
AE-The Billionaire's Surrogate
Mae Muse · Ongoing · 35.6k Words
Introduction
Chapter 1
“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.
“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”
“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”
“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”
I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.
“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.
“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”
I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.
“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.
With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.
“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.
“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.
I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”
Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”
I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”
“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”
With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.
When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.
“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.
A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”
“I don't understand. What is going on?”
“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.
My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.
I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.
His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”
My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”
He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.
“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.
“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”
My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”
He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.
“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.
He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”
“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”
“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.
“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”
“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”
“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”
I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.
“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.
“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”
I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.
“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.
With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.
“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.
“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.
I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”
Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”
I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”
“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”
With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.
When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.
“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.
A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”
“I don't understand. What is going on?”
“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.
My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.
I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.
His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”
My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”
He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.
“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.
“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”
My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”
He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.
“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.
He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”
“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.
“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”
“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”
“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”
I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.
“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.
“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”
I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.
“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.
With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.
“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.
“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.
I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”
Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”
I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”
“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”
With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.
When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.
“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.
A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”
“I don't understand. What is going on?”
“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.
My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.
I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.
His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”
My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”
He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.
“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.
“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”
My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”
He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.
“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.
He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”
“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.
“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”
“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”
“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”
I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.
“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.
“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”
I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.
“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.
With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.
“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.
“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.
I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”
Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”
I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”
“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”
With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.
When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.
“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.
A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”
“I don't understand. What is going on?”
“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.
My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.
I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.
His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”
My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”
He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.
“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.
“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”
My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”
He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.
“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.
He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”
“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.
“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”
“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”
“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”
I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.
“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.
“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”
I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.
“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.
With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.
“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.
“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.
I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”
Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”
I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”
“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”
With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.
When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.
“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.
A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”
“I don't understand. What is going on?”
“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.
My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.
I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.
His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”
My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”
He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.
“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.
“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”
My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”
He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.
“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.
He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”
“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.
“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”
“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”
“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”
I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.
“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.
“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”
I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.
“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.
With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.
“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.
“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.
I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”
Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”
I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”
“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”
With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.
When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.
“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.
A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”
“I don't understand. What is going on?”
“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.
My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.
I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.
His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”
My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”
He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.
“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.
“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”
My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”
He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.
“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.
He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”
“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.
“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”
“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”
“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”
I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.
“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.
“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”
I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.
“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.
With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.
“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.
“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.
I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”
Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”
I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”
“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”
With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.
When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.
“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.
A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”
“I don't understand. What is going on?”
“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.
My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.
I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.
His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”
My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”
He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.
“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.
“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”
My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”
He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.
“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.
He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”
“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.
“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”
“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”
“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”
I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.
“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.
“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”
I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.
“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.
With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.
“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.
“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.
I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”
Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”
I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”
“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”
With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.
When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.
“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.
A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”
“I don't understand. What is going on?”
“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.
My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.
I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.
His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”
My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”
He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.
“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.
“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”
My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”
He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.
“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.
He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”
“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.
“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”
“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”
“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”
I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.
“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.
“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”
I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.
“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.
With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.
“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.
“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.
I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”
Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”
I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”
“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”
With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.
When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.
“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.
A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”
“I don't understand. What is going on?”
“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.
My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.
I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.
His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”
My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”
He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.
“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.
“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”
My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”
He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.
“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.
He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”
“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.
“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”
“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”
“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”
I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.
“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.
“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”
I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.
“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.
With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.
“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.
“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.
I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”
Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”
I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”
“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”
With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.
When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.
“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.
A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”
“I don't understand. What is going on?”
“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.
My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.
I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.
His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”
My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”
He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.
“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.
“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”
My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”
He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.
“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.
He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”
“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”“Why am I doing this again?” I rubbed the sleep off my eyes, a few hour’s nap just didn’t seem to be of any help to me. Particularly because of the chaotic flight I had, taking four more hours than it should to get here.
“Because we’ve got to look beautiful for the party, duh!” Kayleigh grabbed my arm and hauled me off the bed. “We’re going shopping.”
“I mean, why must I accompany you? I’m so exhausted and all I care for as of now is my bed and blankets.”
“Because you promised and you have to keep your promise.” She threw a towel at me. “You’ll feel much better once you take a shower.”
I learned she was right when I stepped out of the shower. No one could tell I had a sleepless night but I was sure the rest of my day was going to bring the exhaustion back. The wedding was several hours away but Kayleigh was in such a rush, dragging me around town like it was the last shopping we would do in our lifetime.
“Who even does their wedding at this time?” I asked Kay, dabbing powder on my cheeks. I’d had more sleep and was less cranky but still, I wasn’t down for a stranger’s wedding at three in the afternoon. I’d rather be in Lionel’s arms or my family’s company.
“Girl, I was about to ask you the same thing.” She stopped rummaging through the shopping bags to steal a glance at my face through the mirror. “I think you should stop there, I’ll do the rest of your make-up for you. Else, you’ll look like a clown.”
I rolled my eyes, reaching out for my phone to chat Lionel up. It was only a few hours since we landed and parted ways but I’d missed him terribly.
“We’ll be late, you have to get dressed,” Kay scolded, snatching my phone and tossing it on the bed.
With a heavy sigh, I got on my feet and made my way towards her on the floor. Clothes were strewn around her, the result of her throwing them all over the place because she didn’t have the time to go through them with patience.
“I think you should wear this.” I lifted a maroon strapless maxi dress for her to see.
“I like it,” she said, trying it on before urging me to do the same to mine.
I eyed myself in the mirror with awe. I was in a silver sequin off shoulder mermaid dress with a right leg slit. “Are you sure I won’t get thrown out of the wedding? It’s too beautiful.”
Kayleigh threw her head back in laughter. “That’s unlikely to happen but I’d die of laughter.”
I poked her shoulder, my giggles filling the air. “You’re so evil.”
“That’s why you love me.” She winked. “We have to finish up. We can’t be late.”
With our make up on, killer heels and elegant dresses, I knew people were going to gawk at us. But Kayleigh wasn’t the least bit unnerved, smearing more lipstick onto her lips once she got a glimpse of herself in the mirror at the backseat of our ride. She was truly a sight to behold. I couldn’t help but wonder why her crush still hadn’t made a move.
When the car pulled to a stop at the resort, Kay took out her phone to make a call. “The chauffeur just dropped us off, we’re coming in now,” she said to the receiver, my eyes narrowing in confusion.
“Come on.” She took a hold of my hand, leading me in an opposite direction to what I was expecting. Our surroundings were quite deserted for a wedding.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” she replied, the excitement in her voice not going unnoticed by me.
A few corners later, we came to a halt. “This is as far as I go. Go on, someone is waiting for you.”
“I don't understand. What is going on?”
“You know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right?” I nodded, she smiled. “Good. Now you have to trust me and go.” She pointed at the path filled with roses, seemingly to guide me to the mastermind of the turn of events.
My palm connected with the back of her head for setting me up, the scowl on her face disappearing when I squeezed her into a hug. Following the roses, I took the first and only corner, my eyes locating a table for two overlooking the beach.
I knew it was Lionel before he even came into my view. I’d never seen him in a suit before but he was so strikingly handsome I was almost convinced every clothe he wore was made specifically for him.
His eyes twinkled with admiration when they met mine. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.”
My cheeks heated up. “So you’re the unknown bride who’s been giving me sleepless nights?”
He cackled, covering the distance between us to wrap me in an embrace. Pulling back, he tucked my loose hair behind my ear before pecking my forehead. My hands flew to my mouth when he began going down on one knee, his gaze never leaving mine, causing the butterflies in my stomach to double.
“I’m not good with words,” he started, chuckling as he reached for his pockets. “But I’m still going to give it a shot because I love you so much all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Tears were streaming down my face when he unfolded his hand to reveal a ring box. And I couldn’t help but gush at it when he popped it open.
“I would fight the world just to be with you, Shannon. I’ve always yearned to be the reason behind your smiles, to be there to wipe your tears on your bad days. I want to experience life with you, grow old with you and have a bunch of kids that look just like you,” he paused to take the ring. Holding it up to me, he stared deep into my orbs. “Will you marry me?”
My head bobbed vigorously, without batting an eyelid. Dropping to his level, I enclosed my hands around him. “Yes baby, I will marry you.”
He gently pushed me to my feet, his eyes moistening as he put the ring on my finger. “You just made me the happiest man alive,” he screamed, rising to claim my lips, hefting me off the ground and spinning us around amidst our titters.
“I’m still in shock, but I’m so happy. You and Kayleigh pulled this off well. I can’t believe I didn’t suspect anything,” I said once he’d put me down.
He threw me a smirk as he helped me into my chair. “Apparently, I’m good at surprises.”
“Yeah, I’ll give you that.”
Last Chapters
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Where I End and She Begins
But when a body lies at Amelia’s feet, and her hands are covered in blood that isn’t hers, one question echoes louder than the rest:
How did it come to this?
As the school year unfolds, cracks begin to show — in friendships, in family, and in Amelia’s own mind. The lines between loyalty and control blur. Between truth and perception. Between who she is… and who she thinks she needs to be.
Because some friendships don’t just shape you.
They consume you.
And when the illusion shatters, there’s always something left behind.
A pack of their own
Ignition And Ice; A Racer's Forbidden Blueprint
The first? Becoming an architect worthy of finally making her mark.
The second?
Convincing herself that one day, Hayes Gallagher–NHL superstar, lifelong best friend, and the man she’s secretly loved for years–will finally see her as more than the girl who’s always there when he needs her.
He doesn’t.
So when Hayes abandons her for yet another girl, Merritt decides she’s done waiting.
One reckless night later, she ends up in the arms of a stranger whose touch makes forgetting Hayes dangerously easy.
She never expects to see him again. Until that stranger turns out to be Stellan Mercer.
Formula One’s most infamous golden boy. And Hayes’s stepbrother who is the one man Hayes would rather destroy than share a room with.
When Stellan uses his influence to make Merritt lead designer on his luxury penthouse project, staying away from him becomes impossible.
Working behind closed doors quickly turns into a secret neither of them can afford. Because the more Merritt falls for the man she was never supposed to touch… the more Hayes realizes he may have lost the only girl who ever truly loved him.
And when jealousy, family rivalry, and the spotlight collide, Merritt will have to decide which dream she’s willing to lose.
Her career, her heart. Or both.
BROKEN TRUST
Neither of them knew she was carrying his child.
Emily’s affair didn’t just end her marriage—it erased the life she thought was guaranteed. Ryan left without looking back, carrying his anger like armor and leaving Emily alone with regret she would never outrun. Three years later, fate drags them back into each other’s world, along with a little girl who has Ryan’s eyes and a truth that shatters everything he thought he knew.
Old wounds reopen, grief masquerades as rage, and love refuses to stay buried. As parenthood binds them together and the past demands accountability, Emily and Ryan must face the question neither of them is ready to answer: is broken trust the end of their story… or the beginning of a love forged through loss, forgiveness, and brutal honesty?
King of the Underworld
However, one fateful day, the King of the Underworld appeared before me and rescued me from the clutches of the most powerful Mafia boss's son. With his deep blue eyes fixed on mine, he spoke softly: "Sephie... short for Persephone... Queen of the Underworld. At last, I have found you." Confused by his words, I stammered out a question, “P..pardon? What does that mean?”
But he simply smiled at me and brushed my hair away from my face with gentle fingers: "You are safe now.”
Sephie, named for the Queen of the Underworld, Persephone, she's quickly finding out how she's destined to fulfill her namesake's role. Adrik is the King of the Underworld, the boss of all bosses in the city he runs.
She was a seemingly normal girl, with a normal job until it all changed one night when he walked through the front door and her life changed abruptly. Now, she finds herself on the wrong side of powerful men, but under the protection of the most powerful among them.
Kaged In
Follow Kage's journey as he tries to heal, falls in love and faces his inner turmoil.
Iron And Glamour Just Don't Mix
Well… Sometimes you just might turn out to be right.
It turns out, the fae stole my little brother. In his place? A pixie with boundary issues and a talent for home repairs.
I’ve spent my life taking care of everyone else. So when my baby brother is taken, I don’t hesitate. I walk straight into a faerie mansion and make a bargain with its infuriatingly charming master.
Kie is everything you’d expect from a dangerous fae, beautiful, political, and entirely too amused by me. Power wrapped in a smirk. Sensual, mischievous, and far too aware of the effect he has on people. He agrees to help me find my brother.
For a price.
Now I’m bound by a faerie bargain and navigating a world of glamour, manipulation, and ancient rules I definitely should have learned sooner, enchanted forests, political games, magical contracts, and a fae lord who treats seduction like a perfectly reasonable negotiation tactic.
Iron is how I keep people out.
Glamour is how he draws them in.
And apparently, they just don’t mix.
Tango with the Alpha's Heart
“He met her at the Alpha training camp,” he said. “She is a perfect suitor for him. It snowed last night, indicating that his wolf is happy with his choice.”
My heart sank, and tears made their way down my cheeks.
Alexander took my innocence last night, and now he is taking that thing in his office as his Luna.
Emily became the laughingstock of the pack on her 18th birthday and never expected the Alpha's son to be her mate.
After a night of passionate love, Emily finds out that her mate has taken a chosen mate. Heartbroken and humiliated, she disappears from the pack.
Now, five years later, Emily is a respected high-ranking warrior in King Alpha’s army.
When her best friend invites her to a night of music and laughter, she never expects to run into her mate.
Will her mate figure out it is her?
Will he chase after her, and most of all, will Emily be able to keep her secrets safe?
Bella and Her Beast
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Locked in her frozen tower, Bella dreamed of warmth, of touch, of freedom and of love. Cursed with the power of ice and snow, she’s spent her life alone. A secret they tried to protect the world from. Her only escape comes in the form of the books she reads. Stories of heat, desire, and the kind of love that could melt even her frostbitten heart.
Damien is the Beast. A dragon King with a temper forged in flame and a soul hollowed by duty. The world fears him. The people call him a monster. But beneath the scales and the rage lies a man who has never been touched by love.
When frost meets fire, the world shatters. She was never meant to leave her tower. He was never meant to find her. But destiny doesn’t bow to kings or care for cages and now the question burns through them both: Can Bella have her Beast? Or will the girl of snow melt in the heat of his desire?
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"I’m keeping her."
"What?"
Before I can react, he scoops her up. Her small body fits easily in the cradle of his talons. For a split second, she looks startled, but not afraid. Her hand rests against one scaled finger, and she stares up at him with that same curious wonder, as though she’s already forgotten she was ever meant to fear me.
"Put her down," I try to command, panic threading through my thoughts. "You’ll hurt her."
"She’s ours," the beast insists, possessive and fierce. "Our snowflake."
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Let Them Kneel
Cast out by her pack. Forgotten by the Lycans.
She lived among humans—quiet, invisible, tucked away in a town no one looked at twice.
But when her first heat comes without warning, everything changes.
Her body ignites. Her instincts scream. And something primal stirs beneath her skin—
summoning a big, bad Alpha who knows exactly how to quench her fire.
When he claims her, it’s ecstasy and ruin.
For the first time, she believes she’s been accepted.
Seen.
Chosen.
Until he leaves her the next morning—
like a secret never to be spoken.
But Kaelani is not what they thought.
Not wolfless. Not weak.
There is something ancient inside her. Something powerful. And it’s waking.
And when it does—
they’ll all remember the girl they tried to erase.
Especially him.
She’ll be the dream he keeps chasing… the one thing that ever made him feel alive.
Because secrets never stay buried.
And neither do dreams.
Accidentally Crossing the Tycoon
Four years ago, the Bailey family faced a devastating financial crisis.
Just when bankruptcy seemed inevitable, a mysterious benefactor emerged, offering salvation with one condition: a contract marriage.
Rumors swirled about this enigmatic man—whispers claimed he was hideously ugly and too ashamed to show his face, possibly harboring dark, twisted obsessions.
Without hesitation, the Baileys sacrificed me to protect their precious biological daughter, forcing me to take her place as a pawn in this cold, calculated arrangement.
Luckily, in those four years, the mysterious husband never asked to meet in person.
Now, in the final year of our arrangement, the husband I've never met is demanding we meet face to face.
But disaster struck the night before my return—drunk and disoriented, I stumbled into the wrong hotel room and ended up sleeping with the legendary financial mogul, Caspar Thornton.
What the hell am I supposed to do now?












