《The Proud Boss Lady.》 Chapter 1: 1 Chapter 1: 1 Soraya sat on herzy chair with her two-piece swimsuit on hugging her at the right ces. She was born into a rich family and a spoilt princess as well. There was nothing daddy dearest wouldn''t do for her at her beck and call. This got into her head making her proud and pompous with no ounce of respect for anyone. Despite all this, she was a good businesswoman and so her dad had no worries leaving his empire to her. Her dating life? Well, that was non-existent. She imed dating andmitment was a waste of time and resources. She was rather interested in one night stands and then nothing more. Just to satisfy herself and then she was back to her daily lifestyle. ¡°Hey Soraya, I''ve got some D for you." Her best friend Nichole said as she answered her call. ¡°Good morning to you too Nichole, and where?" She asked interested. It had been a while shest had sex. ¡°Tonight, Phebe Reborn NightClub, 9 pm," Nichole added. ¡°Alright, I would be there. " She said as Nichole dropped the call. She lived in New Jersey, Jersey City to be precised. Her father''s empire was one of thergest in the city. She got off the chair and headed into her 2M dor mansion. Since it was her off-day, she just wanted to rx and get some D if possible. She walked into her huge walk-in closet. She wanted an outfit to wear for her spa appointment. She spotted a tiger print body-hugging dress. She walked into her garage to pick a car she would drive to the spa. She didn''t need Zed''s services today since it was her day off from work. ¡°Hey, Freya," Zed said as he entered the office. It was his day off so he decided toe bug, Freya. ¡°Hey, lover boy." She teased as he sat on her plush couch. ¡°What are you working on?" Zed asked as he got up to see hertest designs. ¡°With winter and Christmasing up, I''m creating a new clothing line." She told him as he poked her cheekbones, earning a re from her. ¡°That''s nice." He said taking her cup of hot chocte and drinking from it. Soraya parked her car in front of the Spa saloon and headed into the ce as if she owned it. ¡°Is Lyle around?" She asked. Lyle was the owner of the Spa and gay. He was the only one Soraya made touch her body, for a massage. ¡°Yes, Ma''am." The receptionist pointed at him as she walked towards him. ¡°Hey girl, here for you body to be taken care of?" He asked her chewing gum. ¡°Of course Lyle, I got a big night." She said from the changing room where she was getting undressed and ready for the massage. She emerged from the room with a towel secured around her. She was a natural beauty, no surgeries done to any part other body. She felt rxed as soon as Lyle''s hands worked magic on her body, instantly rxing her. After her body massage, she went for facials, medicure andstly pedicure. ¡°Thank you for your wonderful services, Lyle." She said paying him and tipping him as usual, anytime N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. she came the tip wasrger than the previous time. ¡°Have fun tonight babe!" He called after her as he walked into the Spa. ¡°Hey, bitch!" Nichole called as she spotted Soraya at the VIP lounge. ¡°Hi, girlfriend." She responded blowing kisses in the air. ¡°You look stunning," Nichole said drinking in her friend''s outfit. ¡°I always do." She proudly muttered. ¡°You my friend look good as well." Sheplimented Nichole. ¡°Let''s go get some D!" Nichole eximed as they headed to the bar to order drinks and to check out sexy men. ¡°Hey, beautiful." A handsome man whispered in Soraya''s ear making the hair on her neck stand. Nichole was flirting with another man somewhere on the dance floor. ¡°Hi." Her voice came out a little pitchy. ¡°You look gorgeous tonight." He said to her. ¡°Thank you, I get that a lot." She flipped her hair at him. The man licked his lips drinking her outfit in. Soraya was on her third drink and a little tipsy. She got off her stool as she stood in front of the sexy man. ¡°How ''bout we take this upstairs." She trailed her finger down his chest. There were rooms on the first floor and second floor of the night club. ¡°I would love that." The man said as he guided her up the stairs. There were loud sounds of moans Soraya kept her clutch safe in one of the drawers she didn''t need anyone stealing from her tonight. ¡°Now, where were we?" She asked taking off her blouse as she needed the man. She grabbed his zipper and started giving him a bj as the man moaned into the night. ********************************************************************** Zed wiped the sleep off his eyes and checked the time as it read 12:30 am. A call had woken him up from his sleep and he knew it was his boss''s. ¡°Hello, Soraya." He yawned. ¡°Pick me up at Phebe Reborn Nightclub,e with a cab the car is here." She instructed as she hung up. Ah, one of her wild nights again. Zed thought to himself as he wore decent clothes and headed out. Soraya and Nichole stood outside the club waiting for Zed. They had both had a fun time and decided to head home since they had work in a couple of hours. ¡°That was the best D, I ever had." Soraya testified as she giggled. ¡°You always say that." Nichole huped ¡°But, I''m serious, it''s far by the best." Sheughed as Zed came out of the cab spotting them. ¡°Here." She threw him the keys as he helped both of them into the car driving them to Soraya''s house. She looks sexy in that outfit. Zed wondered to himself driving on. Both of them had fallen asleep that meant he had to carry them into the house. In no time, he was in front of her house. He carried Nichole first into the guest room and helped her change into more decent clothes. The then carried his boss into her room, helped her change and then put her to bed. She held on tightly to his arm as she fell asleep. He gently pulled his hand out and reced it with his pillow. He kissed her temple and walked out to his room. She had given him a room to stay , in her house. He only went home when he was on his off days. Chapter 2: 2 Chapter 2: 2 ¡°Ouch!" Nichole rubbed the back of her head. ¡° Stop ogling at my driver, and Zed what have I said about taking off your shirt?" Soraya rudely asked. ¡°Sorry." He said taking his breakfast to his room. ¡°Stop being harsh on the guy, " Nichole reasoned. ¡°He''s just a driver Nichole, nothing else." She waved her off sipping her coffee instantly rxing. ¡°We''d be dropping you off at your office so get ready." She said to her friend who dropped her mug and te into the sink. Soraya walked to her room to get ready for the day. Zed sat in the car waiting for Soraya and her friend toe out of the house. He couldn''t take his eyes off his boss as she stepped out. She looked gorgeous as ever. He got out and opened the door for them to sit. ¡°We''re taking Nichole to her office first." She said to him as he drove off. ¡°I would see youter Bitch!" Nichole said sticking her middle finger at her as Zed drove off. Zed kept looking at his boss through the mirror. She noticed it but didn''t say anything. She caught him the third time and asked rudely: ¡° What is it Zed?" ¡°I am just admiring your beauty." He said to her. ¡°I always look pretty, but thanks anyway." She pompously told him. ¡°Of course you do, but today you look breathtakingly gorgeous." He ttered making her cheeks rosy. ¡°Focus on the road Zed." She chuckled. In a few momentster, he had parked in front of her workce. He got down and opened the door for her. Her Secretary, Ace met her at the entrance as he took her bag and walked with her to the office. Zed parked her car and handed the keys over to the valet and then headed out to Freya''s office. He knew the time Soraya would need his services and hopefully, he would be back by that time. ¡°Bad time?" He asked knocking on Freya''s door. ¡°Come on in, I need you to help me with something." She said as he entered the office. ¡°Before we end the show, I would like to talk about ourtest bachelorette Soraya Wayne. She hot, sessful and rich but she ims she''s not intomitted rtionships, only one night stands. Some say she''s too proud to stick to one man but look at that body, so gorgeous. Here''s a picture of her and her hot driver Zed Vsquez, some say that there''s something between those two, we would find out soon. Soraya Wayne would be on our show two weeks from today, stay safe it''s your host on Good Morning America, Ceceilia Vega." She said as the show ended. Soraya and some of her employees watched the show from their offices. ¡°I can''t wait to see her on the show, " One of her employees said. ¡°I''ll bet she''d talk about herself that''s what she cares about anyways." Another said as they got to their work. ¡°Hey, the girl did you see the show?" One of her friends said through the phone. ¡°I did Ba, don''t mind Cecelia, she wants my attention and I''m so gonna give it to her." She said to her friend. ¡°And before you ask of me and Zed, wait till the next show." She said keeping her friend in suspense. ¡°Whatever you say, drama queen," Ba said dropping the call. She wanted juicy bits from Soraya to feed her girlfriends with but her approach didn''t work. ¡°The bitch didn''t tell me nothing, she says to wait until the show," Ba added sipping her iced tea. ¡°I''ll bet she''s sleeping with him, who wouldn''t sleep with a dude that hot?" One of her groupies said. ¡°She may be, she might not. Let''s just wait for the stupid show." Ba said. ¡°Zed you missed the show." Ca, Freya''s assistant said. ¡°What show?" He asked munching on skittles. ¡°Good Morning America, you and Soraya we''re the talk of the day." She told. ¡°Really, what did they say?" His interest piqued. ¡°Well, Cecelia Vega talking about you and Soraya being in a rtionship and hiding it from the public." She told as Freya burst into uncontrobleughter. ¡°I''m sorry I''m sorry but this is just too pwhahahahahahahahahahahahahah." Sheughed harder. Zed walked off angrily. It was almost time for him to go pick up Soraya from work anyways. She canugh all I want and see if I care. One day, Soraya would be mine and we''d see who would have thestugh. He said as he got to the workce. He took the car keys from the valet and moved the car to the entrance of the building waiting for her highness. About two and a half hourster, Soraya and Ace came out of the building. She looked exhausted as Ace opened the door for her and gave her, her handbag. ¡°Thanks, Ace, I would see you tomorrow." She smiled at him making Zed jealous. ¡°Let''s go Zed." She closed the door yawning as he drove off. The traffic was massive. He waited in traffic worried for his boss, she looked so tired and the traffic wasn''t helping things. He doubted she had had something to eat. He looked in the mirror to see her sound asleep. Zed sang softly to himself careful of not waking his boss up. He was singing Powerful by Alicia Keys ft Jamal Lyon. ¡°People have been talking about it We won''t just stand here in silence Can''t stop the fire from rising Rising Ooh Ooh People don''t you be afraid So many innocents in This is an era for change Change And Malcolm''s probably turning in his grave Every shade was beautifully made And Powerful There''s so much strength in you and me Powerful A breath away from victory I matter You matter We matter, all I matter You matter We matter, all Powerful Powerful I see a colourful future Where skin don''t define any human And stars are the only thing shooting Shooting, wow oh Mothers that bury their child How can we sit there and hide Changees when all take a stand now Stand up Stand up Martin''s speech still echoes in my brain Every shade was beautifully made..." He sang beautifully making Soraya stir in her sleep. She wondered where that melodious voice was melodious music from Zed. Three hourster, they had reached home. Zed parked the car in the garage and opened the door to carry his boss out. She was still asleep or pretending to do so because she was too exhausted to walk into the house. He locked the car and the garage and opened the door to the house. He shook his head to the maid signalling that Soraya wouldn''t be having dinner tonight. He climbed the staircase carefully in order not to wake her up. He dropped her bag on the couch and put her gently on the bed. He helped her change from her outfit into arge t-shirt and then took off her make up. He pulled her duvet to cover her then ced her N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. phone on the bedpost, turned out the lights and headed out shutting the door behind him. Soraya smiled opening her eyes and looking to see if he was still there. She ced her head back on the pillow drifting off to bed. Zed grabbed himself a bottle of coke and warmed the leftover pizza. He then carried the food to his room as he watched Netflix, he wasn''t and early sleeper. A couple of minutester, he could hear someone rummage through the fridge. Probably Soraya searching for something to eat. Zed thought to himself. Chapter 3: 3 Chapter 3: 3 Zed kissed her passionately making her moan in pleasure. She trailed her fingers down his chest. He looked hot with his rock hard arbs on disy. ¡°Its time for you to wake up Freya." He said as his hot breath fanned her neck making her hair stand. ¡°But I don''t want to, I want to stay in bed with you," Freya replied as the voice got louder and not sounding like Zeds anymore. ¡°Wake up!" Her rm blew making her jolt. She mmed her hand on the rm clock muting it immediately. Why am I having wet dreams about Zed? Am I falling for him? Freya asked herself getting out of bed. Nope, it can''t be Zed likes Soraya, not Freya And I am not falling for Zed. She convinced herself as she stepped into the shower. ¡°Ma?" Zed called as he entered the hospital. He had to travel to see his mom who had been admitted in the hospital. She had sprained her ankle and elbow two days ago. She slipped on the stairs and fell supporting herself with her right-hand spraining it in the process. ¡°Baby, you didn''t need toe." She said spotting him. ¡°I did Ma, Jess called me to tell me what had happened, I had to take the train to Jamesburg borough Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. to see you Ma." He said. ¡°What of work?" The middle-aged woman asked. ¡°I exined it to my boss, she understood." He said. ¡°Excuse me Ma, I''ve got to pick this all." He walked out surprised Soraya had called him. ¡°Soraya." He said as he answered the call. ¡°How''s your mom?" She asked rubbing her temple. ¡°She''s fine." He answered sensing she was going to ask him of something. ¡°So, um, I need you to be back the day after tomorrow, I can''t keep driving myself to work, I''m the boss I need to be driven that''s why you were hired. So you''reing back on Sunday, no buts. See you." She dropped the call How could she be so heartless and sexy at the same time? His mind yed with him making him shake off the thought. ¡°Your boss wants you in Jersey City right?" His mama asked. ¡°Yes, on Sunday." He sighed. ¡°Its fine baby, I''m being discharged today." She patted him on his shoulder. His dad had died 2 years ago from lung cancer. Even in his sickness, he was a strong and happy man. He never made themck. Zed has been taking care of his mom and his twin sisters, Jess and Jackie. Jackie was in New York City studying music and Jess was with her Ma here in Jamesburg borough, she had opened a hairdressing salon and was doing well with it. ¡°Alright, mom," Zed added. ¡°Did Zede by today?" Freya asked her Secretary. ¡°No ma''am." She answered. ¡°Okay." She replied Was he still mad at me forughing at him? It was just a joke. She said to herself. ¡°... Stop checking your Instagram feed and get food into your system." Betty, Soraya''s maid told her daughter Na. ¡°I''m not hungry Ma." She retorted. ¡°I can hear your stomach grumble. Watching all those feeds are going to make you wish you were like them or belonged to their ss. Some are fake ass bitches, so study hard, finish your course and then pray you get a betterpany to work." Her mom advised. ¡°What of Soraya''s?" Na asked out of the blue. ¡°You think she''d hire her maid''s daughter to work in her dad''spany?" Betty asked raising her eyebrows. ¡°Soar higher, and stop believing in anything you see on IG. Believe in you." She said to her continuing with her work. ¡°Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh I messed up tonight I lost another fight Lost to myself, but I''ll just start again I keep falling down I keep on hitting the ground But I always get up now to see what''s next Birds don''t just fly They fall and get up Nobody learns without getting it wrong I won''t give up No, I won''t give in till I reach the end And then I''ll start again No, I won''t leave I want to try everything I want to try even though I could fail I won''t give up No, I won''t give in till I reach the end Then I''ll start again No, I won''t leave I want to try everything I want to try even though I could fail Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Try everything Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Try everything Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Try everything Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Look how far you''vee You filled your heart with love Baby, you''ve done enough Take a deep breath Don''t beat yourself up No need to run so fast Sometimes weest, but we did our best I won''t give up No, I won''t give in till I reach the end And then I''ll start again No, I won''t leave I want to try everything I want to try even though I could fail I won''t give up No, I won''t give in till I reach the end Then I''ll start again No, I won''t leave I want to try everything I want to try even though I could fail I''ll keep on making those new mistakes I''ll keep on making them every day Those new mistakes Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Try everything Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Try everything Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Try everything Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh Try everything..." Betty sang encouraging her daughter who was in a sour mood. ¡°Thanks, Ma, you''re the best!" Na said after washing her bowl in the sink and then walking off to God knows where. ¡°Mom, Sis, hello?" Jackie called entering the house. She hade home to visit after she heard about her mom''s ident. It had been long since she saw her family and had missed them. ¡°Jackie?" Zed said as he spotted her from the kitchen. ¡°Zed?" She called in the same tone running to hug him. ¡°I miss you, how''s school?" He asked as their mom came down the stairs with her walking stick. ¡°It''s fine and fun." She answered walking towards her mom and hugging her.¡° ¡°You dyed your locks gold?" Her mom asked. ¡°Yeah mom, I liked the colour and decided to dye, I even need to revamp my locks before going back." She said to her mom looking round if she would see her twin. ¡°Jess is at the saloon," Zed told her as she rushed out the door to go see her. She had missed her twin and she really needed to have her locks washed and revamped. The shop was just a stone throw from their house she decided to walk and enjoy the weather. Chapter 4: 4 Chapter 4: 4 ¡°Hello America, a couple of weeks ago I''ve been trying to get busy bee, Soraya Wayne on our show and it hasn''t been easy. s, we''ve been able to get her own the show today, help me wee the prettiest, hardworking CEO and oh, the bachelorette of Jersey City, Soraya Wayne." Cecelia Vega called as Soraya strutted into the show like a model on a runway. She smiled and waved to her audience as she took her seat. ¡°Hey, Cecelia." She greeted. ¡°Soraya, you look stunning." Ceceliaplimented. ¡°I always do, but thanks by the way." She grinned. ¡°Of course you do, so tell us why is it so hard to get to you. We almost gave up you know?" Vega said. ¡°As a sessful woman, I''m mostly busy and so getting to me is quite difficult. Some people wait months to actually see me or have them in their show, so count it lucky that I''m on this show today." She bragged. ¡°Okay, to the reason you''re here today, we''ve noticed you don''t have a man in your life and that you only do one night stands. Some people believe you have a secret rtionship with, Zed your handsome driver." She stated. ¡°It seems people have kept tabs on me for a while now, I feel like a superstar." She said. ¡°Not there yet, you''re just a celebrity." Vega cut her off making her audienceugh. ¡°Anyways, um, I don''t have time for men and their drama, when I want some D, I just walk into a club with my best friend and then we have some and I''m good to go. For Zed, well I''m not going out with him, but who knows I might get a piece of him. If you understand what I mean." She winked at Vega. ¡°I see, so basically Soraya doesn''t see herself dating Zed but she would love to have some fun with him when she''s tired she moves on to another," Vega added fairly grinning at Soraya. ¡°Exactly," Soraya confirmed. "That will be all for today, on Good morning America next week we would be hosting the fashion Icon, Freya. Stay safe." Cecelia said as the show ended. ¡°Thank you for honouring our invitation, it was fun having you on set," Vega added as she walked with Soraya. ¡°Anytime Vega, see you soon." She said walking to her car. ¡°Yeah, see you never," Vega said to herself as she walked into the building. N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. ¡°Did you enjoy the show?" She asked Zed whose knuckles had turned white on the steering wheel. ¡°Do you think men are toys that you can use and dump anytime you feel like?" He burst out. ¡°Yes, I do all men want is sex, so it''s a win-win for us." She said seeing nothing wrong in what she said early on tv. ¡°Yeah, you''re just a spoilt brat so that''s what you would say." He murmured driving her to thepany. He was in no mood for any conversations with her. He tantly ignored her during the ride. ¡°We''re here." He said as he got down to open her door for her as she stepped out. He avoided eye contact with her as she walked out as if she owned the whole world. He shut the door and threw the keys to the parking valet and then walked off. Soraya was unperturbed she had hurt Zed''s feelings, after all, he was just her staff and nothing more. Maybe a sex buddy in the near future. Her mind yed. ************* "Am I falling for Zed?" Freya asked herself as shey on the hotel bed. She had travelled out to Dubai for a conference meeting that wasing off in two days. ¡°I-I can''t, he loves that bitch Soraya. He just sees me as his friend and nothing more." Freya said to herself. He''s everything a woman would want in a man. He''s handsome, funny, kind, down to earth and hardworking. Why did he go and live that Soraya of a bitch! She doesn''t care about him. Just look at what she said about him on live tv. It''s best I just kept my feelings to myself, nope that''s not right. I would tell him how I feel, I know he would reject me but it''s better I do so. ¡°Howe you guys are so different from your sister?" Sunny, a friend to Hailey Wayne and Keith Wayne asked as they sat at the table for lunch. ¡°Well, she''s daddy''s girl and a stuck up bitch, she gets everything she wants from daddy dearest. " Hailey said. There was just a year interval between her and her older brother Keith. He was one grade ahead of her but they hung out together most times and had mutual friends. ¡°She never was close to us and until now she isn''t, she''s just a proud bitch." Keith spat. ¡°I watched her interview with Vega and I loved how Vega handled her." Sunny added taking a sip from her coke. ¡°Iing, Keith''s bitch ass girlfriend," Hailey said as Tessy, the queen bitch and slut of their school approached. Keith just hung around her to pass time. In less than a year, he''d be done with high school and off to college. Then buh-bye Tessy. ¡°Hey, babe!" She pecked him on the lips. ¡°Hey darling," Keith added deepening the kiss. ¡°Get a room!" Hailey added. ¡°Or the janitor''s closet!" Sunny said as they walked away from the table. ¡°See youter guys!" Keith called behind them as they waved him off. ¡°Now where were we?" He said to a grinning Tessy. ¡°Youing for the sleepover tonight?" Sunny asked. ¡°Of course, anything to get away from Tessy, she''sing over tonight. Mom and Dad aren''t home." She told her friend as they walked to her car. Keith had practice today so he wasn''t joining them home. ¡°I feel your pain, Hailey." Sunny teased as they sat in the car and Hailey backed out of the parking lot, speeding off and jamming to ¡°I don''t care by Bieber and Ed Sheeran." ¡°I''m at a party I don''t wanna be at And I don''t ever wear a suit and tie, yeah Wondering if I could sneak out the back Nobody''s even looking me in my eyes Then you take my hand Finish my drink, say, "Shall we dance?" (Hell, yeah) You know I love ya, did I ever tell ya? You make it better like that Don''t think I fit in at this party Everyone''s got so much to say (Yeah) I always feel like I''m nobody, mm Who wants to fit in anyway? ''Cause I don''t care when I''m with my baby, yeah All the bad things disappear And you''re making me feel like maybe I am somebody I can deal with the bad nights When I''m with my baby, yeah Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh ''Cause I don''t care as long as you just hold me near You can take me anywhere And you''re making me feel like I''m loved by somebody I can deal with the bad nights When I''m with my baby, yeah Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh We at a party we don''t wanna be at Tryna talk, but we can''t hear ourselves Read your lips, I''d rather kiss ''em right back With all these people all around I''m crippled with anxiety But I''m told it''s where we''re s''posed to be You know what? It''s kinda crazy ''cause I don''t mind When you make it better like that Don''t think we fit in at this party Everyone''s got so much to say, oh yeah, yeah When we walked in, I said I''m sorry, mm But now I think that we should stay ''Cause I don''t care when I''m with my baby, yeah All the bad things disappear Yeah, you''re making me feel like maybe I am somebody I can deal with the bad nights When I''m with my baby, yeah Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah ''Cause I don''t care as long as you just hold me near You can take me anywhere Yeah, you''re making me feel like I''m loved by somebody I can deal with the bad nights When I''m with my baby, yeah Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, no I don''t like nobody but you, it''s like you''re the only one here I don''t like nobody but you, baby, I don''t care I don''t like nobody but you, I hate everyone here I don''t like nobody but you, baby, yeah ''Cause I don''t care (Don''t care) When I''m with my baby, yeah (Oh yeah) All the bad things disappear (Disappear And you''re making me feel like maybe I am somebody (Maybe I''m somebody) I can deal with the bad nights (With the bad nights) When I''m with my baby, yeah Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh (Ooh, yeah, yeah) ''Cause I don''t care as long as you just hold me near (Me near) You can take me anywhere (Anywhere, anywhere) And you''re making me feel like I''m loved by somebody (I''m loved by somebody, yeah, yeah, yeah I can deal with the bad nights When I''m with my baby, yeah (Oh) Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, too...." They sang along nearing Sunny''s house. Chapter 5: 5 Chapter 5: 5 ¡°Hailey, we''re gonna bete for school." Sunny shook her best friend awake. She got up rubbing her eyes and staring at her annoying friend. ¡°Today''s a holiday dumbass." She sat up straight. ¡°But why does it feel like we have somewhere to go?" Sunny asked. ¡°We do, today is the annual town float and there is a party after that." Hailey reminded her utterly confused friend. ¡°Ooooh!" Sunny remembered. ¡°We have to get ready then." She suggested. ¡°The float starts at 4 pm Sunny, let me sleep in peace," Hailey whined. ¡°Fine sleepyhead, I''d catch youter. " She said walking down to the living room to watch what was on tv. Zed wore his grey joggers and walked to the kitchen bare-chested. He thought Soraya had gone out with her friends as he had heard her say earlier. He took the carton of milk and poured it on his cereal. Spray stood at the staircase staring at Zed''s beautiful body. She trailed her finger down her lips seductively as she walked towards him. She was in a tight bum short that hugged her ass and then a cropped top. ¡°Hey." She said sitting on the counter, crossed legs drawing his attention to her. ¡°I''m sorry Soraya, I didn''t know you were home. I''d go get a shirt." He said as he set the cereal down on the counter and was about leaving the kitchen when Soraya grabbed his joggers pulling him towards her. ¡°Erm, um is everything alright?" He asked confused. ¡°I just um.." She trailed off running her fingers down his bare chest. She moved her long manicured fingers down his chest, then slid them down his joggers massaging his balls making him groan in pleasure. ¡°S-Soraya, we shouldn''t be doing this." He stuttered. She slid down the counter, pulling down his Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. joggers and boxers. His manhood sprung out as she inserted into her mouth giving him the best bj he had ever had. ¡°Soraya..." He groaned her name in ecstasy. ¡°I think you should slow down on that one Freya." Ca, her assistant and friend said to her as they went out for brunch. She had told her how she felt towards Zed. But Ca didn''t want her friend getting hurt, she knew how Zed loved Soraya and he wasn''t going to give up on that. She would end up getting hurt in the process. ¡°I can''t stand him talking about her every time, what''s so special about Soraya Wayne?" She mmed her fist on the table. ¡°Calm down girl, calm down." Freya consoled. ¡°Just be there for him, give him that emotional support, I know it''s going to be hard but just try. Ca added. ¡°If you say so, I will." She smiled at her friend. Its friendzone for now, maybe boyfriend zer in future. Freya thought to herself. It was time for the float and Hailey and Sunny had already taken the lead. Keith told them he would join them soon. He had to wait for Tessy who was taking years to get ready. Hailey and Sunny got out of the car which was parked at the parking lot of the mall and then joined in on the float. They were walking from the mall through the town. There was music ying making the walk quite interesting. ¡°Babe, we''re gonna bete for the float," Keith called after her. ¡°I don''t wanna go, let''s go to the party instead." She tried convincing him. There was no way he was leaving her in his house alone and he wasn''t missing the float either. ¡°Then let me take you home, cause I''m going for the float." He said shocking her. ¡°But we could do fun things here." She wiggled her eyebrows. "The party would be held here, so I coulde to pick youter." He said picking her stuff and putting them in her arms as he practically dragged her out locking the doors. He didn''t care she was mad at him. He sped off and on a few minutes, he was at her house. He opened the door for her as she stepped out and stormed off. I could care less. He thought as he called his sister. ¡°Hails, where are you guys now?" He called by her pet name. ¡°Infront of the town square." She said as he dropped the call and drive there. He parked his car at the parking lot and then joined in the float. He moved through the crowd as he spotted his sister and Sunny. ¡°Took you long enough huh?" Sunny asked smirking. ¡°Where''s the hoe at?" Hailey asked referring to Tessy. ¡°She didn''t want toe, so I dragged her out and took her home." He shrugged. ¡°You''re so mean." Sunny smacked his head. ¡°No one can stand between me and the float not even her p**sy." He said. ¡°Ew, gross." Sunny and Hailey said making him chuckle. Zedy on his bed recalling what had happened between him and his boss. He couldn''t believe he allowed himself to be used by her. She sure knows how to please a man, and that bj damn! His conscience pricked. Shut up, I''m trying to be mad at her, not pleased by being used, you''re right though she sure knows how to give one. He agreed with his conscience. Was he going to be her sex buddy or it was a one-time thing? It''s going to be awkward between us, I just checked out of my boss''s panties.He pondered. Mehn, admit she was good and sweet. His conscience yed again Shut up you! He audibly said instantly covering his mouth. Maybe, she would fall for me if this continues. I''m not going to ask for it, anytime she''s in the mood and needs me, I would be there for her. He Just don''t get your heartbroken Zed. His conscience advised. Soraya sat on her bed chewing her lip. She never felt like how Zed made her feel a while ago. She had had sex with a lot of men, but this was extraordinary. He was so gentle with her and when she was My days of going out to get some D are over, I''m sticking to Zed''s We can be sex buddies, nothing more or less. Nothing is gonna go wrong. She thought to herself as she stepped into the shower to wash down. She had a party to attend at her parent''s house. She wished she could skip so she could spend the night in Zed''s arms but, she was the host since mom and daddy dearest weren''t in town. The perks of being the first child. She sighed. Chapter 6: 6 Chapter 6: 6 The after-party was in full swing. Soraya sighed as she sat down watching people have fun when she was bored. Her siblings were somewhere amongst the crowd. Not that she cared anyway. They were old enough to take care of themselves, she wasn''t going to be their babysitter. She could be doing better things than being here. ¡°Hi, " Ba said sitting close to her. ¡°Hello." Soraya sorely replied. As if on cue, Nichole walked to her best friend. She had hated Ba''s guts because she was a fake. ¡°Hi, bestie. " She said rolling her eyes at Ba. ¡°Hey bitch, what''s up." She asked ignoring Ba''s presence. She walked off in rage after minutes of being ignored. ¡°Urgh, finally the dumbass is gone." Soraya insulted. ¡°Why did you entertain her?" Nichole queried. ¡°I don''t she always pushes her self on me and tries to pry in my life." She exined. ¡°Oh well, let''s forget about the bitch and enjoy the party. You taking anyone home tonight?" Nichole asked. ¡°Naah, I''d pass." She shocked her friend. ¡°Who are you and what have you done to Soraya Wayne?" Nichole asked shocked as she chuckled. Hailey and Sunny sat by the poolside with their beers in their hands. ¡°Never thought the ce would be packed like this," Hailey told Sunny. ¡°If Soraya Wayne is hosting a party, trust me it would always be like this and more." Sunny added. ¡°Yaaay, way to go Daddy''s bitch." Hailey spat. She hated the way her sister acted high and mighty as if she owned the whole world. ¡°I know she can be bitchy, but have you ever gone to her to hang out, just you and her?" Sunny asked. ¡°Oh yeah I did, and she told me she didn''t have time to hang out with ignorant fools like me. She had better things to do like hanging out with Nichole or stuffing her face with cherry creamed pie." She quoted. ¡°What the hell? That''s mean." Sunny added as Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus sted through the speakers. Sunny git up and started to twerk along with the rhythm of the song as Hailey cheered on. ¡°I hopped off the ne at LAX With a dream and my cardigan Wee to thend of fame excess (Woah) Am I gonna fit in? Jumped in the cab, here I am for the first time Look to my right, and I see the Hollywood sign This is all so crazy Everybody seems so famous My tummy''s turnin'' and I''m feelin'' kinda homesick Too much pressure and I''m nervous That''s when the taxi man turned on the radio And a Jay-Z song was on And a Jay-Z song was on And a Jay-Z song was on So I put my hands up They''re ying my song, the butterflies fly away I''m noddin'' my head like, yeah Movin'' my hips like, yeah I got my hands up, they''re ying my song They know I''m gonna be okay Yeah, it''s a party in the U.S.A. Yeah, it''s a party in the U.S.A. Get to the club in my taxi cab Everybody''s looking at me now Like, "Who''s that chick, that''s rockin'' kicks? She gotta be from out of town" So hard with my girls not around me It''s definitely not a Nashville party ''Cause all I see are stilettos I guess I never got the memo My tummy''s turnin'' and I''m feelin'' kinda homesick Too much pressure and I''m nervous That''s when the DJ dropped my favourite tune And a Britney song was on And a Britney song was on And a Britney song was on So I put my hands up They''re ying my song, the butterflies fly away I''m noddin'' my head like, yeah Movin'' my hips like, yeah I got my hands up, they''re ying my song They know I''m gonna be okay Yeah, it''s a party in the U.S.A. Yeah, it''s a party in the U.S.A. Feel like hopping on a flight (On a flight) Back to my hometown tonight (town tonight) Something stops me every time (Every time) The DJ ys my song and I feel alright So I put my hands up They''re ying my song, the butterflies fly away I''m noddin'' my head like, yeah (Noddin'' my head) Movin'' my hips like, yeah (Ooh yeah) I got my hands up, they''re ying my song They know I''m gonna be okay (Gonna be okay) Yeah, it''s a party in the U.S.A. Yeah, it''s a party in the U.S.A. So I put my hands up They''re ying my song, the butterflies fly away (Flying away) I''m noddin'' my head like, yeah (Noddin'' my head like, yeah) Movin'' my hips like, yeah (Movin'' my hips like, yeah) I got my hands up, they''re ying my song They know I''m gonna be okay (I''m gonna be okay) Yeah, it''s a party in the U.S.A. Yeah (Ha-ha-ha-ha), it''s a party in the U.S.A..¡­" ¡°You''ve got badass dance moves," Hailey added. ¡°You dance better than I do Hails, the next song you''re dancing along to it," Sunny said. As if on cue, Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO started ying. Hailey joined Sunny as they danced to the bear and sang off-key. ¡°Party Rock! Yeah Wooo! Let''s go! Party rock is in the house tonight Everybody just has a good time (yeah) And we gon'' make you lose your mind (woo) Everybody just has a good time (p) Party rock is in the house tonight (oh) Everybody just have a good time (I can feel it, baby) And we gon'' make you lose your mind (yeaH) We just wanna see you Shake that! In the club, party rock Looking for your girl? She on my jock Non-stop when we in the spot Booty moving weight like she on the block Where the drank? I got to know Tight jeans, tattoo, ''cause I''m rock and roll Half-ck, half-white, domino Gainin'' money, Oprah, dough Yo!! I''m running through these hoes like Drano I got that devilish flow rock and roll no halo, we party rock! Yeah, that''s the crew that I''m repping On the rise to the top, no lead in our zeppelin, hey Party rock is in the house tonight (woo) Everybody just has a good time (yeah) And we gon'' make you lose your mind Everybody just has a good time (let''s go) Party rock is in the house tonight Everybody just have a good time (I can feel it, baby) And we gon'' make you lose your mind We just wanna see you Shake that! Every day I''m shufflin'' Shufflin'', shufflin'' Step up fast and be the first girl to make me throw this cash We get money don''t be mad, now stop Hatin'' is bad One more shot for us (another round!) Please fill up my cup (don''t mess around!) We just wanna see (you shake it now!) Now you wanna be (you''re naked now!) Get up get down put your hands up to the sound Get up get down put your hands up to the sound Get up get down put your hands up to the sound ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org. Put your hands up to the sound Put your hands up to the sound Get up, get up, get up, get up Get up, get up, get up, get up Get up, put your hands up to the sound, to the sound Put your hands up, put your hands up, put your hands up, put your hands up Party rock is in the house tonight (woo) Everybody just has a good time (put your hands up) (yeah) And we gon'' make you lose your mind (put your hands up) Everybody just has a good good good time Oh-oh (put your hands up) Oh-oh (I can feel it, babe) Oh-oh (put your hands up) Oh-oh (put your hands up) Shake that Every day I''m shufflin'' Put your put your Put your put your (yeah) Put your put your (ooh) Put your put your Put your hands up Your hands up Put your hands up...." ¡°That was fun, " Sunny added. ¡°Let''s go get some more drinks, I''m thirsty," Hailey said dragging her friend along with her into the house. Chapter 7: 7 Chapter 7: 7 ¡°Congrattions Keith!" Hailey and Sunny cheered him up with some of his friends. He had finally graduated from high school and was heading for college in a few weeks. Buh-bye fake ass bitch Tessy. He said to himself as he took pictures with his ssmates and friends. He was going to New Jersey City University. It was just a few minutes away from home. He started at Sunny who was taking a picture with his sister. He had had a crush on her since forever and had been a coward about it. He did the craziest thing that came into mind at the moment. He walked up to them and pulled Sunny closer to him as he kissed. He thought she was going to pull away and p him but instead, she pulled him closer and deepened the kiss to everyone''s outermost surprise. Hailey stood smirking. She knew they both liked each other, but they were both cowards to admit to themselves. Sunny''s face blushed as she broke off the kiss. ¡° Would you want to be my girlfriend?" He asked her as she nodded affirmatively. He carried her and span around with her in happiness. ¡°It was fun while itsted," Tessy murmured to herself as she walked off. ¡°Hi, Freya." Zed greeted happily sitting down before her. ¡°Someone is in a good mood today," Freya added raising her eyebrows at him. ¡°Yeah, let''s say I''m making progress with Soraya." He said. ¡°By warming her bed?" She took a lucky guess. ¡°And that also." He winked at her as she smiled fakely at him. ¡°Good luck then." She smirked. ¡°Thank you, love, but you my friend need a man in your life." He said. ¡°Well, that ain''t happening anytime soon because the man I love is in love with another." She said to him. ¡°Do I know him?" He asked. ¡°N-no, you don''t." She awkwardly stuttered as her phone rang. ¡°What do you mean the colours mixed up? I sought them out for you Mildred, what happened?" She asked frustrated. ¡°And I presented them to the production team the same way you gave them to me, but they came back all mixed up." She exined. ¡°I can see you outside my office, Mildred,e on in and give me a better exnation," Freya said dropping the phone as Mildred came in with the samples of the winter collection that had gone wrong. ¡°What, what the hell is this? Who supervised this as well?" She fumed. ¡°Cole did." She said referring to the leader of the production team. Zend received a phone call from his boss and signalled her he was leaving as she nodded in response. ¡°Get me, Cole!" She said as she sat on the chair. ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org. ¡°People love, people leave, people let down People show up, roll up, people grow up People move out, people disappear People don''t change, people rearrange People miss the game, people lose People try, people, lie, can''t look you in the eye People suck, people, fuck, people, leave their shit behind People throw up on the carpet, people trip up on the stairs Peopleugh, people dare, people scare, people tell you what to wear People jump, people sink, people float, people think People fail, people hate what they don''t know People think they''re worth nothing, people think they''re worth the top People drop, people, love what they know, people think but don''t stop..." Cole hummed to the music that was ying on the television. ¡°Cole, Freya needs your ass in her office asap," Mildred said as he turned off the television set and walked off to her office. ¡°Boss, you sent for me." He said walking entering the office. ¡°What did you do to my winter collection?" She asked showing him the mess Mildred brought into her office. ¡°That''s not the collection, that''s something I was messing around with. The collection is in my office." Cole said. ¡°So howe Mildred brought these to me?" She sighed. ¡°I''ll bet she was distracted." He chuckled as he walked out to get her designs and took the one she was holding. ¡°Ma''am, Cecelia Vega and her team are here for the show, so I let them in?" Ca asked. ¡°Sure, Ca and please take the sample of my collection from Cole." She said as they walked in and Ca headed off to do what she was told. ¡°Hey, Ms Freya, ready for the show?" She asked as the team set up their equipment. ¡°More than ready Cecelia." She said as the makeup team made her up. ¡°5..4..3..2..1." ¡°Goodmorning America, it''s your host Cecelia Vega and as we promised, our guest on the show today is Freya Grey. If you can notice, I''m not in my studio but I''m in the studio in Freya''spany." She said as a few people cheered up. They hade with a special audience since the normal crowd wouldn''t fit in Freya''s studio. ¡°So Freya, what''s new for his season?" Vega asked. ¡°Well, I just started my newest winter collection 2020." She said. ¡° Wow, that''s great. We can''t wait to see it and try it as well." Vega added. ¡°Now, howe a hot, sessful, powerful fashion icon is still single?"Vega asked. ¡°Hmm, funny enough, the men, I don''t know how to put this but I think they are intimidated by my sess and can not ask me out. For now, I would actually love to stay single until I change my mind." She told. ¡°Aww, dear young sessful men why?" She dramatically added. ¡°Any crushes?" She asked. ¡°Yeah, but he''s in love with another woman." She painfully smiled. ¡°Wow, that''s the worst kinda crush," Vega said. ¡°Tell me about it." She rolled her eyes making the audienceugh. ¡°Maybe there''s someone out there for you dear," Vega stated. ¡°I dunno..." She trailed off. ¡°Just give yourself a chance, if you don''t feel the same way towards them, just move on." She shrugged. ¡°Thanks, Vega, I would consider it." Freya smiled. ¡°Well, then it''s a wrap and this is Good morning America." She said as the show ended. ¡°That was a good show, thanks to Freya, even though it was on short notice it was fun to be here," Vega said. ¡°My pleasure," Freya said as Vega and her team walked out of thepany. Ca entered the office with the samples of the collection she was talking about. ¡°Good show boss." She congratted. ¡°Thanks, dear." She smiled at her friend. Chapter 9: 9 Chapter 9: 9 ¡°I see you got yourself some sexy hunk there, what''s his name?" Sunny asked her friend as she sat at the table with Ryan. ¡°I''m Ryan, and you are?" He asked Sunny. ¡°I''m Sunny." She smiled at him. ¡°It''s nice to meet you Sunny." He added. ¡°My pleasure." She answered. ¡°So it''s just you two?" He motioned between them. ¡°Yeah, we used to hang out at the popr table with my brother, but not anymore," Hailey said. ¡°Why?" He further asked. ¡°Erm, because we never liked them and he forced us to sit there with him to keep himpany, and now he''s gone to college, we don''t sit there more." She exined. ¡°I see but I''m more of a popr kinda guy, you know, I''ll bet in a few days I would be sitting with them." Heughed eating his pudding. ¡°No doubt you are, you''re beginning to sound like them anyways." Sunny dryly chuckled. ¡°She''s right, you know." Hailey agreed. ¡°Whateves." He said as Hailey looked at her friend shaking her head. He''s such a douche. Hailey eyemunicated with her as Sunny agreed. ¡°Um, Mr I- belong-with-the-popr-crowd, we are off to the next ss see you around," Hailey said as she and Sunny left him at the table. ¡°Hi, Jackie," Jess said as her sister picked the call. ¡°Hey Sis, what''s up?" Shs responded. ¡°Nothing, just missing you, how''s school?" She asked her. ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org. ¡°I miss you too Sissy. How''s Ma and Zed?" She further inquired? ¡°Ma is fine, her ankle has healed and Zed, it''s been a while I heard from him." She told. ¡°Well, I''ve got news for yah." She said excitedly. ¡°Spill then," Jess said plugging her earphones in her phone as she kept the phone in her pocket while fixing a clients hair. ¡°I''m working with one of the biggest recordbels on New York City," Jackie announced. ¡°That''s the best news I''ve heard all week." She happily added. ¡°Aww, thank you, love, I would be home in a week to see you and mom, so we celebrate." She told. ¡°I can''t wait." She added. ¡°Um, I guess you could leave now," Freya told the guy in her bed. ¡°I was getting quitefortable, how about another round of fun." The guy suggested. ¡°I''m sorry but, I have some sleep to catch on, so if you don''t mind you can leave." She fake smiled. ¡°Whatever bitch." The guy rudely added slipping his pants on. ¡°The pleasure is mine, honey, see you never." She called after him as she followed closely to make sure he didn''t steal anything. Just as he shut the door, she locked it and headed to the kitchen to make herself an iced tea. She had tried going on multiple dates as Ca advised but it wasn''t working out. Her heart belonged to only Zed and no one else. Fuck love! She cried within. She heard a knock at her door as she walked to open it to see who that was. ¡°Bad time?" Theeya, her best bud and Ca stood at the door with small tote bags. ¡°Nope,e in." She told. Theeya was her close friend from high school to university but she moved to New York City and it had been a while she has heard from her. ¡°Thanks, love." She pinched Freya''s cheek as they entered with their stuff. She only thought they had tote bags, but then she saw Theeya with a suitcase. This is gonna be a long stay. Freya told herself. ¡°Jackie, could you sing Alicia Keys song, Powerful ft Jamal Lyon but you would find her part and Frank would take Jamal''s." Her manager said. ¡°Sure, sure." She said as she entered the studio, Frank had worn his headphones and was ready for her to do the same. As soon as she did, the session began as they started to sing along to the beat. ¡°People have been talking about it We won''t just stand here in silence Can''t stop the fire from rising Rising Ooh Ooh People don''t you be afraid So many innocents in This is an era for change Change And Malcolm''s probably turning in his grave Every shade was beautifully made And Powerful There''s so much strength in you and me Powerful A breath away from victory I matter You matter We matter, all I matter You matter We matter, all Powerful Powerful I see a colourful future Where skin don''t define any human And stars are the only thing shooting Shooting, wow oh Mothers that bury their child How can we sit there and hide Changees when all take a stand now Stand up Stand up Martin''s speech still echoes in my brain Every shade was beautifully made And Powerful There''s so much strength in you and me Powerful A breath away from victory I matter You matter We matter, all I matter You matter We matter, all Powerful Powerful Oh Oh, Oh Oh, Oh. Oh Oh Oh, Oh Oh, Oh. Oh Oh Oh, Oh Oh, Oh. Oh Powerful There''s so much strength in you and me Powerful A breath away from victory I matter You matter We matter, all I matter You matter We matter, all Powerful Powerful." They both sang. ¡°That was fantastic, it sounded better than the original song." Her manager happily added. ¡°Thanks, Drew, that means a lot, and Frank thanks for singing with me." She said to him as he was leaving the studio. ¡°The pleasure is mine Jackie, it''s fun singing with you." He smiled. ¡°It''s fine singing with you too love." She winked at him as she walked past him. ¡°So you''re going to wallow in sorrow because of one man? Are you serious?" Theeya asked. ¡°Yeah, she is, she''s whipped and he is also whipped around his boss''s finger. I mean he loves his boss too much, he can''t see she''s using him." Ca added. ¡°Alright, enough of the Zed talk, what''s up with you Theeya?" ¡°Um, nothing much, just about getting hitched and I need you hitches, you be apart of my bridal train, Freya, you''re the maid of honour for sure." She seemed. ¡°You''re getting married?" Both Ca and Freya asked. ¡°Yeah, I am, bitches change." She smirked as her friends looked at her shocked. Chapter 11: 11 Chapter 11: 11 ¡°It has been a while Ist heard from Zed. Is he alright?" Freya asked Ca. ¡°Oh, you haven''t heard?" Her friend asked her. She was designing a wedding dress for Theeya, so she was caught up in that and her winter collection since it was almost due to be out to the public. ¡°Heard about what?" She asked as Ca showed her the video of Soraya shouting and talking ill about him. ¡°That bitch!" She snarled and clenched her fist in anger. ¡°Zed was at fault as well," Ca suggested. ¡°No, he wasn''t, he was a victim of love, he thought having sex with her would make her fall for him, but it didn''t." Freya sat in her seat. ¡°But, but---" Freya cut her off ¡°Ca please!" She shut her up. ¡°Do you know where he is right now?" She asked. ¡°No, you could call and ask you know," Ca smirked walking out. Zed parked the car in the garage after a hard day of work and then headed into his apartment. He was tired from driving people around but at least it was worth it. He earned handsome pay, even though it wasn''t more than what Soraya paid him. He unlocked the door to his apartment and stepped inside. ¡°Freya?" He said through his phone. ¡°Zed, where are you? It''s been ages since I heard from you." She asked. ¡°I am in my apartment, Freya, just caught up with work since I no longer work for Soraya." He told her. ¡°I just heard that, so sorry to hear that Zed, I am." She apologised. ¡°Its fine Freya, I''m over it." He sat at the kitchen counter as he waited for his leftover pizza in the microwave to warm. ¡°So what did you do now?" She inquired. ¡°Um, for now, I am an Uber driver, I need to save up to open the coffee shop I was talking about, I got the shop, it''s left with the equipment." He shrugged. ¡°Why didn''t you tell me, I could help." She sat straight. ¡°I didn''t want to worry you that much, love, you have a business to run as well." He added taking out the pizza and pouring himself a ss of coke. ¡°Not taking that Zed, I would send you some money tomorrow to get some of the things and after work, I would want to see you so we talk about investment." She smiled. ¡°Thanks, Freya, I don''t know what I would have done without you." He said as her heart melted. ¡°You are wee dear, anyways sleep tight and don''t let the bed bugs bite." She said to him as she hangs up. She stood on her bed happily dancing. There might be hope for me after all. She said to herself. ¡°Hi," Jesse said leaning by the door as Nichole prepared dinner. Nikki had gone out on a date with one of her colleges and wasn''ting home for the night, so it was left with Nichole and Jesse. ¡°Jeez, you scared me, Jesse." Nichole put her hand on her chest. ¡°I''m sorry love." He said as he held her waist from behind. ¡°What''s cooking?" He whispered in her ears making her shiver. ¡°Um, er, vegetable stir fry." She bit her lips. Jesse trailed kisses along her neck, making her lose control of the food she was cooking. She let out soft moans while he did so. ¡°I''d be watching tv, call me when you are done." He winked at her as he left the kitchen. That was intense! She thought to herself as she continued with her meal. ¡°You told me I would never see you walk away Said you''d never break my heart Never leave me in the dark I guess there are just some promises you shouldn''t make Should''ve known from the start Now I''m in the dark Show a little loving Shine a little light on me Show a little loving Shine a little light on me Show a little loving Shine a little light on me Show a little loving I''m in the dark I can''t see Can''t see it Can''t see it Feeling my way back to you I can''t feel Can''t feel it Can''t feel it Reach out and show a little loving Shine a little light on me Show a little loving Shine a little light on me I''m in the dark Show a little loving Shine a little on me Show a little loving Show a little loving You told me I would never see you go astray Said we''d never be apart Never leave me in the dark I guess there are just some promises you shouldn''t make Should''ve known from the start I''m in the dark I can''t see Can''t see it Can''t see it Just feeling my way back to you I can''t feel Can''t feel it Can''t feel it Reach out and show a little loving Shine a little light on me Show a little loving Shine a little light on me I''m in the dark Show a little lovin'' Shine a little light on me Show a little loving..." ¡°How many times are you going to watch ''To all the boys I''ve ever loved?" Sunny asked walking through the door. ¡°Until I find me a man, you''ve got Keith and I''ve got nobody, except Peter Kavinsky, he''s soo dreamy." Hailey cooed. ¡°Sitting home all day long won''t get you a man," Sunny said sitting beside her best friend. ¡°Urgh." Hailey rolled her eyes. ¡°Lazy ass." Sunny muttered. ¡°Hey, I heard that. Anyways when is lover boying home?" Hailey asked. ¡°He''s your brother, you should know." She shrugged. ¡°Well, I don''t, so when is he?" She asked eating a gummy bear. ¡°Next week and he said his best friend ising along as well, probably you could get to know him." Sunny suggested. Even though Keith''s college wasn''t far from home, he decided to rent an apartment instead of going to ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org. school from home. His parents and older sister didn''t care anyway, so far as he was schooling, they were okay with it. ¡°It doesn''t seem like a bad idea after all. I thought ''Mr-I-belong- with-the-popr'' and I were meant to be, but he turned out to be the biggest jerk ever." Hailey told as they burst intoughter. Chapter 12: 12 Chapter 12: 12 ¡°Hails!'' Keith called as he entered the house. ¡°In the kitchen!" She answered. Her parents came back for a few seconds and they were off to another business trip. It wasn''t the first time, but all she wanted was for them to doesn''t quality time with them as a normal family did. I guess that ain''t happening soon. She thought to herself as Keith entered the kitchen with a handsome young man. He was 6''3ft tall, he had a broad chest and shoulders. He was a brte and gid hair was messy as if it wasn''t long ago he had a shower. He was built, but not too built like the gym addicts who were too muscr for her liking. And when he smiled she felt her insides tickle. ¡°Hailey!" Keith called out startling her. ¡°What?" She asked as she checked to see if her mac and cheese was burning but Sunny had got it. ¡°Stop drooling over Lex!!" He raised his voice. ¡°What if I don''t want to?" She found herself asking. ¡°Whatever." He puffed and walked towards his girlfriend. ¡°Hey," Lex spoke for the first time since he stepped in. ¡°Hello, so you''re Keith''s roommate?" She asked handing him a ss of juice. ¡°Yes, and best friend." He told. ¡°Keith, I thought I was your bestie?" She dramatically said. ¡°Oh,e on, you''d live a guy needs a male best friend," Keith answered as theyughed it out. ¡°Hi," Freya said as she entered Zed''s coffee shop. She had helped him get some stuff for the shop and he got the rest from the savings he had. Freya had introduced him to some investors and they were happy to invest in his little business that had been his dream for a while now. He was still a part-time Uber driver, he drove on asions when the shop wasn''t too busy. "Hey." Zed hugged her. ¡°How''s work?" She asked as he served her hot chocte with mushrooms floating at the top and a te of chocte muffins. ¡°It''s going well, I''ve been able to hire three people to help me around this ce." He smiled sitting before her. ¡°That''s great to hear, I''m happy for you." Freya gushed. ¡°Thank you, you made it possible." He grinned. ¡°How is the collectioning up?" He queried. ¡°It''sing up very well, it would be released on Christmas, that''s two days from now and by then my friend would be done with her wedding." She sipped her hot choco, moaning at its deliciousness. ¡°That''s great, I''m happy for you." He grinned as Freya''s heart skipped a beat-making her choke on her muffin. ¡°Are you okay?'' Zed asked pping her back as the piece of muffin fell to the floor. ¡°Water." She said in between coughs as Zed rushed to get her a ss. Way to go, Freya, you almost died on your crush. She thought to herself as Zed gave her a ss of water. ¡°Ace I''ve been waiting for almost an hour, what''s the hold-up?" Soraya angrily said through the phone. ¡°Take a chill pill, it''d not my fault I''ve been stuck in traffic you know?" He added nonchntly. "You what, urgh just be fast." She dropped the call sighing. ¡°Im trying not to regret letting Zed go, I am." He said to her self as she paced up and down checking the time every second. I am having fun messing with Soraya, by the time I am done with her, she would have learnt a nice lesson. Ace said to himself as he initiated a curve and parked in front of her house. There was no traffic anywhere, he just wanted to get under her skin and he seeded in doing so. ¡°Finally!" Soraya fumed as she entered the car. He snickered to himself as he drove off to the office. Ace 1 Soraya 0 He thought as he happily drove on with an angry Soraya Wayne behind him. ¡°So, you would be going to college next year?" Lex asked Hailey. He was hanging out with her on the swings at the back of their house. Sunny and Keith were nowhere in sight and she knew they had set them up. She knew Sonny was behind this. ¡°Yeah, how I wish I was done already, High School is hell!" She burst out. ¡°Come in, you''d leave, but you''re right high school is hell." He agreed as they burst intoughter. ¡°So how does it feel like being the sister to Soraya Wayne?" He brought up. ¡°It feels horrible, she''s such a terrible person and my parents like and pampers her, they rarely care about us. At least they care a little about Keith, but for me, it''s like I am non-existent in this house." She poured out. ¡°That''s terrible, it''s not fair how they treat you, you must all be treated the same." He consoled her. ¡°Thanks, I don''t know what I would have done without Sunny and Keith, they are the only best friend''s I have." Hailey smiled. ¡°Now you have me," Lex added. ¡°You seem like a wonderful person and I want to be your friend, maybe even more." He took her hands. Hailey blushed as he touched her hands. She felt at home and at peace. N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. Maybe he''s not a terrible person after all. It''s time to let another person in. I hope it doesn''t end in tears. She thought to herself as she finally said, ¡°I''d love that." ¡°Thank you, and you would never regret this." He assured. ¡°Guys, its time for dessert and games," Sunny called from inside as they headed in. ¡°Freya, Theeya''s here for her wedding dress," Ca said to her through the phone. ¡°It''s in my office on the table, get it for her, I would be thereter." She said to her. ¡°Okay, I will, where are you by the way?" Ca suspiciously asked. ¡°At Zed''s coffee shop." She admitted. ¡°I thought as much, see you soon lover girl." Ca teased as she dropped the call. ¡°Ca?" Zed asked. ¡°Yeah." She replied. ¡°It seems your shop is filling up, go attend to your customers," Freya told. ¡°Don''t worry my staff would take care of them, it''s been a while Ist spoke to you face-to-face and I kinda miss you." He admitted. ¡°Aww, I miss you to Zed, it hurts to see you sad, cheer up Soraya lost a great person, by the time she realises, it would be toote," Freya advised. ¡°I did love her, but I guess we weren''t meant to be." He sighed. ¡°Hey love, you would be fine without her, move on and allow yourself to love again. It would do you good. She added. ¡°Thank you, Freya, how I wish--" ¡°Sir we need your help." Cody one of his workers called. ¡°It''s my cue to leave then, see youter." Freya hugged him and then walked out of the shop. What did he wish? What did he want to say? Why couldn''t heplete his sentence?" Freya asked as she drove off. ¡°Nichole?" Soraya called as she entered her house. ¡°Um, how can I help you?" Nikki asked. ¡°I''m after Nichole and who the hell are you?" She rudely asked. ¡°She''s my friend and you got the nerves showing up here after you humiliated me just because I was telling you the right thing." Nichole folded her hands. ¡°Oh,e on Nichole, you know it was all a joke." Sheughed dryly in an attempt to apologise to her. ¡° No, it was no home at all Soraya, you humiliated me." She folded her arms looking at her friend. Jesse walked into the room shirtless. ¡°Oh, sorry I didn''t know you hadpany." He smirked. ¡°My, oh my who isthis hot piece of handsomeness." She pushed her out of the way walking towards Jesse. ¡°Hey, handsome." She flirted trying to run her fingers on his chest. He told hold of her hands and threw them down. ¡°Keep those fangs to yourself." He angrily added. ¡°Oh, live a little." She tried again. ¡°Get your filthy hands off me, you whore." He said pushing her out of his way and walked off, making Nichole burst intoughter. ¡°How dare you!" She screeched trying to p her as she grabbed a hold of her slender hands. ¡°You dare not, get out of my house!" Nichole added pushing her out. Chapter 13: 13 Chapter 13: 13 Zed''s coffee shop was filled with people, ranging from shop attendants to CEO''s of prestigious their system to start the day. With Christmas around the corner, everybody was buzzing with excitement. ¡°Can I get ck coffee, milk and one sugar?" Ace said without looking up from his phone. ¡°It''s nice to see you again Ace." Zed drew his attention to him. ¡°You must be kidding, from a driver to a cashier, I guess the heavens hate you Zed." He teased. ¡°I own this ce Ace, and I don''t have to work under a proud bitch no more." He spat. ¡°Y-you what?" He couldn''t believe his ears. ¡°He''s your coffee and you''re holding up the line." He smirked as Ace shamefully walked out. Good riddance to bad rubbish, humph. Zed added as he continued with his work. ¡°Took you long enough," Soraya said as Ace entered the office. ¡°Well, you won''t believe who owns the newest coffee shop in town." He told. ¡°I don''t care, my coffee please." She said not lifting her eyes from herptop. ¡°Well, it''s Zed and here''s your coffee." He set it on the table and turned to leave. ¡°As I said, I don''t care." She rolled her eyes at him. So he went from my driver to a merger coffee shop owner. Sheughed at the information she had received. ¡°Hey Sis, how''s work and mom?" Zed said returning his sister''s call which he had missed early on. ¡°She''s fine and what about you?" Jess asked. ¡°I am fine, but I want to talk to you about something." She hesitated. ¡°Okay, spill it." He said. ¡° Well, I um, I wanted toe to Jersey City toe to study a professional course in hairdressing, you know I learnt this from Ms L, but I want to have a degree or maybe a diploma in hair making." She poured out her guts. Jess had been there for him, their mom and Jackie. She hardly had time to do what she wanted. And if this is what she wanted to do, he was going to support her. ¡°Don''t worry about the money, I have already saved up enough for tuition and all." She told. She had applied for the course a few months ago and she had gotten in. ¡°So all you need is a ce to stay?" He asked. ¡°Exactly." She grinned. ¡°Don''t worry you cane to stay with me till you get a ce of your own. Does Ma know?'' He asked. ¡° Yes, she does, it hurts me to leave her all alone at home, even though Amelia hase over to live with her." She told him. Amelia was their younger cousin who was schooling at Jamesburg borough school. She was in middle school and used to stay with her uncle who abused her, so Jess made here to stay over. Her mother loved the young girl and Amelia loved her grandmother as well. Amelia was Trudy''s youngest sister''s daughter. ¡°Then that''s great, when do you intend on leaving Jamesburg borough and does Jackie know?" He kept asking questions. Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. ¡° She does, and then I would leave the next two days." She told him. ¡°Okay, fine by me, I would send you the address to my house and would leave the keys under the doormat in case you get home before me." He said to her. ¡°Thanks, Zed, see you soon." She dropped the call. I''m happy for her. He thought to himself as he locked the shop and walked to his motorcycle. He put on a helmet, jumped and sat on the bike then sped off into the night. ¡°Nichole, wasn''t that Soraya Wayne, the over-pampered bitch from high school?" Nikki asked joining her friend in the kitchen. ¡°Yes, she''s the one," Nichole answered. ¡° I know what you''re thinking, but I know what I am doing Nikki, just take a chill pill." She smiled at her. ¡°You better do, cause I don''t want you hanging out with her and behaving like her as well," Jesse said as he entered the kitchen. ¡°Yes, Sir can you both---" She was cut off by the doorbell. ¡°I''d get that." She said walking to the door wondering who that could be. ¡°Nicolette?" She said surprised to see her twin at the door. ¡°Come on in." She said as they walked into the kitchen. ¡°Jesse, Nikki?" Nicolette happily called. She dropped her bags and moved to hug them both. They all used to hang out. "When did you guyse?" She asked. ¡° A couple of weeks back," Jesse answered. ¡°Okay, someone didn''t tell me." She red at her sister. ¡°Wait, do you know she hangs out with Soraya?" She asked. ¡°I knew, but I warned her against the bitch, why what happened?" She day on the counter ready to listen. ¡°The bitch came here, acting high and mighty as if she owned this ce, she even tried to glory with Jesse, you could have seen his face." Nikki chuckled making Nicholeugh. ¡°But seriously sis, that''s why I came here, I saw the video where she humiliated you. That''s thest straw, you need to stop hanging with her, she''s bad news." Nicolette stressed. ¡°What video?" Jesse asked as Nikki showed it to him. ¡°Is this who you call a friend?" He fumed. ¡°Seriously, you need to ditch her, cut all ties. We don''t care about the back story, this is enough to part ways." He stressed. ¡°Okay, okay, okay!" She eximed. ¡°I would ditch her okay, but at my convenience." She said to them as they shook their heads at her. They had said enough and if she wasn''t willing to listen it was her loss. ¡°It''s your call." Jesse angrily walked out as Nicolette and Nikki set the table. I would ditch her, but not after my payback. She deserves it. She thought to herself. ¡°Hey, I just called to see if you were home," Zed said through the phone. ¡°Nope, still at the office, my collectiones out tomorrow. I need to make sure everything is perfect." Freya said. ¡°You workaholic, you need to rest Freya, tomorrow''s the bigunch, So please get rest, just for me please. Or else I woulde to the office and drag you home." He said to her. ¡°Okay, I will get rest, I promise. I have a room in my office I could sleep there." She smiled. ¡°Okay, sound sleep and goodnight then and congrattions on your winter collection." He said as he dropped the call. Chapter 14: 14 Chapter 14: 14 Jess unlocked the door to her brother''s apartment as she entered with her luggage. She looked around the house and it was tidy and beautiful. Zed had given her directions to her room already so she dragged her bags to the room he had shown her. It was well kept and lookedfortable. The walls were turquoise with white designs of beautiful flowers. She closed the door behind her and started to unpack her bags. This was going to be a new chapter in her life. She didn''t close her salon down, she had someone else managing it until she was done with her studies. Freya was buzzing with excitement as her workers moved up and down making sure everything was ready for herunch. She always had the same giddy feeling each time she wasunching a new collection. ¡°Everything set?" She asked Ca who had just entered the office. ¡°Yes, boss." She replied curtly. ¡°If there is nothing else to do, have everyone go home to rest and prepare for theunch tonight." She instructed. ¡°Okay, and don''t stress yourself too much have enough rest everything would be fine, you got this." Ca convinced walking out of the office. Soraya sat at the bar alone sipping on champagne. She had missed Nichole''spany and yet there was no way she was admitting that to her, her ego won''t let her stoop so low to do that. I could get a new best friend with just a snap of my fingers. She said as if on cur Be entered the bar with her girls. She spotted Soraya and walked to her table. ¡°I can see your bodyguard isn''t here with you." She teased. ¡°I fired her, the position is vacant if you''re willing to have it." She concentrated on her drink. ¡°Wait, are you serious or you''re pulling my legs?" She interestingly asked. ¡°Does it look like I''m joking or ying around?" She rudely asked. ¡°It''s just, that--" ¡°Are you in or out?" She asked more sternly. ¡°Of course I am in, who would pass the offer of bing Soraya''s best friend." She said to her other friends. ¡°What about us?'' Shelly, one of Be''s girls asked. ¡°You''re free to tag along." She said as they sat at her table talking about random stuff, looking for the next man to take home. Actually, these brats aren''t badpany at all. Soraya thought. If only she knew that they had a motive of their own. ¡°Jess?" Zed called as he got home. He closed from his shop early so he could make it for Freya''s ¡°Hey bro." She came out of the kitchen wearing a apron. ¡°Have you been here for long?" He asked. ¡°Yeah, I came in the morning." She answered serving him dinner. ¡°I hope Ma and Amelia are fine?" He inquired. ¡°They good." She said as she served him his dinner. After dinner, he headed to his room to have a shower and get ready for Freya''sunch. ¡°Headed somewhere?" Jess asked watching tv. ¡°Yes, to a friend''sunch." He smiled. He looked handsome in his attire tonight. ¡°Have fun and I hope to meet with this friend someday." Jess teased. N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. ¡°Don''t worry, you will. By the way, when do you start ss?" He changed the topic. ¡° Tomorrow." She smiled at him. ¡°Okay then, get more rest before your ss and lock the door behind me. I have a spare key." He said picking it from the counter. ¡°Yes, boss." She said as he walked out of the house and sat on his bike driving off to the event. Theunch had started with guests dropping in. Freya looked ravishing in her outfit with Ca by her side. The rest of her employees were seated mingling with other guests waiting for the models to walk the runway and disy the collection. Zed walked in and sat at the back watching the whole show. He came in when the models started to walk the runway. Her collections were stunning, she was a true fashion designer by heart and he was proud of his friend. The judges were top fashion designers in the fashion world. They were proud of her works and her designs. All too soon, the showcase hade to an end and Freya was awarded for a good job done. She stood on the stage looking ravishing as the press took pictures of her and asked her a whole lot of questions concerning her work. ¡°So, as a sessful woman in the fashion world, howe you have no man to share that with?" One of the media personnel asked her. ¡°I remember saying on Vega''s show that the man I love has feelings for someone else, but now it seems he''s losing interest in him, so I am just waiting for him to be emotionally stable then tell him how I''ve felt for him all this while, for now, I''m just happy to be his friend and confidant." She answered looking at a confused Zed. ¡°That would be all for now." The personal said as she came down from the stage mingling with her work colleagues and other top fashion designers. Zed sat at the table sipping his drink waiting for her to be free before walking over to talk to her. She looked beautiful that night. Herugher and smiles were captivating. He tried to shake the thought off his mind but still, he felt attracted to her. No, this cannot happen, Freya is just a friend besides I''m not over Soraya, I still love her. He pondered. He was lost in his thoughts and didn''t realise that Freya had approached him. ¡°Hey, are you okay?" She asked putting her hand on his shoulder. ¡°I''m fine, and congrattions." He took her hand and kissed it making her blush. ¡°Thank you." She shyly smiled. ¡°You wee sweetheart, you really look good tonight." Heplimented her, raking her body with his eyes. Get a while of yourself Zed. His mind told. ¡°Thank you, have you had anything to eat yet?" She asked sitting beside him. ¡°No, I was waiting for you." He smiled. ¡°Okay then, waiter!" Freya gged one of the male waiters to ce an order for both of them. ¡°Is Jess in?" She questioned. ¡°Yes, she came in this morning, her ss starts tomorrow morning." He told. ¡°Okay, that''s nice. I''m d she decided toe to enhance her skills, it''s time she did." She advised. ¡°Yes, Ma''am." Zed teased her as the waiter ced the food before both of them. ¡°Bon appetite!" He said before leaving their table. Chapter 15: 15 Chapter 15: 15 Soraya strutted into Zed''s coffee shop amazed at how well he had done for himself. ¡°Ma''am, what can I get you?" The waitress asked. ¡°Um, can I see your boss?" She asked taking off her sunsses. ¡°Sure." She said as she entered his office to call him. Zed stopped in his tracks when he saw Soraya. She looked prettier than when hest saw her. ¡°I see you''ve done good for yourself." She chuckled. ¡°Yeah, I have and it''s doing really well, I am about to open another one soon." He rolled his eyeballs at her. ¡°By the way, what do you want here?" He fumed recalling what she had done to him. ¡°I er, just came around." She tried apologizing. ¡°What a pathetic excuse for an apology, since you just came around, I have work to do so you can see yourself out of the office if you don''t mind." He said to her as she walked towards him and sat on hisp cing her finger on his lips. She leaned in and nted a kiss on his lips, as much as he wanted to push her away, he had missed her touch and her body. He carried her to the room that was connected to his office. It wasn''t give but it looked nice and well-kept. ¡°I missed you." He said to her. ¡°Thene to mama." She gestured as he locked the door and moved closer to her like a predator ready to pounce on prey. And that is how you lure a man. Sorayaughed in her mind. She only came to him because she missed sex with him and nothing else. Seeing how weak and easy he was, this was going to be a regr routine. What have I done to myself? Zed asked himself. Maybe she''se to realise her love for me. He thought aloud. ¡°Who hase to realise her love for you?" Freya walked in. She was all in smiles thinking it was her. ¡°Soraya." He said lifting his head up to meet Freya''s eyes. ¡°H-how?" She asked trying to hide her hurt. ¡°She was here and we made love, I told you she woulde back once she realises her feelings for me." He grinned. ¡°After all she did to you, you still epted her?" Freya burst out. ¡°Woah, take a chill pill, Freya, you''re supposed to be happy for me." He said. ¡°Happy? Happy you say? I watched you go through pain after she kicked you out, I was there for you all through, I tried not to let my feelings for your show because I wanted you to heal before I told you how I felt all this while. And no, I didn''t help you because I wanted you myself. I did so because you are my friend and a good man. But, I wish you luck in your reconciliation with Soraya. Don''t hesitate to call me up if you need anything at all. I am just one call away." She smiled through her tears as she picked her bag and stormed out. ¡°Freya, wait!" He called after her following her out. But it was toote, she had left. ¡°S-she loved me?" He asked himself as he entered his office. Why hadn''t she said anything about it? It wouldn''t have changed anything. He pondered to himself. ¡°Hello," Jess said sitting beside Freya at the park. N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. ¡°Hi." She wiped her tears away. ¡°Sorry to pry, but I was wondering why--" ¡°A pretty, sessful woman was seated alone in the park crying?" She chuckled. ¡°Well, yeah." She scratched her head. ¡°You see, I''ve loved this guy for a while now, but he was in love with his boss, so I did not tell him. Along the line, his boss sent him away because she was tired of his D and his constant hitting on her. As a good friend, I helped him open his own coffee shop and he''s doing pretty well, just today, his boss came back and they had sex, so he thinks she loves him. I just told him how I felt...and here I am bawling my eyes out." She finished. ¡°I am truly sorry, men are scum but I hope he realises he''s being used and it won''t be toote then." She wiped her tears off her face. ¡°Thanks, I am Freya, and you?" She asked Jess. ¡°I am Jess." She smiled at her. Zed''s sister Jess? Or maybe it''s another Jess, there are plenty of them anyways. She thought to herself. ¡°It''s nice to meet you, Jess." She side-hugged her. ¡°It''s nice to meet you too, it''s not always you meet a nice top fashion designer." She teased making themugh. ¡°I like you Jess, and thanks for today. There is 0.1% of nice people in the world and you''re one of them. Here''s my card, we can hang out when you''re less busy." She handed her aplimentary card. ¡°Thanks, Freya, I will give you a call. And hey, no more crying." Jess told as she got up. ¡°I promise, no more crying." Sheughed. ¡°See you around Jess." Freya waved her new friend. Such a nice girl. Freya said to herself as she walked to her car. But don''t you remember? Don''t you remember? The reason you loved me before Baby, please remember me once more Gave you space so you could breathe I kept my distance so you would be free And hope that you''d find the missing piece To bring you back to me Why don''t you remember? Don''t you remember? The reason you loved me before Baby, please remember me once more When will I see you again?" Freya sang as she drove to her house. She was supposed to go back to the office but decided against it. She was stressed and needed to wind off. She needed a nice warm bath and arge tub of icecream to nurse her broken heart. When would I be loved? When would someone cherish me? She thought aloud as she parked in front of her house. Chapter 16: 16 Chapter 16: 16 ¡°Is he the guy you were talking about?" Jess asked Freya who dragged her out of Zed''s shop. ¡°Yes, he''s the one." She sighed. ¡°That means he''s in love with Soraya, that terrible woman?" She asked shocked. ¡°All correct Ma''am." Freya chuckled. ¡°That son of a bitch! How can he fall for such a vile woman?" She angrily burst out ¡°Rx Jess, take a chill pill. Maybe he would soon realise he''s being used. Let''s just wait." Freya smiled at her friend. ¡°Okay, if you say so." She hugged her. ¡°Wanna go somewhere else?" Freya asked. ¡°Of course, let''s go." She answered as they at in Freya''s car and she drove off. ¡°Heyya," Nichole said sitting on Jesse''sps as he yed a video game. ¡°What''s up?" Jesse asked focused on his game. ¡°I am bored, Nikki is gone to her boyfriend''s house, Nicolette is gone out with her friends. I don''t have nowhere to go or nothing to do." She pouted whining. ¡°And I am ying a game," Jesse rudely stated. ¡°Okay, have fun." She said getting off hisps as Jesse grabbed her arm. ¡°Come on I was just joking." He said to her. ¡°Please let go of my arm." She added. ¡°Nichole, I was just joking with you, I''m sorry." Jesse apologized. ¡°Jesse...let go of me." She pulled her arm from his and stormed off to her room locking the door behind her. I didn''t mean to upset her... Jesse thought as he said on the couch taking his game console and continuing with his game. Nichole was an introvert. She felt no one cared for her busy they seemed busy for her all the time. She was there for them always, even when she was busy she wanted to find a way to make it up to them. She felt they were just using her. She wasn''t really close to her twin sister until they got to high school. Even at that, she felt her friends liked Nicolette more than her. She was actually cool with that until her crush Jesse fell for Nicolette. She was heartbroken but she didn''t show it, she nursed her broken heart till high school was over and they parted ways. She was happy when Nikki and Jesse came into her life again, but once again it seems they are too busy for her. Soraya was and is still a bitch, but that bitch had time for her. She was always there when she needed her. ¡°Nichole." Jesse knocked lightly on the door. She turned her face to the wall. She wasn''t ready to see him nor talk to him. He knocked for a while but she didn''t answer so he left assuming she had fallen asleep. s! Piece and quiet. She thought to herself. ¡°Hey, Sis!" Nichole said walking into the kitchen. ¡°Hi, what''s up with you? You''ve been asleep for five hours now." She questioned. ¡°I guess I was too tired then. Nikki ain''t back?" She changed the topic. ¡°She''s in her room as well." She shrugged. ¡°Okay, what''s for dinner then?" She sipped her orange juice. ¡° I was thinking we are out tonight. Go get ready," She nudged her as she hopped off the counter and walked to her room. People love, people, leave, people let down People show up, roll up, people grow up People move out, people disappear N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. People don''t change, people rearrange People miss the game, people lose People try, people, lie, can''t look you in the eye People suck, people, fuck, people, leave their shit behind People throw up on the carpet, people trip up on the stairs Peopleugh, people dare, people scare, people tell you what to wear People jump, people sink, people float, people think People fail, people hate what they don''t know People think they''re worth nothing, people think they''re worth the top People drop, people, love what they know, people think but don''t stop I keep looking in the mirror ''Til I see myself, I see myself, eh Hey lover, will you blow my cover? ''Cause I''m not myself, I''m not myself I wake up in the middle of the night And I look like a stranger in the bathroom light I, I keep looking in the mirror ''til I see myself, I see myself, eh I keep looking in the mirror ''Til I see myself, I see myself, eh Hey lover, will you blow my cover? ''Cause I''m not myself, I''m not myself I wake up in the middle of the night And I look like a stranger in the bathroom light I, I keep looking in the mirror ''til I see myself, I see myself, eh¡± Nichole sang along with Ider as she searched for an outfit to wear to dinner tonight. ¡°Where have you been?" Zed asked Jess as she walked in. ¡°Out with Freya, any problem?" She asked as Soraya strutted into the hall dressed in Zed''s long- sleeved shirt. ¡°Oh, hi...I am ---" ¡°I don''t care who you are bitch." She insulted sitting on Zed''sps. Jess stood there waiting for her brother to say something but he didn''t. She shook her head and walked off to her room disappointed. ¡°Who''s the bitch Zed?" Soraya voiced out. ¡°My sister and you were mean to her. " He told. ¡°Well, I didn''t know she was your sister. " She shrugged it off sipping her wine. ¡°Saying sorry to her would be nice." He suggested. ¡°Don''t push it Zed, just don''t. " She rolled her eyeballs as she got off him and walked to his room with Zed in tow. ¡°Where are you off to?" He questioned her as she stepped into the shower to wash down. ¡°I need to get home, I''ve got somethings to do." She answered from the bathroom. ¡°I thought you agreed to stay for the weekend?" He asked. ¡°We sometimes think things that aren''t going to happen Zed, there''s no way I am spending the night in your crappy apartment while my mansion awaits me. Nope can''t do." She answered. Is this love or very? He wondered. Chapter 17: 17 Chapter 17: 17 ¡°Freya, I ---" ¡°Save it Zed, I came to get some coffee." She added. She wasn''t ready to listen to his excuses if he N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. wanted Soraya then so be it. It''s going to be tough for her but she was ready to get through it. She wasn''t ready to throw herself at him by seeming too desperate. ¡°Freya?" A man dressed in a fancy suit approached her table where Zed stood. Freya looked confused for a while before recognising him. ¡°Lucien?" She recalled as she got off her chair and hugged him tightly. His hands roamed all over her back and rested on her waist. At first, she would have pulled his hands off, but she decided against it to see Zed''s reactions. Zed frowned and stormed off to his office in anger. ¡°I hope I didn''t disturb you guys?" Lucien inquired. ¡°Oh, you didn''t. Where have you been? It''s been ages since university days." She recalled as she signalled for a waiter to take Lucien''s order. ¡°I relocated to France after school to start up my fashion brand." He smiled. ¡°That''s wonderful, so what brings you to Jersey City?" She asked again. ¡°Well, I have a deal with the FY fashion industry, I just came here for the caffeine before heading there." He answered. ¡°Your fashion brand is LH?" She asked shocked. ¡°Yes, you heard of them?" He happily inquired. ¡°I have and FY is mine." She dropped the news. ¡°What a small world, I''m happy for you. And excited to be your new business partner. " He told. They finished their coffee and left the shop to Freya''s office. Was Zed jealous of Lucien? Freya couldn''t help but wonder. How could she? How dare she bring in another man to rub in my face after professing love for me? He fumed pacing up and down his office. Hey man, you ignored her for Soraya. She showed you genuine love but you left her for Soraya. Why are you mad now that another man is around her? His conscience argued as he sat on his chair burying his hands in his head. Jesse grabbed a hold of Nichole''s waist as she emerged from her room. She had been ignoring him for three weeks straight and it was killing him inside. As usual, Nikki and Nicolette weren''t home just the two of them. ¡°Let me go!" She wriggled to get free from him grinding his dick in the process and making him groan. ¡°Would you stand still?" he frustrated added as they got to his room. She stubbornly sat on his bed as he locked the door. ¡°What do you want from me, Jesse?" She asked. ¡°I am sorry, okay. I can''t stand you being mad at me for this long." He expressed. ¡°Okay, so can I leave now?" She asked not interested in what he had to say. ¡°No, you can''t. Nichole, I am truly sorry, I''m sorry for being a jerk." He added as she sighed. ¡°It''s alright. I forgive you." She smiled. ¡°Thank you." He caressed her face looking into her pretty blue eyes. ¡°You''re beautiful." He softly said kissing her neck making her moan in pleasure. ¡°Jesse..." She trailed off as she felt sparks all over her body. He slipped his hands under her bra as he massaged her hard nipples. There was no way she was about to let him sleep with her. She thought. Just as she was about to pull out from the kiss, he slipped two fingers into her clit gently massaging her making her moan out more. She gathered the strength and pushed him off her. ¡°I am not one of your girl toys. To think you meant that apology. You apologised just cause you wanted to have me?! How could you!" She cried out as tears fell down her face. ¡°Nichole, it''s not that." He tried exining. ¡°Save it, and please open the door." She begged as he did so. She immediately runs out to her room locking the door behind her as she slid down the door. As if on cue, herptop started ying Keke palmer''s Love You, Hate You. ¡°I love you so much I hate you so bad Said "I don''t miss you" You know that''s not true Boy I want you bad I hate you so much But I love you oh so bad When I say I''m leaving I don''t mean it I just want you back Got my hopes up When we broke up That we would get back, always said that No matter what we would be together I want you back now more than ever Feels like we on a roller-coaster You take me up high then take me down low There go them games boy, you think you''re clever You try to y me it''s so whatever Some days we on the same page (Oh-oh) Then we go our separate ways (Oh-oh) And our love''s down the drain (Oh-oh) Then I''m calling you again (Oh-oh) Some days we on the same page (Oh-oh) Then we go our separate ways (Oh-oh) And our love''s down the drain (Oh-oh) Then I''m calling you again I love you so much I hate you so bad Said "I don''t miss you" You know that''s not true Boy I want you bad I hate you so much But I love you oh so bad When I say I''m leaving I don''t mean it I just want you back (La) Tell me a way we can make this better Boy, I want you back now forever. " ¡°Hey, Zed." Jackie greeted her brother who tantly ignored her and walked to his room. ¡°Um, Jess who pissed in his cereal this morning?" She asked her sister. ¡°Hahahaaha, I don''t know but whatever he''s going through serves him right. I hope she learns the hard way." She answered from the kitchen. ¡°You are right, I just wondered how he could fall for such a toxic person," Jackie replied walking into the kitchen to help with dinner. Chapter 18: 18 Chapter 18: 18 Zed had begun to miss Freya. She didn''te to his coffee shop anymore. It was either she sent Ca or Jess took it to her when she was going to ss. Her school wasn''t far from Freya''s office. He and Soraya''s sexual rtionship began to bore him. They didn''t do anything else apart from having sex with him and then that was it. He thought sheing to find him would have rekindled something within her but he was wrong. She just wanted him to satisfy her. I can''t continue like this anymore. I need to know my stand. I need to know whether I am infatuated with Soraya or I''m falling for Freya. I need to do so before it''s toote. He thought to himself. ¡°Just stay far, far away from me Jesse. I trusted you. I thought you had changed but clearly, you haven''t." Nichole said to him. ¡°Nichole, I am so sorry. It was just a spur at the moment. I just don''t know what came over me. Please!" He begged. ¡°Just, thisst time. You blow it, that''s that." She said smiling at him. ¡°Thank you, how about I make it up to you. We go out for dinner tonight, just you and me." He suggested. ¡°That''s, that''s not a bad idea at all. I''d love that." Nichole agreed. ¡°Can I have him since you''re tired of him? Pretty please" Ba begged Soraya after she told her she was so done with Zed. Did she want Ba to have him? ¡°Maybe I could manage him for a while before discarding him, besides he alwayses back." She audibly said as Zed stood there in shock. ¡°I''ve been a big fool. I shouldn''t have fallen for your gimmicks once again. I hate you Soraya Wayne and would always do." He threw the towel in her face and then stormed off. He felt relieved as if a burden had been taken off him. I''ve been a fool! He insulted as he drove himself home. He noticed Freya''s car out front. He knew she hade to see Nichole. He was so ashamed of himself that he wasn''t ready to face her. He opened the door and entered the house hoping they weren''t in the living room or at the dining table so he could sneak past them. ¡°You''re wee home big bro." Jess greeted loudly. Fuck! He said to himself. ¡°Hey," He responded walking off, too ashamed to talk to Freya. ¡°Is he alright? He seems off and ashamed of something." Freya pointed out. ¡°I don''t know for him, but he would be fine." She told her friend. ¡°If you say so, how has hairdressing school been?" She changed the topic. ¡°Hey," Freya said as Zed came out of his room. He had been there a while and thought she would be gone by the time he came out. ¡°Um, hi." He nervously greeted fidgeting with his fingers. ¡°It been a while though, how''s work and Soraya?" She asked raising her eyebrows. ¡°Work is great, for Soraya I don''t know and don''t care." He shrugged. ¡°I guess you guys broke up again, when would you be going back to your mistress?" She spat. ¡°Never." He said determinedly. ¡°Yeah right, anyway I missed you that''s why I stayed this long to see you." She admitted. ¡°So you''re spending the night?" He questioned because it was toote for her to drive home. ¡°Maybe, maybe not." She answered. ¡° I know we might not be on good terms right now, but there''s no way I am going to let you drive home thiste." He stood his ground. ¡°Okay, I would spend the night and leave tomorrow morning." She replied. ¡°Oh, okay that''s, that''s better." He said rubbing his head. ¡°Can I get you something to eat? Jess is in the shower." She asked. ¡°Yeah, I''m starving." He admitted following her into the kitchen. ¡° Overview Lyrics Listen People also search for Lyrics I can see the colours of the rainbow And I can feel the sun on my face I see the light at the end of the tunnel And I can feel heaven in its ce And that''s the sign of a victory That''s the sign of a victory I can feel the spirit of the nations And I can feel my wings riding the winds, yeah I see the finish line just up ahead now And I can feel it rising deep within And that''s the sign of a victory And that''s the sign of a victory Now I can see the distance of your journey And how you fought with all your might You open your eyes to global warming And through it all, you sacrificed your life Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. That''s the sign of a victory, hey That''s the sign of a victory Oh, if we believe, we can achieve anything Including the impossible, this I know So let''s lift our heads, yeah, and raise the g, yeah And scream like you want to win, now let the games begin That''s the sign of a victory, yeah That''s the sign of a victory, yeah That''s the sign of a victory, oh That''s the sign of a victory, yeah..." Jackie sang her cover version of R.Kelly''s Sign of a victory. ¡°That''s beautiful Jackie, let''s take a break." Her managed said as she walked out of the studio to her room. ¡°Hey sis, hey Freya." She said as she joined in on face time. ¡°How was the recording session?" Jess asked. ¡°It was great, I''m on a break now, would go back in two hours." She grinned. ¡°By the way, how''s Zed and is he still with the bitch?" She asked. ¡°Oh, he''s fine and he''s no longer with her, that''s what he says. But I don''t trust his words, he can go back anytime soon." Freya sighed. ¡°Enough of sitting around and waiting, fight for him Freya and we are behind you on this one. He needs to know you''re serious about your feelings for him. Sitting around waiting would do no good at all." Jackie advised. ¡°I''ve been telling her this but she doesn''t seem to budge." Jess chimed in. ¡°Well, I guess you girls are right. Now is the time to really show my love for him and fight for it if possible. The bitch had her chances and blew it. It''s my turn now." She smiled determinedly. ¡°Yeah, that''s the spirit, no more waiting around," Jackie added. ¡°Thanks, girls," Freya said. ¡°How''s Ma and Amelia by the way?" Jackie asked. ¡°Thest time I spoke with her they were doing great, Ma is happier now." Jess smiled. Chapter 19: 19 Chapter 19: 19 ¡° I missed hanging with you," Zed said to Ca. ¡°Thanks, I missed having you around as well, by the way how''s work and Soraya?" She inquired. ¡°Work is pretty good, for Soraya I don''t give a rat''s ass about her." He said. ¡°Ah, I guess you''ve grown cold towards her again, when are you gonna go back to her?" She sipped her iced tea. ¡°Never, ever." He added determinedly ¡°Hahaha, let''s wait and see," Ca smirked. ¡°I know I messed up, but I''m changed, there''s no way I am going back to Soraya Wayne." He genuinely answered. ¡°So why did you drag me out here?" She inquired. ¡°When is Freya''s birthday?" He asked out of the blue. ¡°It''s in two days." She replied. ¡°Okay, cool I want to surprise her and I need your help with it." He voiced out. ¡°You hurt her Zed, I''m going to kill you," Ca told. ¡°I''d take that as a yes then." He replied scratching her neck. ¡°So here''s the n..." He began. ¡°Zed, sorry I mean Ace can youe to my office now!" She said through the buzzer. Why was she suddenly missing Zed? it''s not as if he meant something to her. She dismissed the thoughts. ¡°You sent for me, how can I help?" Ace asked walking into her office. ¡°Get me a cup of coffee, two sugars and milk." She ordered. ¡°Sorry, can''t do. Your secretary is here to do that job for you, I got promoted to PA remember?" He asked. Soraya was dumbfounded at hisment. ¡°Fine, then let the Secretary get me coffee I need caffeine. Remember, two sugars and milk." She repeated as Ace gave the order to her secretary and headed to his office to do his work. Hailey and Lex had been seeing each other for over a month now. She was happy she found a guy who shared her interests with her and understood her. He treated her like the princess she was. As he always told her ''You deserve to be treated like a princess, you''re the best thing that ever happened to me since I moved to college.'' ¡°Hey, girlfriend!" Sunny said jumping on Hailey''s bed. ¡°What''s the asion? You seem pretty excited." Hailey asked knowing full well that it was Sunny''s birthday. ¡°Are you kidding me right now? How can you forget the most important day of my life?!" She screamed ¡° Geez! Calm your tits woman. I remember today''s your birthday. I was just joking." She added rubbing her ears. ¡°Oh, well you could have said so earlier." She grinned at her friend. ¡°Crazy child no wonder Keith is helplessly in love with you." She rolled her eyes at her. She sent a text to Keith and Lex to get the stuff ready for Sunny''s surprise party. ¡°Sunny, let''s go shopping today just cause it''s your birthday." She said to her friend. Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. ¡°You know I love you right?" Sunny squealed hugging her. ¡°And when it''s 8 pm tonight, I''m going to see Keith and take some stuff to him. I need you to escort me there, pretty pretty please" She pouted. ¡°You know I can''t resist your puppy face right? And damn right I''ming with you." She smiled. ¡±Now get your ass up and let''s prepare for shopping!" Sunny wacked Hailey''s head with a pillow earning a re from her. ¡°You got the drinks? The cake? And the presents?" Keith asked his roommate for the umpteenth time that night. ¡°I''m starving Hails, why didn''t we get food at the mall?" Sunny bugged her friend. ¡°I''ve got to take some stuff to Keith babe, you know how whiny he can be sometimes right?" She said applying make upon. ¡°But, why are you all dressy, it''s Keith you gonna see right?" Sunny asked. ¡°Yeah, maybe we would be got out for dinner, me, you, Keith and Lex." She stated. ¡°You could have told me earlier," Sunny said grabbing the sexiest dress to wear. Hailey texted Keith to get ready because they were almost at his apartment. He turned off the lights waiting for them to get there. Hailey parked her car in front of her brother''s apartment. She and Sunny got out of the car and headed inside. ¡°Why is the ce dark?" Sunny asked reaching for the switch. ¡°Surprise!" They all screamed as the lights came on. ¡°Word on the road you''re the birthday girl Don''t be sad on your birthday, girl Sittin'' in the club like you didn''t wannae So I send a couple of bottles to the birthday girl Ay, you''re the birthday girl Do what you like, you''re the birthday girl Them girls watch face, but yea, it''s all bait That them chicks will hate on the birthday girl You''re the birthday girl, you''re the birthday girl You''re the birthday girl, you''re the birthday girl You''re the birthday girl, you''re the birthday girl You''re the birthday girl, you''re the birthday girl Yo princess, I juste to wish you a very, very happy birthday I hope this is an incredible one for you, I hope God blesses you this year And I hope you''re havin'' an amazing, amazing, amazing birthday Lots of love Love you always Word on the road you''re the birthday girl Don''t be sad on your birthday, girl Sittin'' in the club like you didn''t wannae So I send a couple of bottles to the birthday girl Ay, you''re the birthday girl Do what you like, you''re the birthday girl Them girls watch face, but yea, it''s all bait That them chicks will hate on the birthday girl You''re the birthday girl, you''re the birthday girl You''re the birthday girl, you''re the birthday girl You''re the birthday girl, you''re the birthday girl You''re the birthday girl, you''re the birthday girl..." ¡°Thanks, babe!" Sunny hugged him tightly. ¡°But howe you didn''t tell me about it?" She red at her friend. ¡°It was a surprise babe, a surprise." Hailey grinned. ¡°You two get a room," She said walking off to find her boyfriend. ¡°Lex?" She called out to him scanning the apartment bit she couldn''t find him. She went out to the backyard and found him seated lost in thought. ¡°Babe, are you okay?" She ced her hand on his shoulder to draw his attention. He just got up and hugged her tightly. He was just feeling emotional all of a sudden. ¡°It''s going to be fine whatever is eating you up, you will be fine." She rubbed his back. ¡°Can we go back inside?" She asked after a while. ¡°Sure, let''s go." He took her hand as they walked inside. Chapter 20: 20 Chapter 20: 20 Soraya began to miss Zed and she was confused about it. Why do I miss him? I could get a better man than him, urggh. I hate this feeling. She thought to herself banging her head on her work desk. Ever since he left, petty things had been reminding he''d of him. She sometimes absentmindedly called his name from her room before she recalls he no longer lived with her. ¡°I need to take a break, travel and explore the world. I might meet someone much better than Zed Vsquez." She smiled to herself as she called to book a flight to the Maldives. ¡°Hi, I want to book a flight from New York City to the Maldives," Soraya said. ¡°Ma''am, when do you want to leave for the Maldives?" Thedy asked. ¡°On Thursday, that''s two days away." She replied. ¡°First ss right?" She inquired. ¡°Of course, Soraya Wayne doesn''t do ebony ss, eww." She rudely added. ¡°Okay, your flight would take off at noon and your ticket would be delivered soon, thanks once again." The woman told her. ¡°Okay, bye." She dropped the call. ¡°The beaches and resorts would have me forget about that nobody in no time." She said to herself. Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Thanks for the ride Zed, I had fun," Freya said as they sat at the seashore. ¡°You''re wee, and happy birthday!" He said to her as Jess, Jackie and Ca came out with food and a birthday cake. ¡°How, what, when?" She fumbled with her words wondering when they got the time to n all of this. ¡°Did you think we were going to forget about your birthday?" Jess asked with her hands on her waist. ¡°I don''t know but, I didn''t expect this." She admitted. ¡°Well then, happy birthday Freya, you''re one of a kind and I am so thankful that I got to meet a wonderful, down to earth, caring and loving woman like you. I hope all your wishese to pass." Jess told. ¡°Thank you, girls, I am the luckiest woman on the earth to have such fun, crazy and caring friends like you. I wouldn''t trade you for anything else." She said engulfing them in hugs as Zed wandered off along the seashore giving them the needed privacy. ¡°Umm, guys where did Zed go?" Jackie asked after their moment. ¡°He was here with us a couple of minutes ago. He even left his phone and keys here." Ca pointed to them. ¡°I''d go look for him, youdies stay here," Freya added. ¡°I hope he doesn''t let her slip through his hands this time around or I am so going to strangle him," Jackie said. ¡°Zed?" Freya called out to him wondering where he had gone to. ¡°Zed!" She called out again getting worried. She felt a hand on her waist as she was about to scream the hand covered her mouth and led her to the lights. ¡°Zed you scared me." She said as they sat farther away from the shore where the moonlight reflected. ¡°I''m sorry." He apologized staring into the skies. The stars were shining bright that night, and they looked beautiful lightening up the skies. ¡°It''s fine and thanks for the birthday surprise, I owe you one." She thanked. Zed was quiet the whole time she spoke, his mind wandered far away and he didn''t hear what Freya was talking about. ¡°Zed, are you alright?" She asked but no response. ¡°Zed?" She shook him lightly. ¡°Mmmhm?" He murmured. ¡°What''s on your mind, you seem lost?" She inquired. ¡°I am just thinking of how to ask the most beautiful woman to be my girlfriend. I had been foolish not to notice her love and sacrifices for me. But not anymore, I want to be there for her, to be the reason she smiles each day." He said taking her hands into his. ¡°Are you --- are you serious about this?" She asked him ¡°I''ve never been this serious about love, I am serious Freya." He softly said. ¡°She must be lucky then." She took her hands out of his. ¡°She is lucky because she''s seated right here with me and I all staring at her beautiful face." He smiled. ¡°You-you want me to be your girl?" She asked beaming with smiles. ¡°Yes Freya Grey, would you?" He asked formally. ¡°Of course, I would. I have waited for this moment for ages." She said hugging him as she heard cheers from her friends behind them. ¡°You finally grew balls, big bro, we proud of you," Jess added. Soraya sat by the window side in the ne. She was d she was getting away from Zed and the constant reminders of him. But why is he all over my head? I don''t do poor guys, I do men with money. Money that can take care of my needs and not his measly sry he gets from his crappy coffee shop. I am Soraya Wayne, Men fall for me, I don''t fall for men. She pursed her red painted plump lips in a thin line just as the air hostess served her some wine. ¡°Thank you." She said not looking at thedy''s face as she walked off. She plugged in the headphones as she started sting on ''Ariana Grande''s Thank you Next'' song. ¡°Though I''d end up with Sean But he wasn''t a match Wrote some songs about Ricky Now I listen andugh Even almost got married And for Pete, I''m so thankful Wish I could say "thank you" to Malcolm ''Cause he was an angel One taught me, love One taught me patience And one taught me pain Now, I''m so amazing Say I''ve loved and I''ve lost But that''s not what I see So, look at what I got Look at what you taught me And for that, I say Thank you, next (next) Thank you, next (next) Thank you, next I''m so grateful for my ex Thank you, next (next) Thank you, next (next) Thank you, next (next) ¡°Perfect song lyrics to help me forget about that lowlife called Zed Vsquez. All you single men watch out for Soraya Wayne, she''sing for Ya. And ohdy holds on tight to your men." She said to her self looking out of the window. ¡°I rule love, love doesn''t rule me. I choose who I want to love so heart, stop beating for Zed. He''s old news, though his D was so good, I am so over him and his D. We moving on to more juicy D''s in the Maldives as well as more sexy hunks, sexier than Zed Vsquez." She thought to herself as she sipped her wine in happiness. Let''s wait to see what awaits her in the Maldives? Chapter 21: 21 Chapter 21: 21 ¡°I was right toe to get you from the office," Zed said walking into Freya''s office. She had an important meetinging up with some of the top fashionistas all over and she was panicking, trying to make sure everything goes on well. ¡°Babe, just five more---" She was cut off by Zed who nted a kiss on her lips making her respond immediately. ¡°You need some rest and pampering love." He caressed her face. ¡°But, I got work to do." She sighed. ¡°You got this Freya, they are going to love everything you do. Already they love your collection, so rx stop beating up yourself." Zed added picking up her bag. ¡°Are you done saving your files?" He asked as she nodded affirmatively. ¡°Let''s go get some rest." He took her hand as they walked out together. Lex sat at the back of his apartment thinking about his mom''s passing. He had seen her a couple of days ago and now she was no more. She was his only surviving parent and family member. She was his best friend in the entire universe, and now she had left him alone in this cruel world. How I''m I supposed to live without you Mummy? Hemented. Hailey stood behind him watching him sit in silence and stare into the skies. ¡°Lex?" She called out to him sitting beside him. ¡°Are you okay?" She asked as he shook his head. ¡°What''s the problem?" She inquired making him sigh. ¡°I just lost my mom two days ago." He whispered. She didn''t say anything but just hugged him tight, she felt he needed that. ¡°We''ve got you, you will be fine." She said to him feeling his pain. Though her mom wasn''t dead, but to her and Keith both parents were dead. They never gave a hoot about them, all they did was to provide food, clothing, shelter and education for them and nothing more. Others would have jumped at the opportunity if they had. There was no parental love, no mother''s love or father''s guidance. They only had time for their over-pampered brat, Soraya and no one else. ¡°Thank you for staying with me." Lex stared into his girlfriend''s eyes. ¡°My pleasure." She smiled. ¡°Hey, Sexy." A man called out to Soraya as shey under her umbre at the beach. ¡°Hi, how may I help you?" She smirked. ¡°Well, I was passing by and I saw a beautiful, sexydy and decided toe to say hi." The man squat beside her. ¡°Thanks for your offer but, thisdy isn''t interested." She said dismissively as the man walked off ashamed. He was good looking as well, what are you searching for? Her conscience argued with her. Someone hotter than Zed Vsquez. She replied as if on cue a handsome man set his umbre beside hers. ¡°Hi," She said to the man who tantly ignored her. ¡°Hello?" She called as he replied ¡°Look, I just came here to---" He trailed off as he realised whim he was talking to. Soraya Wayne, in flesh and blood? He asked himself. ¡°I am sorry, hi I am Brad Clifford of Clifford industries." He introduced turning to face her. ¡°Nice to meet you, Brad, I am Soraya Wayne." She extended her hand towards him as he kissed it. ¡°So, what brings the Almighty Soraya out here?" He asked as a server brought them wine. ¡°Um, to forget about a fling, more like to get a fling to help me forget about a fling a had a few weeks ago." She sipped her wine as Brad raised his brow. ¡°Confusing aye?" She asked. ¡°I do understand." He smirked making his hazel eyes light up. ¡°You do?" She inquired again. ¡°Of course I do, here''s my card maybe dinner, before you go back home." He handed it over to her as she gave hers to him. ¡°I would love that." She smiled as Brad packed his stuff and walked away. Well, that was fast. Goodbye to you Zed Vsquez, you pathetic fool. She insulted enjoying the view. ¡°What do you want?" Hailey said rudely to her mom as she opened the door for her.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. ¡°I just came to see how you were doing." Meg Wayne said. ¡°I am fine, not that you care anyways if you''re done I need to get back to what I was doing." She mmed the door in the woman''s face sliding down the wall as she broke into tears. Why couldn''t she be a normal mom, a mom who would love to be with her kids rather than her job? Hailey thought to herself. Meg stood behind the door as she heard the sobs of her daughter. She wished she could be a better mom to her. But where do I start? Is she going to let me in? Is she going to ept me? She asked herself as she walked into her room. ¡°Why is all this so difficult?" She yelled in frustration. ¡°Grandma?" Amelia called as she entered the house. ¡°In the kitchen sweety." The elder woman responded as Amelia and her friends; Jake, Rita, Lauren and Cody walked into the kitchen. ¡°Hey, Mrs Vsquez." They greeted. ¡°Hi, how was school today?" The woman asked. ¡°Stressful, with our examsing up," Lauren answered. ¡°Aw, in no time you would be done with your exams and then summer break," Trudy replied. ¡°And then high school," Amelia added. ¡°Come on, high school would be fun." Lauren beamed. ¡°I hope so," Jake spoke up. ¡°Grandma, we would be upstairs doing homework," Amelia told. ¡°Okay, I would bring up some snacks in a bit," Trudy added as the kids walked off to Amelia''s room. Her room was one of the spare rooms they kept in case they had a visitor, but since her husband died and her kids moved to find their path in life, it had been empty. When Jess suggested Amelia lived with her, Trudy was happy. She cleaned and arranged the room for the young girl and she was d she loved it. ¡°Care for some dinner?" Jess asked her brother as he walked in. ¡°Nope, I''m fine." He smiled. ¡°I am d you and Freya are together, see how happy you are." She said following him into the kitchen. ¡°I''m happy too, howe I was so na?ve to Soraya''s gimmicks that I never noticed Freya''s love?" He asked. ¡°Because you were stuck up on her," Jess answered. ¡°Enough of me, you and Jackie need to get yourselves, men, you''ve been through a lot. Find men who would love you for you, those who would love and cherish every moment with you. You deserve it." He said to her. ¡°Thanks, Zed, I love you." She smiled. ¡°I love you too kiddo." He said earning a re from her. ¡°Run!" She screamed as he took on his heels with Jess closely behind him. Chapter 22: 22 Chapter 22: 22 Soraya was having a great time in the Maldives, but she still had memories of Zed in her head. Brad was a gentleman alright, but he wasn''t Zed. Zed was just a different man altogether. He gave his time, love and everything but she didn''t appreciate it because she saw him as a poor man with nothing to offer. WHY CAN''T I GET YOU OUT OF MY HEAD?! She inwardly eximed. You''re in love with him, Soraya that''s why. Her conscience teased. ¡°I don''t want to, he''s poor and his crappy business cannot afford my expenses for just a week. Zed Vsquez get out of my head" She said banging her head on her pillow. I will forget you, Zed Vzquez, no matter what it takes! She thought to herself. ¡°Oh, I''m sorry," Jess said abut walking away as the stranger pulled her back. ¡°Excuse You?" She said wondering if she knew him from somewhere. ¡°You''re excused, here''s my card call me sometime." He ced it in her palm and gave her a peck on the lips walking off and leaving Jess dumbfounded on the sidewalk. What the heck was that? She wondered collecting herself. ¡°Who was he?" She asked herself walking off to the bus station to pick a bus to ss. Dr Miguel Surgeon Hackensack University Medical Center She read the card and ced it in her purse. ¡°Hails, can I talk to you?" Meg asked her daughter as she descended the stairs. ¡°Its Hailey mom and what do you want from me?'' She sighed. ¡°I just want to talk Hailey." She said as Hailey sat before her. ¡°What is it?" She sighed. ¡°I know I haven''t been the best mom to you and Keith, but I am sorry. I know we pampered Soraya more and barely had time for you guys. I''m sorry I wasn''t around to hear about your first day at daycare, elementary school, middle school and even high school. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me." Meg apologised. ¡°It doesn''t take one day to forgive, and you have to earn our forgiveness as well. Do you know how we craved for you and Dad''s attention? But instead, it all went to the golden child Soraya." Hailey poured out. ¡°I am sorry Hailey, I am." She apologised again and again. ¡°It''s fine, but as I said earlier forgiveness has to be earned, if you wouldn''t mind I need to get some food to eat." She added walking to the kitchen to make breakfast. Jess couldn''t seem to get Dr Miguel off her mind throughout the day. She was intrigued by him. Her mind wandered off during thest lesson for the day. How could he just give a peck to a stranger? She thought to herself. ¡°Why am I thinking about him anyways?" She asked herself as she walked out of the ss. ¡°Jess! Wait up!" A guy called behind her. ¡°Oh hi, Aaron." She said smirking at him. ¡°Hi, you seemed lost in ss are you okay?" He asked concerned. ¡°I am good, just a little stressed out, nothing more." She answered. ¡°Want to go get some ice cream? It can help calm your nerves down." He inquired. ¡°Well, it sounds like a good idea...lead the way then." She told him. ¡°Nichole?" Jesse called as he joined her in the backyard. ¡°What''s up?" She responded not looking him in the face. ¡°Just decided to take a stroll outside since the weather is fine and I saw you seated here." He exined. ¡°By the way are you okay?" He asked. ¡°Y-y-yeah I am, why do you ask?" She fidgeted with her fingers. ¡°For starters, you look nervous." He pointed out. ¡°I am not, I''m just stressed out, that''s all." She smiled at him shutting him up. ¡°Yes ma''am," Jesse answered. ¡°You seem so quiet today. Is it about Lex''s mom?" Sunny asked her best friend. ¡°No, no it''s not about his mom, but my mom." She voiced out. ¡°What did mom do?" Keith walked in. ¡°She has been asking me to forgive her for all she did and to give her another chance." Hailey voiced out. ¡°Why is she now wanting to be apart of our lives? What happened to Soraya being the golden child?" Keith asked his sister. ¡°That''s the same question I asked but she never gave me a reply. All she had to say was she regrets not taking care of us and not being apart of our lives." She added. ¡°Guys, I don''t want to pry but I think you should consider it. You both clearly need and miss her. Underneath that tough nature, you both need her. ¡° I read a poem by Joanna Fuchs and it says: ¡°Love Is A Mother¡¯s Gift When God made mothers, He took great care To fill their hearts with love so rare. Their children are their greatest prize; You can see the great love in your mother¡¯s eyes. Love, love is a mother¡¯s gift To their precious children, their hearts to lift. Warm, tender and giving love That grows them up healthy and happy. Thank you, a mother for all you give To help me grow and to help me live. I will love you forevermore, My mother, my mom, whom I adore. Love, love is a mother¡¯s gift To their precious children, their hearts to lift. Warm, tender and giving love That grows us up healthy and happy. ¡°Its best you guys try to let her into your life before it''s toote." Sunny added after reciting the poem. ¡°Thanks, Sunny, we would try to do so, you know it''s not that easy right?" Her best friend said. ¡°I know, that''s why I want you both to take that risk, just let her in for a month if you don''t feel anything or you aren''t ready for her you just let her know," Sunny told. Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. ¡°Thanks, baby love," Keith added kissing her. ¡°Too much PDA get a room!" Hailey said walking out as they burst intoughter. Chapter 23: 23 Chapter 23: 23 ¡°This is just not going to work out Soraya, we all agreed it''s just for fun and no strings attached so where is all thising from?" Brad asked buttoning his shirt. ¡°I know but I am sick and tired of all these games I want something real.." She sighed. ¡°I am sorry, maybe with someone else but not me. See you around." Brad walked out on her. Is it that hard to find love? She asked herself. ¡°Howe Zed held onto me for all these years, even though I treated him bad he still loved me, and then my big mouth had to ruin everything." She said to herself. ¡°Ah, we meet again," Miguel said sitting in front of Jess. She had gone see the manager of the shop she was about to rent to open her new salon in Jersey City. She was almost done with her course of study. And at this stage, they were required to start up their businesses and that was to make up for their final grade and help them to acquire their certificates. ¡°It''s nice to meet you, Dr Miguel, so what brings you here?" She politely asked. ¡°Well, I heard a pretty damsel is in search of a shop to rent for her business, so here am I." He smiled. ¡°You own the shop?" She inquired. ¡°Not necessarily, it was myte wife''s so technically I can say it''s mine now." He rubbed his neck. ¡°Sorry for your loss, " She added. ¡°So shall we?" He asked as they walked out of the office and headed over to the salon. It had been closed down for a while since he hadn''t gotten anyone to manage it. The shop was huge and beautiful from the outside. Jess was hoping for something smaller but this was just fine. Miguel unlocked the door to the salon as the memories came rushing in like a whirlwind. The memories of his beloved petite Rosalinda moving up and down the salon attending to customers. Oh, how much he missed her and this ce! The ce looked beautiful even though it was dusty. The interior decor was homely and weing. Jess had already fallen in love with the ce as she saw a portrait of a beautiful woman with a captivating smile. ¡°Is she the one?" She asked Miguel breaking him out of his self-induced trance. ¡°Yes, that is Rosalinda, my first love andte wife." He ran his finger on the portrait. ¡°So, you like the ce? All it needs is some renovations, by that I mean painting and cleaning and then servicing of the gadgets to see off they still work good then we can discuss the paperwork. Note, you''re only managing this ce I am not selling it to you." He emphasised. ¡°Thanks, Miguel, I woulde by in a few days to do the renovation so we can take over from there, and hey I am not buying the ce. I don''t have that much to do so, even if I did I would be so selfish to do so." She tapped his shoulder as they walked out. ¡°Here are the spare keys to the ce, and thank you. I would see you when youe by for the renovation." He said to her as he walked away. Jess sighed as she walked along the pavement to the bus stop. What could have killed such a beautiful woman? She asked herself. ¡°Stay with me, Rosa, don''t leave me please!" Miguel begged his wife as he stood by her sickbed. She had someplications after she had a stillborn. She was stabilized but the thought of living without her first child tore her apart. ¡°Lo siento, mi amore. Miguel don''t mourn me too much. Learn to love again. You have such a huge and caring heart, grow to love another after me. Don''t harbour us too much in your heart. I and Raphealito would be in heaven waiting for you. I love you, Miguel." She added as a stray tear fell from her eye. ¡°No, Rosa no. Please I can''t live without you. Don''t leave me in this cruel world all alone. Please." He sobbed harder as her breathe seized and her heart rate was decreasing. Miguel pressed the emergency button calling for help as other doctors rushed in to help him save his wife. He picked the defibritor and tried to use it to resuscitate Rosa but to no avail. ¡°Miguel she''s gone..." One of his colleagues said as he continued using the defibritor. ¡°Miguel! E esta muerta! " His friend screamed as he set the machine down and sobbed holding his wife tightly. ¡°Rosa,e back! Pleasee back!" He sobbed harder. Miguel wiped a stray tear off his eyes as he sat into his car and drove off. It had been a while since he visited his wife''s grave. He parked his car in front of the cemetery and then walked towards her tomb. ¡°Hey, babe!" Freya said entering his office. ¡°Hey, you closed from work early today," Zed said hugging her. ¡°Yeah, there was nothing important that needed my attention, so I decided to leave early. Ca can take care of the rest." She told. ¡°Alright, love, care for somette and scones or muffins?" He asked. ¡°Um, a cappino and some muffins would do." She smiled at him. ¡°Okay,ing right up then." He added leaving the office to get her order. Soraya: Hey, can we catch up like old times? She sent a message to Zed''s phone. Freya picked up the phone and read the message then sent her a reply and deleted both messages from Zed''s phone. Zed: Sorry can''t do, I have a girlfriend now. Enjoy your life. Bye! The message said. Soraya stared at the message and threw her phone to hit the wall. She always got what she wanted, so why now? She fumed. I will so get over you Zed, I need to get over you ASAP! She pulled her hair in frustration. ¡°Babe, your order." He ced it in front of her. ¡°Thanks, babe, you''re the best." She smiled at him. ¡°Thank you, darling." He added sitting at his desk and going over his paperwork. He was building a restaurant in town and so he was going over the details for that project. Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. From a driver to a proud owner of a caf¨¦ and very soon. He was going to own a restaurant. He owed it all to the love and support from his family and the wonderful woman seated before him. Howe he never noticed her as more than a friend until recently? He wondered. Chapter 24: 24 Chapter 24: 24 ¡°Are you sure you want to do this?'' Nikki and Nicolette asked at the same time. Nichole had decided to relocate to South Carolina, Greenville to be precised to take over the other branch of the family business. ¡°Yes, I am. I''m tired of sitting around doing nothing while you people work and then live your best lives. I don''t have no one to take to, no one to go out with and have fun. It''s best I leave and start afresh in a new environment. Please don''t talk me out of it, especially you Nicolette." She said with finality in her voice. ¡°What of me can I?" Jesse asked behind her. Their rtionship hadn''t been a good one since that day. ¡°You are thest person I''d listen to Jesse, my mind is made up. I am leaving, Jersey City. I''m sorry but I have to do this for me. I''ve been doing and giving my support to you guys for a long time. It''s time I became selfish for once and do me. Please, no one should talk me out of it.''" She added walking out. ¡°Are you guys going to say nothing?'' Jesse spoke up. ¡°Of course, you can''t keep her got your selfish gains, Jesse, You can''t keep trying to take advantage of her, let her go if you im to love her," Nicolette advised. ¡°Hey, Miguel, I am at the salon can you pleasee around to see how the renovation is going?" Jess asked through the phone. ¡°Don''t worry, I''m just a few blocks away from the salon, I''d be there in a few." He said to her. ¡°Okay then." She added dropping the call as she entered the shop to see how the work was going. ¡°Good job going on there." He said startling Jess as he entered the salon. ¡°Thank you, Miguel. I hope it''s going how you wanted it. No problem or issues whatsoever?" She inquired. ¡°Everything is fine, I''m d you got to manage it and no one else." He smiled at her. She hadn''t seen his full smile before. It was either half a smile or a smirk. "You have a nice smile." She found herself saying. ¡°Thank you." He added. ¡°Excuse you?" Soraya said rudely as a man bumped into her knocking her bags down. He was about getting it for her as she stopped him from getting them and got them herself. ¡°Im sorry, I wasn''t watching." He voiced out. Soraya was mesmerized by the voice she heard. It was the most huskiest and sexiest voice she had ever heard. ¡°It''s fine, I am Soraya by the way and you?" She asked the young man. He had a chiselled face and his hair was faded at the bottom. He had the rarest shade of green eyes and very white teeth. He was about 6''9 tall and she didn''t look so short standing near him as she was quite tall for a woman''s height. ¡°Noah, nice to meet you, Soraya." He smiled at her. ¡°The pleasure is mine. Would, you em care for a cup of coffee if you''re not in a hurry?" She tried to shoot her shot. ¡°I would love to but not today, I am actually in a hurry. Here''s my card, call me when you want us to have coffee, I would be there." He dashed off waving her. Road to forgetting Zed Vsquez! She eximed to herself as she walked off towards her hotel room. ¡°Thanks, mom, how did you know I love pancakes so much?" Hailey asked as she sat at the table for breakfast. ¡°When you were little, I used to make them for you before work whiskey me out of your life," Meg added. ¡°Thanks, mom," She said munching on them as she sipped her hot chocte. ¡°You wee. Um, do you have ns after school? " She asked her daughter. ¡°No, no I don''t any problem?" Hailey raised her eyebrows. ¡°Well um, I got tickets for you, Keith, Sunny and Lex for the concert tonight." She winked at her. ¡°Mom, how did you know about Lex and which concert is that?" She turned her concentration to her. ¡° I did my own findings about him and there''s a BTS concert in town from today, Missy." She told Hailey''s favourite boy band was the BTS and she was a die-hard fan. But how did her mom get to know that? She wondered. That wasn''t on get mind to worry about. She was excited about the concert. Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. ¡°Thanks, mom! I would see you after school." She stepped out of the house happily as she headed to the garage for her car. She couldn''t wait to break the news to Sunny. Maybe letting her in wasn''t such a bad idea. Hailey thought to herself as she zoomed off. Nicolette and Nikki stood at the airport as they bid Nichole goodbye. She had checked in and her flight number had been called. She waved them goodbye and then headed to the ne. She felt lighter and at peace. For a long while, she had been involved with issues concerning others, helping them get past some issues and forgot to take care of herself. Maybe relocating to Italy was a good idea. She could start life afresh and meet with new people. People who would care for her and love her, for who and what she was. Maybe she could find love, she could love and be loved. Not fall in love with someone who only noticed her when he wanted sex. Aman who would be there for her in the good and bad moments of life. Not an opportunist or a gold digger. Goodbye Jersey City, we would meet someday soon. Perhaps when I figure out life and it''s lessons. I''m thankful for the lessons life taught me here. To the friends I made, both toxic and faithful. I learnt a lot from them. Well, let''s see what Italy also has in store for Nichole. She thought to herself as she drifted off to sleep. A few hourster, the ne hadnded in Mn, Italy. Nichole got off the ne and then headed inside the airport to get her luggage and also to wait for her cousin, Thelma to pick her up. Let''s do this. She said to herself walking in. Chapter 25: 25 Chapter 25: 25 ¡°I enjoyed the concertst night, thank you." Soraya thanked Noah. ¡°The pleasure''s mine." He smiled at her as she went silent all of a sudden. ¡°What''s up?" He asked noticing her change in mood. ¡°Im leaving for Jersey City, in two days and I don''t want to go, whatever this is I am enjoying it." She voiced out. ¡°Then I coulde with you, I live in Jersey City too." He added. ¡°Really? Aren''t you here for an important duty?" She asked as they walked to his car. ¡°Well, I am but I would be done tomorrow, so you and I can leave the next day." He told. ¡°What job do you do?" She asked. ¡°Well, I am a PA." He admitted. ¡°Okay, I am a CEO, but it doesn''t matter does it?" She smiled. At first, she would have been bothered but now she didn''t anymore. ¡°Nope, it doesn''t." He answered as the sat on the bo of his car starring into the night. ¡°Hey," Zed said as he hugged Freya from the back. They stood at the balcony of her building that night. The view from there was breathtakingly beautiful. ¡°Hi," She smiled melting into his touch. ¡°What''s on your pretty little mind?" He asked kissing her temple. ¡°Just grateful for how my prayers havee to pass, finally I am with the man I''ve loved for such a long time." She sighed as Zed remained silent. She didn''t want to force him to love her, she knew he only said it back because she says ''I love you'' on a regr basis. She just wanted to shower him with love, to know how it feels to love and to be loved. ¡°Are you okay?" She turned to her man who was lost in thought. ¡°Did you delete a message someone sent to me the day you came over to my office for lunch?" He asked suddenly remembering. ¡°Yeah, I did, it was from Soraya wanting you guys to get back together, I replied you had moved on and deleted the message." She admitted. He moved further away from her. He was hurt she didn''t tell him and she didn''t trust him. If she did she wouldn''t have done what she did. ¡°Why didn''t you tell me?" He blurted out as she remained silent. ¡°You thought I was going to go back for her? How little you trust me." He said walking back inside as she stood at her balcony in sadness. She didn''t want to follow him inside yet. She just wanted to give him time to cool off until she heard the door shut and then saw him walk to his motorcycle and drive off. Just when I thought I had him to myself. Why can''t he let go of her? Why?! Freyamented sitting on herzy chair up on the balcony. Am I not worthy of his love? Am I not loveable? I''ve done and tried everything but, he''s still torn between both of us. She sobbed. ¡°I can''t believe mom pulled this up." Keith happily added. ¡°I know I was shocked as well when she handed over the tickets to the BTS concert," Hailey told as Lex drove on. ¡°You guys enjoy the moment and stop doubting her, she wasn''t a good mom, yes, but can''t you see she is trying to make things much better?" He asked remembering his mom and how he wished he could spend more time with her. ¡°I guess you''re right, but it''s kinda hard to get used to the new her, she never cared one bit about us, it was only Soraya that mattered and nothing else." Hailey voiced out. ¡°You mean even when you were kids she didn''t care?'' Lex couldn''t help but ask. ¡°When we were much younger, she used to care. She was always around taking care of us until work and fame came into the picture. Those were thest time she ever cared." Keith poured out. ¡°Maybe she''s trying to be that mom again so you guys, let her," Lex advised. ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org. ¡°I am with Lex on this one, just give her one more chance." Sunny added. ¡°Okay, we will." Both Hailey and Sunny said at the same time. ¡°You''re a smart girl, you will do well in high school but be careful of the crowd you hang around with. And it''s normal for your friends to change because y''all adolescents now. Just don''t judge them but pray they remain the same people you knew in middle school. It''s normal for you to want a boyfriend, for you to have sex. But Amelia is careful how you go about it. Always be on the contraceptive before sex or keep condoms with you, you would never know what may happen. And for your menstrual cycle and all, I know you''re all clear on that topic since you started menstruating a few weeks ago." The woman told. ¡°Thanks, grandma, you''re the best in the whole wide world and I can''t love you less." The teenager hugged her. At 16, she had grown taller and curvier, and more pretty. ¡°Hi, Mrs Vsquez," Rita added walking into the house. ¡°Hi Rita, just in time for breakfast, you girls still have a few hours before school starts," Trudy added. ¡°Id love that," The girl walked to the kitchen to join her friend. ¡°Have you heard from Lauren, Cody and Jake?" Amelia asked. ¡°Lauren would be here soon but for the guys, I don''t know. I didn''t hear from any of them during summer break." Rita said as Lauren entered the kitchen. ¡°Hey Mrs V." She said hugged the petite woman. ¡°Lauren, how are you, you look beautiful," Trudy added as she joined her friends at the table. ¡°Howe you''re making breakfast and not Amelia?" Rita asked out of the blue. ¡°Because I insisted even though she wasn''t having it. I told her it was my treat to you girls for your first day in high school." She told. ¡°Okay, we would let this one pass but next time we won''t," Lauren said as they all burst intoughter. ¡°Zed are you---" He walked passed her without acknowledging her presence. ¡°Ok?" Jess asked to no one in particr as he mmed the door in his face. What happened? She wondered to herself. She was done with the renovation to the salon and it was going to be opened tomorrow. Most people around that vicinity were surprised that Miguel had reopened his wife''s salon years after her demise. They had suggested it to him on countless asions but he refused. I hope the runch goes on well. Chapter 26: 26. Chapter 26: 26. It had been three weeks since Nichole had arrived in Italy and she was loving it. She felt at peace and loved the people she was working with even though she was their boss. She loved the beautiful ces she went to with her new friend Kyle, who was the head of the ounting department. He was so down to earth and super dreamy! ¡°Boss, here are the files you''re requested for." Valentina, her Personal Assistant and friend said dropping them on the table. ¡°Thanks, Val, anything on our schedule today?" She inquired not looking up from her table. ¡°Yeah, we have to leave for a business trip to South Carolina, Greenville this evening." She reminded. ¡°That''s all?" Nichole asked. ¡°Yes," Valentina answered. ¡°Very well then, make sure the reservations for the hotel room have been done. And no need for a ticket we would be using the private jet. It''s now 3:00 pm, so go get ready and meet me at home at 6:00 pm. We would leave at 8:00 pm tonight." She instructed as Val did what she was asking to do. Nichole''s phone rang as she answered it while walking out the door. ¡°Hey," She said waving at her friends and her twin via face time. ¡°How are you doing? How''s Italy?" Nicolette asked ¡°Its fun, and beautiful." She smiled. ¡°And work?" Nikki asked. ¡°Stressful, I have a meeting in Greenville. I''m flying out with my PA tonight. What''s Jesse doing at the back?" She asked as she saw him trying to do some dance moves. ¡°Um, I think he''s trying to dance." Nicolette chuckled drawing his attention. ¡°Hi, Nichole." He grinned. ¡°Hi, I love your dance steps." She tried not tough. ¡°Very funny, how''s Italy treating you?" He inquired as she sat in the car and the driver drove her. ¡°It''s beautiful." She genuinely smiled. ¡°Good, I would talkter, got to get to my dancing. Take care." He said as he walked out. ¡°See youter Nichole, I love you." Her twin added dropping the call. ¡°Freya, staying in bed and crying your eyes out won''t help the situation. You need to get a hold of yourself. Your business needs you and we need you as well." Jess consoled her friend. ¡°I know but what did I do wrong? Me fighting for what I love?" She voiced out. ¡°You did nothing wrong, you my dearest are a strong, beautiful, caring woman. That''s why the world loves you. Go out there and do you. For Zed, just leave him be for now and think about you. He would ¡°Thanks, Jess, you''re a good friend. Enough about me, how''s the saloning out? And what of you and Miguel?" She wiggled her eyebrows. ¡°We are done with the renovations and would be reopening in the next two days, for Miguel and I it''s just friendship. Besides, he''s not over histe wife." She answered. ¡°He will, once he realises what a wonderful being you are." Freya smiled at her friend as she got off the bed. She walked into the bathroom to have a rxing bath as Jess headed for the kitchen to prepare breakfast for both of them. Freya emerged from her room wearing a white off-shoulder and no hand jumpsuit. It hugged her figure perfectly in the right ces. She had curled her straight hair and her makeup hadplimented her face beautifully. ¡°You look stunning," Ca said from the table. ¡°When did you get here?" Freya raised her eyebrow at her. ¡°A couple of minutes ago. We have an interview with the fashion magazinepany, Midnight Hour." She told. ¡°And howe I''m just getting to know that?" Freya asked joining her at the table. ¡°I sent you a couple of messages, telling and reminding you of it." She smirked drinking from her mug. ¡°And what else is on our schedule today?" She inquired. ¡°A meeting with the board of directors." She told. ¡°Okay, what else?" Freya asked biting from her toast. ¡°A meeting with each head of the department, about the release of another collection." She read from her tablet. ¡°Okay then, we''ve got to go. What time does the interview start?" She asked as they walked out of the house leaving Jess behind. ¡°In two and a half hours, we better start moving," Ca suggested. ¡°In our studio or theirs?" Freya demanded as they sat in the car. ¡°Ours," Ca answered as she zoomed off. ¡°Woman problem?" A man said sitting next to Zed in the bar. Was he mad at Freya? Yes, he was. She had no right to do what she did. But she was trying to fight for the love of her life as well. She did what any other woman would do. ¡°Yeah," He answered sipping from his ss. He had ordered a sex on the beach. ¡° Women tend to work on their instincts, whatever it is or was, she was trying to protect her love for you. She was trying to fight for that love." Rick added. ¡°But she didn''t need to be desperate about it. She didn''t have to reply my message and try to delete the evidence. What if I hadn''t seen it, then that meant I would never know. Doesn''t she trust me enough?" He rubbed the nape of his neck. ¡°From my observation, you''re torn between two women, young man. Just take your time to analyze whom your heart truly belongs to. Don''t end up hurting the woman who truly loves you. There''s a difference between begging for love and fighting for love. You may think she''s begging for your love, but actually, she''s fighting for who she loves. Think on these things. And if you need anyone to talk to I am not far." Rick dropped his card on the table and walked out of the bar. ¡°Wee to my abode," Soraya added as she walked in with Noah. He looked around the mansion and was impressed by her sess. He wasn''t a gold digger but naturally, he loved sessful women. Women who knew their worth. ¡°Hey, are you okay?" Soraya asked as she noticed him still standing by the door. ¡°I am fine," He added following her up the stairs. Soraya was d she had met Noah, she thought she wouldn''t be able to forget about Zed, but slowly she began to think less of him and more of Noah. Noah was a gentleman, down to earth. They hadn''t taken their rtionship to the next step so she didn''t know if he was good or bad in bed. But for now, she was liking what she had seen about him and hoping it wouldst a lifetime. ¡° I just had the feeling that the guys would ditch as soon as we entered high school," Rita added as they sat at their favourite spot in school. ¡°It was bound to happen someday, they grew hotter over the summer and it''s natural for them to be part of the popr crowd. It''s time to make new friends and not let our lives revolve around Jack and Cody, if they want us to be their friends they woulde around, if not, it was fun while they were around and Amelia don''t worry about your crush on Cody, you would get over it." Lauren said shocking her. ¡°How did you know?" She urged. ¡°It was obvious." Rita answered. ¡°As obvious as how you''ve been crushing on Mathew since middle school?" She asked as Rita yed with a strand of her hair. N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. ¡°She''s blushing!" Lauren teased. ¡°Hey babe." Keane, one of the most sexiest guys in the school rushed to Lauren''s side pecking her on the lips. ¡°Umm?" Rita and Amelia said at the same time as Lauren looked shocked. ¡°Come with me, we need to talk." He said to all three of them as the followed suit awkwardly. Chapter 27: 27. Chapter 27: 27. "So what''s the catch?" Lauren asked Keane. ¡°I need you to pretend to be my girlfriend just to get Nina off my back." He told her. ¡°You could have gotten any other girl, why me?" She voiced out as her friends stood looking at them. ¡°Because I want you to, would you?" He asked rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Fine, I will this sounds interesting." She beamed. ¡°Good, this stays between us, no one else should know." Keane gestured towards Rita and Amelia. ¡°We won''t spill, so don''t worry about us," Rita added. "Can we go now?" Amelia asked. ¡°You girls can, Lauren ising with me. Her role starts now." Keane added as Lauren walked off with Keane and his best friend Deitrick. That was so weird, I smell some high school drama rolling. Rita thought to herself as they walked off to the cafeteria to see what was going on. ¡°Oh hey, hey Zed." Soraya greeted him as she stood by her car. ¡°Yh, hi." He responded ogling at her body. She looked more beautiful, and had a glow. ¡°You look beautiful as always Soraya." Heplimented waiting for her sassy reply but her reply shocked him. ¡°Thank you Zed, you look good as well." She smiled. ¡°Thank you, how about we get some coffee if you don''t mind." He asked her. ¡°Well, I wanted to get a couple of things but I can do thatter, I would take you up on that offer." She locked her car and headed to his bike. ¡°Woah, are you sure you want to sit on my bike, it''s a bike and you hate them." He rattled on. ¡°Come on Zed, let''s go." She urged as he drove off wondering what hade over Soraya Wayne. ¡°Beautiful ce you have here," Soraya said as they entered his caf¨¦. ¡°Zed I''ve been waiting --- never mind I would see myself out," Freya said walking out of the caf¨¦ when she spotted him with Soraya. ¡°Won''t you go after her?" Soraya asked entering the office. ¡°She''s going to be fine, forget about her. Also, I would like to let you know I didn''t send that message to you, Freya did and I''m sorry." He apologised. ¡°It''s fine Zed, I would have done same if I were in her shoes." She answered. ¡°So can we start all over again?" He hoped she would say yes. ¡°No, we can''t, I have someone I am beginning to love, and for you Zed Vsquez, you would always be there for me. Always, when Ie running back." She smirked. ¡°Let me say, you''re my boy toy." She winked pecking him on his lips. ¡°What if I don''t want to be anymore, I want something real with you, Soraya." He admitted. ¡°Im sorry, but that can''t happen now. Maybe if that message didn''te we would have ended up together." She smiled running her fingers over his thighs. ¡° Just when I thought you had changed. You''re just that bitch Soraya Wayne, Self centred, over- pampered, egoistic bitch that would never change." Zend angrily spat. ¡°I am none of those things you just called me." She softly added. ¡°Oh, yes you are. I can''t believe I always run back to you. You on the other hand would never do same for me. You only look for me ore near to me when you need sex. Not anymore Soraya, no more." He dered. ¡°You woulde to find me, Zed Vsquez, just as you always do." She smirked walking out of his office. How can I love and hate her at the same time?! Zed eximed He knew he owed Freya some apology and exnations but he needed to get rid of this infatuation he had over Soraya. Can we talk? Zed sent a message to Freya''s phone. She knew she needed the answers to his actions. She needed to meet up with him to hear what he had to say. She needed closure at least. ¡°I am stepping out for fresh air, I would be back." She told Ca as she walked out of the office. Zed had texted her the address to where he had wanted to meet her. He stood in front of his newest restaurant that was yet to be opened to the public. He took the keys from his pocket and then opened the door to the restaurant as he stepped in. He headed to the kitchen to prepare something for himself and Freya. Freya was too worn out to drive by herself so she called her driver to drive her to Zed''s location while she was lost in thought. She wondered why Zed brought that woman to his caf¨¦ when they hadn''t broken up, not given a tangible reason why he wasn''t speaking to her. ¡°We are here Miss." Her driver alerted her. ¡°Thanks, James, you can go I would call you when I am done." She said getting out and picking her Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. bag as she walked towards the restaurant. The building looked exquisite. I thought he wasn''t open until Friday. She said to herself entering the restaurant. Zed had heard the door open from the kitchen. He dished out two tes of noodle stir fry and set a bottle of white wine on the tray as he headed out of the kitchen. He set the tray in front of Freya as he ced her food in front of her. He dashed back in the kitchen and came out with a hot dish of pepperoni pizza. ¡°Enjoy." He said as he sat before her with his own food iin front of him as they are in silence. He could hear her food moaning. ¡°I wish she could moan out to something else." He thought to himself as his ears turned a shade of red. ¡°So what did you want us to talk about?" She asked sipping from her ss. ¡°Us." He answered. ¡°What about us?" She furiously demanded. ¡°First of all, calm down." He tried touching her as she pulled her hand. ¡°Look, I am sorry. I overreacted and I am sorry about that Freya. But I just got confused. She is, was and would always be my first love. No doubt about it. But I don''t want to be with her anymore, she doesn''t love me for me, but for my dick." He said as Freya tried not tough. ¡°Babe I''m sorry, let''s take this slowly. Let''s just be friends for now. I wanted to learn and grow to fall in love with you." He said to her making her blush. ¡°Fine Zed, just this one time. If you mess up. I''m done. Friends?" She raised her ss. ¡°Friends." He added as they clicked sses together. ¡°This tastes good by the way." She praised him. Chapter 28: 28 Chapter 28: 28 Weeks had passed and Lauren and Keane''s fake rtionship was hitting off. They were spotted everywhere they went. Holding hands andughing like a real couple did. Cody and Jack had long forgotten about their friends and were enjoying the newfound fame they had gotten. A new girl was seen with them every single week, they changed them like tissue paper. ying around N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. and messing up with their hearts. There was a fight every week between the girls because of Jack and Cody but they didn''t seem to care, at all. ¡°Keane." A brte beautiful girl run to sit on hisps. ¡°Hey, baby sis." He ruffled her hair making her pout. ¡°Hi." She cheerfully greeted Lauren. ¡°Hello, I am Lauren, Keane''s---" "Girlfriend, I know. He talks of you non stop each and every day." Mildred teased making Lauren blush. ¡°Time to go no Mil," Keane added. ¡°Bye Keane, see you around Lauren." Mildred chuckled as she walked out. ¡°So?" Lauren asked as Keane blushed. ¡°Amelia?" Rita called to her friend who was walking alone to the bus stop. Lauren was with Keane and she had looked for Rita after school but she didn''t find her so she decided to take the lead. ¡°Where have you been?" She asked her friend as she joined her. ¡°I-I was with Mathew." She whispered under her breath. ¡° Excuse me, I didn''t get that." Amelia pressed. ¡°I was with Mathew." She said as the bus arrived for them to climb. ¡°Wow, what did he say?" She asked happily for her friend. ¡°Well, he wanted us to hang this Friday after school." She blushed. ¡°That''s awesome, have fun yah." She pinched her friend''s cheek. ¡°I will, but you''reing with me, he asked me toe with you." She added. ¡°I ain''t gonna be a third wheel, nah-uh, I''d rather watch Netflix and chill with my Nana." She told her friend. ¡°You won''t be third-wheeling, besides Lauren would be there." Rita probed further. ¡°With Keane of course and you with Mathew, and I would be the odd one out. I really appreciate this baby girl, but I can''te with you guys." Amelia said with finality in her voice. ¡°Okay, but would you help me pick out a dress, please? You owe me that right?" Her friend pleaded. ¡°Okay, I''de over tomorrow to help you pick out a dress, is that okay?" Amelia smiled. ¡°Thank you, see you tomorrow then," Rita said getting off the bus waving her friend. Finally, he''s been able to notice her. Amelia smiled to herself. ¡°Hi, Nana." Amelia greeted as she entered the kitchen. ¡°Sweetheart, how was school today?" Trudy asked her granddaughter. ¡°Quite eventful, Rita got asked out by her long time crush." She told pouring herself a ss of milk. ¡°Finally, Mathew asked her out?" Trudy inquired. ¡°Yes, yes he did, she wanted me toe with them since Lauren would be around but I don''t want to be a third wheel, Nana." She confessed. ¡°What if you''re not? You''d never know until you go." Trudy stated. ¡°I already told her I wasn''ting, I was going to stay in with you, we could watch Netflix and chill," Amelia suggested. ¡°Nope, you''re gonna call her and tell her you''ve changed your mind. You my dear are going for the party and that''s final." Trudy added with finality in her voice. ¡°Fine," Amelia grumbled taking her ss of milk and a te of cookies upstairs. Maybe it won''t be as bad as I am imagining it. Amelia thought dialling Rita''s number. ¡°Hey, girl," Rita answered. ¡°Hi, um, about the party Nana says I should go so, how about youe over tomorrow so we can prepare together," Amelia told. ¡°Yaaay, I love you, Nana Trudy!" Rita added on dramatically. ¡°Hahahahah, I''d see you at school tomorrow, wait is your car ready?" She remembered Rita''s car had a fault that was why she took the bus with Amelia. ¡°Yeah, I just got it back a few minutes ago, I''de pick you up tomorrow morning, make sure to wake up early sleepy head. You know I love you right?" She smiled. ¡°Love you more Rita bear, bye." Amelia dropped the call as she began with her homework. ¡°Hi." Miguel greeted as he entered the salon. ¡°Hey Miguel," Jess said as she tried hugging him. ¡°I can see business is booming," he added as he walked past her escaping her hug. ¡°Ye-yeah, a whole lot of people have beening in and out. Others said they had waited so long for the salon to be reopened." She told him. ¡°I see, it took me a whole lot of courage to open up this ce again." He confessed. ¡°Wanna get lunchter?" Jess inquired. ¡°Um, I''ll pass. I''ve got something to do in the office," he added. ¡°Okay, have a nice day then." Jess bid shocked and worried about his sudden change in attitude. I hope he''s fine. Jess thought to herself as she continued her work. ¡°If I got locked away And we lost it all today Tell me honestly, would you still love me the same? If I showed you my ws If I couldn''t be strong Tell me honestly, would you still love me the same? Right about now If I judge for life, man, would you stay by my side? Or is you gonna say goodbye? Can you tell me right now? If I couldn''t buy you the fancy things in life Shawty, would it be alright? Come on show me that you know Now tell me would you really ride for me? Baby tell me would you die for me? Would you spend your whole life with me? Would you be there to always hold me down? Tell me would you really cry for me? Baby don''t lie to me If I didn''t have anything I wanna know would you stick around? If I got locked away And we lost it all today Tell me honestly, would you still love me the same? If I showed you my ws If I couldn''t be strong Tell me honestly, would you still love me the same?" She sat at the balcony of her house smoking a cigar as the song yed on. She starred into the open, as the city slept on. She loved the way the stars twinkled in the skies that night. ¡°Am I not worthy of love, or to be loved?" She asked out loud. She hadn''t had a good experience with love. The one she thought who loved her, only wanted her for her body and nothing else. ¡°Chill out love, you will find someone who would love you for you, don''t you force it, and don''t you rush it. Patience is a virtue." She smiled as she sipped from her wine ss, putting out her cigar as she stepped into her room. The air was getting quite chilly and she had a whole lot of work to do that morning. ¡°Sleep, here Ie." She said as she climbed her bed turning her lights out. Her brown cute poodle puppy cuddled in her arms as they drifted off to sleep as she run her fingers through her pups fur. Chapter 29: 29. Chapter 29: 29. ¡° Why aren''t you girls going for the fresher''s bonfire night?" Keith barged into his girlfriend''s and sisters room. They had graduated a few months ago and enrolled in the same college as he and Lex. ¡°Because we just want to sleep in and catch up with lost time. We can attend other campus parties ¡°It''s your first party, go out and have fun. Don''t be party poopers." He further probed. ¡° What''s special about this day anyway?" Hailey asked walking out of the kitchen with three tes of spaghetti bolognese. ¡°For starters, you get to meet new people and it''s way better than sleeping in," Keith said taking a bite out of his food. ¡°Bottom line, there''s just free booze and food, then a whole lot of people, making out and fucking themselves, we''ll pass on this one," Sunny added making her best friendugh. ¡°Fine, I''d give up, you girls are just a bunch of boring people." He dramatically rolled his eyes. ¡°Yes! It''s K-drama and chill for us this night, you in babe?" Sunny asked knowing full well how he hated K-drama. ¡°Oh hell no!" he eximed making the girls burst intoughter. ¡°Hey, are you okay?" Val asked walking in on Nichole seated at the balcony sipping on a sex on the beach. ¡°I really don''t know Val, I just feel as if something is missing within me. Those I trusted, those I loved talking to,ughed with, smiled with and even teased, they''re living their lives happily, they''ve long forgotten that a Nicole once existed. You, you know something my friends never stay, they drift apart when I need them the most and after that, they med me for drifting apart." she voiced out. ¡°Are you sure they were friends at all? Maybe you took them as friends and they took you to be someone they know after they get what they want, that''s a bye-bye. You''re a wonderful person Nichole, don''t look down on yourself. You have a huge heart. Just try to live your life and be you. Let those who have gone go, maybe those that are yet toe are far better than those who left." Val smiled at her friend. ¡°Thanks, Val, I appreciate you and your truthfulness." She grinned. ¡°Thanks, now get your ass up from that chair we have an event to attend in four hours." She reminded her as Nichole smacked her head while walking past her. ¡°Ouch, what was that for?" she rubbed her head. ¡°For not reminding me on time." she sashayed into the bathroom. Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk. ¡°Noah, why are you making dinner?" Soraya red at her cook. ¡°Babe, iI decided to, don''t me the poor woman. She was scared to let me but I assured her it was fine, isn''t it?" he asked. ¡°No, no it isn''t. I pay this, this lousy woman to cook for me, so why is she shirking her responsibilities?" her nose red. ¡°Ma''am I ---- ¡°Would you shut the fuck up?" she fumed. ¡°Soraya!" Noah angrily eximed startling her. ¡°What? How dare you shout at me in my own house?" her tone matched his as the cook left the kitchen. ¡°We all know it''s your house, Ms Perfect. But show some respect for once, she''s old enough to be your mother," he told her turning off the stove. ¡°Well, that woman can never be my mom, and never raise your voice at me in my own house. You get it?" she shouted. ¡°Yeah, because your mom didn''t train you right and I will raise my voice to correct you anytime you do wrong," he said as he caught her hand right before itnded on his face. ¡°Don''t. You. Dare. Never try to raise your hands to p me or another man again, you understand?" he threw her hand down to her side as he walked to grab his phone and wallet from the kitchen counter and walked out. She stood dumbfounded for a couple of minutes. Who did he think he was? Coming into her life and home to warn her? Pathetic fool! She said to herself as she opened the lid of the saucepan to see what he had prepared. The aroma of the food alone made her anger go away. Soraya sat in the parlour watching the time go by. As at 12:30 am, Noah wasn''t back and the worst part was he wasn''t taking her calls. She was just worried sick about him. Yes, he wasn''t a baby and of course, he knew his way around Jersey City, but at least he could pick her calls to assure her he was fine, but he wasn''t doing anything of that, making her more worried by the minute. Where are you, Noah? She thought worriedly to herself. Noah unlocked the door to Soraya''s house as he entered. He quietly locked it behind him in order not to wake anyone up. He was headed upstairs when he found Soraya asleep on the couch. He could see how ufortable she felt as she tossed around. She stayed up waiting for me? He asked himself. He thought she would have been in bed by that time, fast asleep, but here she was waiting up for him. He carried her bridal style up the stairs to her room. She had already showered and changed into her nightwear, so all he did was tuck her in bed and headed off to the guest room after giving her a peck on her forehead. She stood at the door to her new home. It was beautiful. She had signed a contract, with Matador Records, NYC. Her contract with her previousbel had ended and she had decided not to continue with them due to some reasons best known to them, she wanted something big. She was grateful she had met them earlier and so were they, she helped other uing artists hear of them and came to sign contracts with them as well. She was going to miss them but she had to further her career. The interior decor of the mansion was splendid. It wasn''t too extravagant, but it was beautiful. She liked the colour of the white and purple walls, the walls were white and then purple stripes run through. ¡°Wee to your new home," Mason, her manager said behind her breaking her from her trance. Mason was her friend in music school, he was studying a course to be a manager for an artiste, and she learnt music. She had faith in him and decided to let him manage her, it wasn''t easy at first but as time went on, he became a good manager, and now he was great, he had other three uing artistes he was managing as well, thanks to Jackie. ¡°Thanks, Mase. I couldn''t have done this without you." she smiled at him. The mansion and the car was a gift to her, even if their contract was done and she wasn''t continuing, thebel wasn''t going to take it from her. ¡°You''re wee love, you are me who I am today as well, I owe you that." he smiled revealing his dimples. ¡°Just, settle in I have to go check on Alicia and Kyle," he said to her as he left. Alicia and Kyle were, artistes he was managing as well. They were a duo. Jackie carried her suitcases one after the other upstairs. When she was done, she checked all the rooms to see the one she liked. She chose the biggest of all, it was a master bedroom. It had the biggest walk-in closet she had ever seen, which had some new outfits in them, as well as shoes, and a minibar, that had juices, alcohol and even snacks. The view from her balcony was so beautiful. She even had a fridge in the room. N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. This is a dreame true. God, thank you for this dreame true. She happily thought to herself recalling all the hardship she had been through with her family. Never again, She smiled. Chapter 30: 30 Chapter 30: 30 ¡° I love, love your mansion. It''s beautiful. I am so proud of you Jackie. You deserve the best." Jess said through the phone as she face-timed her twin. ¡°Thank you, Jessy, you''ve been my number one fan. Thanks for all the words of encouragement. How''s work at the saloning up by the way?" She inquired ¡°It''s going on good, the customers love our services and I''m getting good daily grades for my finals. Each day my assessorse around, I get good grades that are going to umte to my final grade. I''m hoping for a better grade though." She told. ¡°You will, you''re one brilliant girl. Go for gold and get a man while you''re at it." She teased. ¡°Well, I''ve been trying to get closer to Miguel, he''s a nice man but he''s closed himself and his heart to love due to the loss of his wife." She exined. ¡°You need to make him know about your feelings, Jess. You need to know his stand whether he feels the same and he''s scared to put his feelings out there, or he doesn''t feel the same way." She advised. ¡°It''s easy to say for you," she sighed. ¡°You will be fine, just be you and he woulde around. I gotta go. See youter." Jackie dropped the call. ¡°You girls look beautiful." Trudy gushed at her granddaughter and her friend. ¡°Thanks, grams." Amelia hugged her. ¡°Have fun, but stay safe girls." she winked at them as they headed out the door. Trudy smiled at their retreating figures. She was proud of her granddaughter and how smart and fast she was growing up. She''s going to be fine. She assured herself dashing off to the kitchen. Rita drove to the party sting music in her car and singing along with Amelia. Mathew had wanted to pick her up, but she insisted she came with Amelia. Lauren sat fidgetting with her fingers ufortably. Keane had dashed out to only God knows where leaving her all by herself. She stood up from the seat and headed out just to clear her head. The whole fake boyfriend-girlfriend thing was taking a toll on her. ¡°Lauren!" Rita called as she lifted her head. ¡°Hey, I didn''t think you guys would make it here." she released a breath she didn''t notice she was holding. Amelia hugged her friend making her feel better than she was. ¡°Thank you, I was real tensed," she admitted. ¡°Where did he go?" Amelia asked. ¡°I-I-I don''t know Melia, he said he was gonnae back, it''s been half an hour and yet no sign of him." she panicked. ¡°Rx Lauren," Rita chimed in. ¡°I shouldn''t have agreed to this in the first ce." she voiced out as Amelia''s gaze was focused on something else, she was toote to stop Rita. Mathew was kissing his ex-girlfriend out in the open without no shame, while Cody and Jack stood beside him smirking. ¡°Rita wait!" Lauren called after her. ¡°Please don''t look back Lauren, don''t," Amelia warned. Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. ¡°W--W--" she turned to see Keane doing the same thing, with the one bitch she hated the most. It could have been anyone else, why her! she internally screamed as Cody and Jackughed at them. ¡°Seriously? Y''all gonnaugh? All you can do is tough? I expected better than you. But I was wrong. I thought it was just a phase that would pass, but I realised that this, is the true you. You pretended to be our friends, for God knows how long. Just for what clout? Fame? How pathetic. To think I ---" she stopped before she said further. ¡°Enough of the trash Amelia, just enough. Wake up and smell the coffee no one likes you and no one ever will. You are just a charity case. Be thankful to your grandma for saving you from abuse. Just scram!" Cody added as she walked over to Rita''s car with her friends. ¡°Amelia, ---" ¡°Let''s go home and watch Netflix and chill just like we were supposed to, please." her voice broke at the end as they sat in the car and Rita drove off. ¡°Congrattions on your new opening." Freya hugged Zed. ¡°Thank you," he smiled at her. Their friendship had been going on pretty well and they had learned more about each other. Zed was beginning to see her in a different light. And Freya, her love for him just kept growing stronger. She had promised herself never to let it show or tell him. If he was ready he would tell her how he felt. ¡°Thanks, hun." he smiled at her. ¡°You got a boss for the caf¨¦?" she asked sitting at a table. ¡°Oh yeah, he''s doing a great job there," he admitted setting a te of vegetable stir fry and a ss of wine before her. ¡°Thanks, it''s nice to see you doing something you love." she genuinely told. ¡° Enjoy your meal Freya, lemme attend to the rest of the people, I''d be right back, don''t go anywhere," he instructed as he went about his duties. Noah walked into the kitchen to make himself breakfast. He was still not happy at the way Soraya talked to her maid. Money can make people proud, hmph. He murmured to himself as Soraya joined him in the kitchen. She hugged him from behind running her hands over his arbs. He carefully removed her hands from him as he continued making his food. ¡°You''re still mad?" she inquired from him. But he didn''t answer her. ¡°Noah, I am talking to you?" she asked again but no response. She nodded and headed up the stairs to her room, banging the door behind her. Aren''t you taking this too far? She''s apologized already, time to let go. His conscience pricked. ¡°I know she is, but she''s gonna have to learn things the hard way." He smirked serving himself with breakfast. ¡° Ginny should stop being a bitch to Georgia, it''s getting annoying now." Lauren voiced out. ¡°Well, she actually is Georgia when she was younger." Amelia chimed in. ¡°You know we''re definitely going to talk about this right? I can feel the tension in the air. Let''s just let it out of our chests, we would feel better." Rita told ignoring Mathew''s call for the 100th time. ¡°She''s right, we have to." Amelia agreed. ¡°I thought Keane and I got something special, yeah we weren''t a real couple but I was falling for the bad guy, getting your heart broken sucks." Lauren sighed. ¡°Of course it does, at least you weren''t led on, only to get your heart shattered. Maybe we weren''t made for love." Rita confessed. ¡° Try getting betrayed by someone you loved, just because he chose fame over the wonderful friendship you both shared. The funny thing was he didn''t even care, he happily spilt everything. Now I am going to be the girl everyone sends pity looks to. Way to go." she drilyughed. Chapter 31: 31 Chapter 31: 31 ¡°A penny for your thoughts?" Hailey asked Lex as they walked along the shore. ¡°I''m just thinking how my life would be after college." he rubbed his neck. ¡°Don''t beat yourself about it, you''re going to be a great dermatologist, I know so." she nudged him. ¡° It''s not about the profession, it''s about getting the job, at least you''ve got your future secure." he sighed. ¡°Come on, you are a great student and any organisation to reject you, it''s their loss. And what do you mean, I''ve got my future secured?" she urged. ¡°Duuh, you''re the daughter to the Wayne''s no need to struggle for a job," he stated the obvious. ¡°Just like Keith, I have no interest in theirpany, besides they''ve got bitchy Soraya to do so. And my major, aviation has nothing to do with their line of business, after here, it''s aviation school for me." she voiced out slightly annoyed. ¡°No offence though, but bing a pilot while you can take the easiest way out to work for them, isn''t that pretty much?" the question he asked, broke the horse''s back. ¡°Offence is taken. Why are you so keen on making me change my mind? You know what, to hell with theirpany and your opinions, you can shove them up to your ass. So great for an understanding boyfriend." she in the opposite direction. ¡°Hailey wait!" he called after her as she raised her middle finger at him. ¡°Calm down Hails, maybe he didn''t mean for you to get angry. It was just a suggestion. Perhaps he didn''t understand why that wasn''t your goal and that of Keith''s." Sunny reasoned with her. ¡°He''s just hot-headed and wants me to do what he thinks is right for me. It''s been my goal to be a pilot and I am going for it. " she determinedly smiled. ¡°Yes ma''am." Sunny chuckled at her friend who walked into her room. She''s been through a lot since childhood and she hoped everyone would ept her decision to be what she wanted for once, not what her parents wanted. Lex should just understand that part of her and support her, not rather trying to push her into what she doesn''t want to be. She''s starting to be herself, and there''s no way I am going to stay and allow him try talking her out of her dreams, for once she gets to make her own decisions concerning her life, let her be! All that fa?ade her mom put up was to get them to agree to work in theirpany, she thought the woman had realised her mistakes and was working through to forgiveness, boy were they wrong. Both Keith and Hailey have swept the matter under the carpet, they just don''t want to talk about it, and Sunny respects that. Sunny thought to herself as she kept the cookies in the oven. ¡°Who''s your arm candy for tonight?" One of the journalists asked. ¡°He''s a mystery for you to find out," Soraya added as she walked into the g with Noah by her side. Though their rtionship was a rocky one, he cared a lot about her. ¡°So I am your mystery man aie?" Noah asked. ¡°Well, I don''t want the press to get the wrong idea about us," she said to him. ¡°Wrong idea?" he asked confused. ¡°Don''t fret about it,e on there''s some people you''ve got to meet." she changed the topic as they approached some of her clients. Did she mean I was just a fling and all of this was just to satisfy her? he thought to himself. ¡°I''ll bet you could get someone who is rich enough to go talk to your clients, I don''t want to know whom you would introduce me as," Noah said walking out on her. "Why is he so clingy and hot-headed? He''s beginning to sound like Zed. She reasoned as one of her clients approached her. ¡°Are you sure you need to do this? I could go in your stead?" Val inquired from her boss. Nichole had arrived in Jersey City, for an event she was invited to. She had wanted to close that chapter of her life and start afresh. ¡°Nope, Val I need to do this. Enough of me hiding from my past, no one knows I am here, I just came for charity work, and by tomorrow we would be back to Italy," she exined. ¡°If you say so," Val added as she parked the car and they headed in. The event had already started so there were no paparazzi at the entrance. ¡°It''s showtime," Nichole smirked walking into the auditorium with her head held high. ¡°Is, is that Nichole?" Soraya grit her teeth as she spotted her ex-best friend walk elegantly into the auditorium. She was angry her friend looked prettier than her. ¡°Time to say hello to an old friend," she said walking towards her holding a ss of red wine. ¡°Ah, if it''s not Nichole." she eyed her up and down. ¡°And look what the cat dragged in," she smirked. ¡°Tsk, tsk...you ran away to Italy, what do you want in Jersey City? I run this town remember?" Soraya Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. barked. ¡°Mmmm, thest time I checked you don''t. Well, it was awful seeing you again. See you never." Nichole turned on her heels and walked off leaving an angry Soraya Wayne behind. Soraya : 0 Nichole: 100 She thought to herself as she sat on the seat that was reserved for her. ¡°You up for a movie marathon?" Sunny asked her best friend. ¡°Yaaaas, Netflix and chill please." she smiled. ¡°Okay, I heard there was a new show, the baker and the beauty. Let''s try it out, it might be fun." Sunny suggested. ¡° If it''s not, we watch Raya and the dragon," Hailey suggested. ¡°Okay, now get your ass out of bed and let''s go make some snacks for the movie." she dragged her friend out of bed. ¡°Sunny, you can make the snacks alone, while I justy on myfy bed waiting for you mama." she resisted clutching onto her pillow as her life depended on it. ¡°Nope can''t do, now get up Hailey bear." she tickled her friend as she fell off the bed. ¡°Ouch, my poor sexy ass." she pouted as Sunnyughed at her. ¡°I''m gonna get you for this Sunny," Hailey called running after her friend. ¡°You crossed the line this time bro!" Keith added. ¡°I just don''t understand why you both, why?" Lex asked. ¡°Just leave it that way, we both have dreams, we won''t be sucked into what our parents want for us. We have our lives to live!" Keith told him. ¡°Whateves, it''s both your lives to live, you can do what you want with it, I''d have your backs anyway," Lex added walking out on his friend. This world is pretty unfair you know. He said to himself as he stood at the balcony. Chapter 32: 32 Chapter 32: 32 ¡°The view here is breathtakingly beautiful," Freya said to no one in particr. She was supposed to After all, he''s not my boyfriend. She said to herself. Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. ¡°It sure is beautiful." Another voice said standing beside her. ¡°Yeah, and peaceful..." she trailed off. ¡°He ditched you right?" Noah smirked. ¡°Excuse you?" she tried getting all defensive. ¡°Calm down, I am no stalker, but your reactions show you were ditched by someone you nned the night with," he exined. ¡°Yeah, we were supposed to meet up here for a dinner, but he ditched iming he had to do some things, and here I am," she told. ¡° At least he''s not rude or doesn''t act all bitchy as the whole world revolves around him." he sighed. ¡°Ah, rich girlfriend problems?" Freya asked as he pulled a seat to join her at the table she sat on. ¡°Yeah, more like over pampered spoiled brat. But she''s a good woman, it''s just her attitude that stinks." Noah exined. It sounds like Soraya Wayne he''s talking about. Freya thought to herself. ¡°Enough of them, what do you do?" she asked. ¡°Im a personal assistant in a multinationalpany, what of you?" he inquired. ¡°CEO to FG fashion industry." she smiled sipping her red wine. ¡°The Freya Grey? In flesh and blood?" he asked shocked. She was not like Soraya. He had that mentality that all sessful women were all bitchy, but she had proved him wrong that night. ¡°Call me Freya, and I didn''t catch your name mystery man." she winked at him. ¡°I am Noah, and it was nice meeting you, Freya, I had fun. Can we do this again sometime? I promise not to ditch you." he had his fingers crossed. ¡°Of course we can, here''s my card and call me when you want to meet up Noah, I enjoyed your ¡°Care for onest drink?" he grinned showing his dimples. ¡° I''d love that," she replied. ¡° Where have you been?" Soraya asked Noah as he entered the house. She''d been worried sick about him. ¡°Out," he replied. ¡°Out where?" she urged. ¡°Out, out," he answered about walking out on her as she grabbed his arm pulling him towards her. ¡°Look, I''m sorry for how I talked to you and treated you. I really am." she apologized hugging him. ¡°It''s fine though, you really crossed the line." he hinted. ¡°I am sorry," she grit her teeth. ¡°More like you''re not." he walked past her into the room. ¡°Noah!" she eximed following him into the room. She was horny that night and needed him to satisfy her urge. ¡°Miguel, you''ve got to learn to love again, she''s gone and would not be d to see you wallow in pain. You''ve got a girl that loves you and would do anything to please you, but you keep pushing her away, yet she keepsing back. You''ve got to work things out before it''s just toote, at this rate by the time you realise your true feelings for Jess, she would have moved on." Austin his close friend and a doctor advised. ¡°Austin, I understand I''m just not ready yet, not for this." he sipped his coffee. ¡°Then let her know Miguel, let her know, she might be able to move on, at least it may hurt but she would heal. It''s better for both f you anyways," he smirked. ¡°But I don''t want her to leave either, I like her as a person but--- I guess I''m just confused." he sighed. ¡°Don''t be selfish Miguel, " Austin tapped his friend''s back. ¡°I guess I''m needed in the ER, I''ve been paged." Austin got up and walked off. What do I really want? What? ¡°Ma?" Jess called as she entered the house. It had been a while theyst visited and they had wanted to surprise her. At least it was a getaway from Miguel and work. ¡°Maybe, she''s in the kitchen," Jackie replied from behind her. ¡°Nope, there are is with Amelia." Zed pointed oitside. They stood in the house waiting for her to see them. Trudy''s eyes lit up when she saw her children. It had been a while theyst came to visit even though they talked a lot. Amelia run into the house to hug her cousins. They had been close even when she was little. They treated her as their baby sister and loved her dearly. ¡°You my girl have grown into a beauty." Zed carried her spinning her around as she giggled. ¡°My babies, how I missed you," Trudy admitted hugging them. ¡°We missed you so much Ma," Jackie responded. ¡°How''s work? Jess? Jackie? Zed?" she asked all three of them. ¡°Work is fine and stressful these days," Zed answered taking a bite out of a cookie. Amelia went upstairs to her room giving Trudy time to bond with her kids. She had grown to love her grandmother so much she wished she was her real mom. Wee to reality, life sucks! Her conscience teased. ¡°Tell me about it," she said to no one in particr. ¡°Can Ie in?" Jess asked poking her head into her room. ¡°Sure you can." Amelia beamed as she dragged a suitcase in. ¡°Are you staying for a month with all that luggage?" Amelia voiced out. ¡°Nope, these here are for you, my love." Jess smiled as Jackie joined in. Jackie and Jess looked so alike, people couldn''t tell them apart. It was easier for Amelia to do so because Jackie had chubby cheeks while Jess didn''t and Jess''s eyes was a much deeper shade of hazel than Jackie''s were. ¡°Thanks, J&J I appreciate these." she beamed. ¡°You are wee, now tell us how high school is treating you and who you''re crushing on." Jackie teased. ¡°I was so dreading this convo, can''t we skip this pretty please," she begged. ¡°Na uh, it''s a tradition and you my dear are going to spill the beans. It''s a girl code. Just feel dress and tell us maybe we could help. You could never know." Jess probed. ¡°Okay, so you all know Cody right..." she began. Chapter 33: 33. Chapter 33: 33. ¡° Hailey! Lex is here to see you." Sunny screamed on top of her voice. Hailey was in her room taking a shower and getting ready for her next lesson for the day. They were about to write their end of semester exams and so school was a little stressful. ¡°In a minute!" she replied. ¡°Have a seat Lex, is there anything I could get you?" Sunny inquired. ¡°Hot chocte would do, thanks." he smiled sitting and waiting for his drink and his girl. ¡°Here you go." Sunny set the mug in front of him. ¡°Thank you." he smiled lifting the cup to his lips. ¡°This is damn good." heplimented Sunny. ¡°Thank you, that''s my speciality when ites to making beverages," she exined as Hailey came out wearing ck jeans and a cute pink cropped top. She wore her long ck coat over her outfit and then wore a pair of ankle boots to finish the look. Her hair had been curled and she looked super cute. Winter wasing up and the atmosphere was getting a little bit chilly. ¡°Sunny, go get dressed and please hurry we don''t want to bete today again." she emphasised on the word ''again ¡°Yes, Ma." Sunny teased as she hurried up to get dressed. ¡°Hey, you." she nudged him. ¡°How was visiting your mom like?" she asked through the phone. ¡°It''s fun, I would be back tomorrow though, the girls decided to stay a little longer," Zed responded. ¡°So have you made your mind yet on whom your choosing, Freya or Soraya?" Sandy his friend and sous-chef asked. ¡°Nope, I haven''t yet. Both of them are wonderful women but I just don''t know who to pick. Yes, Soraya is bossy, rude and has no regard for anyone either than herself but she''s my first love and I can''t seem to get her off my mind. Freya, on the other hand, is caring, loving and all you can wish for in a woman. She''s helped me in so many ways and I feel indebted to her. Do I love her? Yes, as a friend but something more... I just don''t know Sandy. I am so confused right now." he confessed to her. ¡°You''re going to choose someday you know, so you better start tuning your mind on whom to choose," she said flipping a pan of shrimp vegetable rice. ¡°That''s strange," Zed added. ¡°What''s strange?" Sandy asked. ¡°Soraya is calling me, let me call you back Sandy," he said to her dropping her call. ¡°Hello?" Zed answered. ¡°Hi, how are you?" she inquired. ¡°Im good, what''s up with the call today? You never call me," he replied. ¡°Rx Vsquez, I just called to check up on you, it''s been a while and I kinda miss you," she said to him. ¡° That''s, that''s nice of you. Thank you." his eyes lit up at her confession. ¡°It''s nothing, maybe we could grab a coffee or a drink when you get back to town, just as friends no strings attached. That''s only if you want to. And don''t expect anything from this it''s just a once in a lifetime opportunity, don''t hold on to it hoping it would happen regrly, no high hopes Vsquez." she added rudely. ¡°''Whatever you say," Zed replied in the same tone. ¡°Bye then." she dropped the call on him. Typical Wayne move, just when you think she has changed, she bes much much worse. He titled his head and pressed his lips together. ¡°Answer the phone Jackie, you can''t ignore him forever. He''s your manager as well." Jess scolded her sister. ¡°Hi," she answered. ¡°Finally! I''ve been trying to get through to you but you''ve been diverting my calls." Mason ranted. ¡°I''ve been quite busy down here, what have you got for me?" she asked unamused. ¡°We''ve got a gig at Jussie Smollet''s birthday party this Saturday, you better get your ass here fast," Mason told. ¡°For real?" she pumped her fists in the air. ¡°When ever have I joked with business before? You damn right I am serious." he jumped up and down like a fangirl. ¡° How soon do I have to be there and stop jumping up and down," she said to him. How the hell does she know what I am doing? Mason wondered. ¡°Soon, soon...say Wednesday." he calmed down. ¡°You got it. See you in NYC on Wednesday," she assured him. ¡°Okay,ter and take care of yourself, Jackie." he ended the call. Jackie let out a loud squeal as she jumped up and down on her bed in excitement. ¡°Whatsit with the noise?" Zed asked bored as they piled into Jackie''s room. ¡° And who pissed in your cereal bowl? Wait lemme guess, Soraya Wayne?" Jess guessed correctly. ¡°Anywho, I scored a gig at Jussie Smollet''s birthday party this Saturday," Jackie announced. ¡°OMG! That''s great news Jackie, I''m happy for you. You are going to perform on the Jussie Smollet''s stage? Well, that''s something I could brag about till eternity." Amelia added. ¡°Congrats Mi chica, I''m so proud of you. Just remember to do you. But I don''t know this Smullott you speak about, who''s he?" Trudy asked. ¡°Thanks, Mama, it''s Smollett and not Smullott and he''s a famous actor in the popr tv series ''EMPIRE''" she exined. ¡°You''re so beautiful (Shake it, shake it) Give the world a show (Move it, move it) Go up-down, up-down, up-down Go up-down, up-down, up-down Shake it fast, it''s yours (How much you pay for it?) I say you''re so beautiful (Shake it, shake it) And I don''t care who knows (Move it, move it) Go up-down, up-down, up-down Go up-down, up-down, up-down Shake it fast ''Cause, it sure look good to me.." Jackie and her siblings sang out happily. ¡°...so when do you leave for NYC?" Jess asked her sister as they went out to check on how her old saloon was doing. ¡°Mase said Wednesday," Jackie added. ¡°That''s great, but I hope you''re not going to keep the way you feel about him to yourself?" Jess inquired. "It''s just business Jess, nothing more or less." she tried to change the topic. ¡°Stop lying to yourself chica, I am your twin, remember? And I know you like him." she wiggled her brows at her. "What if he doesn''t like me back? Then what happens?" she urged. ¡°If he doesn''t, at least you got that off your chest and you both proceed with your artiste-manager N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. business." Jess shrugged. ¡°You do know if he says he doesn''t feel the same things could go awkward right?" Jackie raised a brow. ¡°Of course I do, but it doesn''t hurt to try." she winked as they entered the saloon. " Nichole, meet my cousin Deven, Deven, my boss and friend, Nichole." Val introduced winking at Nichole who red at her. ¡°Hi, it''s nice to meet you, Nichole, Val has been talking non-stop about you," Deven stated. ¡°Good things I hope?" she pressed her lips together. ¡°Of course," Deven added. ¡°Since you''ve heard much about me, tell me about yourself Deven." Nichole sipped her coffee. ¡°Okay, I am Deven Richardson of---" ¡°DR Electronics, the biggest electronicspany in Italy, how could I miss that?" Nichole fangirled. ¡°Because my charm worked on you." he smiled. ¡°You could say that again." they bothughed as Nichole gave Val the ''why-didnt-you -tell-me-that'' look Chapter 34: 34 Chapter 34: 34 ¡° I just want you to look at me And see that I can be worth your love I just want you to look at me And see that I can be Good enough (good enough) Good enough (good enough) Good enough And see that I can be, yeah Good enough (good enough) Good enough (good enough) Good enough Good enough (look at me) I''m standing right here waiting for you, here I am (Look at me) Lookin'' for your eptance, do you give a damn? (Look at me) See it doesn''t matter what you think, I''m still a man (Look at me) Open up your eyes, can''t you see that I''m good enough (I just want you to look at me) Look at me I just want you to look at me And see that I can be Good enough, good enough Good enough And see that I can be, yeah Good enough, good enough Good enough, good enough..." Jussie joined Jackie on the stage as they both sang his song ''GOOD ENOUGH.'' The crowd went wild at the lovely duo. Jackie couldn''t believe the birthday celebrant would mount the stage to perform with her. She shed tears of joy recalling the past year''s when she was just a struggling music student, and now she was slowly gaining fame and fans. ¡°That was a great performance, and you have great talent. Maybe we could do this when you''re free, I mean hit the studio and record more songs together." Jussie said to her. ¡°I''d really love that," Jackie managed to say. ¡°Enjoy the party." he nodded at her and then walked off. Mase hugged Jackie and span her around. ¡°You did wonderful out there tonight J," Mason praised. ¡°I couldn''t have done it without you either, Mase. You know let''s just enjoy the party for tonight and await what tomorrow might bring." she poked him. ¡° It''s strange seeing you do grocery shopping by yourself," Zed whispered into Soraya''s ears. ¡° Oh, hi." she smiled at him. ¡°So?" he asked waiting for her to reply his first question. ¡°Okay, I was bored at home and decided toe shop. My maid has travelled to visit her family," she admitted. ¡°What of you? shouldn''t you be at work or with lover girl?" she asked. ¡°I have staff that would take care of the ce and I and Freya aren''t together anymore, we just want to figure out whether being together might be the best or going our separate ways," he told her. ¡°Okay, so you don''t mind joining me for a drink tonight?" she invited. ¡°Oh, of course not, send me your location, let''s focus onmunicating, ''Cause I just need the time and ce toe through, (ce toe through), send me your location, let''s ride the vibrations, I don''t need nothing else but you, (I don''t need nothing else but you)." he sang. ¡°Did, you just sing a part of Khalid''s ''location''?" she chuckled. ¡°I guess I did." he winked at her. ¡°Don''t worry I would text you the details." she sashayed out. You are one indecisive man, Zed. His conscience pricked. It''s not my fault, I can not seem to help it when I see her, she was and still is my first love. He insisted. ¡°Jess! It''s been a while I saw you. How are you doing?" Freya asked letting her friend into her apartment ¡°I am good, you?" she asked sitting on the couch. ¡°I''m great, care for water, food?" she inquired. ¡°I need a minute, apartment hunting is not that easy you know." she sighed. She had gathered enough money from the pay she was making from Miguel, to move out from Zed''s. She felt as if she was making it inconvenient for him. ¡°You''re moving out?" Freya rubbed her arm. ¡°Yeah, I am. Do you know of any real estate agent who could help me?" she hoped her friend knew. ¡°No, but I''ve had an apartment I''ve wanted to lease for a while now," she said as her friend''s face lit up. ¡°Can I see it, I''m kinda desperate now." she giggled. ¡°Let''s go then, it''s a walking distance though," Freya told her as they headed out the door. A few minutes of talking and catching up, they arrived at a beautiful apartment. They walked towards it as Freya unlocked the door. The interior decor was lovely and simple. It had grey marbled walls and was spacious enough for Jess. It was also a three-bedroom apartment. ¡°This is gorgeous, it has beautiful views of the town too. I love it." Jess beamed. ¡° How much do I pay for a year?" she asked after the tour. ¡°Per month it''s $2000, so for a year it''s $24000." Freya calcted the math for her friend. ¡°I would take it asap, any paperwork I need to fill out?" she asked her friend. ¡°Yes, I''ve got them here." she opened a drawer and pulled out the tenant forms for Jess to fill out. She took her time filling the forms as Freya recalled when she used to live in that apartment. She rented it when she started as a fashion intern. As soon as she started climbing to the top, that was the first property she bought. She was d it was going to good hands. ¡°And done," she handed them over to her as she signed both forms. She gave one to Freya for keeps and kept the other. Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. ¡°Here you go." she handed her an envelope containing the rent for a year. ¡°Well, wee to your new home." Freya beamed. ¡°Thanks, Freya, I really appreciate this," she admitted as they walked out of the apartment to Freya''s. ¡°I''ve been meaning to ask, is there any future for you and Zed?" she wanted to know. ¡°I can''t tell Jess, it looks like he''s stuck up on Soraya if he chooses her I am fine with that," she admitted. ¡°At least, we all tried but if it''s her, he wants, so be it," Jess added. Zed arrived at the bar 10 minutes before 7 pm and waited for Soraya to arrive. She was already at the bar watching him from a distance. ¡°This time he went by his words and came earlier," she murmured to herself as she picked her bag and walked towards him. ¡°Seems someone''s early," she said sitting beside him. ¡°Yeah, you look splendid by the way." heplimented. ¡°When have I ever not?" she proudly added. ¡°You know, I''ve missed you and your arrogant self," he admitted. ¡°Funny enough, I''ve missed you too Zed. I just realised I was a fool to let you go," she admitted. ¡° The Soraya Wayne, admitting to a fault? Now, that''s new." Zed teased. ¡°What would you like to drink?" she had trouble maintaining eye contact with Zed. ¡°It''s your treat, surprise me," he responded. ¡°Okay, we would have a bottle of Chamisal stainless Chardonnay 2019," she ordered. ¡°Ah, never estimate the power of Soraya Wayne, she doesn''t seem to disappoint, ever." Zed gassed her up. ¡°And you always seize each opportunity to praise me, isn''t that charming?" she winked at him as the bartender set the bottle of wine and two sses before them. ¡°Thanks," Soraya added as the bartender walked off. ¡°Hey, is your boss in?" Noah asked the maid. ¡°No, she''s not. She left a couple of hours ago," she told. ¡°Did she say where she was going?" he inquired. ¡° She asked me to give you this." she handed him a note and walked off. ¡° Hi Noah, I''m gone out for a drink with a friend. Have something to eat, take your shower and have some rest. Don''t wait up for me, I may or may note home tonight. Have a lovely night and don''t miss me too much. Soraya xoxoxoxox." It read. Where could she have gone to? he wondered stepping into the kitchen to get some food to eat. Chapter 35: 35 Chapter 35: 35 ¡° Um Nichole, why are you facetiming yourself?" Deven asked picking up her phone. ¡°That''s her twin dumbass." Val smacked her cousin''s head. ¡°Hey twinny," Nicolette said as Nichole answered her call. ¡°Hey you, it''s been ages what have you been up to?" she asked. ¡° Nothing much, apart from work and then finding me a man." she winked at her. ¡°Okay, who''s the new vour of the week then?" she asked. ¡°I don''t do vours of the week again, I''ve gotten myself a boyfriend," she told her sister. ¡°That''s great, who''s he?" she inquired. ¡°It''s me." Jesse stood in front of the camera. ¡°You''re kidding, right?" she stood frozen. ¡°No, we aren''t he''s my boyfriend. I hope there''s nothing wrong with that?" Nicolette asked. He''s not mine, in fact, he wasn''t mine to be in the first ce. Thank God I never had sex with him. To think that he loved me. ¡°Earth to Nichole." her sister broke her out from her self-induced trance. ¡°No, there''s nothing wrong with it. I''m happy for you guys. Why did you even break up after high school and all these years after, you get back again?" she voiced out. ¡°I guess it''s fate, who''s that handsome hunk behind you?" her sister asked. ¡° He''s Deven, we''re getting to know each other better." she turned to smile at him. Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. ¡°That''s nice to hear, okay have fun. I would talk to youter. Bye." Nicolette ended the call. ¡°Are you okay?" Deven asked after a while. Her face had lost all its colour. ¡°I am just shocked, one minute Jesse breaks up with Nicolette, the other minute he wants me and now he''s with her again." she sighed. ¡°He thought he would find her in you, that''s why he wanted to get with you in the first ce," Deven exined. ¡°Why toy with my feelings then, he''s such a douche. Thank God I left to find myself," she admitted. ¡°A minute!" Jess said as she hurried to the door. She had moved into her new apartment a couple of days ago and was settling in. ¡°Miguel?" she said in confusion. It had been a while she heard from him. Anything concerning the saloon they talked about it via email. He had been ignoring her calls as well. So she thought he wasn''t interested in her, as much as that hurt her, she was willing to pick up the pieces of her life and move on. And now he was here. ¡°How did you find my new apartment? I don''t remember telling you I had moved." she raised her brow. ¡°I asked Zed, can Ie in now?" he asked. ¡°Of course you can." Jess opened the door wide enough for him to. ¡° You care for some water?" she inquired. ¡°No, I just need to say this quick and then get back to work." he cut straight to the chase. ¡°Okay." Jess sat on the coffee table eager to hear what he had to say. ¡°Jess, I know I started this whole mixed feelings thing, but for now I am just not in the right frame of mind for a intimate rtionship. I don''t think I''m ready yet to move on from the heartbreak of my wife''s death. I want to take time to heal, you know baby steps. I''m so sorry if I gave you any signals that I was interested." he finished. ¡°I understand you, I could return the keys to the salon if you don''t want me working there anymore." she bow her head. ¡°No need to, I brought the documents to the salon, I am giving them to you. You don''t need to pay for anything. It''s yours now." he handed them over to her. She sat dumbfounded for a while before speaking up. ¡°For real?" tears streamed down her face. ¡°For real." he smiled at her. ¡°Thank you so much, Miguel, you are a wonderful man and I hope you find the closure you need to heal and move on." she wiped her face. ¡°I''ve been transferred to Anta, Georgia. I hope that''s a fresh start for me to get that closure," he told her. ¡°That''s great, when are you leaving?" she urged. ¡°Today, my flight is at 6 p.m., and it''s 4 pm so I''ve got to get going." he got up and opened his hands wide for a hug. Jess stood up and hugged him tightly. She was going to miss him bad. He held her face and trailed his hands over her jaws before kissing her on the lips. ¡°This isn''t goodbye, even as I watch you leave, this isn''t goodbye, I swear I won''t cry, even as tears fill my eyes, I swear I won''t cry," she said. ¡°Is, is that Westlife''s ''This isn''t goodbye''?" Miguel chuckled. ¡°It is," she mumbled. ¡°Do good Vsquez, and don''t wait for me. Find love, you''re full of love, maybe I might find love in Anta as well." he walked out to his car as Jess stood at the door. As soon as he moved she waved him. I guess this is the end of the road for Jess-Miguel love story, it ended before it could even begin. she sighed to herself as she walked into the house. I hope I did the right thing, she deserved better. Miguel said to himself as he drove on. ¡°As much as it hurts losing Miguel, maybe he wasn''t mine to be just as probably Freya isn''t Zed''s." she entered the house and headed to her room to keep the documents in a safe ce. I am a proud owner of a saloon. Wouldn''t it be best to expand the salon to include spa treatments? Miguel said the other two shops were apart of the saloon, they had ns of adding a spa. I could make those dreamse true by joining all three shops to a spa, nail salon and the likes. She thought to herself. ¡°How do we keep bumping into each other?" Noah said behind Freya. ¡°Maybe it''s fate, it''s nice to meet you again." she smiled at him. ¡°You could say that again." he smiled. ¡°You waiting for someone?" he asked. ¡°Nope, I''m just here alone." she sipped her mocktail. ¡°Care if I joined?" he grinned. ¡°No, no I don''t mind. Have a seat." Freya offered him. ¡°So, howe I always meet you alone? No girlfriend?" she asked. ¡°I do, I thought I told you about her?" she recalled. ¡°Oh, the bossy, rude one?" Freya remembered. ¡°Exactly, buttely she seems to have forgotten I exist. She''s always going somewhere with a friend." Noah confessed. ¡°That sucks, at least you got to see her. I don''t remember thest time I saw Zed. I guess we weren''t meant to be after all." she chuckled. ¡°Ah, I know that feeling very well. It''s as if theye to you when they need you. If they don''t you''re invincible to them, it sucks as well." he drank from his ss. ¡°I''ve decided to move on, maybe there''s someone out there for me. You should try doing so by first moving out of her apartment, or house." Freya advised. ¡°How did you know we were living together?" he asked. ¡°I just guessed, and guessed right." sheughed. Chapter 36: 36 Chapter 36: 36 ¡°Jackie!" Mason entered the mansion screaming her name. ¡°What''s it, Mase? It''s barely morning." she stood at the top of the staircase rubbing sleep from her eyes. ¡°You have an interview with PIX11 today at 7:00 pm," he announced ¡°You''re kidding right?" she descended the stairs in excitement. ¡°I wish I could, but baby I''m not. You made it big this time around." Mason hugged her tight. They hade a long way, and finally, they were making it big. There were times she''d go for shows just to be recognized but they ended up being kicked out. And now, she''s being called for shows. Thank you, God, only you can do this. she thought to herself. ¡°I wouldn''t have done this without you, Mase, thank you." she smiled at him. He drew her closer to him and kissed her catching her by surprise. She had waited for this moment for so long. ¡°Earth to Jackie." Mase snapped his fingers in her face drawing her to reality. Oh, so it was a trance. I wish it happened. she said to herself. ¡°Um, so what time does the stylist and makeup artiste work on me before we leave?" she ¡° That would be by 4:00 pm. I''ve gotta go check on Alicia and Kyle as well, they''reing with us if you don''t mind," he suggested. ¡°Oh, I don''t mind at all. See you in a bit and my regards to them as well," she told. "I would see youter, don''t forget 4 pm." he reminded walking out. ¡°Why did that have to be a trance!" the veins in her neck throbbed as she climbed up the stairs in distress. ¡°Are you sure she would be okay with us? I saw the hurt in her eyes and it''s my fault I shouldn''t have led her on." Jesse med himself. ¡°She would be fine, give it some time and stop working about her. She would be good." Nicolette rubbed his back. ¡°If you say so." he sat beside her. ¡°How was work today, I hope nobody was hitting on my baby?" he run his hands up and down her thigh. ¡°Well, one person was until I told him I wasn''t interested." her breath hitched as his hands moved towards her inner thigh. ¡°Stooop." she softly moaned. ¡°You really, want me to?" this time his hands were in her clit fingering her. She held on tightly to the couch as his fingers worked magic in there. ¡°Please," she begged with her eyes. ¡°Please what babe?" he teased. ¡°F*ck me," she said as he took out his fingers and started kissing her passionately. His dick hard harden from her soft moans. It had been a while he had sex with anyone, he wanted to take things slow with Nicolette, but he just couldn''t resist her today. Today just had to be the day. ¡°Tell me if I''m hurting you okay?" he said to her as he positioned himself well on the bed couch. He pulled out a condom and rolled it on as he lowered himself into her while he yed with her nipples. He heard her breath hitch as the tip of his dick entered her pussy. He covered her lips with his taking her mind off the pain as he kissed her passionately. He began moving at a slow pace to make her feel their moans of pleasure. ¡°Amelia are you mad that I got together with Mathew? You have no right to be. I know he messed up but I''ve forgiven him because I love him." Rita scolded undertone. ¡°I''m not mad at you Rita, I didn''t walk out on you and Mathew angrily," she exined. ¡°Seems like you did." she sassed. ¡°No, Cody and his new bitch of the week were behind you guys. As soon as his eyes met mine, he smirked and kissed her just to get a reaction out of me and he did. I''m sorry if it looked like I walked out on you guys." Amelia exined. ¡°Im sorry, but he''s now a douche not worth crying over," Rita advised. ¡°So was Mathew and Keane, but you and Lauren are still with them, no offence though," she added. ¡°No doubt, but they approached us after realising how they felt for us. I don''t know what got over Cody but he''s just enjoying seeing you squirm and suffer from his actions. Here''s some advice, just pretend to ignore him or ignore himpletely and move on. That would make him realise what he''s missing." Rita smirked. ¡°Maybe you''re right, maybe not. But that sounds fun." she smiled at her. ¡°You look ravishing tonight," Mase said as he helped Jackie down the stairs. She was adorned in a golden spaghetti-strapped hands jumpsuit, paired with a golden clutch, golden open-top 6-inch heels and loop earrings. Her make up hadplimented her face beautifully. Her hair held beautifully in a curled updo. ¡°Thanks, Mase, hey guys." she greeted Alicia and Kyle. ¡°You look beautiful, thanks for letting us tag along," Alicia said. ¡°You wee, but thank Mase as well. He''s the brain behind everything." she nudged him. Alicia, Kyle and Jackie sat together talking about random stuff apart from their music career. *** ¡° Tell us, Ms Vsquez is there any man in your life at the moment? A pretty new musician, tell us." the host of the show asked. ¡°For now, there isn''t. But there''s someone I do like. We''ve been through a lot together but he seems too busy to notice." she sadly smiled. ¡° Hey, whoever you are, make it official before it''s toote," he added making the fans go wild. ¡° Last question, can you date a co-worker or someone you''re in business with?" he smirked. ¡°Of course I can. If only the person isfortable with it and is ready for all the bacsh from fans, crazy questions from the paparazzi. And oh, I''m a twin, by the way, my twin is in Jersey City so if you see the same face down there that''s my twin Jess." she ended her statement. ¡° Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?" he inquired. ¡° Yes, thanks for the support I wouldn''t have been here if it weren''t for you guys, and do check out Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. music from Alicia and Kyle, they''re an exceptional duo, I''ll bet you won''t regret it. I love you loads." she blew kisses at them as the show came to an end. ¡°It was d having you on stage Jackie, " Harry the host said. ¡°My pleasure, Harry." she side hugged him as he whispered into her ears. ¡°I know you were talking about Mase, give it time he''s gonna realise it sooner orter. If he doesn''t he''s the biggest jerk alive." he let her go as she chuckled. ¡°Thanks again, Harry." she smiled walking towards her team. ¡°Thanks for giving us a shoutout, our viewer base just went up to 200 million subscribers on YouTube and other followers on the various social media. You have a good heart, and one day he would realise the love you have for him. Just you wait." Alicia said to her as Kyle and Mase were engrossed in a conversation. ¡°You, you knew?" she asked shocked. ¡°Everyone around you does except him." she winked at him. ¡°You did good today, I''m proud of you." Mase hugged her. ¡°You better tell me about that guy you were talking about on tv, I''ve got to meet him." he smiled. Fuck my life Is he serious . She sighed tiredly as they walked to their van. Alicia threw her sympathetic looks as they sat in the van. ¡° It''s gonna be alright, " she mouthed to her as Jackie smiled and nodded. Chapter 37: 37 Chapter 37: 37 Miguel walked into the hospital smirking. A new start I hope it goes better than before. he thought himself as he approached the director to the hospital. ¡°Ah, Dr Miguel it''s good to have you here. I''ve been waiting to introduce you to the other doctors you would be working with." the director gently pped his back. ¡°My pleasure Dr Horace." he nodded at him as he followed him wondering how his colleagues would be like. ¡° I hope you''ve been able to settle in Anta? Since it''s a little different from Jersey City." he pointed out. ¡° I''m getting a hang of it, getting to know the crooks and crannies of the town," he replied. ¡°That''s great, anyways this is your team of top surgeons you would be working with. Meet Dr Tom, Dr Lilly, Dr Theo, Dr Lana, Nurse Practitioner May, and Nure Gina. Guys, meet Dr Miguel a cardiothoracic surgeon, one of the best surgeons we''ve got here in Southside Medical, I hope you work well and together." Dr Horace ended. ¡° I would be looking forward to working with you." he smiled showing his dimples. ¡° Dr Miguel if you don''t mind, we''ve got a case you could look at." Dr Theo spoke up. ¡°Of course I would like to, " he replied. ¡°Great, shall we?" he took the lead as Miguel and Nurse May followed suit. And the day begins. Miguel thought to himself. Jess stood across the road watching the expansion process going on. She was proud of herself and what she had been able to achieve. What if I hadn''t met Miguel? where would I have been? Still living with Zed or I would be back to Mama''s house? Maybe Miguel and I weren''t meant to be lovers. It could be he was my helper sent to help me And I''m grateful for that. I really am. Jess pondered to herself. ¡°Hey, you must be Jess...Jackie''s twin?" A random girl said to her. ¡°Of course I am and I''m sorry to have we met before, cause I don''t remember," she asked. ¡°Oh no, your sister mentioned she was a twin on tv and that if we saw a replica of her in Jersey City, NJ that''s you her twin," she exined. ¡°Ah, typical Jackie," Jess smirked. ¡°This ce yours?" the girl started small talk. ¡°Yes, just doing some expansion to add more services to my salon." she felt good saying ''my salon''. Miguel had changed the name of the owner to hers on all the documents he handed over to her. ¡°How long till the expansion is over, I coulde for a good spa treatment or even a hairdo." the girl further asked. ¡° In two or three days at the pace, they''re going," she answered. ¡°And I would love to give you that spa treatment as well," she added. ¡°Can I get your card so I could rmend a couple of friends of mine toe to enjoy your services also?" she inquired. ¡°Sure, here you go. I didn''t catch your name though," she asked. ¡°I''m Be and it was nice meeting you, Jess. Maybe we could catch up sometime, after my spa treatment of course." she winked at Jess. ¡°That would be nice Be, it was wonderful meeting you too. Have a nice day." she bid her new friend goodbye. This expansion wasn''t so bad an idea after all. ¡°Can Ie in?" Nurse May asked. ¡°Of course you can," Miguel said as they stood in the patient he just operated on the room. They stood monitoring his vitals to see whether the patient was recovering or not. The man opened his eyes looking around his surrounding. ¡° Where am I?" he asked his voice groggy. ¡°You just came out of a tough surgery, congrattions Mr Philly." Miguel smiled as the man''s wife entered the ward. ¡°Philly, you''re awake thank goodness." she beamed in happiness as Miguel and May walked out. ¡°First-day well-spent aie?" May asked. ¡°You could say that my shift isn''t over though. We''ve got more lives to save." heughed with May. ¡°Speaking of which, I need your help, Dr Miguel, I''ve got a sickle cell patient whose heart is failing but she''s refusing surgery. I''ve drained fluid from her heart area twice but she still doesn''t see the danger in not getting surgery." Dr Theo said joining them. ¡°Can I see her as soon as possible?" he asked him. ¡°Of course you can." Dr Theo said. N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. Nurse May had been paged so she had to attend to that calling as Theo and Miguel hurried to Cara''s ward. ¡° How long have you been waiting for me?" Jess asked her friend. ¡°Oh, I just got here a couple of minutes ago. No cause for rm." Freya answered as they entered the house. Freya leaned back on the counter and looked up as her friend got two cans of diet coke from the fridge and set a te of cake on the table. She nudged her friend handing her drink over to her. ¡°What''s on your mind?" Jess asked after a while. ¡° I don''t know if it''s a coincidence or fate. I keep bumping into this really cute guy when I go out to clear my head, sometimes have lunch." she found herself saying. ¡°And you like him?" Jess smiled. ¡° He has a girlfriend..." she paused. ¡°Why do I feel like there''s a but somewhere?" Jess raised her eyebrow. ¡°There is, she''s rude and bossy, doesn''t spend time with him. She''s always going out with a friend." she quoted his words. ¡° Even at that, what if he doesn''t feel the same way you do and is using you just to fill the void?" Jess asked recalling her own experience. ¡°Maybe I''d like that. Noah is a real nice guy and it''s his girlfriend''s loss." she took a huge out of her cake. ¡°Just like you and Zed," she stated. ¡°There''s no us anymore Jess, he still likes Soraya. It''s best they be together and move on. No, I won''t stop being his friend but I don''t see us as an item. It would always be her over me. You girls let him be with him he truly loves before he mes you for it in future." Freya advised. ¡°Oh, we no longer bug him on who he dates or doesn''t date. It''s his life and his actions and decisions are his to make as well. So if he wants Soraya, the bitch, it''s his choice." Jess put. ¡°How''s the expansion going and how are you holding up after Miguel left?" Freya changed the topic. ¡°The expansion is going on faster than I imagined. In two or three days, it would be done. And for Miguel, I''ve juste to terms that he was my destiny helper and nothing more. We weren''t meant to be a couple. So gradually, I am getting over him." she yed with her fingers. ¡°You are a wonderful soul Jess, someone would love you for you. Just you wait." Freya assured. ¡°Thanks, Freya, I think I''m getting quite popr now. Since Jackie mentioned me on live tv, I''ve got people approach me booking appointments in my saloon as soon as the expansion is done." she broke the news. ¡°That''s wonderful, and I''m genuinely happy for her too. I hope things don''t change with her newfound fame." Freya said. ¡°I hope so too, and Mase better notice her. She''s been in love with him since music school days but still, he''s not noticed yet." Jess chuckled. ¡°He''s in denial, cut the guy some ck." they burst outughing. ¡°Kissing wasn''t part of the deal," Lauren said pulling back after Keane kissed her. ¡°Maybe I don''t want to follow the deal anymore," Keane smirked. ¡° What, what do you mean?" she yed dumb. She knew Keane felt the same way she did but she wanted him to confess it to her himself and he was having a hard time doing that. ¡°I, er, um never mind." he scratched his head. ¡°I do mind." Lauren stared into his grey eyes. ¡°Lauren, just let it be okay? As we said from the beginning this is just a deal, fake rtionship nothing more or less," he said to her with his face turned to the wall. ¡°Okay, whatever you say," she mumbled. ¡°It''s gettingte, I gotta get home. Don''t want my parents to worry about me. And oh, don''t bother picking me up. I want to drive I miss my car." she told him as she got her bag and then headed out mming his bedroom door. Keane punched the wall in frustration. He was mad at himself for not being able to tell her how he felt about her. He knew she liked him because she had already told him so. Why is it so hard for me to just ept that I like her and tell her to her face? Why? He buried his face in his pillow. Why is it so hard for him to just ept that he likes me and tell me to my face? Lauren asked herself as she reached her doorstep. Chapter 38: 38 Chapter 38: 38 ¡° Be, it''s good to see you went by your words," Jess said as she entered with three more friends. ¡° I told you I will. Anyways Kate here wants to have her hair done, Ana wants a manicure and a pedicure, udia wants to re-dye her hair and I want a full spa treatment," she told. Within a couple of weeks after Jess''s expansion, she had hired staff for the new services she had added to her salon. ¡° You got it." Jess smiled. ¡° Meg, Selly and Ben...you heard thedy please attend to them," she said respectively as they approached their various customers and led them to their workspace. ¡° Kate please have a seat, and what hairdo do you want?" she asked as the youngdy sat down. ¡° I want long blonde coloured butterfly locks." she specified. ¡° Okay, I hope your hair is washed already or we''ve got to wash it?" she inquired. ¡°We''ve got to wash it," she replied. ¡° It''s best to let him out of your heart than keep on hoping for something that would never happen." A voice said behind Amelia. She sat on the football stands watching Cody y from a distance. ¡° It''s not that easy, you know," she replied. ¡° The painful part is watching someone you love, love someone else," he answered as Amelia turned to stare at him. ¡° Hi, I''m Zayn, Zayn Huxley, a sophomore in your advanced English ss." he introduced. ¡° I''m Amelia, Ame--- ¡°Amelia Vsquez, I know." he smiled. He had a really beautiful smile and was on the hockey team, quarterback to be precised ¡° It''s nice to meet you Zayn." she had admired him from afar but didn''t dare to talk to him. She just liked him for how calm and collected he was for a quarterback. Cody stood on the field starring at Amelia talk to Zayn. His blood boiled as he clenched his fists in anger. He stormed off the field as his teammates called for him. ¡° There you are, " Rita and Lauren both said at the same time. ¡° Sorry, hi Zayn." they greeted. ¡° Hi, I was just leaving by the way." he handed Amelia''s phone to her. He made a feature with his hand asking her to call him. ¡° How lucky are you?" Rita asked her rhetorically. ¡° I never knew you were close with Zayn," Lauren stated. ¡° I wasn''t, he just came to talk to me while I watched Cody y, then he gave me his number after a short talk," she confessed. ¡° Amelia, aren''t you trying hard enough? He doesn''t want you. Move on." Lauren suggested. ¡°It''s not that easy." she sighed. ¡° Just ignore him, focus on Zayn. It''s clear he likes you." Rita added. ¡° Hey, are you okay? you stormed off the field angry." Jack stated. ¡°Im fine, I just needed some air," he responded. ¡°Okay, but coach needs you on the field asap." he gave him the news and walked off. Why did I get mad? it''s not as if I like her... Or, do I? No, no, nope...I don''t. he convinced himself walking out of the changing room. ¡° Thanks, Jess for your services." Be smiled. They all loved Ana''s nails and they ended up having their nails done as well. ¡° No, thank you Be for honouring your promise. I''d see you next time?" she inquired. ¡°Of course, you''re kinda stuck with us now. You know your stuff. I mean I look great on these." Kate voiced out. ¡°Thanks, Kate, and do have a wonderful evening," Jess added as the four friends walked out. Apart from Be and her friends, the ce was booming with other customers having their hair and nails done and also a full body massage. This expansion wasn''t bad after all. Jackie sat in her studio. She had decided to do a cover on Jessie J''s song ''shlight''. She put on her headphones and began singing... ¡°When tomorrowes I''ll be on my own Feeling frightened of The things that I don''t know When tomorrowes Tomorrowes Tomorrowes And though the road is long I look up to the sky And in the dark I found, I lost hope that I won''t fly And I sing along, I sing along And I sing along I got all I need when I got you and I I look around me and see a sweet life I''m stuck in the dark but you''re my shlight You''re getting me, getting me through the night Kick start my heart when you shine it in my eyes Can''t lie, it''s a sweet life I''m stuck in the dark but you''re my shlight You''re getting me, getting me through the night ''Cause you''re my shlight (shlight) You''re my shlight (shlight) You''re my shlight I see the shadows long beneath the mountain top I''m not afraid when the rain won''t stop ''Cause you light the way You light the way, you light the way I got all I need when I got you and I I look around me and see a sweet life I''m stuck in the dark but you''re my shlight You''re getting me, getting me through the night Can''t stop my heart when you shinin'' in my eyes I can''t lie, it''s a sweet life I''m stuck in the dark but you''re my shlight (You''re my shlight) You''re getting me, getting me through the night ''Cause you''re my shlight ''Cause you''re my shlight You''re my shlight You''re my shlight Light light You''re my shlight Light light ye-yeah You''re my shlight...." She ended as the number of views on her YouTube channel went higher. She had recorded the song on a live video with her fans. ¡°Judy, about my love life...the man I love is in denial. He can''t see how much I love him and it sucks trust me," she replied to ament. ¡° When are you, Alicia and Kyle going to do a song together?" Another fan asked. ¡° Very soon, we are working on something so you guys should anticipate," she answered. She spent some time answering questions and interacting with her fans throughout the night. It wasn''t as if she had important business to take care of the next day, she didn''t so it was best she kept herself busy with them. At least that was entertaining. ¡°Ma''am, you''ve got a call." her housekeeper brought her phone to her. ¡°Thanks, Titi, say hi to my fans," she told her as she waved the screen before walking out. Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. Jackie checked the screen of her phone to see she had a missed call from Mason. She dropped the phone on the table beside her and continued with what she was doing. Not now Mase, not now. Chapter 39: 39 Chapter 39: 39 ¡° Noah, what''s up with the bags?" Soraya asked entering the house. It had been three days hest saw or heard from him and she was declining her calls as well. ¡° I''m leaving, I feel I''m not needed here anymore. I can''t keep living in a home that''s not mine and feeling like I am living off of you, so I decided to go to my apartment," he told. ¡° And you didn''t think to inform me beforehand?" she rudely asked. ¡° With all due respect, Soraya I have been trying to reach you. It''s been three good days and you''ve Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. refused to take my calls. I know you''re no longer interested in what we had, but it''s just right to let me know." he replied as she stood looking at him without saying a word. ¡° It was fun while itsted. Have fun with him," he said walking towards the door with his bags. ¡°And oh, show him some respect, he deserves it. Enough of being rude to people." he turned towards the door and opened it heading out. ¡° I could-- ¡° I could drop you at home," she said catching up with him ¡°Umm, no thanks I called a cab. Be safe though." Noah told as the cab driver picked his bags into the car. Noah sat at the back seat of the car watching his surroundings for thest time as the driver drove off. I had some good memories here though. ¡° Hey Freya, bye Freya," Zed said hurriedly walking away thinking she was going to talk about them moving to the next step. ¡° Wow, what a great way to greet a friend." sarcasm dripped from her tone. ¡° It''s not gonna work out Freya." he found himself saying. ¡° I didn''te to beg for that. I came to have a business brunch with a potential investor," she told him. ¡° I hope Soraya makes you happy this time around. It was nice seeing you, buddy." she tapped him on his shoulder and headed into the restaurant. As much as I''m hurt I thought it would be worse than this But I''m d he told me he''s moved on It''s time I did same. ¡° Thank God. I was panicking because I thought you were caught up in traffic." Ca sighed in relief. ¡° Oh no, I was just talking to Zed," she told ¡° I saw him earlier, it seemed he was rushing off to somewhere oring back from somewhere and he didn''t want no one to see him," Ca added. " Yeah, he was with Soraya." she smiled tight-lipped. ¡° I''m so --- ¡° Don''t, he already made his choice so it''s fine." she stopped her as the investor walked towards their table. He sat down taking off his shades and smiling. To Freya''s surprise, it was.... ¡° Noah?!" she eximed shocked. ¡° In flesh and blood," he answered. ¡° You guys know each other already?" Ca spoke out. ¡° Yeah, we do but I never knew he--- ¡° Was a fashionista and a rich man aie?" he smirked. ¡° You know, I have always found trouble in finding love and friendship. People only came close to me because of my money, and nothing less. So when I saw Soraya from a distance, I thought she was the one. So I decided to disguise myself as an ordinary working-ss man to approach her. She never judged me and we had mad fun, but when we got back to Jersey City, NJ everything changed. She went back to being rude and bossy, then she stopped sleeping with me in the same room. She started staying outte and noting back home for some days, And on those asions, I always seemed to bump into you, Freya. And I was d I was. I looked forward to seeing you, I just liked the way you rted to me, so kind. And now, here we are." he cut short his story. ¡° Oh, so it was Soraya you kept talking of?" she asked. ¡° And you Zed right?" he smirked. ¡° How did you know?" Ca beat Freya to that question. ¡° I did my research." he smiled. ¡° Anyways, back to businessdies," he stated. ¡°Hello." she hugged him as she reached where he stood. ¡°Hello to you too, sexy." he winked at her as he took her hand and walked towards the beach. Nichole and Deven were getting along quite well. She made him happy and he made her happy. He made her see the world from a different angle. ¡° So, how was your day?" he asked eating ice cream. ¡° It was quite stressful, meetings here and there, signing stuff, approving, rejecting stuff. Scolding workers." she went on and on. ¡° What about you?" she asked realising she was talking too much. ¡° Just the normal stuff as you did. Being CEO is tough." he rubbed his neck. ¡° Stiff neck?" she asked. ¡° Yeah, and some bad headaches as well." he confided. ¡° You gotta see a chiropractor, he or she might help," she advised. ¡° I know, I''ve been trying to. But I can''t make out time. I hardly get home before 2 am." he stated. ¡° I would book an appointment for both of us so we go get treated. These stiff necks and shoulders aren''tfortable at all." she smiled as Devenid down putting his head on herps. Her hand automatically went to his hair ying with it. ¡° That feels good, don''t stop." he held her hand when she was about removing it from his hair. ¡° Yes Sir." she chuckled starring at the sea, lost in her own thoughts. ¡° Dr Miguel," May said passing by his office. ¡° Hey, I was just about going home. It has been a real hectic day," he said to her. ¡° How about we go grab some dinner before you head home?" she suggested. ¡° I, um-- ¡° Please don''t say no, I''ve been meaning to give you a treat since you came but, you''ve been too busy for that." she nervously giggled. ¡° Alright then, lead the way." he smiled at her as her eyes lit up. Be flexible Miguel, Allow yourself to love again Open your beautiful heart to let people in Stop being too uptight Enjoy the beauty of life And enjoy the joy of being loved by someone again It''s a great feeling you cannot miss out on. These thoughts run through his mind as May led him to her car. Chapter 40: 40 Chapter 40: 40 ¡° Hey, where are you off to?" Soraya asked Zed as he got out of bed. ¡° I need to take a shower, I''ve got work." he smiled at her. ¡° Can''t you spend one minute for a quickie?" she bit her lip in seduction. ¡°Babe, I need to be there early," he added. ¡° Just one minute, please," she begged. ¡° Lemme think about it." he winked at her. ¡° Fine whatever, you can go." shey t on her tummy turning her face to the other side of the bed. Zed pulled the duvet off of her andy on her back covering them with the duvet. "Zed gets off, you said you were leaving so leave," she said. ¡°Are you sure?" he groaned rubbing his hard-on, on her ass. ¡° Of course I''m sure." she moaned. ¡° Okay, if you say so.." he trusted into her wet cunt from behind. ¡° I thought you were leaving..." she moaned. ¡°Of course I am, " Zed said thrusting harder into her as she held on tighter to the sheets. ¡° Oh my gosh, Zed!" she moaned in ecstasy. ¡° It''s been great getting to know you, Zayn. You''re a wonderful person." Amelia admitted. ¡° And you''re great as well, how''s it been going with Coletely?" he asked. Honestly, she had grown used to Zayn that she had forgotten about Cole and her crush on him began to fade away. ¡° No luck, all he does is to unt his hoes in my face and honestly, I''m beginning to loose interest, I''m trying to move on. And I think it''s working." she smiled at him. ¡° That''s great to hear, Amelia. You deserve better," he told her pinching her cheeks. "Watch the cheeks, Zayn." she nudged him. School was over and she was waiting for Laurena and Rita, but none of them was showing up. ¡° Finally, it''s been like forever," Amelia said as she saw her friends approach her. ¡° Hey Zayn," they both said at the same time. ¡° Hi," he responded. ¡°Let''s go then," Amelia said. Lauren drive both of them to school that morning. ¡° About that, I''m hitching a ride with Keane, --- "And Rita''s riding with Mathew." Amelia finished. " Sorry," they both apologized. ¡°So, what happens to me then?" she shrugged. " Huxley could give you a ride..." Rita suggested. ¡° Of course I will. Come on Amelia." he got off his phone. ¡° Fine, remember me to take the bus next time, bye bitches have a fun time." sarcasm dripped from her tone. ¡° We love you!" Rita screamed as Zayn drove his ck jeep wrangler rubicon, 2021 model, out of the parking lot. ¡° You mind if we stop for a quick bite?" Zayn asked. " Zayn Huxley are you asking me kn a date?" she raised her eyebrows. ¡° Maybe, but this is a food date." he rubbed his neck. ¡° I don''t mind, whatever date it is..." she smiled back at him. ¡° Food date it is then" he pumped his fists in the air turning in the radio as ''Show Me'' by the Nigerian artiste Joeboy yed while they sang to the song on top of their voices. "Lady I dey call you answer Baby me I want to pamper You today Gimme chance me I no go use you y Oh na na an Make our body join body tonight And I wan know if e dey possible (oh oh) I wanna put my hands on your waist Me I fit to give you all my paper I''m addicted to you and I don''t know what to do I wanna put my hands on your waist Me I fit to give you all my paper I''m addicted to you And I don''t know what to do (yeah yeah yeah) Show me ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org. Show me that you want me Show me that you need me Tell me that you love me And I go dey okay Show me that you want me Show me that you need me Tell me that you love me And I go dey okay Tim§Ö dey go Make we go S§Öy I get you Issa goal Ba mi do Ba mi Jo I''m not a yer no be so oh oh Make our body join body tonight And I wan know if e dey possible oh oh ye I wanna put my hands on your waist Me I fit to give you all my paper I''m addicted to you And I don''t know what to do I wanna put my hands on your waist Me I fit to give you all my paper (ye) I''m addicted to you And I don''t know what to do (yeah yeah yeah yeah) Show me Show me that you want me Show me that you need me Tell me that you love me And I go dey okay Show me Show me that you want me Show me that you need me Tell me that you love me And I go dey okay Show me that you want me Show me that you need me Tell me that you love me And I go dey okay (Ahh ahhhh)...." ¡° When is the wedding?" Seven asked his girlfriend, Nichole. ¡° It''s in two weeks babe, you''reing with me right?" she pouted swirling in her chair. ¡° Of course I am." Seven smiled at her. She''s been a perfect partner for him since he got to know her. Although she had her ws, he still loved her to bits. ¡° How''s maid of honour dutiesing up?" Val asked entering the office. ¡° Stressful, I gotta be in Jersey City, NJ next week and both of you areing with me." she left no room for argument. ¡°How about work? Who''s gonna take over when you''re gone?" she asked? " The HR manager, I''ve filled her on her duties, if she messes it up, she''s fired. I already told her that. You need a break Val, enjoy life." Nichole added. ¡° Of course I do and this wedding getaway is going to be the break I''ve waited for. Thank goodness you''re dragging Deven around. He hardly goes on breaks until he met you." Val confessed. Growing up, Deven and Val had been close to each other than any of her cousins and siblings. They''ve been best friends since diaper days. They have also had each other back since kindergarten. She was happy to see he was happy. He hadn''t had luck when it came to rtionship issues, it''s either they were after his money or fame and nothing else. When he met Nicole things have changed for both of them. They''ve been more happy and lively, and she was happy for them. ¡° Babe, you''re going right?" she asked again. ¡° Yeah, I am." he smiled when Nicole broke into a grin. ¡°Wedding getaway it is!" Chapter 41: 41 Chapter 41: 41 " Hey," Nurse Gina and Dr Lilly sat beside Miguel and May at the cafeteria. ¡° Hi, what''s up?" May asked them. "Nothing much, I was just about leaving. I''d leave youdies to catch up." Miguel said walking off. ¡°So?" Gina asked her friend. ¡°What?" May pretended not to understand what Gina was talking about. " What''s going on between both of you, May. Stop keeping us in suspense." Lilly rolled her eyes at her. ¡° Nothing, we''re just getting to know each other. That''s it," she said truthfully. ¡° You sure?" Gina asked. " If something was going on between both of us, you girls would be the first to know," May said. ¡°I''ve been paged. I''d see you, girls,ter." May walked off. ¡° She''s in denial." Lilly put. " She sure is," Gina addedughing. ¡° Hey, are you okay?" Mase ced his hand on her forehead. She was burning up. ¡° We need to go see a doctor, Jackie. You''re running a temperature," he stated. She still didn''t answer him. He shook her, but she wasn''t moving nor opening her eyes. Mase began to panic as he carried her bridal style down the staircase to the car. Thank God she''s fully dressed. She was wearing grey joggers and a big sweatshirt he had given her long ago. He reached the hospital as they rushed her in to check what was wrong with her. Please, please, please be alright. He silently prayed. *** ¡°Sir, sir?" the nurse tapped him in his shoulder waking him up. He hadn''t realised the time he slept off. ¡°How''s she?" he asked immediately wiping sleep off his face. ¡°She''s fine, she just had a fever, that''s what made her pass out." the doctor exined. ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org. "Can I go see her now?" he inquired. "Of course you can, let me show you the way." she lead him. Thank goodness she''s fine. You like her. His conscience teased. Shut up, I don''t besides she likes someone else. he argued. Poor confused man-child. His conscience shaded as he entered the ward. "From the day that I met you, girl I knew that your love would be Everything that I ever wanted in my life From the moment you spoke my name I knew everything had changed Because of you, I felt my life would beplete Oh, baby, I need you For the rest of my life, girl I need you To make everything right, girl I love you And I''ll never deny that I need you Nothing matters but you, my love And only God above Could be the one to know exactly how I feel I could die in your arms right now Knowing that you somehow Would take my soul and keep it Deep inside your heart Oh, baby, I need you For the rest of my life, girl I need you To make everything right, girl I love you And I''ll never deny that I need you Girl, your love to me feels just like magic When you smile you have total control You have power like nothing I felt before I''ve let all of my feelings show ''Cause I want you to know That I need you I need you For the rest of my life, girl I need you Say that you''ll be my wife Oh, I love you Won''t you marry me, marry me I need you Oh, I need you For the rest of my life Oh, I need you Won''t you marry me, marry me I love you I need you, baby I need you Girl, I need, I need you Girl, I need you Need you, baby Oh, baby I love you I need you, girl I need you, need you Babe, oh baby Won''t you marry me Won''t you marry me, marry me I love you Oh, I need you..." Mase sat on Jackie''s bed singing her this song. She was still. asleep when he first entered the ward. ¡° Who do you love?" she asked startling him. ¡° Thank goodness you''re awake. You scared me." he changed the topic. " Thank you for bringing me here on time, Mase. Now, who do you love?" she sat upright. " Someone, she probably doesn''t even love me back. She already confessed she lived someone else." he sighed. "Did she mention whom?" her interest piqued. "No, she didn''t," he admitted. " Maybe you''ve got it all wrong, Mase. Maybe she loves you, but you just can''t seem to----" He cut her off by kissing her. ¡° I-I-I am sorry." he tried to scramble to his feet as she held his arm, pulled him back and kissed him passionately. Oh, how I''ve waited for this. " Err er ermm." the doctor cleared her throat as their faces flushed red in embarrassment. " Umm, hi," Noah said as he met Soraya at the supermarket. " Hey, how have you been?" she asked. " I''ve been better, what of you?" he inquired. ¡°Great actually, I feel bad about how things ended, I''m so--- "Sorry that things didn''t work out?" He finished for her. ¡° Yeah, I''m sorry." she apologized again. " That''s fine dear, it''s all in the past now. I''m over it and so should you," he told. "Okay, then. I guess I''d see you around then." she walked off. " How does time fly so fast. It was like just yesterday that you both entered college and you''re graduating tomorrow." Sunny said to Kieth and Lex. " Yeah, and you both would be joining us soon." Lex sighed. He and Hailey were on a break from their rtionship. Things didn''t seem to be working out well for them. They decided it was better off they were friends. Maybe it would work out for them someday, but for now, they were just normal friends. " I can''t wait to officially fly a ne," Hailey said excitedly. " You''re gonna be a great pilot soon, I can''t wait for you to fly me across the world," Lex added. " Enough of the ne talk, I''m starving, let''s go get some food to eat. The tension here is too thick." Keith added as Sunny nodded in agreement. Chapter 42: 42 Chapter 42: 42 Nichole, Deven and Val touched down in Jersey City. They had checked out from the airport and ordered for a Uber to take them home. Some year''s back, Nichole would have thought twice about herself, a wonderful friend and the love of her life. Don''t tell him I said that. " Your city is beautiful, " Deven broke her from her self induced trance. "Yes, it is, thank God it''s summer, I''m tired of the cold." Val voiced out making themugh. The house was bussing with invited guests. Maids running up and down to help with the luggage. Nicolette attending to guests thanking them for honouring her invitation. Jesse sat on the vouch taking a break from all that stress. He couldn''t wait to get married and enjoy his wife to himself. Nichole, Deven and Val got off the uber. Val stood wowed by the size of her house. The maids hurried to them and helped with their luggage. " Where''s the bride to be?" she asked one of them. " She''s over there with her groom to be," the maid pointed taking the luggage upstairs. " Hey, You!" she called after her sister. Both Nicolette and Jesse turned to look at who had called. "Nichole?" her sister said shocked as she run to hug her. She had changed from thest time she saw her. She looked gorgeous and was glowing. " Hey bride to be," she hugged her back. " Meet my baby, Deven and my best friend Val. Val, Deven my photocopy." she introduced as Jesse walked towards his fiance putting his arms around her waist. " It''s nice to meet you, thanks foring," Nicolette said. " My pleasure, I couldn''t let my sweethearte all alone, " he pecked her on the lips. "Can we go in?" Nicolette suggested. " Can I talk to you, Nichole?" Jesse asked. Nichole nodded assuring the rest it was fine as they went ahead. "How may I help you?" she asked. " I see you''ve moved on fast," he added. " Oh no, you did even before I did and I''m d you did. You both deserve each other." she put. " Y-yeah, we do. Thanks foring though. It was nice seeing you," he said. " I wouldn''t miss my sister''s wedding for anything in the world," she said walking away from him. Good riddance to bad rubbish! " Howe you never told us Zayn Huxley was your neighbour?" Lauren asked spying through Amelia''s window. " Come on guys, how was I supposed to know? That apartment has been upied by Miss Naomi, a young woman," she exined. " So howe he''s there now?" Rita asked quizzically. " Turns out Ms Naomi is his big sister and he''s moved in with her after her trying for so long for him to " Or he moved in cause of a certain someone." they both said. "Whatever, be like that." she tried not to smile. " A, she''s blushing," Lauren teased. " Can you guys stop?''" she said. Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. " No, no can''t do," Rita added. " I''ve been meaning to ask, why does Cody shoot daggers at you and Zayn each time he sees you?'' Rita asked again. " He''s probably jealous," both Amelia and Lauren said. " Jinx, you owe me a drink." Amelia stuck out her tongue. " That''s weird, I thought he didn''t want you, so what''s his problem now?" Rita inquired. " I guess he thought I was going to drool over him forever, and no one would like me," Amelia exined. " Soraya, I equally have work to do. Be reasonable for once!" Zed fumed. " Don''t you dare raise your voice at me or---- " Or what Soraya? I''ve seen it all. So can you just stop? I''ve known you for years and studied you. It doesn''t harm you to be nice for once, the world doesn''t revolve around you." he walked out of the bedroom towards the door. " Zed, Zed!, Zed!! get your ass back here this minute," she ordered. " Who do you think I am? A dog. I''m a grown man Soraya, I now own a chain of restaurants. I''m not your errand boy no more. I need me some respect, get that!" He shouted at her as he headed towards his Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE 2021 model motorcycle. He roared the engine to life and sped off. " Urgh, men and their ego." she rubbed her face with her hand. You need to learn to respect men before you end up in a roman sister seminary after no one wants to marry your rude ass. Her conscience scolded. Bitch please, I''m Soraya, I can get who I want. She pped back. Yeah right, remember the rich man you met in the Maldives? Noah? And Zed again? her conscience reminded. They left because they wanted to, not my fault. she bragged. Preach on sister, that is what you think. Did you ever ask them? Did you? Can you stop, this is getting boring now. She fumed. The truth hurts, "What was it you were talking about with my sister?" Nicolette asked her fiance. " I just told her how fast she''d moved on that''s all." he genuinely added. "Okay," she said. " I hope you aren''t mad though, I mean---- " No, I''m not. You needed that closure and you had it. So we can move on with our lives as well. Our wedding is in three days" she kissed him. "When your legs don''t work like they used to before" she began "And I can''t sweep you off of your feet" He continued. Will your mouth still remember the taste of my love Will your eyes still smile from your cheeks And darling I will be loving you ''til we''re 70 And baby my heart could still fall as hard at 23 And I''m thinking ''baboutow people fall in love in mysterious ways Maybe just the touch of a hand Oh me I fall in love with you every single day And I just wanna tell you I am So honey now Take me into your loving arms Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars ce your head on my beating heart I''m thinking out loud Maybe we found love right where we are When my hair''s all but gone and my memory fades And the crowds don''t remember my name When my hands don''t y the strings the same way, mm I know you will still love me the same ''Cause honey your soul can never grow old, it''s evergreen Baby your smile''s forever in my mind and memory I''m thinking ''about people fall in love in mysterious ways Maybe it''s all part of a n I''ll just keep on making the same mistakes Hoping that you''ll understand But baby now Take me into your loving arms Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars ce your head on my beating heart I''m thinking out loud That maybe we found love right where we are, oh So baby now Take me into your loving arms Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars Oh darling, ce your head on my beating heart I''m thinking out loud That maybe we found love right where we are Oh baby, we found love right where we are (maybe) And we found love right where we are..." they sang together. Chapter 43: 43 Chapter 43: 43 " Jess, Freya?" Jackie said surprised to see her twin and her friend back at the mansion when she got home. " Much better now?" Freya asked her. " Now that you girls are here, I feel better than before. But how did you know I was hospitalised?" she raised a brow. " I called them," Mase answered. " Why?" she blurted out. "You needed theirpany. Besides, I needed someone to take care of you till we got back from the tour," he told her. " What tour?" she looked confused. " Alicia and Kyle, have a tour and I''m going with them as their manager to help boost their career," Mase exined. "And, I didn''t know?" she dragged. " The day I was about telling you, was the very day I met you passed out on your bed. Besides you were hospitalised, you needed rest. Please let''s not drag this." he sighed. " Fine! have fun on your tour, Mase." she stormed up to her room. "Jackie, I-I didn''t mean it that way, please just hear me out," he called out after her. "Bye Mase!" she fumed. " We''d talk to her, just do what you''ve got to do." Freya convinced as he left the house. "Jackie?" Jess called as she entered her room. Jackie stood at the window watching Mase back out from the driveway driving off. " Why are you so worked up?" Freya asked her friend. " Because we had a great time at the hospital, talking about random this, recalling the good old days, and now he''s back to factory settings... work, work, work and more work." she rubbed her head immediately sitting down on her bed. " You don''t need to stress yourself over this Jackie if he''s meant for you, he''s gonnae get you, if not...you both move on," Freya spoke from experience. " It''s almost been 5 years Freya, how long do I have to wait?" she raised her hands in distress. "Until he''s convinced he likes you back, haven''t you learnt a lesson or two from Jess and me?" she inquired. " I have, but..." she sighed. "You feel you''ve waited long enough?" Jess finished her sentence for her. "That I have," she murmured. " Give him a few more months, if by then he still hasn''t--- but wait if he isn''t making any moves, make the move yourself. If he says no, you tried your best after all." her sister advised. " That''s not a bad idea at all. As soon as they get back I''m doing just that," she added on determined. *** "Good morning, Mrs V," Zayn greeted as he entered the house. "It''s Trudy and good morning to you Zayn." she smiled at him. "Is Amelia ready?" he asked. "Sure, she''d be down in a bit." she set a te of pancakes and a cup of hot chocte before him. "Enjoy," she said walking to the kitchen. Zayn began eating his breakfast as he waited for Amelia. It was a Saturday and he had nned a great day ahead for both of them. "Where''s my grams?" she asked Zayn as she approached him " Good Morning to you too, you look gorgeous." he ignored her question andplimented her instead. "Thank you, so where''s she?" she asked again. " Hi, baby," Trudy pecked her on the cheeks. "Good morning grams." she side hugged her. " How was your night?" the elder woman asked. "It was good, what about yours?" she inquired sitting at the table. " I had trouble sleeping, my back was hurting," sheined. " That''s because you don''t much rest," both Zayn and Amelia said. " I get bored doing nothing all day, got to get myself busy." She replied. " I know, but one step at a time. You''re all I''ve got grams. Take care of yourself for me, please." she begged. " I will, just for you." Trudy smiled. " Now eat up, Zayn''s waiting." she teased walking away. "What do we have nned for today?" she asked him. " A whole lot, so eat up and let''s start the day." he winked. Amelia kept ignoring her calls as she ate up. What did he want from her? she couldn''t help but wonder. " Are you alright?" Zayn asked after noticing her expressions switch from one to another. "I''m good, let''s get going." she carried the tray which contained both her and Zayn''s dishes. " Grams, he can wait. Just lemme do the dishes before I leave." she pouted. "Nope, no bye-bye." she pushed her out of the kitchen. Amelia grabbed her clutch and phone as she headed outside. Zayn had gone out to wait for her when she cleared the table. "All done?" he inquired. " Yeah, grams won''t let me do the dishes," sheined as he opened her door for her. Her phone kept buzzing and ringing while Zayn drove. She kept ignoring Cody''s calls. "You sure you''re okay?" Zayn asked again. "Uhuh, I''m good," she replied as she took Lauren''s call. "What''s up?" she said. N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. " I''m supposed to ask you that," Lauren said. "Why''s that?" she arched a brow. " Cody says you''ve been ignoring his call," she stated " Yeah, so why did he call you? So you could talk me into picking them?" she urged. " Yeah, that ain''t happening, why''s he bugging you? What does he want?" Lauren replied? " I don''t know, but I gotta go. Zayn''s got a fun day nned ahead and I can''t let him ruin it with his calls," she exined. " Oooh, like a date?" Lauren probed. "Call it whatever you want, Lauren. See you. Byeeeeeeee." she dropped the call. "Sorry about that." she apologised. "Oh, don''t worry. It''s fine and we are at our first location," he announced. Amelia was surprised and out of words. She had wanted toe to a ce like this for so long. They got out of the car and walked closer, other teenagers were ying around, as well as their family members. They sat on a cliff that had a beautiful view, and they could admire the waterfall from where they sat. "You love it?" he asked. " Yeah, thank you. I''ve been wanting toe here for so long." she hugged him. Chapter 44: 44 Chapter 44: 44 " Sorry, I didn''t ----- Noah?" Soraya called out to her ex surprised. Thest time he left her house, she hadn''t seen him heard from him since. He looked more handsome than before. I thought he was just a P.A? she couldn''t help but wonder as she spotted the car he drove. " Ah, her majesty Soraya Wayne. How are you doing?" he inquired "I''ve been better," she smirked. " Loverboy too, ?" he referred to Zed. "We both doing good Noah, actually great." she nodded. " Good to hear, and I hope you are being nice to him as well?" he asked her. " Wh-what do you mean?" she raised a brow. " I said I hope you''re treating him good? Respect and all? he rubbed his chin as he watched her fumble with her words like a pregnant fish. " Thought as much, it was good seeing you. Enjoy your day and I hope you don''t loose him too." Noah added sitting in his car and driving off. Yada, yada, yada, ya! I remain Soraya, Wayne. No one can beat that. She said to herself as she walked to her car. **** " Well, I guess she was his first love that''s why they keep making their way into each other''s arms. On a real no man would love to be in a disrespectful rtionship, no matter how rich the woman is, the guy deserves some respect, she owes him that at least!" Noah said to himself as he parked in front of Freya''s office. He had wanted to surprise her but he didn''t know how to until she mentioned what type of things moved her. He locked the car and headed into the building humming and whistling to himself. " Ca, how''s the design I asked you guys to work on going?" Freya asked walking into her office. "It''s done, I kept a sample on your table," she responded as she took the piece of clothing. " The pleats in the dress are too small, ergen it a bit. That way it would be easier to iron, and the neckline is too high and tight, lower it a bit," she instructed. " That all?" Ca looked up from her notepad. "Yeah, that would be all," she said as she spotted Noah at the door. " Hey," he walked towards her. "Hi, I wasn''t expecting you," Freya said offering him a seat. " Oh, I could go if you''re that busy." he tried to mask the tone of hurt in his voice. " No, I didn''t mean it like that. I''m sorry." she immediately apologized. "It''s fine," he added. "Are you sure? I''m sorry I was stressed out and didn''t mean to take it out on you." she continued to apologise " Freya, it''s alright, I get it." he smiled at her. " If you say so," she said as he set a box in front of her and a bouquet of her favourite flowers, as well as a gift bag from Gi. " Ummmm..." she trailed off as he gave her the go-ahead to open it. The box contained a red velvet cake and a box of dark and white choctes, and the gift bag contained the most beautiful pearl earrings and ne she had ever seen. She was speechless. She had received gifts from other people, but this... it was absolutely beautiful. "Noah... I- thank you very much." she smiled at him with tears of joy in her eyes. " You deserve this and so much more, I know we decided to take it slow, but I can''t help it. I''m falling for you and in falling real fast," he confessed. " But you don''t need to say anything yet, take your time. I just wanted you to know how I feel about you," he told. She smiled at the man in front of her. She hadn''t known him for so long but one thing she knew about him is that he is a good guy and she was beginning to like him. " Thanks, Noah." she thanked smelling the flowers he gave her. "Into the thick of it Into the thick of it Into the thick of it (ugh) We''re tramping through the bush On and on, we push Into the thick of it But we can''t see where we''re going We''ve made a ster start to find our jungles heart But all we''ll find is nothing if we can''t see where we''re going Into the thick of it Into the thick of it Into the thick of it But we can''t see where we''re going Into the thick of it Into the thick of it Into the thick of it But we can''t see where we''re going (ugh) The jungle''s kind of tricky, the path is never straight And sometimes there''s no path at all, which makes it hard to navigate Although the jungle''s thick, we''re moving through it quick But that won''t do us any good if we''re going around in circles..." " Wait, where''s the song ying from?" Freya asked Noah who couldn''t hide his chuckles. "It''s- it''s a customised card in the flowers, I''m sure it''s slightly opened that is where the song is ying from," he answered. " Noah, you know that song irritates me right?" she cutely pouted. "The more reason I had it made, I wanted to see the reaction on your face, and I got it on camera." he wiggled his phone in front of her. "But I can''t stand the --- why are you cutting my cake?" she sent him a re. " Open wide," he instructed her as she opened her mouth taking a bite of the piece of cake. He put some of the icing on her nose unawares. The taste of the cake hit her buds, she didn''t realise what was going in around her. He had taken a couple of pictures of her, with red icing on her nose. " My new wallpaper, " he showed it to her. "Noaaaaaah.." she whined as heughed at how cute she looked. "Freyaaaaaa," he mimicked her. " I look cute in the picture though, " she flipped her hair at him. " You look absolutely stunning." heplimented. N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. "Thanks, darling," she winked at him wiping the icing off her nose. Chapter 45: 45. Chapter 45: 45. " Watch your step, Jackie!" Mase rudely scolded as she descended the staircase. He was on edge for the past few days and it was getting Jackie bothered. " You know what, I''m not going anymore. Go with Alicia and Kyle. Find something to tell the host, like umm, I am down with the flu or something." she fumed climbing up the stairs. " I don''t have time for your useless and senseless tantrums, suit yourself!" he responded with her tone and walked out banging the door loudly. Jackie shook her head as she stood at the window in her room looking down at Mase talking to Alicia and Kyle. A few minutester, they sat in the car as he sped off in anger. Who pissed in his cereal this morning? she couldn''t help but wonder. " Hey, girls," she picked her phone. Freya and Jess had face-timed her. " Bad time?" Jess asked her sister. " No, it''s a good time. Just Mase throwing tantrums like a woman in her period, and I can''t deal with that," she exined. " Is he edgytely?" Freya asked. " Yeah, ever since he came back from your he has been edgy and annoying." she sighed sitting on her bed. "Give it time, he would be fine," Jess added. "Enough of my rants, what have you girls been up totely?" she asked. " Nothing much, just nning oning to New York City for a girls trip," Freya added. " That sounds fun, tell me more." her ears pecked. " Okay, it''s a one-week trip. We are nning to leave Jersey City, NJ in two days. Then when we get there, we n the fun ces to go." Jess exined. "Great idea, but won''t it affect your work?" she asked them both. "No, no. Everything had already been sorted out." Freya chipped in. " Then, I would be expecting you, girls, on Sunday. I can''t wait to have you here." she couldn''t hold her excitement. " And we can''t wait to be there either!" *** " What Cody? What?" Amelia asked as he dragged her out of the girl''s washroom to the car park. "What?" she asked again. " I don''t like you hanging out with Zayn." he managed to say. "Excuse me, say what now?" she raised her brow. "You heard me," he smirked walking away. " Who the hell do you think you are? The prince? Well, wake and smell the coffee. You have no fucking right to tell me who to hang out with, you understand? You have no right. I''m gonna hang out with him, so get that into your thick skull. The world doesn''t revolve around you, you had your chance and you blew it. So byee!" she turned on her heels walking out on him. Cody stood shocked at her disy. He thought she would have just agreed already, but his guess was wrong. Watch out Huxley, don''t say I didn''t warn you. He thought to himself heading to his car. Amelia walked angrily to the ssroom. "Where have you been?" Lauren asked her friend. " I''ll tell you after ss." She finished as the teacher walked in. The lessons were boring as time slowly crawled by. The moment the bell rang, everyone let out a breath they didn''t know they were holding. They all scrambled out of the ss to prevent the teacher from talking more. " So what happened?" Lauren bugged. " Cody happened." she put. Rita had gone on a trip with her parents and would be back in a day or two. "That son of a bitch, what did he do and what did he want?" Lauren clenched her fists. "He told me to stop hanging out with Zayn, and I told him he''s not the boss of me, besides I was over him long ago and then I walked out on him. He stood rooted to his spot before walking away," she exined. "Is he high on cheap drugs?" Who the hell does he think he is?" Lauren fumed. Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. "Calm down, he''s not worth the stress." she finished as Zayn walked to their table. " Hey, babe," he pecked her on her cheeks. Cody''s demeanour changed as soon as he saw that. He clenched his fists and walked towards the ss. He hade back to apologise to Amelia for all he did, but it was toote. She had moved on and it was high time he did same and stopped making a fool out of himself. *** Mase was ufortable throughout the program because Jackie wasn''t around. He had missed her Why did he talk rudely to her? He just didn''t want to be too close to her, what if she didn''t him the same? What would be of their friendship? he couldn''t help but wonder. And what if she loved him the same? What would he lose? It''s better he tried his luck than he being in denial. " Hey, are you okay?" Alicia asked him after the show. "I''m fine, don''t bother yourself about me," Mase added. "It''s obvious you are not man, you cked out during the whole show, whatever''s eating you up you have to deal with it before it''s toote." Kyle chipped in. "Thanks, guys, but i''m fine. It''s just fatigue." he lied. " Okay, suit yourself then. Let''s get going so you could go have some rest." Alicia said as they headed to their car. The paparazzi surrounded them, taking pictures of them and asking them random questions. "We can''t answer any of your questions, for now, we need to get some sleep." Mase walked out on them with Kyle and Alicia on his heels. "That was a close one, we were thinking of an escape route and you made it possible," Kyle added. "The pleasure is mine, I sensed your frustration and I decided to help, everyone needs a break from the paparazzi sometimes and today is your luckiest day," Mase said to them. "Mucho gra?ias!" both Alicia and Kyle said at the same time. "Jinx! you owe me a drink," Alicia said. "No, you owe me a drink rather, jinx!" the two bickered as they entered the car. "You guys are behaving like high schoolers," Mase chuckled as the driver drove them home Chapter 46: 46 Chapter 46: 46 " Heeeeey biatch!" Jess screamed on top of her lungs as she entered her sister''s house. "Bittttch!" Jackie responded descending the stairs two by two. "Jeeez, you two are just something else." Freya entered dragging bags behind her. "I''m d you guys came here, I''ve been a lonely child," she said as they followed her up to her room. " What of Mase?" Jess asked her sister. "Ummm, I don''t know, Jess. He''s not said anything yet, we''ve been distanttely ever since he came from the tour." she sighed. " Jackie, try telling him. You''ve waited for him to do so for long but it seems he''s reluctant to. Just let the guy know how you feel. Is that too much to do?" Freya inquired. " It''s not, maybe I would but not today." she winked as a knock was heard on the door. ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org. "Come in." All three said as Mason walked in. "How may I help you Ma--" she was cut off by his kiss on her lips. Jess and Freya, we''re as shocked as Jackie. Was this a dream or it''s reality? she couldn''t help but wonder. Jess and Freya walked out of the room giving them privacy when it was getting heated. " Finally!" Freya yelled. " Tone down your voice, Freya," Jess added as they headed to the kitchen to get food to eat. " You sure you want to do this?" Mase asked Jackie. " On second thought, no. I don''t even know what this is." She said picking up her clothes and heading to the washroom to get dressed. Mase sat on the bed waiting for her toe out so they could talk. "Mase, you came in here and kissed me..." she trailed off. " Jackie, I love you, I''ve been in love with you for a while now. But when you said you loved someone else on live tv, I felt shattered. I hooked up with someone on your and I instantly regretted it because it felt as if I was cheating on you." He confessed. " Dumbass, I was talking about you on live tv. If I had someone else wouldn''t you have seen him around? Or known of him?" she chuckled " For real, for real?" he beamed. "Of course Mase, for real." she smiled. " In that case would you be my girlfriend?" he inquired. " Yes, yes Mase I will be your girlfriend." she hugged him tight. " I feel like the luckiest man alive right now." he stroke her hair looking into her eyes, he ced a soft passionate kiss on her lips making her feel weak in her knees. " Good night love." he huskily whispered into her ears. " I hate you." she pouted. "You know you love me, I know you care Just shout whenever, and I¡¯ll be there You are my love, you are my heart And we will never ever ever be apart And I¡¯m like Baby, baby, baby oooh Like baby, baby, baby nooo Like baby, baby, baby oooh I thought you¡¯d always be mine (mine)..." he sang Bieber''s baby. " You got a terrible voice." she smiled at him. " Thank you, I''d see you, tomorrow babe, have fun." he pecked her lips and descended the staircase happily. " See youter Freya, Jess." he bid them goodbye walking out the house as the girls hurried to go ask their friend details. "What''s chasing you girls?" Jackie asked them. " We need details, are you both an item now?" Jess asked as Jackie''s facial expression dropped. " What''s wrong?" Freya asked. " He-we-he had sex with me and told me he loved another girl that he''s sorry, he couldn''t resist my body." she fake sobbed. " That son of a bitch!" Freya picked up a baseball bat descending the stairs as the twins followed suit. " Freya, wait! Where are you going?" Jackie inquired? " To crack his skull open, duuh?" Jess answered. " No, wait. Calm down." Jackie took the bat from her hand and burst intoughter confusing the two friends. " Care to exin, what''s funny, do I have drool on my face?" she impatiently asked. " No, no. That didn''t happen." Jess answered. " What didn''t happen?" Both Freya and Jess asked. " He asked me to be his girlfriend," she announced. ***** "Soraya, we can''t keep doing this." Zed voiced out. " Doing what?" She asked. "This," he gestured to them naked on the bed after having sex. " I''m not getting you Zed, speak English." she popped a mint into her mouth. Zed sat up looking at her before he spoke. " What are we?" he asked. " Acquaintances with benefits." she shrugged. " Not even friends huh? You''ve known me for...just never mind. I''m sorry I can''t do this anymore. I can''t keep putting my feelings out there to get hurt each time. If there''s nothing between us, then I''m gonna go and then move on from this." he got off the bed and wore his clothes. " Must there always be feelings attached?" she voiced out. " For me, yes. I feel you''re just using me," he added. "News sh, your lover girl Freya has a hot boyfriend now, my ex," she smirked. " There are a thousand and one women out there. I could go and get for myself Soraya, the world doesn''t revolve around you. You''re just a fortunate spoilt brat who thinks she''s better than everyone else. Wake up and smell the coffee ma''am, you aren''t and the name Soraya Wayne is gradually bing a house name." He walked out leaving her dumbfounded. " How dare you Zed? How dare you!" she smashed her bedmp on the floor. "I''ve kissed your lips and held your head Shared your dreams and shared your bed I know you well, I know your smell I''ve been addicted to you Goodbye my lover Goodbye my friend You have been the one You have been the one for me Goodbye my lover Goodbye my friend You have been the one You have been the one for me...." Siri yed. "Shut up Siri! Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up!" Soraya eximed throwing things around as she burst into tears. Is this love that I am feeling? Why am I crying over Zed? she sobbed harder. Did I do the right thing? Zed asked himself as he parked in front of his house. He sat in the car pondering over his actions before he entered the house. " If we''re meant to be she woulde back, if not, it was fun while itsted." He said to himself unlocking the door and heading inside the house. " Love can really be tough sometimes," he sighed talking to no one. Chapter 47: 47 Chapter 47: 47 . " Oh hey," Freya said spotting Zed. He wore a hoodie and was walking along her street when he met hering from her morning run. "Freya, it''s been a while." he pooled down the hood. His face looked red. "Oh yeah, yeah it has. What''s up with you? Why are you looking this unkept? Did something happen to your business?" she bombarded him with questions. " Calm down, nothing happened to the business, it''s doing great as of fact I''m opening one out of town," he answered. "That''s great news, so what''s the matter then?" she asked as her phone rang. " Hey love," Freya answered the call in front of Zed. She already moved on? he pondered walking away as Freya talked on the phone. "Sure see you in the evening then." she dropped the call. "So--" she lifted her head up to continue with the conversation with Zed but he was long gone. Where did he go? she shrugged walking towards the mall. Did she move on? I thought we had a thing going on. Howe she moved on so fast? he mmed his hands on his steering wheel. Are you fucking kidding me? You left her for Soraya and you expect her to wait for you to run into your arms? You must be sick. His conscience scolded as he drove on. ***** "Hails, how''s aviation school?" Sunny asked her best friend on face time. " It''s fun and getting stressful at the same time," she answered. " My baby, you''d be done in just two months, you''ve done 10 months already, by the way, how''s it going with Ansel?" she teased. Ansel was one of the guys in her ss who wouldn''t stop asking her out since she entered aviation school. She wasn''t giving him that attention because she thought she would work out with Lex, but they didn''t. She got closer to Ansel and became the best of friends. She had fallen head over heels in love with him and doesn''t know how to break the news to him. "I still haven''t told him," she said to her friend. "Hails! what if he gets fed up and gets another girl? Then you''ve got your heartbroken for the second time." Sunny scolded. " It''s not that easy Sunny," she sighed. "What''s not easy? hey, Sunny?" Ansel entered the room and sat beside her. " She telling you she loves ya." sunny blurted out after an awkward silence. "Omg Sunny!" Hailey eximed. Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. " Umm, I gotta go, bye Hails I love you." she dropped the call. "Hun is that true?" Ansel asked her waiting for her reply. Let it out, " Y-yes Ansel. it''s true. I have fallen deeply in love with you." she confessed. "Toote Hailey, I''ve found someone else. I thought you didn''t want me so I moved on," he answered. Her heart shattered into a million pieces as she heard that. I guess I''m not cut out for love... " Hun? hunny bunny? Hailey!" he called breaking her out of her thoughts. " Huh? Umm..." she looked at him. "I was asking if that would not disrupt our friendship?" he repeated. " Ansel... I don''t want toe between you and her or be the reason you''d have to choose between us. We can hang out, but not as before since you have a girl now." she slowly added trying not to cry. " Oh, I''d see you around then." she nodded as tears streamed down her eyes. "Hailey, please." he tried consoling her. "Ansel...Im fine." she tried putting on a straight face as he walked out. Immediately he did she face- timed Sunny. " Hey lo--- "What happened Hailey?" she asked as she saw her friend shed tears. " He doesn''t want me anymore Sunny, he''s got a girlfriend already, and it''s my fault I should have told him earlier but I was just scared." she poured out her heart to her friend. Ansel stood behind her door and listened to what she said. It broke him to hear her shed tears over him. Why couldn''t I wait just a few days more? I waited long enough for this and now it''s here, I have someone else. Urgh?! he sighed walking away. " I know baby, calm down....deep breaths. You will meet someone just for you. It''s not the end of the world." Sunny added. " Nope, naaah....im done with love and rtionships. I am tired of having my heart broken over and over again," she replied. " Aww, don''t say that.... never say never," Sunny told her. " It''s game over for me...by the way how''s my brother, it''s been a while I heard from him," Hailey asked. Keith was working for one of thergestpany''s in New Jersey. One of thepetitors of his parent''spany. At first, they were sceptical about hiring him but when they did, they were d they didn''t let him go. " He''s good, just caught up with work stuff," she replied. ***** "Boss are you okay?" Soraya''s PA asked as she entered her office. " What''s on our agenda today?" she ignored the question. " We''ve got a meeting with the board of directors in 20 minutes, and another lunch meeting at 2:00 pm and then your spa appointment at 4 p.m. and that''s all for the day," she added. " Has the conference room been prepped for the meeting?" Soraya inquired. "Yes, it has," the PA answered. "Okay, let''s get going then." both of them walked out of her office to the conference room. Soraya dialled her brother''s number after the meeting, she needed to change his mind about working with anotherpany while theirpany needed more qualified employees. "Speak," Keith said as he answered the call. " What a nice way to greet you elder sister," Soraya replied. "Elder sister, you have 10 minutes....im kinda busy right now so speak," he added again. " We need you to resign ande work with us." she cut to the chase. "No thanks, can''t do," he added. " Why?" she couldn''t help but wonder. " To get back at you and your parents. You never saw me as your brother and they never saw me as their son. It was only me and Hailey against the world and that''s how it would be. I have only one and her name is Hailey. Tell your parents I am not interested, you guys should stop calling me. Your 10 minutes are up. Goodbye." he dropped the call on her. Chapter 48: 48. Chapter 48: 48. " Hey, you look stressed out, are you okay?" Sunny asked her boyfriend as he entered the house. " I''m fine...is there any food around here, ''m starving." he walked past her. "Sunny?!" he called startling her. " Is there any food in this house goddam it?!" he raised his voice at her again making her flinch. " Please don''t hit me," she murmured. " Yeah, there''s, there''s some pasta on fire...let me go check it and serve you your food," she answered shaking as she hurried past him to the kitchen. Her hands were still shaking as she took the food off the fire and dished Keith''s food. She set it on the table with a bottle of root beer. Keith stood in front of N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. the kitchen observing his girlfriend. She seemed so scared and was shaking the whole time. I shouldn''t have screamed at her. He walked closer to her and put his hands on her waist making her flinch again. " Please, please don''t hit me." she repeated again as he let go of her. He turned her to face him. She had her eyes closed as he held her wrists gently. " Sunny, open your eyes," he softly added but she didn''t. " Babe, please," he begged. He could still feel her shaking. " Who hits you or who used to hit you?" he asked her letting her hands go. " Your food is served." she sobbed running past him to her room. They both had different rooms in the house but most at the time she was always in Keith''s room. She locked the door and sat in the corner crying her eyes out. He had made her remember something she had buried deep within. She was a victim of abuse when she was younger, she was weak she used to get beaten and bullied by every member of her nuclear family. Her aunt was the one who took her away from those people and brought her to Jersey City, NJ to live with her. " Sunny," Keith knocked on the door. She didn''t want him to see her in a mess so she didn''t open the door no matter how long he knocked. Shey on the floor sobbing and she didn''t realise the time she fell asleep. Her tummy grumbled waking her up from her sleep. She checked the time and it read 8:00 pm. She had slept off for three hours. She unlocked the door to her room and was about to head to the kitchen when she saw Keith fast asleep beside her door. She gently tapped him awake. " You need to go and rest, you''ve got work tomorrow." she shook him again. " No, I need to apologise to Sunny, I hurt her," he murmured in his sleep. "Keith, wake up." she shook him harder as he opened his eyes and sat straight. " Hey, are you okay?" he asked. " I''m fine, go get some proper rest," she said walking away to get some food to eat. She put the leftover pasta and meatball sauce in the microwave to warm it up and got herself a can of raspberry soda. She stood humming ''IDER''S Mirror'' as she drummed her fingernails on the counter in sync with the beat ying from the radio. "Do I reallyugh like that? Do I speak? Do I move? Do I look like that? I can''t remember what I''m good at (Heal me, heal me, heal me, heal me) Where you at? Where you at? (Heal me, heal me, heal me, heal me) Where you at? (Heal me, heal me, heal me, heal me) I keep looking in the mirror ''Til I see myself, I see myself, eh Hey lover, will you blow my cover? ''Cause I''m not myself, I''m not myself I wake up in the middle of the night And I look like a stranger in the bathroom light I, I keep looking in the mirror ''til I see myself People love, people leave, people let down People show up, roll up, people grow up People move out, people disappear People don''t change, people rearrange People miss the game, people lose People try, people lie, can''t look you in the eye People suck, people fuck, people leave their shit behind People throw up on the carpet, people trip up on the stairs Peopleugh, people dare, people scare, people tell you what to wear People jump, people sink, people float, people think People fail, people hate what they don''t know People think they''re worth nothing, people think they''re worth the top People drop, people love what they know, people think but don''t stop I keep looking in the mirror ''Til I see myself, I see myself, eh Hey lover, will you blow my cover? ''Cause I''m not myself, I''m not myself I wake up in the middle of the night And I look like a stranger in the bathroom light I, I keep looking in the mirror ''til I see myself, I see myself eh..." the song ended as Sunny took her food to her room. She just wanted to be left alone with no disturbance from Keith. He wasn''t seated at where she left him when she was heading to the kitchen. As much as she was relieved, she was worried if he was fine at the moment. Maybe I should go talk to him. She knocked on his door waiting for a response from him before she entered. She was still holding her te of food and raspberry soda. " Pleasee in," he responded. She opened the door to see him seared on his bed with his back faced towards where she stood. He had buried his head in his hands and mumbling to himself. "Keith, are you alright?" Sunny asked but not response. "Babe?" she called again drawing his attention to her. " Yeah, yeah babe." he got off from his bed walking towards her. " I''m so sorry, I didn''t mean to scream at you. I had a hard day at work and I took it out on you. I''m sorry." he apologized. " It''s fine, I forgive you. You hungry?" she asked him as he locked the door behind her. " For something else, but not food." he took the food and drink from her cing it on the table. " But I''m hungry." she pouted as he pecked her lips. Keith carried her unto the bed as she kept protesting. I''m d I took my bath before heading out for food. she thought to herself. " The food can wait," he smirked. He was in his favourite joggers before she came in. He had already taken his bath as well. " But---- Her breathe hitched as Keith pulled down her nightie shorts and started to lick her. " Hungry..." she moaned the word as she threw back her head in pleasure. Chapter 49: 49. Chapter 49: 49. Jackie woke up to a tray of food beside her. She sat up shocked at the gesture. No one had done that for her before. Like she even had a man in her life before, pfff. She shyly covered her face as Mase stared at her with a smile on his. Howe I didn''t ask her out earlier? She looks so beautiful in the morning. Thank goodness I wasn''t toote. " Imma go wash my face and brush my teeth...''d be back in a minute," she said getting off bed and heading to the bathroom. This seems so good to be true. She stood before the mirror brushing her mouth. " Babe breakfast''s gonna get cold," Mase called. " Give me a second, please," she replied washing her mouth and face. " Aright," he answered walking towards her window and pulling the curtains apart. Jackie emerged from the bathroom and then sat on her bed. She gently poured the hot water into her cup before dumping her tea bag in it. She opened the other te as the smell of bacon, sausages and baked beans hit her. They are alone whet her appetite. " Aren''t you joining me?" she asked picking a fork. " Nope...this was made specially for you," he answered. " Thanks, love," she said digging into her food. Mase entered the bathroom to take a shower. He had a meeting with another recordbel wanted to sign on Alicia and Kyle since their old contract was about to expire. " Going somewhere?" Jackie asked as he emerged from the shower. " Yeah, I have a meeting in 45minutes," he answered. " A meeting?" she wanted him to exin further. "I''d exin further when I get back, have a great day and don''t miss me too much," Mase added walking out. *** "Miguel?" Jess called out to be sure. " Jess, hi." he hugged her as May looked on confused. " It''s been ages...when did you get back?" she asked. " Just two days ago, pardon my manners. Meet May, my wife, May meet Jess, a friend." he introduced. " I know you re-married." she shook his wife''s hand. " Well, I did. It was nice meeting you, Jess and oh I''d bring May over to the salon for a makeover before we head back," he said. " I''d be expecting you guys," she said as they walked off. He got married? And I was still hoping he''de back for me. It''s time to move on Jess, it''s about time. She thought to herself picking up some groceries for the house. Jackie and Freya had got men on their lives now. She was the only single one amongst them. I could sign up on the dating app Quinn was taking of. It''s not a bad idea. She thought to herself heading to her car. "Did you have a thing going on with her?" May asked her husband. " We had feelings for each other but I couldn''t enter a rtionship with her because I wasn''t over my " And now?" she couldn''t help but ask. " Now, I''m married to you and have eyes for only you." he smiled at her making her blush. Jess dropped her grocery bags on the table and then headed to the couch. She sat on the couch logging onto the dating site. She just needed to find a anonymous date since she was unlucky with love. " User name, user name, user name." she gently tapped her head trying toe up with a unique name. Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. " How about Faye?" she thought to herself. " Yeah, Faye does it." she smiled creating her profile. " Now, let''s see if I''d find the right man for me," she smirked walking into the kitchen to put away her groceries. She had forgotten all about the ount she had created on the site. Her phone was in the couch resting while she prepared sauces and stews stocking them into her freezer. Work had been hectic these days, she hardly had enough time to cook for herself when she got back exhausted. She was tired of eating pizza each night she returned from work. A decent meal would do once a while. After she had stocked her fridge with her sauces and stews. She made h somesagne. It had been a while she had that....scratch that, it''s been ages since shest had asagne and was craving one at moment. Ah, my phone. She remembered and got it from where she had left it at. She noticed she had gotten several messages from a particr person with the username Hans_solo. "Okay, Hans_solo... let''s see what you look like," Jess added going through his profile. He had tanned skin, had arbs to die for...but he wasn''t ripped like all those bodybuilders she saw on tv and online. He was tall..like say 6''4ft and she was a 5''7ft. He had the deepest shade of grey eyes she had ever seen and worked as a lecturer at New Jersey City University. How sure am I that he''s real? What if he''s just in for fun? Those questions run through her mind as she checked on her food. She took thesagne from the oven and served herself a portion. She kept the leftovers inside the fridge taking out a carton of orange juice. She poured herself a ss and sat at her dining table picking up a fork and started to eat her meal. There''s no harm in trying, there''s always a first time for everything. Here we go. She sent a reply to the message he had earlier sent her. Within two seconds he had replied to her. Maybe this won''t be so bad after all. "How was your meeting today?" Jackie asked as Mase hugged her from behind. " It went well," he responded getting a bottle of water from the fridge. " So what was it about?" she raised a brow waiting for an answer. " Signing Alicia and Kyle with another recordbel since their contract is almost over," he answered. " Talking about recordbels...when is our song going to be released? I mean the one I did with Alicia and Kyle, and when is our next tour?" she asked a two-in-one question. "The song would be released in a month and we would be going on tour in three weeks. We''re going to Washington, D.C. then London, Europe and finally Paris," he told. "Shut up," she hugged him in excitement. " You deserve all this and more, you''re a talented artiste and people around the world need to see your talent." he praised her. Chapter 50: 50 Chapter 50: 50 She wore a blue faux-wrap V-neck sequin dress that hugged her figure tightly. Deven had nned a surprise for her that night, and she kept wondering what it was yet he never spoke a word. Val was no better, she pretended not to know anything about Deven taking her out tonight. Those two... I couldn''t love them any less. She thought to herself as she picked up her matching clutch, looking into the mirror onest time before descending the staircase. Just as she got to the foot of the staircase, the doorbell rang. Perfect timing. " Come on in," she called as Deven entered. He wore a grey tuxedo, his white shirt wasn''t fully buttoned and his toned chest was showing, his hair was parted to the side which made him look incredibly hot that night. In all, he looked charming. " Like what you see?" he broke her out of her self induced trance. " Uuhuh..." she nodded slowly as he stretched out his hands to take hers. She gently put her hand in his as they headed out into the night locking up behind her. " So, where are we going?" she asked sitting in the Rolls-Royce Phantom. " It''s a surprise," he told her cheek. He had nned a beautiful dinner at his penthouse which was 2 hours away from Jersey, City. The drive was interesting, they talk,ughed and sang off key all the way to their destination. Onlookers starred at them weirdly but they didn''t care about what they did or said or even how they looked at them. "We are here," Deven announced parking his car in front of the penthouse. It was located in Antic City, NJ, Linwood to be precised. The penthouse was enormous and extravagant. It was a two-story building, the first floor was entirely ss. " You ready?" Deven asked. " Umm, yes of course," Nichole answered as they headed into the building. The interior decor was exquisite andfortable. The floors were made with marbles and the walls painted a warm, homey colour. " This is breathtakingly beautiful," she added as they climbed up to the first floor. Dinner had been served out on the balcony, the lights of the whole city brightened up the ce making it look more beautiful. Deven led Nichole to her seat, helping her sit down before he took his seat. Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. " This is beautiful," she said for the umpteenth time. " Not as ravishing as you tonight." heplimented. " I hope you like your surprise, " he chuckled. " I love it, thanks Deven." she smiled sipping on her wine. They talked while eating their dinner, about random stuff. The servants cleared the table after they were done with dinner. They brought in their dessert after a while. It''s now or never. "Don''t say no, no, no, no, no Just say yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah And we''ll go, go, go, go, go If you''re ready, like I''m ready ''Cause it''s a beautiful night, we''re looking for something dumb to do Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you Is it the look in your eyes or is it this dancing juice? Who cares, baby, I think I wanna marry you, oh Just say I do Tell me right now, baby Tell me right now, baby, baby..." Deven knelt down on one knee and proposed to her using lyrics from Bruno Mars'' Marry you. Nichole was speechless. He did all this just to ask her to be his wife? She couldn''t ask for more, he was a handsome, rich, caring, loving, kind and selfless man and she couldn''t love him any less. " I do, scratch that...I will marry you Deven," she said as he slipped on the 18 karat rose gold ring unto her finger. The ring was a beauty. She helped him up and hugged him. "Thank you," he added. " No, thank you. Thank you foring into my life. Thank you for being that wonderful gentleman that you''ve always been. Thank you, Deven Sinir, I love you to the moon and back." She said kissing him. ****** " Good morning love," Deven greeted carrying a tray of breakfast towards the bed. The sunlight filled their room giving it a beautiful look. "Hey babe, good morning," she yawned sitting up. " How was your night?" he inquired. " It was great, thanks to you." she smiled. " That''s great, anyways, get your sexy behind in the bathroom, brush and join me for breakfast. A sumptuous meal, made by yours truly...chef Deven." he gave himself some des. " I can''t wait to taste that, it looks good. Let''s hope it looks the same way it tastes." she teased walking into the bathroom with her phone. She checked her phone to see a text message from Val that read, " Give me the deets, asap." She smiled texting her back that, when they get back home she''d invite her over for a sleepover so she could tell her everything. "Babe! the food is getting cold," Deven called. " I''m done," she came out wiping her face. She sat on the bed next to her fiance. She picked up her fork and uncovered the food. It was mouth-watering. Without wasting any time, she took the first bite. The vours of the food burst into her mouth as she moaned at its deliciousness. " Howe I never knew you could cook this well?" she asked with her mouthful of food. " That''s because it''s my hidden talent...Val doesn''t even know about it," he answered joining her. " You cook real good," she added giving him a high five. " Thanks, love," he smiled. " Uumm, what time are we getting back...you know you have a meeting at 6 pm today." she reminded. " Yeah, yeah I do. After this we take a shower then we head right back," he stated. " So how about I take care of this and you head in and take your bath. I''d join inter that''s if you''re not done. But if you are then I have my bath and then we good to go." she suggested. " That''s a good idea, I''m gonna head in and have a slow bath while waiting for you." he winked at her as she took the tray downstairs to the kitchen. I bless the day I met this man. Chapter 51: 51. Chapter 51: 51. " Zed," Soraya knocked on his door. She had been to his office and he wasn''t around. He checked the restaurant as well yet he wasn''t there. " Hi Ma''am." a young maid opened the door. " Is Zed around?" she inquired of him from her. " I''m sorry but Mr Vsquez travelled for business this morning," she told her. " Oh, thank you," she replied turning on her heels. " Is there anything I could tell him or any information I could get across to him for you?" she asked. " JUST LET I--- " I''m sorry for yelling, I will try getting in touch with him. Thanks for your help," she responded hurrying to her car. But why wasn''t he answering her calls? Was he ignoring her? Didn''t he want her no more? Those questions run through her mind as she slightly banged her head on the stirring wheel. Her phone rang several times before she answered it. " Mom?" she impatiently called not interested in what she had to say. " Good day to you too." her mom greeted. " What is it, mom?" she asked again. " You don''t sound alright, are you okay?" her mom demanded to know. " I am fine mom, cut to the chase please," she begged. " If you say so, how did it go convincing your brother toe work for us? Did he ept?" she crossed her fingers hoping for a positive reply. " He still stands on his ground. He''s noting, and I somehow understand him. You and dad showed him no love and you expect him toe work for you?" she raised her voice. " Soraya, are you on his side?" she raised her brows. " There are no sides her mother, you never loved him and Hailey. Ever wondered why Hailey went to an aviation school? She did that to get away from you and your husband. You only care about your business and nothing more. Yes, I was the scapegoat. If I had the courage to decline your offer maybe, just maybe I would be close with my siblings." she poured out her heart. " You know what, I''d talk to youter, goodbye." she dropped the call and started her car and drove off. " Girlfriend problems?" his friend asked him as Zed turned off his phone. " You could say that again." he sighed. " Running away from her wouldn''t solve the problem at hand," Cole advised. " I know but, she''s----- " Complicated? A hard but to crack? Arrogant?" Cole finished for him as he nodded in agreement. " Each and every woman differ in their own ways. Maybe all those proved that she cares about you, but is in a state of denial just like you are." he pinpointed. " I''m not in--- " Don''t try to deny the fact that you''re in denial. It''s spelt all over your face." he teased. " Not funny Cole, not funny." he scolded. " I''m being serious Zed, sort whatever problems you have with her out. She is the one you love. Sit her down and talk to her, that''s when you get back home. For now, call her or answer her calls at least." he added. " Okay, I''ve heard you." he sipped from his ss. This thing called love, aye. Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. ***** Jess and her anonymous lover, Hans_solo had gotten to know each other through calls and text messages and now it was time for them to meet each other. " What if he''s not the same person on his profile?" she asked Freya who was seated across her. " Rx Jess...take a chill pill and go with the flow," Freya advised. " I''m not getting what you''re trying to say," Jess said. " All I am trying to say is rx, the meeting would go well, who knows...he maybe more handsome than his profile picture." Freya encouraged as Ca walked into the office. " Hey, Ca," Jess greeted. " Baby, heard you''ve got a hot date tonight." she winked at her. " That I have," Jess answered. " Have fun," she said to her as she dropped a dress on Freya''s table heading out. " Jess," Freya called. " Yes?" she answered. " What do you think of this wrapped chest shoulder backrge ruffled bag hip split turquoise evening dress?" she inquired. " It''s beautiful, Noah taking you out on a date tonight?" she teased. " No, it''s yours." she smiled at her. " You''re kidding right?" she couldn''t believe he ears. " No, no I''m not. I want you to y tonight. Be the woman he can not take his eyes off tonight." Freya added. " Thanks so, so much Freya. I really appreciate it." she hugged her friend checking the time. " Shit, I''m runningte," she replied. " Don''t worry, ''ve got you. You can get ready here besides I would take care of your hair and makeup as well, now go in there and take a shower." Freya nudged her as she entered her suite to get ready. In an hour and a half, Jess looked stunning. The dress hugged her figure in the right ces, her make- upplimented her face. " I barely recognize me...thanks Freya, I don''t know what I would have done without you." she genuinely appreciated. " You wee,e on let me drop you off at your apartment. Loverboy would be there soon," she stated as they left her office. Freya''s office to Jess''s house wasn''t far. Within a few minutes, they had reached. " I''ll tell you all about it." she got out of the car and then headed towards her door. As soon as she got to her door, a horn honked, after which a car parked. It was thetest G-Wagon. A young handsome man alighted from the car and walked towards her. " Hi, I''m Hans_solo...urgh scratch that the name is Ezra Montenero, and I''m after Faye," he said. He looked even more handsome than his profile picture. I hope he''s not a yer. " Hi, I''m Jess Vsquez aka Faye." she introduced to him. " And no, I''m not the musician...my twin Jackie is." she rified blushing. " You''re beautiful, much more than your profile picture shows," he stated the obvious. " Thanks and you''re handsome as well." sheplimented. " You look absolutely stunning tonight, shall we?" he asked leading her to his car. " Enough of the ttery Ezra, you''re making me blush." she added sitting in the car. " Just let mepliment you, because you deserve it." he sincerely said. " I''ll bet you have seen and been with more prettier girls considering your line of work." she began. " Sure, there are pretty girls at the university where teach and I admit I''ve been with pretty women too. But you are the most gorgeous woman I''ve ever met both inside and out." he started the car driving off to their destination. Chapter 52: 52 Chapter 52: 52 " Slow down there Ansel, I thought you had a girlfriend already so why me?" Haileyy on her bed listening to her best friend speak. " Yeah, I have--, I ha---, I mean I did have one." " You''re fumbling with your words hunny. Do you or do you not have a girlfriend?" she asked again. " Alright, I do okay. But it''s you I want." he turned to face her. " You can''t have two girlfriends Ansel, let me make this easier for you. I''ve moved on. No, I am not seeing anyone else at the moment but I don''t want to be in a rtionship with anyone at the moment. I am so sorry." she apologized. " It''s fine, thanks for being honest by the way. I''d see you at graduation day tomorrow," he added leaving her apartment. No more toxic rtionships. " Sunny, how may I help you?" she rubbed her eyes. " Be expecting me in a few hours," she said via face time " Are you on a ne?" Hailey sat up. " Of course, I can''t miss your graduation for any other thing in this entire universe." " I can''t wait to have you here. Be safe and call me when yound," she added. " I will, bye for now." she bid her friend goodbye ending the call. " Time to tidy up, freshen up and wait for Sunny," she said to no one in particr. " Amelia," her grandma called. " Just a minute, grandma." she descended the staircase to answer her call. " Come sit." she patted the space beside her as she obeyed. Her grandma was silent for a while before speaking. "I know your graduation is around the corner and very soon you''d be off to college." she paused. " All I have to tell you is to be careful of the friends you make out there. I know Lauren and Rita would be with you but being in a new environment changes people..so be careful whom you trust and call friend," she advised. " Thanks, grandma, you''ve been my rock and my shield. You''ve been there through thick and thin and there''s no way I would let you down, never," she promised. " I hope you remember your words and keep to them. What of Zayn? Is he going to the same college as you?" she inquired. " Yes, grandma...he is." " I''ve got to talk with him then," she chuckled. " Grandma, which talk?" " The talk," Trudyughed at her confused granddaughter. " Grandma, I have a question...who''s going to take care of you when I am gone?" she asked the question that had been bothering her since she entered her senior year in high school. Her kids were all busy in the city, both with work and their personal lives. And the woman she knew didn''t like to be a burden on others. But she was ageing and she needed help to do some stuff. She had weak knees and couldn''t stand for long. " Amelia?" Trudy called for the third time. " huh? Oh yes, grandma...were you saying something?" " I was saying, don''t worry much about it. I''d be fine." she smiled at her. " Bu---- " No buts, right now you focus on your finals and ace it. When that bridge nears we would cross it," she told her walking off to the kitchen. N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. I hope so grandma. " It''s good to have you here Sunny, " she offered her a ss of water. " Thanks, there was no way I was missing your graduation. By the way, how''s Ansel?" she inquired of him. " He''s fine." " Is he still dating that girl?" she probed. " Of course he is. He even wanted to date me in addition, with the excuse that he was leaving her for me. I told you I wasn''t interested." " What if he was dumping her for you? Did you consider that?" she asked again. " Honestly speaking, Sunny I am sick and tired of these toxic rtionships. I just want to focus on me for now, the right one woulde along," she exined. " If you say so." Sunny agreed. " How''s my brother? I hope Soraya and my parents have stopped pressurizing him toe work for them?" " He''s fine, just a little busy. It''s been a while I heard him speak of it. Maybe they gave up." she stated. " That''s great, and how''s work as well?" " Work is fine, a little stressful but fine." she smiled. " Enough of work, let me see your outfit for tomorrow''s graduation." Sunny requested. It''s a surprise. Sunny finished curling Hailey''s hair. She had already done her make-up and she was looking unny hadn''t yet seen her friend''s dress and she was anxious. " It''s time to see the dress," Hailey stepped into her walk-in closet. She took the red silk-like mini wrap dress off the hanger and wore it. She looked beautiful, absolutely breathtaking. She took her red Evelina pearl ankle strap heels from her shoe rack and walked into the room with the shoes in her hands. " How do I look?" Sunny turned to face her friend at the sound of her voice. She looked gorgeous. She opened her mouth wide staring at her friend. " You''d catch some flies in your mouth," Hailey teased. " Ha! very funny. Babe, you look stunning. Congrattions baby girl! You made it." Sunny hugged her. How she wished she had familye to support her on her big day. But it seemed everyone was busy and she was grateful for Sunny''s presence. " We gotta get going so we don''t runte." Hailey was reminded to wear her shoes and graduation gown. Sunny picked her clutch and that of Hailey''s which had their phones in it. They rushed to the door and headed out of the house locking the door behind them. " Who''s that?" she asked her friend noticing a car parked in front of the apartment. " I don''t know," Hailey answered wearing her favourite perfume. Keith opened the door of the car and came out of it. There was no way he was missing her graduation for anything else in this world. " Keith?" she said surprised as she rushed to hug him. " Hey babe," he hugged her. " Why didn''t you tell me he wasing?" she pouted. " Then it wouldn''t be a surprise no more,e on we''re runningte." Sunny cautioned as they sat in his car and he drove off to campus. Chapter 53: 53 Chapter 53: 53 " Hailey Wayne," her name was mentioned as she mounted up the podium. She stood there for a while looking around. She was thankful for her brother and her best friend for their immense support of her dreams. " People were against me an aviation school to learn how to be a pilot one day. One may ask why? Well, ording to them, my family was rich. I mean super rich so why didn''t I work for them N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights. instead of following my stupid dreams that wouldnd me nowhere. Ah, how I wish they were seated right here, I would have looked in their faces and said... " Bitch, I made it," she added as everyone chuckled. " But to those who supported me, I love you and I am so d I did not let you down. Youre the best!" she descended the stage and walked towards her seat where Keith and Sunny sat. " I love you guys to the moon and back," she whispered to them. " We can''t love you any less," " Hailey, wait up!" Ansel caught up with them. " What''s up Ansel?" she rubbed her eyes. " I just want a picture with you," " Alright," she agreed as Sunny took a couple of pictures of them. Other students came to join in their picture taking. Keith stood beside his car happy for his sister''s achievement. He was d that he was there for her and was able to share in her happiness. " Keith,e on." she called him join them to take a picture. Hailey, Sunny and Keith, just the three of them and no one else. " Fine, just for the gram," he added joining them in taking their picture. " Tell me all about that date, I''m curious," Freya sipped her wine. " The date was great, dinner was lovely. We talked about random things, took a walk, star gazed. It was the best time I had since forever." " I''m happy for you Jess, you''ve been through a whole lot and now you''ve found love," Freya added. " Let''s hope itsts," she murmured. " Don''t say that. Enjoy the moment to the fullest," " Talking about love, I saw Miguel." she half-smiled. " Where? and what did he say?" Freya furrowed her brows. " At the supermarket, with his wife. He just said hi and asked how I was doing, then continued his shopping with his wife." she shrugged. " He married? That soon?" Freya was shocked. " Yeah, that was the same expression I had on when he introduced her, he imed he wasn''t over the death of his wife and that was why we couldn''t be together," " Maybe a change of environment made him get over her quickly, that''s why he got married. Forget about Miguel and focus on Ezra," she advised. " Thanks," they clicked sses together. " Have you heard from Jackietely? Seems she''s been MIA." Freya inquired. " Nah, it''s been a while. She may be enjoying her man you know," Jess teased. " Or gone on tour," Freya showed her phone to her friend. She was browsing on Instagram and saw a picture of Jackie, Mase, Alicia and Kyle on your in Europe. " She could have at least told us," she passed Freya''s phone to her. " Come on, she may have not had time to or she simply forgot..." " Whatever, I need to go to Jamesborough to see my mom, it''s been a while since Ist saw her," she informed her friend. " Is she okay?" Freya leaned forward. " She''s fine, I just miss her. Besides, I am thinking of bringing her here. Amelia, my cousin would be leaving for college pretty soon, and Ma is ageing she needs care and attention." Jess said. " That''s a good idea but what of work can you bnce both of them?" " I just want her closer that way, I can keep an eye on her. Jackie''s based in New York City and currently on tour, Zed keeps travelling out. At least having her beside me won''t make me keep worrying about her." " You have a point there, when are you leaving by the way?" she questioned. " This weekend," she answered. " Okay, take care when you go." " Cheers to being the best sister in the world and a pilot," Keith made a toast to Hailey. " Thanks, Keith, and thanks for your immense support," she smiled. After her graduation ceremony, Keith had taken both Hailey and Sunny out for a treat. What Hailey didn''t know was that Lex was around. He had convinced Sunny and Keith that he was a changed person and truly he was. " Hey," Lex sat beside Hailey as Sunny and Keith moved to the next table. Hailey stared at them raving mad. Be calm, just listen at what he has to say. Besides you still have feelings for him, the butterflies in your tummy gave you out. " Hi," she let out a breath she was holding. " Congrattions," he wished her. " For someone who didn''t believe in me, I am shocked you made it," she added on sarcastically. " I know, I deserve that and more. But Hailey I am so sorry. I admit I was a douche for not believing in you and letting you go just cause I thought you had it all. Your family is rich and I thought you had everything nned out not until I understood what you were trying to make me understand. And I am so sorry," he begged. " Lex, it''s fine. Yourck of belief in me made me work hard to achieve this to prove to you, that you were wrong. Now I can proudly say mission aplished and I missed you," she confessed. " I missed you too, Hailey. I missed us," he touched her hair. Hailey blushed looking over his shoulder as Keith and Sunny re-joined their table. " Sexual tension here''s too thick, I could cut it with a knife." Sunny teased. " Okay, back to our celebration. You guys can continue with all of thatter, whatever that was, " he gestured. " Take a chill pill babe," Sunny nudged him chuckling. " I am calm," he argued back. " Tell that to the dogs, if looks could kill, Lex would be six feet under. I know he hurt her but give him the chance to right his wrongs, kay?" she poked his cheek. " Aight babe," Chapter 54: 54 Chapter 54: 54 " Ma, you''re wee to my abode," Jess said opening the door for her. " Thanks, Jess." She carried her mother''s bags into one of the empty master bedrooms in her apartment. Bringing her mother to her home was like fulfilment to her. She was at peace, for the first time in a few weeks. Amelia was done with high school and would be heading to college in a few weeks. She insisted she stayed back at Jamesborough to pack her stuff and hang out with friends before she said goodbye to those she wasn''t going to college with. " Nice house you have here sweety," her momplimented. " Thanks, mom, can I offer you something to eat or drink?" she inquired. " No baby, I''m fine for now. What I would love to do is to have a good bath and rest." " Then, let me leave you to it, I hope you''refortable though?" she inquired of her. " Yes, dear," Jess stepped out of the room to answer her phone. " Hello?" she responded checking the caller ID " Hey, big sister," " Jackie? You changed your number?" she furrowed her brows. " No, my battery went dead so I used my other phone and a new number to call you. By the way, I am in town..." " Town? which town?" she feigned ignorance. " Your town, Jersey City, NJ." she smiled. " When did you arrive? And why am I just knowing that?" she rubbed her chin. " Inded a couple of hours ago. Freya''s driver came to pick me, apparently, I am in her office at the moment," she exined. " Okay, that''s fine. Ma''s here by the way," " She came visiting?" she asked. " Oh, no, no. I brought her to live with me. Amelia is off to college in a few weeks, you''re busy with music, Zed is always travelling and there is no one at home to take care of her, so I decided to bring Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. her to my home." " That''s a great idea, I''d be there in a few. Freya''s having her driver drop me off at yours. So expect me like in 20," she walked out of the office behind Freya. " See you soon," " Are you okay?" her mum walked into her office. Soraya sat in her seat lost in thought. It had been a while shest saw or heard from Zed. He still wasn''t taking her calls and it was making her more worried about him. Could this be love? " Soraya?!" she yelled her name. " Ma, mom, mummy...you scared me." she ced her hand on her chest. " That''s because your mind was wandering off into space," " What is it you want this time around?" she sounded uninterested. " Uhh, I came to see how you''re doing. Lately, you haven''t been yourself. Is everything fine?" " Ma, I''m fine. Business is doing well, and I am fine no cause for rm," she answered. " Are you sure?" she grilled. " Mom, I am 100% fine...can you do me a favour and stop asking me that question, please?" she begged to face the balcony. " Fine, I''d take my leave it''s obvious you don''t want to talk." Please do! " See you soon," she bid her farewell. " Finally some peace." She checked her phone to see if there was any message or missed call, there was nothing of that sort. Why are you ignoring me, Zed? It''s no longer funny, just pick up my calls, please. The was a knock at the door as Trudy hurried to get it. Jess was in the kitchen making lunch for them. " Jackie," she ushered her in. " Mama," she hugged her. She had missed her mom very much and was d to see her after a long period. " How''s NYC?" " It''s fine, Ma. Where is Jess?" she coaxed " In the kitchen, making lunch." Jackie dropped her bags in her twin sister''s room and headed to the kitchen. " Hey, babe," Jess greeted. " You my darling have a whole lot of exnation to do," she smirked. " About, what?" she demanded. " You found a love for you Oh darling, just dive right in and follow your lead Well, You found a man, handsome and sweet Oh, you never knew he was someone waiting for you Baby, you''re dancing in the dark, with him between your arms Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favourite song When you saw him in that tux, looking so handsome I don''t deserve this, honey, you look perfect tonight..." Jess sang her cover of Ed Sheeran''s perfect to her sister. " That was beautiful, now what are you talking about?" she feigned ignorance turning her back to check on her food. " I''m talking about Ezra Montenero...the man who swept you off your feet. The man who''s giving you butterflies, the man----- " Okay, okay. Slow down and take a deep breath. I''d tell you all about himter at night, now can I go back to my cooking?" she smiled. " Of course Mrs Montenero," she teased. She hadn''t seen her sister this happy about a man since Miguel. She was d she was able to let go of him and move on with someone who made her happy. *** "Now spill," Jackie said as her sister emerged from the bathroom. She had waited for this information since lunch. " Okay, first I have Miguel to thank because if I hadn''t seen him and his wife, I wouldn''t have gone on the dating site in the first ce..." she began. " He got married?" Jess asked shocked. " Yeah, to a nurse. So when I got home that day, I decided to go on a dating app to try my luck. I had numerous messages, but he caught my attention. We talked about random things, what we like and dislike. Our professions, family, friends ---- " What does he do?" she cut her short munching on Doritos. " He''s a university lecturer." " Go on," Jess probed. " So after weeks of talking, we decided it was time to meet. We scheduled a date convenient for both of us. Freya got me a beautiful dress and shoes, then she did my hair and make-up. She even came to drop me off at home." " Aaaw," Jackie cooed. " Then I heard a honk, lo and behold, he got out from his car looking handsome. I was mesmerized by him. His voice, oh my...it was soothing and husky as well. After we left, we went for dinner, then a walk on the beach and finally star gazing. It waste, so he insisted we came home. He dropped me off and drove home," she finished. " No kiss?" " No, because if we did...we would have ended up on my bed. And you know I don''t do sex on the first date right?" she smirked. " I''m happy for you Jess, and proud as well. You''ve done so well for yourself, despite all we''ve been through. I''m d our hard work actually paid off you know." Jackie confessed. " So am I, Im just happy that chapter of our lives hase to an end. Now, it''s good tidings, sess, happiness and maybe marriage." they bothughed. Chapter 55: 55 [ Epilogue] Chapter 55: 55 [ Epilogue] Zed: Can youe pick me up at the airport? Zed''s text message rang over and over in her head as she drove to the airport. She couldn''t describe how she was feeling at the moment. It was a mixed feeling. Her prayers had finallye to pass. All those nights where she cried herself to sleep hade to an end. She finally admitted to the fact that she had fallen head over heels in love with her ex-driver. What were people doing to say? Well, I don''t give a rats ass about what people fucking say, She answered by parking her car. Zed looked through the sea of people searching to find Soraya within the pool of people, but there were too many people around so he couldn''t find her. Where''s she? Soraya moved round in circles searching for Zed but she couldn''t find him and the worst part of it was that his phone was off. Maybe he went home. He was tired of waiting. she thought to herself walking out sping her hands over her head. " Excuse me, " ady tapped her shoulder. " How may I help you? In fact, I can''t I''ve been looking for someone for the past hour, I can''t find him, maybe he left, just---- " If you could just turn around, you would find the person you''re looking for," Zed said behind her. She turned to see him standing with the woman who just tapped her. " Thanks, Ma''am, '''' Zed appreciated as the woman walked away shaking her head. " Hey," he smiled at her, taking her hand into his. She smiled, bowing her head as they walked towards her car in silence. He loaded his bags into the trunk of the car and joined her in the car. " You seem awfully quiet today," he prompted as she looked at him without a word. She backed out of the parking lot and drove away. " Soraya?" "Hmm," she absentmindedly answered him. " What''s on your mind?" he caressed her hand. Nothing, she shook her head answering his question. He let go of her hand browsing on his phone. The drive home was so silent. No one spoke, just the radio and the sound of their sighs. So much for making it up to her, " Thanks for the ride, " he didn''t look up from his phone as she opened the trunk for him to get his luggage. " I''d see you around," he said to her standing beside the car. " Zed I--- He walked away not prepared for what she had to say to him. She rubbed the forearms together lost in thought for a while before driving off. Why did he ask me to pick him from the airport if he knew he wouldn''t talk to me or listen to what I had to say in the first ce? she thought to herself. He dialled her number as it rang once..twice...thrice! and yet still no answer. He dialled it again as she parked her car to answer the call. Why was he calling? I literally left his house a couple of seconds ago. " Can youe to my house, like right now, please?" he begged. " But I--- " I know, but can you turn ande back," he said. " Fine," " Thanks," he ended the call as she yed her hands in the air in annoyance. She let out a high-pitched scream before reversing her car towards his house. Thank goodness there were no passers-by. In a few seconds, she had reached his house and decided to honk her horn loud enough to rile Zed up. He shook his head at her childishness and gestured for her toe inside the house. Soraya got out of her car and locked it before she headed inside. " Can I offer you anything?" he inquired. " Some red wine would do, thank you." " Coming right up." he walked towards his bar and got an expensive bottle of red wine and two sses. He set the sses on the table, opened the bottle and poured both of them a ss. " Thank you," she replied after he handed over her ss to her. Her eyes roamed his body undressing mentally. He had changed into ck joggers and a grey men''s tank top. He looked sexy! ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org. " So..." " So..." " Why did you call me back? I thought you didn''t want to see me any more." she twisted the ring on her finger. " Because, I couldn''t let you go," he confessed. " I, I don''t get it, you would---- " Wouldn''t pick up your calls, nor return your messages or even speak to you on our way here. I did all that for you to feel how I felt when you did that to me. I wanted you to know how it felt to be treated that way like you didn''t matter like you only existed when I needed a favour, just to raise your hopes and crush them," " Zed, I am so sorry. I realised my mistake and I am willing to make am-- " Toote Soraya, toote. I am sick and tired of being hurt all over again, I am tired. Maybe we should end this." he walked up to his room mming the door shut. No, no, no, no! There is no way I am losing him to another woman, I agree I messed up. But I am willing to make things right no matter what it takes. " Coming, just a minute!" Jackie said, rushing to open the door. " Oh hi, " she greeted Ezra. " Hey, Jackie, is your sister Jess in?" he asked, surprising her. How was he able to tell them apart the first time he met her? " Yeah, you must be Ezra right?" " Yeah, I am." he smiled as she ushered him in. " Quick question, how were you able to realize I wasn''t Jess?" she inquired. " First, you''re taller and slimmer than her, your voice is different from hers and she doesn''t greet me by saying, ''Oh hi." he chuckled at the end. " Ah, I see. By the way, she is upstairs, let me get her for you." Jackie hurried up. " Jess, your boo''s here," she yelled loud enough for him to hear. Such a character, Trudy came out of her room to see who Jackie was talking about. " Hi, are you Jess''s boyfriend?" she smirked at the way he was ufortable. " Yes, Mrs Vsquez." " Ma," Jess whined. " What, I was just asking...rx." she calmed her down. " Mom, this is Ezra Montenero, Babe...my mom Trudy. She prefers that to Mrs Vsquez. She says the name makes her feel old." Jess added. " It''s nice to meet you, Trudy," he shook her hand. " The pleasure''s all mine," " I guess you met Jackie already?" Jess asked as her sister descended the staircase. " Yes he did and he could instantly tell I wasn''t his babe. He''s a keeper sister, hold tight onto him." Jackie advised. " Thanks, Jackie," " Ezra, son, would you care to join us for dinner?" Jess stared at him with a smile. " I would love to Trudy," he agreed as they headed off to the table. Jackie smiled at how happy her family looked. She found love, Jess found love, Freya found love as well and she was sure Zed also found love. She looked back from where they started from, and where they had gotten to in life, she was grateful. " Jackie, are you okay?" her mom asked. " I am perfect mom, I love you guys," she confessed as Freya entered the house with Noah. " Are we missing something?" she raised a brow. " Maybe we are," Mase responded behind her as Jackie ran to hug him. This is the best day ever... Soraya knocked on the door to Zed''s room. " Go away, Soraya Wayne! Just leave me be please," his voice broke at the end. She knocked again and again until he unlocked the door for her. " Zed Vsquez, I am not going anywhere. Yes, I messed up, pushed you away, used you and treated you like trash, nobody. But I was scared aa to what people would say, what my parents would say. That a multimillionaire married her own driver, " So you waited for me to get rich so people won''t talk huh?" he cut her short. " No, I realised that didn''t matter. My younger brother and sister taught me to follow my dreams no matter what people would do or say. It''s my life and not theirs. I messed up, and I am willing to make a change Zed. Please, I''ve fallen in love with you and trust me I''ve fallen hard." she confessed kneeling down with tears in her eyes. He stood up from his bed and walked towards her. He helped her up and hugged her tight. " I love you more, Soraya Wayne." THE END. All too soon TPBL hase to an end, thanks for your immense support. To those who want a sequel, kindlyment in thements session. But the sequel would be about Amelia and Zayn, college life, love life and life after school. Of course, your favourite characters would feature in it as well. So if you want a sequel. Let me know. Thanks for reading, bye ? The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!