DO NOT IGNORE

This is the second to last chapter of this book. If you read my previous author's notes you would've seen that I noted that I'm gonna also update some bonus chapters after this book main story is completed.

The bonus chapters are gonna be based on scenes I didn't add to the main story. So as you know it's gonna be flashbacks.

I'm also planning on showing a piece of everyone's..or almost everyone's life years later.

Till then, if you hadn't checked out Lucifer or My Bodyguard, I'd love it if you do and recommend them to your friends.

Thanks so much for coming this far with me. I hope to get more feedbacks. Whenever I received comments it motivates me to write. So the more you comment the faster I update. Thanks to the persons who always messaged me and the ones who always left a comment. I'm still thankful for all my viewers though.

Remember, the more you comment the faster I update.

I turned around to be certain if it was real or not. It turned out it was.

I clenched my teeth.

"It doesn't matter". I replied and walked away. How did they even allowed him here. Oh wait, everyone knew that he and I were practically brothers. But that was also what I thought.

"Michael listen to me". I stopped and glared at him.

"I don't have time for that. I need to be focus". Even though I requested to go up last. So I kinda had plenty of time, but I didn't wanna hear his bullshit.

"Well hear me out first. One minute that's all I'm asking". What he said to me last night was like a fresh wound that was cut deep to my bones. Of all the disagreements I imagine we'd had, I'd never expected he'd went that far.

I didn't think I wanted to talk about it.

"Please".

"This isn't the time or the place. Maybe next time". I walked off again.

Contain yourself. Don't lose it.

I told myself.

I was angry.

"I was being stupid". I stopped. This was beginning to caught people's attention and I hated it when people was all up in my business, especially this one. It was supposed to stay behind closed doors. Everyone knew what happened to my wife and him, but what they didn't know was that Monique blamed my wife for what happened to Leon. It wasn't something I wanted everyone to gossip about. Who knew what else Leon was going to say. And it didn't seemed like he was shutting up anytime soon.

"Follow me". I walked to the far end that was empty where no one wouldn't have heard us.

"I'm listening".

"I know that I shouldn't have said the things I did but I was stressed out. I wish I could take it back. Things hadn't been easy for me lately despite of how I displayed myself. I just wanted you to know that it wasn't because I blamed Akeilia for what happened to me that I said what I did. At that time I was lost. I couldn't think straight and those things just came out. I didn't mean it. You were always a good friend. You were trying to be there for me and I regretted the way I treated you. I shouldn't have. Even though I did. Your my best friend Michael. We went through a lot and I'm not gonna let anyo- anything change that. Please forgive me. It doesn't have to be right now, but I'm asking you to, at some point".

It wasn't hard to forgive him. I was actually glad he came and apologise, despite of how I displayed myself.

One reason that made it easy to forgive him was the fact that Monique was the one who influenced him. It wasn't easy for a guy to live with a nagging wife who was trying to brain wash him everyday. It could be.. depressing and he'd gave in just to make it stop.

I was willing to forgive him there and then because he basically chose our friendship over his wife, so it seemed. It wasn't right. But what Monique was trying to do wasn't either.

I wasn't gonna give up my friendship with him because of Monique either. When we were going through hell she was at the estate safe and comfortable and at the time she was only the girl he f*cked. Even though she was currently his wife, but as for me our friendship was worth more than Monique. If she didn't wanna be friends with Akeilia and I anymore, it was her lost.

I didn't know if he'd noticed, but he subconsciously told me that Monique was actually the one who influenced him. He said 'I'm not gonna let anyo-' then immediately after he said anything. He didn't blame it on Monique because he knew that it was his mistake. He was a good man. And Monique was a foolish woman.

He had already turned away.

"Leon". He stopped and turned around.

"It's no big deal. I said things I wasn't supposed to plenty times to you". Even though that was different but nonetheless. I wanted him to feel comfortable. I wanted to give him closure. He needed to be comfortable. He deserved it. He was always there for me when I needed him. If it wasn't for him I'd already be dead from the time John abducted Akeilia. Or even before that.

He was only confused and a little lost for a moment. I couldn't hold it against him forever. And he took part of the blame by taking responsibility that it was his fault even though part was Monique's.

He walked up to me and gave me a hug. Ok that was too much hug.

"Alright alright that's enough". He pulled away.

"Thanks". I could tell he was still feeling awkward. He lost eye contact. But I'm sure it'll wear off.

"It doesn't matter if I'm older. Friends are friends. I shouldn't have used that against you either". I rolled my eyes. Which indicated that it didn't matter.

"We'll always and forever be friends. Till death do us part". I told him.

"Yeah. Till you die before me". He replied. I chuckled.

"Don't push it".

He nodded.

"Alright. Alright".

"Settle down Everyone. We are about to begin". I looked at the TV. Garnet Samuel was the one who spoke. He was the host of the event.

After everyone settled down he spoke again.

"This is how it works. Last time it was ten minutes that everyone got, but this time everyone has five minutes to present there project. After that they'll be disconnected. Get ready contestants".

"I'll leave you to do whatever your supposed to. I'll be outside in the audience".

"Yeah we'll see each other later". With that said he smiled and left.

I shook my head with a smile.

I went to my desk and took out my laptop.

Ook time to begin.

Monique POV

I laid in the hammock at my back yard. I sipped a bit of my orange juice from a straw. I was trying to relaxing.

Maxwell was laying in his baby buggy smiling to himself. I wondered what baby stuff was going through his little mind. He was growing so fast. He was already standing up by himself, holding onto the chairs and so on, moving around. Soon he'd started to walk. He resembled so much his father.

My smile faded.

It hurts knowing that Leon chose them over me. I was his wife damn it!

The only motherf*cking problem I see here. is you. You started all this. You got so jealous of Akeilia's accomplishments it shoved you off the edge. Now your filing and piling everything you possibly can to make everything seem pretty on your side and make it seem as if everyone else is the problem and not you. Get over yourself because you just might spent too much time fusing over your friends happiness until you lose yours, that's right in front of your face staring you in the eyes

But he was right, as much as I hated to admit it.

I. was the problem. I got jealous of what Akeilia had and weren't even paying attention to what I did.

I always despise people who turned there back on there friends because of jealousy. But here I was. I didn't just turned my back on Akeilia, but I hurt her deeply, intentionally. I could've controlled my jealousy, but instead I embraced it. I wanted to hurt her. Even after everything she went through.

God.

I laid my hand on my forehead.

I'd turn into someone the past few months I'd never expected. I also made my husband lost respect for me. And I'd ever remember that it was my fault. He had no right, but it was my fault. I pushed him to it. I knew he never would've done it if he was sober. I knew he'd just walked away like he always does.

I knew it would've angered him after accusing him of f*cking Akeilia. But he was acting too much over her like he did with me.

He was badly hurt yet he insisted on going to the baby shower. We argued a lot about it before we left. I purposely argued about it so he'd stay, but he still insisted and intended on going. That made me even more furious. Why was my husband being so possessive of my friend?

Why did he even pulled Michael away from Akeilia after he stopped kissing her?

And why did he told her she was beautiful and why did he even wanted to touch her belly?

But I thought negative of him because of my own insecurities.

Leon was a bodyguard in the past because of his passion for saving people's lives. He cared about his family and friends and he'd always wanna be there for them.

He and Michael we're even closer than I. They shared practically everything. They even made serious jokes, even about the two of us. If Leon squeezed my butt in front of Michael and Akeilia, Michael would say 'get a room' or 'damn I want some' which Akeilia would laugh about, but I knew she was a bit upset about it. She even argued with him about it in front of us. But later forgot it because it was a bad stupid joke. Leon also made some serious stupid jokes with Akeilia and so did all of us. So I shouldn't have thought of anything after Leon pulled Michael away.

Leon always complimented Akeilia and Michael complimented me sometimes too, so I overreacted about him telling her she was beautiful. I also knew that Leon was a sucker for belly rubbing. Especially when I was pregnant. But I couldn't help but get jealous after he wanted to touch hers, that was Michael's job. Plus I was jealous of her having twins.

But seriously? It wasn't a typical thing for Leon to tell women they were beautiful, and Akeilia knew that, that was why she knew I was jealous of her.

My feelings converted my thoughts to negativity and I was wrong. Akeilia wanted to make things right. I wasn't stupid enough to thought that Akeilia wouldn't noticed that I distanced myself because I thought Michael had told her what I said, and she was pretending. I knew my friend better than that. She would've confronted me earlier about it if she knew. I should've worked it out the moment she confronted me. Instead I made her hate me.

I made it seemed as if everyone else was the problem and not me, but it was just me. I stressed out my pour loving, sweet husband to the point of drinking himself drunk. That had only happened during the time when he cheated on me. Which this time he made certain to get drunk at the party, instead of going out and probably cheat on me again. Damn it! I'd been very f*cking goddamn foolish!!!

So that was why I purposely pushed him over the edge.

I wanted him to hit me. And I wished he'd do it again and again because I felt stupid and I'd broken my own heart, and his and my friends. I shouldn't have accused him and I shouldn't have allowed this to the extent of losing my only true friend.

Leon apologized on his own. If it was only for me he wouldn't have. I didn't wanted him to. I wasn't upset about it, but I knew he'd thought I was. But I couldn't just tell him I wasn't upset about it. He was right when he said I deserved it, because I did. And I was the cause of my own pain.

I'd done something really really stupid and there was no way I could undo it. Probably only to apologise. But Akeilia could be very unforgiven, whether the situation was very serious or not.

She avoided Michael for five years and her and Michael wasn't even together. Leon and I was the reason they finally decided on trying to see how things worked out. Which made me even more angry with myself for being jealous of her. Which made Akeilia forgiving me even more difficult to do.

There was no way she was gonna forgive me for the way I'd been. Especially because of the fact that she was pregnant and close to delivery, also still recovering from the Stacy incident. She expected me to be there for her.

But instead I turned against her because of one stupid stupid mistake.

Would she ever forgive me? I couldn't careless if Michael forgave me. I did nothing to him, but Akeilia. Oh my god.

I fought back tears.

No. I owed both of them an apology. But I'm sure Michael was busy at the moment.

I took up my phone from beside me to dial her number, but I paused.

What if she doesn't pick up?

I thought.

No I was gonna call. I had to apologise.

I dialed her number, hesitated, but pressed send.

Voicemail. Oh just great.

I redialed.

The phone was answered but the line got cut off immediately after.

I shut my eyes and allowed my tears to flow. She wanted me to know she knew I was the one who called, but she wanted nothing to do with me. So she answered then hung up.

I sniffed, got off the hammock, rest the drink on the table. I took up Maxwell and went into the house for my car keys.

She was not going to ignore me!

I got over myself and realized how stupid and wrong I'd been. I needed her to know that, and that I was her friend and always will be her friend. Wendy, Jennifer or anyone else wouldn't take my space. No way!

I reached my car at the front parked outside. I buckled Maxwell properly before I entered.

20 minutes later I drove up her drive way. I took Maxwell from the car, strapped him on to me before locked it and walked up her doorway.

I rang the doorbell and waited...

Waited...

Waited...

And waited.

I rung it impatiently over and over.

Continuously.

I was beginning to worry until I realized that she just didn't wanted to answer. She swung the door opened so hard it hit the wall with a loud BANG.

It frightened my baby. His lips formed in a pout and I knew it was a matter of time before he started crying. I gently rubbed his head to calm him. It usually does. It was like somehow he knew it was ok.

"What!" She answered obviously angry.

"Hadn't I made it clear when you called?" The expression I saw on her face was what I saw years ago whenever she heard John's name.

She hated me.

"I just want to-".

"Talk. Hell no. Get off my premisses before I call the cops. And I'm serious".

"Akeilia please. I had an explanation for my actions. Just let me talk to you please".

"You've already made your frigging explanation clear at my baby shower! If you came here to apologise it's pointless". Couple seconds after, she folded her arms with an unfriendly smile.

After I opened my mouth to say something she spoke again.

"You didn't came here because you realized how f*cked up you'd been haven't you? You came here because you have no one else. Well I've got a message for ya. I don't need your friendship anymore Monique!" She walked back for the door and swung it. I stopped it with my hands, but before I knew it a few hands grabbed me and I screamed. I was a bit shocked so I didn't turn around.

"Akeilia!" I automatically yelled.

Soon I saw her at the door again but she stood behind it. She seemed startled.

"Mrs Perry is everything alright here?"

I then struggled to turn around and they allowed me to.

I looked at Max and he seemed alright.

They looked tough. They were also very serious. But they were in casual clothes.

They weren't bodyguards. If they were here pretending to be one, to kidnapped Akeilia again they'd have to take me too, so I wasn't going to leave.

"Who are you people?" Akeilia asked. I never took my eyes off them.

"My name is Chase and this is Vince. We work for Mr Perry's father at the estate. But your husband assigned us to you in case we see anything suspicious and..since your near to give birth". A tall, slim looking guy said. He was brown with low cut hair and had dark brown eyes.

"I don't believe you". Akeilia replied.

They both smiled.

Wow. It was funny how when Chase is serious he looked deadly, but when he smiled he looked the total opposite. Except for the other one. He just looked.. normal.

"He figured you'd say that". The other guy who was introduced as Vince said. He took his phone from his pocket and went into it.

"So he told me to remind you that we were one of the bodyguards who surrounded both of you after you gave him a boner at the estate in front of everyone". Chase added with a chuckle. Akeilia gave Michael a boner at the estate in front of everyone, that bodyguards had to surround him? How... romantic.

"He said in case you didn't recognized our faces we should let you listen to this?" He held out the phone.

So I should've told you I assigned bodyguards to watch you. I'm sorry. And that's for not telling you, not because I assigned them to you. And due to the fact that your close to delivery, which could be at anytime soon and I'm not there, I had to make sure you'd arrived at the hospital safely. Or in case you were in danger.

But honestly, it was because you were hurrying me that I forgot to tell you.

Anyways I told them to remind you of a certain moment at the estate which they knew about. I'm certain they'd told you already so you'd be convinced or just in case you weren't sure that I was the one who sent them, that I decided to left you this voice note. Which was by the way recorded after I left for the event which is today.

Oh wait. If your listening to this it meant something went wrong, but chase and Vince will take care of you if it's labour your in or someone came after you. Just saying. Followed by the snipers in the trees and the tinted vehicles that are parked and lined out before and after anyone reached our home.

Holy crap! All those vehicles I passed coming down here actually had bodyguards in them? Each of them was basically a few feet away from each other.

I looked down the road. Oh wow. Yep there are vehicles parked down there.

Snipers in trees? I looked at every tree I possibly could and couldn't see anyone. Of course I wouldn't.

So you'll be ok. And this had to be convincing enough for you. I can't believe you'd actually thought I'd feel comfortable leaving you there without some sort of protection. Anyways I don't wanna be late. I love you and see you later.

Oh wait. If Vince and chase smile didn't seem comforting you let me know.

And that was the end of it.

Both guys chuckled at the last part. And that was when I noticed that even though Vince didn't have a perfect opposite smile, but his chuckle was even better than Chase. Vince was a little shorter than Chase and a little thicker with black Iris.

I would've giggled if I wasn't in the shit hole here.

I heard Akeilia giggled.

"Oh ok then. Hi Vince, Chase, nice to meet you. But you better smile wider". They looked at each other.

Oh my gosh. They actually smiled wider.

Akeilia laughed.

"I'm kidding. But I'm definitely gonna give a good recommendation". The guards chuckled again.

"Ok madam. Is everything alright here?" I looked at her as she did at me, then her smile faded. Her expression got serious. I pleaded to her with my eyes.

She moved from behind the door and opened it wider.

"I didn't came here because I had no one else. I came here to explain myself to you and to let you know how sorry I am".

"I don't...think I have anything to say to you and I'm not interested in whatever you have to say. Vince, Chase. Please remove her from my premises". She stepped in and slammed the door shut.

This time it was too much for Maxwell and he started to cry.

I turn around and looked at them.

"You don't need to say anything or touch me either". I told them before I descended the steps and moved towards my car.

I sat in the back seat trying to calm my baby before I shoved my breast into his mouth. I sighed and leaned back to gain comfort.

And due to the fact that your close to delivery, which could be at anytime soon and I'm not there, I had to make sure you'd arrived at the hospital safely. Or in case you were in danger

You were still jealous of her Monique.

Michael was unbelievably, extremely beyond caring. He was a great guy and he really loved Akeilia.

I knew what I had to do in order to completely get over myself. I had to apologise to Michael. I couldn't let because of the little hate I held inside for him allowed me to lose myself. It wasn't their fault for what happened to Leon. All of us were friends.

But one of the reasons why I despised Michael a bit, was because I wished he'd cared about me as much as Leon cared about Akeilia.

No. I was being pathetic. Michael did cared about me. All of us cared about each other. But I was the one that started this mess.

I needed to stop being jealous of my best friend. Our lives were A bit different.

Michael is over protective of Akeilia because of all she'd been through and also because of the hell they'd been through. He didn't trust anyone.

Leon stopped being over protective and sweet with me because I pushed him away with my stupidity. I'd been stressing him out and I felt bad about it.

I hadn't had sex with him since he left the hospital and I knew he was a lot upset about it. Gosh I was starving him and because I was busy being jealous of my friend, I didn't realize how horny I was.

He even asked me if I was cheating on him. Was this how I acted?

My actions was also the reason he cursed expletives at me. He never usually did.

If I didn't get a grip on my actions, I was going to lose my husband. I thought Ken had taught me all I knew, but it was only a small bit of the potion. Leon taught me the full dose. Which made me completely got over Ken. If Leon had seen and showed me any of his ex's I would've gotten jealous instantly, but I knew he wouldn't. Any woman he had sex with had to be a professional. I thought I knew everything, until I met him.

He was a bodyguard after all. If only I could imagine the countless women he'd experienced. I was jealous of them and I didn't even know them.

He said he won't live like this. It meant he was close to the edge. Maybe it was because of Maxwell that he hadn't already jumped off. Or maybe it was the love he still had for me. I really hoped so.

Oh god. I wasn't supposed to make things right with only Akeilia and Michael, but Leon too. I needed to apologise and talk to him about this. I knew he would've helped me sorted out whatever was going on with me, but I chose to distant myself.

I also wasn't gonna go home without making things right with Akeilia.

I looked down at Maxwell and his eyes were continuously opening and closing. He was getting sleepy, but was determined to stay awake.

He was difficult to put to bed and easily woken. He kept me up at nights and woke us up early in the mornings. Leon had to take him from me so that I'd get enough sleep whenever he wasn't working.

I believed with no doubt he inherited that from his dad. Very sensitive.

"I love you little Max". Oh boy. He fully opened his eyes. He wasn't looking at me, but they were now brighly opened. This was incredible. It felt like I had a genius baby. I made one sound and it was like his sleepiness disappeared.

I couldn't help but smile.

After a moment I looked at the door. Vince and chase didn't bother to move. They were standing outside guarding the door as if I was a murderer or something. They'd never allow me inside. But I'm gonna have to try and if they don't I'd make a scene.

Maxwell stopped sucking so I knew his mouth was tired or he had enough. I pulled my breast from his mouth and put it back in my bra. My breasts dropped a bit and had just a few stretch marks. They were barely visible. It wasn't saggy, but it dropped a little. I had a few stretch marks else where also but I could accept it and Leon did too.

Thank goodness I was one of those people where my belly got flat again after giving birth. I was still sexy.

"Hmm hmm". I didn't understand this kid. He had my nipple lingering in his mouth not doing anything with it and the moment I pulled it out he had a problem.

I ignored him. I strapped him into his seat and got out of my car.

I briskly walked towards the front door where the guys stood.

"Madam what are you doing? We-".

"Going inside of course". I cut off Chase. I stepped right up to them going for the knob. Vince grabbed my wrist.

"Madam you are not allowed inside".

"Akeilia!"

"Madam I'll advise you to calm your voice".

"Akeilia get out here I need to talk to you!" I dragged my hand.

"Let go of me! Are you trying to molest me!" Ok so I thought that would've shook him but he didn't. He still held my wrist.

"Madam, go to your car and leave this place. Your the intruder here. Don't make this worst on yourself". Vince told me. His voice was calm but not his face.

Persons were beginning to look and people was stepping out of their houses.

"Akeilia if you don't get the f*ck out here right now I'm going to do something very stupid. Let the f*ck off me Vicky!" That one made his eyes widen a bit and I thought I heard Chase chuckled. Vince let go of my hand. I grabbed for the door handle again.

This time Chase was the one who held my hand, but in a comforting way.

"Madam please. Your making a scene. Calm yourself, get in your car and go before you regret it. Your friend made it very clear she didn't wanna talk to you". I looked out the road and I saw people now on their lawn watching.

"I don't care what you think! I need to speak with to her so let me go talk to her!" I tried fighting both men to go inside, which I was certain that the door was locked, but I needed Akeilia to get out. I hoped to God she did.

"Akeilia!"

I fought and hit both guys at the crotch. Well..tried but they blocked it and they blocked me again which made me got even more angry to the point of tears because Akeilia never got out.

Maybe I should've tried another strategy, but I was running out of patience..and breath. I wanted to be there for her. I needed our friendship back. It was killing me.

I soon felt I few strong arms grabbed me from behind. They practically lifted me from the ground pulling me backwards. I fought really hard to slowed them down. There was no doubt it was the other bodyguards.

No something was wrong. Akeilia would've got out. She wouldn't allowed them to handle me this way... Or did she already gave up on our friendship.

"Something's wrong! Check on her! Please".

I kicked my feet wanted to break from their strong hold but I couldn't. Instead, I was moving closer and closer to my car. I tried to see who they were and I couldn't, but of course it was some other bodyguards because Chase and Vince didn't moved from the doorway.

I fought to stop them.

"Let go of her!"

Breathing heavily, I looked at the doorway and she was standing there.

The pulling stopped and I was on my feet again. I turned around and saw four simple looking thick guys behind me. My hand swung so quickly they had only realized when it landed on their faces.

What could I say? I was swift.

"Bastards". I growled before I walked off. I wasn't certain if they were shocked or angry because I didn't wait to see.

I walked up the steps, but stopped and glared at Vince and Chase. I watched as they moved down the steps passed me without taking their eyes off. They better not, or they would've gotten their slice of the cake.

Akeilia folded her arms.

"Vince, Chase. Just because I stopped them from man handling her doesn't mean it's safe. I didn't tell you to move".

They walked back beside her without a word.

"No need for a scene everyone. It's ok. Go back inside". The other guards were saying to the residents.

Wait..what did she meant by it doesn't mean it's safe?

"Akeilia can I please speak with you privately". She shook her head.

"Search her". What?

Vince and Chase looked at her questioningly.

"Isn't it your job to protect me? I said search her". She looked from them, then at me straight in the eyes. I couldn't believe this.

"Madam hold up your hands". Chase said. I hesitated but I remembered that I came here to apologise so I complied playing along. The only difference was that she wasn't playing.

"Why do they need to search me?" Chase started from under my arm.

She looked at me as if I was stupid.

"You'd been my friend since I'd known myself. One day you just turned your back on me and stabbed in me in the chest without a cause. No, for a stupid cause. Now your here. You know what I mean don't you?" My eyes widen. Did she really thought that I'd...

"Of course Monique". She said as if she read my mind. It must've written all over my face.

"I don't trust you, get it. Not anymore and I never will. So whatever your here to say it won't matter". Those word stung so badly I almost couldn't breathe.

No she's lying. She would've let those guards pulled me back to my car. She wouldn't have stopped them. She still cared. Didn't she?

I tried to convinced myself that she was only saying these things. Or maybe it was because she probably just didn't want too many people gathering her home. She always hated being the center of attention.

"She's clean madam". Chase stepped back and I lowered my arms.

"Can we talk now?"

"I'm listening". I looked around me. People were still out.

"Out here?"

"Hmm hm". She raised an eyebrow and her facial expression read 'I don't give a f*ck'.

"Alright. I know I'd been a shitty friend. But whatever I have to say to you is between both of us. Please just give me a minute".

"Alright come with me". I walked off.

"Not you. Chase, Vince". They followed her.

"Now, you can come in". She wasn't gonna make this easy for me.

Chase and Vince stopped at the door and closed it. She turned around. Her arms folded over her huge belly.

"If you don't make sense in thirty seconds your out, and that is if I see sense in it". I really wanted to apologise to her but her being this hard on me made me wanted to slap the hell out of her.

But I knew the type of person she was yet I allowed myself to be in this situation. I couldn't blame her.

Oh no. My baby was still in the car. What kind of a mother am I.

"Starting now".

"Akeilia please".

"Two seconds".

"Maxwell is still in the car I-".

"Chase go get the baby".

"Yes ma'am".

"You were saying? Ten". I didn't even had time to think!

"I was jealous of you alright! I don't know where it came from but I was. Part of why I distanced myself from you was because I wanted to see if it'd go away. I know that it was wrong to get jealous because you deserved everything you have. I hate myself for being jealous of you because we were friends for so long and I was always there for you. So I shouldn't have developed such stupidity. We'd always talked about everything and I knew that if I'd spoken to you about it it wouldn't have went that far. Please-".

"Times up. But before you go I just want to say something to you". What? No time's not up.

"Vince give us a moment please". Vince opened the door. Chase was standing at the door with my baby.

"Watch him for a while please. Both of you". They nodded and Vince went outside before he closed the door.

Before I looked back at Akeilia a sting vibrated my cheek and I held it.

"If it was another cause that you acted this way towards me I probably would've seen through it! You knew eve.rything! You know all that I went through! I never expected this from you Monique!" Tears fell from my eyes.

"I'm sorry". I dropped to my knees.

"You were the only person I depended on! The only friend I knew I could tell everything to and felt comfortable! Now..now it feels like I don't know you anymore". I sniffed.

"It's m-me. I'm the same person..I only m-made one stupid mistake".

"Even if I can find it in my heart to forgive Monique, how will I trust you! How will I tell you my secrets or about an achievement without worrying about you getting jealous. How will I even tell you about sex and so on without thinking that your jealous? I replayed these things a million and one times in my head already Monique. It's impossible to trust you. Damn it!" She turned around and lay her hand on her forehead.

"I can't do without you Akeilia. It feels..like my heart is tearing from my chest. Even if you can't trust me right now I'm sure you'll feel comfortable again in the future. I'm over this jealousy thing... Akeilia I'd never been jealous of you my entire life until now. It just happened. I'm so...so so sorry. I need you K. Just remembered the times we were younger and you were going through hell with John". She glared at me.

"I know right now I have no right to bring that up but I just want you to remember. I went to your home when school was out because I knew that something was wrong. If I wasn't a good friend and cared a lot for you your feelings wouldn't have mattered to me". I tried to sniffed the snot back up my nose.

"I was there at the hospital even when you were being rude to Michael I talked sense into you. I was always there for you and always wanted to be. I also never really encouraged you into sex even when I was doing it. I joked about it, but I never pressured you. I cared so much for you that if you cry I cry...". Her expression was no longer fierce. But there was no telling in what she'd say afterwards.

"I'd never been jealous of you Akeilia. This was a first for me and I admitted it and asking for your forgiveness". I held down my head, shut my eyes and started crying.

"I saw the look on your face when we were listening to Michael's voice note. There were still jealousy Monique". Her voice was calmer.

"Michael is over protective of me because he knew that it was time I stopped suffering and be happy. You didn't go through what I did and I'm certain Leon would've done the same if we were to switch lives. Michael and I went through a lot of disagreements since we're married but we worked it out. So if you believe that my life is perfect then I'd say I wish I could switch lives with you. If you'd felt all the pain I did you'd probably wanna die. I'd almost given up on life plenty times, but after I remembered the people in my life I held on. I could've just sat there and allowed Stacy to take me out of my misery and sliced me open, but instead I pushed myself backwards with little strength I had left. I still remembered the pain I felt after I fell. I knew that I had people who cared for me waiting and I had to do something. You were one of those important persons that kept me strong".

"I'm so sorry".

"You wouldn't want to be me. If you felt all the pain I went through in past you wouldn't be jealous of me. What happened to me in the past affected me in the future also. It's just while I grew I learn to forget. And not everyone is able to do that. I love Michael and he kept me going. Learn to accept and cherish what you got Monique...because that's what your gonna live to remember". I wiped my eyes.

"Michael is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I'm never giving that up because of jealousy of another's lifestyle. What we want sometimes isn't always what's good for us. Don't neglect your diamond and go search for stone. Diamonds are valuable. There are plenty of stones out there but just a few diamonds, and it's very rare when they're found".

I understood clearly what those words meant. It helped a lot. Oh god.

Even when I should've been the one apologising and begging to make things better, she was the one who comforted me.

"Get up". She told me. I stood. But I didn't looked at her.

"I forgive you Monique, but as for the trust part-".

"Baby steps". I cut her off to say.

"I'd prefer that than nothing at all. I won't mind". I added.

"Ok. Yeah". She smiled.

At one point I thought she'd never forgave me.

I giggled but it still came with tears, but this time it was tears of joy.

I heard a SPLASH.

Both of us eyes widened.

We looked down and I saw water on the ground beneath her feet.

"Ohh God. I think-".

"Your water just broke". Oh boy.

I hope you read the author's note above.

The last chapter will be updated with the bonus chapters, so please be patient with me. Thank you very much.

The Christmas rush was what prevented me from updating. I'd been like, forever busy, but not so much now.

I know this is late, but Merry Christmas or Xmas to you.

Happy New year when it comes.

Mwaah😘