~TWO YEARS LATER~
**ANNABELLE**
It’s been over a year since we got everything settled. The case lingered for almost two months. Ava was a superstar with a lot of influence, we had a confession but her lawyer stepped in to dismiss it. With the help of the inspector, The police found enough evidence to send her away for a really long time. After that, I was rest assured, I could sleep better at night. As for her child, Fallon and I found a good home for that sweet baby as her father was dead and her mother was not fit to raise a child, ever.
After my near death experience, I had a lot but the last seemed to have surpass them all, I saw life in a new light. It had always been that way but my eyes were open to it now. Life was fucking short. For the longest time, I acted like I had all the time in the world. I could do as I pleased because in the future, those mistakes would easily be rectified. I couldn’t have be more wrong.
From college, job hunting, being a glorified call girl, getting my own building, getting kidnap countless times down to this moment, they all thought me that I needed to live in the moment. Life was too short to keep grudges, too short to fall asleep not knowing how your loved ones were doing, you could never tell when your life would end. No one was given that benefit and I preferred it that way. We didn’t get an ultimate so we needed to enjoy our life to the fullest, make mistake, try to fix them, make more, learn from those mistakes, that is what defines us. Not the mistake, but the ability to move on and learn from them.
For almost a decade, my parents and I have been rocky. I played the blame game on everyone including myself. Deep down, I knew if I made an effort, something good might have come out of it but I didn’t. I acted nonchalant about it.
Last week, I traveled to where they lived and for the first time in years, I sat in the sat room with my parents for almost a day. We argued, we talked, opened up, and it felt good. They disowned me and I might never be able to atone for my sins in their eyes, but this was a huge start for me, I’d take it and see where it leads.
Love. A misguided and misused word. Most people don’t know this but there’s love all around us, most times from the people we least expect it. All my life, I only loved one man, Fallon Mitch. I don’t need to repeat the story, you should know it by heart now. He broke me. Infact, I blamed all my bad decisions afterwards on me, they were all my doings, no one else.
He made it mistake and it cost him everything. I made a decision and the result was the equivalent. There is always a choice, no matter what. We can choose to do what is right, Ava could have told Fallon the true father and he would have married her either ways. Instead, she made a decision that cost her everything. Now, she was going to rot in a cell for a really long time.
In summary, life is pain. Most people can’t survive ten percent of what I have been through. It’d break them. But, I got through it knowing I had a promise to fullfil. I promised myself that I’d be successful, run my own company and live on my own rules. So ladies and gentlemen, join me as I unveil Sinclair Worldwide Industries.
The cameras shutter and the audience applauded. They were driving me to cry like a child. I forced a smile and left that position. The guide handed me an average size scissors. I paused, sniffled lightly, stared in the sky before looking back down. It wasn’t a dream, this was all fucking real. I clipped the ribbon, ripping it in two and the crowd roared.
“Thank you all so much.” I dabbed my handkerchief gently over my eye to prevent the tears from falling.
“Crying are we?” I rolled my eyes twitching my lips to the corner.
“Richard.” I breathed and moved to hug him, it was comforting until we pulled away and found somewhere to seat.
“You did it.” He said raising his arms.
“I did didn’t I?” I asked and chuckled.
“After a long time, I actually did it.” I said more to myself than any one else.
“What’s next for Annabelle Sinclair?”
“Well, I want to enjoy myself. I worked hard and I’m successful now, I earned the right to live my life to the fullest.”
“You sure did.” He agreed and we shared a laugh.
“Just for clarification, was there ever a small chance with us?” He changed the topic making me smile.
“Yes, in another time. In another world, yes I would’ve fallen head over heels for you because you’re perfect and I’m sure there’s someone out there for you, but it’s not me Richard.” He bit his lips, nodding in understanding.
“You don’t have to worry I won’t turn into a lunatic because of rejection. Or will I?” He joked easing us back into a playful mood.
“I should head back to the station, I’ll see you around.”
“Definitely.” I agreed and hugged him once again. I watched him until he disappeared, sighed then went back into the building. Yes, I know what you must be wondering.
**Hey.** I mouthed into the receiver as soon as he answered.
**My office in ten.** I added then hung up. I took the elevator clutching to my purse until I reached my office. Using my key card, I unlocked the door and stepped in.
“Christ!” I yelled, my hands on my chest as someone pulled me towards me a corner, his hands wrapped around my waist. I knew exactly who it was.
“Fallon,” I gasped then turned around.
“My office in ten.” He mocked and I shoved him playfully.
“You did it Anna, congratulations.” He leaned in then pecked my cheeks. You must be wondering why we’re so gidly around each other.
Well, after the whole incident I stayed with him until I was done with therapy. At the end of the day, it became more about Fallon than my torment. The doctor made me open up about what happened when we were in college. After I talked to a non judgemental person about it, I felt a huge weight lifted off my chest. I felt really good.
With her help, I was able to move past that event. I realized that I never understood what happened to me, I never actually owned up to it, I simply bottled it down. After that, talking to my parents was easy. The doctor recommended I speak with Fallon instead. It was a really long talk and we both got a chance to say what we actually felt. I found peace after all that. I could finally concentrate on building my empire. Since we were partners, he had an excuse to see me everytime. First it was flowers, a harmless gesture. He knew everything about me. Then it was coffee and dinner while working late. It took him over a year until he finally asked me out on a proper date, I turned him down half a dozen times. I still turn him down. I don’t want to look like the crazy girl who goes back to the guy who betrayed her. I don’t want him to tell me he’s sorry, I actually want to see proof. He was doing good so far. Time would tell.
“Stop thinking!” I giggled, placing my hands at the sides of his neck.
“Whatever you say Mr. Mitch.” I bit back a laugh. I ignored our closeness, today was a good day. I’d let it slide.
“When are you going to put me out of my misery?” He asked groaning, his eyes flickered to my lips and I took them in the other giggling once again.
“We control our own lives.” I answered back with a daring smile. He smirked and crashed his lips on mine without another word. As I said, time would tell. I just wanted to live life, taking one step at a time, one day at a time. Life should be that simple. I’ve been through too much, I deserve happiness. Everyone deserve happiness, so if you find what makes you happy, reach for it and take it. Just as I did.
~THE END~
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A/N:
I want to give a special thanks to everyone who’s been with me all through the day. It’s been a really bumpy ride but I’m glad we got through it. I’ll be taking as much questions as I can in the comment box, feel free to drop your questions. I decided to be spontaneous about the ending, it’s up to you but as for me, I think Annabelle Sinclair wouldn’t stick for a little while. Annabelle Mitch sounds much better. I hope you enjoyed reading the book, I enjoyed writing it more than you can imagined. Girlfriend For Hire has come to on official end. Much Love, C.
Best Regards,
Crystal.