DIONNAH'S POV What the actual hell did I just hear? I must be hearing things. But I couldn't be because I heard it twice. Michael asked me to marry him. He proposed. My breathing became harsh and labored as I got up and headed to the bathroom. Michael quickly got up and followed behind me, but I managed to close the door before he could get to me. "Dionnah what are you doing?" He asked against the door. "What the hell did you ask me, Michael?" I leaned against the bathroom door, while I tried to steer a panic attack away. "You heard me Dionnah, I want you to marry me." His voice was heavy and determined. I knew he loved me, but why would a man who didn't want children want to get married? It just didn't make sense to me. "Why?" I wanted to hear his reasons. I had always dreamt of being a mother and the fact that I was actually pregnant with a child the father did not want, was making me crazy. "What do you mean why? Because I love you. Open the door so we can talk." He begged
MICHAEL'S POVDionnah's light snores woke me up a couple of minutes before 5 am. The room was still dark and I could see what was left of the moonlight through the window. Last night didn't go the way I planned it. I thought Dionnah would be happy to accept my proposal. I didn't even want to ask her that way. I had this whole romantic scenario planned out in my head. But our lovemaking was just so amazing, it just felt like the right time to do it. I yawned, maybe asking her at that moment wasn't the best thing to do. I shifted out of the bed and she stirred. I didn't want to wake her, but I needed to clear my head and no better way to do so than with some exercise. I pulled on some gym shorts and a gray muscle shirt and headed down to the home gym. To my surprise, the lights were on so when I entered I saw Jon, stretching his glutes. “Someone's up early," I used a towel to smack him. He jumped, he was definitely startled. “I could ask you the same thing," he laughed. He looked me u
DIONNAH'S POVI woke up to the other side of the bed empty. The spot where Michael slept was cold. It was a couple of minutes to eight and if I didn't get up to get ready I'd be late for work. I spent fifteen minutes throwing up my intestines in the toilet bowl. I hated this morning sickness. I quickly took a shower and got ready for work. To my surprise, Dani was alone in the kitchen. “Morning Dani," I greeted. “Where are the guys?" “Morning. They went to the office early," she poured me some tea. “Jesus Dee, you look terrible. Come sit," she gestured to one of the chairs around the table. I sat, my head felt light and my feet felt heavy. “Are you feeling good? Can you work today?"“I'm fine Dani. This is how I feel most mornings but my energy levels go sky high as the day rolls on."“Ah, I gotcha."“Did Michael say anything?" “Yes. He says to tell you he loves you and he'll see you later."“Oh.""Dionnah you honestly need to tell Michael you're pregnant. Now more than ever. Look
DIONNAH'S POVIt was dinner time again, and the sight of the mashed potatoes and gravy made my stomach churn. The food was very unappetizing and I couldn't stand the the mixtures of smells circulating around me; from Michael's cologne to Dani's moisture to the glade plug-in that was next to the trash can. I just couldn't do it anymore. I felt like I was in hell and I needed to get some fresh air. Dani and Michael were tidying up so I excused myself to go outside. When I opened the sliding door to the patio the cool air hit my face making me feel much better. I sat at the edge of the pool with my feet in the water. The cool water swooshed around my feet as I slowly moved my toes around."Is everything alright?" I was startled as I heard Jon's voice."Jon, you scared me a bit," I confessed."Sorry about that. Dani is on an important call and Mike went upstairs to shower. So I decided to come see if you are okay.""I'm fine. Just a little tired." I began to rise and he came to help me s
DIONNAH'S POV "Derick, what are you doing here?" "I came here for what's mine," he slurred. "What?" I asked in disbelief. "You heard me, I will not leave here until I get what belongs to me," he said with a demonic look in his eyes. He grabbed a bottle of champagne from a nearby tray and chugged it down. "Okay, Derick. You are drunk. Let's just get you some water so you can sober up." "It doesn't matter if I'm drunk or sober, I will have what's mine!" He drank from the bottle again. I grabbed it from him. “No more alcohol for you," I hissed. “You know, you were never this direct when we used to fuck. I like it," he hiccupped. I heard footsteps scraping behind me. I turned around and saw Stella. She had a tiny gift in her hand. “Ms. Delaney, I wanted to —," she paused and dropped the box she had in her hands. "Oh God!" She yelled as she huddled beside me. She looked horrified as terror took over her face like a mask. She clutched onto my arm so tightly that her nails were
STELLA'S POVIf I could just turn back the hands of time, I would. I wish I had never met Derick Mitchell. But I was young and dumb, blinded by the excitement of college life. I met him my first year of university. I was eager and optimistic about this new world that I had to take on. I was so excited, especially since my room mate was also my best friend since kindergarten. Gracey, who was two years our senior and also Ramona's stepsister offered to show us around campus. The tour started off by Gracie showing us the cool kids spots; like where to hang out, eat and most importantly party. After showing us the important stuff, she took us to a pizza place just five minutes off campus called Pizza Italia. They had the best pizza I'd ever eaten in my life and I made a side note that I would take my mom there whenever she came to visit. The went on after that, and Mona and I finish unpacking and soon we were past out in our beds. The next day was our first day to attend classes. Mona a
Michael's POVBANG!The loud sound of the gunshot echoed around me. My feet sped off first, even though my mind seemed to have frozen. Danielle's wails could be heard from miles away. I vaguely heard Jonathan on the phone talking to the paramedics. And then my heart felt like it collapsed when I saw Dionnah falling to the ground, her body rolled down the first flight of stairs. I hurried to her side. "Dionnah!" I shouted. I knelt next to her, blood was pouring from her chest. "Dee! No! Dionnah — Oh God! Oh God!" Dani was wailing. "Dani, I need you to stay calm," I told her. Jonny was quickly by my side. "The police and ambulance are on their way," Jonny spoke as he assessed the scene. His hands trembled with adrenaline, he didn't know how to help Dee.Being a SEAL, I had some medical training, so I knew what to do. I lifted Dee and checked for an exit wound. "Good, the bullet went right through her. We just have to stop the bleeding until the paramedics get here. Dani, do you have
MICHAEL'S POVI must have run a dozen stoplights to get to the hospital. I zoned out Dani crying on the phone to her parents. I could hear Mrs. Delaney screaming in pain over the phone when she heard about Dionnah getting shot. Jon quickly took the phone and diffused the situation, telling the old couple that their daughter would be okay and that he'd send word as soon as he heard something. It took a lot of convincing to get them to stay put and not travel here in the middle of the night. Jon informed them that they didn't need to come until at least the morning. As soon as I pulled up into the hospital's parking lot, I was running towards the entrance with Jon, Dani, and Stella hot on my tail. I ran up to the front desk. I was bloodied and out of breath. "Dionnah Delaney," I said, the woman at the front desk assessed me with worried eyes."Sir, are you hurt?""No, it's not my blood. Can you tell me where Dionnah Delaney is?"The woman cleared her throat and quickly checked the syst