MANNY
Avery hated Manny on the spot. She made up her mind to keep the fashion house now that it has fallen in her hands on a platter of gold.After all, her dear cousin might never find someone to marry her.Manny tried to avoid Avery all through the night till the morning.She couldn't bear being with someone who was taking something that was her's.Meanwhile, her mother seemed to be avoiding her. She was either busy designing or staying in her office doing who knows what all day.Manny had so many questions.She felt mistreated, how could her mother give something that's rightfully hers to an outsider– although Avery was a long distance cousin.As Manny was in her office stuffing her face with food, Avery walked in like she owned the place.“See Manny this is why no one will ever want you. Look at all these junk food” Avery said, her face contorted with disgust.“What do you want Avery? Aren't you supposed to be overseeing the models?”A twain of frown appeared on Avery's face. She hated that she was the one doing the work when she is also the same person inheriting the fashion house. At least that was what they both thought.“Your mum wants to see you in her office right now.” Avery told Manny, rolling her eyes.Manny thought that it was weird that her mum asked her to come to her office. They hadn't spoken since she retracted her inheritance.Praying that it was not another marriage discussion, she got up to go.“And Manny, try to lose some weight or your mum might lay you off completely since you can't seem to find a husband.” Avery said ignorantly as walking out the door.All Manny thought of was strangling her and stuffing her in a body bag.“Come in, come in,” Kari said, peering at the papers in front of her as her glasses slid down the bridge of her nose.Closing the door behind her, Manny was shocked to see papers scattered all around her mother's office.She was caught off guard when she threw an insane question at her.“How do you feel about getting a sperm donor?”A sperm donor? The thought of a stranger's sperm swimming in her and fertilizing her eggs made her body crawl with distaste.“You want me to put the sperm of some stranger in my body? Mum seriously?”“Yes seriously Manny! What's the harm there?” Kari retorted.“What could possibly go wrong? People are starting to talk.”“Who cares what people say. It isn't their life. You don't expect me to have a baby for some random guy mother.”Manny could see that her mother was trying really hard to be patient with her but you could clearly see the frustration in her eyes.Not giving her daughter an opportunity to argue any further, Kari brought out a bunch of paper from under her desk.“I’ve already done some research so you don't carry just anyone's sperm. And you'll also be doing the process at Limi’s specialist hospital and you'll be going there tomorrow for counseling.”Rolling her eyes, Manny scoffed. Just yesterday her mother didn't want her running the fashion house and now she wants her to have a baby??Taking a look at the papers laid on the table she discovered that the sperm donors were all business partners.“Why are all these people sons of the people you work with? They'll probably want to take the baby for themselves and besides I haven't even agreed to this insane plan.”“Did you really think I'll hook you up with a stranger? You're doing it and that's final. You can't argue your way out of this one dear.”Without giving her daughter any more room to reply, Kari shoved the papers to Manny's hands.“Make your choice by the end of the day”Her mother said firmly signalling that the discussion was over.Manny left her mum's office feeling numb.For other ladies it would have been a perfect opportunity but she couldn't go through with it knowing that the baby might be taken from her one day.No words could describe exactly how she was feeling at that moment.As she was still sulking, a deafening shriek came from behind her.She turned around to see Josie bolting towards her with her hands wide open looking like she was coming in for a hug.“Manny! Oh my dear Manny. How I've missed you so.” Josie said pulling in Manny for a tight hug.Josie has always been a fanatic for historical dramas which made her talk in exaggerated manners.But that was one thing Manny loved most. She always knew how to make her smile; Josie was always like the sister she never had.“Why are you back so early? You aren't supposed to be back until next week. What happened?”As Josie stretched out her hand gleefully, a wide gasp escaped from Manny's mouth as she saw the huge diamond ring on Josie's finger.“Oh my gosh…Tristan proposed? When? Why didn't you say anything till now?" Manny asked excitedly, squealing aloud.“It happened while we were in Chicago. I honestly thought it was a normal vacation till one day he got down on one knee” Josie replied trying to contain her joy as she revived the moment in her head.“I'm so happy for you baby girl. You're finally marrying your dream man." Manny said, almost tearing up.Now that her best friend is getting married, she had no other choice than to take up the offer her mother gave.If Josie marries, then she'll be truly lonely.“Let's go out for lunch and then you can tell me all about the vacation." And then, they both left hurriedly giggling like little girls. ****“A sperm donor? How can she allow that?" Josie yelled so loud that she had to be shushed by other customers.They had taken a long lunch break and Manny already gave her the d******d of all that went down.“What do you think I should do? I don't want a sperm donor but that's the only way I can get back the fashion house."“And it would also put an end to all the bad blood between me and my mum." Manny muttered, filling her mouth with fries.“So what? You'll sacrifice your happiness for some business?”“Manny, you're my best friend and all I want is your happiness but if you insist on getting a donor, I could follow you to see the doctor tomorrow for support."Josie comforted her by grabbing her hand tightly.“Thank you. I better get back to work, I don't trust Avery with the models.”“You should give her a chance, you know. She might be nice."“Yeah I'll think about it." Laughing and taking the last bite of their food, they left the restaurant hastily.Promising to meet her tomorrow, Josie headed home while Manny rushed back to the office.As she ran in, she came into a quick halt as she came in contact with her mother staring at her madly.“Where the hell have you been!? You know very well we have to make everything perfect for tonight's fashion show."her mother stated furiously looking back at her and demanding an answer.“Josie is back so we went on a lunch date.” Manny said, eyeing her mum and wondering why she was so cranky.“Oh I see. Is she engaged yet? Kari asked expectantly.But Manny refused to answer because knowing her mother, she knew exactly what was coming next.Seeing as her daughter wasn't ready to answer her question, clearing her throat, she went on to the next question.“Anyway, have you chosen anyone yet? I need to inform the sperm donor on time."Taking in a deep breath, Manny gave her an answer."Yes mother I've decided.”MANNYEarly the next morning, Josie was parked outside of the house waiting for Manny.Manny had also woken up a bit too early preparing every document she thought would be of use for the doctor. The door opened ajar and standing there was Avery looking mad.“You think just because your mum wants you to have a baby you'll be able to take over this fashion house?”“I'll just be taking back what was rightfully mine. My mother just brought you here to help out or did you really think she'll hand over the business to you? Someone she barely knows?” Manny returned mockingly.Manny chuckled lightly and went down to meet Josie as the look on Avery's face gave her some satisfaction.“Where have you been? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?” Josie screamed, stomping her foot furiously as she leaned on her car.“You will be lucky if you get there in time for your appointment.”“Sorry, I had a little problem that needed sorting.”“You always have something that needs sorting.”Roll
ANDREWAfter seeing Kate's call, he couldn't bring himself to answer it. He hated how she made him feel vulnerable.As he drove home he thought of all the possible reasons that she would call. Maybe there was a chance that she was coming back.Getting home, he noticed a tiny figure waiting for him by the door. As he got closer, he saw his mother's large brown eyes staring at him.Overcome with so many emotions, his mother leaned into him crying. There were so many unsaid words at that moment.“It’s alright mum, everything will be fine." Andrew said, holding his mother tightly.He wished there was a way to ease the pain that she felt. He might have to stumble to the wish of his after. They stayed that way a little longer until she was tired of crying.Leading her by the hand, Andrew carried her to her room. “Andrew, come in here.” Mr Allen called from his study across the hallway.Andrew stiffened as he heard his father call out to him. He hoped it was not another one of his father's
ANDREWAndrew was relieved that everything was okay with CeCe medically. He didn't think he would be able to find someone else in a short period.Immediately after he reached the office, Andrew called CeCe informing her to be at his office as early as 10 am.They couldn't afford to be late for the appointment.That day, Andrew rapidly did all the necessary office work and asked that all his calls should go to his voicemail, even his father's.By 9:30 CeCe was already waiting in the lobby as Andrew came down with Jason and a few minutes later, they hit the road.The ride was silent and comfortable till Andrew threw a question at CeCe.“Why do you need the money so badly CeCe? From what I see, you look like you're well off.” Andrew said as he looked at her through the middle mirror waiting for her reply.CeCe balled her hands into fists with her nails digging right into her skin as anxiety took over.“I…I need the money for my sick mother.” she whimpered as tears threatened to come out.
ANDREWDoctor Harry didn't say much on the phone and so the next day, Andrew woke up as early as he could and went straight to the hospital. Andrew couldn't sleep throughout the night. All he kept thinking of was how the doctor in charge had done a terrible job and now he had to pay someone who might not even be carrying his child.Just thinking about it angered him.He then picked up Cece halfway through the drive explaining everything to her.“There was a mistake!" Cece shrieked, looking terrified. "So I might not be carrying your child? But you'll still pay me right?" Cece asked as she subconsciously placed a hand on her belly.A part of her really wanted to carry a child. She wanted to know how it feels since she doesn't plan on marrying.Andrew glanced at her briefly and turned his gaze back to the road. Was money the only thing she was after? She might not get pregnant because of a mistake and her only problem was whether she was still getting paid?“Yes I'll still pay you, you
MANNYThe next day after the incident at the hospital, Manny couldn't think straight, she couldn't even do her work properly.It was clear that the situation was bothering her.Whereas her mother on the other hand didn't even seem concerned.When she had explained to her mother everything the doctor said, Kari took it like it was nothing.“Carrying Andrew Cooper's child is way better Manny." That was what her mum said to her.Sometimes she thought it must have been a setup. Her mum was really angry when she tore up the contract that she and Andrew needed to sign.“I'm sure she planned it out with the Coopers." Manny murmured, getting her affairs in order.She paused immediately remembering how she had fainted and woke up in Andrew's strong arms.The image of his sharp hazel-green eyes staring down at her flashed across her mind.Manny shook her head as if deleting the thought she just had.She was supposed to hate him. No doubt Andrew would use any means possible to get the baby if she
MANNY“How? When? why now?” Avery asked dozens of questions all at the same time.She was confused.Why would Manny want a child now? and her mother approved of it?Unless… Avery thought.Kari had already decided to give her daughter the fashion house. A frown appeared on her confused face. “How is it even possible? You don't even have a boyfriend. No one agrees to date because of your appearance and you can't even get up from the chair without causing the table to shake." Avery pointed out angrily.She ran all the errands and now Manny was going to take her spot in the company? No way.Not wanting to hear the details, Avery quickly left Manny's office finding her way home.Manny clenched the side of her desk to suppress her emotions.So what if she caused things to topple over when she stood up? Couldn't she still have a family? A child?Manny tried several things to make her lose weight—dieting, exercising, detox—but nothing seemed to work for her.So she gave up and instead ate mo
Manny was speechless, as she turned to a squealing Josie. She beamed with joy.A week ago she didn't want the child and now here she was overjoyed that she was finally pregnant.She thanked the doctor, then she and Josie exited the office and left the hospital.All through the drive, Manny's hand never left her tummy, finding it hard to believe that she was pregnant.In a few hours, they reached Manny's house. “I will never get over the size of your house.” Josie said, her eyes roaming over the huge house.As they entered the house, Kari, Avery, and Andrew came into view. They were all waiting for Manny.Apparently, Andrew somehow knew that Manny had gone for a pregnancy test. He informed Kari who suggested that they wait for her and the result."Mum?” Manny called out, looking around suspiciously. "Did something happen?”"When were you going to tell us that you were pregnant?” Her mum asked, ignoring her question.Manny was taken aback by the question. Nobody knew that apart from Jos
ANDREW Andrew suspected something.Manny's behavior was odd and what was more odd was that she went to a different hospital to take the pregnancy test. Andrew sent out his men to watch Manny ever since he was told that she might carry his child. They were always watching her.One of his men had to pose as a nurse to get intel. They got the name of the hospital, but the doctor was a tough nut to crack.“Talk!" The beefy man towering over the doctor orders giving him another punch to the face.“Ms Larson must have paid you a lot of money for your silence." Andrew said, sitting down across the doctor with his arms crossed, the single light in the room casting a shadow on his face.“I can't reveal a client's information, it's the rule.” The doctor said through his bruised lips as he spluttered blood. He was a sorry sight.Andrew stood up calmly, motioning his men to finish the job. It was obvious that he wasn't going to say anything.Retreating back to his office, he called his PI to me