Audrey's Pov:
I zipped up the last piece of luggage and rolled it to the sitting room where Ella was sitting and playing games with her iPad. 

But she paused and looked up at me when I entered. 

"Mum..." She called.
"Are we leaving now?" 

"Y..Yes, dear. Of course. Is there a problem?" I asked, and she shook her head and continued with her game.

Huh?

I was about to say something when my phone rang, and I checked and discovered it was Rex. 

Oh! Geez.

I picked it up reluctantly, knowing what he had in mind. 

☎Audrey", he called immediately.

☎Hi, Rex," I hushed. 

☎Um...how're you doing? What's up?"

☎I'm fine, and you?"

☎I'm...I'm okay. Thanks"

A short silence stepped in. 

☎Were you...able to talk to Noah?" He asked after the brief silence, and I sighed. 

I guess I was expecting that question. 

"Well...yes, I did. Right now, I'm on my way to Paris," I replied and heard him scoff.

"On your way to where???" He asked, alarmed. 

"I'm leaving, Rex. Noah and I sorted it out. He accepted the baby, but we're not getting back together. You don't have to worry about a thing, 'cause it's a personal issue. I understand him, and he does the same. So, we're fine," I explained, trying to sound confident but feeling a flicker of doubt inside, knowing Rex's reaction might reveal more than I want. 

It was beginning to feel hot. 

He was silent for a while, probably gob-smacked. 

"Audrey", he called helplessly.
"You...you don't mean what you're saying, do you?"

"Hold on, Rex. Were you trying to use me as a tool for ruining your brother's relationship??

"Sorry, but I'm not some desperate chick who doesn't have pride. I can only crush on a guy, but I'll never in my life force myself on him. 

"Yes, I admire Noah. Maybe the feelings are still there. But he's in love, and I can't think of stooping so low to force myself cheaply on him. There are other guys out there ready to respect me.

"You've always had this dirty character, Rex. I've noticed it about you. You're always against other people's happiness. What would it take to watch your brother be happy? What exactly would it take??  

'Must you always be a joy-killer even to your own family?? Everyone has their luck and life to live. 

"Seriously, Rex. If you really want to go on with this hateful lifestyle of yours, you can. But just don't involve me in it. Please. Handle your own problems yourself cause life is too precious to spend my time hating on someone who hasn't offended me. 

"Bye" 

And with that, I ended the call and took in a deep breath.

Gosh!
*
*
Maxine's Pov:
I dressed up and left the house with Noah, and after a long ride, we arrived at a bridal shop, leaving me in surprise.

Huh?

Is this the surprise he's talking about???

Oh my gee!!!

My eyes beamed as we stepped out of the car together, and I couldn't close my lips in bemusement. 

So....he actually brought me shopping for the wedding??

Holy Christ! I guess this is real. 

"Come on," he cooed, holding my hand, and we walked in together.

Gosh! I was so nervous. I never thought I'd be shopping for my wedding anytime soon. 

I walked in with him, and the workers, who looked astounded, rushed to us immediately and welcomed us. 

"Where do you keep your best dresses?" Noah asked after the pleasantries.

"Oh? Right here, sir".

They led us to a different part of the shop where glittering wedding gowns were displayed. 

Wowwwwww

There were so many designs.....Off-shoulder, bare back, long, extremely long,...so many types and awesome designs. 

"Where do I start?" I asked excitedly and started going through the clothes.

"I took one of the gowns and went into the dressing room to try it on, accompanied by one of the workers who was there to help me with the zip.

I came out when I was done, and the first face I searched for was Noah's. 

"What do you think?" I asked, but he shook his head, and I smiled and decided to try on a different one. 

I took an off-shoulder one and tried it on, and when I came out, his face brightened up a bit. 

"I... think this is better. But try something else again," he suggested, and we searched for another dress again. 

Gosh! It was so stressful, but fun. 
*
*
*
We spent long hours at the bridal shop, and I just couldn't believe it could be that stressful. 

Geez! Now, I know what couples go through getting prepared for the party. It's really not easy. 

Noah paid for everything, and the workers helped us with the heavy bags to the car.

"Thank you so much, sir. It was nice having you here," they said when they were done, and Noah only waved at them before entering the car with me. 

As soon as we were seated next to each other, I got hold of his face and kissed him.

"Thank you", I beamed shyly.

"For what exactly?" He asked, and I chuckled and let him go. 

He smiled, started the car, and in a giffy, we were on the road. 

"Were you serious when you said the wedding was in two days?" I asked, remembering he had mentioned it at the shop.

"Well...yes, of course. Do you have a problem with that?" He asked, and I rolled my eyes.

"Of course, not. I'm just...a little surprised it's being rushed".

"Well...I guess I can't wait any longer," he shrugged, and I ran my fingers into his hair.

Then, I discovered he wasn't taking the way home. 

"Are we going elsewhere?" I asked.

"Yes. We're going for the cake. We need to make a choice now. By tomorrow, you'll have your hair fixed. In no time, everything will be ready and I....."

He got interrupted when he had to screech the car to an abrupt halt because another car blocked ours. 

What the heck????

The car just appeared out of nowhere and blocked our path, nearly causing a crash. 

"Who's that??" I asked, alarmed. 

Could it be mere carelessness or what??

Noah didn't say a word and tried reversing back, but not until armed boys came out of the car and started shooting at us. 

Whaaaaaat???

I flinched and panicked, and within the twinkle of an eye, they came to our car and shot at Noah - on the arm. 

"Arghhhhhhhhhh!" 

I yelped in fear as he started losing consciousness, and immediately, they opened my door and pulled me out of the car.