It Should Have Been Like This episode 10

❤️ Love before reading ❤️

❌ Do not copy this work, I repeat, please do not copy. Not that I can stop you but please, gain some conscience. ❌

🤩 Kemmy B. Gabriel Present Another rom-nce Novel: 🤩

💔 It Should Have Been Like This 💔

👩‍💻 Book ten: remission and revelation 👩‍💻

💜 Lavender’s viewpoint 💜

Save his ass, that’s what I intended to do. It’s not like I care about who wants to jump him, I just have to consider my children. Another woman in his life is a threat to their happiness and future. They just started loving him and then his attention shifts to another woman? No way, not happening. My children should come first, they deserve his first class love and attention since he was useless all these years. Now he finally wants to be useful some bitch would come out of nowhere and try to claim him? Not on my watch.

Or you can just say you don’t want another woman’s hands on him because he’s yours.

Dear subconscious, don’t you have better things to do with your life?

Telling you the truth is what I choose to do with it.

Shut up. I don’t want him, I don’t care. I just don’t want another woman around him so he won’t fall in love, marry her and push my kids away. I won’t let any evil woman live with my kids!

And you don’t want to make things easier by marrying him? That’s selfishness.

I inhaled and exhaled to ignore her and pay attention to what Lucky was saying. Lucky is actually nice and funny while I managed Matt to get him to support me for the deal. I really like Lucky though.

Ah, I’m tired, I need to sleep.

“It was nice to meet you both, sincerely,” I said more to Lucky than Matt. Don’t really care about meeting him, but he doesn’t need to know that.

“Will it be a bad time to invite you to my birthday?” Lucky quirked one brow at me and wiggled his ears. I giggled, reminded me of… No, I won’t think about him.

“Lucky, your birthday was last week,” Rominic said coldly and if I didn’t know any better, I would say jealousy. But why would he be jealous? He doesn’t care two shits about me.

Lucky brought his finger to his l-ips and shushed him. He then used that same finger to point at me. I chuckled. “If you wanted a date, you should have just asked.”

Lucky simulated a scared shiver and hugged himself. “So he can use my intestines to strangle me, no, thank you,” it really looked like he was scared but I knew he was kidding. “But we can meet again, right? I think my girlfriend will love you.”

Girlfriend or you? Please, boys, not every girl is stupid. I use to be but not anymore. Well then, let’s play along, shall we!

“Really? Is she pretty?” I gasped sarcastically, but with the way he nodded with a wide smile and excitement, he didn’t get the sarcasm.

“Quite and she’s Italian. Is Giovanna a cool name or what?”

Could it be…

“Giovanna: black hair, light hazel with green flecks, honey skin and a smile that makes you think of apples for some reason?” I asked with my head tilt to the side. It would be too much of a coincidence if it is. Meeting her and then him, what else does that scre-m for me other than cupid? It’s been a while I played the unclad archer baby. I love Lucky, such a cool guy. Before I could say Jack Robinson, he came over to my side, pushing the d*ck out of his seat and onto the floor, and took over. He grabbed my shoulders and started shaking me vigorously and excitedly

“You know her! You know her!”

“Dude, calm down before you make me puke and yes, I know her. She’s not your girlfriend, is she?” I hadn’t spoken with Giovanna much, but I easily deduced that she didn’t have a boyfriend and even if she did, it wasn’t Lucky. He stopped shaking me and pouted sadly.

“In my head she is. She will be, once I can get her to acknowledge I exist,” thought as much. I took a good look at him. Lucky was hmm, someone you would describe as more brawns than brain. He might not be a muscle man, but I knew the guy could handle a fight pretty well on his own, even if he acts like a baby… Well, he is the last born of his family so that is easily understandable.

Let’s see, what else does he have? Height, even taller than Rominic which means Giovanna would be very short… Okay, wait, Giovanna is taller than I am by a couple of feet so maybe they would look okay-ish. What else? Ah! Golden walnut hair–or something like that–teak wood eyes, “l-ips as red as pink rose”, and buff skin–looks like it. He wasn’t a bad looking man. In fact, he was the kind of man thousands of girls would go commando for. Definitely worth it.

What the hell is Giovanna thinking not noticing this!

Girl, you have a man thrice the worth of this one, both financially, physically and mentally and you don’t notice him. What does that make you?

I was going to reply the bothersome mind of mine when someone said “Jambalaya?” It was a reaction I think my body was waiting for since I returned because I just found myself springing up with wide eyes. Not just the word, the voice of who said the word. I know that voice even in my sleep. Immediately I saw him there and confirmed it, my l-ips parted and my eyes w¡dened with shock. Standing there staring at me with equal shock was no other than my first and ex boyfriend and best friend, one of the gang, Ferris.

Ferris and I grew up together, like since four years old. We were inseparable and even shared the same mindset. Our mothers were best friends so even after mine died, she still made sure to check up on me and keep Ferris close. We both didn’t like relationsh¡ps or anything and somehow, we ended up dating so we could be each other’s first k-ss and partner. We made out, got intense forepl-y but never had s€×. We had this relationsh¡p, this understanding, this attraction… It’s hærd to explain but we loved each other in a way. I missed him most.

“You’re alive?” He asked through our special eye connection. I nodded with tears in my eyes. “How? We thought you died!”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”

“Where have you been? We searched for you! I searched for you!”

“I’m sorry.” My best friend, the one that have always been there when others weren’t, the first before the remaining six came. I pushed him away, I saw him as an enemy because of the d*ck that used me. I didn’t tell him or the others I was alive or went to them because I was scared, I didn’t think they would ever accept me back into their lives.

He smiled, a smile that made me even more scared, but what he said next made my heart explode with joy. “I deserve a hug after just finding out you are alive, huh, Jammy?” I didn’t wait a second before I pushed everything out of the way and flew into his arms. I missed him so much, I missed his voice and his presence.

“Lavender, what is going on here?” Rominic asked, but he did not matter right now. Instead, I wrapped my hands around Ferris’ neck and pushed my face away from his chest, smiling up at him through my tears.

“I thought I would never see you again,”

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t come back after everything some worthless bastard made me do and the woman I became. I’m sorry, Koala Bear, I swear, I wanted to come back but how could I after everything…”

“What happened to professional?” I heard Caroline sniggered.

“There’s a fine line between old friends and business partners, Mrs. Bell, hope you know that… Oh, wait, you don’t,” I responded without looking at her or anyone else. I was busy looking at his beautiful big Paris green eyes. Ferris was gorgeous, breathtaking, the only other man my heart felt comfortable with.

His eyes were my favorite thing about him, next to his smooth, as in freaking smooth caramel skin. You can run your tongue along his skin and actually taste the caramel on it and perceive it too. His skin was also soft and pleasantly squishy. His had warm brown hair that reminds me of nut. Might not have Rominic’s feature but he sure is s€×y… Urgh! What am I thinking!

“Wait, you are still with him?” Ferris asked with disbelief, pointing at Rominic with hate in his eyes. Oh, now I get the scene thing.

“I’ll explain if you give me the chance,” he nodded without waiting a second; proof that our trust still stands. “Mr. Verlice, I need to leave now since my work here is done, may I?” I asked with my best professional smile. Rominic didn’t look like he cared, he just nodded with his usual gentle expression on his face.

Men, I hate when he doesn’t react!

And why do you want him to react? I thought you didn’t like him… My subconscious said mockingly. I rolled my eyes.

“Lucky, I’ve officially named myself Cupid, so give me your number,” he nodded eagerly and pulled out his business card. I took the card and smiled at Matt and annoyed Parker. “It was nice meeting you all, have a nice day.” Ferris didn’t waste a second before he was pulling me out of their presence.

I didn’t bother looking back, just focused on my steps so I won’t fall. He pulled me out to the parking lot and stopped in front of a weird looking car. I say it’s weird because I don’t like it, even if the car looked expensive and awesome. “What kind of car is this?”

“2021 McLaren Senna,” he said with a proud smirk.

“Looks like a race car, you still love buying race cars,” he nodded. I knew the car would be at a affordable price. Even if he has money, he loves managing, reason why he’s an economist and entrepreneur.

“The car is cool and fits in well with my budget, almost a million but not a million,” he smiled as he opened the car. I shook my head with amusement. If he doesn’t drive race cars, he rather walks. He’s obsess with race cars. I got into the car and crossed my leg. He shut the door and ran over to the driver’s side.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll know when we get there.”

~~~

I smiled with tears in my eyes, looking at the night sky as the wind blew against my skin. He brought me to our special place in the park, a very isolated park. The guys and I made it our place and our special zone. Ferris and I found it and showed the others.

“Here, found it in my car!” Ferris said excitedly. I turned my head and saw him stretching a can of soda to me. I quirked a brow at him. “What?”

“How long have that been in your car?”

“Erm…” He bit his lip thoughtfully, rolling his eyes around with head tilt up. I face palmed myself and gro-ned. “Yes! That time Link and I went to a basketball game!”

“And when was that?” He thoughtfully counted his fingers, murmuring to himself.

“I don’t remember… Four months! That’s it!”

“There is no way I’m drinking that. You left it in your car for four months and now you want me to drink it?”

“What’s wrong with drinking it?”

“Let’s see,” I stroke my chin thoughtfully, “you probably found it under your car seat, it’s warm and have bacteria allover it. Sorry, honey, but there is no way I’m drinking that…that… Dirty thing! I’m fine swallowing my saliva.” He rolled his eyes.

“Still a clean freak, I see,” he sat down beside me on the bench under the huge tree I’m still trying to remember it name, and shrugged, “more for me.” I shifted away from him. Ferris is a sweetheart but he’s a pig.

I closed my eyes and steadied my breathing. I smiled again as I listened to the music of the birds and the wind rustling the leaves and bushes. I toned out his loud gulp and inhaled deeply, taking in the fresh air around me. I had never felt so much at peace since that hideous day. My heart and mind were in total sync and even my spirit was sleeping for now. I wanted to remain like that forever and not think of anything else but peace.

But he ruined it.

“We searched for you,” I slowly opened my eyes and turned my head to look at him. He was leaning forward, his elbows against his upper knees and the two drinks in his hands which were draping down between his widely open legs.

“Huh?”

“The guys and I, we searched for you. We knew it would happen, we waited for it to happen so we could get you away from him. I don’t know how we didn’t see it on time but by the time we did, it was too late; you were gone. We searched for you, we looked everywhere until we found out you killed yourself because you had no one. It hurts us so much that we couldn’t get to you on time to protect you. Lavender, I’m sorry, I’m sorry we failed you…”

“How can you apologize when I am the one who made everything happen? I pushed you all away, I said so many hurtful things that even I haven’t forgiven myself for. Why are you sorry for my foolishness?” I cried with disbelief. I couldn’t believe it, I refused to believe that after everything I did go them, they still wanted me back; they were waiting to enfold me in their protection again. “Aren’t you mad at me? Don’t tell me that none of you hate me because I know you do. How could I have gone back? I wanted to come back but I knew I didn’t deserve to, I couldn’t show my face again after everything I did. Shame is not enough to describe what I felt and I knew you all hate me too much and would never forgive…”

“That’s not true…”

“It is! It has to! Death was better for me and I was ready to. Then I fainted and someone saved me. I’m alive today because of my kids. I found out I was pregnant, I was carrying the goddamn devil’s children! I couldn’t abort it, they did nothing to me, it’s not their fault their mother was foolish. No one wanted me, I had no family left so I decided it was best to die and start over again with my kids and face punishment by struggling to provide for them…”

“And after everything, when you decided it was time to return, you came back to him. Lavender…”

“My children were sick! They were going to die and I had no money. Ferris, if they die, what would I have done? I didn’t want to but then it was better they return here to their father. Why should they suffer when their father is rich, especially after ruining my life and my family’s! Why should I continue sleeping around for money! Why should I have to work day and night when their right is still open and could be given to someone else. My sons are the heirs to everything he owns. My daughters should take back what belongs to me and I didn’t really call him, they did. Now here I am, his PA so I can destroy him…”

“You should have…”

“Come to you? Yes, but you hate me, you all do.”

“Jambalaya,” he sighed, turning his body around. He grabbed my arm and pulled me closer and threw one leg over mine while the other went to my back. “We don’t hate you, we can never hate you. We knew it was love and manipulation and we understood, and we knew it would end eventually and when that time comes, we’ll be there for you. We would accept you anytime. We never forgot you, Jammy, we never stopped celebrating your birthdays and suppose death anniversaries in memory of you. If we hate you, why did we spend weeks looking for you? Why do we still celebrate your birthdays, death anniversaries and friendsh¡p too? There’s always a plate for you at every Thanksgiving, even if you weren’t there; always a present for you every Christmas. Lavender, before him, there was us and after him, there would still be us.”

The burden I carried in my heart jumped off. I wrapped my hands around his wa-ist and pushed my face into his chest. For the first time since I was left alone, I cried not because of regret and guilt, but because of gratitude. I was thankful I had him and friends that didn’t care about my flaws and mistakes, friends that would always see me as a VIP. I don’t deserve them, I don’t deserve him. Each drop of tears lifted the weight off my chest and head. I felt light crying in his embrace for what felt like forever and his own tears made me feel much better.

When we were done crying, we laughed for the new beginning and he knew that even if the others don’t feel the same way, I still have him and that’s all I need.

“Why? Why do you all still love me?”

“Because when we made our own mistakes and was at our lowest, you never gave up on us. Remember that time Link’s parents were going bankrupt and he needed that surgery? You convinced your mother’s lawyers to sell all her houses around the world and gave it to them without asking for anything in return. You almost gave your kidney out to save Waylon’s life and when he refused, you did everything you could until you found a good kidney and you never left his side. When he was down and wanted to end his life after getting fraud, you were the only reason he got back on his feet. What about Gael? Remember what he did to us after he got that bitch? If it wasn’t for you, we would have given up on and she would have succeeded in duping him of everything he owns. Should I go on to list the things and the sacrifices you made for me, Elias, Maverick, and Cameron? We haven’t forgotten, Lavender, we can never. If it wasn’t for you, most of us would have been dead. So why should we give up on you when you need us the most?”

“I miss them,” I said with a tearful laugh, “I missed us so much. Would they be happy to see me?”

“Thrilled. Now stop crying and if I remember correctly, you said you have sons and daughters! How many children did you give birth to!” I laughed at the surprise in his voice then used my left hand to show him the number. “Bloody hell! Quintuplets! You’re kidding, right?”

I brought my phone out of my purse and gave it to him. There were my lock screen wallpaper. Ferris’ mouth was wide open by the time he saw them. “Damn! I have to hand it over to Verlice, he knows how to score ‘goals’,” I smacked his arm as I laughed. “What? It’s true! They even look like him!”

“Yeah…”

“I’m a godfather now.” He grinned. I laughed even h-rder. I already knew he would claim one. Just imagine when Rominic’s sisters return, they would kidnap my children and bully Rominic. I can’t wait for them to arrive. The last time I checked, Rominic is afraid of his older twin sister.

Did I forget to mention he’s a double?

“I’m glad that you are back and even if I hate to admit it, I’m glad you are back with him.” That dropped the smile from my face.

“What is that suppose to mean?” I asked harshly. “Why are you glad?”

“Because even if–again–I hate to admit it, Rominic is a changed man now…” I opened my mouth to protest but he cut me off. “Before you interject and tell me how much you want him dead, let me finish. Will you let me speak?” Oh, I would alright. I wanted to hear why Rominic was such a good man and good for me to stay with.

“After you died, the guys and I decided we would kill him, like six feet kill and to kill him, we needed to keep an eye on him and that’s how we know. Lavender, what that man went through after he found out about your self-execution is enough to forgive him. He searched for you, that was the first thing we found out before we paid full attention…”

“Why else would he look for me other than to kill me himself! Why…”

“He fell into depression and tried to kill himself.” Ferris blunted out with a even expression. My mouth opened and closed. I was at lost for words. It was unbelievable but I knew Ferris would never lie to me, especially about the man he ought to hate.

“He what?”

He exhaled through his mouth and toss the drinks away. “Rominic loves you but I’m guessing he didn’t figure that out until you left him. When he realized it, he threw Peyton away and never gave her what he took from you. He tried finding you but ended up finding you dead. Depression, regret and guilt made him attempt suicide thrice but he always ended up alive. People thought it was someone trying to kill him but he was the one trying to kill himself. The man is insane,” Ferris smiled and shook his head with bewilderment, “he hired assassins to kill him. The bullet narrowly missed his heart but he survived. He drove himself off a bridge after cutting his own breaks but still survived. He poisoned himself and again, he survived.”

What the hell!

“Then for his fourth attempt, he placed himself in,side a house he filled with bombs with plans to set it off, but Link saved him. He couldn’t take it anymore so he knocked Verlice out before the timer went off and Elias turned off the bomb. He doesn’t remember me because he never liked me or the others enough to remember. Well, I exposed him to his sister. I don’t know what she told him but he stopped attempting suicide and tried to kill Peyton instead.” He burst into laughter.

I just blink in shock. “He tried to kill Peyton twice so she went into hiding for her life. Since he couldn’t kill Peyton, he wrecked her family and reduce them to nothing. Even after that, he couldn’t let it go and locked himself away for six months, leaving his business to his father. I guess he was taking therapy because after the isolation period, he came out better but quiet and a new man, have been living like this, alone, no other woman or s€× for years now. Even I can’t do that.”

“But…”

“Lavender, Rominic Verlice is in love with you. Let go of your hatred and bitterness like we did with you and him. He is a different man now and deserves a chance for all he went through…” I wasn’t listening to what he was saying because I was busy crying. Not only did he succeed in fooling me and now trying to take my children’s love, he managed to make my friends think he has changed. He has them wrapped around his fingers and they were unaware of it.

That manipulative bastard!

“Shut the f-ck up, Ferris!” I yelled furiously, getting up to my feet. “I don’t bloody care what he went through or how he almost died. If it was up to me, he would be dead by now. You said he suffered? What about me?! Do you know the hell I’ve been through? Do you know how emotionally and mentally traumatize I am?! I struggled on my own to feed five children and take care of their needs and health issues! I sold my body to get money because the world and universe was and is still against me! I suffered humiliation, heartbreak… Everything! And what? I’m suppose to forgive him? Over my dead body! I will never forgive Rominic, not even when I reach the other side!” I grabbed my purse and tried to run but he caught me before I even moved.

“It’s okay, you don’t need to forgive him, hate him, just calm down.” I wrapped my arms round his body again and cried. I’m not forgiving him until I see him suffer with my own eyes.

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To be continued.