LYDIA'S POV:2 WEEKS LATER:Today was finally the day and I was in the dressing room getting ready. I took a deep breath looking at myself in the mirror with admiration. I chose to wear a navy blue, knee-length dress for the book signing event. The fabric was a soft cotton blend that draped elegantly over my figure. The neckline was simple and clean, with no adornments or frills. It felt classic and professional, but also approachable and friendly. I paired the dress with a pair of comfortable black flats and my favorite gold earrings and bracelet, and I felt so confident and I couldn't wait to see what the day held for me.A knock came through the door and I responded, "Come in." I turned around and saw the marketing representative sent by the publisher, Miss Vivian, coming in along with the third florist of the day."Yes, you have yet another flower but I think you would like to read the card." I had already received about two bouquets of flowers from my dad and Nathaniel just wish
I let out a breath and pointed at another person. I rubbed my lips together and used one hand to hold the microphone while using my handkerchief to clean my palm which was sweaty all of a sudden. It only happens when I'm nervous."Rumors have it that you have been hanging out with Nathaniel King despite everything, are you two working on being a couple again?" People began to talk amongst each other and it was quite amusing seeing how everyday early turned towards me for a response."We have hung out a few times, we are working on being friends that's all." I responded leaving no room for arguments."So you don't hate him nor anyone in his family?" Another question was thrown."I do not. Not even Mrs King. It's unhealthy and tiring to harbor hate." I responded."Why is the book then titled the Clapback?" The same person questioned and I chuckled weakly."Because I was tired of still getting attacked and abused by Mrs King even after getting divorced. A lot of horrible stuff was stoll
3RD POV:THAT NIGHT:Everyone was seated at the rooftop of Miller's restaurant, eating, drinking and having a good time. Nathaniel just smiled and kept stealing glances at Lydia, he barely said three words all night, those three words were ‘Congratulations’ and 'I'm okay.'Kelvin, Liam and Liam's fiancée had opted out of the dinner Ariana had invited them to as they had plans of their own but Jacob and Melissa had come with Nathaniel and Rachel. Rachel was looking for a means to talk to Lydia all night but couldn't seem to find a chance.The minute they arrived Lydia grinned from ear to ear seeing Andrew was already seated waiting for them and talking with the waiters making sure everything was in order for the beautiful dinner he had curated.Lorena's mum and father, Patricia who felt uninvited because Andrew had literally forgotten about her, Mr Miller, Lorena and Darren, Rachel and Nathaniel, Macy who had been staring at the expecting couple with scorn the entire night and Lydia we
3RD POV:“So your fiancé, oh I am sorry, your boyfriend who impregnated you without giving you a ring first is crippled and useless? Or what did you all say?” He kept taunting with amusement written on his face. Andrew shut his eyes and clenched and unclenched his jaw. “Okay Mr Philips…” Lydia began and Mr Philips raised his hand to correct her.“First of all, tone. And it's Don Philips.” He smiled watching her while savoring the flavor of his cheesecake.“Dad, that's enough. Andrew is not crippled and in no way useless, okay?” Ari defended but her father looked up from his cheesecake and laughed deeply.“Why do you say that? He's still having sex with you even though he can't walk right?” Her father questioned and everyone sucked their teeth in irritation. “Yes, and I'm extremely satisfied.” Arianna replied and immediately regretted it seeing her father's eyes change.“Wonderful! I'm giving you two, just a month to get married and the wedding has to be the most luxurious wedding in
3RD POV:A WEEK LATER:It had been exactly a week since Andrew had spoken to Ari and even seen her. He was going crazy but one thing he continued was his physical therapy. He concluded that instead of continuing to stress out, he would find a way to get Ariana back. It was a Sunday afternoon, a day after the dramatic dinner. Lydia and Lorena had just arrived at Andrew's penthouse and Andrew let them in, walking slowly and refusing Lydia's help. She went into the kitchen to grab each of them a bottle of water and cook up something delicious, and Lorena and Andrew conversed until Andrew stated what he had been thinking about all night.“What do you mean I shouldn't call her and set up the meeting?” Lorena questioned with a loud voice staring Andrew with disbelief. She feared for his life and their entire family, she strongly believed the wrath of Don Philip will be severe. So hearing this threw her off.“What's going on?” Lydia came into the sitting room in a haste and inquired with h
3RD POV:“I missed you so much.” She spoke muffled into his chest and he kissed her forehead.“I missed you too, my love.” He responded by wrapping his arms around her and she smiled.“That's enough…Let's eat dinner now.” Don Philip spoke up and they broke apart hastily making him laugh and his wife hit him playfully.Andrew was shocked at how much power his sincere apology held but he understood as a man respect was essential. He just imagined if he was in Don Philips' situation. How he would have reacted as well. Andrew found himself imagining having his own little princess running about. He got excited at the thought.Andrew discovered Ari's mother was out of state last week and her name was Aurora.Don Philip was calm and happy and conversed with him throughout the evening. The tension that had filled the atmosphere had switched to happiness and Ari was glad. She didn't want anything stressing her out during her pregnancy and she was happy to know Andrew wasn't cheating anymore an
3RD POV:AT THE LABORATORY:The forensic pathologist who was the head of Jenny's case, was at the laboratory gazing intently at the dental records and DNA analysis of the body found and next to him was Jenny's records.“What's up boss man?” His pal entered the laboratory and patted his back right before wearing his gloves. He stopped in his tracks as he noticed the head of Jenny's case failed to reply.“What's going on? Are you good?” He inquired and in reply he handed the reports to his friend and whipped out his phone from the pocket of his scrubs.“This is insane. So your assumption was right all along.” He spoke in realization then placed the reports on the table.“What are you going to do now?” His friend inquired seeing as he held his phone debating. He was certain he was right, every fact proved it but he didn't want to seem like ‘a know it all’ so he took the analysis seriously.“I'm going to report to the investigator.” He informed his friend who nodded his head in agreement
LYDIA'S POV:The song from the high school musical played in my head as I took Nathaniel's hands as we reached the dance floor and I remembered each instruction given, so I was able to place my hand in the right places. The only problem was the song was slow and romantic, so Nathaniel just kept staring in my eyes intently, at first I stared right back but it was too intense.“You're so beautiful, Lydia. I can't believe I almost lost you.” His voice was deep and serious. I wanted to argue with him, saying, "Who said you haven't?” But I kept my mouth shut seeing he had more to say.“The other day, I felt extremely guilty after reading your book and hearing comments from your family. It was too much for me listening to all that but it was all so true. You have gone through so much because of me, can you ever be able to forgive me?”I was genuinely tired of this topic especially coming from him but I could understand how he felt in some weird way.“Nathaniel, I already stated that I forgi