed by Tori Moncler. She was even more beautiful than Nolan remembered.
“Nolan Van-Louvre!,” she exclaimed as she saw him, her voice soft. “I’m so glad to finally meet you.” She said. Nolan forced a smile on his face as she walked towards him, his heart sinking as he stared at her. Her long, dark hair flowing down her back, her piercing blue eyes sparkled underneath the chandeliers of the restaurant, Her black gown hugged her curves in all the right places, her red heels clicked on the floor as she neared him, her perfume smell was strong and sweet. His palm felt a little sweaty as he held her hands. Her eyes moved to his face, her long dark lashes blinked as she stared at him. “Thanks, you’re such a gentleman.” She said, her voice low and sexy. “It’s so lovely to see you.” Nolan smiled as he escorted her to the table, his movement felt stiff and practiced. “You look…stunning.” He complimented. She blushed as she looked up at him. “Thank you, you also look so good.” She said. Lance silently walked away, leaving the two of them alone. The waiter hurried over with the wine, pouring it out into two glasses and moving it over to their table. Nolan stared at her silently, not knowing what to say or do, maybe he should introduce himself all over again, after all every date began with an introduction. He slowly raised his shoulders to greet her, his smile wide, revealing his white teeth. “Tori Moncler, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I’m Nolan Van-Louvre, and—” Tori cut him off mid-sentence, her voice low and sexy, making his skin jump. “Oh, spare me the formalities, Nolan. We already know a lot about each other. Let’s just cut the bullshit, shall we?” Nolan frowned as he slowly nodded, taken aback by her bluntness. “I suppose you’re right,” he said, his voice low. “My grandfather has told me a lot about you, Tori.” Her smile grew wider, her eyes filled with amusement. “And I’ve heard a lot about you, Nolan. My father and your grandfather are always talking about you and us, they’re even more excited for the wedding than I am.” She said laughing. The word wedding made Nolan’s hand tremble, as he tightened his grip on the glass. He forced a smile on his face as he took a sip of the wine, it was strong in his throat. “Is that so..” he whispered, the wine making his voice low. Tori smiled and nodded as she looked around the restaurant, her eyes filled with slight disgust as she looked around the room. “To be honest, Nolan, I’m not really fond of restaurants as a venue for a first date. They’re so…predictable and boring.” She said. “Just food, drinks, talk and go home, the same routine everytime.” She said. Nolan’s eyebrow raised as he smiled at her. “Oh? And what would you suggest instead?” He asked. Tori’s smiled again, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Oh you’re really a gentleman, the other men always want to do what they want on a date and never what the girl wants.” She said. Nolan smiled, as he nodded. “I heard there’s an opera performance not far from here. I would love to go with you. It’s so much more…cultural, don’t you think?” She said, her voice filled with excitement. Nolan paused for a moment, surprised by the sudden change in plans. But he couldn’t refuse, his grandfather would tear him to pieces if he blew this date up. “I suppose it couldn’t hurt to try something new,” he said, as he stood up from his seat. “Shall we?” Tori laughed loudly, as she stared at him, her eyes were beautiful when she smiled. “Wonderful! have Lance bring the car around, let’s hurry, we can make it there before the opera starts.” She said. “Sure, Lance is waiting,” he replied, walking by her side as they slowly walked back to the limousine. Tori talked on and on about random things, her lips barely touched as she kept on talking. “I’ve been looking forward to this date all week, Nolan. I’m so glad we finally get to spend some time together. I just adore opera, don’t you? There’s something about the music, the drama, the crowd…it’s all just so special.” Nolan forced a smile as he nodded politely, not really paying attention to her words. As they reached the limousine, Lance held open the door open for them. “The opera house.” Tori said. “The opera house, miss?” he repeated, his eyes moving to Tori. “Yes, please, Lance,” Tori replied, sliding into the seat beside Nolan. “We’re going to have a wonderful time, Nolan. I just know it.” Nolan silently nodded again, he didn’t really care, he just wanted to get the night over with. He couldn’t wait for the night to be over, with him lying down in his bed and Luna disturbing his sleep. As the limousine drove through the streets, Tori continued to talk, her words filling the silence. Nolan nodded and smiled, as she talked, all he had to do was act like an attentive man. The limousine finally arrived at pulled the opera house. Nolan’s eyes widened in surprise. The building was filled with bright lights, and hundreds of cameras awaiting the arrival of people, with a red carpet set to the entrance of the opera house. Tori squealed with delight, her grip on his hand tightening in excitement as she pulled him out of the car. “Smile, Nolan!” she whispered, her eyes filled with excitement. “We’re making our debut as a couple, once this hits the front page of the news, there’s no going back, Van-Louvre and Moncler family coming together!” “It’s going to be the biggest wedding in the country.” She squealed happily. Nolan’s face froze as he listened to her, a polite smile in his face as the cameras clicked and flashed around them. When the next couple pulled up and the camera moved to them, a security officer came to usher them to the entrance. Nolan turned around, everybody was dressed elegantly, this didn’t seem like the usual opera, this looked like it was for only the elite. He looked towards Tori, she didn’t seem to care as she pulled him through the crowd, ignoring a few stares as she pulled him into the building. “Isn’t this wonderful, Nolan?” she whispered. “I’m so glad we’re doing this.” She added as she pulled him down the flight of stairs and chairs. Nolan nodded, forcing another smile. Just then, loud music started to play from inside the main building. “Come on, Nolan, the opera has started! We should hurry inside,” Tori whispered, dragging his hand. Nolan nodded, following her. Just then, he froze. A tall man with long dark hair and in a black suit caught his attention, but it was the woman beside him who made Nolan’s heart skip a beat. Daisy. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. She was putting in mild makeup, her hands in the man’s hands. Her eyes were fixed on the stage. She hadn’t seen him yet. Nolan froze there in shock. What was Daisy doing here? who was the man beside her? Tori dragged his hand again, her voice growing impatient. “Nolan, come on! We’re going to miss the performance!” But he stood frozen there. His eyes still fixed on Daisy. His heart racing as he watched her smile. She still hadn’t seen him, and Nolan wasn’t sure if he wanted her to. His mind was filled with questions. Was this where Daisy was when she stood him up? Was this why she rejected him? Who was this man? what was their relationship? He couldn’t help but stare at her, his eyes fixed on her face. He hated the way she looked at the man, it was as if she hated him but she was also mesmerized by him. Nolan felt a little jealous as he looked away. He couldn’t bear to watch her with this other man. Tori touched him, her voice whispering in his ear. “Nolan, what’s wrong? You don’t look well.” She said. Nolan shook his head, trying to clear his mind. “I’m fine,” he muttered. “Just a little…crowd shy.” “Is everything alright? You seem a bit…distracted.” She said. Tori frowned, as she follows his gaze her eyes landing on Daisy and the man beside her. “Oh, I see,” she whispered. “Do you like the way they are arms in arms?” She asked, as she raised his arm, putting it over her shoulder. Nolan forced a smile as he nodded. Her eyes shone with excitement as she placed her hands on his waist and took his hand, leading him to their seats. As the opera began, Tori leaned in close, her voice whispering in his ear. “You know, Nolan, if we ever get married, I would absolutely adore an opera performance at our wedding. It would be so romantic and elegant, don’t you think?” Nolan’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of marriage, but he nodded, trying to play along. “Yeah, that sounds…lovely.” Tori’s eyes shone with excitement. “Really? You’d also be happy with that?” Nolan forced another smile, trying to hide his true feelings. “Yes, of course. Whatever makes you happy, Tori.” Tori’s face lit up with a smile, as she squeezed his hand. As Nolan secretly stole a glance at Tori. All he saw was a woman who was truly enjoying the opera, her face shining with innocence and joy. She was beautiful, both inside and out. He felt like a total loser for doing all this with no affection for her. He had been doubting everything before but he knew that he could actually be genuinely happy in a marriage with her. She was perfect, in every way, and as he looked at her, he knew that he didn’t want to hurt her. She deserved someone who would love and cherish her, and he knew was that he could be that person. All he had to do was push aside every other thought of a woman in his life, including Daisy. As the opera reached its chorus, Tori turned to face him, her eyes filled with tears. “Isn’t it beautiful, Nolan?” she whispered. Nolan nodded, smiling, as he took her hand in his. “Yes, it’s stunning,” he replied, sincerely. His gaze moved back to Daisy and the dark-haired man beside her, and his heart skipped a beat as he saw them holding hands. He felt a little sad, but he knew it was time to let her go. He turned to Lance, who was sitting silently behind them, “Lance, can I ask a favor of you?” He whispered. Lance nodded. “Of course, young master.” He replied. “Daisy is here, seated a few rows away from us. I want you to pass a message to her.” Nolan said, his voice barely audible above the loud music. Lance’s eyebrows rose a little as he listened to Nolan. “Yes, young master?” He said. Nolan took a deep breath. “Tell her…tell her that I love her, and I’m happy for her. If that man is her happiness, then I’m glad for her.” Lance’s eyes turned confused, then it slowly softened, as he nodded. “I’ll make sure she gets the message, young master.” Nolan watched as Lance silently made his way through the crowd, his eyes fixed on Daisy and the dark-haired man. He felt a feeling of peace wash over him. He slowly turned to Tori and took her hands in his, giving them a gentle squeeze. He wanted to close the chapter on Daisy and focus on the woman in front of him. Meanwhile, instead of getting up to deliver the message, Lance had gotten up from his seat and moved to the back of the opera house. As Lance made his way out of the opera house, he slowly pulled out his phone and dialing a number. “Chairman,” Lance said, his voice low as the person picked up the phone. The chairman’s voice was low and sleepy as he answered the phone. “Yes?” “It’s done, sir,” Lance replied, his voice excited. “Young Master Nolan and Madam Toria are a perfect match. They’re together, and he’s even letting go of Daisy. You don’t need to worry about anything else.” There was a pause on the other end of the line, and then the chairman spoke, his voice filled with satisfaction. “Excellent work, Lance. You’ve done well. The Van-Louvre family’s future is secure now.” Lance nodded smiling happily. “Thank you, sir. I’m glad I could be of service.” The chairman laughed again. “That boy, I actually though he’ll fight more.” He said. “But if you say, he has fallen for Tori Moncler, then we shall begin preparations for the wedding immediately! I can hardly wait to see Nolan and Toria tie the knot. It’s a union that will secure the Van-Louvre family’s legacy for generations to come.” Lance could almost hear the chairman smile over the phone. “Yes, chairman. I’ll make sure to inform the wedding planners to start making arrangements.” The chairman laughed as he ended the call. Lance smiled, kicking his hands in the air happily, they had a wedding to plan.
Meanwhile back at Ethan and Daisy. No one spoke up afterward, as though there was an unspoken agreement not to. Daisy was perplexed with everything going on but mostly with Ethan’s behavior. She was mad at him but now more conflicted. “Why don’t you two continue why I treat my wife to this beautiful song?” The man suddenly stood and took the hand of his wife in his and started dragging her to the dance floor. Daisy’s heart melted. She used to dream of this while she was young. A husband that would love her so much he would admire every of her attributes. She knew she would model and always wished for her husband to support her dream. It’s not like she wasn’t willing to compromise, that was far from it. But she has hoped for a man willing to try. But when she found him, it was as though Ethan only wanted her body and for her to be submissive to him but wasn’t willing to put in the extra work. He let his mother dictate the onus of their marriage and even let her ruin it and in the process ruined her life. “Can we dance?” His small voice distracted her thought. “Why?” She asked instead. “Because I -the…” “Why did you do it?” “Do what?” He asked, his eyes finding hers steadily. “Why did you let her ruin our marriage?” He huffed, his brow furrowing in guilt. “I’m sorry…” “No, I want to hear it!” Her voice rose and she looked around, happy no one’s attention was drawn to them. He didn’t seem to mind. He exhaled, his hand on the table falling to his lap. He didn’t look like the confident man from before now. “I was stupid, Daisy. I was a stupid man who was so insecure that I let the best thing that has happened to me for so long slid away. I swear I regretted everyday and when I chose to marry Becky, it was to try to forget you, I swear it.” “You ruined my life,” She controlled herself from falling apart. “You made my parents disown me, left me with a child you made me carry, and ruined the only dream I was able to achieve for myself…” How could she even start to enumerate everything this man is to her? “I’m sorry,” His voice broke. “I swear, I want to make it up to you, Daisy. Give me a chance and I will make it all come back.” She wiped a silly tear that fell down her face and shook her head. “That chapter is closed. I made something great out of the misfortune. All I need is for you to leave me alone. Maybe then I might think of forgiving you…” Her lips quivered with a faux smile when the couple smiled at them.. “But I can’t, Daisy. Do you think I didn’t try when I couldn’t see you? When I thought I will never see you again? I can’t now that I have seen you, all I think about is you! I-i left New York because I told my mother until I find you I’m never seeing her again…It was also part of the reason I wanted to marry Becky without her present… To spite her!” The news shocked Daisy, but she didn’t show it. Ethan and his mother were like bread and butter. None could do without the other. Often times in the past, she had jealousy in their relationship because she knew she didn’t share that with her mother. His mother could literally do anything to make him remain loyal to her. “That is not my business, Ethan.” She proceeded looking at the couple still dancing and when that didn’t help to distract her, she grabbed the glass on the table, poured herself a large quantity, and started gulping it down. “The alcoholic content is much, Daisy. Be mad at me but please don’t hurt yourself. I know you hate….” She broke down in a gloomy mirth. “I hate alcohol? Let me tell you a little secret Ethan…”She flicked her crinkling orbs to him, “I’m a bit close to becoming an alcoholic now all thanks to you…” “Daisy…” “Yeah… After what happened, I needed something to help me forget, and be normal. I didn’t like it. Daniel was a miracle because to be honest, I somehow wished somewhere inside me that he… Left. Because I knew if I bore him, I will never forget you, I will have to stare at him every day of my life in reminder that his father thought me a whore and cast us out to the street. And you know what? I gave birth to him and to spite me, he was your replica! Can you beat that?” She began laughing again. Ethan couldn’t form words. When she began pouring another glass of scotch, he regained himself and made to snatch the glass away but she glared at him with one hand holding the glass away from him. “Don’t do that. I came here today because someone named Santiago bought me this beautiful red gown, and invited me to this amazing opera, and then invested in my latest design, only to find out it’s you!” She gulped down the second cup and from the way she was starting to act, he knew she was getting tipsy. “How crazy can I get? What now? What are you going to do? Try to take my son from me? No, soon your mother would find out and then make you take him away. Is that why you are doing this? You think I will let you do that after what I went through with him?” She asked, tears brimming in her eyes. “I will never do that, Daisy. I want us all together and nothing would make me take him away from you…” She stared lazily, at him, her head starting to tick. “Then don’t,” A tear fell. “He’s the only blood family I have, Ethan, and if you do that I will kill myself. I have suffered too much and I don’t think I can anymore.” More tears fell, breaking Ethan’s heart. He never came back to cause her more pain. This time he wants to do things right and he is going to do it without causing her any pain. Never. “I think we need to leave, you are getting…” “No!” She broke out laughing, not even knowing why. Her left hand went to take his and stared at his ring finger, not knowing what she is doing anymore. “You removed your ring?” “It’s in my safe, Dee. I would never lose it,” He said, knowing the ring she meant. On their wedding night, they had sworn that nothing was going to make them remove their wedding ring and despite despising him, she still wore hers. She showed it to him. “I hate you so much, Ethan, but see, I am still wearing it.” She dropped her hand. “Amanda thinks I’m crazy…” “You are not. I’m the crazy one, Daisy, and I swear I will wear it tonight. I love you so much and I never stopped despite everything.” That sounded like a fool talking to her. “You loved me and you accused me, hurt me? Is that how you love from where you come from?” “I messed up, Daisy, and I am ready to pay for it for the rest of my life, I swear.” Her only response was to nod her head like a lizard, her body starting to lose focus and coherence. The couples were done dancing, made their way to them and Ethan seeing them first cursed under his breath and reached out to cradle a perplexed Daisy’s face in his huge hand and begged her with his eyes to understand before crashing his lips on hers. She was too shocked to react and only stiffened. “Aww, look at them, baby,” the woman purred. “You recall when we couldn’t get enough of each other like this everywhere we go?” Ethan wiped her face with his thumb and then they pulled apart. He smiled at her and said, “my wife was so emotional seeing you two so much in love at your age that she, you know,” he indicated her expression. The woman covered her face. “Don’t worry, I believe you two would make it too.” Ethan took the chance and stood, gripping Daisy’s hands in his to pull her up. “I think I have to see her home now, she is a little tired from the whole…” He gestured about while Daisy shut her mouth not wanting to give away how drunk she already was. “Thanks for everything,” she said in a small voice, most of her body already molding into Ethan for support. She came here and now she might as well be ruined for the second time by the same man. “Thanks so much for allowing us to host you. It means a lot to us,” The woman came to hug her and even though she didn’t show it, Daisy knew she must perceive the alcohol stench she now harbors. By tomorrow, she knew the tabloid would drown with her gist! When they reached outside, the Ferrari that came to pick her pulled up and Ethan helped her in. The minute he entered and shut the car door, she lost her senses being overwhelmed by everything that happened she couldn’t hold it back and in a flash, she found herself puking all over the car and him, and then passed out. …
The next time she woke up, it was to an incessant thrilling sound coming from somewhere around her. She grumbled as she stretched her hand and tried to clear her head. She sat up, and winced from the sharp pain in her head, touched her forehead and then proceeded to pick up her phone still unaware of her environment. It was Amanda. She wondered why her friend would be calling her by that time which was apparently late. “Hey, Mandy…” She mumbled. “Bitch, why the fuck have you not been answering your damned phone! You nearly gave me a heartache!” Daisy’s face furrowed, trying to understand what’s with her friend. What’s wrong with sleeping at night? “Why are you calling, shouldn’t you be sleeping or something? Wait, you quarreled with your girl?” “What are you saying? Are you sure you are okay in the head? You told me you would return last night and then you didn’t and didn’t call to inform me about your change in plans!” Daisy’s eyes dilated and at once, she skidded her eyes about, not seeing anything in the dark, she retrieved her phone and turned the light and merely survived fainting. Where the fuck is she?! She panicked. “Hello?” “Mandy, I think I’ve been abducted!” “What! How?”The other’s voice was frantic by now. “I don’t know. I think I passed out last n….” It finally struck! She was with… “Ethan…” she thought out loud. “What happened to Ethan? Did he abduct you? That’s not possible.” “Yeah… I mean, I was with him. It turned out he was the mystery guy that sent the gown and invested in our new design…” She scrunched her face when she felt the ache increase. “Are you okay?” Amanda asked her, her tone receding. “Yeah, I think so. I mean, I just woke up now in an unfamiliar room. I think I passed out and he brought me to his house. The asshole…” She breathes the last part. “Then you should be grateful to him rather than cuss him.” Her friend admonished. “That bastard deceived me! How come you ain’t mad?!” She blew up, and winced once, deciding to go slow. “Because he knew you wouldn’t agree to accept it if he had asked directly.” “So you are siding with him?” “I’m only being reasonable. Well, now that I finally know you are safe, I will call it a night.” “Thanks for checking up. How are they?” She asked, referring to her wards. “They are good, they hardly missed you.” Daisy rolled her eyes. “Okay then, good night.” She uttered and cut the call. When she dropped the phone, she switched on the bedside light, she recognized the room and slid off to use the bathroom and that was when she noticed she was half unclad. So many things swirled in her head at that point. Did he force himself on her while she was unconscious? What the hell! She rushed to the bathroom and flung off the robe around her, and checked herself. She didn’t feel any ache down there and didn’t feel awkward. Maybe he didn’t, but then he didn’t have the right to undress her! That prick! She flared, used the bathroom and came out. She was on her way to the door, meaning to locate him and maybe carry out her threat of castration when she saw the hangover pill on the lamp stand, and bottle of water. She contemplated fighting first and coming back to it, but another thump in the head had her changing her direction to the pill which she gulped down, sat down to relax a bit and then, stood up to look for him, not giving on the right. Now that she was taking a closer look, she noticed his house was big, well, she knew how vain he could be coupled with his family name. She didn’t expect him to live in anything less than this and if she is being honest, this house is nothing compared to the place they lived in New York. It was fancier and more spacious than this. She had convinced him to get their apartment away from his mothers after enduring his mother’s dark glows at every point when they came across each other, and then she woke up one day and he announced they were moving out. His mother was crossed with him and blamed it on her for being the cause of why her son was moving away from her, but she didn’t care because she would rather take her scorn than continue sharing the same space and breathing the same air with her. That woman was devilish! She blew out air, pinching the point between her eyes in exhaustion. Some memories were supposed to be left in the past, where they belonged. She traipsed through a hall in search of him, and busted out in the upper baluster from where she took a round-up assessment from the top of the house. Then ventured from there, while admiring the upper arrangement, for visitors or maybe relaxation. She reached the silver spiraling staircase and began making her descent. When she endured the long walk, holding onto the baluster from falling due to her slight dizziness, she stopped at the foot of the stairs, making up her mind which of the diverse rooms to venture into. A shuffling sound came from the left garnering her attention. She was ready to attack if it turned out to be Ethan but to her disappointment when the face appeared, it was a girl of mild age, her dark blue eyes dilating when they landed on her and fell to her feet. “I’m so sorry, ma, I didn’t know you would be awake. The master said I should keep checking on you and to report to him when you rouse,” She hurried out in a quivering voice. “Who are you?” She didn’t know why she cared to ask.. “I’m the maid in charge of cleaning the house. I’m supposed to go but because of you, master said I should stay over.” “Where is he?” She climbed to the ground, tightening the robe about her. “He is in the Westwing room,” She pointed up from where Daisy came. “Okay, you can go to sleep now, as you can see I’m fine. I will find him myself, thanks,” She pivoted and made to climb back, wishing she had waited up rather than making the stressed venture twice. “You mean you do not need…” “Go to bed, dear,” She chopped the girl off. Why would the clod even ask the poor kid to watch over her like she was a nurse or something? He hasn’t still stopped his excessiveness which he of course inherited from his mutant mother. The other time was an older woman and today his maid. Fancy. “Thank you, ma,” She heard the kid say and her feet clattered toward somewhere which Daisy didn’t check to see. Reaching the Westwing as directed by the girl, she entered the first hall, and cursed under her breath. There were about three doors to it, and when she peeked into the next hall, it was the same thing. Why would he want to live in a place as big as this by himself? “Urgh!” She stomped her feet, “ouch!” She cried when the action sent a bout of aggressive spark to her head. As she was still bent nursing her hurt, she didn’t notice the door at the front open and the figure that looked out “Daisy?” She whipped her head up and met his worn-out eyes. “I-I was looking for you,” She said, lost in words now that she has seen him. His brown hair was standing, and when he started ambling to her, he was in only his joggers, which were hanging from his waist, his sumptuous upper torso exposed to her and her eyes unknowingly traced to the Vspot that ran into his joggers. “Are you okay, now?” He asked her but his voice sounded distant and she was hyperventilating. She swallowed loudly and fought to look at his face but his presence was too hypnotizing. It brought back long-buried memories; memories of when she used to covet this body almost to the point of obsession. “Daisy?” She snapped her eyes up, her body now aflame and her cheeks burning with heat. “I think you are still…” “I’m fine!” She hurried out and pointed to where she came from. “I was thinking I should leave, and came to…” “You can’t leave now, Daisy. It’s midnight. I was with you but decided to come in and take my bath as well as change into something else before coming back. Did you see Mildred?” He looked behind her. “Yeah! I-I saw her!” She looked everywhere but at him. She can’t believe he would have her this tongue-tied. She had come here to give him a piece of her mind and maybe even accuse him of making her drunk to bring her home, and now all she can do is stutter! “Come here,” He took her hand and started taking her back to the room he came from. “You need to sleep, so that you can get better by morning. If you want to live, I will take you home by then.” He was so endearing. She couldn’t let him get into her head, so she shook it. He was doing this intentionally to get under her skin and make her forget everything he did wrong against her! And she was allowing it. By the time they got in, he gently pushed her on the bed and was about to pull the covers when she recovered forcefully. “Who changed me?” Was her first query. His eyes twitched. Ethan knew she would be mad at him for doing that but he couldn’t resist doing it. To him, he would rather suffer her wrath than not go through with it at that point. He has never experienced the level of hardness he had at seeing her body, the way he did for a long time. “I did,” He said, lowly. …
“You pervert!” She spat. “Did you also touch me against my will?” “Cmon, Daisy, you know me better than that!” She rolled her eyes openly at him. “I never knew you. Well, I thought I did but the man I know will never accuse me of sleeping with another man and kick me out of his damn house!” “I deserve that, but for now, you need to rest,” He lifted his hands and demonstrated in peace. “I’m not a baby, stop acting all motherly!” She was trying to spook him and hated that he wasn’t responding as she wanted him to. Why is he being so kind? “I’m going to transfer back your funds, Ethan, I’m not going to accept it.” “Well, that means you will have to get the permission of your friend first, because I know you two own the business.” “Amanda, trust me enough to know it’s for the best.” She flung the cover and stood to face him. “She knows you are not who we all thought you were so if you think you will use her against me, think twice.” She tried to leave, he won’t allow that, he knows she is mad at him and he wants to make sure she doesn’t make any rash decisions because of that. Even before he donated that money, he knew she had the money but he still did it because his money would help take the project to another level. So now, he won’t stand and watch her lose it because of her contempt for him. He rushed forward and grabbed her. She stiffened, a shockwave of need rushing through her. It reminded her of Mandys accusation about her behavior being because she hasn’t gotten some in a while and maybe she was right because recently, she can’t put a stamp on why she is easily whipped by Ethan. “Let me go,” She said snidely. “I will, but you have to listen to me,” He said slowly in a plea. “I don’t want to listen to you, Ethan. You didn’t listen to me when I needed you most, why should I now?” “Because I’m an asshole, and you are not. You are the sweetest woman I have ever met in my life and I fucked up. Unless you want to wake up tomorrow and hear that I jumped the bridges you might as well listen to me.” Daisy’s heart stopped. She hated him so much, but she would rather have him suffer alive than bear the thought of him dead. So she exhaled and looked at the spot he was holding, that burnt with flames of passion. “Put on something,” was her response. “Why? Do I make you horny?” Her breath hitched and without thinking, she met his hot gaze, which at the same time, made Ethan very hot. He realized he might have said the wrong thing and quickly rushed away to the closet to look for something to wear. Putting on his vest, which wasn’t helping at all but a fat cry from before, he indicated the bed for her to sit on and when she did, he went to stand by the open window to look outside, mentally calling on all the love forces out in the air to help him. At least he was satisfied that she didn’t want him dead. That was fair. “I sent that money because I recall back then when you used to tell me that you would want to own a design that would rock the world and make your work the number one. I am proud of you for coming this far, Daisy. You didn’t let the hindrance I caused you hamper you from striving but went ahead to prove me and any other shallow-minded person out there wrong. So, that is my own little way of telling you that I’m no longer the man I used to be. I have changed.” She fiddled with her fingers, shutting out her mind not wanting to be cajoled by his words. “I share in your dreams now. I want to be part of it, whether or not you want me in your life. I only ask two things from you…” He indicated with his fingers, his face muddled. “Which are?” He came and fell on his knees in front of her, took her hands against her will and kissed her knuckles, pulling heat between her legs. “Please allow me to see my son, and allow me to invest in your business as I want. You know money is not my problem.” She yanked her hand away and when she made to leave, he held her waist down, meeting her defiant eyes with just his own. “I don’t care about your money, Ethan and I don’t want you near my son.” “He is also mine.” “You denied him.” “I was a fool. Have you not done anything you frankly regret?” Her eyes twitched. Of course, she has, but she has never and would never do the kind of thing he did to her to anyone. “I know you have a good heart, Daisy. I was the devil who turned you this way and I want to make things right. I won’t stop, Daisy. So the sooner you accept, the easier it would be for us. I am never taking him from you, never! But let me be a part of his life, please.” A tear skidded down her face in pain. She reached up and wiped it and then sniffed. “If I do that, will you stay away?” “Maybe…” He said honestly. He can’t promise to stay away after seeing the woman that had kept him awake for the past five years, wishing he would be given another chance with her. “I don’t think this is a good idea!” She managed to escape him and stood, folding her hands in her full bosom. “I don’t want you around us, Ethan, but if I I’m going to allow you with him, it’s only because I love him so much and I don’t want to allow what I hold against you to affect him. I want him to have you in his life, not in my life!” He stood and came to her, she jumped away, eyeing him viciously. “I will never stop coming, Daisy.” “Then I will tell the cops.” “And tell them what?” He stalked closer, she went backward, her heart hammering from the way he appeared hunky and alluring. Is it the light or her head playing with her? “You are a stalker!” He snickered darkly and then when she was least expecting it, took a large step forward. Having no option, she acted out of instinct and humid back, collided with the wall, and winced. His hand came about her, molding her to him. “I’m sorry,” He mumbled, rubbing her side, his breath fanning her face. “Can you try not to be stubborn, please?” “Ethan…” She whispered, desiring to tell him to let her go but then lacking the courage to ask it. She needed him right now more than air. Maybe it’s truly the weather causing this or she was losing her senses but when he reached out and tuck a strand of wayward hair behind her ear, she leaned into his hand and whimpered. Or she might still be drunk, she reasoned, refusing to accept she was whole in the head and doing this. “I missed us, Daisy, I missed you so much I thought I was going to die.” “You left me,” Her bleary eyes searched his, her skin tingling from his mindless brush. “I’m a fool,” He muttered and inched close. Was this really happening? Is he coming near or was it still her imagination playing games on her? She reflected. He pulled her into a hug and wrapped his huge arms around her and without any restraint she flattened against him, needing his warmth more than anything. They were in that position for long listening to nothingness, each engrossed in their thought of disbelief and rising the moment never passed. When he pulled away from her, her heartbeat thundering in her breast, while his eyes were still pinned on hers, his hand went behind her neck and drew her head close, and merged their lips. His lips moved on hers, and when she gasped in alarm he took advantage of it and drove his tongue down her throat. This is not right, rang in her head, yet, she didn’t pull away. Instead, her hands went about his neck and deepened the kiss. In the five years that had passed, she imagined this over and over again, wishing for the day to come that she would have this opportunity again but knowing it would never be. Yet, here it is come and after all her hardcore resolution never to permit it, she was giving it freely When his hand found the rope on her robe and tugged, she didn’t complain and when his finger brushed over her pebbled nipple, she thought she had finally arrived in paradise…
His calloused breath fanned over her sensitive skin, sending shockwaves of unwanted needs feeling through her and making her moan out, her hands finding his head and holding it captive against her full bosom. “I missed you so much, Amor…” He dragged like he was inebriated, kissed her neck, latching onto it to tease softly until Daisy thought she was going nuts. When he kissed downwards once more, her back arched to him, her head falling backward, and praying he didn’t change his mind not, she woke up from this nightmare she knew she would regret later. In a flash, he yanked her up to his hard chest, their hungry eyes clashing and holding fast, each asking the other to give up control. When it was certain none would, he crashed his lips against her, and this time he didn’t think anything could make him stop, not even an earthquake. His hands went to her shoulders and pushed off the robe which he had loosened and it fell to her ankles, leaving her bare to him. The night breeze blew against her skin and made Daisy authentically aware that indeed she was naked against her ex-husband. But it was too late to go back as even before she could relate, he hoisted her up against the wall, her legs of it’s volition, going around his thin hips. He kissed from her lips and trailed hot kisses down to her cleavage and peppered light hungry kisses while making primal sounds that invigorated the ache between Daisy’s leg. It was as though they had been hungry for so long that before a feast they couldn’t hold back in the name of courtesy. All they needed was satisfaction before decorum. He palmed her two plump bosoms and kneaded with the pad of his palm back and forth, the sound she was making encouraging him and fueling his desires. His passion which had been locked away for the past five years, finally liberated an kect overflowing. He pushed off the wall and like a lunatic, went to collapse her on the bed, going in after her, not wanting her to change her mind, not that she was thinking of it anyways. He trailed his lips down ward until he reached her navel and suckled, dragging his teeth through her skin as though intending to leave his mark in her for posterity. It was just like old Daisy. She never changed one bit. Not her enticing olive skin, which from the moment he met her had entranced him, nor her peculiar curves that almost made him give up his birthright. How did he manage to ever let her go in the first place? If he didn’t know his mother he would think she had used black magic on him to make him do what he did. “Arh! Ethan..” She hissed when he found her wet mold and licked through it, wiping off every trail of juice in it like it was his favorite libation. He licked back and forth until she was almost about to beg him to stop when his teeth stopped to tease her pebbled clitoris. “Yeah! Right there!” Her back was to the ceiling, her head thrashing against the pillow. Her hands transmitted between the pillow and his hair which suffered from her pulling at them. If time is not taken, he would go bald before the end of their escapade. And he wouldn’t mind. He flicked his tongue, licked, and then inserted his two fingers inside and began pumping her. Daisy was so close as she made incoherent sounds, her his running against him, scared that she might go nuts from his wicked administration. This is her Ethan. The one that made her legs shake from every bedroom trip. If he would be honest, over the years, she spent most nights and day dreaming of these moments and wishing she could have them back even though in her dreams. But only was he physically endowed, he had a mastery in pleasuring a woman. The first time they met, she didn’t want to have anything to do with him because she had heard how he used women and never returned to bed to any girl. But the day he cornered her after a runway show and up to date she can’t tell how he managed to make her do what she never thought she would anyway: Have swx in a public place for the first time with a total stranger! But one thing was clear, when he left her in the bathroom to call him, that night, she called and begged him to come to her place. She was ashamed of herself but shame was something she was willing to take if only to have him do to her what he did in that public restroom. It was simply unimaginable. That day sealed her fate to suffer his curse till this day. Countless dildos and vibrations are locked away in her room that she had used on herself while imagining it was him driving he nuts but at the end of each session, she would cry while cumming knowing it’s never enough. And then she would hang out, play smutty to get a mans attention, make him fuck her, and imagine him, still she would find herself comparing the man to Ethan. No wonder she hasn’t been able to keep anyone’s attention since he left. He won and now she made it clear to him. “Arh!” She shook, almost giving up when abruptly he pulled away making to hiss. He climbed off the bed and hurriedly started removing his clothes while Daisy watched his perception come into light. “You like what you see?” He asked drowsily as though in drugs. She stuck her finger into her mouth, and shaky nodded, when she brought the finger out, she licked her lips sensually and Ethan saw red. “Shit!” He jumped into the bed, his cock flapping on his thick thighs. He yanked her down and stranded her on his knees, looked up at her as though begging for her permission. If Daisy was tee to make him pay, she would kick him away and wear her pants but she wasn’t that wicked. Maybe it’s because she didn’t have the heart when it was what she apparently wanted herself. It would be more like being wicked to self. So, she nodded and his hand shook his huge cock and guided to her entrance. He hadn’t entered and her back was already arching as her mouth flew open and produced a whimpering sound. When he pushed through her, he released an erratic breath and gave her time to adjust hence starting off slowly. He packed her hair into his hand and lifted her head up through her neck to look deeply into her clouded eyes. He wanted to see how much he made her undulate for him. It would give him more pleasure than fucking her. “Ethan…” She whined, grinding her hips to match his momentum. “You like what I did to you?” Slam! He increased his pace by a notch, she didn’t respond as her eyes began fluttering. He shook her and added another pace. “Answer me, Amor!” He growled, his head swimming in euphoria. “Yes!” She cried and her hand crawled his back and clawed at him, helping him accelerate. She wanted more. She wanted him to be as rough as he liked. She knew he wasn’t a gentle lover and neither was she. But, Ethan didn’t want this to be like their former regular. He wanted to show her through this how much he missed her and how much he couldn’t say with his lips. “Please, go hard!” She lifted her lips, not getting enough. “As you wish, my lady!” He dropped her head on the pillow, replaced it with my lips, placed his hand at her both sides to aid her, and went on a mad spree. Their erratic pants filled the room and might have spread through the house due to its intensity. By the time they reached their high and was ready to descend, Daisy couldn’t feel her feet and thought maybe after now, she might pass out. He pulled out and yanked her up with him, flipped her to her front and helped her to lift her ass to him. “Fuck, yeah…” She shook her sweat ridden hair from her face and positioned properly for him to enter her. He soon slipped in and held her curved waist to pump into her. His growls turned animalistic while she chased her climax. They didn’t take long but when they did arrive, their both worlds rocked on tender feet and while the storm passed, they fell on the bed both panting like they ran the marathon. None said a word, just bodies fitted together in passionate embrace, their breathes the only audible sound in the room. That was when Daisy’s head cleared and the consequences of her action dawned on her. Ethan on his side was going through guilt. Maybe he should have stopped them from doing this because he knew she would be mad at him at the end and might accuse him of taking advantage of her. For someone trying to win back her heart, he sure is not doubt that rightly. But none could blame him, not when it comes to a woman like Daisy. Now what?
Daisy was still going through her shame flop when sleep overcame her power to act. She smuggled deeper into effect Ethan still seeking his warmth while him on the other hand, pulled out of her, telling himself to give her room to herself but his body unable to agree with him. So, he found himself holding her like if he blinked, she would disappear off the surface of the earth. And to add to his misery, throughout the night, she would snuggle deeper, her hand making an unconscious trail on his body which left his manhood harder and aching painfully. If things were different, he would rouse her up to finish what she started, or even plunge into her while still asleep which ke she wake up moaning and begging him not to stop. But things aren’t normal and if he tries that, it would ruin any ray of light he has to redeem himself with her. So throughout the night, all he could do was writhing painful throbs and watch his sleeping beauty. He didn’t mind. He could always sleep but he wasn’t sure that he would get this opportunity ever again. It was during the morning that sleep finally claimed him and he slept off with his arms and legs entwined with Daisy. At full light, Daisy awoke from a distant loud ring which made her curse out loud and opened her eyes with the mindset of shutting off the sound, then she winced from the bright light pooling into the room threatening to blind her. That wasn’t all. She not so subtly became aware of the heavy weight on her. She twisted until she could see properly and didn’t know how she was supposed to react to her present situation. Of course she recalled her night of passion with Ethan but she isn’t going to pretend she was proud of herself for such a moment of relapse. All she would say is that Ethan was a crook who had brought her to his house to seduce her into his bed because he knew how irresistible she was to him. She contemplated waking him to tell him exactly what she thought of him, but a little recap from last night made her change her mind. She had come here to reprimand him and see where that got her, who knows what will happen next, especially with his… Oh, God! His manhood was standing at full erection beckoning on her. Her eyes drooled, the point between her legs starting to ache afresh almost making her wake him and ask for a repetition of last night. Impulsively she teaches out her hand toward the towering babel, almost there, she dunked her hand and shook her head. She has to get out of there before he awakes and tries to seduce her again. She told herself and started detangling from him as quietly as possible. When she finished, she slipped out of the bed and nearly fainted when he grumbled her name in his sleep and touched the bed though trying to grab her. His hand found the pillow and he smiled in his sleep and held right to it. This was so tempting, Daisy reasoned but fought the urge to go back. Ethan is her enemy and the sooner she realizes it and stops daydreaming, the better for her and her son. Her son! Her dog! She has responsibilities and she was drooling over a man. A bastard man for that matter. She hurried through dressing up and without checking the mirror_ because she knew she would be tempted to start arranging anything she finds askew, dashed out of the room. She went to the room she woke up last night and panicked when saw the girl from last night cleaning up. “Good morning, ma’am, hope you had a good night?” The girl was just asking her, but because she did something awkward, her cheeks flared. She ignored the girl and went to pick her cloth and started dressing. It was haphazard and once more she didn’t check the mirror, picked her bag and dashed out. On her way to the stairs, she recalled she didn’t come with a car and came back to the room to ask the girl, “Did the driver come to work?” The girl stopped what she was doing and faced her, bobbing her head fervently. “He would be outside waiting for the Boss because it won’t be long before he leaves for work.” “Thank you!” She cried out, and made to escape, not giving a chance to seeing Ethan this morning. How could she even face him? He would probably laugh in her face and call her a wanton and she wouldn’t say a thing to him because that’s what she is. She is a damned wanton! Hopefully, she reached outside, and just as the girl said, a man in a plaid ink black suit was outside with his hands folded in front of him and his face covered with a big black shade. She hurried to him. “Hy, please take me out of here.” “The master…” “It’s his order…” She cuts him off, sparing a rapid look behind frantically, to make sure he isn’t behind her. “Yea, ma’am,” He nodded curtly and opened the back of the silver SUV for her. She slid in and he closed the door and went to start the engine. They soon left the posh mansion and she finally breathed a sigh of relief. She knows he would come after her, but for now, she wants to be far from him and luck her wounds without him plastering it on her face that he won. She was so stupid! And she didn’t stop cussing at herself until she reached home, thanked the chauffeur and made it through her sturdy gate. She ate breakfast, not peacefully as her mind kept cascading back to last night. Ethan was a drug. A drug that she was addicted to. These years she spent talking to herself that was over him and nothing about him could ever entice her anymore. But in one night, she has gone to ruin it! She would have dug deep into knowing who that sponsor was. But she didn’t and now look where it landed her. When her phone blared on the breakfast table, she hissed and dropped the tea cup to pick up. “Hey, Mandy?” “Sup? Are you good?”The other asked. “Yeah… I’m at home preparing to start going to the office now,” She told her, leaving the part where she isn’t herself anymore because of loose skirt. “Okay, sweet. I will drop off Danny and Ella and the daycare and meet you at the office, cool?” “Yeah… Thanks..” She courses. “Are you sure you are alright? You sound… Fried,” Mandy observed. Daisy filled her eyes. There is no way she can keep this away from Mandy she would find out no sooner. Particularly with the way she was already drifting in thought of that loser. “I will fill you in when I get there…” Amanda hooted loudly, and too unladylike for someone so refined. “I can’t wait for all the juicy details, girl! Hurry!” “See you,” Daisy said flatly and cut the call. This is the beginning of another era of torture for her, and she powered it herself. She could have fought to resist him, he wouldn’t force himself on her. But like a fool, she was, she fell deep in without any hold up. Bathing and finding the right dress was the same rigorous process. She would drift off either rethinking of his hot breath on her neck, or how his finger pumped into her. She would chastise herself and swear not to do it again, then off she went, doing it again, and again, and again. Thankfully, she survived the process and eventually left the house for work. Thank God her babies ain’t present she might have made them go late to the daycare because of her misconduct. She entered the big edifice and made a beeline to her office to cool off and when her assistant hurried towards her saying something about the design request piling up in the last 72 hours, all Daisy could do was smile and ask for a hot espresso. Maybe coffee would help, was her reasoning. Her assistant , apparently too delighted with the sale couldn’t contain herself and when she came back, she continued rattling to her disinterested madam how their modeling show is going to blow the design market off the earth. According to her, it was nothing they are expecting. Not with a design making such an early trend even before it’s official debut. “You know what I need now?” She asked her assistant when she couldnt take it any longer. “I need space to process some things!” She rubbed her temples and took the coffee to sip from, hoping her voice wasn’t curt. Her assistant doesn’t deserve that. “Are you okay?” The girl asked. “Yeah… Just…” “Excuse us, Bianca, I think she is fine. All she needs is her best friend!” Amanda twirled into the room, gleamed at them, took the files from the girl and faced Daisy. When the girl closed the door behind her, Amanda dropped the dikes loudly on the desk and jumped on it, folding her hands on her chest, her eyes twinkled with mischief as it skimmed about Daisy who was growing uncomfortable with her bizarre assessment. “What?” She asked with a cocked brow. Amanda’s face stretched limitlessly and she pointed at her. “Say no more! Now I know what happened. You fucked him!” “What!” “The evidence is right there on your neck! Mehn! That’s huge! You can’t deny it.” She quipped aloud making a fat rouge blush take position on Daisy’s face. “Spill it all!”
Daisy rolled her eyes and fell back on her hair knowing that any attempt at her side to cover up any part of her story has been ruined with this new development. This is what happens when she will leave a place without checking herself properly, all in the name of being in haste. She always avoids that! Now, just today she has flopped, this is what happens! “I’m still waiting,” Amanda dragged and left her former position to fall on the chair opposite her, acquiring the temper balls that was Daisy’s finest toy of control when she was going through any form of work stress which these days has stretched to mental. “I had sex with him, Amanda, are you happy now?” She asked Amanda whose face fell, but not to anger but something that looked like I knew it, which aggravated Daisy. “I was rendered handicap, Mandy, I swear. This wasn’t my best decision and I don’t want you to tell me you understand, please!” She covered her face with her palm and leaned forward in grief, still angry with herself for the annoying thing she did with Ethan. Amanda sitting there and watching her berate herself for something she probably had no control of could only sigh and sat up from her seat, her expression still bland. “Well, that’s what makes you human and if I’m to be honest, I will say in kind of… Relieved.” Her friend’s eyes skidded to her in astonishment whilst she folded her lower lip in and her eyes danced impishly in her sockets. “Yeah… I was growing scared that you are becoming cold and..m unfeeling. So this proves that it has been him all along.” “That is no justification of my stupidity, Mandy! I had only a simple task of saying no! Of pushing away and.. And maybe slapping the shit out of him but no, I melted against his arms and allowed him lavish me and to be honest…” Her voice trailed off, “I think that is the worst decision I have made in five years because Mandy, I haven’t been able to co tain myself since it happened and like the old times, I think I might go back to who I used to be with him…” She broke down in tears and Amanda couldn’t contain herself anymore and had to rush to her and engulf her in a hug to her bosom, placing her head on her bosom and stroking her back, understanding everything she was going through. Amanda knew how much Daisy was in love with Ethan in the past and knew she had a weakness for him. So if by any chance they were in the same room and Daisy didn’t do what she did, maybe Amanda would have been truly concerned because Ethan is about the only person that can make Daisy show emotions. “Do you think I’m okay?” Daisy asked in tears and Amanda’s head bounced on hers, closing her eyes to say… “Yea, believe me when I say you are truly fine, and I can never judge you for what you did.” “But I fucked up…” “Anyone could have… I mean look at that hunk of a man with the eyes of a God and the body if….” “Stop!” Daisy thrashed her legs, her face hinting a smile. She knew what her friend was doing and while she appreciated it, she didn’t need pampering now. Instead, if she would be scolded, it would do her a great good. “What you need is closure with him now, Daisy. I am going to be frank with you now and tell you the truth. He is here to stay and if you are going to live your life not rolling in regret and consistent grief, then you have to make peace with it.” Daisy didn’t say a word, because whether she liked it or not, what Manda was saying was right. She knew Ethan very well and knew as he had stated, he wasn’t going to leave her alone until he got what he wanted and until then, she would have to get used to seeing him around as much as it scared the shit out of her. “I’m so scared, Mandy,” She conferred mousily, “I don’t want to do this anymore with him, and as much as I smell this would not end well, I don’t think I want to keep Danny away from him anymore..” “Then don’t…” Mandy said and slipped down to face her with an encouraging smile. “It would make things easier. We can work something out. It’s just to have the conversation, okay?” “Yeah,” Daisy was nodding as her thoughts cascaded dreadfully in all directions. Will Ethan make Danny love him more than her and then want to start going to visit him in his house? That’s all how it starts and before she would do anything about it, he would think he can claim custody. “I will think about it,” She said mildly and reached to take the coffee on the table slowly. Amanda gave her a napkin, stood and made her way to the door. “We have an appointment by twelve with the Bolled house, try to get yourself together, I will send you the details later..” “Yeah, my assistant dropped the file, I will go through it now…” and about that, she recalled what she had been thinking and made up her mind to ask Amanda about it. “Do you think we can refund the money he invested…” She wasn’t even done when Amanda’s head nearly fell off her shoulders. “Money invested voluntarily has no way of leaving, Babe. Get your head out of the water. No sentiment in business, how about that?” “I know but…” “There is no but, Dee, he gave it voluntarily to support your business, you don’t have to be proud and return it.” She smiled at Daisy and closed the door after her and Daisy sagged on the seat blowing out harsh breaths. She was right. Ethan gave her the money without her asking and even if she might regret it later, she is not fucken returning it. “I am in this one deep!” She mouthed to berserk and stood to push the window further apart and stared out to the far Orleans beach she could glimpse from there. It is one of the natural enticements the office held for her. The best thing for her to do to exonerate herself from this hide-and-seek game from Ethan, she would have to approach him and try to talk as two adults. She would tell him everything as it is in her heart and then for the sake of her boy, they will reach an agreement. If he breaks her trust and trespasses, that’s it. Strictly for her son. Nothing would ever happen between them ever again. Never! That point overseeing the beach has been the point she has made many life-changing decisions and this time she hopes this works. With that, she sat down and went back to her work for the day. She called her assistant and asked about the details of the client they were meeting that afternoon to discuss the upcoming show. That was a highlight in her life right now and she will not waste it on anything. Not for Ethan. At exactly 11 o’clock when she went to use the bathroom and returned to her office, she saw a bouquet of white lilacs on her desk and was surprised. Without being told she already knew who it was from because only him knew her love for Lilacs but she didn’t expect him to remember after five years. She took it and inhaled deeply savoring the scintillating fragrance. There was a knock making her jump slightly and drop the flower and faced the door, blocking off the flower with her body, thinking it was Amanda but it turned out the front receptionist. “Sorry for disturbing you, ma’am, I just wanted to be certain you saw the flower.” The girl spoke, pointing at her desk. She nodded and gazed to the side briefly before facing the girl once more, “did you see the sender?” As though to be certain or is this her stupid self trying to act like some lovesick teenager? “It came directly from the flora company,” The girl said and she nodded and waved her off in dismissal. When the girl was gone, she picked up the bouquet and hurried to arrange it on top of her desk and for a while stood staring at it in admiration until her office cellphone started blaring, making her jump away and reached to pick it up and at the same time, the office door opened and her assistant came in fully ready for the meeting. “Okay, I will be there,” she said into the phone and dropped it and went to pick her bag. “Have they called?” She asked her assistant “Yes, ma,” She replied and went to take the files on the table and Daisys files. “The man said he would be in person instead of…” “A man?” …
When they got to the meeting place, Daisy was already nervous, hoping that she wouldn’t be surprised again as she was last night. She can’t bear another day of surprises in her life. “What is the problem, you seem tense,” Amanda observed, as they walked into the hotel. Daisy didn’t want to tell her her worries because she didn’t want her friend to think she was sounding crazy. This appointment she was certain it wasn’t supposed to be a man. How did it turn into a man? awed her. She never knew the company’s owner was a male and now thinking about it, she would fault herself for not doing adequate research on the company before now. “I’m fine, I’m just nervous with the whole thing, you know it’s our big deal.” She chuckled anxiously and sashayed forward to avoid further questions from her friend, leaving Amanda and her assistant looking after her in worry. Amanda knew the impact Daisy’s ex-husband was having on her and didn’t want to appear too nosey. She just hoped she would be able to pull through. “Do you have the file from Elemis?” She asked the assistant. “Yes, ma..” The girl hurried forward to meet up with her. They soon got to the reserved booths where Daisy was already seated, clicking fastly through her phone that she didn’t even share a look as they sat down and the waiter came to welcome them. The assistant left with the waiter to lead the investors in when they came. Amanda left her seat and went to sit down close to Daisy which garnered the other’s attention at once. “What?” She asked with a crooked brow. “I am worried. I understand the entire Ethan dilemma but you said you will be fine for this,” She demonstrated with her hands. “I am ready, Mandy. I promise,” She said and sighed. “This mean a lot to us and I will not let some stupid mistake in my part to ruin it, okay? So calm your tits.” That got Amanda laughing. “That’s my girl right there. So I did a little digging into the man, it appears he has a fleet of fashion industries in Europe as well as the Southeast. He is a big one in this game and trust me, might prove a little tough, but we got it.” Daisy was focused on her solely, “You saw his pictures?” She asked her with a wide eye. “Like, you saw him?” “Yeah, what’s the problem?” Amanda asked with a furrowed brow. “You didn’t do any background check?” That was disapproval Daisy could spot right there and suddenly felt overwhelmed by guilt. She pouted and slouched back to show she was guilt-ridden and at once sat up when they heard the click of heels coming towards them. “They are here!” She yelled and stood as the man and a lady came into view with her full face beaming assistant talking to the man about something which stopped when they neared the table. “It’s nice to finally meet you in person, Daisy and Amanda,” He greeted smoothly and from his behavior, they could tell he was either a member of the queer community or a core supporter. Either one, Daisy was thrilled. It would make business smoother, plus, she was relieved now that it wasn’t what she was thinking. She had thought it was Ethan. With the latest development, there is nothing he can not pull off. The meeting went smoothly from there and just as she envisaged, they didn’t talk for long as he was very pleased with their portfolio and sealed the deal there and then. The two friends couldn’t believe it. Usually, deals are not sealed this fast. There will be a design presentation and about two extra meetings with more design to convince the other party that they were worth being given a shot and here he didn’t even seem too invested as though he was 100 percent certain of their proficiency. Either way, Daisy and Amanda were pleased, and from there they left for the favorite spot to celebrate their victory. This is one of the thousand deals they have sealed but it was the fastest and for whatever reason that made the man decide so fast, Daisy hopes he doesn’t change his mind along the way. That was why the entire process was worth it, as they will have so many instances to know what they are going into. “Girl, he came with his eyes straight out of the water!” Amanda blared as they clinked their glasses. “I knew that design would kill it. It was made from raw blood and silk!” She was so excited and Daisy knew they deserved the happiness. Particularly Amanda. She has so much faith in the upcoming show and has been putting in so much effort to make sure things go smoothly unlike her who has been going through several distractions lately. “Thanks for all you do, Mandy,” She said sincerely and tipped her glass to her. Mandy boons her head at her to refuse her applause. “You do more. Have you forgotten this show was your idea? The nights you stayed creating designs?” It was so vivid to Daisy. She knows the new kvek this show would take their brand and she can’t wait for everything they both sat late at night in the office envisioning to come to pass. It was a dream with extra effort and they deserve to make it happen for them. “I think we should start heading home, it’s almost late…” Amanda looked at her phone. “I have intentionally been avoiding Becky’s call since the meeting. “Why?” Daisy picked up her bag and her assistant picked the other items and hurried out ahead of them. “Getting tired already?” She hardly thought so. She sees the way her friend looks at Becky. She had never looked at anyone like that in a long time. “No, that’s not it. I know she would haunt me on my destination and indigent want to have to explain this to her through the phone.” Daisa never thought she would do this but she smiled and came close to Amanda ri say, “You know I think she’s the one. She’s kinda… Sweet.” Amanda’s eyes widened as she rounded on Daisy. “You said that?” “Yeah, I did!” She broke out laughing loudly. It would be unfair to say that the brunette was anything different to what she just said. She might have disliked her at first for being the girl her ex-husband was about to get married to had she not stopped it, still, but now, she could see better and knew the girl didn’t deserve it. It was all on Ethan. “I think she will need to hear this,” Amanda said and hurried to the car that was in front of the bar, its doors already open to them. They slid in and the door closed as the car zoomed off the parkway. “So the next thing is to start the production. We will have to make sure we have the floor managers making sure that the girls are up to both in their work every day, what do you think?” Daisy smiled. “Yeah, but as for that particular design, I kinda think I would want to handle it myself.” “You want to?” “Yeah… I want to oversee its production in every way down to the best day and its debut. Babe, that design took me a week to produce, I don’t want anything to ruin it!” “Yeah, you are right,” Amanda said in a distant voice. There was a moment of salience as the car rode with each engrossed in their thought. Then Amanda said, “You know I was thinking. ‘Maybe after the show, we should go to Paris for a vacation, to relax and start afresh by then Danny will be back to to school” Daisy thought about it. It would be a good idea. She needs to recover her head on so many things and it would afford her time to deal with her demons far from here without finding her heart skipping each time she thinks of a certain someone. “Yeah, I agree with you. I would want to unbox too,” She snickered and reached out to take her friend’s hand. “If you like her, then keep her, okay?” “Yeah…” Amanda muttered nervously. It made Daisy recall that day that they wrecked the wedding and she giggled at the memory collecting exactly what she said before they went in. “What?” Amanda asked. “You remember that day I had said you could snatch the bride from the groom?” I laughed out at the end of the statement and she joined in. “It turned out your statement came to pass. I have indeed snatched her from the groom and this time…” She smacked her lips, making up her mind. ” I think I’m going to marry her!” Daisy’s eyes lit up. “That’s great news, Mandy. I’m with you all the way… Have you introduced her to the kids?” “She hasn’t met them yet but once they get back from visiting their granny, I will formally introduce them. They already know of her and she is dying to meet them.” She was truly happy that things were working out for Mandy after so long. “And you know what else?” Daisy shook her head. “I’m telling them.” “Mom and Dad?” Daisy couldn’t believe it. Those were her greatest fears. “Yeah… I can’t hide it from them anymore. I already gave them grandkids, it’s time I do my thing my own way.” Her voice dimmed at the end. “I’m so proud of you, girl!” Daisy hugged her from the side and kissed her hair. “We will do it either if you want.” “You will come?” Amanda asked in an exciting voice. “All the way, bitch! Don’t forget this is my dream coming true for you!” And they laughed all the way home. If only Daisy knew what awaits her at home.
They dropped Daisy at home, and without waiting, Amanda left for home. She was very exhausted and needed rest before the driver would bring Daniel and Ella back to the house. At least she will have about one hour to herself before they will get here. However, as she turned the knob and went in, the first thing she heard was the loud shrill of her son’s voice, from somewhere around the house. She was surprised. How could they be back before her? Did Becky get fed up and sent them home? all these thoughts swirled in her head and she hastened in the direction of the voice which seemed from the outer part of the house she seldom used. The pool area. She has learned Daniel never to use the pool when she isn’t around or his nanny. His nanny had gone for her annual leave which was why Daniel had to be registered in the kiddies. So why would he defile her? No, her son never defiles her, unless he has someone that encouraged him. Woof! Her dog came barreling down through the door connecting the backside where the pool is located to the inside. She stopped in front of Dais and wiggled her tail exuberantly, raising on her back hinges, yearning for a rub. “Why are you this excited, Ella? What are you guys doing at the pool? Daniel!” She barreled, dropping her bag on one of the settees end, stooping to scoop the dog who showered her with passionate face kisses in response. “Not now, Ella, uuuugh!” She twisted her face from side to side as she made her way outside. When she managed to tame her at the dog, and raised her face, she turned pale, her body going stiff. Ethan. She should have known only him would make her son go against her word. “Mom!”Daniel rushed out of the pool, her heart skidding when she struggled to jump out before his Dad helped pull him up. “You are back! Look, Dad came to pick me!” So I see,” She put out through tight lips, glaring at Ethan whose only response was to smirk at her from the pool. She brushed her hand through her son’s wet hair and dragged him to her as though for protection. “I thought I told you not to use the pool alone, Danny?” “I’m sorry, I was feeling hot and then Dad offered to take me swimming, and then I told him we have a pool.” “Oh,” She feigned faux amazement. “Now, isn’t he such a good father?” She sniped, hoping Ethan would break his leg as he exited the pool, to prove to him how much venom she harbors in her heart for him. “Yes, mom!” He scooted out of her arm and Impulsively, she reached out to grab him and quickly withdrew her hand, and flapped it. Her dog yelped and then before she could relate, she jumped off her arm, making Daisy squeal in fright that she would break her short limbs. “Ella, be careful!” But the creature had a mind of its own and was bounding towards Danny, even though when the latter jumped into the pool, all the dog cuis di was holler but couldn’t enter the pool. Daisy rolled her eyes, exhaling stifled air. Of course, the dog can’t swim. She was still teaching her. “C,mon Ella, let’s go in, you are still recovering,” She cooed to the dog, flashing Ethan an evil eye to inform him he wasn’t welcome to her household. If he got her gesture, he didn’t budge. His facial features remained nonchalant as he played with his son, making Daisy’s heart boil. Ella, seeing that they weren’t paying her any attention, eventually came to Daisy and she picked him up and with a final glance at the two, made her way out. She had a mind to tell Daniel to leave the water so he wouldn’t fall sick from the cold, but seeing how happy he was playing with his father, she didn’t want to take that away from him. Entering inside, she dropped the dog and picked her bag and started going upstairs, her head sounding with diverse obscene sceneries. She didn’t know what she was going to do. She didn’t want to appear like the kik of might her mother was to her. The type that doesn’t let you breathe. Always expecting too much from you. She was that kind of person and would not for anything make her son see her in that light. Sometimes she wonders if her parents thought of her after what they did. Initially, she used to speak to her younger sister, but with time, it seemed they banned her from talking to her and so, her sister stopped calling her or picking her calls. At the beginning, Daisy felt bad and missed them, but with time, she realized she was better off without them. Everything she is today, they never contribute to pay for it. Well, apart from her education. But, from the moment she told them she was going into fashion, she looked down their nose at her choice of career and her father told her that she was wasting her time in doing something that might never be productive. She didn’t take it to heart and worked hard to prove them wrong. But, after the divorce, they used that opportunity to tell her she had indeed brought their greatest fear to fruition and didn’t waste time ejecting her from their lives for good. It irks most times to think of them, but Daisy has learned to live with it and forge on. To her, it was for the best. All that matters now is living a life worthy of emulation for her son. How was she going to make that happen now with his father trying to ruin it afresh for her? “I’m going up, Ella wanna come with me?” She asked, the Collier who whimpered and sat on her back, eyeing her with watery eyes. “What?” She asked and it whispered again. Most times Daisy can’t help but wonder if her dog was human. She is nothing short of demanding. She knew she wanted her to carry her up, rather than walk by herself. So she stepped down and came to scoop her up. “You know the doctor said you need exercise, you will have to start doing this simple task by yourself…” The creature whimpered and placed her head on Daisy’s shoulder. Getting into her room, she dropped her on the bed and made her way to the restroom to freshen up. Today was very stressful albeit very productive. She has to get into work as fast as possible. So many designs will be produced for the upcoming show. There would be several people present and many pickers, if they are lucky, they might be able to bag a position in Forbes list as they have been chasing for sometime now. Just as she was bathing, her dog started barking hysterically. Daisy jerked up from the tub, “Ella, are you okay?” The dog was still barking, not stopping for a minute. Daisy was concerned. It was hard to see Ella go berserk like that unless she was in discomfort. Could it be that Ethan was in the room? But if so, Ella would bark like that because they were cozy before she came in. She quickly left the tub and grabbed her towel to wrap around her. As she opened the door, her eyes widened and as they went to the man, trying to force it open. “Arrrh!” She screamed so loud her lungs gave out. “Who are you?!” She pointed at the man, and crunged back towards the bathroom door. She heard footsteps running upstairs and was somewhat relieved that Ethan was here. “Shit!” The stranger hissed and made for the window, and started fiddling with it. “I’m fuxken calling the cops if you do not tell me who you are!” Daisy was still screaming and her dog going mad as she jumped from side to side still barking. Daisy has never seen her like that. She didn’t even know her dog could be that active. “Fucken open the door this minute, bitch!” The man saw that there was no way he could leave through the window due to how high it was from the floor. Going through it would mean suicide for him. “Daisy!” Ethan banged at the door. Now, here was the thing. Her door was opened with a card. In fact every room in the building was. When she came in, she must have forgotten to place the card back to keep it open which was why it banged shut. It would need her Boeing it again before anyone leaves or comes in. Normally she leaves it open because of Ella or her son, in case they decide to come to her room. “Who the hell are you?!” She repeated, her eyes skidding between the door where Ethan banged and the stranger. Then, she noticed her laptop was open. How?! “What do you want? Who sent you?!” “Open the fucken door and tell whoever is there to back out!” He saw that he was caged in and now he was frustrated. How did he even come in the first place? Daisy wondered. Nobody has ever entered her house before without her knowledge unless someone in her house let them in. Those swinney maids of hers! She would get them all fired if she came out here alive. “Daisy, are you okay?!” Ethan asked frantically. “No! There is a guy in my room and I don’t know who he is!” Daisy let out to Ethan for the first time. “What!” Ethan holauled. “A guy in your fucken room!” He was going mad. “Okay, wait there, baby. I’ve called the cops, they are on their way…” “Tell him not to fucken call the cops! Ouch!”The man screamed when Ella rounded on his legs and bit him. “Hold down your cringy little monster or I swear to God I will kill it!” “Ella!” Daisy cried and when she made to go to her, the man took that opportunity to make his way to her. She screamed and ran for the door and he was in her in no time. As he grabbed her, Ella grabbed his legs and they all struggled. “Let me go, Ethan!” Daisy screamed, never knowing she would ever need his help again. “Mom?” Shit! Her son! “Let me go, please, I swear I will give you any amount of money you want,” She begged the man, whose hand was going all over her soapy body, unaware of what he was doing as he doughy to keep the dog from biting him. “Daisy,” Ethan started banging on the door again. “I will surely kill this little shit!” “Please let me go…” Daisy fought and when he wouldn’t let go, she grew furious and without thinking, she turned back with every strength in her, she elbowed him, and when he didn’t move, her knee rode up and connected with his groin and at once, he shrieked in pain and landed on the floor. Her dog was on top of him the next minute crawling her paw across the man’s face. Daisy used the opportunity to rush to her bag, grabbed her card and rushed back. When the man made it to her, she lifted her legs and connected with his groin again. “Arh!” He cried, almost at the point of passing out. Daisy opened the door and Ethan and her son rushed in, both looking very concerned. Without thinking it, she crushed herself on Ethan who held her so tight, saying soothing words to her. Their small reunion was broken when Ella whimpered. “Ella!” Her son cried and rushed to the dog who the man had swung off him to the ground harshly. Ethan tackles him to the floor once more and starts delivering flat punches across his face. “Who are you, fucker and how dare you think you can come in here?!”
After the cops arrived and had the guy apprehended, they asked Daisy a few questions before taking the thief away. She sat in her living room now fully dressed up, wondering who could have done that to her. She can’t recall making any enemies but mentions ones that would want to harm her. “Hey,” Ethan strutted to her, and she jumped away, turning to meet his gaze. “Hey,” She mouthed, thankful that he was here to save her today. Only God knows what that man came for but now, she was very scared. “I’m sorry about that,” She looked at him, and smiled as he rocked on his feet, his hands in his pants pocket which were molded to his skin. She looked away, ridding her mind of such mundane thoughts when he was only concerned about her. “It wasn’t your fault,” She shrugged and stood from the couch, walking towards the bar. She didn’t call Amanda because she knows if she does, she would have to leave her house and rush down here at once thereby obstructing her evening with her girl. Daisy didn’t want that. “I should have been here to protect you,” He insisted. “You did that…” She mouthed sincerely. “I don’t know what would have happened if you weren’t around to call the cops. I don’t even know how he got in here,” She looked around. “It’s impossible for anyone to get in here unless someone aids them.” “I thought so too…” He forged, striding after her. “I think it’s one of the maids… I will have to fire all of them. I can’t work with betrayers!” She reached the bar and sat down on the stool. Her son has been sent to bed on time and Ella was curled on his feet in his room. They both had a rough evening and deserve the rest. “I don’t think you should take that, Daisy.” When she fired him with a dark eye, he lifted his hands, “maybe a little, if you want.” He corrected. She ignored him and poured a wholesome amount into her glass. This thing was used to be her only comforter and no one, absolutely no one would tell her otherwise. She brought another glass and dropped in front of him if he wanted to indulge. Seeing that she wasn’t going to adhere to his admonition, he drew the second stool closer and sat on it, taking up the unpacked invitation. Silently they drank from their glasses, none knowing what was going on in the head of the other. Sometimes, the best remedy to despair is silence. When Ethan checked his phone, it was getting late, and he should get going. He didn’t want her to think he was trespassing by wanting to stay maybe till tomorrow when she was safe by herself so, he dropped his glass and jumped down. “I have to start going,” He said slowly, “will you be okay?” Daisy sharply looked at him. It’s not like she wanted him to stay, but she was still shaken from what just took place and knew there was a slim chance of her getting any sleep tonight, so she looked at him imploringly. “Why are you leaving? I mean, you can if you want but I was thinking…” She paused, her lips quivering. She didn’t know what she was doing.. “Yes, I will stay if you want me to,” Ethan quickly chipped in, before she changed her mind. “Okay,” She mouthed, “thanks.” He nodded. She looked around, realizing they should probably have their dinner since it’s already late. “Let’s head to the dining room. I think they have served the food by now,” She pointed in that direction. He made way for her as she jumped down from the stool and they began making their way out of the room. Entering the room, the scintillating scent of macaroni and goat sauce went through Daisy’s nostril, informing her of how hungry the event of this night had made her. They sat down and she dished their food into their plates and started eating. Often he found her eyes trailing to him and when he looked up, she looked down. Ethan caught her on not more than one occasion doing that and she equally caught him sneaking unbeknownst peeks at her. The air was very dense. She didn’t even know that she asked him to stay back. She could very well sleep by herself without his protection and now he must be thinking he was weak and can’t stand a bad night with some stupid list sheep that might have probably come to… “My design!” Her eyes widened. “What?” Ethan asked in confusion.. “I think that guy was sent by someone to steal my design!” She jumped up and started dashing out of the room. Ethan caught up with her at the stairs and they finalized the remaining rungs. “How could you be certain?” He asked out of breath. “When I came out of the bathroom, I saw my laptop open. Normally, we designers often try to steal our designs so as to replicate them. The best way is to steal the blueprint. That way they would replicate it without being pointed at.” She entered her room and went to her laptop. There is no way that guy would have collected it because her blueprint was on her laptop. They were in her iPad that she often carries in her bag. “With the show coming up, they wanted to steal it so as to launch it before us! Gosh!” “Does that even happen?” Ethan found it very appalling. “It will shock you how much people are willing to do for the spotlight! I worked hard on that design, I swear I won’t let anyone do that to me!” She clicked through her laptop, confirming it when she logged in and saw that the pages he opened were all where her initial designs were stored. Suddenly she started laughing and fell onto the bed. Ethan was bemused. “What now?” She tapped his shoulder as she reeled with more laughter and when it receded she said, “I find it so amusing myself that someone would go to this mile just to get our samples. Do you know what that means?” “I swear I still can’t relate. I only know of companies stealing other best workers just to make them use their ideas to bring more productivity to their own company, not for someone trying to steal others’ creativity! That guy must say who sent him!” He stamped and Daisy was surprised at how resolute he was for something that doesn’t concern him at all. “Don’t worry, they didn’t get it ” “They didn’t?” His belly knitted in relief. “Yeah, they didn’t. Let’s just say, we anticipate these things and make sure I work towards avoiding them.” “Oh,” He fell beside her in recourse. He thought someone had taken her hard-earned design. He would have made sure they paid earnestly for it. “It’s okay…” She told him. “I’m sorry I made you leave your dinner.” Concern touches her forehead. “It’s not a problem. I wasn’t that hungry,” He said. “Maybe we should go down so that you can finish up…” “No! I’m full. The entire race and adrenaline rush has engulfed my belly.” “Oh, okay…” Silence. “So what now?” He asked her. “I mean, what are you going to do with the guy?” Daisy thought about it. “I don’t know for now. I guess I will leave him there until I decide what to do with him.” “What? You know that’s not possible,” He told her and she broke out laughing again. Ethan watches her, saving this moment of freedom with her before she remembers she hates him and turns cold towards him again. “I’m just kidding, I will go there tomorrow and make sure he says who sent him. That way I can know who to avoid in this industry.” “That’s the smart thing to do. Maybe it might even be someone you are least expecting.” “Very true.” Daisy quickly agreed, her eyes stylishly taking him in. The best thing would be for them to leave, but no, here she was carrying on a discussion with him as if they were best friends! As though reading his mind, he jumped up and pointed towards the door. “I think… I should go to the guest room now.” She jumped up and nodded. “Yeah, let me show you to the room, I still have to do a few things before I head to bed.” He cocked his brow, his lips twisting to the side. “Like what?” “I have to work, Ethan. I have a mega runway show coming up, I have to be up to the booth if I need things to go smoothly. No sleeping!” “Oh…Kay!” He quipped and they walked out of the room. She showed him to the room that was next to hers and then came back to her room when he was settled in. Entering her room, she lapped against her door, her hand going to her heart to quell her breath at her wild thoughts. God, why was her body betraying her like this? After everything that Ethan did to her, just one night with him and she was feeling this hot in his presence. As she stood there, the only thing going through her head were the images from the other night. Her hand went lower to rest on her center and when she pushed it into her pants, she felt how wet she was. Lord! She needed immediate release. Work indeed! As if she was ever going to concentrate and get any work done with him sleeping under the same roof with her. She pushed away from the door and made for the lamp stand to retrieve herself and for the first time, doubted it was going to do much for her tonight. She needed something real and if she goes on with this, it will be like telling herself a lie. Annoyed with herself, she fling it back in and went to her wardrobe to pick out her swimming gear. It would do her well to use the swimming pool. When she exhausts herself, she will come up and find sleep, she told herself. “Just tonight!” She meditated, changed into a bikini and wore her robe to leave her room. Everywhere was quiet which was what she needed as she made her down. Somehow she reached the living room, she nearly changed her mind and went back to the room in fear that the hoodlums might find her in the pool and choke her. But, the need to forget her present torment overpowered her fear and finished what she started. Disrobing the bathrobe, she dives into the pool and proceeds to swim. She swam from one end to the other, her body getting familiar with the cold liquid. “And I thought I was the only one who needed this,” She heard Ethan’s voice and surfaced with dull force. “Ethan!” She reeled. “What are you doing here?” “I couldn’t sleep and thought instead of disturbing you, maybe I could get a swim…” “Oh,” She fought for words. “I.. I kept thinking of the incident and decided to, you know, swim to get it off my head,” She lies through her teeth. She would rather eat her eyes than tell him the true reason for her swimming. “Then, you don’t mind if I join you?” Oh, God, that would be the worst. She mused. Imagine her going through tough space thinking of him and then he appears by the poolside wearing a robe and to worsen it, he removed it to expose nothing but a short brief underneath his brief. “Daisy?” Ethan purred, relishing in the way she was rendered speechless by him. “Yeah! I mean, of course! I was just about to leave…” He delved in and swam to her, stopping her before she would leave. “I meant with you…” “Ethan…” “Shhhh, it’s okay…” He circles his arm on her waist and tugged her close, every form of reasoning leaving Daisy’s head. ….
She tries to have a little reasoning, but he didn’t seem to want to allow her that liberty, his hand was still around her, drawing her close. “We both know we want this, why shy away from.it?” He asked in a cloudy voice that made Daisy’s head spin. She was trying to fight him but the daft man was bent on making her continue doing this thing that would only make her feel regret at the end. “Ethan…” He didn’t allow her to finish and sealed their lips once more, his hand tightening around her as he was hypnotized by her fragrance emanating from her hair. She thought she could resist him, wanted to resist him but when it came to Ethan, with his hand about her, the devil could easily see heaven than that happening. He twirled them around to replace her in his former position, leasing her back until her back grazed on the body of the pool, his warmth encircling her and making her forget about the challenges enveloping her. She shuddered, but it wasn’t from the cold, it was from a more dominant need beckoning greedily from within and striving to destroy her in the hands of this man. Without meaning to, her hand found his neck and curled around it as their lips fought an endless battle with each refusing to yield to the dominance of the other. His right hand journeyed to her neck and massaged back and forth, undoing a knot there and making her cry out between their kisses. She was still swimming from the euphoric sensation when she felt the water directly on her nipple and knew exactly what had happened. She was naked to him. Again! His finger played with her hair, delaying and documenting her as she reacted like a lion watching its prey. He tore away from her, their breaths coming in slow gasps, her eyes as dark as the night cloud, roving around his face. His hand was still missing her neck, and his equally dark eyes were still examining her. The next time he captured her lips, this time, he didn’t mean to go easy on her. He meant to claim her, to make sure that even when she was not there, she would be paralyzed with the memories of tonight. Of him. All over her. She wouldn’t be able to function without thinking of him, his touches and the sensations he drives in her. That is his Daisy, the one he knew before who wouldn’t go a day without seeking him and demanding he take her. Anywhere, anytime! He growled into her lips, the knowledge alone seemingly backfiring and throwing him to the brink of his sanity! Is he teaching her a lesson or teaching himself because this is pure torture! He kissed her, kneaded her, but avoided the places where he knew she most wanted him. In a flash, he replaced her front with her back to him, her front lapping on the cold marbles and causing her to hiss in chill. He grabbed her neck and his lips took abode, kissing, sucking, kneading and folding, while she writhed, making animalistic sounds that alone satisfied him, informing him he was close to achieving his aim. God have mercy! “You are mine, Daisy Raven Richard! I need you to know that!” She pushed at him, he pushed back, and at once, captured her breast from behind, and squeezed gently. She cried out and bucked her back to his front, her head falling back to his shoulder and her front pushing out. He continued kneading it, missing the sweet molds that used to be his favorite when they were still married. He didn’t let go, not even when she begged him. He knew she loved it, and went on molding it. He held her neck with his left hand, still massaging, while his left, fondled both breasts. If Daisy could tell anything, she knew he was a mess as her. He was panting very loud like an Injured wild animal and his manhood that was poking from behind her, was as hard as stone. She needed him badly inside her but each time she wanted to ask him, his hands on her would muddle her words, rendering her speechless and a victim of his mental assault. She missed this, missed him more than she could admit! He knew her like no one and knew just where to touch her to make her feel good. When last did she feel this way? she can’t remember. Only Ethan knew and now, she knew that she will never remain the same ever again. “Say my name louder, baby!” He purred, then concentrates his torture in her nipples, clicking his thumb on it and making Daisy tremble, almost releasing even when he hasn’t touched her down there. That place was an entirely different story. By now, she could feel her sticky wetness between her thighs and tried to conceal it by knotting her two legs together, which had bucked twice now as though she was about to pass out. “Say my name!” He flipped her about, meeting her challenging eyes. It maddened him, driving him to the point of jumping off a bridge that she was still feisty even when her body was telling a different story. He was my ore hand willing to meet this challenge. “Bring it on!” He coursed, and latched his mouth to her neck, kissed it to her cleavage, and before she would say ado, he took a pebbled nipple in his mouth and twirled it. “Ethan! Please,” She grabbed his head, bucking into him and thrashing, one of her hands locating her aching center to administer self help but he saw her on time, grabbed her hand, and dropped it by her side. He would not allow her that privilege. That is why he was here. He grabbed her waist, hoisted her up and dropped her off the pool, the night light in collision with the neon lighted pool light to cast an alluring glow on her . At this point sitting there so hungry for him, all he could see was the Princess of Haniba, the goddess of everything seductive! Dang that! He would even wholehearted agree that she was hotter by far than that wretched goddess. If only true historians had seen her like this. Her chest was heaving up and down as he slowly traced her naked thighs. Her sexy lips were half parted and inaudible breath emitting from it as she blearily checked him out. She was so vulnerable, and he caused it. Seeing that she would cry if he didn’t do right by her, he gently took her legs, bent down and placed them on his shoulders, then he buried his head on her honeypot. “Yeah, Ethan, that feels so good!” She grabbed her breast and fondled them, her other hand supporting her on the cold marbles, as her legs quivered. He started kissing, his finger starting her fold seeking for that pebbled spot to lick off, knowing how much she liked it. He captured the bud between his lips and started sucking vehemently and without ado, Daisy knew she was almost close to paradise. She let go of her breast and fell back, her breast adorning spacing and paying reverence to the night stars up above. “Yeah, I swear I love it! Ethan, Ethan!” Yeah, he was getting there! He knew when he got exactly where he wanted her and right now, he hasn’t! While ducking her clit, he joined two fingers and pushed them into her. “Yes! I love it! I love you, Ethan, I swear to God!” She shook and squirted her cum all over her face and he smiled while licking off every of that sweetness, feeling very proud of his handiwork. If he didn’t get to that apex, he wouldn’t have slept well tonight and maybe every other night from now. Because he knew her, and knew she always reached there with him. This means home, he had taken her there. He felt so proud of himself that when he slid her back into the water, he took her lips and smoldered her with kisses. “You are so sweet, baby,” He mumbled. Daisy couldn’t say anything in shame. She knew she had messed up. He would never take her seriously from now on because he now sees her. He will now think all these while she has been pretending to him. How could she? He massaged her neck, and while kissing her, her body was still responding even after her major flop. What is wrong with her? How could she tell him she loved him? That was so stupid of her! She stopped moving her lips and started pushing at his chest. She pushed until Ethan got the message and let her go. “I have to go in. I feel cold,” She let out, not meeting his eyes and letting him see how vulnerable she felt. Ethan knew what was going on, and wasn’t willing to let her back into that shell after coming this far. This night wasn’t his best. He isn’t supposed to touch her after what happened, but just the way she is much to his touches, that is the same way he is powerless to her. Whenever she is around him, he seems to lose his sense of reasoning and all he would think about would be her. He can’t let her shrink back now. It would injure his heart. “Let’s talk about it. Slap me, kick me, do anything but do not walk away from me, Daisy, please I beg you.” He implored, holding her elbow. “I just want to go to bed,” She argued. He snorted. “You and I both know it’s not true. You are regretting what we just did and while that hurts, I do not think I will blame you for it.” He twisted her around and extended his hand to her face, placed his index on her jaw and tipped her face upwards. Her eyes were red rimmed with so many swirling emotions. But mostly of pain. “I’m so sorry, Daisy. I swear if I could take back the old times I would but please do not do this to me.” “I just want to go to bed, Etha…” She repeated. “You hate me, you resent me so much even though your body still wants me… I get it, I am still a slave of your body too.” His voice was so low and broken. “I can’t stop thinking about you, Daisy. I tried but I couldn’t. All I want is you, everything!” “Then you shouldn’t have hurt me,” A tear fell down her face. “You made me go through hell, Ethan, each time I try to forgive you, it keeps resurfacing as though in mockery. I can’t stop thinking about it. I can’t help it, I’m sorry…” “You wanted me to stay tonight, that means deep down somewhere you still remember…you still remember what we shared.” “That was a mistake…” She sniffed. “It’s not Daisy, please don’t say that. I fucked up everything, but I’m willing to go back and make everything.” “You can’t…” She countered, tried once more to take her hands but he held her hostage. “You can’t do that, Ethan. You ruined everything. All I want now is… Is for you to be a father to my son, Ethan. And that is only because for some reason he seems to love you. But that is all you can get from me. I can’t do this with you, please don’t make me.” “Daisy…” “Accept that or you forget everything. I will take him and leave and you will never see him again. So, now that I am willing to compromise, please don’t make me take it back.” “What about us?” His eyes watered, and she looked away forcefully. “It’s over between us, Ethan. Forever!” With that she left him at the pool and hastened out, tears of pain cascading down her face. ..
Ethan thought his world was over. Like everything was crushing beneath him and that continued even after a week that he left her household. He has seen his son twice this week but not her. She was always working and the second day that he had taken his son home from the kiddies and used that excuse to see her, as though envisaged that, she crept up to her room before he would see her and didn’t come down, not even when his son went to tell her he was leaving. His heart was broken. When she said she didn’t want anything between them again, he thought it was just a fib. In the past, she got angry and she would say mean things, including not going to be with him, but at the end it was all words of anger. But this time, this time he feared it was different. “Dad, are you okay?” His son asked, jumping on his couch where he was watching him and the dogs play before he drifted off. “Yeah, son, I was just thinking about your mom..” He said honestly. “My mom?” The bit sat properly on the couch, his little legs sticking out in front of him as he appraised his father. “Is she still mad at you?” “It appears so, boy. What has she been up to lately?” He asked the boy, who has been his intel for the past month. The boy’s curly tresses fluttered as he folded his mouth and thought of his father’s words. “She has been up to a lot of things, Dad. The other day this man came to take her out in the night, and Aunty Amanda had to come pick me up to her place…” Ethan’s heart skipped. “She slept out?” “Yeah, she did…” It was like a knife was pierced in his chest. She was with another man? He has never been with another woman and would never think of it and she was going about with other men? This is so unfair! He had tried calling her on so many occasions but they all entered voice mails. So this was why? She now has another man.. “Dad…” The boy went on his knee and shook his fathers arm. Ethan met his son’s similar orbs, only realizing then he might be freaking out. “I’m okay, son… C’mon enjoy your animation,” He pointed at the wild screen. “I hate those…” The boy folded his arm under chest definitely. “Mom said they were for losers…” Quite like her to say that to a five year old. “Hey, did you tell your mom I will be picking up today?” His curls went in diverse directions as he shook them. “Nah..m why?” “Nothing, just wondering if maybe we could surprise her… What do you think?” He thought about it in his little head and then smiled and nodded fervently. “I like it! She would like it. Maybe we can get her chocolates, she likes them especially when she is cold…” Ethan’s heart melted at his words. If there was something he hasn’t thanked Daisy for, it was for the way she brought up their boy. The kid was too smart for his age and said highly sensible things. Which kid at his age hated animation?! Only his son. “C’mon, boy,” He jerked at the boy who squealed loudly and jumped off the couch. He ran after him, “I will catch you and feed you to Tarantula!” The boy ran towards the stairs, his hair bouncing and the dogs enticed by the game ran after them, barking all the while. The house was on fire. That evening, he brought him back home and when he died the engine, he sent a little prayer to the one up there asking for his help on this one. And then he went to help his son down and the dog jogged down boisterously. The front door snapped open and his present fantasy stormed out, and she wasn’t looking receptive at all. “Mom!” The boy ran to her and she stopped to examine his arm as though expecting him to be incomplete. She crushed the boy to her, her face so red with worry and it made Ethan more nervous. The front door opened again and two women walked out. One was Amanda and the other, Becky. Amanda met his gaze and made the death gesture on her neck to him. Then she mouthed. “Why did you pick him without calling?” She gestured to her ear. He pinched his eyes close, realizing that was true. He was so busy yesterday and had the mind to tell her he was picking their son but when he later called her, she wasn’t picking his damn calls. How was he supposed to tell her then? Daisy eventually released the boy and stood up at him, “Danny go inside, I will meet you. It appears I will have to speak with your father…” “Daisy..” He raised his hand in defense and Amanda came forward seeing the fire brewing. “…To clarify some things…” Daisy finished and the boy turned to his father as if knowing he was in danger, smiled weakly, and dashed inside with Ella. “Daisy I can explain…” “Of course you will explain because this might be the last time you will see him!” “Oh, c’mon!” He cried. “Daisy, please hear him out…” Amanda came to touch her. “Please…” “He took my son!” She pointed accusing fingers at him. “I swear I didn’t mean it like that. I called but you won’t pick up your damn phone!” He was swearing now and it was from frustration. Daisy was doing this intentionally. She wanted to hurt him and he was very well damn hurt more than. anything. The thought of bearing her resentment was much more torture than he bear. “I didn’t pick your calls because I don’t owe you a damn thing! You brought this upon yourself while blaming it on me?” She stamped every word with her finger. “If you called and I didn’t pick, then you shouldn’t have taken him! Did you know how scared I was?” “I’m sorry! Okay? I’m sorry for doing that, Daisy, please, please, stop! You have done enough. What else can I do before you will forgive me? You want me dead? Then go in there, bring a knife and kill me so that you will finally be happy!” “I will never do that! How about you just get lost and never come back into our lives?!” “Daisy, stop, please…” Amanda implored, tugging her hand, her heart melting for Ethan despite knowing what he did was wrong. Everyone makes mistakes and if God could forgive, who are we not to? “Stop, stop taking his side, Mandy. Did you remember when he cast me out like I meant nothing to him? Did you recall that day under the rain and with this same son he rejected, staying under that rain and shaking, thinking my life will come to an end…? So you remember?” She jabbed her finger at Amanda, tears pouring down her face. “You saw me, you saw what I went through but I can’t expect you to understand when you weren’t in my shoes?!” “I understand, Dee. I am your best friend and I went through that period with you, I saw everything and I do not take his side, but I need you to calm down, please for the sake of Danny.” “I was hungry, I was rejected by the very people who were supposed to love me! He told the press I was a whore, he lied to everyone about me, ruined my life, my everything! He even lied to her!” She indicated Becky who was overpowered with emotions watching the scene before her and had joined in the rain of tears. “He lied to her that I cheated on him to get a contract, didn’t you?” She was at Ethan’s face at once. “I’m sorry, Daisy. I was foolish, and deserves it but please forgive me,” Ethan fell on his knees. “If I could do anything to rectify this, I swear I will.” “Oh, you can Ethan… You can start by staying away from me! Go back to your mother and leave us alone!” “I can’t do that…” He mumbled, knowing he can’t even though he tried. As for going to his mother, he was very well going to go to her, but this time it’s to vent his anger on her. “Just get out!” She blared, pointed at the gate and twisted and matched to the door, leaving everyone behind. She wiped furiously at her face, slamming the front door behind her. Amanda didn’t know what to do. For the past month, Daisy has been like a snail, crawling all over the place mindlessly. She knew it had to do with Ethan but each time she brought it up, she would shun her and tell her never to bring up his name. Right now, his name was like an abomination in their household. She didn’t know what happened because last month she could swear the two of them were starting to cuddle but then one day she came to work and told her someone broke into her house and tried to steal the blueprint of their samples. She mentioned Ethan helping her but then the next thing, she started cursing him and told her never to bring up his name again. Since then, nothing has been the same. Today when she came from the house telling her, her son had gone missing, Amanda knew that wasn’t possible. She has asked for Ethan’s number but Daisy told her she had deleted it. Amanda was mad at her for doing that but held her tongue and now here they were. Whatever happened, must have been serious because even she didn’t think she could do anything about it. Ethan slowly stood up from the ground and dusted the knee of his jean trousers, his face a mask of emotions. “I’m sorry, Mandy, I know you too hate me, but you are the only one that can help me…” “I can’t do anything, I’m sorry, Ethan. You just have to heed to her and stay away for now. Maybe you can come around later but for now… Please just respect her wishes…” He took her in for sometime, reflecting if he could stay away longer but then if it would mean that Daisy would allow him in once more, then so be it. He didn’t know what changed. She was beginning to let him in, and then, she twisted around like a cobra and struck. It all started after she confessed her feelings for him, that was where the entire problem emanated from. “Thanks,” He mouthed and with one last look towards the front door, he made his way to his car, entered and zoomed out. He would keep trying. More months, more years, one day she would surely forgive him. He knew it. Amanda went inside back to her friend to see how she was fairing. She found her in front of the liquor section as anticipated, drowning herself in alcohol. “You know, coming to take this each time you are mad at something won’t help anything. I have watched you drool around the place for the past month and I must tell you it’s started to get on my nerves, Dee.” “Well, you can get out if you are tired of looking at my face…” “Excuse me?” “I said get out of my house if you are tired of looking at my face, what’s your problem? I am sick and tired of everyone trying to tell me how to act!” Her nose flared. She snorted with a sad smile, lifted the bottle directly into her mouth and then when she dropped it, she said, “I am used to everyone leaving, Mandy, so if you also want to leave, then kick the door behind you…” Mandy knew she was high and mad, she didn’t take her words to heart despite feeling offended. She only scoffed, went to take her keys and matched to the door. “Let’s get out of here, Becky…” ….
The following days were very grimed for Daisy. She didn’t go to work, all she did was come down in the morning to make sure her son and Ella were prepared for the driver to take them to the kiddie’s house so she could have space for herself. She switched off her home because she didn’t want anyone to reach her. All she desired was quiet and to think. She messed up. She messed up badly and she was trying to rectify her mistake. We were not supposed to make out with Ethan after everything and even when it happened the first time, she was supposed to avoid it the next time but she allowed him into her house and allowed him to touch her. Again. And this time, she allowed her feelings to spill to him, proving to him that he had power over her. This morning, she woke up very early and sent off her companions very early so that she could attend to some personal business. It was intentional. She needed to go through the design sent by her assistant three days ago and make sure that they got the major arches in the seams. She wouldn’t want anything to ruin, not even her stubbornness. She was intentionally avoiding her office. She didn’t want to look at Amanda after asking her out of her house the other night. Amanda is the only friend she had and was more than a sister to her. Oftentimes when they had an issue, it was still Amannda that came by. They had never had any issue that persisted past twenty-four hours before the latter came barreling through her door to check on her. For her not to come up to now means that this time, she crossed the line. So the best thing was to avoid her all together. Since she turned on her phone this morning, she has ignored all the messages that came in, and went straight to her mail where she saw the message from her assistant. Having finished, she reclined back on the chair and deliberated whether to check her messages or not. She was about to give up when the phone started ringing. It was her assistant. Now that it is ringing, she has to pick it. “What’s up?” She asked as she picked up. “Good afternoon, ma..” The girl greeted. “How are you doing? I am calling to tell you that I’m on my way to your house and wanted to know if you will need anything..” “Go home, Mildred, I’m not ready to see anyone..” “’I’m already in front of your gate, sorry,” The singing sound of the girl’s voice pissed off Daisy but since she was already in front of her gate, she couldn’t turn her out. She has already done enough harm. It wasn’t long, the front doorbell rang, and then she had to leave the study and sauntered down the hall, wrapping her Kimono around her to cover her bum shot and crop top from showcasing any part of her body. The girl’s face lit up when they landed on her. “You look well…” “You were in front of my gate asking if I will need anything. Since when did they locate a mart in front of my gate?” “I’m sorry, I just wanted to make sure you are good,” The girl bent backward, squeezing her face humorously. Then she extended her right hand bearing a package. “But I bought you chocolate, I heard it helps when you are moody..” Daisy had no option but to smile. Just be from Amanda. “Come in and stop blabbing…” She trudged towards her sitting quarters. “The kitchen is in that direction..” She pointed to a door which the girl whirled and ran to. In the living room, she turned on the TV to restore life into the room and make it look like humans actually lived there and just some depressed woman. There was nothing fun going on so she dropped the remote hoping when the little lady came she would choose what she wanted. The lady soon returned after scooping a large quantity into a plate and a spoon. Daisy accepted it with thanks and relaxed back on the couch. She knows the mousy lady doesn’t just drop by. Amanda must have sent her. There was stretched silence as they watched the boring program going on on the tv, while Daisy ate her ice cream quietly. The girl cleared her throat. There she goes, Daisy thought. ” How have you been doing, Ma’am?” Daisy rolled her eyes. ” I have told you more than once to stop calling me ma’am, Mildred. It makes me feel like an old mean boss.” The girl chuckled. “Okay, I’m sorry, what is going on, Daisy? It’s unlike you to stay away from the office, especially in a time like this…” Daisy shrugged her shoulders, spooning ice cream into her mouth. “I just wanted to rest from everything. I have been so stressed lately. By the way, that’s why I am employed right? To help me out in times like this…” “I know and I’m not complaining…” “Then why worry?” Her eyes twitched and her fingers on her lap fiddled with the hem of her gown. “It’s just that I noticed that lately, you have been distant. And Amanda has been too. She quarreled with Becky so she has been aloof too.” What? Daisy sat up. “What happened?” “I dunno. Though from what I overheard, Becky complained she has not been giving her any attention since you two quarreled so she said she will go back to Argentina till she wants her again.” Oh, my. Daisy surged within. She has ruined their relationship! And here she was thinking it was Amanda that had sent Mildred to her house to check how she was fairing. “How is she?” She asked Mildred. The girl bounced her shoulders. “Been moping around the office. The other day she fired Amani for not completing work that was supposed to be done three days ago…” Daisy gasped. Amani was one of their best hands, he can’t be fired just like that. She has to do something. “I think you should speak to her…” The girl suggested. “Another thing…” What more could be greater than this? “I think she traveled to her parent’s house yesterday, and now there is no one to supervise at the office. With the show coming up, it’s a very bad time for this to be happening…” Daisy was no longer listening. “Amanda traveled?” “Yeah… Her assistant told me this morning.” “Shit!” Daisy was already up from the couch. She dropped her cream cup on the table and statutes making her out. “Where are you going?” Mildred asked. “Book me a ticket to New York at once, Mildred. I have to go to her.” “What? I came to tell you to come back to work and you are going to New York?” “Hurry up, Mildred. I pay you to obey me, not question me!” Daisy sniped from upstairs, hurrying to her room. “What if the order might ruin things?!” “Just do it dammit!” She snapped and banged the door closed. She hastened to her closet and started flinging clothes as she looked for what to wear and things to go with. She has never traveled like this in a long time. She can’t believe Amanda would go to her parents house without telling her. Could she be that mad at her? She promised she was going to be there for her when she told her parents about her sexuality and she was damn keeping to her promise because that is exactly what Amanda would have done for her. She has been so saturated in her own problems that she might end up losing the very people who care for her! Done arranging, she picked up her car keys and grabbed her bag as she made for the door. She didn’t even have her bath! Who cared? She came down and her assistant was speaking to someone on the phone. Once she saw her boss, she ended the call. “Have you booked?” Daisy asked. “Yes, ma’am. It’s the last ticket I was lucky to get. Though there is a little problem…” “What?” Daisy arched her brow, dropped her bag to rearrange her bra cup that was poking at her. She might have worn it wrongly in her haste. “It’s not first class. ..” Daisy halted her movement. “Don’t tell me it’s the economy…” She shook her head, already frightened. “I’m sorry….” “Damn!” She shouted and made for the door. The girl rushed to pick her bag and went after her. Daisy hated using the economy class so much but for her friend, she was willing to sacrifice that if she would get to her. “Get the damn car ready!” She ordered the driver and waited for him to drive out before she suddenly recalled she had responsibilities. Damn it! “Mildred, I need a favor.” “Whatever you need, Daisy.” “Can you help me pick up my son and my dog from the kiddies?” The girl’s face fell. “I-I might be able to pick them but I can’t take them to my house because my sister just came around with her kids so…” “Fuck!” She cursed. How could she not have thought about this? There is only one thing left for her to do.. …
Ethan was in his black SUV driving back from work that evening when his phone started ringing. He wanted to ignore it. In fact, recently he hasn’t been picking calls. After that day with Daisy, he had traveled to New York to visit his mother and they had a long talk. She was repentant and asked for his forgiveness, but he wasn’t ready to listen. When he walked out that day, he left her with the words that until Daisy is ready to speak to him, he was never going to talk to her again. And he meant it. So now apart from his clients, and of course his assistant from the office, he never answers any calls from anyone. He turned to a corner and the phone went off again. In the process of turning, his eyes briefly fluttered to it and came to a screeching stop. “You son of a devil!” the driver coming directly behind him cursed and sped off. He wasn’t listening and wasn’t in the mood to respond ‘because he knew he was wrong plus at this point even though he wasn’t, the only thing he cared about was the name displayed on the phone. He rapidly grabbed the phone with quivering hands and picked up. “Hey…” There was momentous silence but he knew she was there, obviously regretting calling him. “Hy, Ethan…” Daisy’s raspy voice filtered through the phone. “Hey, are you okay?” “Yeah..” Daisy tried to stay normal.because she needed a favor from him. “Hey, I’m calling to ask for a favor…” “Whatever it is, baby–” “Don’t fucken call me that, Ethan! You know what? Forget I called…” “Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Please don’t cut the call, I’m sorry, I won’t call you that if you don’t want me to ..” “Good… Okay, the thing is, I have this impromptu trip to make and I was wondering if you could help me bring my son and Ella to your home till I get back, please…” “Of course I can do that, Daisy. He is our son, why won’t I?” “Okay, thanks!” “Wait!” “What?!” “A-are you okay?” “Of course, what are you expecting? That I will die?” “No,” she hurried amid a nervous chuckle. “I mean the impromptu travel…” “Oh, it’s kind of personal,” “Okay, safe trip…” “Bye!” She cut the call on him and held the phone to her mouth to inhale deeply. There, she didn’t die. “Yes!” Ethan yelped with a sharp fist bump in the air and did a mad reverse toward the kiddies where his son was with the little nippy. This was a way at least for him. …. Daisy couldn’t believe she called him but she didn’t have a choice. She has to go to New York today and she didn’t want to leave without making sure her boy is good with her dog. She wouldn’t be at peace. What kind of mother would that make her? The trio was smooth, despite having to be cramped up with so many bodies but she made it out softly without breaking a neck. She arrived in a cab and gave the man directions to the house of Amanda’s patents. The house was just as the last time she came there. Nothing much has been done to it aside from the minor renovations. She sat in the cab for a while looking at the environment, her mind going to the last time she was there. It’s been upto four years now since then. “Ma’am, we are here,” the cab driver said as though in reminder. She nodded, opened her bag to give him some bucks and stepped down. After her family kicked her out, she hasn’t seen Amanda’s family and doesn’t know if her family told them what happened and how they will look at her now. She was here for her friend and even though she didn’t think this part through, she was glad to be here. She pressed the doorbell and waited by the porch. There was no sound at first but after a while, feet padded on the floor down to the door and then the key rattled and the door opened open. It was Mr. Holland, Amanda’s father. His eyes lit up in surprise. “Raven!” He called her by the name they all used to call her. Well, till after the divorce when she settled for her middle name instead. It kind of made her forget her past and embraced her new life. A new life that wasn’t so new anymore. She smiled, sincerely happy to see him. “Hy, Mr. Holland. It’s been a while…” “Yeah… Come in,” He made way for her and she went in. “Amanda your friend is here, how come you didn’t tell us she was coming?” She shook my head, meaning to tell him she didn’t tell her when she heard someone running down the stairs and what she was about to say halted in her mouth. Amanda came into view, her hands in the pocket of an old jean trouser and a shirt that was too big for her petite frame. “Hey…” She appeared tense, surprised to see Daisy. “Sorry, I didn’t call before coming, I hoped I would give you a surprise…” She used her eyes to relay a message to Amanda who shook her head, sucked in her lips and smiled at her. “It’s no biggie, come on in,” She came to take Daisy’s bag from her and they walked ahead while her father flowed behind, seemingly confused. “Are you guys doing well together?” He had to ask because since these two came to know each other, they are hardly inseparable. But, since his daughter came back, she hasn’t said anything about Daisy and has been moping around the house. “Yes, Dad, why do you ask that?” They reached the living room and Daisy located one of the leather couches and flopped down.. “Nothing, just that I’m flummoxed you didn’t know she was coming… That’s hard to imagine…” “Okay, Dad cut it out,” Amanda said and made her way to the stairs. “I will put this in your room and mom is in the kitchen. Mom! Daisy is here!” She called and hurried up the rungs. The kitchen opened and banged close and Mrs. Holland rushed out, her eyes widening as they landed on the young lady on the couch. Daisy was the last to see her and quickly stood when she did. “Mrs. Holland…” “Oh, come here, my little girl, it’s been so long…” Daisy went to accept her hug and the woman did crush her, sniffing into her shoulders. “We thought we were never going to see you again after what happened…” “That is in the past,” Daisy said lowly. “Your mother has been miserable, she hasn’t been the same since you left, especially when the papers traveled to this place carrying stories of your successes.” Daisy snickered, albeit sadly. She was unfazed one bit by her statement. To her, she had no parents. The moment they kicked her out in her condition not caring that she was in a delicate state, that was when they became dead to her. So she won’t even talk about them. “How have you been, Mrs. Holland?” She asked instead. The woman pulled away from her and cradled her face in a demure state, teatt shimmering in her aged orbs. “You won’t even talk about them… You have to go see them, my girl, they are still your blood.” Daisy didn’t want this, she didn’t come here for this but she won’t argue with the old woman. “I will, someday. But for today, I came here to visit you so let’s not talk about them, okay?” “Okay, okay, look at me, I haven’t even served you bay leaf and here I am making you uncomfortable!” She dragged her off to the kitchen. Amanda mom believed the bay leaf was a symbol of good luck, so, everytime anyone crosses her threshold, she serves you the bay leaf tea to purge you of very bad energy and give you luck. Daisy has never believed in the gibberish nor has she argued with her about it. Amanda has the same mindset. “So how has it been over there?” she asked Daisy, who accepted the glass and slipped from it. Well, there seems to have been an improvement from how it used to taste in the past. “Work has been great, just the bustle and stress but it’s what we love doing so we accept it!” The woman smacked her lips and went back to stirring the stew. “ I knew you girls were going to be very successful one day right from the first time I saw you two together!” At least she has a brain, Daisy thought. Her parents never thought so. They thought she was bound to fail in her choice of career from the onset. “Thank you…” “I don’t know what is wrong with your friend though,” She proceeded to talk back to Daisy… “Since she came in yesterday, she hasn’t said anything more than a word to anyone. She didn’t even tell us she was coming… Just came in and that was when I knew something was wrong somewhere…” Daisy confirmed then that Amanda hasn’t told them anything. Well, she came early. “There is nothing to worry about Mrs. Holland, we have everything under control,” She sighed. …
Later when Daisy managed to escape from the clasp of Amanda’s parents and ran upstairs, she didn’t see her in the room where she placed her bag, so she went in search of her in her room which was the second one after her room. She knocked and pushed open. Amanda was sitting there, her head bent on her phone typing furiously. She looked up when Daisy entered, and looked down at once. Daisy sensed the tense air, and knew something was off. “What’s up?” She went closer and plopped down in front of her friend on the bed. “What’s going on, Mandy?” “I should actually be asking you that, Dee. You just showed up without telling me and now you are asking me what’s going on?” Her voice sounded bitter “Whoa! Calm down, girl. I didn’t know I needed permission to come here, okay? I only came because I know I fucked up back home. I shouldn’t have channeled my anger at you when I was the one who fucked up.” “Obviously,” Amanda rolled her eyes downward, and shifted away. Daisy knew she was going through something and knew it was her time to be by her friend’s side as she knew she would have if she were in her shoes. “I’m sorry, Mandy. I missed you so much and I knew no matter what, I had to be here for you because I promised.” “You didn’t have to come,” Mandy said, stood up and went to the window. “Well, too late.” Daisy said, stood, and went to her. “If there is something I have learned in our friendship, it’s the fact that friends stay when things go rough so I’m sorry, but I am not going anywhere. Especially now that I know you need me the most.” “I don’t need you or anyone, Daisy.” Daisy exhaled, stopping directly in front of her. ” I heard about Becky.” “You are happy now, ain’t you?” Amanda asked, meeting her eyes. “No!” Daisy cried out. “Why should I be?” She displayed her two arms. “I was happy for you when you were with her, I swear it! I don’t know what happened but if you think she is the right one for you, then I think we should…” “Stop talking about her!” Amanda snapped, meeting Daisy’s eyes squarely. “Let’s not talk about her anymore. She made her decisions and for her not to pick my calls up to now? I think it’s for the best. I came here to tell my parents about us but now she isn’t even here to fight with me. At the slight storm, she runs. Is that what I’m going to put up with?” “She ran because she was scared, Amanda. You were not being fair to her by being a scent minded.” Daisy stated not wanting her friend to make a bad decision as a result of something which wouldn’t have happened if not she messed up. “I think you should fight for her, Mandy.” Amanda exhaled dejectedly, her shoulders sagging. “What am I going to do?” Daisy smiled sadly and dragged her into her arms to squash her. “First of all, we tell your parents so that next time she comes back, you are bringing her to meet them. And then hopefully, pops the question.” “You think so?” Amanda jerked away, her forehead furrowed in worry. “I know so,” Daisy pulled her back. “Aww, I missed your hugs so much.” “I do too. I was so miserable without you that I brought it out on her,” She mewled, her hands going around Daisy and they indeed squashed each other. When they pulled apart, they went to flop down on the bed with their faces to the decked white ceiling, their hands behind their head, the fluorescent light in the room reflected off their faces. ” How has it been here with them?” Daisy asked. Amanda puffed out exasperating air and shook her head with her eyes closed. “It has been terrifying, I must tell you. Particularly mom! Yesterday I considered leaving twice!” “You don’t say…” Daisy agreed. “I’m just coming but I am already feeling the heat.” “Can you imagine, she told me about the new Pastor son in her parish?” “What?” Daisy howled with laughter. “How could she?” Amanda made a funny face. “I told her point-blank I’m not interested and would never be! In fact I refused to go to the evening service with them yesterday to avoid any unwanted attention or introductions.” Daisy was still rolling with laughter. When the laughter eventually receded, they both laid there in silence for a beat, each having their own wild thoughts. Then, Daisy broke it. “You know, you are lucky to have another who cares so much about you like that.” Amanda looked sideways at her wryly. “I’m glad she cares for you too. Wait till we are down for dinner.” “If you mean she would match make me to the Parsons younger son, thanks. I will rather pass and cheer for her matchmaking with you.” Amanda shook her head, deciding to forget about her mother’s trouble. She looked to her side, her hand going to her hair to stare intently at her friend. Daisy blushed “what?” She waved her hand around Amanda’s face. “Don’t look at me like that, you know I hate it. And if you are considering begging me to help you…” She gestured to Amanda’s short knickers and the latter fell back on her back in laughter. “No!” Amanda cried. “You are so gross. That is the last thing on my mind, eww! What do you think of me? A wild animal?” Daisy shrugged. “You know, I will never see you like that! I have my picks.” Daisy’s nose flared in embarrassment. “What do you mean by that? I’m not that attractive for your fantasies?” “Not like that…” Amanda came back to her position, eyeing Daisy. “Just that you and I are more like sisters, so I don’t think anything can ever make me see you like that.” “Whatever! That’s so gross by the way…” Daisy agreed. “Very,” Amanda shook her head, offsetting her hair from the pony bundle. “Why are we even talking about that? I meant to ask you about Ethan. Have you heard from him?” Daisy took in a steady breath and nodded. “Today.” She started. “I didn’t have a choice but to call him to take care of Danny and Ella while I fly here.” She shrugged, releasing her arms that were starting to ache from under her head. “Aww, that’s so sweet. You know he called me many times, begging me to talk to you.” “He did?” Daisy asked, unknowingly eager. Then realizing herself, she cleared her throat and averted her gaze, hoping her heart wasn’t showing in her eyes. But, Amanda has already seen it, and only smiled. “So this is a moment of truth and I am going to tell you one thing, Daisy, you only live once.” “I know that.” Daisy shone her eyes impishly, her shoulders rising and falling in nonchalance. “I own that line.” “Amanda fell on the bed on her side, her hands going to support her head. “I’m only saying that you shouldn’t throw it away because of the past. Ethan messed up, I agree, yet, he is remorseful about it.” “That doesn’t change it.” “Still, it changes everything.” Daisy glared at her. “Calm down, let me explain,” pleaded Amanda. “You recall back then I’m college when Lupita the girl from Philadelphia said she slept with another girl in their matrimonial bed and then instead of apologizing, he locked the doors and made her watch?” Daisy cringed, recalling the story vividly. How could she? She was one of those that had to console the poor girl. “Well, what you ain’t know is that she divorced him after, and then ten years later, after she moved to San Francisco, he looked for her, and their daughter, bought her a house without her knowledge and made her live in it.” “What?” Daisy asked, sitting up. “That prick!” “Yeah, he is… But here is the main story… Ten months later, she started digging in who bought her the house and and found out he was the one, and he begged for her forgiveness, slept in the twin for a week in front of her house just to get her attention, and then when she saw he was not going anywhere and her daughter ran out of the house threatening to die with her father if her mother doesn’t forgive him. She had no choice but to forgive him. He was admitted to the hospital but he died of pneumonia. She is presently in rehab because she blames herself for killing him.” “My God…” Daisy mouthed, full of emotions. “That’s… Not fair…” “Exactly, Daisy. It wasn’t fair. Sometimes we are so mad at people that we do things, very horrible things to them, but then haven’t we all sinned? Everyone deserves a bit of forgiveness. Isn’t that what the holy book preaches.” Daisy nodded in agreement. It was her turn to say, “What should I do?” ….
“Amanda! Raven! Come down, dinner is ready!” Amanda’s mother called them from the down and they had to suspend their discussion and left the room. In the dining room, Mrs. Holland served the sumptuous dishes which only by its aroma, had Daisy’s stomach somersaulting in hunger. “Thanks, Mrs. Holland.” “I have told you on more than one occasion to stop calling me that and call me mom, Raven. Yin makes me seem old.” Daisy laughed. “I will remember that next time, mom.” She hummed in response and went to serve her husband before returning to her chair to sit down and started eating the sweet porridge she made. They are utterly silent that Daisy was for once happy in this new development in the Holland family. She was enjoying herself so much and didn’t want any distraction while at it. That was until… “So, Daisy, who is the man in your life now?” “Mom!” Amanda cried. “I thought we discussed this. No more talking about men…” Her mother stoned her a murderous glare. “I am talking with my goddaughter and just because you have decided to die single doesn’t mean she did too, am I right, Raven?” she asked her. “I am not dying single, ma…” Amanda muttered through a tight lip, her eyes meeting Daisy who stuffed her mouth with food and looked down at her plate. “We are not dying single, I can assure you, mom.” She finally answered, picking up her glass of wine after emitting her plate. There was something about mom’s food as they say. “We are just… trying to make sure that we make the right decisions. Well, for me, but Amanda has found someone…” Amanda choked on her food as her eyes snapped to Daisy and the latter bounced her shoulder, meaning Why wait for the inevitable? “What!” Her mother’s spoon fell on her plate, her eyes dancing in merriment. She looked at her daughter. “Why didn’t you tell us? No wonder! I told your father that your homecoming had something attached to it. You never come like this.” “What Daisy is trying to say, mother is that…” Amanda hesitated, words lacking in her throat. Daisy smiled to encourage her. “That I might be getting married!” She snickered wearily. “That’s the same thing, isn’t it, Roland?” She asked her husband. “Exactly the same thing,” He confirmed. “Mother, I’m not exactly what you think I am, I can’t, I haven’t been honest with you two from the start,” Her hands fell on her laps and Daisy took the right one to squeeze gently. Tears shone in Amanda’s eyes. Daisy knew she was deeply afraid. How did she think she could do this on her own before? “I don’t think I can do this!” She let out, shaking her head at Daisy as a tear fell. “You can do it, Mandy. C’mon, you can!” She encouraged her, looked up at Amanda’s parents who were looking verily out of place. “Mom, Dad, what Amanda is trying to say is that…” “I love women!” Amanda blurted. Her mother started laughing, and her father joined in. The girls looked at themselves in awe. What is going on with them? Daisy mused. “What’s so bad about loving women? I am your mother, you love me. Daisy is your best friend and you love her too. There’s definitely nothing wrong with that. I mean, I recall when you were in college and your lecturer reported you were cheerleading a faction for the women’s revolution and all that gender equality bullshit! If that doesn’t convince me that you love the women’s race, what else?” The older woman rambled on, her misty eyes racking about. Daisy knew now that she probably knew what Amanda was talking about and was trying to pretend it wasn’t, or this was another major fluke. “What she is trying to say is that…” She looked at Amanda and swallowed, their fingers tightening in each other. “She is into women like she…she finds pleasure with women…” “That is the same thing!” Mrs. Holland howled, her husband deciding to have no say in the matter. He might have grasped the situation by now unlike his wife. “My daughter has always been…” “A lesbian!” Amanda blurted energetically, her face turning pink. “I have always been a lesbian, mom, dad.” Her mother’s eyes were saucers, her mouth open l, no word coming out. And when it did, it was a voiceless, “how?” “Since I came to know the difference better homosexual and heterosexual, mom. Dad?” She looked at him, and to the greatest chagrin, he was smiling. Like, deadbeat smiling. He made them all baffled. “Roland, what’s funny with anything she said?”His wife asked. “Our daughter just confessed to being a lesbian, our only child, do you understand what the means?” He nodded and dropped his glass that had been perched in his hands for a long time. “I have always known, darling,” His timbre voice relayed. “I just didn’t say anything because I know you will be mad and of course also because if there was anyone supposed to say anything, it should be her.” He indicated Amanda. “Dad!” Amanda clamored and rose from her chair and ran to hug her Dad. “You should have confronted me.” “Why should I? It’s your life, baby. I wonder how you endured being with Rolex like that…” “I wanted to give you grandchildren so mother doesn’t live out her life bearing grudges against me,” She said and sniffed, lifting her arms. Daisy wiped a tear that had fallen on her cheek. It was so sentimental. “I still don’t believe this! Daisy you too?” She pointed at her. Daisy’s eyes widened and she lifted her hands. “Uhmmm, if you mean if I am also a lesbian then I will tell that I I’m not. But I have no problem with her being one since it makes her happy and she has someone she loves so much and is likely to marry anytime soon.” “Ohmygod. What is going on? How am I going to be able to have two females in one house answering husband and wife? And who will impregnate the other! I was hoping for more grandchildren!” “Mom!” Amanda screamed while leaving her fathers seat. “I have already given you two!” She gestured with her fingers. “If you need more, then, we will happily adopt. This is for me, please, accept for me the same way I endured getting married to a man just to make you happy.” Her mother’s eyes misted and when she looked at her husband, he nodded, his face scrunched in deep passion. “Okay! But you will give me time to think about this, baby. It’s not every day one learns their daughter’s love for the feminine community goes beyond the need to feel seen!” “Mom!” “I’m serious. I was hoping deeply for a husband for you and poor me,” She tapped her temples. “I have even gone to tell the pastor about my daughter who just arrived in town.” “Maggie!”Her husband cried. “I told you not to…” She jutted her chin out. “Well, you didn’t give me any reason not to… Forgive me for looking out for my daughter’s happiness. Happiness which she has found in the arms of the same gender anyways!” From the way she sounded, Daisy didn’t think she could ever be cool with this. She might play along, but somewhere down, she will still look down her lashes at the idea. “So, since Amanda is unavailable, and God knows I don’t have the heart to lie to them about my daughter or break their heart when like me, they are so passionate about getting him married off…” Her eyes rounded on Daisy who was drinking from her glass and at once, Daisy’s juice went the wrong direction in her throat and she choked on it. She started coughing fervently and Amanda, who was trying to roll in mirth, stretched a glass of water to her. “If it’s my proposition for you to meet the Parson’s son that made you choke on your wine, I’m so sorry, Raven, but once you are recovered, we will continue from where we stopped. You are my Goddaughter and I should like to think that I have some right to fight for your happiness.” “Mother, just stop,” Amanda chided her mother as she was on the brink of dying from excess excitement. “Daisy’s heart is already claimed.” “What! By who? I will relax from thinking she is also like you, since she denied it before, so who if I might ask and why haven’t you said something?” She asked Daisy. “Well,” Amanda surged since Daisy was tongue-tied and was still recovering. “The father of her child came back.” “What! That loser!” She cried. It appears Amanda’s mother always took the side of Daisy, knowing she never cheated on Ethan. And had been cursing at him from day one. “How could you allow that cow dung back into your life after everything he did to you!” “Mom, you of all people teach forgiveness, so it’s time we all practice it, don’t you think so?” She asked a hint of accusation in her voice. There was a knock on the door getting all their attention at once. “Did you invite anyone over, Roland?” She asked her husband. “No, I think it’s one of the fieldmen. I told Robert to send someone over with the report from the day’s work.” “Oh, okay..” She sighed. However, that wasn’t the case. The voice they heard the next minute made Daisy nearly faint from anxiety. “Monica, Monica, my dear friend, where are you?” came the voice of Daisy’s mother from the sitting room, coming towards the dining room. And Daisy, even though wanting to hide, had nowhere to hide. …
When Daisy’s mother came into the dining area and saw her daughter, she was shocked to the marrow and stood there like a moment was paused, staring at her with a wide eye. Everyone was equally mesmerized that none said a word. It has been so long since they saw each other that Daisy had made peace with the fact that she doesn’t have any other family apart from her son. Years might have mild the pain they caused her, yet, nothing could make her forget. And she doesn’t think anything can. Even now as she looked at her mother, all she could see was that woman who watched her child being kicked out without verifying the story they were told, into a cold rain, in a delicate condition, and now without being told, she knew that seeing her alone was her closure. That is because so many times she had told herself that she might feel differently if she met her parents after everything, but all that were lies. She doesn’t feel anything. Instead, the hatred she brewed inside of her, bobbed out. She dropped her spoon loudly on her plate and stood, and at the same time, whatever force was holding her mother’s feet still released her and she surged forward. “Raven!” She called out, her voice full of raw emotions. “Raven, wait!” Daisy didn’t listen and walked faster until she was out of the room and ran straight to her room, her breath coming in gasps. She dropped down behind her door, covered her face, overwhelmed with emotions. She didn’t expect this. There she was thinking so many things, but it didn’t cross her mind that Amanda’s mother and her mother might still be friends. She wouldn’t be surprised if it was Amanda’s mother that had told her mother she was present. She jutted off in panic as someone knocked frantically on the door. “Daisy!” It was Mandy. “Babe, open up, let’s talk about it.” “I don’t want to talk, Mandy. I want that woman out of here, or at least I don’t want to see her,” She shook her head, stood from the ground, and made her way to the bed. The door opened and Amanda came in. “Babe…” “I swear, I never thought that she would come here…” Daisy said through tight lips. “How dare she call my name?!” “She is still your mother,” Amanda came to her as she flung towards her best friend in disbelief. She had the mind to call that woman her mother. That woman is not her mother anymore. They Disowned her and she has made peace with that. She doesn’t even deserve to be called anyone’s mother. In the past, Daisy used to feel depressed thinking about it, but then she realized that it was actually a favor God did her by riding her from her parent’s clamps. She saw herself most times pitying her sisters who were still with them suffering all their excessive discipline. She sighed, deciding not to argue with Amanda. Not about someone she had long forgotten about. “I think I will retire now, help me tell your mom and dad I’m sorry about the way I left.” She went to pick up her bag, starting to sort through her clothing. “I won’t force you if you don’t want to talk about it, Daisy. I swear if I was the one I might do worse, so take your time, okay?” She came to peck Daisy’s hair, smiled and made her way out of the room. At the door, she turned and said, “Goodnight, momma.” Daisy beamed at her dryly and she shut the door. Daisy took her dress and fell back on the bed, brushing her fingers through her hair. She has a lot going for now that thinking of people she considered dead was the last thing on her mind. She unpacked her bag into the wardrobe and went to shower and came back. She was tying her hair into a ponytail when she heard another knock. She rolled her eyes. She should have known she couldn’t dislodge Amanda that easily. “Mandy, I told you to let it be!” She called, eyeing the door as it opened. But instead of her friend, it was her mother that walked in. “What the hell are you doing here?!” She careened, letting go of her hair to cascade back down on her body. “Jesus Christ, what’s your problem?!” “Raven, hear me out!” Her mother cried, lifting her hands up, and Daisy shook her head in irritation. This is not happening, she mused, standing there and watching her mother blankly, her lower lip in her mouth as she worked hard to hold herself together. “I have been the worst mother to you, my child and I must tell you that I have paid the price gravely. I don’t deserve a child like you, for not standing up to fight your father when he made such a stupid decision five years ago… I am sorry!” She broke down in tears “Are you done?” Daisy asked emotionlessly. “If you are done, then please shut the door after you because I need to go to bed…” She indicated the entrance. “Raven, please…” “I do not want to speak to you!” Daisy cried, her face a pile of stone. “Why should I? You disowned me and now you are asking me to forgive you?” Her voice fell. “I do not fucken care what you want, apart from the fact that I need you to piss off!” Her mother fell on her knees, her hands gesturing in front of her in a plea. “I looked for you, Raven. I tried my best so I can give you something to take care of yourself…” “Really?” Daisy’s hand found her waist. “When exactly?” She took a step closer. “After you supported him to call me a slut? Or after you two of you asked me to get out? When exactly!” “Please let’s not go back to the past, Raven. I am your mother despite saying indignant words in anger, I still love you.” Daisy’s head kept bobbing as her eyes skidded about, still trying to hold herself back. This woman sure has nerves. “Well, I don’t love you anymore, whoever you are, because you are not my mother. I do not have any mother! I hate you so much, all of you that even the sight of you makes me want to throw up!” She went and grabbed her phone and jacket, rushed past her mother, and made for the door. Her mother tried holding onto her and fell to her forth in the process, but Daisy didn’t stop. She even hopes the woman dies if only it would make the ache in her heart go away. She didn’t know where she was going as tears fell from her eyes clouding her vision. She just needed air, and to be away from that woman. She was hurrying so fast that she didn’t see Mandy until it was too late and she collided into her. The latter grabbed her body and hugged her. “I’m so sorry, I tried to stop her but she won’t listen,” Amanda soothed. “I don’t want to see her, can’t she understand? What is her problem?!” “It’s okay…” Daisy peeled away and sniffed loudly. “Can we go outside to hang out a bit, please?” She asked Amanda. “Of course, lets go,” They left the stairs and walked down, making their way to the door. Fortunately, Amanda’s parents who were presently still in the dining room, didn’t see them leave and so didn’t hamper them. Outside the House, they made their way to the open, the fast breeze billowing angrily and whooping the hairs up. At once, Daisy wrapped her hands about herself, her mind so muddled up to think straight. They don’t say anything to each other until subtly they reach the end of the mansion overseeing a vast grassland lined with beautiful flowers. Then Amanda brought out her cigarette and lit it, took a puff and handed it to Daisy who took it and inhaled. This is the one place they have a common ground, whenever they find themselves in a state like this. They just smoke it away. Not only does it help them clear their head, in cases like this when the weather is very harsh, as though in agreement with whatever turmoil was going through tenor heads, it helped keep them warm. That done, by the time the last puff was inhaled and the stars disposed of, they were ready to share. “You know I will always support you in whatever you say or do, don’t you?” Amanda asked her. Daisy nodded, her head to the East of their environment. “Things like this are not supposed to bother me, Mandy. The only thing I’m thinking of right now is that I want to go home to my son and dog and if I were you, I would also fly to Argentina to get your girl.” Amanda nodded, looked down her feet and then up, took Daisy’s hand, and conceded, “You are right, our happiness is what counts.” …
Very early the next morning, they were ready and down for breakfast with the luggage heaped in the living room, for the maids to take to the car. Even Amanda’s parents were amazed when they came down and met then already in the dining munching their meals, fully dressed “Isn’t it too early? It’s not like you are going to another continent,” Mrs. Holland complained, her face sullied with concern. It not every time she gets to see her daughter and now that she is here, because of her busy body, she has helped quicken their dismissal. She had been the one to inform Daisy mom that her daughter was at her place yesterday. She couldn’t hold back from blowing the horn on the kid because all these years since she left, Mrs. Holland saw the emptiness in her friends anytime she saw any picture of Daisy on television or anything concerning her was mentioned. She knows what it means to lose a child because she lost one too. Though through death. She wouldn’t want that for any mother not to mention someone dear to her. So, she had sneaked to her room to tell her friend to come and see her daughter and maybe try to get her to forgive her for her dissertation when the girl needed her most. However, from the look of things, she didn’t get her wish. “Mom, we have to leave now so as to get there early. We have programs to attend that involve the upcoming show.” “But that’s why you have assistants, Daisy,” The woman rushed to her and Daisy as if just seeing the woman reclined back in her huddle to look up at her. “Is it because of your mother that you two are running away?” Daisy’s mouth pulled in, to hold back from telling the old lady to stop calling that woman her mother but she didn’t because she knew that would necessitate more arguments. Arguments as the least of the things she yearned for right now. “No, mom, it’s just that we have never been away from the company like this. It’s either I’m around to take care of things or she is…” She smiled to accompany the statement and hoped the woman would drop it or at least leave her out of it. “Okay, if you say so..” The woman uttered but from her drab tone one could tell she wasn’t fully convinced. Amanda’s father came down to join them and they are in silence. After that, Daisy checked through her emails while waiting for Amanda to finish up. She was such a slow eater and eats much too. “So, Dee, I hope you will be able to forgive your…” “Mother,” Amanda called slowly, her eyes trained on the woman. “Drop it.” “Why? I’m only saying…” Amanda stood abruptly. “Thanks, Dad, thanks ma… We will be leaving now.” Her mother sighed in defeat, knowing this one is beyond her. Even her daughter now thinks she is being too nosey. “Alright, I will not talk about it. Try to take care of yourselves and if someday you decide that you want to change your taste in a partner, let me know…” “I will put that under consideration, mom. For now,” She went to kiss her cheek and her father’s. “He will see you guys.” “Okay, Pincho,” Her father called her a name he used often when she was little as a result of her petite nature. “And Daisy, please do take care.” “Thanks, Mr. Holland, thanks for having me.” She went to kiss the cheek of Amanda’s mother who patted her shoulder mildly, and then Mr. Holland. They accompanied them outside until they got into the car and zoomed off the garage. That was only when Daisy exhaled and so did Amanda. “Those two can be so annoying!” Amanda careened, bringing out her laptop. She placed it on her lap and sorted through her emails. “I thought I would never make it out there with my head complete,” Daisy confessed. Daisy knew what Mrs.Holland did and knew she was the one that called her mother yesterday. She wasn’t angry with her at all, and knew she meant well, still, she would have preferred if the woman would learn to mind her business at times. She never complained to her about wanting to meet her family again and now going home for a moment, she feels bad with the way she acted. Maybe she is not better than her parents after all. They were stone hearted people and growing up and making sole decisions, she found out that she also had that character trait. She hardly let people walk on her and go scot-free. In one way or the other, she is bound to make them pay. She shook off the awful thought and twisted to the side to face Amanda and asked, “so now what’s up? ” “How?” Amanda asked to sample a design her assistant sent her. Daisy’s head craned into the laptop, the design making her mouth water. Seeing shits like this makes her retake her vow of dying a designer. Mehn! They are so beautiful. “I mean, about Argentina..” Amanda snorted. “I’m serious, do you know her address and all that, so you don’t get stranded when you get there.” “I have made a reservation and I will be fine. Don’t worry about me,” She smiled at Daisy. “Okay…” Daisy smacked her lip and shifted back to her former position to look outside the window. Hopefully, her friend would finally settle down and that would leave her… “Have you called Ethan since you got here?” Amanda startled her back, and she fluttered her eyes, her head working to piece words together. “No,” She informed the other, then went further to ask, “why should I?” “Because he is with your child, don’t forget he is doing you a favor.” Daisy paused before responding, her forehead furrowed in a puzzle. “How is he doing me a favor considering I just granted his wish of wanting to be with his son?” “Because you called out of the blue and asked him to help and he accepted. Many men despite the child being theirs would have come up with an excuse, particularly after what happened.” Daisy knew she was right still, she couldn’t accept Ethan was doing her a favor. “I’m not calling him to be honest. I will go straight to his house to get my boy and dog, and then I might tell him thank you!” She clapped her hands deliriously and bobbed her shoulders. Amanda knew better than to convince her it was wrong. “I just hope you do the right thing, Dee. I want you to be happy.” “Thanks, baby. I got this…” The ride to the house was perilous. Daisy had to sleep for a long time because her period chose that day to come and she had serious cramps. After she departed from Amanda at the airport, which made the entire thing very stressful. The lunch she had was that it was first class which afforded her enough space for herself and asked for extra tampons from the hostess. Reaching home, she couldn’t go to Ethan’s house and had to go right to bed after ordering her maid to prepare something very delicious for her. Three days later, her cramps developed into fever and kept her bedridden. She had called her assistant to tell her what was going on as well as demand feedback on the design’s progress as well as book a doctor’s appointment with her. Today’s morning, the doctor came to check her and told her it was stress and demanded she stay home to rest for some time, hence returning to work. She didn’t agree with him but had to agree with him. She planned to leave tomorrow for the office to check her progress. She isn’t and hasn’t been a fan of letting other people handle her job, not when it comes to matters that concern her company. Amanda was worried too and had suggested to Daisy that she fled back to take care of her but Daisy refused. Now, here she was on the third cup of ache soothe but the only progress she had gotten so far was the hurried need to close her eyes to the world. She dropped the glass on her lampstand and climbed into the bed, her eyes swinging to her laptop on the mini table, wishing she could get any work done. Lying down would only make her sick, plus she was feeling deep chills. Her eyes started fluttering close when a knock came at the door, and she was snatched back from sleep as if the person outside, who when the door opened, was Ethan, didn’t want her to sleep. “Hey,” He greeted. “Hy,” She said, wondering what he was doing there. How he knew she was back was something she didn’t want to think about. He came to stop in front of her bed directly in front of her. “I’m sorry about your health,” He said. “It’s nothing,” her eyes skidded about. “Did you come with Danny and Ella?” “No,” He looked like he was conflicting with himself on what to say…Then went ahead to say it, anyway. “My mom is taking care of them…” Daisy didn’t know what propelled her fast from the bed, her eyes flaring daggers at Ethan. “What did you say…?” …
“I’m sorry, Daisy,” He said to her, holding out his hand as though afraid she might meet the floor in her haste. “I had to come see you after Amanda called and told me you weren’t feeling well and she wasn’t around to take care of you. Daisy hissed under her breath. She should have known Amanda would call him! “Well, as you can see I’m doing well,” She flopped on the bed as her vision tittered. “I don’t want my son close to your mother, Ethan,” she said lightly, lacking the energy to howl at him. “She hates me, what if she hurts my son?” He took a light to her, still deliberating if she was totally okay with him being here with her. “It’s okay, Dee. I wouldn’t have left them with her if I knew they would be in any danger.” She hardly believes that. “If it would ease your mind, she wants to come and see you and ask for forgiveness.” Daisy, huffed, none of what he is saying is sitting well with her. She was still delaying going to get her son now because her head was spinning. She didn’t know what was wrong with her. She thought by today, her body would slow down and allow her to breathe but from the look of things, any chance she made to leave the bed, provoked whatever was wrong with her anew. “I am still not com…” She faltered, and held her head at once. “Owwww….” She fell back on the bed and hot tears poured from her eyes. “Daisy!”Ethan was by her side the next time. He took her in his arms and started touching the confidential parts of her body for something he couldn’t even tell. “Shit!” He slowly dropped her and brought out his phone and started dialing 911. “Hang on there, baby!” He surged and placed the phone on his ear. When he was done talking to them and giving them the house address, he hurried to the bathroom to bring a bowl of water and a towel which he placed on her forehead. “My baby…” She said even while in pain. That was all that occupied her mind “He is fine, my love, I assure you.” He proceeded wringing the towel and replacing it on her head as he had seen them do in the movies. He can’t lose her. He was grateful to have come in time. What if there was no one here and she had fainted? He refused to think of the outcome. Daisy didn’t know what was going on. It was as if there was fire inside her burning so hot. She had taken the drugs the doctor prescribed for her this morning. This was something new for her. She has never felt this way before. Except when she was pregnant with her son. And she wasn’t pregnant. Soon, the ambulance sounded in the distance as it drove into her gate and the people came in. When they found them upstairs, Daisy was commuting between staying awake and allowing darkness drag her in. She opened her eyes and saw them hooting her away into a car and when she made to stand in protest, a lady occupied her vision soothing her in a tranquil voice and then her hand came down on her chest and soon she was strapped into the gurney and they have gone into motion. “Ethan…” She muttered, and heard his voice from a distance. He took her hand and massaged it and very soon, everything turned dark. ….. When she woke up later, it was absolute tranquility. There was no sound except the one coming from a nearby machine. She panicked, her eyes flipping around the unfamiliar room until they landed on a lean figure huddled in the corner, his head bent into his arm as his bulky form took half of the couch. Without being told she knew who it was. “Ethan?” His head flew up; she feared it would fall off his neck. “ “You are awake…” He was by her side in an instant. “I was so scared…” “What happened to me? Why am I here?” Her eyes were still skidding about in fear. “Where is Danny? Ella?” “They are fine, Dee, relax.” He messages her fingers. “You were very sick, I had to bring you here.” “I know I was sick, but the doctor said I will be fine when he came by the house earlier today…” “Unfortunately you weren’t and then when I found you yesterday, Dee..” “Yesterday?” She inquired calmly. “It’s alright now, Dee. I’m glad you are awake. Are you thirsty? You must be after all those injections…” He seemed nervous. “What is going on, Ethan?” She asked, unable to bear the suspense. “Do I have a terminal disease?” His eyeballs grew in his sockets. “No!” He chuckled low and released her hand to scratch his hair that we’re strung at the end in a disheveled fashion. “Dee, I don’t know if you will forgive me if I tell you this…” “Dammit, Ethan! Tell me whatever it is, it is my damn body!” “You are pregnant!” He blurted, his face turning red. Even he was flabbergasted when the doctor told him. And from the calculation he did, the baby was definitely his. Daisy was dumb, and couksnt utter a word. Her body slacked in fear, and uttermost irritation. She was pregnant? How could she be so stupid? She was reeling from the consequence of giving birth to Daniel and now she is pregnant again for the same man? What the fuck is wrong with her?! “No,” Was all she could admit. “I can’t be pregnant.” “I’m sorry, Dee. I swear…” “I can’t be pregnant, again!” She reeled. “I am so stupid!” “No, you are not, Dee, please don’t say that…” “But I am…” She veered. “Only a stupid person would make a mistake twice! Where is the doctor, I think there is a mistake somewhere.” “He did the test twice, Dee “ “But I was asleep, how can it be right?” It can’t be right, the doctor must have misinterpreted her result. She knew she can be very fertile which was why she dosed herself with birth control pills even when she isn’t active. “Dee, take a slow breath in and try to call down…please” He admonished her, and gradually Daisy’s eyes found him. His face was so dull, as though he has had his own share of affliction while here with her. She closed her eyes as tears stung her eyes. She had given birth to Daniel because she couldn’t kill something so beautiful. Because despite telling herself she hated Ethan, she needed something to remind her of him. Maybe she now knows why. But what excuse does she have to keep this child? “I can’t keep it, Ethan..” “You can’t do anything to the baby, Dee,” There was desperation in his voice. “It’s my body, Ethan,” there was a slight edge to her voice as she said it. “I can’t be pregnant for now. I have a career. I’m working hard to keep afloat the sea. Plus, I have Daniel to worry about, I don’t think I have the emotional strength to do this…” A tear fell down the corner of her face and she sniffed in, averting her gaze from his troubled ones. He didn’t say a thing and went to fall back on the chair. He didn’t have a right to tell her to keep the child if she didn’t want to. He wasn’t a good father to her the first time so why should he tell her to? Still, Ethan wished he could stop her. Anything that comes from Daisy was a blessing to him. A blessing he made a mistake of preserving the first time but was willing to go the extra mile now. Why can’t she see it? “Ethan…” He stood, knowing he had to go and clear his head. He didn’t want to force her to do this, so he has to go somewhere to forget. “I will be back in a while.” He told her and made his way out. On his way out he notified the doctor to check on her, then went into his car and zoomed off. He went to a bar close to the hospital, he ordered for a strong drink to quell the anger inside him, yet, it did nothing to help his state. He has to call someone. Maybe someone can talk to her. “Hy, Amanda,” “Hey, Ethan. How is she?” Amanda went off the minute she picked. She was already preparing to come back after calling Daisy’s phone and no one picked it. “I’m not doing too good, Mandy. I think I will need your help now more than ever.” “What happened? Is she alright?” There was panic in her voice. “Yeah… She is fine and… Pregnant.” “What!” She thundered. “How? I thought you guys… Shit!” “I’m sorry, I know, we totally forgot.” “How is she taking it?” Amanda knew without being told her friend would not be okay with that. “She wants to terminate it.” Just as she thought. She sighed, dropping the cloth she was holding into her bag and falling on the bed. “I know she would do that… She went planning on having another kid for a while. So what’s going on now?” “I can’t bring myself to allow her to do it, Mandy. I love her and I want us back together, is that too much to ask? Please, you have to talk to her. She can’t kill our baby!” “I’m sorry, Ethan. I don’t think I can help you on this one. This is something personal and I don’t think Daisy would want me interfering.” “You and I both know she wouldn’t think that.” Amanda knows but she wouldn’t let him think he is off the hook for now. He still deserves to suffer some more for being a senseless prick the first time. “Daisy can be stubborn, Ethan. Sometimes no one talks to her when she makes up her mind. So let’s just hope she changes her mind, okay?” Ethan sniffed, and she knew she had to do something. He portrays a strong man to the people outside, but anyone close to him knows Ethan is soft loaf. Sometimes she used to wonder how he pulled off the brick facade being so emotional. “Okay, fine, Ethan. I’m on my way home now. I will call you once I’m on my way to rue hospital.” “Thanks, Amanda, I really appreciate it.” He sniffed again and downed his drink, standing to make his way out. “I didn’t promise you anything, man. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed. Bye!” She cut the call, exhaling in worry. “What is wrong with her,” Becky asked, coming to stand in front of her. “She is pregnant.” “Wow!” “Yeah… It appears we have to go to the hospital once we get to the airport.” She stood and began pushing her clothes into the box without bothering to hold them. She knew Daisy would be going through a lot by now and has to be there to comfort her. If only life would not become more complicated. “Do you think she would be alright?” Becky inquired, having soaked in some of the friendship worry pills from Amanda. “Yeah, I believe they will get through this.” “But if you ask me I will say it’s kind of sweet, you know,” Becky giggled, her head cocking to the side. “Who is that?” They started leaving the room. “If she is pregnant, that means this is meant to be. She should just forgive him and then maybe they can get married.” Amanda shook her head. If only Becky knows how hot headed Daisy can be. She might as well die of loving Ethan than willing to accept him hacking into her life after what he did. Anyways, Becky was right. That is why she is here. She would have to do something, lest her friend drowned in her own bile. ….
Daisy was close to going mad from lying down on that hospital bed when the doctor came in, growing from ear to ear. “It’s good to have you awake, Mrs. Richards.” She rolled her eyes inside. Ethan must have told them they were a couple. The asshat! “Please, can I leave now? I’m good,” She protested, folding her face. “You have to stay a night longer, ma’am, so we can make sure you are good to go…” He informed her in a soothing singing voice. “Were you the one that carried out the test on me?” “You mean the pregnancy test?” “Of course!” She bit out. What other test could there be? “Oh, yes… Congratulations anyways.” She didn’t reply. She laid patiently while he ran his equipment through her, making happy faces. She wondered where Ethan must have gone. Did she annoy him that bad when she said she was removing the pregnancy? Well, he should be as disturbed as she is. Pregnancy wasn’t in her budget for now. She had Daniel to take care of, what else would she do with a child? Not that they were married. She would be the one to bear the burden so why is he bothered? She might not have made up her mind to do it, but she knew she was definitely doing it, which is why she is not going to tell anyone, not even Amanda. Yeah, as hard as it would seem, the minute she tells her best friend, that would be the end. Amanda would never let her terminate the pregnancy. So there would be no need for that. “Okay, I’m done now. You are good.” He secured his stethoscope on his shoulders and entwined his fingers in front of him, his eyes darting delightedly about her. For a man of his prime age, Daisy thinks he smiles too much. She didn’t exactly like the way his gray eyes stripped her. It was as though he was seeing through her inner turmoil. And if she tries to ask him about termination, he seems like one of those that would bring in the guilty drips on her. “Anything else?” She endured asking. “Nothing at all. I am checking out your pallor changes,” He smacked his lips. “I think it’s normal. I will go now. If you need anything, just press the red button…” “Have you seen Ethan?” She asked abruptly. “Your husband?” She hesitated and gradually nodded her head. “Oh, he told me he would be back in a while when I last saw him….” The door opened and the said man peeked in. “Oh, here he is…” The doctor pointed to the door and walked to it. “Your wife was just asking about you… She is good.” “Oh, thanks.” Ethan shook hands with the doctor and waited till the door closed to make his way in. “How are you doing?” “I’m fine, you?” She asked him mildly, already deciding from his disheveled outlook, that he wasn’t. “I’m… Living.” “Ethan…” “No, I’m good,” His face stretches in a wild smile as he hunched down and took her left hand. “Whatever you want to do, Dee, I want to stand by your side even though I don’t want it.” She was moved by his honesty. This wasn’t about him but her, and still when he puts it like that, she can’t help but feel guilty about her decision. “Thanks,” She mouthed. “It’s fine… So, his other hand came forth, showcasing a package he came in with. “I thought you would love some chips.” “Yeah, I will,” She took it and tried to stand. He stood and helped her up, propping the pillows behind her back from support. “I love chips. I can’t believe you still remember..” “I don’t think I forgot anything about you, Dee.” He confirmed. It was like music to her ears. So many things to make her think twice about her decision. She started matching away on her food and she truly loved the taste. “Where did you get this?” She grogged, pointing inside the plate. “It’s so tasty.” “At the corner of the street. There is a restaurant there.” “Oh, thanks for getting it for me.” “It’s nothing at all, babes.” He went to sit down and watched her eat. These little things made him crazy about her. The way she ate, her hand movement, her mouth, and the way she smacked her lips involuntarily. It was a far cry from the everyday Daisy and gave him another perspective of her personality when she is not being a sophisticated fashion Queen. Suddenly the door busted open and Daisy’s mouth fell open, her eyes flashing at Ethan in accusation. “Babes…” Amanda crude, hurrying to crush her in a bear hug, her plate nearly crashing out of hand if Ethan didn’t hastened to help take it from her. No wonder he was so cool. He had called Mandy! The lout! “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here, baby,” Amanda said, kissing her cheek. “It’s okay…I’m happy you got what you went for…” Her eyes zeroed on Becky. “Hy, Dee,” Becky Voice sailed forth. “Hy, Becky. Thanks for coming.” “Ohmygod, babes, you ding look sick at all!” Amanda pitched, her finger locating Daisys cheek. “You are not serious! I feel like I have been crushed by a trailer!” See argued, rolling her eyes. “You still look lovely, Dee, believe me.” “Well, what do I say? Thanks…” She giggled. Ethan came forward, his hands in his overall sweater, looking like a rat in the midst of rabbits. “Ladies, I will have to excuse y’all. I will come in later to see how you are doing, Dee.” Daisy’s heart fell. Is he leaving already? She began missing him even before he left. “Thanks for everything, Ethan,” She uttered. “It’s nothing. I will see you.. .” He came and dropped a kiss on her hair and with a single glance at her, made his way out. “Awwn, that was so sweet, Dee, “Amamda commented, fully facing her. “Tell me everything!” “As if he hasn’t already told you…” She snapped “What is she talking about, Becky?” Amanda denied, sparing an innocent at Becky who shrugged her shoulders agreeing with her. “Okay, then, nothing much has happened around here…” Except that I am pregnant by my ex-husband! She screamed inside her head. “Okay, before we get there, I got you some Argentine goodies!” She flared her hands in the air and Becky stood and went to give her the flower she has been holding since she came in. “Awwn, Lilac!” Daisy took them and inhaled deeply. “They are so lovely.” “I thought you would like them after so long,” Mandy whipped, dropping another package by her bedside. Becky cleared her throat, intending to leave both of them. Something tells her Daisy doesn’t want to talk about her pregnancy to Many because of her presence. ” I will leave you two for now. I think I need fruit juice.” “Okay, sweet, don’t venture far,” Amanda kissed her when she made her way out. Amanda didn’t ask Daisy about the pregnancy at once, she allowed her to drool at her flowers after which she sampled the beautiful dresses she bought for her from Argentina as though she didn’t have more fancier stuff. After that, there was a stretched silence. Daisy knew Ethan had told Mandy about the pregnancy that would be the only reason she would be here now. It couldn’t be an emergency. After all, he was the one that gave Mandy the direction of the hospital. “Just say it, Mandy. I know he already told you,” She blurted when she couldn’t take the silence anymore. Amanda exhaled and went to take the smallest chair by the side and came to place it close to Daisy’s bed and took her hand. “I was waiting for you to tell me yourself.” “Well…” She bobbed her shoulders. “He told me everything, Dee and I know right now you are not ready for the baby but you know I can’t let you get rid of it. Look at Danny!” She chuckled silently. “Recall you wanted to get rid of him too? Then see how he turned out?” “I know but this is different, Mandy… I don’t know if I’m emotionally ready to go through with it.” “You are the strongest woman I know, Daisy. You can do anything you set your mind to.” She squeezed her hands “This is different, Mandy. Ethan is here and he wants it but now, I don’t know if I want to carry his child. I feel so stupid!” “You are not, Deee. You are human and what you share with him should not make you think bad about yourself. When he called me I swear I felt something pull inside of me telling me if I don’t talk to you about this, I might regret it myself.” “He can be manipulative, you know that?” See revolted, thinking about his pretense to accept her decision moments ago. “Yet, he loves you.” “How are you so certain!” Dee took her hand away, her voice having an edge now. “Don’t forget he denied my baby the first time, how am I sure he wouldn’t deny this one too?” “He won’t,” Amanda vouched for him. Daisy exhaled, knowing Amanda’s aim of coming to convince her can never be defeated. She had convinced her to Daniel and she wasn’t it once underestimating Mandys ability to make her change her mind the second time. “I don’t know, Mandy. Can I think about it?” “Of course, baby!” Amanda kissed her knuckles. “You have all the time in the world to think!” Their giggles assailed down the hall and they started chatting about other things including how Amanda’s trip to win back her love went. Amanda told her how Becky nearly gave her a heart attack by refusing to come back with her. Then, she had no choice but to propose to her there and then, and Becky with heart in her eyes had accepted her and that was how she won her back. Becky had introduced her to her parents and they were more than happy to have her despite their claim of being mad at her for ruining their daughter’s wedding. “So, now, I have a wedding to plan?” Daisy asked her, unable to contain her joy anymore. “Of course, we have a wedding to plan!” Amanda clapped. The next day, the doctor came to check on her and declared she was fit to leave the hospital and Ethan was there to take her home. When he came that morning, he was looking very delighted and positive which heightened when Amanda met him outside and told him Daisy was willing to keep the pregnancy but had asked for time to think about it. However, she threatened him of having his baller roasted if he so much as made her friend cry even a tear ever again. That promise he was more than willing to agree to, and when he went back in, he was literally floating in glee. He took her home, and left afterward to his work promising to drop by in the evening with Daniel and her dog. Daisy to an extent felt loved. “I’m seriously positive that Ethan is here to stay, Dee,” Amanda confirmed that evening as she stood by the window looking outside with a glass of wine. With the evening wind blowing across her face and making her feel a certain aura, she couldn’t help but say, “I feel the same way too.” “Yeah… Maybe you should give him a chance now. I mean a man that took care of you while you were sick and cared so much about what happens to the child you carry, I will say he is a changed man.” “I know, Mandy. I just don’t want him to think he has gotten out of this easily…” “So what are you going to do now?” “Nothing actually. Just tease him a bit more…” There was a note of mischief in her voice and Amanda knew what that meant. …
That evening, they were in the pool area comparing designs sent by their assistants as well as checking out the immune samples of the other companies that would be present in the show, when there was a knock Daisy’s maid came to tell her that they were cops at the door who insisted on speaking to her. Daisy was shocked because she didn’t book any appointment with the cops and hasn’t seen any since she closed the case against the intruder the last time. So why were they here? She wondered. “Send them in,” She told her maid and climbed out of the pool to tie her Duffy towel around her and waited in the pool chair. It want long, two men walked into with another last by their side, and Daisy stood and met them halfway with a broad smile. “You are welcome to my home, gentlemen and a lady,” She addressed them, “how may I help you?” “Good afternoon, Mrs. Richards, we will like to feed you in on the investigation that was carried out about the invasion of your home last month as we found it had something to do with one Mr. Richards…” “Wait, what?!” She shouted. “Mr. Richards? You mean, Ethan Richards?” “Exactly, ma’am..” The first man with a dark shade and his hands positioned on his guns on its holster acquiesced. “After a thorough investigation we found out that he was your ex husband and when we apprehended the dude that carried out the invasion, he said it wasn’t anything serious. According to him, he said it as supposed to be a set up and nothing dangerous…” Daisy’s ear was busting. Ethan planned such a stunt on her? He was there that night and so how did he do it? Amanda appeared beside her, seeing how pale she had gone from afar. She touched Daisy’s elbow to bring him back and at that, Daisy suddenly notes out laughing which distressed Amanda. “What’s going on?” She asked them. Dais touches her shoulder, her face still bearing her mirth of derision. “Can you believe it was Ethan that set me up the night? He hired that bastard that invaded my house!” “What?!” Amanda reeled, finding it hard to believe. “Are you sure, officers? There must be a mistake somewhere. Ethan can’t stoop so low…” “Stop defending him, Mandy! You have no idea what extent people can go for a selfish motive. But come to think of it…” She faltered, her right hand going to come through her head in dismay. “How come the idiot was going through my laptop? Is Ethan working with the enemies to steal my designs too?” “Everything was planned ma’am. I think he wanted you to think so, so he told the guy to pretend to go through your design file…” The Auburn lady among them inferred. Daisy touches her mouth, releasing a mild chuckle. She still can’t believe that Ethan would do this. “Then you have to arrest him!” “Ma’am, we would have but we have no evidence to prove this…“ The man that spoke first confirmed. Daisy was puzzled. “But the boy can testify…” She played with her hands. Amanda interrupted. “Officers, we appreciate your effort towards the case but can you allow us to talk about this and get back to you at the office? Please…” Daisy glared at him. She knew Amanda would find a way to justify the most season for Ethans actions and she wasn’t willing to let him out on this one. Here she was thinking of how to give him a second chance and now this? “Mandy, I think…” Amanda grabbed her hand and drew her to the side. “Dee, I can comprehend the level of your anger towards Ethan for this stunt he pulled but try to be in his shoes…” Daisy’s eyes widened. It was just was she envisaged. Amanda lifted her hands in defense. “I’m not trying to say what he did was right but at least hear him out. For the sake of Danny.” “I don’t want my son with such a conniving bastard! He keeps showing me his true colors for as long as I can remember!” “He just wants to be with you…” Mandy persisted. “What he did was wrong and you should give him an earful for it but still… I don’t think… Shit! Here he is…” Daisy whirled around toward the entrance where Ethan walked in with her version and dog who at seeing her baked and ran to her. She missed them so much but right now all that occupied her mind was dealing with the rotten man before her. At full speed without thinking she stormed towards him to the dismay of Ethan and before he could grasp the situation, delivered an ear-ringing slap across his cheek. He held his cheek for a long time, his face to the side, unable to understand what was going on. He thought they were good the last night he left so what now? He mulled in his head. “You are nothing but a traitor!” Daisy screamed. “Mom!” Her son screamed and rushed to his dad. She hurried and grabbed him, yanking him away from Ethan. “Stay away from him, he would bring you no good!” “Ms. Richards, maybe you should calm down!” The female officer came to hold her back. All this while Ethan has said nothing but simply glanced at her. “No!” Daisy was yielding to them. “He is the one you should take away from here and lock up in a cell. What were you planning, huh?” She tried to jump on him. “You think you will conspire with some lowlife to scare me so I will run into your arms? You are such a fool and I thought you have changed and wanted to give you another chance, but you know what? Fuck you, Ethan! Leave me and my son alone!” “Mom!” Her son cried again. “Shut up, Daniel!” The boy flinched. “Daisy, stop!” Amanda came to take the bots hand. “You’re scaring him.” “He should be scared, Mandy. I am trying to protect him from a man that never wanted him but he is too little to understand so if scaring him would put some sense into his head, then so be it! Inside now!” She pointed inside the house and without a word, her son ran inside, the dog on his heels. It appears their momma was pissed. Ethan took a step forward. “Daisy…” “Don’t fucken come close to me or I swear I will…” “Maybe you should stop being a vixen for once and listen!” He thundered and at once, Daisy paused, her hand balling by her side. She was seething in rage for something he did and he thinks he has the right to be angry? This Infuriated her more. She opened her mouth to say something but he beat her to it. “I am tired of doing this with you, okay?” He took another step closer. “I understand that I was a fool, a big, big fool for what I did in the past and there is nothing that can change it.” “You are a fool, I know…” Daisy mouthed, tears poking her eyes. Amanda was by the side, the situation beyond her. “But I’m done.” He eventually said. “I’m done begging if it would make me do shits I wouldn’t have thought of ever doing, or make you more mad at me. I love my son and I will always love him and maybe… I might never stop loving you… But I will no longer chase you…” He clenched his jaw and the veins in his face moved. “All I want is my son. Just to spend time with him, nothing else. I admit I make a mistake by conniving with that boy to carry out such a stupid act but it was so I can get your attention…” “Awww,” The female police officer mouthed and sniffed. Daisy glared at her and she quickly regretted herself. “It appears what I did has made you stronger and it’s okay… I have learned my lesson and maybe I deserve you contempt. If you want to arrest me, you can send the officers to my house to do it properly but please do not take out the anger on our son. He is just a kid.” His eyes were misty, his jaw working as he looked around until his eyes landed on Amanda and Becky that were cuddled together now. “I’m so sorry, Ethan,” Amanda mouthed and he nodded. “Thanks, Mandy. I don’t deserve your kindness. It’s for the best. I might be leaving for New York the next week to round up a project, so officers if you want to arrest me, don’t worry I will not stop you, just try to do it before this weekend so I will know if to reschedule my plans for next week.” He stepped back and then decided to add. “And Daisy, I am not running again. I will set up an account for the care of my son, he is my blood and even though you hate me, you can’t take that away. The account officer would send you the details… Bye…” With that he spun and marched out. Officers were still standing, their eyes misted in emotion. “Well,” The female said croakily, “no man had ever come close to saying that to me…” She wiped her eyes and left the others behind. …
Daisy thought the weeks that she spent alone without her best friend or any one to speak to were the worst, well, this time it was worse because her son hasn’t been speaking to her. All he does is come down for his meals and that of Ella and then they will retire back to his room, not even bothering to check on her. His time was so planned so he doesn’t meet her in the dining room when he descends or on his way up. And when she goes to his room, he would either be asleep—if he wasn’t pretending, or he would have his head deep in his books. Including Ella who was snobbing her! Daisy was miserable, and wished she had taken time to think about her actions the other day before lashing out. She agreed Ethan was wrong, at the same time, she thinks she went overboard with her wordings. Now, he is gone, and since then, he hasn’t even come to check on their son. The only thing he did was the account he opened and sent the details that were registered under the name of Daniel and the new baby. Someone knocked on her office door and even before the door opened, she knew who it was. “Dee, what are you doing? I thought by now you should be through with the second design?” Amanda asked, getting angst at her friend for dawdling these days. “He didn’t even care to ask about the baby?” Daisy compalined. “How am I supposed to give birth to a child when its father is no longer interested?” “Daisy, can we concentrate on our present problem? We have a show which we have been ignoring recently and huge amounts have been invested into it. Can we please focus for now? The baby would be alright with you and I know that…” Daisy couldn’t blame her friend for refusing to talk about Ethan since that day. According to her, Mandy said anything that concerns Ethan, he was washing her hands off it because it seems it’s only what was in Daisy’s mind she does. And true to her words, she has been keeping to her promise. “Mandy, I’m sorry, you can’t continue…” “Daisy, stop…” Mandy came in and closed the door firmly. “I told you this isn’t always about you, okay? You have a son from this man and you are expecting another one. You have to be very rational about certain things. You chased him away with your harriadna behavior and now you think I want to go down that…” “You say my harridan behavior, Mandy?” Daisy asked, a little irritated. “He was the cause…” “Then let it be,” Mandy insisted. “He is a fool, a bastard! A good for nothing, so let it be. Let’s not talk about him. Instead let’s think of the way forward for you and your kids or are you going ahead to terminate the pregnancy?” She cocked her brow, with her hands on Daisys desk, scrutinizing her intently. “I don’t think I want to anymore, Mandy…” “Fine, then the future is what we are supposed to be talking about,” She pushed off and picked up a Forbes magazine on Daisy’s table and tapped in the picture on it. “This is the future. So focus!” She dropped it loudly and pivoted around to leave the office. “Please, check some of the designs sooner, Dee, I need to round up and move to the next one.” However, three days later, the design wasn’t handled and Amanda had to send it to Daisy’s assistant to finish up as well as plan on getting another assistant to make the work easier on Mildred. These designs were delicate and Amanda didn’t want anything that would make them turn out adverse to what they have in mind. It would determine their next level in the fashion world. And must be treated appropriately. She knew what was wrong. Daisy was regretting making Ethan stay away but she didn’t want to admit it. And she has decided not to interfere anymore. She would be a friend to her but when it comes to heart issues, she would leave her to sort things out by herself. No one can really help us make that decision, so to Amanda, it was best if Daisy took the ropes. A week later, the police called and told Daisy they have closed the case against Mr. Richard since it wasn’t a threat to life and even though he pleaded guilty, that they time given for the complainant to officially file a case against him has been released and so he was off the hook. Daisy singularly thinks the female officer would have a hand in the fast closure of that case but did not dwell on it. After all, after how that issue ended, she didn’t think to proceed. Not if she envisages having her son love back. One evening, she woke up very early and came down for breakfast, having decided the night before to intercept her son by all means and make sure she talks to him. He thinks she is the bad guy but she has to prove him wrong. Somehow. She was in the dining room when she heard his tiny feet cluttering against the stairs as he raced to the dining room followed by barking of the tiny man. They soon reached the dining and he came to a screeching stop, the dog merely colliding with the back of his feet. He swung around to go back and Daisy jumped up from her chair. “Danny, sweet, wait!” She called and hastened from the chair to him. She stopped in front of him at a reasonable distance and wrung her hands together, her face furrowed. “Baby, I’m sorry…” “I’m not mad at you, mom,” He said, not meeting her gaze. “Then why ain’t you speaking to me?” She asked, a little relieved. “You ain’t speaking to dad, that’s why..” He deadpanned. “But he did something wrong to me…” “And you preach forgiveness, mom. Dad loves us and only wants our family together,” He sniffed, shouting he was crying. Something pierced her heart that she who has worked so hard to put smile on his face was true same person making him cry. All her life she kept trying to push him away and even sent him far away to study just to make sure he didn’t remind her of his father but now, she was so scared of losing him. . “I know, Danny,” Her voice broke and she hunched down and made to touch him. He allowed her, his misty eyes lifting to meet hers. “I want to have a complete family like the other kids, mom…” “I know, baby…” He pulled him close. “And I’m sorry for hurting you badly. I’m so sorry, baby.” “Then forgive dad, mom. Please for our family’s sake. He might have done something wrong in the past but no one is above mistakes…” For a little child to be teaching her about forgiveness Unsettled Daisy so much. What would her son be seeing her as? He would possibly think she was the devil himself. “I will try my love. Please, don’t ignore me anymore. I promise to try and forgive your Dad, okay?” “Okay…” His little raspy voice that calms her assured and his tiny limbs wrapped around her shoulder, his head falling on her shoulder. She held him so tightly as they wept into each other arms, time flitting by. The dog soon rubbed herself against them and Daisy reached a hand down to rub her furs. At least she now has her family back. She can conquer the world! That day at work, she was happier than normal. “What has you smiling so brightly, dude? This is the happiest I have seen you in the last two weeks!” Dais chuckled. “Well, let’s say I woke on the right side of the bed today…” “Well, I have a bit of bad news to share with you…” Daisy orbs flicked up to her quizzically. “What’s up?” She displayed her hands. “It might not be bad news to you anyways, judging as you have hardened your heart…” She stated as her eyes dulled, looking downward. “Just spill it, Mandy. What’s going on?” Daisy prodded. She racked her head for any possible outcome she was expecting that might go wrong. Nothing. “Ethan called me this morning…” She flopped down on the chair and picked up the pen on the desk to twirl in distraction, Daisy desiring to shoot daggers at her for wasting so much time. “He is leaving tomorrow.” “Oh…” Daisy mouthed slowly, her face becoming sullied. She almost forgot about the desk he was handling in New York. “Did he say when he would be back?” “Nah… Just wanted to bid her farewell and to promise to take care of you which I did…” He bobbed her shoulders Daisy was lost for words. She had promised her son she was going to reconcile with her father, but to be frank, he didn’t know how she was supposed to. “Well, I guess that’s sad indeed…” “Are you being serious?” Amanda hissed. …
“What?” Daisy asked Amanda, feigning unperturbed when inside, she was hurting. He was leaving for real? And she had promised her son she would try to forgive him. But how can she? “Dee,” Amanda started in a low tone, stopped, and bit down lightly on her lower lip, her eyes going from looking down at the desk to meeting the eyes of her friend calculatingly. “I made up my mind never to intrude in anything that has to do with you and Ethan because I wanted you to take whatever decision you want by yourself without feeling that anyone cajoled you into it…” She tapped mindlessly on the desk. “But for the last time I’m going to say this, don’t let this opportunity pass you by just because you are being stubborn.” She stood and picked up a file off the desk, flippered through it, hesitated as she gave Daisy a small smile and walked out. Daisy sat there, thinking about what she said. She wanted so much to go to Ethan and stop him, but she didn’t know if he would still want her back. The last time before he left her place, he was already looking defeated . She didn’t want to go there and end up heartbroken. It would kill her more than anything. She pushed her laptop lid further up, placed her palm under her jaw and with the other hand adjusted her spectacle as she assessed the design on the desktop mindlessly. She was here in body, but her soul and spirit is elsewhere. Throughout the day at work, he couldn’t concentrate. The little work she has managed to get now has all vanished with what Amanda said to her and so by exactly four o’clock, she told Amanda she was going to pick her son and go home to rest. She lied her pregnancy hormones were catching up with her but from the way she was hurrying out, Amanda knew she wasn’t being entirely truthful. Getting to the kiddies, she picked up Daniel and Ella and took them home. Daniel complained about bedding to go for a walk in the Park that weekend and she promised him a walk. He had become like that since she came back from New York. It was probably his father that spoiled him. She called the nanny that usually took care of him when she wasn’t around and gave her instructions on his diet and that of Ella and went to her room to pace for a good ten minutes clenching and unclenching her fists to gain courage. She picked up her phone to call Ethan but after dialing the number two times, she didn’t think she would be able to relate the message he had in mind to him through the phone and opted for physical meetup. Then she made up her mind. He still has until tomorrow so she plans on visiting him that night to surprise him or was it just that she was delaying making time to make up her mind? When it grew darker, she turned on her laptop she had turned in and took her phone to call Amanda. “Dee?” Amanda who was just done from eating out her partner’s pussy replied. “Are you okay?” “I’m not, Mandy…” She covered the terrace with her hand, taking in a sturdy breath. “I think you are right. I have to stop him…” She waited for the other to say something. She didn’t. Well… “Can you come over, please?” She asked Mandy in a small voice. “I think I need moral support, plus you are my best friend and you promised to stand by me…” Her voice broke down as she looked at her finger where the being of promise between her and Ethan lay… “I’m just scared, Mandy. I don’t want to get hurt anymore. I don’t want to relinquish the body of my emotions to any man again, particularly him…” She cried. “Shhhhh, baby… Ok on my way there, okay?” Mandy soothed and was off the bed towards her closet to start dressing. Becky stood and splayed her hands for her in askance. “Let’s prepare, and go to her.” She mouthed to Becky and went on racking through the wardrobe for what to wear. “Hold on, Dee, I will be there in five.” She cut the call. “Is she okay?” Becky asked in worry. “Yes, baby. I think we are about to have another wedding…” She quipped, whipped around and dropped a loud kiss in Becky’s lips before making her way to the bed to pull on her undies. “I just hope they mend things already…” Becky was beside her, tugging on her petticoat. “I hope so, kittie.” They finished and made their way to the door. It wasn’t long before they arrived and Daisy was still sitting in front of her vanity table, looking at herself, not knowing what to do with herself. She heard the front door open and close and started wiping her eyes with wet wipes before she stood and waited for her to open, hence hurrying into the arms of Mandy. “It’s okay, baby. You are going to be alright,” Mandy stroked her back gently. “You just need to breathe in and out and everything will go back to normal. We are doing this!” Becky giggled from behind. “After this maybe we will have a get together with everyone, what do yall think?” She inquired, hastening to the bed to sample the dress Daisy had brought out before. “I think that’s a dope idea, Kittie,” Mandy agreed. “But for now, we have to prepare someone to go catch her Prince charming!” She lifted her hand and twirled it in the air hysterically and Daisy beamed at last. They started with her makeup to her hair and down to her clothes. By the time they were fine with her, she was looking like she was ready to hit the runway. “Are you sure you don’t want us to take you there?” Mandy asked her. “No,” Daisy shook her head, smiling widely now. “I think I will have to beat this one by myself. I’m grateful that you came anyway…” “Of course, you will always have us at your back…” Amanda declared and went to hug her once more. They accompanied her down the hall to the outside where he black Chevroket was parked out ready to leave. The doors slid open and she climbed in, and the driver zoomed out. On her way there, her heart was beating fast. She didn’t know what to expect and hoped Ethan wouldn’t turn her down. What if she is too late? Maybe he had left today or even yesterday. She shook her head, refusing to accept that. He called today, there is no way he would have left today or yesterday. “Can you drive faster?” She urged her driver, unable to bear the suspense anymore. “Of course, ma’am,” The driver accelerated the car speed in response to her command. They drive for another twenty minutes before he arrives in the Palatial building in the middle of the city, standing tall and dwarfing every other building as though it was the god while the others it’s dependents. Once the car drove through the lawn and stopped in front of the house, she slid out with her course secured in front of her, her eyes skidding about the yard, the initial confidence she used in coming out dying immediately. She rushed back inside the car and palmed her chest. “Are you okay, Madam?” The driver queried, twisting a little to glance at his employer. “Yes, thank you…. Just give me a minute to recoup…” She mouthed, breathing rapidly. Her heartbeat was thunderous now and if time was not taken, she might just ask him to take her back home. No! She climbed out again. This was Ethan not someone else. It’s either he takes her back or casts her out. Either way, she would be glad she made an attempt, rather than to chicken out. After all, if he casts her out, she would deserve it. Didn’t she do the same to him? She bent to address her driver. “If I don’t come out in twenty minutes, you can leave.” He nodded and she stood and made her way out of the area towards the portico. She reached the front door, knocked and waited until she heard someone’s footfall hurrying to it. The door swung open and standing on the other side is none other than the miss from the other day. “Hy,” She smiled, “I’m here to see Ethan.” “Okay, come in,” She swayed aside for Daisy to come in, and closed the door before facing her with a welcoming smile. “Come this way…” She started walking while Daisy followed. “The problem is that you have to wait or probably call him because he isn’t around right now.” “He has left already?” She asked him frantically. “Like New York?” “No, ma,” The maid replied as they entered the spacious living room. As she was about to sit down, the front door yanked open and she heard Ethan’s voice. But he wasn’t alone. His voice was accompanied by a cherry female voice. Her heart lurched. He has moved on already? ….
She stood there frozen, her legs unable to live from it’s position or her ears hearing whatever the miad proceeded talking to her. Her eyes were in the direction of the entrance to the living room, waiting to see them enter. How could he live on so fast? She was close to tears but held back, desiring nothing more than to see for herself that truly he has gotten over her. When Ethan came in, with the lady hanging in his arm, he was stunned when he saw Daisy standing by the side of the couch looking adorable in the finest silky wear he has ever seen, and his maid saying something to her which she was obviously not paying attention to. He cursed and closed his eyes, willing her image away if it was an imagination. He has been having silky imaginations about her since the last time they met and it wouldn’t surprise him if this was one of those imaginations. When he opened his eyes, she was still standing there, looking at him, her face comforting into a painful mask, and when he stepped closer, her body was shaking. “Daisy…?” He mouthed, and stopped. “Who is she?” The girl he was with asked, pointing red long nails at Daisy, her face masked in a snarl. “You are with her now?” Daisy finally found her voice to ask, the tears she had been holding in, escaping her eyes to fall down her face. “I- I thought you said you loved me and you have already moved on?” Her face fell to her hands to hide away the pain she was feeling and not allow him to see her that vulnerable. Ethan was confused, and couldn’t comprehend what she was talking about. He stood there and simply stared at her, unable to believe that this was happening. When he opened his mouth to talk, the girl came to stand by his side and held his arm in her own intimately. “Yeah, he is with me now, and who are you, bitch?” She snarled sassily, her koal painted eyes spitting fire. “Stop it, Modella!” Ethan shut her up and withdrew his hands and moved closer. Daisy hasn’t moved. She was trying to control her tears but it was bent on humiliating her and each effort she made, ended up in creating more mess on her face from her makeup. Eventually she gave up. After all, after today she won’t see him again. Why try to hide her emotions from him? “I came here because- because I thought we still had a chance…” She tilted her head to the size and gave him a small sad smile. “And to tell you that I’m sorry for everything. I was bitter, dejected and full of contempt for you after everything you did you did to me…” She looked away to regain her balance and burst there like a child Ethan was crushed from the enormous pain in her face and just wanted to go to her. He wanted to hold her and tell her that it was alright and that he regrets every pain he made her go through due to his insecurity. But… “I missed you every day, Ethan,” She chuckled lightly as a boo to herself. “I thought I was strong and would eventually get over you… But the first day I saw after so long, I knew I was the most stupid person ever and knew all along, I had only wasted my time…” “Daisy…” “I just wish we could start again, Ethan…. For Daniel, for our baby…” She touched her obscure bump and Ethan fogged brain couldn’t have known anything better that would make him sober than what she said. “I want the same thing, babe…” He covered the distance. Daisy was astonished and shared a baffled look with the girl behind. When he took her hand and kissed her knuckles, ending by looking up at her so intently, enough to freeze a lake, she had to ask, “what about her?” some he nodded behind him. “Who?” He twisted about to eye his sister Modella…” Modella?” “Oh, you son of a gun!” Modella screamed. “You couldn’t even play boyfriend with me to make her jealous!” She folded her hands on her chest and stuck her tongue out at him. He smiled at her juvenile behavior and pivoted back to the still puzzled Daisy and his hand reached out to draw her by the waist close to him. “That is Modell, my sister. I told you she went to Iraq for military training. She finished last month and came down here to visit…” Daisy exhales loudly, only realizing then she has been holding in her breath in fear that she has lost him. “I thought…” She blushed. “I thought you two were…” “Of course not!” He squeaked and leaned into her, but his sister squeal stopped him from completing what he was about to do. “Modella, c’mon… Get lost already!” “You two should get a room, duurh!” She flew down to one of the couches and picked up the remote. “And this time you better make it work or God help me, I will make sure I deal with your ass, elder brother aside!” She winked at Daisy who started smiling broadly, her heart soaring higher. “Come on, let’s get out of here, I can’t let this beautiful gown go to waste!” He began tugging her away. “You are tipsy, Ethan, don’t go out! It’s an order,” His sister flew off the couch. “Don’t forget the rules, bro. She is pregnant with your baby and you are tipsy. No going out!” “Modella, I’m still your elder brother and just because you are some goddamned military Superintendent doesn’t give you the…” “Whatever!” She rolled her eyes at him and Ethan could only swear under his breath and decided to treat his love to a home date. “I will get back at you for this,” He called after her as he tugged Daisy to this private conservatoire which he had placed there for special occasions like this. He didn’t see his sister flip him the bird as he was in a haste to get in private with Daisy. “I still can’t believe this is happening,” Daisy said, almost running after him. “That lines belongs to me, Mrs. Richards,” He swung around and grabbed her around the waist, pushing her against the wall and observing her intently. “Thanks so much, Daisy. I swear you won’t regret this…” “I hope so…” She snickered when his mouth located her mouth and started nibbling. “Stop! Anyone could see us! Your sister!” She pushed at his muscled chest which didn’t budge under her efforts. “She would either let me breath or I will kick her out!” He said out of breath, finally pulled aeay when she was almost melting in his arms and tugged her forward. “I totally forgot about her, you know…” Daisy said when they entered the room of diverse plants and artificial lightning. “That is because we hardly some about her. I was her closest buddy being that my parents never supported her line of career. Today they are happy about her prowess in the war won…” “She looks good,” Faisy confirmed. “Very good, but for now, wifey, I’m not here to talk about my lost but found sister…” He pulled her into his arms, forging ok without waiting for the so -called date. And Daisy was more than willing to patronize him. She melted into his arms once more when he took her lips in a slow kiss, and they battled for dominance. “I missed you so much…” She breathed out loud. “Not more than I do, babes. I thought I was gonna die!” He slid down her body and lifted her gown, pushing her slowly until she was sitting on one of the sofas situated there for leisure. He knelt down and started kissing her thighs to the inner centre, while Daisy’s head fell back, her eyes closed as she moaned his name. “I tried so much, Daisy, but I couldn’t get you off my mind. It was as though I was under a spell,” He kissed her centre, his finger shifting her panties aside to inhale her pussy. The sensation of his breath made Daisy topple back and grabbed her breast. “I love you so much.” “I love you too, Ethan. More than life itself!” She cried as he slid a finger in and started working her up. One hour later, they were served the best aromatic dish under special request from his cook, and they were in silence, each eyeing each other momentarily. “Are you still leaving tomorrow?” Daisy asked him. “Nope,” He shook his head. “I changed my mind,” He shrugged and picked his wine to sip. “What’s the point when my heart is here?” Daisy stared at him through hooded eyes, knowing that at last, things might have actually worked out for her good. With him by her side, she might as well conquer the world. The door to the conservatoire snatched open roughly and his sister stood there, her eyes taking in the scene with a smug smile and her hands on her waist. “Modella!” Ethan thundered in misery. “What?” She took a step in. “I’m here to rain on your parade!” …
Three months later. “Girl, you look spiffy!” Amanda grinded, hugging Daisy from behind. She kissed her hair from behind and came forth still holding her. Daisy’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she willed them back so as not to ruin the glamorous makeover she had managed to allow the makeup artist put on her. “I’m so nervous, Mandy,” She conferred with her, shaking her head. “If anyone had told me by this time last year that I would be remarrying the same man I swore never to do anything with ever again, I would never have believed. Yet, here I am!” She whipped, smiling slightly at the end. Mandy nodded and started fixing a russet tendril that had fallen to her face, and uttered heartily, “That is because we never know what lies ahead so sometimes we can never say never.” The door opened and Becky rushed in looking frantic. “What is it?” Mandy asked, looking at Becky with wide fretted eyes. “It’s Ethan!” she exclaimed, bending over as she fought to take in air. “He just barged in and is threatening to break down the place if they don’t allow him to see the bride!” “What?” Daisy was up from the chair, a slow smile breaking through her face. At the same time, Mandy started moving to the door. “Doesn’t he know it is bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?” Just as her hand rougher the doorknob, it flew open, and there stood Ethan looking like a demigod donated down to earth from heaven in his five-piece black tuxedo and white shirt, and red bow. The suit hugged his figure, as though he has been working out now following the days to the wedding. “Ethan!” Mandy shrieked, going to block him when he tried to push through the door. “What are you doing?” “What does it look like, Mandy?” He retorted, his eyes becoming hazy as they landed on his bride. He couldn’t believe this was happening. His dream was coming true for the second time. Isn’t he the luckiest one? Daisy tilted her head and at once the tears she had been holding came trickling down. She couldn’t believe it either. It was as though their hearts were speaking to each other. “Go away, Ethan!” Blared Mandy, not giving him any chance. “You have from now till eternity to spend with her. So go so we can prepare her for the wedding unless you are not ready to be married today…” “Baby, tell them to stop,” He pleaded with Daisy who only smiled through her tears but didn’t say anything. Seeing that they were not going to give him room to enter and that he was keeping them from rounding up, he stepped back nodding his head. Frantic footsteps echoed down the hall as they ran towards them. Then, Luther, his best man arrived, breathing hard and his eyes narrowed as they rounded on the groom. “Man, what the fuck?” he thundered, his hands going to his waist as he spit daggers at his friend. “We have to leave for the church now!Have you checked the time?” The guy asked and started pulling him away. Ethan spared a single look with so much longing in his eyes before he faced forward and went with his friend. “Aww, that is so sweet,” Becky cooed and made went to hold Mandy who quickly pecked her hair and swerved to take he friend’s hand and began pulling her away back to the make-up artist who has been silently watching ten from across the room where the held the veil ready to pin it to the hair of Daisy. A few hours later, they arrived at the church and made their way in. Once they got out of the car, and Mandy was helping her pack her gown, from her peripheral view Daisy caught a movement from the side and quickly looked towards a black Range Rover which the door opened and to her chagrin, her mother and father came down and hastened to her. The church door opened at the same time and Mandy’s mother came out smiling broadly, her face stilling when she saw her friend and husband in front of their daughter. Daisy was raging inside and if not for the love she has for Mandy’s mother and the respect for their relationship, she would have chastised her for informing her mother about her wedding. Today was her special day, and she wouldn’t allow anything to dampen her mood so she quickly bent to take her gown and proceeded towards the church after giving Mandy a single look. The plan was that Mandy was to walk her to the isle since she was now an imposed orphan and not even the arrival of her estranged parents are going to stop it. “Raven!” Her father blocked her, his face ridden with enormous guilt. “I’m sorry for what I did to you. Even if you do not want to talk to me, please talk to your mother,” He indicated his wife behind him, whose tears were pouring in tides. “I do not have a mother and if you think you will come here to ruin my day, you lie!” She flared and tried to pull through but at once he fell to his knees before her and his wife joined him. “We are the worst parents alive and what we did can never be justified, please forgive us!” he clasped his fingers together, a single tear falling down his face. Daisy shook her head, believing this was a nightmare. This can’t be happening today of all days. She looked towards the door of the church, praying Ethan doesn’t grow agitated thinking she might have chickened out. “I have to go now!” She said snidely, eyeing them murderously. “I have to get married today to the same man you rejected me because he told you I was a whore! I was your child and I was pregnant with your grandchild, still you cast me out under a heavy rain and didn’t care if I died!” Which of what she went through should she start enumerating to these people? To her utter bewilderment, Mandy’s mother hurried forward and fell on her knees with her parents and like that, Mandy joined them. Daisy’s head was pounding. Mandy said, “Dee, they deserve everything you want to dish to them and more. In fact, they don’t deserve to call you a daughter as far as I’m concerned. But, they still remain your parents no matter how you want to see it. Please forgive them for the sake of your children. Please…” “I want to be the one walking you down the aisle, my child,” Her father went closer on his knees to her and reached out to touch her hand. “I promise you that I will never make the mistake of doubting you ever again in this life or next. Allow us to stand by your side under any circumstances henceforth and please forgive us so that your mother can smile once more after many years.” The church door flew open to Ethan looking like he was going to faint until his eyes landed on her and rapidly turned to relieve. But it became ladled with fear once more when they traveled to the kneeling party before her and he rushed to her. “What is going on here?” His sharp emerald wound on her parents. “Babe?” “I forgive you,” Daisy said slowly, looking at her parents. “I forgive you but I may never forget. So I’m going to allow you to walk me down the aisle because maybe it would help fasten the recovery process of my heart,” She broke down and her parents flew up and came to crush her in a hug. Mandy came to tug Ethan to the side, the knowledge that they were late dissolving into nothingness, the only thing that matters being that finally, forgiveness was abounding “What are you still doing there, Ethan?” His mother snapped from the door. “Come in, so your wife can enter, let ‘s get this thing over with!” “Mom, Dad?” Daniel appeared by the side of his grandmother at the church door, garnering the attention of everyone. Daisy’s mother’s cry intensified. “He looks so much like his father! How could we believe him?” …. After the reception and couple left the church with Mandy and Becky as they had planned, for their vacation_which they opted to use to replace the honeymoon, their on the yacht, while Becky was facing away and the sea wind was whipping air around her face, the loud chatter behind her made her twist about and her eyes widened in her sockets, her hands flying to cup her mouth. “Will you do me the honor of marrying me, Sweetheart?” Mandy asked in a voice that was far from hers and a look of longing lingering in her eyes. “Yea!” Daisy cried from the front of the yacht where she was nuzzled in the arms of Ethan. “Dee!” Mandy blasted and eyed her. “Can you allow me my moment?” “Yes!” Becky fell to her knees with her and cupped her face, crashing her lips on Mandys. “I have been waiting like forever for you to ask!” They all chuckled, including Ethan who was having the best time of his life. Due to their imminent departure, they had to leave the kids with their grandparents, not knowing when they were coming back. . The show run month was amazing and so many investors have taken interest in their designs and want to be a part of it while the designs they created were all sold out and more places under quick demand. Things were going fine for them which is what the girls always wanted and knew they rightfully deserved. “So what next?” Daisy asked Ethan in a small voice. He placed a light kiss on her lips and smiled, looking at her small bump to say, “We wait for the arrival of our baby.” …
SEQUEL The reunion Daisy stared outside the window silently as the rented Rolls Royce raced down the road, palm trees by both sides of the road, the weather was nice on her face, the sounds of music coming from the streets, people laughing and cheering and doing all sorts of things. Daisy smiled to herself. This was exactly why she loved Miami. She looked in the back seat to see Daniel sleeping with Ella in his hands before she turned to look at Ethan driving the car. This was their first ever family vacation. They had all had different ideas on where to spend the vacation. Ethan had wanted to go to Italy. Daniel had wanted Disneyland. While she had picked Miami. They had playfully argue all day until Ethan had decided they all play a game of rock, paper, scissors. Which she had won, and even till now she was still feeling ecstatic. She had told Amanda about it and Amanda was as ecstatic as she was, the idea quickly turned into a double family trip. For Ethan, Daisy and Daniel, and for Amanda and Becky. “Enjoying the ride?” Daisy asked, smiling at Ethan. Ethan rolled his eyes. “This is only for two weeks.” He grumbled playfully. Daisy burst out laughing. The look on his face made her laugh even more. Ethan turned to look at her and rolled his eyes again. “Yeah yeah, laugh all you want, I’m sure it’s so so funny.” He said, grumbling. Daisy turned back to look at Daniel again, he was rubbing his eyes sleepily. She and Ethan’s laughter must have woken him up from sleep. “Mum, are we there yet?” He asked, yawning and rubbing his eyes. Daisy shook her head, smiling gently at him, she patted him on his head, rubbing his brown bouncy hair. Ella had also woken up and jumped on Daniel’s lap, yelping at Daisy to pat her head too. Daisy giggled, she turned back to Daniel and opened her mouth to tell him to go back to sleep, when Ethan turned to face them. “We’re at the hotel already.” He said, bringing the car to a stop in a perfect parallel parking spot. Daisy smiled, she kissed Daniel on the head and got out of the car, opening the door to let Daniel and Ella jump out of the car. “Mama! Mama! It’s Aunt Mandy!” Daniel shouted pointed behind her. Daisy turned around to see Amanda and Becky walking towards her. Ella ran forward, yelping loudly and rushing into Mandy’s hand, before Daniel could get to her, the boy and the dog racing. Daisy and Amanda burst out laughing, Amanda picked up Daniel, while Becky picked up Ella, kissing and dancing with the dog. “Aunty Mandy, are you here to take me to Disneyland?” Daniel asked. He pointed back at Daisy. “Mom refused to take me, instead she brought me here.” He said, grumbling. Amanda laughed. “Okay okay, I’ll take you to Disneyland but on one condition.” She said laughing. “You have to spell hippopotamus.” She said, The look on Daniel’s face changed. Daisy laughed. Daniel had been having trouble spelling in school and Amanda always used every opportunity to make sure he spelled something for her. “If you spell hippopotamus then I promise to take you to Disneyland.” Amanda said, smiling as she put Daniel down and picked up Ella, who began to yap happily. “I can try Aunty Mandy.” Daniel grumbled. “Okay try.” Amanda replied immediately. “But if I get it right, then you must take me to Disneyland, buy me a Superman suit and buy Ella a krypto the super dog suit, and also buy us some paw patrol.” Daniel said, frowning. Amanda nodded, smiling. “I will, I will.” She said. Ethan, who had been listening while paying off the parking lot officer, slowly walked towards them. “If you get the spelling right, then I’ll give you this.” He said, pointing his golden credit card at Daniel. “You know what this is, you can buy whatever you want.” He said. Daniel smiled sheepishly. “I’ll try! I’ll try!” He said, jumping up and down excitedly, Ella began to bark loudly as he jumped. “E-p-o-p-o-t-a-m-o-s-s” Daniel spelled. “Hippopotamus!” He shouted, jumping happily. Amanda and Ethan both shook their heads at the same time. Daniel slowly stopped jumping. “Was I wrong?” He asked, looking at them in confusion, he looked like he was about to cry. Daisy nodded. “Yes…” she said quietly, while trying to hold back her laughter, Daniel immediately ran to Becky, burying his face in her lap and bawling his eyes out, he couldn’t believe he was wrong. Amanda shook her head, smiling as she turned to Daisy. “You look good.” She said, rubbing Daisy’s shoulder. “It’s the makeup.” Daisy replied, smiling. “Ethan picked it for me.” She added. Amanda smiled and turned to Ethan. “You?” She replied, laughing in disbelief. “I seriously can’t believe you had the eyes to pick that!” She said, smiling. Ethan rolled his eyes. “Oh come on, my wife works with such big big brands, do you think such an influence wouldn’t wear off on me.” He said, smiling. Just then, a black limousine pulled up into the parking lot. The car moved at an insane speed towards where Becky and Daniel stood. Daisy and Ethan immediately rushed forward, jumping in front of the car. Luckily the car stopped at the last minute. They could hear loud music coming from within the car. Ethan angrily walked towards the door of the car. He wanted to discipline whoever it was in the car that didn’t seem to have respect for people’s lives. Even though he was angry, Ethan still took a step back to adore the car, the tires had gold rims and the number plates were customized with a golden “V.L” The door to the car slowly opened, and a tall blonde haired man stepped out. He was dressed in a white designer suit, a cigar in his hand. The man ignored Ethan and turned to look at Daisy with a smile. “It’s been a long time.” He said smiling. Daisy froze as she stared at the man in silence. It had been a year and half since she last saw him. Nolan Van-Louvre.
Ethan froze. His eyes were filled with shock as the blonde-haired man stepped out of the black Rolls Royce car. But it was the woman who followed him that left Ethan fully shocked. His whole body went cold, his eyes were fixed on the woman’s. His whole body was shaking, it felt like he was freezing, he had a sinking feeling in his stomach, it felt like someone had stuck a knife into his stomach. It was Toria Moncler. He couldn’t believe it. He had met her in Monaco a few years ago, during a particularly bad time in his marriage to Daisy. They had been separated, and Ethan had been to Monaco to close a business deal, he had still been sad about his divorce and he had ended up in a club, it was right in the club he met Toria, she was also heartbroken and under the influence of bottles of alcohol, he had found himself attracted to her stunning face and beautiful smile. They had had a brief, passionate affair, but it had ended abruptly when he finished his business deal in Monaco and she had also finished her deal in Monaco, ever since then they hadn’t met or crossed paths again, and now, as he stood there, looking at Toria in silence. He felt like he had been taken back in time. He couldn’t believe that she was here, standing in front of him, looking just as beautiful and seductive as she had all those years ago. Daisy, looking up at Ethan’s, could sense the sudden change in his mood, she reached out and grabbed him, squeezing his hand gently. “Ethan, are you okay?” she asked, her voice filled with concern as she looked at him. Ethan slowly nodded, still trying to get over the initial shock of seeing Toria again. “Yes, yes, I’m fine,” he stammered, looking away and clearing his throat. Toria, too, looked a little shocked, her eyes were fixed on Ethan’s face. She looked both surprised and curious. “Ethan?” She said, unsure if it was him or not. She took a step forward, a shy smile on her face. “Ethan,” she said again. “It is you.. Ethan!” She said, her face breaking into a smile as she walked towards him. “It’s been a long time.” She added. Ethan’s heart stopped. He froze. She just called his name? Why did she have to call his name? Why did she have to call his name in front of Daisy, Daniel and even Becky and Amanda. Was she trying to ruin his marriage? He was happy with Daisy and here she was, coming with her trouble. Ethan’s heart was racing wildly in his chest. He was finding it hard to breathe. He gently beat his chest, rubbing his ribcage. Time seemed to slow down for him as he watched Toria slowly walk towards. His heart sank with each step she took, she was truly walking towards him. Daisy, looking up at Ethan’s, could sense the sudden change in his mood. She frowned a little and gently tapped his huge forearm with a finger. She turned to Toria and took a step forward. “Toria, it’s nice to meet you,” she said, her voice soft, a smile on her face. Toria’s eyes moved to Daisy, and for a second, Ethan could swear he had seen a flash of hostility in her eyes but in the next minute it was gone. Toria turned from Ethan and faced daisy. A wide thin smile on her lips, as she smiled weirdly at daisy. “Nice to meet you too, Daisy,” she said, her voice sounding sweet. Ethan put his hand into his pocket to ease his tension, he felt like he was having one of those rough nightmares which are very hard to wake up from. He didn’t know what to say or do, he felt trapped in such an awkward situation. He looked over at Daisy, he needed to get out of here now before Toria said anything more. Just then, Nolan, the blonde-haired man, wrapped his arm around Toria’s waist, pulling her close to his side. He turned to Daisy and Becky, a charming smile glued to his face. “Allow me to introduce my wife, Toria,” he said, his voice filled with confidence. Daisy’s eyes were filled with surprise, her eyes moved to Toria’s face then back to Nolan. She couldn’t believe that Nolan was married to this woman. He looked so… happy. She looked up at Nolan as he smiled down at her, scratching the back of his head. “What brings you to Miami? Especially this lovely island?” he asked, trying to start small talks with her. Daisy fell silent for a minute, as she tried to think of an answer her head felt a little empty. She looked down and caught Daniel looking up at her, making her remember why exactly she was here. “Ethan and I are here on vacation,” she said finally, her voice a little soft. Nolan smiled, his eyes were filled with interest. “Oh shit! That’s actually wonderful! We are also here on vacation too. Just the two of us, enjoying some quality time together.” He said, pulling toria’s waist closer. Becky and Amanda who had been watching the whole drama silently also took a step forward. “Becky! Long time no see..” Nolan said as he noticed her. “Where have you been?” He asked. Becky smiled. “I should be asking you.” Becky replied. Nolan smiled. “As you can see, I got married.” He replied. “So now back to you.” He said. “Why are you here?” “I’m here with my partner.” Becky replied, pulling Amanda close. “Amanda and I are here on vacation,” she said, her voice loud. Ethan’s eyes moved Becky’s. Becky knew this man? She knew Toria’s husband? From the way they talked Ethan could tell they knew each other from way back. What was going on here? Why was Toria married to this man, and what were they doing here? Nolan smiled again, his eyes looking entertained. “Well, it seems like we’re all here on vacation. I’ll see you around, Daisy,” he said, moving towards her and planting an air kiss next to her cheek. Daisy pushed him away immediately. Nolan smiled, readjusting his jacket. “You’re still as feisty as ever.” He said smiling. Nolan smiled and turned to Toria who had gotten in an eye mugging competition with Daniel. “Toria, darling, perhaps we should get out of the sun,” he said, his voice smooth and sounding luxurious. Toria nodded, her eyes still fixed on Ethan’s face. “Yes, of course,” she said. “It was nice running into you, Ethan. Perhaps we can catch up later?” Toria said. Ethan nodded, still feeling like he was in a dream. “Yes, of course,” he stammered. Nolan smiled, turned and walked away, Toria by his side. The two of them walked into the small crowd of elderly at the gate of the hotel. Daisy, Becky, Ethan stood in silence, looking at each other in shock. “Well, that was certainly interesting,” Becky said finally, her voice breaking the silence. Daisy nodded, her mind still filled with questions. “What is going on here?” she asked, her voice shaky. Ethan shook his head, his eyes still fixed on the spot where Nolan and Toria had disappeared. “I don’t know,” he said, “but I think we’re about to find out.” Just then, Daisy turned to Ethan, she frowned a little as she looked at him. “Ethan, what’s going on?” she asked. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Ethan took a deep breath, trying to get his thoughts together. “I’ll tell you later,” he said, his voice low and deep. Daisy nodded, her eyes still on him. “Okay,” she said. “But you’re going to have to tell me eventually.” Ethan nodded, feeling like he was trapped in a circle of lies and secrets. He knew that he had to tell Daisy the truth about Toria, but he was afraid of how she would react. They slowly walked away from the car, Ethan couldn’t push off the feeling that his life was about to change forever.
Ethan slowly walked through the luxurious hotel lobby, daisy by his side while Daniel walked behind them, having a face with Ella. Ethan’s body was still cold from the shock of seeing Toria again. He couldn’t believe that she was married to that man, Nolan. And what were they doing here, in the same hotel as him and Daisy? Just then they got to the reception room of the hotel and the hotel manager, a friendly woman with a nice smile, walked out. “Sir, madam, we have been expecting you since.” The woman said, greeting them. Daisy smiled and took a step forward shaking the woman’s hand. The woman returned the smile and handed Ethan the key to their penthouse suite. “Your room is ready, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson,” she said. “Your luggage has been placed in the room, and we’ve also prepared a special welcome package for you.” She added smiling. Ethan nodded, still distracted from thinking about Toria. “Thank you,” he managed to say as he took the key from the manager. He turned around, holding Daniel with his left hand and holding daisy sign his right hand, they slowly walked towards the elevator, making their way to the penthouse suite. Ethan was worried about Toria while Daisy on the other hand was so excited about the hotel and their vacation. “Oh, Ethan, I’ve always wanted to come here,” she said, her eyes filled with excitement as she looked up at him. “Have you seen the view of the ocean from a pent house? The view of the ocean is just so stunning.” She added, smiling. Ethan forced a smile on his face, trying to appear a little enthusiastic about the vacation. “Yes, it’s beautiful,” he said, his voice a little sounding obviously uninterested. They got to the pent house and quickly walked to the children’s room which they had asked the hotel to arrange. It was Daniel’s room, it was smaller but still luxurious. “Here’s your room buddy.” Ethan said, smiling down at Daniel. Daniel jumped up excitedly, Ella jumping with him. Ethan and daisy smiled, Ethan wheeled Daniel’s luggage into the room and quickly arranged all his clothes into the wardrobe, by the time he was done he could see Daniel was already occupied with the television. He smiled to himself. He and daisy quickly said goodbye to Daniel and continued on to their own suite. Seeing daisy made Ethan’s nervous again. He knew he had to tell her about Toria, but he didn’t know how to bring it up. They never kept secrets from each other, and he knew that Daisy would be hurt if she found out that he had kept this from her. But how could he explain it? He didn’t even know himself why Toria was here, or what she wanted. Seeing they were both married now, it was obvious the past wouldn’t repeat itself but he still didn’t want to imagine what would happen if daisy found out from someone else. They finally got to the end of the last floor and entered their penthouse suite. Daisy gasp loudly in joy as they walked in. “Ethan! Are you seeing this! this is so incredible,” she gasped loudly as she ran over to the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the ocean. Ethan smiled, trying to appear excited, but his mind was still filled with different thoughts of Toria and what he was going to tell Daisy. He stood beside the window with daisy for a minute, watching the beautiful view before he slowly turned around. He walked over to the bar and poured himself a glass of whiskey, trying to calm his nerves. He sighed as he sipped his whiskey, he had to tell Daisy the truth, but he was scared of how she would react. He stood there in silence, sipping his whiskey and staring out at the ocean. Ethan looked down at his hands as they trembled, he tightened them around the glass again. When he and daisy had planned the vacation, it had been planned as a supposed romantic getaway for him and Daisy, and now everything was about to take a dramatic turn. He looked up at daisy again, she looked genuinely happy, he couldn’t imagine what the consequences would be if he told her the truth now. Ethan took a deep breath, gathering all the courage he had, he slowly stood up, walked over to where daisy stood and held her hand, he then sat her down on the red couch in their penthouse suite. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his body, as he began to speak. “Honey, I want to talk to you about something,” he said, his voice deep and serious. Daisy looked up at him, the look on her face changing, she looked up at him curiously. “Talk to me about something ?” She replied and he nodded. “About what?” she asked sounding carefree, smiling playfully as she looked into his eyes. Ethan paused, he wasn’t sure on how to begin. Daisy looked at him and smiled. “If this is about Nolan then you don’t have to worry.” She said smiling. Ethan looked a bit confused. “Yeah he tried to come on to me back then, but it just didn’t work, I wasn’t interested so it never went as planned.” She explained smiling. Ethan looked at her silently, his eyes on her lips as she smiled. Seeing her smile made him fall in love with her all over again, he quickly looked away. “It’s not about Nolan,” he said quickly, dismissing er question. “It’s about…us.” He said. The look on Daisy’s face changed, she looked at him, growing a little worried as she tried to understand what Ethan was getting at. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice a little more softer. Ethan took another deep breath, he opened his mouth but fell silent as he tried to find the right words. “I.. I knew Toria before,” he finally said, his voice shaky, and low, she could hardly hear anything. “I knew Toria before.” Ethan repeated, this time a little louder. The look on Daisy’s face changed again, this time to one of little interest. “You knew Toria before?” She repeated. Ethan nodded. “That’s good,” she said, smiling as she looked at him. “Why are you telling me this?” She asked. Ethan’s heart was already racing, he took a deep breath, his palms were sweating as he tried to find the courage to tell Daisy the whole truth. “We met in Monaco,” he said, his voice a little stronger now. “And we had a little…relationship.” He added. The look on Daisy’s face didn’t change, but Ethan could sense the slight change in attitude n her body. “That’s cool,” she said, her voice still normal. Ethan took a deep breath again, he had to tell her the rest, no matter how difficult it was. “It’s all in the past now,” he said, his voice a little softer. “But…we had sex, honey.” He whispered. “No.. no, we used to have sex.” He corrected. The room fell silent, the only sound was the sound of the ocean and the ocean breeze coming in from the open window. Daisy’s smile froze. Her eyes were fixed on Ethan’s as if she was trying to read his mind. Ethan felt like he was holding his breath, as he waited for Daisy’s reaction. He knew he had hurt her, and he didn’t blame her if she was angry. Daisy slowly stood up, silently leaving the room.
Meanwhile The hotel manager escorted Nolan and Toria to their room. They were both smiling as they followed the manger, entering the penthouse made them even more excited at the beauty of the penthouse. The first penthouse had been allocated to Ethan and Daisy so the hotel manager led them to the second, which was on the second floor. The penthouse suite was stunning, it had large floor-to-ceiling windows that showed breathtaking views of the ocean from the penthouse. Nolan was always enthusiastic about traveling and vacations in general, he bounced around the room excitedly. Exploring every nook and cranny. “Babe, come check this out, this is so incredible!” he shouted excitedly as he ran over to the window to take in the view of the beach and ocean. “I can see why this is one of the most expensive suites in the hotel.” He added, opening the window even wider and letting the cool air in on his face. Toria smiled, she was happy to see Nolan so excited, he had been a little down from his grandfather falling gravely ill and having to part ways with Lance who had to go look after his grandfather personally. Toria turned and looked around the room, she couldn’t get the uncomfortable feeling she was feeling off her mind. The uncomfortable feeling had been bothering her ever since they ran into Ethan in the lobby. She had been taken by surprise to meet him there. She never thought they would ever meet again, and seeing him there made her remember the first night they met back in Monaco. They had met in Monaco almost 3 or 4 years ago, when she had just gotten out of a two years relationship with her ex boyfriend Lucas, they had met at a bar, the both of them were drunk and that was how they had their first sexual night. Their relationship continued like that over the bext few days, just drinking and having sexual relations and for a brief moment, they had been inseparable. But it wasn’t a serious relationship, at least not for her. She had done it because she was going through a tough breakup, and Ethan had been a welcome distraction to her as at then. Thinking back to the memories she created with him, Toria felt a little bit of guilt. She had never told Nolan about her past with Ethan, and she wasn’t sure if she was ready to share that information with him now. But looking at Nolan now, she wasn’t sure if she could keep such from him. Toria looked down to see her hands shaking, she quickly walked over to the bar and picked up a bottle of whiskey. She poured herself a generous glass and took a sip, feeling the smooth hot liquor slide down her throat, burning her throat a little. Nolan noticed her drinking, he turned to face her, frowning a little as he looked at her. “Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked, walking over to her. “You look a little troubled.” He said. Toria looked up at him and forced a smile, taking another long sip of her drink. “I’m fine, just a little tired,” she said, trying to push off his questions. Nolan looked at her skeptically for a few second, but he didn’t push the issue any further. Instead, he turned around and walked over to the window again, smiling to himself as he took in the view again. “I’m so glad we decided to come on this vacation,” he said, turning back to Toria. “It’s worth every bit of our time.” He added. Toria smiled, feeling a little guilty for not being able to join him in his excitement. She took another sip, she had to tell him about Ethan eventually, but for now, she just didn’t know how to bring it up. She watched him silently as he stood there, looking out at the breathtaking view. He was everything she wanted in a man, funny, handsome, caring, and wealthy. The only thing about him that always irked her off was his jealousy, sometimes it made her laugh but other times it irked her off. She had watched him fight off her car multiple times to get her attention. Toria laughed as she remembered that event. She looked at him and sighed again. She couldn’t keep her secret hidden forever, and she wasn’t sure what would happen when the truth finally came out. Nolan had spent a few minutes enjoying the view view before he finally came back and settled into one of the penthouse soft couches, a dreamy look in his eyes. “You know, I once met Daisy a few years back before I met you,” he said, a small smile on his face. Toria looked at him and smiled. “Yes I remember, you kept on talking about her all through our wedding.” She said. Nolan’s face grew red and he looked away. “I think I’ll call Lance to tell him where we are.” He said, trying to change the topic. Toria smiled. She felt a little guilty for keeping secrets from him, she took another sip of her whiskey, she knew she had to tell him the truth. “Nolan, we need to talk,” she said, her voice serious as she set her glass on the table. Nolan looked up at her, a questioning look on his face. “What’s up?” he asked, picking up her glass and emptying it. Toria got up and walked over to the bar, grabbing a new bottle of whiskey and placing it on the table in front of them. She poured herself a glass, her hands shaking a little as she did so. “I need to tell you something,” she said, her voice shaking. She took her glass and downed the whiskey again. “Tell me something?” He repeated. Toria nodded. “Yes, I need to tell you something about my past.” She said. The look in Nolan’s face turned serious, his eyes were fixed on hers. “What is it?” he asked, taking his own bottle of whiskey in silence. Toria took a deep breath, preparing herself for the conversation they were about to have. “I once knew Ethan,” she said, her voice almost silent. The look on Nolan’s face changed, a look of disdain crossing his face. “Yeahhh, that guy is an asshole,” he said, his voice filled with hatred. “Can you imagine, that inconsiderate oaf left his pregnant wife alone, I’m sure he was an asshole back when you knew him too.” Nolan said. Toria shook her head, a pink blush rising to her cheeks. “No, Nolan, it’s not like that,” she said, her voice sounding a little drunk. “I didn’t know him as a friend… I knew him as a fling back then, we used to have sex.” The whole room fell silent, the only sound was the soft ocean breeze and the sound of people playing and singing at the beach in the distance. Nolan’s froze, his eyes fixed on Toria’s as if he was trying to process what she had just told him. Toria felt a little bit anxious, her heart racing as she waited for him to talk. She had no idea how Nolan would react to her confession, but she knew she had to be honest with him.
Meanwhile, Becky and Amanda excitedly settled into their hotel room. They had been looking forward to this vacation for weeks, and finally, they were here. Amanda smiled, the thought of being in Miami and being surrounded by the ocean, her friends and everyone made her happy in general, she could feel that this could be one of her best vacations. “I’m so glad we decided to come here,” Amanda said, dropping down on the bed. “This is exactly what we needed – a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.” She added, smiling to herself. Becky smiled, nodding her head in agreement, she slowly collected theirs bags from the hotel staff and began to unpack the bags. “I know, right?” She said smiling. “And it’s even more special because we get to spend it with Ethan and Daisy. I’m so excited to catch up with them.” Amanda added. Ethan and daisy had moved to Italy a few months ago and she hardly saw her best friend so the thought of spending a few weeks with daisy in Miami made her even more excited. Becky smiled as she noticed how excited Amanda was. “You’ve been talking about her nonstop for weeks now, at least I’m happy you’ll meet her and catch up.” She said smiling. Just then Becky’s stomach rumbled loudly. She quickly stood up as she suddenly remembered that she needed to use the restroom. She had been holding it since their flight. “I’ll be right back,” she said, getting up and rushing towards the bathroom. Amanda smiled and nodded, she stood up after Becky to continue unpacking their bags, as she picked up the first bag, and upturned all the clothes inside, ready to start rearranging in the large wardrobes, her eyes fell on Becky’s phone, which was lying on the bedside table. She ignored the phone but when the phone beeped, signifying a message had entered, Amanda felt her stomach get tighter and tighter in curiosity. There relationship had boundaries and they never checked each other’s phones but right now she was curious. She wanted to know Who could be texting Becky? She tried to resist the urge to snoop, but the overwhelming urge was too much for her as her curiosity got the better of her. Amanda silently tiptoed over to the bedside table, she gently picked up the phone, the screen turned on at her touch and she saw that there was a message from someone named Gabriel. Amanda’s heart sank to the bottom of her belly. She had heard Becky mention Gabriel before, but whenever she asked who he was, Becky would always brushed it off as nothing serious and tell him it was just some goofy guy she joked around with at work. Amanda wanted to snoop around even more, but she dropped the phone. She trusted Becky so why should she even bother snooping around. But she still wanted to know what Becky and Gabriel were chatting about, her curiosity got the better of her, and she opened the chat to see what Gabriel and Becky had been talking about. Amanda opened the chat and slowly scrolled through the messages, her eyes growing wider and wider in shock with each message she read. Her mouth felt dry. Her body felt hot. Her stomach had sank to the bottom of her belly and it hurt. Gabriel and Becky were flirting shamelessly, exchanging romantic messages and sweet messages. Amanda’s heart began to race faster, it felt like it had been stabbed- she had no idea that Becky had been talking to someone else, let alone someone she seemed to have feelings for. Amanda staggered backwards as she felt a feeling of jealousy take over her heart, and she couldn’t help but wonder if Becky was ever in love with her, because she couldn’t even dream of having the kind of messages she had with her, with Gabriel. Amanda held breath and continued to read through the messages, just then, she came across one that made her heart beat even faster. It was message of Becky telling Gabriel that she really wanted a child, but being in a lesbian relationship with Amanda would never give her that. Amanda heart sank, she felt like she had been slapped – she had no idea that Becky felt this way. They had always talked about children and having children before, but Amanda had always assumed that Becky was on the same page as her. Now, she wasn’t so sure. She sat in silence, staring at the phone in her hand, Amanda felt different emotions rush through her body and head. She didn’t know what to do, or how to process her emotions. All she knew was that she needed to talk to Becky, and she needed to do it now. Amanda held her shaky hand and took a deep breath, while trying to calm herself down. She didn’t want to approach becky in a state of anger or jealousy. She slowly nodded, she needed to approach the conversation calmly and rationally. She sat on the chair, silently waiting for Becky to return from the bathroom, her body shaking as she sat, she met sick to her stomach. Amanda began to think about their relationship. They had been together officially for a year and a few months, and she had always thought that they were happy. But now, she wasn’t so sure. Just then, Becky returned from the bathroom, a small smile on her lips, as she dried her hands with a towel. “Hey, what’s up?” she asked, dropping down on the bed beside Amanda. Amanda ignored he question and looked at her silently, she wasn’t sure of how to start the conversation. She took a deep breath and sighed, she had to do it. She took another deep breath and turned to Becky. “We need to talk,” She said, her voice shaking even though she tried to stay calm. Becky looked at her, a concerned look on her face. “What’s wrong?” she asked. Amanda slowly pulled out Becky’s phone. “I saw your messages with Gabriel,” she said, her voice quiet. Becky froze. The look on Becky’s face changed for a few seconds, and she immediately looked away. “Amanda, I…” she started to say. Amanda slowly raised her hand, cutting her off. “No, Becky, I need to know what’s going on. Are you still in love with Gabriel?” Becky opened her mouth to explain but Amanda’s eyes were already filled up with tears, she immediately dropped the phone on the couch and ran out of the room. She couldn’t bear to look at Becky right now, she didn’t want to hear her filmsy excuses or justifications. She just needed to get away, to process the hurt and betrayal that was rushing through her body and soul. Amanda slammed the door behind her and Becky was left standing alone in the room, her heart sinking as she saw her phone lying on the bed, the screen still open to her chat with Gabriel. Her heart sank even more as she realized that Amanda must have read the messages. “Oh no, oh no, oh no,” Becky muttered to herself, her mind racing as she rushed over and picked up the phone. She could see that Amanda was hurt, and she couldn’t blame her. She had been keeping secrets from her, secrets that could potentially destroy their relationship. Becky took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. She needed to go and talk to Amanda, to explain everything and try to make things right. Just as she turned to leave the room, she paused at the door. Different thoughts running through her mind. What if Amanda didn’t want to listen? What if she had already made up her mind to leave her? Becky’s heart began to race even more, she quickly hurried out of the room. Running down the corridor to find Amanda and try to make things right.
Amanda walked into the study of the penthouse, tears rolling down her face. She was so caught up in her own heartbreak that she didn’t even notice Daisy sitting on the couch with a large bottle of whiskey in her hand, tears rolling down her own cheek too. Amanda slowly walked into the study, Daisy gasped, startled by the sound, she turned around and looked up and saw the tears on Amanda’s face. “Mandy… Why are you crying?” She asked, her voice shaking, as she cleaned the tears in her eyes with a napkin. Amanda was also shocked to see daisy here and even more surprised to see Daisy crying, she increased her footsteps, rushing over to hug her. “Daisy! Why are you crying?” She asked, as she pulled daisy into a hug, holding her tightly in her arms. Amanda’s hand immediately went to her nose as she held daisy, daisy smelt of alcohol so terribly. Daisy wiped her nose with a tissue and poured herself a glass of whiskey, pouring another for Amanda, who looked at it for a second like she was about to decline it before she finally accepted it. “Why are you crying dear?” Amanda asked again, as she gently patted daisy’s back. “It’s Ethan,” Daisy replied, her voice sounding like she was holding back tears. “He just told me now that he and Toria…they once knew each other a few years ago, he said they both met in Monaco when we were divorced, they hit it up and they ended up having… sex.” Daisy stuttered over the last part as the tears she had been struggling to hold, burst out loudly. Amanda’s eyes grew wider in shock. “What? That’s disgusting!” she shouted, the look on her face had changed to one of disgust. Daisy slowly nodded, tears still rolling down her face. “I know, right?” She muttered, sipping her whiskey while trying to clean her tears. “I just can’t understand it..” she cried. “It’s so hard, so hard for me and I’m trying my best to process it.” She muttered tears rolling down her eyes. “I mean during that period of our divorce, I made sure to keep myself… I never opened up to any man….yet there he was, having sex with just anyone.” She cried. Amanda shook her head and pulled Daisy closer, hugging her tightly again. “Men are such scums,” she said, still shaking her head. The tears daisy had been trying to hold back came pouring out as Amanda gently patted her. “Don’t even think about it, Daisy.” Amanda added. “You deserve so much better than someone like Ethan.” She added, still patting her. Daisy used the back of her hand to wipe her tears as she looked up at Amanda. “But why were you crying?” she asked, her face filled with concern as she remembered her friend had been crying earlier when she first entered the study. Amanda nodded, she took a deep breath, before she let it all out. “I saw Becky’s phone earlier today when she went to use the toilet,” she said, her voice shaking. “I saw her chats with another man. Some dude named Gabriel who she claimed has been bugging her… Daisy.. Becky is cheating on me…” she cried. Daisy gasped. “What the hell!” She shouted angrily. She had never really like Becky, and this was just one of the reasons why. Amanda looked at her, tears in her eyes “Daisy. And it’s not just that…” she continued, stuttering. “she’s regretting being with me because she wants children.” She added. “She thinks that being in a lesbian relationship with me will never give her that.” Amanda cried shaking, as she burst into another round of tears again, Daisy quickly pulled her closer, hugging her tightly. “I’m so sorry, Amanda,” Daisy muttered, stroking her hand. “You deserve so much better than someone who would cheat on you and make you feel like you’re not enough.” She added, as she hugged her. Amanda felt a little bit better. She didn’t want to sound happy that Daisy was having problems with Ethan, but she was a little happy, because they were both going through similar struggles, and it was comforting to know that they had each other to lean on. “I’m so glad we’re here together,” Amanda said, pulling back from the hug. “I don’t know what I would do without you, Daisy.” She added. Daisy smiled and handed Amanda a glass of whiskey. “You’ll never have to find out,” she said. “We’re in this together, always.” She added and raised her glass up, to which they clinked their glasses together and took a sip of the whiskey at the same time. Meanwhile.. Ethan was still standing in the penthouse, his eyes fixed on the door that Daisy had walked out of, it had been almost two hours and she wasn’t back yet. Ethan sighed, he had missed up badly. Monaco should never have happened, and even though it did, he shouldn’t have kept it away from her for so long. He didn’t want to chase after her now, he knew his wife well and he knew that the best thing was to give her time to process and recover from everything. Just then, the penthouse door was pushed open and Nolan barged in, his face was filled with anger, his eyes red. He walked over to where Ethan stood, grabbed him by his shirt and slammed him against the wall. “You pig!” He roared. “How dare you fucking touch my wife?” he spat, his eyes filled with anger. Ethan rolled his eyes. “Calm down.” He said, trying to calm him down, by holding up his hands in a relaxing way. “Relax, man, it was over three months ago,” he said, trying to calm Nolan down. Nolan looked up at him with anger and disgust. “You’re a pig, Ethan,” he whispered, his voice filled with hatred for Ethan. “You had a woman like Daisy and you messed up? You’re a pig!” He whispered again. The look in Ethan’s eyes grew darker and he pushed Nolan off him. “You think you’re the only one hurt?” he shot back, his voice getting louder with anger. “Everything happened in the past, and now the only person I care for is angry at me! So fuck off!” He shouted angrily. Nolan looked at him for a few more seconds before he finally looked away and sat down. He sighed and sat down on the couch, running his hands through his hair. Ethan adjusted his shirt, and walked towards the door to leave. “You have to apologize to her,” Nolan said, his voice stopping Ethan in his tracks. Ethan turned back, his eyes filled with anger. “Why should I?” he angrily asked. “You’re not exactly innocent in all this, Nolan.” Nolan shook his head, a weak smile on his face. “I’m not talking about Toria, Ethan. I’m talking about Daisy. You hurt her, and you need to make it right.” He said. The look in Ethan’s eyes grew softer, and he looked away, shame all over his face. “I’m sorry about Toria,”He said, his voice quiet. Nolan looked up, surprised. “As you said, it was all in the past,” He continued, smiling weakly. “Let’s just leave it there, okay?” Ethan slowly nodded, a similarly weak smile on his face. “Yeah, you’re right,” he said, smiling back at Nolan. Nolan stood up and patted Ethan on his back. “Let’s go find our women and try to make things right.” he said, walking out of the penthouse, Ethan following him from behind. They both silently walked out of the room, Ethan felt a little bit of grateful towards Nolan. He had every right to be angry, but instead, he was trying to help him make things right with Daisy. Ethan’s heart felt heavy as he thought about Daisy. He had hurt her, and he was ready to do whatever it took to make it right. He would do whatever it took to get her trust and love again. They both walked towards the pent house study door, from where they stood, Ethan could hear the sound of women’s voices coming from inside the study. He took a deep breath, preparing himself for what was about to come. He gently pushed open the door, and they both stepped inside, ready to do anything to get their women back.
Ethan pushed open the door and walked into the room. He slowly looked around and saw Daisy and Amanda still hugging in the center of the room, scattered glasses around them and an opened, half empty bottle of whiskey by their side, they both looked similarly sad and hurt. Ethan slowly walked towards Daisy, his heart pounding in his chest, he stuck his hands into his pocket to hide his anxiety. “Babe… babe can we talk?” he asked, his voice shaking as he asked. Daisy looked up at him, a little surprised to see him there, she slowly shook her head, her eyes still filled with tears. “Ethan, please go, I don’t want to talk about it,” she said, her voice raspy from crying for so long. The look on Ethan’s face became disappointed, but he didn’t give up. He slowly dropped to his knees, his eyes had a little tears in them as he looked up at Daisy, putting his hands together and begging her to listen to him. “Daisy, please let’s talk,” he begged. “I know I wronged you, and I’m so sorry. I was blind and stupid, and I didn’t realize what I had until it was too late.” He said, his voice shaking. The look on Daisy’s face changed, and she began to cry again. Ethan felt his heart break as he watched her cry. He felt regretful, watching her cry. If only he had done the right things, just maybe they wouldn’t be facing something like this right now. “Daisy honey, I’m so sorry,” he said, his voice cracking as he begged her. “I know I hurt you, and I don’t expect you to forgive me right away. But I want you to know that I love you, and I always have.” He continued. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I was too stupid to realize it.” He added, looking up at her. Ethan felt a tear roll down his own cheek and he paused, taking a deep breath as he tried to clear the tear and compose himself. “I know I don’t deserve it, but all I’m asking for is your forgiveness honey,” he said, his eyes fixed on hers. “I promise to do everything in my power to regain your trust and love. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy, because you deserve it honey.” He continued. Daisy slowly looked up at Ethan, her eyes searching his for any sign of sincerity. Ethan returned the look, his heart pounding out of his chest. “I never want to see you cry again,” he said, his voice shaky as he took a crawling step towards her. “I’m sorry, Daisy honey. I’m so sorry for hurting you.” He apologized. The look Daisy’s face grew softer again, as she threw herself into his arms. He immediately grabbed her, holding her tightly, he felt a little relieved as he felt her body against his again. Amanda smiled, as she watch them make up, she felt happy to see her best friend smile again. She quietly got up and left the room, giving Ethan and Daisy the space they would need to work through their issues. Amanda gently closed the door behind her, Ethan held Daisy as soon as the door shut, pulling himself away from her hug for a moment to look into her eyes. “I love you, Daisy,” he whispered, his voice deep and rough. “I always have, and I always will.” He continued. Daisy smiled, her eyes filled with tears. “I love you too, Ethan,” she said, her voice raspy from crying for so long. Ethan smiled, his eyes were filled with joy, and he immediately pulled Daisy into a tight hug. They stood there for a long time, holding each other, and kissing. Meanwhile Amanda walked out of the room, feeling a little relieved she had felt sad to see her friend crying earlier, even though she was also sad about her own relationship, but thinking of the fact that Daisy and Ethan just had a romantic reunion, made her smil, it even gave her a little hope and made her feel a little hopeful about her own relationship with Becky. Amanda sighed as she decided to take a walk down to the beach, hoping the fresh air and maybe the sound of the waves would clear her head. Just as she walked down and got to the bottom of the corridor, she saw Becky standing at the door, looking nervous nd worried. Amanda felt her heart sink, she immediately turned around to avoid her. She didn’t want to see her, at least not right now. But Becky was also quick, and she immediately ran after Amanda, calling out to her. “Amanda, wait! Let’s talk, please!” Becky begged, as she chased Amanda down the hallway. Amanda ignored her and kept walking fast, but Becky caught up to her in no time and grabbed her by the arm, turning her around. Amanda looked at her, tears in her eyes. “What? What the hell do you want from me?” she asked, her voice sounding hurt and angry. “Haven’t you hurt me enough? You already made it clear that I can’t give you kids, so go to someone who would. Go with Gabriel.” She shouted angrily. The look on Becky’s face changed, she slowly took a step forward, her hands reaching out to Amanda. “Mandy.. Mandy, I’m so sorry,” she said, her voice sounding like she was about to cry. “I was just daydreaming, I swear. I would never give up my life with you for kids. You mean everything to me, and I couldn’t imagine living without you.” She begged, holding Amanda’s hands. Amanda frowned a little as she looked at Becky skeptically. “If you truly say so then why did you say those things to Gabriel?” she asked, her voice still sounding hurt. Becky took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. She was silent for a few seconds. “I don’t know, Amanda. I think I was just feeling insecure and unsure about our future. But I realize now that I was wrong to say those things, and I’m so sorry for hurting you.” She apologized. Amanda looked at Becky, searching for any sign of sincerity in her eyes. Becky raised her hands and took another step forward. “I’ve already booked an appointment with the doctor to have my womb tied,” She said, her voice sounding sad. “I want you to know that I’m committed to our life together, and I’ll never put you in a position like this again. I promise.” She continued. The look on Amanda’s face changed, and she started to cry. Becky’s words had touched her heart. She immediately pulled her closer and hugged Becky tightly, feeling a little bit of relief and happiness that she hadn’t felt in hours. “I’m so sorry, Amanda,” Becky whispered, holding her close. “I’ll never make you feel like that again. I promise.” She said, hugging her. Amanda pulled back and planted a kiss on Becky’s forehead. “Let me take you to the room.” Becky said, leading Amanda back to their penthouse suite. Amanda smiled, as she followed her.
Meanwhile.. Nolan had been searching for Toria everywhere, he feared she had gone back to Los Angeles in anger. Just when he was about to give up, he finally spotted her downstairs in the hotel lobby. He increased his footstep, his heart beating faster as he rushed to meet her. She heard his footsteps and turned around to face him, she looked a little startled to see him. Nolan smiled and slowly approached her, he smiled again as he noticed the look of surprise on her face. “Toria honey, have you been avoiding me?” He asked, his voice filled with concern. Toria looked a surprised by his question, and she fell silent for a minute before she answered. “Nolan, I…I don’t know what to say,” she stammered, avoiding eye contact with him. Nolan looked down at her, eyes fixed on hers, he smiled sadly as he noticed the guilt written all over her face. “Why are you hiding for me? Is it because of Ethan?” he asked, his voice gentle, he slowly bent and sat beside her. Toria nodded, looking down at her feet, still avoiding eye contact with him. “I’m so so sorry, Nolan. I didn’t mean to hurt you,” she said, her voice low, he could hardly hear her. Nolan shook his head, a small smile spreading across his lips, he immediately grabbed her and turned her around, pulling her Toria into a hug. “It doesn’t matter, Toria honey,” he said, his voice sounding a little emotional. “I still love you very much. You’re an amazing person, and I’m lucky to have you in my life.” He said smiling, as he held her in his arms. Toria looked up at him, surprised by his words. “I.. I..” she stammered. She held her breath and she looked up at him with tears in her eyes. “Nolan, I’m so sorry,” she repeated, her voice shaking. Nolan rolled his eyes and smiled as he held her at arm’s length. “Toria, you don’t have to apologize so much to me.” He said. “It all happened before we even met. I don’t really care about what happened in the past. What matters is what’s happening now, and what’s going to happen in the future,” he said, his eyes filled with sincerity as he spoke. Toria looked at him, her eyes filled with surprise. “You’re not angry with me?” she asked, her voice sounding quite surprised. Nolan shook his head, a small smile on his lips. “If you knew the kinds of things I did before we met, you’d be disgusted with me too,” he said, chuckling. Toria laughed, and Nolan joined in. They both laughed for a few minutes while still holding each other. Just then, they heard footsteps behind them and turned to see the hotel manager walking towards them, a smile on his face. “Good evening, Mr. Nolan and Ms. Toria.” He said smiling. “ I hope you’re both enjoying your stay with us,” he added, his voice smooth and polite. Nolan smiled, the man’s voice sounded like a cartoon character, he and and Toria exchanged a look before he looked back at the man again and nodded. “Yes, we are. Thank you,” he said. The hotel manager smiled and handed them an invitation. “Would you both be down for a party tonight?” He asked. Nolan and Toria exchanged another look and nodded. “Yes, we will.” Toria said. The hotel manager smiled and continued. “Well I’m pleased to inform you that you’ve both been invited to a party on the beach tonight.” He said. “I already shared the invite to all your other friends and they will also be there.” He said. “And i promise, it’s going to be a fantastic evening, a lot of A-list guest artist are also going to be present,” he said. Toria and Nolan looked at each other again, and then back at the hotel manager. “That sounds wonderful,” Toria said, smiling. Nolan also nodded, a smile on his face. “We’ll be there,” he said. The hotel manager smiled and nodded. “Wonderful! I’ll make sure to reserve a spot for you both.” He said smiling. “The party starts at 8 pm. I’ll see you there,” he added, he smiled and nodded, before he turned and walked away. Toria turned to Nolan, a smile on her face. “I’m glad we’re going to the party together,” she said, her eyes excited. Nolan nodded and smiled back at her. “Me too, Toria. Me too honey,” he said, taking her hand in his. A few hours later. The beach party that night was in full swing, with the guest artists performing on stage and the guests dancing and laughing together. Ethan and Daisy were in their own little world, kissing and dancing to the music. They were completely absorbed in each other, ignoring the others and the party, as they both danced in each other’s arms. Daisy had employed an overnight babysitter for Daniel so she wasn’t in the slightest worried about anything else, her mind was fully on Ethan. Near where they danced, Becky and Amanda were also dancing and kissing beside a large bonfire. They were having the time of their lives, while a rock band that sat by the bon fire played different country songs for them, a crowd of people had surrounded the rock band, clapping and cheering them on, while others were dancing. Nolan and Toria, on the other hand, were slow dancing in front of the main stage. They were moving to the music, while lost in each other’s eyes. It was like the perfect night, with the stars shining brightly above them and the sound of the waves crashing against the sand, and the cool evening breeze. It was perfect. Nolan smiled and moved towards Toria ready to kiss her, just as he was about to, Toria whispered something in his ear. “I have a surprise for you,” she said, even though he could barely hear her voice ver the music. “Surprise?” Nolan repeated and she nodded. Nolan looked at her curiously. He slowly pulled himself away from her arms. “What is it?” he asked, his eyes filled with excitement. Toria just smiled and looked towards the stage performer. She winked at him, Nolan stared at them in confusion. What was going on? Just then, the stage performer nodded to someone offstage, and suddenly hundreds of fireworks were lit and sent into the sky. They exploded, bringing out pink fire, the crowns cheered as more fireworks exploded bringing out pink fire. Nolan was even more confused as he watched. What was the meaning of this? What was going on here. Just then he started to hear the screams and cheers of the other guests. He turned to the stage to see a huge banner that read. “Congratulations on your baby girl! Nolan and Toria Van-Louvre.” Nolan froze. His eyes growing wider in shock as he slowly turned to Toria. She was nodding and smiling, and Nolan’s heart began to beat faster. “Yes, Nolan,” she said, her voice shaking as she held back her tears. “I’m pregnant.” She said. Nolan’s face was filled with joy, he immediately reached out and pulled Toria into his arms. “We’re having a baby!” he shouted excitedly, spinning her around in circles. The other guests who were watching began to cheer and clap. Ethan and Daisy, Becky and Amanda, all came over to congratulate them. Nolan smiled. It was beautiful. It was a moment that none of them would ever forget, a moment that would change their lives forever. The End!
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