31.**Author's POV**She couldn't believe what this bastard just spewed out of his mouth.“Repeat what you just said. It seems I didn't hear you well the first time. Maybe, I heard wrong.” She smiled, the smile not quite reaching her eyes. She wanted to confirm whether she heard him wrong or not because it definitely couldn't be her he made that request to.Frederick sighed. “I know it's shocking, considering how we were in the past, and what you feel I did to you—”“What I feel you did to me?” Nicole rolled her eyes. “This isn't something of the past, Frederick Maroon. This is something from a few weeks ago, and you're talking like it's a normal thing, and I'd forgive you that easily to the extent of helping you?” She asked.Frederick ruffled his hair. He knew this was going to be difficult, but he wasn't going to give up. She was the only person that could help him now, since she knew about the company, and even gave him some money to take it up. He wanted her to just put things beh

33.**Easton's POV**I waited impatiently for Nicole to return from wherever she went, but there was no sign of her. I was becoming more impatient by the minute and soon became worried.This made me start to reconsider my decision of leaving her alone. I massaged my temple, wondering whether she had sneaked into her room without me seeing her.I stood up and headed for her room to find Joan putting it in order. She bowed the minute she saw me.“Good afternoon, sir.” “Is Nicole back yet?” I asked her, but she shook her head.“She isn't back yet. I tried calling her, but she's not taking my calls.” Joan answered and I sighed.“Next time she steps out of the house, go with her. That's why you're her personal assistant.” I ordered and she nodded with a slight bow.I walked out of the room and brought my phone out, dialing her number immediately, but couldn't get through to her. I tried several times, still no answer.I was about to drop the phone in my pocket when I looked up and saw her

35.**Nicole's POV**After I was done eating, I stepped out of the room and left for Easton's room. I heaved a deep breath as I stood in front of his door. I wanted to thank him for the words he said to me, it actually made me feel better and realize what I should do instead of crying. I was about to place a knock on the door when I heard the doorbell.I alighted the stairs and saw butler Steve heading to the door. He opened it and two good-looking guys came in.I recognized one of them. I think Maven is his name. He was the one who came with Easton to my house for me to sign the contract. The second one… I haven't seen him before.“Easton!!!” The second guy called, and I guessed they must be close for him to have yelled Easton's name like that.“Shh, his wife is here.” Maven told the second guy, and his eyes went in my direction immediately.His smile widened immediately he saw me, and I couldn't help but gap at his dimples. As he approached me, I took in his features and couldn't he

37.**Author's POV**2 DAYS LATER…Nicole stood in front of the building of Twilight Magazines with Emily, her heart beating rapidly in her chest. After getting accepted by them, she was asked to come for a talk with the manager today and boy was she nervous.Nervous because she didn't want what happened with Mr. Luther to repeat itself here. She didn't believe in giving her body out to them for them to promote or give her a job — she loved being fair and that's what contributed to her success, before Mr. Stark destroyed it, of course.When she entered, the employees murmured on seeing her. She told them nothing and left for the Manager's office immediately.“Are you nervous?” Emily asked as they took the elevator.“Yeah, but for a different reason.” She pulled a strand of hair behind her ears and sighed.Emily nodded. “I get you, but trust me, Mr. Leo is a nice man. He won't demand something like that from you.” Nicole forced a smile. “I hope so.”When they got to the office, the re

39.**Nicole's POV**I was done packing and smiled confidently as I stared at my luggage. I didn't pack much, since the company would be responsible for the outfits I was going to wear for the photoshoot.I was happy that things were beginning to fall in place for me. I may have acted fine all the time and tried to be tough, but I was hurting deep inside. Imagine losing everything you worked hard for in just one day.I recalled all I had to go through as the memories flashed in my head once more.…flashback…It was a Monday afternoon. I had gotten rejected by the fashion magazine that I submitted an application to and had cried my eyes out before heading for training.“Why is your face all swollen?” Bella, one of the popular models at that time, asked me.“I didn't get any spot in the magazine. I thought I would, and I worked really hard for it, but I was rejected.” I replied in tears.She studied me from head to toes, scrutinizing me with her gaze and making me wonder why she was look