How would you feel when you get framed for something you didn't do, betrayed by your fiancé and have everything taken away from you in just one night? *** After Nicole lost her job, and was betrayed by her best friend and fiancé, her reputation is ruined as she is framed for things she knew nothing about. All she craved was revenge against the people who put her in this sticky situation. With her career at the brink of collapse, she finds herself stuck in a contract marriage with the Lord of the entertainment industry; a striking hot billionaire, who only needed her to claim his father's conglomerate. But as time went on, they found themselves falling for each other, but it wasn't all roses, especially when her ambitious best friend didn't want her happiness. Nicole is faced with diverse challenges, but she is determined not to go down without a fight. But how long can she remain strong, especially when a dangerous secret is revealed, threatening to break them apart? Will she win and save her reputation or will she lose and suffer the consequences? The battle line is drawn, and she has to be smart to win.
View More**Nicole's POV**
“Nice work, ladies!” I clapped my hands as I hugged the girls one by one.
“Come on, Nicole, you were the star today. All eyes were literally on you.” One of the models said, and I smiled.
“Don't talk about me, talk about yourselves. You girls were spectacular.” I complimented them. There was no doubt that they tried their best to make this afternoon's shoot a success and it turned out great.
“We'll take it because it's coming from the coolest international model ever.” They giggled and walked out.
I smiled and sat in front of my dresser. I looked into the mirror and was happy with what I saw. I felt happy that people screamed just by seeing my name on the TV screen. Didn't get to where I was today on a platter of gold; I worked my butt off for every little fame I got, and I was proud of my accomplishment.
If it was what people called suffering, I passed through it all. I passed through the flames of this industry before getting to where I am now. I haven't really gotten there yet, but look at me, I am an international model earning thousands of dollars. I've been able to pay off my parents' debt and also get them their own house. I'm independent and have the best fiancé. My life was perfect.
“I've done well,” I muttered to myself and stood up. “Where's Emily? I'm almost late,” I sighed and glanced at my wrist watch as I waited for my manager. The next day was my wedding, and I needed to get things ready. I can't afford to be late, else Frederick might get angry at me. He has been the best so far and deserves everything that's working out for us now.
The door opened and Emily rushed in. “Sorry, I'm late. I was held downstairs by Mr. Stark. He keeps insisting on seeing you.” Emily sighed and shook her head.
I sighed and facepalmed. What the heck was wrong with this man? When is he going to let me breathe in peace? Mr. Stark is the CEO of the company I'm working with recently, and was known for his troubles and advances. He had promised to elevate me to the famous model lounge if I agreed to spend a night with him, but tempting as the offer was, I rejected it. I love my fiancé so much and would never cheat on him, be it for the money or fame.
With a sigh, I walked out of my dressing room and headed for his office. As I passed by the hall, people kept screaming my name, and it brought smiles to my face.
When I got to his office, Emily remained outside while I entered. I took slow strides to where he sat, and he licked his lips, his eyes never leaving my body. I scoffed and rolled my eyes internally. I'd have to poke his eyes out one day.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Stark.” I greeted solemnly.
“Sit down,” He gestured to a chair in front of him without answering my greetings. I didn't bother, though. After all, I was only working with him temporarily. If I perform well in the upcoming fashion show, I'm certain I'll get signed by companies that are way better than his.
“Nicole, I'm going to have to lay you off.” He announced and I arched my brows.
“I don't understand what you're trying to say, Mr. Stark. What do you mean by “lay me off”?” I asked.
“Look, Nicole, I know you're smart enough to know how things work in this industry. I told you to do something simple but you turned me down.” He frowned at me, and I already knew where he was headed.
“Mr. Stark, I'm engaged—”
“So, what?” He cut me off.
“I'm getting married tomorrow!” I snapped.
“It doesn't matter,” He said and stood up from his chair. He walked up to me and placed his hands on my shoulders, then gave it a little squeeze. “You can do this once and for all, and I assure you that I will give you the popularity you crave. I'll make you the best and unbeatable international model.” He promised, and I sighed without saying a word.
When he was about sliding his hands into my blouse, I yanked his hands away and stood up. “My decision stands, Mr. Stark. I am not interested and never will be.”
He chuckled and frowned immediately. He walked back to his table and picked an envelope, then handed it over to me. “Miss. Nicole, you're fired!” He exclaimed and I gasped.
“Mr. Stark, you can't—”
“Pack your things and clear your dresser. You're no longer a model in this company.” He snapped and I scoffed.
“You can't lay me off without valid reasons, Mr. Stark. The board will not let you!” I snapped.
He chuckled evilly. “Just watch and see how everything you've worked for will start crumbling to the ground, Nicole. I'll make sure no fashion or modeling industry hire you ever again. Now, get the fuck out of my company.” He snapped and sat down.
I tried to beg, but he didn't want to have any of it. I couldn't believe he fired me because I refused to spend a night with him. How could he think of doing this to me?
I walked out of the office, looking devastated.
“What happened?” Emily rushed to me.
“He terminated my employment,” I answered slowly and started walking back to my quarters. As I walked through the halls, I could see the eyes of the ladies on me. Some shook their heads, while others jeered. They must have heard what transpired between me and him.
“Why? You did nothing wrong and broke no rules.” Emily complained as I walked into my room and packed my stuff.
“I don't want to talk about it, Emily.” I said to her and she nodded.
When I was done packing, I looked around and tears rolled down my cheeks. I wiped them and made my way out of the company.
“Nicole, is what we're hearing true? Did you really do it?” One of the models asked, and I furrowed my eyes in confusion.
“What do you mean?” I asked, but she didn't answer and walked away. “Check the news,” I ordered, and Emily brought out her phone.
The headlines made me open my mouth wide in shock.
JUST IN: Nicole Brennan, a famous international model, just got fired from work for lobbying and seducing managers to get to the position she is today.
I blinked twice and wondered when I did all these. I could see related news about me and some pictures which didn't look like something I'd do at all.
“That scumbag! He dared to frame me!” I snapped.
“Nicole!” Emily exclaimed and showed me another one.
Nicole Brennan's ratings have dropped as a result, and fashion companies are withdrawing from signing her as their model.
I could feel my legs giving out and I fell to the floor in tears.
“I didn't do all these. I never did!” I snapped, but no one was ready to listen to me.
Emily helped me up, and I held my bag and walked out of the company. “Just go home. I'll be fine.” I said to Emily after crying my eyes out in the car.
“Are you sure you're going to be fine?” She asked and I nodded with a sniff.
“Yes, I will. Now get going,” I smiled. When she was out, I drove to Frederick's place. He was my fiancé and right now, all I wanted was to be in his arms and receive his comfort.
I parked my car and got out, then arranged my clothes as I made my way to the door.
I was about to turn the doorknob when I was hearing moans and screams. Swiftly, I opened the door and what I saw made my eyes widen in shock. My bag fell from my hand.
I saw Frederick on top of Kayla, banging her hard.
Tears slipped from my eyes and I couldn't help but yell.
“Frederick! You asshole!”
180.FINAL CHAPTER**Author's POV**The day for the wedding finally came and Nicole couldn't stop her tears. She had come so far with Easton, and she was proud to say he was the best thing that has ever happened to her.As she stood, facing the mirror in her wedding gown that sparkled like diamonds in the soft light, she couldn't help but think about how far they had come. From the first day they met until this day, she had no regrets.It had started with some sort of agreement, but today it was something real; something sacred and something that would usher them into a new phase of their journey in life.Her makeup artist had to retouch her face and begged her not to shed any more tear. Nicole nodded with a smile.“You look stunning. I'm sure Easton's jaw will drop once he sets his eyes on you.” Emily complimented as she walked into the room.“I know, right? I ain't a model for nothing.” Nicole smirked and Emily laughed.“I see your ego is still intact,” she said, causing Nicole to c
179.SEMI-FINAL CHAPTER**Author's POV**The files were collected and handed over to the judge, who looked through them while Easton explained everything. “It turns out that Ariana was pregnant for her boyfriend and when she saw that he wouldn't be able to take care of her, she pinned it on my father because they had a one-night stand before and made him marry her. When she came into the house, she refused to acknowledge my mother as her co-wife and did all manner of things to get rid of her. All didn't work, and she resorted to poisoning her,” he explained, and the people present gasped.“That's not all, she made sure it was done neatly and did all she could to bury the secret in the rug. She thought she had escaped, and now she's trying to claim properties for a son who isn't even my father's. The DNA test has been conducted, and the results are there. She is a deceitful woman and must be punished by the law!”Carson couldn't believe all these. He faced his mother. “So, he is not my
178.**Easton's POV**As we drove back to my house, Nicole held me tight as she rested her head on my shoulders. Whenever we passed by a speed bump, her grip on me would tighten like she still couldn't believe I was alive and felt like I would vanish if she let me go. I placed a soft kiss on her forehead to remind her that I was going nowhere.Now that I have been granted a second chance to love her again, I would make her the happiest woman on earth. She looked at me with a huge smile on her face and I couldn't help but smile back. It was good to be back. We drove into the compound and I released a long breath. It's been a while and I wondered how Dad and the rest are doing. Edwin told me everything that happened and how things took a turn for the worst, including Ariana and Carson's atrocities. The good thing is I am back, and I am going to return order to this family.We got down from the car and Nicole intertwined our fingers as we walked in together. “I can't wait to see the lo
177.Author's POVTHE HOSPITAL…Nicole's eyes fluttered open and she looked around. She sat up, realizing that she was in the hospital. She laughed out loud when she suddenly recalled what happened.“I must be delusional! No, I'm going crazy!” she exclaimed, placing her hand on her head. “How can I be so dumb, huh? I missed Easton so much that I now have hallucinations because of him.” she spoke to herself, tears rolling down her cheeks.“You were not hallucinating, Nicole, it's real. Easton is alive,” Maven walked in with Edwin and Mrs. Felicia.Nicole shook her head. “No, I'm going crazy. You all are lying. You're just saying this to make me feel better. Easton is dead,” she snapped, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I was at the hospital. Edwin, you were there too. He wasn't breathing. His body was cold and stiff and when I took his hand, it went limp! He got buried right before my eyes, so stop making it worse for me. Just take me to a mental asylum because it's obvious I've gone
176.NEXT DAY…**Nicole's POV**My eyes fluttered open to the ray of sunshine that filtered in through the windows and I couldn't help but smile sadly; it was my birthday.“Hurray,” I muttered lazily and sat up on the bed. I looked up at the ceiling and pictured Easton looking down on me. “Hey, handsome, today is my birthday. It was supposed to be my first birthday with you, and I had already thought of how today would have been, but everything got ruined. You died and left me all alone here to celebrate today on my own. You have plenty of explanations to give me when we see each other again, mister!” I snapped, hoping he would hear me wherever he was.I smiled as tears rolled down my cheeks. I quickly wiped them off as Mrs. Felicia's words rang in my ears. I stood to my feet; I should make this day worthwhile for myself and for him.I rushed into the bathroom and took my bath. When I was out, I walked straight to my wardrobe and scanned through the clothes I had. My eyes went to the
175.Nicole's POVDays passed after my encounter with Ariana and Carson and everything seemed to have calmed down after that. We agreed to go to court as planned, but the case was adjourned until next month due to reasons best known to the court.My birthday is tomorrow, and I had already intended to spend the day with Easton. If I can't spend it with him while he was alive, I can as well spend it beside his grave.This was supposed to be my first birthday with him and…I trailed off in my thoughts and wiped the tears that rolled down my cheeks. I heaved a deep breath and stared at my computer. I missed Easton so much. Every day, I keep seeing things that remind me of him, and it hurts whenever I go out for an evening walk and see couples being all lovey-dovey with each other. He was the best thing that has ever happened to me and I would forever be grateful to him for that.I checked my wristwatch and sucked in a deep breath. Why was Edwin not back yet? He told me he was going to the
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