"I like you." Stacie was speechless for a moment.
"I'm sorry...for the inconvenience." He said awkwardly and wanted to leave but Stacie held his wrist.
"I - I wasn't expecting you to say that."
"I need some time to think about it, Jayden."
"I - I understand."
"Thanks... For telling me. I know you've been hiding it for a long time."
"You know right, hehe." He chuckled a little.
"I need to leave now. See you tomorrow." She took her bag and left the store.
"Hey, Stace! What's going on?" Her friend nudged her and they walked together.
"Nothing, Ariel."
"Are you blushing?"
"Me? No, I'm not."
"Yes you are. It's evident. Who was in the store?"
"Jayden." She said with a shy smile.
"Jayden? What the fvck? What did he tell you?"
"He said...he said he liked me." Ariel's eyes widened.
"Really??" She squealed.
"That's so freaking awesome!! What did you tell him?"
"I told him I needed sometime to think about it."
"What? You could have told him yes!"
"No, Ariel. I need to play hard to get a little." She smirked.
"Why are you doing that? You and I know that you're in love with this guy."
"I'm not denying but - owww!" Stacie held on to her stomach.
"I need to get home!"
"Come in."
"Cade! I didn't know you'd be home tonight." Stacie happily went to sit near him.
"Yeah. I missed you guys and thought of coming to spend a few days."
"If Isla Sinclair really wants to be with you, I don't really think it'll be a problem for her to come live here."
"Na Na. Don't say that. You know very well the nature of her job. I can't ask her to live here."
"What about Dora? Is she in Chicago?"
"She's hiding somewhere for now. The hearing was against us. Talia threatened Dora to refuse us."
"Woah. She's such an evil snake. Why haven't you put her in her place?"
"It isn't that easy. Isla lost all hope. She said we couldn't be together. But of course, she can't hide her feelings for too long. We've gone too far for her to back out now." Cade explained.
"I know you love her, Cade. And I'll support you. What if you invite Talia to our house and we all teach her an unforgettable lesson?" Stacie suggested.
"If that could work." He shrugged.
"Of course! It's gon' be lit! She'll pay for everything she put you guys through."
"Thanks for your support, Sis."
"You know the guy I told you I had a crush on, at the convenience store? He told me today that he liked me!"
"What?" Cade was shocked.
"Yeah. I was so happy, but I couldn't say yes right away. I just pretended and told him I needed a little time to think."
"I don't support that idea, Stacie. Are you sure he's a good guy?" Cade asked.
"Yes! Jayden is such a good guy! He's cute, he's kind, he's patient, he's lovable and funny! I like him a lot."
"If you are happy with him, then I am too." He said.
"Did you tell Mom?" He asked.
"I didn't. I don't think it's necessary to inform her. I'm not a mommy's baby. I'm all grown up." Stacie pouted.
"I'm proud of you."
The grand ballroom was abuzz with the who's who of the business world, all gathered for the annual Corporate Excellence Awards. Tables were laden with fine china, crystal glasses, and a sumptuous feast of international cuisine. Waiters glided effortlessly between tables, refilling glasses with champagne and pouring wine from exquisite bottles.The women dazzled in their evening finery.
Rachel Jenkins, the CEO of Jenkins & Co., wore a stunning emerald green gown that hugged her curves, its delicate straps sparkling with intricate beading.
Next to her, Sofia Patel, a renowned entrepreneur, shone in a sleek black jumpsuit adorned with subtle sequins. Her hair was styled in a chic updo, showcasing her elegant neck.The men were equally dashing. James Reed, a prominent investor, wore a tailored black tuxedo that accentuated his broad shoulders. His bow tie was perfectly knotted, adding a touch of sophistication to his overall look.
Nearby, Michael Lee, a young business mogul, sported a sleek navy blue suit with a crisp white shirt, his cufflinks gleaming in the light.As the master of ceremonies,
Reginald Thompson, took the stage, the room fell silent. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to introduce our special guest, the one and only Rhea Sinclair!" he announced, his voice booming through the microphone.
The crowd erupted into applause as Rhea made her way to the stage. She smiled graciously, waving to the audience as she climbed the steps. Resplendent in a fitted, floor-length silver gown that shimmered under the lights, Rhea exuded confidence and poise."Thank you, thank you," Rhea said, her voice husky and confident, as she adjusted the mic stand. "I'm honored to be here tonight, surrounded by such inspiring individuals. As a model, I've had the privilege of gracing runways and covers, but I've come to realize that the true essence of modeling lies not just in the clothes or the poses, but in the stories we tell through our work."
Rhea's gaze swept across the audience, her eyes locking onto various faces. "We've been mirrors to society, reflecting its beauty, its flaws, and its aspirations. We've pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and inspired generations. And as I stand here tonight, I'm reminded that our influence extends far beyond the catwalk. We have the power to shape perceptions, to spark conversations, and to drive change."
The audience was captivated, hanging on Rhea's every word. As she concluded her speech, they rose to their feet, applauding wildly. Rhea smiled, her eyes shining with gratitude, as she made her way back to her seat. The clapping continued even as she sat down, a testament to the impact of her words.
Julie sat gently in the old wooden rocking chair, cradling baby Lucy in her arms as she fed her from a warm milk bottle. The soft glow of the nursery lamp cast a serene ambiance, and the quiet rocking motion seemed to lull Lucy into a peaceful state. Julie sang softly, her voice a soothing melody that harmonized with the gentle creaking of the chair.
Just as Julie reached the end of the lullaby, Lucas walked into the nursery, a warm smile spreading across his face. He leaned against the doorframe, watching the tender scene before him.
Julie looked up, catching his gaze, and smiled."Hey," Lucas whispered, not wanting to break the tranquility of the moment.
"How's our little one doing?"Julie nodded toward Lucy, who was now gazing up at her mother with wide, contented eyes. "She's doing great. Just enjoying her milk and mom's song,"
Julie replied softly.Lucas walked over and sat down on the floor beside the rocking chair, his back against the chair's base. He looked up at Julie and Lucy, admiring the way they fit together like two pieces of a puzzle."You two look perfect,"
Lucas said, his voice full of adoration. "You're an amazing mom, Jules. The way you care for Lucy... it's beautiful to see."Julie smiled, feeling a surge of love and gratitude toward her husband.
"You're not so bad yourself, Mr. Dad. You're always there to lend a helping hand. We make a great team, don't we?"Lucas nodded, reaching out to gently stroke Lucy's soft hair.
"We sure do. And look at Lucy, thriving under our care. She's one lucky baby to have you and me as her parents."
As if on cue, Lucy finished her bottle and snuggled deeper into Julie's arms, her eyes drifting shut. Julie rocked gently, the chair's soft creak a lullaby in itself.
Lucas stood up, kissed Julie's forehead, and whispered, "I'll put her to bed. You just relax."
Julie smiled, handing over the precious bundle to Lucas, who cradled Lucy in his arms with practiced ease. Together, they gazed at their sleeping baby, their hearts full of love and contentment.
The door knocked patiently and Stacie ran downstairs, knowing exactly who it was. She swung the door open and pulled Talia in by her hair.
"Owww!" She fell to the ground.
"What is your issue, Stacie?" She cried.
"I should be asking you that question. How dare you come back into my brother's life and try to ruin his relationship, huh?" She barked.
"Relationship? I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't you dare!" Stacie slapped her wildly.
"What is wrong with you?" Stacie pounced on her and they wrestled hard on the ground. When Stacie noticed she was weak, she let her go.
"Talia, I want an explanation from you! What are you doing with my brother? You abandoned him with a child he never wanted. Now you're here, wanting to claim what you shouldn't get." Stacie gritted her teeth.
"QUIET." Talia stood up, retiring on the couch.
"Quiet? I'm not keeping quiet about this."
"I will make sure you pay dearly for this assault."
"Oh, you'll never." Stacie rolled her eyes. Mrs. Hudson came downstairs and at the sight of Talia, Talia stood up to greet her.
"Good day Ma'am."
"Who is she?"
"The bitch that abandoned Cade for six years!" Stacie roared. Another slap landed across Talia's face and she fell on the couch crying.
"Talia Evans! You left with your lame family for years! After landing us in so much trouble with a baby we were never planning to have! And now you're back?"
"Mrs. Hudson. I truly love your son. All those things he said about me eloping with someone else. They were lies. I just left for work. And now that I have a lot of resources to take good care of my child...our child, I want them both back. I want my family."
"No, psycho. I would rather make my son end up with a snake, than you! You're so evil. I heard everything you did with Isla Sinclair. How you were threatening her and trying to bring her down. Let me tell you, Talia. If you dare go anywhere near my son or his girlfriend, I'll have you punished severely!"
"But I've won the case! I want my fucking daughter back!" Talia stood up before Mrs. Hudson.
"You won't get even a safety pin from the Hudson family. Throw her out!!" Stacie seized her wrist and threw her out of the house.
"YOU BOTH WILL PAY FOR THIS!!!" Talia cried.
Cade and Isla were seen wrapped in each other's arms, smooching lovingly.
"You came."
"Of course, for you." He kissed her neck hard, making her moan and twitch.
"Dora is at Lindsay's place for now. She better hides there...." She felt him caress her hips.
"Hey...I'm talking!" She yelled.
"About?"
"Dora. I hid her at Lindsay's place." Suddenly, they heard a loud bang at the main door and some noise outside.
"What's going on?" Isla wanted to leave but Cade held tight to her waist.
"Stop making excuses just to get away."
"I'm not making excuses. I swear I heard something."
"I can hear it too. Maybe the passerby's."
"No." Isla jumped out of bed and slid into a red linen gown. Cade followed her, wearing a shirt and jean pants.
Isla opened the door and was shocked to see Talia, with her bodyguards trying to stop her from worsening the already created scene.
"What the heck are you doing here?" Isla cursed.
"Where is my daughter, Isla Mirabelle Sinclair?" Talia asked. Cade stepped in.
"Talia Evans, leave these premises. You're not wanted!"
"Oh really. Men can be so cunning. After impregnating me, keeping the child I gave birth to for six years and now that I'm back, you are hiding my child with your other woman?"
"Talia - "
"Don't you forget. I have those people's contacts. And I won't hesitate to call them and get you arrested. Your career will be destroyed!"
"Talia, calm down. I'll put a call through and Dora will be brought to you. Happy?" Isla went to pick her phone but Cade stopped her.
"No, Talia. You won't get Dora from us. You're not the right person for her. My daughter confessed that you threatened her so you could have her on your side at the court! How could you be so wicked? She's a little girl!"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Old news."
"And I'm happy to tell you that, there will be another court hearing in 14 days time. You're not the official winner of the case, because Dora and Isla here made sure they reached out to the authorities that you're nothing but an evil witch! I have another little thing for you - we reached out to the family of the man you eloped with! We reached out to his girlfriend!" Talia was shocked, standing there and trying to think of what next to do.
"Y'all should throw her out! I don't ever want to see her near me or Isla ever again."
"Yes sir." The bodyguards seized Talia roughly and threw her out of the house. She screamed like a maniac for about two hours straight before Isla arranged for psychologists to take her to the hospital for immediate therapy session.
"She needs it."