
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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Accardi
“I thought you said you were done chasing me?” Gen mocked.
“I am done chasing you.”
Before she could formulate a witty remark, Matteo threw her down. She landed hard on her back atop his dining room table. She tried to sit up when she noticed what he was doing. His hands were working on his belt. It came free of his pants with a violent yank. She collapsed back on her elbows, her mouth gaping open at the display. His face was a mask of sheer determination, his eyes were a dark gold swimming with heat and desire. His hands wrapped around her thighs and pulled her to the edge of the table. He glided his fingers up her thighs and hooked several around the inside of her panties. His knuckles brushed her dripping sex.
“You’re soaking wet, Genevieve. Tell me, was it me that made you this way or him?” his voice told her to be careful with her answer. His knuckles slid down through her folds and she threw her head back as she moaned. “Weakness?”
“You…” she breathed.
Genevieve loses a bet she can’t afford to pay. In a compromise, she agrees to convince any man her opponent chooses to go home with her that night. What she doesn’t realize when her sister’s friend points out the brooding man sitting alone at the bar, is that man won’t be okay with just one night with her. No, Matteo Accardi, Don of one of the largest gangs in New York City doesn’t do one night stands. Not with her anyway.
The Alpha's Stripper Mate
"What?" It was out of my mouth before I could stop it. I did not wait for him to answer me, I walked toward him.
"Dance on my lap."
My head screamed at me to turn around and run. But my whole body responded to his command.
"Yes, Alpha," I pulled my dress over my body, it dropped over my head and fell to the ground behind me. I was left in nothing but my matching bra and thong. My hands covered my chest on reflex.
"Let me see."
My hands dropped to my sides.
I lowered myself into his lap, facing him. His eyes peered into mine, and I could feel his hot breath fan my face. His dick responded to all my moves, hardening against my now-moist vagina. I swallowed hard, allowing my lips to part in a ragged breath. His hands trailed up to my waist.
"No touching."
At the tender age of eleven, JoJo Wyatt was forced to grow up far sooner than she should have. Born to a cruel father and a weak mother, she quickly realized she had to become the breadwinner for herself and her sister. Nothing else mattered to her, not even the hottest men. In fact, she despised them. After one horrific night, she swore never to have any contact with the male species again. That was, until she started working for him as his stripper.
Meanwhile, Alpha Lake Rush, thirty, was the most feared Alpha in the country. Burdened by his own share of life's struggles, he had learned only to be cruel and reckless, rejecting not one but two mates. But what happens when he discovers yet another mate, and she turns out to be his stripper?
Aphrodite and the Cursed Mate Bond
She finds truth.
Aphrodite is not human at all. She is a rare white wolf, descended from an ancient Direwolf bloodline long believed extinct. The ritual meant to sever her ties awakens her wolf instead and with it comes the scent of five mates bound to her by fate.
The Alpha twins who once scorned her now cannot stay away. A human hunter walks beside her and proves that strength is not born of fangs or dominance. A cursed Wolf King holds the key to her past and her father’s imprisonment. And watching from the shadows is one who was never meant to interfere at all.
As gods fall, packs fracture, and war reshapes the world, Aphrodite must decide what destiny truly means. Is it submission to fate or the courage to choose her own path.
Love does not come in one form. Neither does power.
In a world ruled by gods and wolves, Aphrodite will become something neither ever expected.
Not a queen.
But the axis upon which the world turns.
What the Heart Wants (Book 1 of the Alpha Faros Series)
Not loving him will cost more.
Derek has one goal: survive high school without drawing too much attention or pissing off his pack’s alpha.
As the youngest son of the alpha, his life is governed by lycan hierarchy, tradition, and politics. With no signs of awakening a lycan spirit, his only value is what he can do for the pack’s image. He knows he’s only ever one misstep away from exile… or worse.
Then, he finds a boy trapped in a locker on orientation day, and everything changes.
Derek shouldn’t want Nikolias. He’s off-limits. A risk Derek can’t afford.
So why does it feel like he’s the only thing worth fighting for?
Nikolias has just lost everything: his parents, his home, and any sense of peace. Sent back to the town his family left years ago to live with his prejudiced and controlling uncle, who wants nothing to do with anything—or anyone—not human, he’s trying to do everything in his power to get out quickly.
But then he meets Derek again, and all of his plans vanish in the soft, yearning flecks of gold in Derek’s green-hazel eyes. He’s drawn to Derek in a way that’s impossible to deny, and he thinks Derek feels the same way, despite the danger their relationship holds for him.
As Moonshadow's politics turn deadly, Derek and Nikolai are caught in the crossfire of a war that had started long before they were born, and their bond becomes a threat and a lifeline that neither can afford to sever.
Because the heart wants what it wants….
And it never asks permission.
TW: Graphic Violence, Suicide Ideation, Suicide Attempt, Child Abuse, Cult-Like Behavior
After the Affair: Falling into a Billionaire's Arms
I’d appreciate all your support, thank you so much!
From first crush to wedding vows, George Capulet and I had been inseparable. But in our seventh year of marriage, he began an affair with his secretary.
On my birthday, he took her on vacation. On our anniversary, he brought her to our home and made love to her in our bed...
Heartbroken, I tricked him into signing divorce papers.
George remained unconcerned, convinced I would never leave him.
His deceptions continued until the day the divorce was finalized. I threw the papers in his face: "George Capulet, from this moment on, get out of my life!"
Only then did panic flood his eyes as he begged me to stay.
When his calls bombarded my phone later that night, it wasn't me who answered, but my new boyfriend Julian.
"Don't you know," Julian chuckled into the receiver, "that a proper ex-boyfriend should be as quiet as the dead?"
George seethed through gritted teeth: "Put her on the phone!"
"I'm afraid that's impossible."
Julian dropped a gentle kiss on my sleeping form nestled against him. "She's exhausted. She just fell asleep."
A Queen Among Tides (Book 5 in the Gods' Saga)
Shocked to find he's been bound in more ways than one to Sebastian, the future King to the Kingdom of Atlesper, Lemuel resists Sebastian's advances at every turn, believing this may be one pairing Goddess Zarseti got wrong.
Lemuel will have to face his past in hopes of starting a new future, but an overly flirtatious King is the least of his worries when he learns Sebastian's parents are convinced that a conniving usurper disguised as a curvy blonde, is the future king's true soulmate.
A Queen Among Tides is the 5th book in the Queen Among Series/The Gods' Saga. This is an interconnected series. To see how it ends, I recommend reading the full series.
Books in the series order:
A Queen Among Alphas - Book 1
Bite-Size Luna - A Queen Among Alphas Prequel (available under book 1)
A Queen Among Snakes - Book 2
A Queen Among Blood - Book 3
A Queen Among Darkness - Book 4
Whole Again - A Queen Among Alpha's spin-off (available under book 1)
A Queen Among Tides - Book 5
Valor, Virtue, and Verve - Tides Prequel Spin-off (will be available under book 5)
A Queen Among Gods - Book 6
Runaway Empress - A Queen Among Snakes Prequel (will be available under book 2)
A Queen Among Tempests - Book 7
Dark Vocation - Darkness spin-off (will be available under book 4)
A Court of Arcane Souls Anthology (side character short stories exclusive to Ream)
Royal Shadow Series (Next Gen Coming Soon)
The Vampire Prince's Hybrid Bride
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.
Mated to Her Alpha Instructor
Weeks later, our new Alpha combat instructor walks in. Regis. The guy from the woods. His eyes lock on mine, and I know he recognizes me. Then the secret I've been hiding hits me like a punch: I'm pregnant.
He has an offer that binds us tighter than ever. Protection… or a cage? Whispers turn ugly, darkness closes in. Why am I the one without a wolf? Is he my salvation… or will he drag me to ruin?
To protect what’s mine
The mafia princess return
Bound by Fate, Freed by Choice
Her escape leads her to Alpha Rowan, the commanding leader of the Blackwood Pack, who offers shelter, protection, and an unexpected chance at a new life. But Rowan’s fierce and jealous fiancée sees Lyla as a threat, and the pack’s charming Beta is drawn to her quiet strength.
As a dangerous attraction simmers between Lyla and Rowan, they begin to unravel a dark web of secrets that implicates Kaiden and threatens both their worlds.
With her hidden power awakening, Lyla must navigate treacherous loyalties, face the alpha who shattered her, and decide: Will she follow the destiny fate forced upon her, or claim the love and strength she has chosen for herself?












