Marietta’s POV A few days have passed, and I could barely hold my feelings. “You still love him, don't you?” Bella asked. “I don't know, Bella.” I winced. “I'm so confused,” “I thought you wanted to have your revenge on him?” Bella started. “I know. But, Valerie is not even making this whole thing easy you know?” I cried. Running my hands through my hair. “Elsie–” “Please, Bella. I don't want to talk about him,” I cut her off abruptly.“Why?” Bella questioned further. “Because–just because,” I paused. “You are in love with him too?” Bella scoffed. “No way on earth I'm going to believe this?” Bella screamed. “You are in love with both of them?!” “Bella, I know this is stupid–” “It is stupid, Etta!” Bella yelled. “It's fine,” I replied. Suddenly, the door flung open, revealing Valerie. “I thought she was sleeping all along,” I whispered. “Come, baby,” Bella beckoned to her. At least, she now recognizes me as her mom. One that Michael was able to do for me. FLASHBACK T
Michael’s POV “Get.your.hands.off.my.woman!” Elsie raged. Rushing towards me in anger, Marietta stopped him. “Elsie. You need to stop,” I watched her place her hand on his chest. “He's not worth it,” she heaved a sigh. Turning to face me. She seethed “Leave Micheal. I don't want you back here anymore,” “A chance is all I need Etta.” I tried to get closer to her, but Elsie wouldn't allow it. “You have just three seconds to leave here.” He yelled. “You need to leave, Michael.” Etta spat angrily. Since it was obvious that no one wanted me here. I made my way out. “But can I always come to see Val–” my words were interrupted by Marietta slamming the door in my face. “Yeah right,” I shrugged. Just as I got back to where my car was parked, I could hear Alex whispering to someone on the phone. “Alex,” I called. “Boss,” he stuttered. “What's going on?” I questioned impatiently. “Nothing.” He quickly answered. I was about to ask another question when my phone rang. “What?!” Al
Marietta’s POV Just after Michael left, I broke down in tears. “Elsie, please can you leave?” I spoke between my tears. “Do you love him?” Were the words that followed. “Can we not do this right now?” I spat angrily. Turning my back to leave, he pulled me into his embrace. His breath fanned my neck, as his hand circled around my slim waist. “Do I really not mean anything to you?” He paused. Flipping me to face him, he tilted my face. “Tell me you don't feel anything for me–” he paused with his eyes closed. Bringing me much closer, his gaze settled on my lips. My cheeks burned red hot, and I swear I could feel the veins on my head pulsating. “Elsie I–” “Etta?” Bella's voice interrupted the moment leaving me perplexed. “I'm sorry if I interrupted you guys. I will just go,” “Bella, stay!” I shouted. I wasn't ready for all of this. And I want to escape from Elsie so badly. How can two men have this kind of hold on me? This wasn't the revenge I planned. Turning to face E
Michael's POVIt finally dawned on me that Katty and Alex were the issues I was having. “How did you–” “Get all these?” Jace interrupted. “Yes,” I stared in shock. “Let’s just say I have my ways,” Jace answered. “How could Alex betray me like this? What the hell have I ever done to him to deserve this?” I muttered. “Right now, there's no evidence that Katty is guilty of this whole thing,” Jace replied.“I need to be in a meeting right now.” I stood up quickly. “Find out more about Katty,” I commanded. Just as I was about to step out, a message flashed across my phone. It was no one but Alex. “I'm sorry but I'm quitting my job,” Quickly, I put a call through. “Alex, I need you to meet me at my office right now,” “I'm sorry Mr. Whitmore. But I quit,” Alex repeated over the phone. “Alex, if something is bothering you-” I was not done talking when Alex hung up. “Hello,” I called but no voice came back. Swerving my car towards the left, I raced down to my company. And as I
Marietta’s POV THREE YEARS AGO “I honestly thought you'd be a fit,” Mr. Felix replied. “I can try, please.” I pleaded. I knew I couldn't just go back home. I have myself and my baby to take care of. “You can stay here and watch the others act.” Mr. Felix replied. “You have the grace of just one month to do that. If you do not improve after that,” he took a pause. “I have no choice but to throw you out,” he concluded. “I'll try my best,” I responded in between my tears. “And Ms. Etta,” he called.“Yes, sir,” “For the main time that you'll be here. Can you clean after the actors and actresses once they are done on the stage?” He proposed. “And yes, you'd be paid a sum of five hundred dollars every day.” He added. “Consider it from my kind heart. I don't normally do this,” Mr. Felix stared at me.“Yes. Yes, I'll gladly take the job,” I responded happily. At least he didn't ask me to do that for free. Things went on well for days, not until I saw my greatest fear walk right
Marietta’s POV “You all must be out of your fucking minds!” Raymond said. “Do you know who you are dealing with?” “I'm sorry, but who are you?” Elsie, who has been quiet all this while, suddenly burst out. With Mr. Lucian holding the police on, everyone stared at Elsie in awe. “Ain't you just an ordinary employee?” Raymond turned to face Elsie in anger. “Didn't you say he is part of those Mr. Felix sent down from Paris to America for the movie shoot?” Raymond asked in surprise. “Yes,” Lucian answered.“Apparently my brother here has partnered with fools and Lunatics,” Lucian said. With Elsie fixing a cold icy stare at Lucian. I can see he has lost his patience too. “Who the hell ordered my arrest, huh?” Raymond asked. His eyes bulging out of their sockets.FIFTEEN YEARS AGO “C’mon Etta. Stop crushing on Michael already. He doesn't even love you,” Raymond said playfully on the school field.“I don't care, Raymond,” I shot back. “Are you aware he's the captain of the volleybal
Marietta’s POV Why would Sterling Jackson pretend to be with someone like me?“Arrest this man right now!” He commanded. “Don't touch me!” Raymond shouted.And as he struggled with the policemen, he wouldn't stop shouting. “Do you know who my father is?!” “That's all you will ever remain!” Jackson spat. “Daddy's boy.” “Let's see if your so-called daddy will be able to save you from this,” Jackson smirked. “We are really sorry for the delay sir,” the guard bowed. “And where's the document I asked you to bring along?” Jackson stretched his hand forward. I still can't believe what's going on. “Did I just make out with Sterling Jackson?” I whispered in total confusion.“You lied to me,” I hit him on the chest. “I'm sorry, Etta. But we can talk about it right after I'm done with these fools!” He pleaded. “I'm breaching every contract you signed with our companies,” Jackson started. “Brother, have you gone insane?!” I watched Michael tremble in fear. “It is you who caused all t
Marietta's POV "Etta, wait!" Jackson called after me. But I wouldn't dare to wait.Sliding into my car backseat, I ordered the driver to move."Take me home," I ordered. The reporters all ran after my car, asking different questions. But I was done. I was done with everyone. Jackson, Michael, Granny Lorette. Every fucking person!Suddenly my phone rang, jolting me out of my thoughts."Etta, where are you?" Bella called."Bella, I-""Shh. It's okay. I couldn't leave." She started."I heard everything that happened. And I figured out that you and Valerie would need me," she explained."Valerie! I totally forgot her teacher called me to-""Don't worry about her. She's safe here with me," Bella answered."Where are you heading to right now?" Bella questioned."Home, Bella. I don't know where else to go." I answered in tears."Have you seen the news?" Bella asked."No, why?" I wiped off my tears."You can't go home right now. The reporters are waiting for you," Bella chimed."Reporters?
Marietta’s POVUpon getting back into the suite where we had lodged last night, I could see some of the staff staring at me awkwardly.Each of them is careful with their choice of words. After all, they’ve been warned. One wrong word from them, and their job is over. I dashed into the room where my belongings were and started to pack them without wasting much time.Just then, the door flung open, revealing Aiden, looking devastated and confused.“What are you doing?” He asked, coming closer, but I refused to bulge.All I did was focus solemnly on the clothes I was arranging into my bags.“This ring belongs to you, Marietta,” he said, his voice low. “I’m not taking it back.”I didn’t say anything. Couldn’t.I was so tired. Tired of being the only one hurting, of loving like it was some kind of punishment.Tired of waking up every day with my heart in knots, wondering what would break next.So no, I didn’t fight. I didn’t cry.I just kept packing.“I’m done, Aiden,” I said quietly, dra
Michael’s POVNo sooner had I left the ward than I saw Marietta and Aiden getting out of the car.This guy really looks rich, judging from his looks and everything surrounding him.The cars, the hospital, the bodyguards–everything screams of luxury. I hid myself well so as not to be seen by Aiden. I wish Marietta could be alone so I can talk to her.Right now, I’m not in my right senses. I feel so confused and sad. My heart is unstable. What I feel for Donovan, and Marietta–I don’t know what it is. I feel so confused. I had waited for a few minutes when I saw Marietta dash out of the hospital in tears. I quickly made my way towards her, but she met me with a slap, one that stung my cheeks badly.“Let it out!” I yelled in anger. Grabbing her hands to repeat the same process, she snatched them off me. “What the hell do you think you are doing, Michael? Are you insane?” She screamed.“Yes. I’m insane about you. Don’t you get it?” I answered, trying to grab her by the hand again.Th
Marietta’s POVAiden hugged me tightly, thanking the doctor countless times, as we watched his mother being rolled into the ward on a stretcher.“You can check back in the morning. We need to perform some surgery on her,” the doctor continued.I could see the joy radiating on Aiden’s face. It was much greater than before.As it should. I’m sure he’s the happiest man on earth. His mother woke up the same day he proposed to me. I’ve never believed in miracles, but this right here was one.“Thank you so much doctor.” Aiden said with a handshake while we watched the doctor walk away with one of the nurses.Turning to face the bodyguard, Aiden beckoned on their leader. “Keep an eye on my mother. And make sure no harm comes to her,”“Yes, boss.”“Listen,” Aiden’s hand entwined with mine, while pointing his left hand finger to the guard, “If a strand of her hair gets touched, you will not just be fired. You’ll spend the rest of your life in jail.”“We’ll guard her with our lives,” he respon
Marietta’s POV“I’m sorry for leading you on,” I replied, my face filled with regret.That night, I never intended to sleep with him, but I was drunk. I wanted to get Michael and everything out of my mind.I still couldn’t accept the fact that my daughter was dead, as at then that I started to regain my memories. All I wanted was to escape from my reality, and now I didn’t know I had dragged Aiden along with my shitty life.“What am I supposed to do with you?” I asked, but Aiden cut in abruptly.“Don’t leave me,” was all he could come up with as he reached for my hand, his eyes desperately boring into mine.“Do everything you want with me, but don’t leave me, Marietta.” he shook his head, rubbing his hand against mine.“But-” “No buts, please. Stay with me,” he pleaded with tears welling up in his eyes. “Can you just trust me this once. I’m not Michael.” He repeated, pulling me closer. “What can I do to prove that wrong, Etta?”“We are going to have a lot of people talking about us
Marietta’s POVMy breath hitched as I felt him closing in on me. I couldn’t process my next word as I swallowed hard, my eyes fixed on his Adam's apple.Did he mean what he said? “Relax,” he smiled, before helping me put the seatbelt on.“I was only joking,” he giggled a bit, and returned to his seat.I felt my heart pumping faster as I quickly hid my trembling hands.That was a fast one. I can’t believe I’m falling for someone who looks like Elsie–I mean, Jackson and Michael. I don’t pray to ever have those kind of people in my life ever again. “I’m sorry I frightened you,” he replied.With his hands still on the wheels and his eyes on me, I nodded abruptly.“That startled me,” I smiled briefly before holding back. “You might want to focus now,” I said, feigning a smile.All through the journey back to the office, I couldn’t believe Aiden would risk his life to come looking for me.Why could he have done that? Was he really in love with me? Michael has never come to my place wi
Michael's POV “You cannot do this to me, Donovan,” “Renounce Marietta and take me.” Donovan continued. I could read him like an open book. But even with all my guesses. I was still wrong.“Fine. If you want to have access to everything I own. You can have it,” I said grudgingly. He chuckled a bit, before placing a small little wet kiss on my lips. “I think our two hours are almost up, Michael. Why don't you choose now?” Donovan raised a brow, lifting his shirt to check the time. “Donovan I–”“Tick tock, tick tock.” He continued. It was clear to me right now that it was me he wanted. He knew I wouldn't have agreed. But what can I do in this situation? Donovan wasn't ready to help me out of this place. And one thing is certain. If Donovan leaves here, then I'm finished. I can't be convicted the second time. Donovan had saved me the first time with my Granny's influence. This will be the second time. And if I don't accept his love, he might as well depart. Leaving me to the
Marietta's POVI had woken up that morning and realized last night was nothing but a dream. I had dreamt of him coming to my hotel room. I just had to pass the night there. I couldn't afford going to the place Mr. Felix my manager has booked for me. I was a bit drunk and celebrities life are being monitored. Going all the way to the place given to me by the company couldn't deny my image. Just as I was about to get out of bed. Clara my personal assistant walked in. "The manager asked of you last night. And why you didn't seem to go to the house," Clara broke the silence. "And what did you say?" "I told him you have some unfinished business," Clara cleared her throat. "Good," Handing over some files to me, I scanned through and noticed that I was still in one way or the other linked to Michael. "And when did the Whitmore invest in the acting world?" "Mr. Felix included them and-" She wasn't done talking when I made my way into the bathroom. "We are going to the whitmore's
Marietta's POVI had woken up that morning and realized last night was nothing but a dream. I had dreamt of him coming to my hotel room. I just had to pass the night there. I couldn't afford going to the place Mr. Felix my manager has booked for me. I was a bit drunk and celebrities life are being monitored. Going all the way to the place given to me by the company couldn't deny my image. Just as I was about to get out of bed. Clara my personal assistant walked in. "The manager asked of you last night. And why you didn't seem to go to the house," Clara broke the silence. "And what did you say?" "I told him you have some unfinished business," Clara cleared her throat. "Good," Handing over some files to me, I scanned through and noticed that I was still in one way or the other linked to Michael. "And when did the Whitmore invest in the acting world?" "Mr. Felix included them and-" She wasn't done talking when I made my way into the bathroom. "We are going to the whitmore's
Marietta's POVI had woken up that morning and realized last night was nothing but a dream. I had dreamt of him coming to my hotel room. I just had to pass the night there. I couldn't afford going to the place Mr. Felix my manager has booked for me. I was a bit drunk and celebrities life are being monitored. Going all the way to the place given to me by the company couldn't deny my image. Just as I was about to get out of bed. Clara my personal assistant walked in. "The manager asked of you last night. And why you didn't seem to go to the house," Clara broke the silence. "And what did you say?" "I told him you have some unfinished business," Clara cleared her throat. "Good," Handing over some files to me, I scanned through and noticed that I was still in one way or the other linked to Michael. "And when did the Whitmore invest in the acting world?" "Mr. Felix included them and-" She wasn't done talking when I made my way into the bathroom. "We are going to the whitmore's