Annabelle's POV
I felt like someone had shot a bullet straight at my heart. It was either I misheard or the doctor was joking. "Firstly, I'm now Miss Anabelle Spencer." I corrected with a scoff, "Lastly, you've got to be kidding me. There's no way I'm pregnant." The doctor smiled. "Really? But that would mean you are about to rewrite history because your test result shows here," he handed me a paper, "that you're pregnant!" My heart sank as I scanned through the test results. I really was pregnant and it was very obvious who the father was. Travis Smith – my now Ex-husband. No! There has to be another way! This can't be happening! I can't be pregnant for the monster who discarded me like trash. Just when everything was finally playing out beautifully for me, his bastard self was back again in the form of a child to ruin everything. Of all things, a child! "I want it out" I said in a calm voice and the doctor frowned. "Pardon?" "You heard me doctor, I want an abortion." "Says who?" The door barged open and my dad matched in. My lips quivered and so did my hands as I kept my face down. I couldn't bear to see the look which I was certain would be that of disgust on his face. I was a disgrace. Disowned. Divorced. And now pregnant out of wedlock. It couldn't get any worse. He would hate me so much. I heard the doctor speak. "Sir, I was just telling---" "Did I just hear you say you're aborting my grandchild?" Tears spilled down my face but I still refused to look up. Wait a minute! Did he just say his grandchild? I jerked my head up only to see him staring at me with affectionate eyes. I blinked hard but the image stayed the same. "You are keeping the baby, Annabelle" He rasped out. "You're the only child your mother could give me before she died, I would be damned if something happened to you during the process of aborting the baby." "Dad." I broke into tears. "I know you're scared I would hate you because of the baby but that's far from it. I'll be here to support you all the way." He blinked hard and I could see the agony in his eyes which stung my heart even more. I stood up and gave him a tight hug, sniffing back my tears. "I'm so sorry for leaving you, Dad." "Sir, sorry to bother you but we've got news from a Skyline company." Henry poked his head in. "Spill it!" Dad said, pulling away from the hug as he became curious. Including me. "Our company's partnership with Skyline has been approved by the CEO himself and we just got the contract papers." "You did it, daughter,” Dad squealed excitedly. “That's a lot of things to celebrate in one day. I have your papers ready, Anna." A frown appeared on my forehead. "What papers?" "Your traveling papers to study business in the most prestigious college in London and After that, you’d be sharing equal privilege with Henry as the CEO of my entire company. More like partners. That's if you want.” He said crinkling with a bright smile and my eyes widened in astonishment. I couldn’t believe it. My heart nearly exploded out of so much joy. “Also, the company has a branch there so while studying, you could use the branch there as an opportunity to practice what you'll be learning.” he added. I wanted to scream but rather, tears came back to my eyes. With a smile on my face, I squealed. “Hell yes!” ——FIVE YEARS LATER—— "Mom, did you see the gifts that Grandpa sent me yesterday?" A smile appeared on my face as I heard Jackson's footsteps gallop down the staircase. The door to my room pushed open shortly after as he held a gigantic toy to me, giggling in pleasure. His blue doll eyes, which I love so much, sparkled even more. At least in all, that was the only thing he took from me. His high bridge nose, heart shaped lips and chocolate curly hair was like a constant reminder of his father but I still love him even so. "Aww. Isn't that the best gift anyone has ever received, little boy?" I squeezed his cheeks softly and he squealed. "Mom! I'm not a little boy!" He protested and I giggled. "C'mon. We're gonna be late for our flight. You don't wanna lose your chance of seeing Grandpa today." Yes, it's been five good years and none of it has been easy. Studying and taking care of an infant can be draining but Henry never left me to it. I would say, his constant visit to me had played a father figure to my son. Today was the day I was finally going to be announced to the whole world as the heiress to SD Corporations, but something depressing was on my mind. Travis smith. I hadn't let go of my revenge plan. He had to taste hell. I brought out my phone and dialed a number. "Hello, ma'am?" My secretary's voice came from the other end. "Did you make sure he got an invitation?" "Yes, ma'am. He'll be right there." She confirmed. As I got out of the black limousine, I heaved a sigh of relief. Finally, I was back home after so long. I looked beside me at Jackson who was busy marveling at the magnificent mansion before him. My heart swelled in pride. "Mom, am I finally gonna meet Dad today?" He asked. I swallowed hard. "Probably." Realizing, my voice was terse, I quickly added. "Why not go inside and go greet your grandpa." Jackson raced inside, giggling happily. Soon, this huge mansion will become mine and I will be the richest woman in the states. "Well, well. And if it's not the Annabelle I'm seeing!" A sarcastic voice sounded behind me. Without looking, I could tell who it was. Samantha. Her voice hadn't changed over the years. I turned back and flashed her a cool smile. Before I could speak, she was already talking. "Anna, it's been so long. Thought you died. What do you think you're doing here anyway?" I smiled even though I was seething inside. She was still the same as before, If not worse, but I wasn't the same anymore. "I might as well use that question for you. What are you doing here too?" For a minute, I thought I had ruffled her as she seemed taken aback. But she was a pro and she quickly masked her shock with a smirk. "I see you've grown some wings. Have you managed to cling on to another rich man, licking off his ass and all that you did with Travis?" I scoffed. "Very funny. But even as much as I would love to catch up on all the fun, I have important things to do here.” She laughed sarcastically. "Look at her speaking like she's some important guest. Do you even have an invitation card? You must think just any Dock, Tom and Harry can get in here., I would love to see how you will enter." She jeered as she walked past me and entered. "Welcome, ma'am." The security guard at the gate greeted me with a polite bow, "Mr. Spencer has been waiting for you." I flashed him a smile, "Thank you." As I entered the hall, I was left in awe. Dad had made this seem a little more than what I had imagined. "There you are again, gawking at the fancy room like you've not seen one before. Then again, you probably have never seen one, after all, you're nothing but a lowlife whom Travis had discarded like trash!" Samantha's voice boomed behind me. I flinched but still managed to maintain my composure. "Aren't you the shameless one, Samantha? Coming to a Spencer's party with a fake invitation card?" Her face clouded. "You bitch, what are you talking about!?" She shot back. "Why would I do that? Travis is close with the Spencer's and he received an invitation directly from Mr Spencer!" I curled my lips into a wry smile. "If you claim Travis was invited, does that mean he was given two cards?" I could discern the flicker of panic beneath her eyes as she bit her lips nervously. "You must be going crazy! What about you? How did you get in? You are just a lowlife and a commoner who doesn't deserve to be like this!" "Anna?" I flicked as I heard a familiar voice which immediately iced my heart. That was him. Turning round, I was right. Before me was Travis smith, groomed in a tux and looking just the same. Except that he had a weird glow in his eyes. Was that awe? Well, considering my dress and grooming, I wasn't a tad bit surprised. "It's you!" He cooed and I maintained a cold expression, my lips curling into a smirk. As if snapping out of a trance, he immediately went back to normal, acting so indifferent as he walked up to Samantha. "Sorry, I'm late." He planted a light kiss on her cheek and held her in his arm, turning to face me again, he thundered, "Now what? Have you come here to beg me? Didn't I tell you never to show your face in front of me?" I wanted to laugh. Really? Does he think I would be crawling back to him after five years?! What an ego! I didn’t bother to reply him and I was pretty sure that it stung him, especially since few guests were already staring. “Get out of here now and stop embarrassing me! I won't spare your acts if you do anything to jeopardize everything I want to do here, today." He pressed on. "Embarrassing you?" I sneered. "Firstly, why would I come here to see you?" "Then why are you here?" He demanded. "It's none of your damn business, Travis!" I retorted with a smirk. I made to walk past him but the idiot gripped my wrist roughly and dragged me back. "Are you out of your mind, mister?” A tiny voice yelled before I could retaliate. “Why are you holding my mom that way?" It was Jackson and my heart froze as I saw Travis gaze land on him. He was so taken aback that he slipped his hands away from me.Annabelle's POVHis eyes darted from my face to that of Jackson who was busy tugging at his pants. I could see the questions in his eyes. Oh God! I was avoiding this. He mustn't find out that Jackson was his son.I could almost hear his silent questions. Do you have a child? Are you married now? And it wasn't helping one bit.His gaze slowly trailed to my hands, probably looking for a ring.I jerked my hand away from his and pulled Jackson to myself.“If you'll ex–” my words trailed off when he crouched down to Jackson's level and gazed at him so softly, almost like he knew he was his son and I felt my heart squeeze in my chest. Does he know already?!He flashed Jack a smile. "Little boy, I and your momma were just having a decent conversation here."Jackson frowned. "Then you should use your mouth, not your hands. Why were you dragging her hands? I'm going to tell my grandpa!" He ran off.Travis trailed his eyes on me again and I struggled not to buckle under his intense gaze. I coul
Annabelle’s POVI smiled so widely inside of me, the terrifying look on their faces gave me so much joy that I felt victorious already, but no, I’m just getting started. “Pull up your smiles more, Anna.”Henry, who had walked up to the stage to take pictures with me, silently whispered behind my ears. I felt an ounce of happiness and an outer smile. The noise of the guests and cheers brought me back into the party, I was literally feeling every stung part of me back into a complete sense of freedom and euphoria.My father pulled my face and looked to my face,“You’ve made us all proud, Anna. And I’m especially proud of you.” He briefed before taking up the microphone again.“Thank you all so much, it’s been so many years without my daughter and it’s an utmost joy for me to see her back home and taking her place. Thank you all for celebrating this day with me. Enjoy and have fun!” My father hugged me once more and placed a soft kiss on my cheeks, I smiled wholeheartedly again, I have
CHAPTER 7 ANABELLE’S POV The next morning, all employees were back to work and getting things going. The contract skyline company had signed was what I had to work on. I picked up my phone to give Henry a call. He hasn’t shown up since I entered the company’s compound. My phone rang and after a few seconds, I could hear his voice over the phone. “Hey!” “Hey? Look at you. I can’t find you anywhere around the company.” “I’ve been in the company for hours now, in your father’s office to be precise.” “Oh! I think I’ll need your attention here also.” I could feel his faint smile over the phone as he responded. “No problem, I will be there soon.” Henry showed up in my office after some minutes. I looked at the man in a fitted white suit, his purple tie knotted and down his neck, he walked gently and found himself a chair for us to have a better conversation. “You called me.” “Here, take a look.” I turned the desktop to him, and after he took a glance, Henry paused and looked
Chapter 8Annabelle’s POV "You did well, sweetheart." My father tapped my head and gave me a bit of his every second courage as he did the last time "Thank you, Dad." I must have truly made him happy by coming back, and my presence is more like an energy rising. I walked round the chair in his office and went to the cushion in the office, rested and closed my eyes. "Let's have dinner when we're home. I'll invite Henry also." "Alright dad, I'll be home to prepare something for us. We still have three hours before dinner" "Are you going to sleep there?" I turned my face to him to see my weary eyes that said I can't drive and I need to close my eyes for a few minutes. He didn't take long to understand, he breathed in deeply and sat on his chair. I turned my face back and slept. I must have slept for an hour or more. Henry knocked and my eyes were opened. "I'm leaving for home, your Dad asked to call you downstairs." I realized my Dad wasn't even in the office anymore. "Go
Annabelle’s POV"More celebrations sir." Henry said, waving at my father who didn't bother to look back and went out of our sight in a minute. I let out a laugh and hugged Henry. "Told you, you'll do great." I gave a smile as a response. "Such beautiful work. I'll take my leave now." Got a message from Henry, he congratulated me once more. He was home, the message was a short video, with him smiling and wishing me more luck. I was busy smiling at my phone, and I remembered my father had asked me to show up. I ran upstairs and found out he wasn't asleep already. -------------The Next Day.Dressing up for work again, I left the house before my father this time. The progress last night and I couldn't wait to get the message from Skyline myself. I hurried to my office and I got so many messages except Skyline's. One of which Travis was part of. "Travis?" I muttered, surprised he had the aptitude to text me again. I ignored the message at first until he showed up at the office again
Annabelle's POV"Jackson? What are you doing here?" my little boy was walking gently like an easy god. His appearance was quite different from what I have always seen. His eyes looked Piercy like he was looking for something to bounce on and pinch it effortlessly."Mum!" His voice sounded so pleasing that I caught him in my embrace. his beautiful voice I’ve heard for less, since the party ended and now he is in the company, roaming around the office area. He might have passed by those securities, or did father bring him in? "I was looking for grandpa. He told me to wait outside that door but he disappeared and I couldn't find him anymore, so I wanted to see if he was around anyway.""Oh! you shouldn't be walking around like this, look at your hair." I fixed his rough looking hair,"You both have met each other.""Dad, you brought Jackson to the office?""Yeah, he missed his mother he could not see before going to bed.""Grandpa is right, I miss you mum.""That's sweet of you, baby. D
Chapter 11 Annabelle’s POV I was impatient to know what contradicted between Henry and Travis even though I refused to show up at the meeting. I walked down to Henry's office to ease the suspense I was experiencing. "Hey, how did it go?" I asked, flashing him an innocent smile just to hide my curiosity. "It didn't go well." He responded in a lower tone. "Why?" "Travis was so disappointed that you weren't there, he was not active so I canceled the meeting and reschedule it. There is no way I would be talking to myself." He narrated out of frustration, there was a frown registered on his face. I smiled as the words pleased my soul. "Sorry about that." "Thank you, I know you are happy but don't laugh here." He warned, that made me burst into laughter. He gave me a bombastic side eye, so I walked out of his office immediately. The last thing I would do is to have a meeting with him, it is evident enough that he wants me to get involved and I’m not ready to. I headed straight to
Chapter 12Annabelle's POV My thoughts are now shifted from dealing with Travis to raising the company far and higher than it is. It's the only way I can get ahead of Travis and beyond. Henry wasn't in support of it but I'm pleased and that's all that matters to me. I'm too filled to even remember my son wanted an ice cream. I sat to think a bit, the rest of day is done and I have to be home, Jackson's got to see his mum have time for him. “Dinner? To soothe you a bit. Send a message if you want to meet, or not.” I stared at the message that popped out on the screen of my phone. “I never get to breathe?” I said to myself. My head whooshing, getting all red painted but I could still let off some steam.“Harry grill cutties…meet me there.” Henry sent back a message to acknowledge he got the message. Sometimes I just laugh at myself and breathe heavily, I'll definitely make it out and show the Smiths what I'm made of. I kept my thoughts on a steady spot,walking to my father's offi