Four Years Later,

 Lots of birthdays, anniversaries and weddings came. Zendaya held a fairytale-like wedding that didn’t exceed 1 million expenses. But her gown and Timothy’s tux are more expensive than the receptions. She wanted to have real diamond beads on her gown so she wouldn’t have to wear an expensive necklace. Then, the bridesmaids and groomsmen are wearing a grand tux that was from her father’s textile that they use for bulletproof. 

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For two years, they take down one big syndicate and there’s one more that is helping the Eagle Empire. It takes four years for them to take down another. 

 After Zendaya’s wedding, in the following year, Rhys and Camila get married. Rhys wanted something special and a little bit grand although Camila doesn’t want it to happen. But she ends up crying in the middle of the vow for the beautiful words that Rhys gave and the dreamy wedding. Then, after Rhys and Camila’s wedding, Bea and Noah get married next. Then, after that Bea and Noah, Natalia and Asher seal it too. 

“I can’t believe that you missed lots of weddings!” Zendaya hissed at Laurence. 

 Laurence visited Zendaya’s wedding but that’s the only wedding he ever came to. Bea, Rhys, and Natalia are so mad at him for missing weddings and other occasions. Laurence was too busy making programs and helping the twins, Aria and Asher. Then, he’s busy attending Esme’s audition and every performance. He never missed a thing and Zendaya knew all about it. 

“Baby Zen-Zen, I am so sorry!” 

 She swore that she could feel Laurence’s pout. 

 Zendaya shook her head. Although she and Timothy are three years married, Zendaya chose to plan a baby after they take down the Eagle Empire completely and let the mysterious man take it over. 

“I am near the airport and have your car in a good condition.” 

 Zendaya drove faster on the toll way and reached the airport to the block where Laurence is waiting. She frowned at him and the girl that he is with. She stepped out of the car and greeted them. 

“Zen, this is Lisa,” Laurence told her. Zendaya smiled at her and extended her hand. Lisa’s eyes seemed to shine and she gaped at her. 

“Wow, you are so beautiful…” Lisa said and hugged her. Zendaya felt odd at that time and Laurence laughed. 

“Dude, she’s married to a handsome guy. If you saw her husband, don’t let your panties fall.” Laurence told her and Zendaya laughed. 

“How can a beautiful girl get married?” Lisa asked. 

“Oh, stop, let’s get into the car. We have a family dinner at Laurence’s family house. Esme just won an award.” Laurence said excitedly.

“Oh, great! Let’s go! Dropped me off on my penthouse first.” Zendaya clicked the remote for the 

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 Esme graduated a month ago and Laurence was there but they only smiled at each other for a few more meters away. This time, her dad promised that he will let them be together. She arrived with her parents from New York last week and they are preparing a big dinner for everyone. Some might not be able to come because of baby matters but they send their gifts for her. The house is already filled with the family’s cousins and friends. 

“Esme!’ Kale shouted and hugged her. “Congratulations, Diva!” 

 Esme laughed and hugged him back. 

“Thank you, Big bro.” 

“My gift and Christina’s gift will be bigger than you expected.” 

 Esme looked at the three-year-old twins who are walking with their mother. Kale named them Bentley and Chanel. She didn’t know why they have to name them after the biggest brands but it seemed like Kale and Tina are having fun with it. 

“Laurence!” Someone called out and she immediately rushed outside and saw Laurence’s car. He came out of the car. He opened the car door and then the trunk as the maids came up. The door in the shotgun seat opened and a beautiful tall woman in ink-black hair came out. She froze and everyone stopped and stared. She didn’t want to think that it’s Laurence’s girlfriend. Because they lost contact for a very long time and they haven’t been getting in touch with each other for long now since both of them are busy over something. Esme was busy with lots of rehearsal and studies and Laurence greeted her and sent her flowers but did Laurence fall in love with someone else? Her heart is aching more and more as Laurence smiled at the girl and they took their bags away. Her smile shrunk and she stepped back and left quickly before anyone could see her. 

 She stayed on the corner as the Butlers came to greet Laurence and the girl. She gathered herself and she waited in the foyer as everyone greeted Laurence and the girl. When Laurence saw her, he immediately ran to her and hugged her, and kissed her forehead. 

“You grew taller!” Laurence said. She knew well that this time, he acted like her big brother. But she doesn’t want to be just a little sister to him. Esme smiled at him but it didn’t touch her eyes. 

“Laurence!” Rosie’s adorable voice called him and she hugged him. 

“Wait, who are you?” Laurence gently pushed the girl away. Rosie pouted at him. “Who is she?” He joked. Rosie stomped her feet and Laurence laughed and hugged his sister that didn’t look so little anymore. He kissed her forehead and then, he did the same to Zayne. 

 His mother came and hugged him. 

“Mom, Dad, this is Lisa. Lisa, my parents, my sister Rosie, my brother Zayne and Esme.” 

 Lisa bowed and greeted his parents. Then, she looked at Esme and it seemed like she’s mesmerized. 

“You are the nightingale!” Lisa hugged her unexpectedly and Esme looked at Laurence who only smiled at her. Did Laurence also bring her to her every performance? Did they sleep together? “I’m already your fan,” Lisa told. 

“Thank you.” She smiled at him genuinely. 

“Let’s eat dinner. The foods are getting cold!” 

 They went to the garden with a long table and everyone gathered. 

“Cy, Tucker!” Luke and Logan called out. Then, after Cyra and Tucker, Zendaya and Timothy followed. 

“So, you guys are dating?” Laurence asked Cyra and Tucker as soon as the two sat down.

 Cyra rolled her eyes and raised her finger that had a diamond ring. 

“I’m engaged.” Everyone gasped although few knew well that the two got engaged last month. 

“Oh, wow, nice.” Laurence thumbs up. 

 Esme ate a little. She couldn’t help but keep glancing at Laurence and Lisa in front of her. They are laughing over something and Lisa is indeed a funny girl and she became center stage. She and Laurence became center stage as they joked at each other. She tried hard to swallow the food over the dinner and watched everyone. They wanted her to sing but she did not feel like singing anymore. What’s the use? Laurence seemed to fall in love with someone else and they looked good to each other. 

 She watched everyone play and sing. They wanted her to sing and she indeed sang for them. But after that, Esme went to her room. She didn’t want to stay there seeing Laurence and Lisa flirting at each other. She removed her shoes and locked the door. She climbed on the bed and pulled the duvet over her head. She rubbed her heart. It’s aching. She sniffled and reached the pendant of the clamshell and held it tightly. Should she give it back? 

 Esme never imagined this would happen. She sniffled. She pushed the duvet, wiped her tears, and went to the balcony. She peeked at her family friends that were having fun at the pool and singing and dancing. On the corner, she looked at Cyra and Tucker kissing. Cyra is seducing Tucker. Everyone in their family was happy, and some don’t have a partner yet, but they are living their life to the fullest. Then, on the other side, she watched as Lisa spoke to the twins, Luke and Logan. Then, Kade came to the scene, and they seemed to be discussing something while Laurence, who is beside Lisa laughed out loud. They seemed to be betting. Esme felt jealous even more. 

 So, she went to the bathroom, washed her face, and removed her make-up that she worked on for an hour. So, she could look beautiful in front of Laurence. But it’s all useless. The girl with him is more beautiful even without any crazy makeup. She took a short bath and then went to bed to drown her sorrows. She hugged the teddy bear and stared at her picture with Laurence. 

 She stopped when she saw a shadow from the balcony. She sat up and turned on the lampshade. The door on the balcony opened. It might be one of the boys who is pulling a prank on her. But, no one ever did such a thing to her since she’s a girl. She took out her phone to dial someone, and she dropped it when a big shadow ran to her and covered her mouth.