DAHLIA
I looked at the boxes of Zara’s belongings that now sat on my living room table. Her parents hadn't wanted anything to do with it, and although I myself couldn't bear to go back to the apartment, I had sent my staff to gather her things and bring them to me.
It had been hard since Zara’s death; I still can’t believe she’s gone. I wish we’d had more time together. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the emotions that filled me. These last few weeks had made me reflect a lot on life. Zara always said to live without regret, where as I tried to live to make others proud.
I took out the picture frame of Zara and me at Disney land with Aria and hugged it to my chest. Zara had always wanted me to face the world, telling me what Dane now told me. To be myself and those who truly cared would always remain. I looked at the picture again and traced my finger over the picture as my eyes filled with tears. What had I truly achieved i
A quick announcement, this book title might change in the coming days, just incase you get confused seeing a different title! Also before tomorrow's chapters please delete and re-add this book to your library, I have made an amendment to chapter 2 (added an extra 600 words at end) it should be approved tomorrow and it will help understand the coming chapters :)
TWO AND A HALF YEARS LATER… DAHLIA "Careful there Cain!" Dane’s mother scolded her grandson despite the smile on her face. "You will get your mother's clothes dirty." She kissed the chubby little boy on his cheek. He pouted as he tugged at her necklace. I smiled watching them, my little boy with his large grey eyes like mine and his hair was the same as his father and sister. "Let me fix that for you." Amanda said adjusting my veil that Cain had just tugged. I looked in the mirror, I was dressed in a stunning white wedding dress with jewels and beads. My hair that now almost reached my waist, was open and in its natural curls, pinned back in an elegant puff. The scar on my face was faint and I didn’t hide it any longer. My face glowed with the dewy makeup my stylist had applied, and my jewellery glittering. Today was the day I was to marry the love of my life. Dane. Life had changed so much since the day we ended Joaqui
DAHLIA I didn’t know where he had taken me or why he had the sudden need to come out with his true identity. We hadn’t driven far when the van stopped and I was being dragged out of it, all I could see was it was some sort of car park. My stomach sank as he pulled me into the darkness and down the ramp to the lower floor, I couldn’t see anything much and I did my all not to stumble whilst Joaquin didn’t seem to care. There were a few dim lights but for the most part, it was dark here. He pushed me against a post and began tying me to it roughly, I winced when the rough rope singed my skin. "I’ll make quick work of this." He muttered. My stomach twisted in fear, what was he planning? Every worst-case scenario flitted through my mind and I just felt sick. Maria… Zara… Amal, who was carrying his child… Kendra, who could have been his daughter… The moment he removed the cloth from around my mouth I thought of what I could say.
DAHLIA It had been a few weeks since Kendra’s body had been found and Dane had stayed true to his word. Emily would not get away with it and the doctor who had attended to Aria had given his statement. I was officially free from Warren completely and I couldn’t be happier. Dane’s relationship with his family had been strained, but regardless of that fact, I had invited them to our engagement. I knew deep down, they were still his parents, and I also knew they would treat Aria well. They had treated her well before too. I just hoped one-day things would work out. Family was not always pleasant, and many of us had parents who made mistakes, but that does not mean we should immediately disown them. I just hoped with time things would work out and they would realise what they were missing, because I would love it if Aria had more family around. The news of my engagement and pregnancy was swirling around, but we had not confir
DAHLIA My heart was racing as he spoke those words. Dane was proposing. My chest rose and fell as I tried to speak. My throat felt dry and I got choked up. He reached over and took the ring from my fingers. His gorgeous dreamy hazel eyes looking into mine for an answer. I couldn’t reply, so I nodded. Breathing deeply as I held my hand out. A devilish sexy smirk crossed his lips. "Use your words, princess." He purred teasingly. I poked my eyes at him. "Yes, I would love to." I whispered, holding my hand out to him. He took it, kissing it softly before he slipped the stunning ring onto my finger. "I love it, and I love you." I said, cupping his face as he stood up and pulled me into his arms. I kissed him passionately, hoping he could feel all my love for him in that kiss. He moved away when I gasped for air and I smiled at him. "Love you too, princess." He said running his fingers through my hair.
DAHLIA It had been a few days since we had visited Devin in the hospital, yet still we were unable to track Kendra down. Although Dane did tell me that there was a high chance she may be dead. I just hoped it wasn’t the case, for Devin at least. Malcolm had tried to find more details on Kendra’s birth father, but he wasn’t even mentioned on the birth certificate. There were a few places Malcolm went to ask around, people who knew her mother, but he had drawn another blank. Tonight, Dane was taking me out. He had said it had been a while since we got a break and just a change would be good for us both. I was excited about it. I had taken some time to pick out a crystal-encrusted mini dress, which I wore over a nude bodysuit that emphasised my curves. The dress had a high collar and shoulder pads, which only had more tassels. It was probably the shortest dress I’ve worn, the dangly bling strands just about covering my behind, but it felt right. I paired it with silver
DANE Was she a woman or an angel? She was so selfless that here she was willing to help the brother of her ex-husband's mistress… I had seen her looking around the hospital earlier with a frown on her face. "I haven’t got the money for the bills, and the doctors said they can’t keep me on dialysis-" "Devin. I’m here. Don’t worry. I’ve paid the bills on Kendra’s behalf. No one will bother you. Calm down." Dahlia said, placing her hand on the boy’s shoulder. He noticed the cuts on her hands and looked at her sharply. "What happened to your hands?" "I… was attacked." She said, giving him a small smile. "Oh… I’m sorry…" "It’s ok, I’m alive. That’s the important part…" Dahlia stated with a gentle smile, "Is it ok, if I take a seat?" "Of course, any friend of Kendra’s is a friend of mine. I mean… I don’t really have friends, so…" "Do you get to go out?" "Yeah, if someone takes me, but Kendra’s busy… Sh