What the actual hell?!

Bryce and Gigi.

Gigi and Bryce.

This has been the only thing running through my mind since I found out.

The two culprits are in the bedroom putting some clothes..thankfully. After I practically yelled out Bryce's name, I hightailed it out there. The two of them soon followed with towels wrapped around their bodies and shock visible on their faces.

It did not out do the shock on my face. I am pretty sure I got a few grey hairs from what I saw.

I'm traumatised.

"Okay, we're clothed now", Gigi says. I spot the awkward smile she gives me.

Bryce walks out after her and they sit on the couch next to each other, while I sit on one of the armchairs. The guilty looks on their faces make it seem like I am about to give them a scolding.

Oh gosh...this is what it's like to have children.

I shut off my mental chatter and focus on the two in front of me.

Leaning back on the chair, I cross my legs and place my hands on my lap, like some kind of therapist. "So...who's gonna explain?".

Silence.

Neither of them says anything. They look at each other, mentally daring the other to say something. This gets on my nerves because we spend a good minute in nothing but silence.

"Gigi?", I call her, in hopes that this will prompt her to speak.

And it does.

She looks at me with guilt filled eyes, "Rosie...we didn't plan it".

Her partner in crime chimes in to help, "It just happened okay!". He stands and walks towards the counter. I watch his knuckles turn white as he grips its edge.

Is it bad for me to actually like what's going on? Some wicked part of me likes to see them squirm.

So I decide to keep my cool façade and continue with my interrogation

"So, since when are you guys a thing?"

Gigi mumbles something inaudible.

"What did you say?", I ask.

She huffs, "A month"

My face falls...

What?!

I am actually hurt that they have kept this from me for a whole month.

"A month! Are you freaking kidding me?!"

My eyes dart to each of them. Searching for answers. Needing an answer. How have I Been blind?

How have I not noticed anything?

Gigi's voice pulls me out of my thoughts, "Don't act all high and mighty. You hid your relationship from me too".

She's got me there, but I don't back down, "Yes but for a few days. You guys have been together for a month and I didn't even know". My gaze is back on Bryce, "Especially since I haven't spoken to you in almost half a year".

I guess he is completely over me now. Not that I expected him to pine after me, but his method of moving on and the person he is moving on with, has shocked me to the core.

He goes back to his previous spot on the couch next to Gigi. "I know it's a lot and I'm sorry that you had to find out this way".

"We wanted to tell you ,but didn't know how"

They could have sat me down and broke the news to me the moment they found out that they like each other. I'm actually kind of pissed now. I can't believe Gigi would keep something like this from me.

"I can't believe this", I really can't believe what is happening.

Bryce tries to speak but I silence him with a glare.

The audacity.

Once again silence envelops the room.

"I know this is hard to accept but Bryce makes me happy.", Gigi says honestly. Her teary eyes shift away from me to bryce.

Wow.

My mind simply cannot process any of this right now.

I shift my position on the chair, sitting straight, "So...this is that serious huh?".

Bryce wraps an arm around Gigi and places a kiss on her forehead. He then turns towards me with a smile, "Yeah".

I move off the chair to stand. Gigi's eyes widen as she spots my ring.

Throughout our conversation, I had made sure to keep my hands covered. I put on one of Lex's hoodies and the sleeves were long, so I pulled on them and covered my hands. With the weather, it didn't look weird.

I just looked like I had cold hands now the hug pulled the sleeves up to reveal my hands. Revealing the ring.

"Tell me that is what I think it is", she asks,

I simply nod, "I'm getting married".

Holding back the tears, I give them a small smile "I wanted to surprise you but then it turns out I am the one that got a surprise".

I grab my keys and walk towards the door. Neither of them try to stop me. "I need time" is all I say before leaving them.

On the drive back home I can't help but laugh at how things have turned out. My mind is going to need more time getting used to the fact that Gigi and Bryce are now a couple.

I am happy for them and I wish them nothing but the best. but..I still need to properly digest it.

The delicious scent of food welcomes me home. Along with it a very hyperactive Saba. I missed her so much when we were on vacation and I can tell that the feeling is mutual. Lex has let her stay in the house with us since we came back. It's only for a few days.

I walk into the kitchen with Saba's big, fluffy self trailing behind me. The wonderful smell of spices and herbs hugs me, accompanied by one of the sexiest sights ever.

A shirtless Lex standing in front of the stove as his muscled arm moves in a circular motion while he stirs whatever contents the pot holds.

My feet move on their own towards him and my arms wrap themselves around his middle. My cheek on his back. I can't help but to sniff him. He smells really good.

His hands move over mine as he turns around, picks me up and sits me on the countertop. "I missed you", he says.

He worked from home today. We spent the morning together then I had to leave for Gigi's at noon. I thought we'd get some take out for dinner but then he had other plans in mind.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pull him in for a kiss. "I missed you too". I say once we pull away.

"How was your day?", he asks while moving back to the stove.

I grab a piece of feta cheese from the mess of ingredients next to me and shove into my mouth, "It was eventful, how was yours?".

He shrugs, "Boring, filled with paperwork", his shoulders sag as he dramatically sighs.

A few minutes later we're sitting at the table enjoying the delicious meal he has prepared, while I tell him about what I found out about Gigi and Bryce.

"You don't sound too mad about this", he simply comments once I am done with my story.

I am really not too mad, "I am but not because they're together", I take a breath before I continue, "I am just hurt that they kept it from me. I'm disappointed actually"

He nods, "Did you let them know how you're feeling?".

Did I?

Not exactly.

"I don't think I fully conveyed how I feel". I was too shocked, hurt and pissed off to even get a hold on how I felt at the time. I was too overwhelmed by the situation.

His hand covers mine over the table as he looks me in the eyes, "Rose, I think you all need to sit down and clear the air. Have an adult conversation once the shock wears off"

That makes a lot of sense. Once my brain gets used to this then I can begin to accept this as a part of our lives.

I still have a lot of questions that I need to ask the two of them though. Especially Bryce. He gave me a lot of crap for being with Lex and now he goes and does this behind my back.

And Gigi, I get that I initially hid my relationship with Lex from her for a few days but she had the guts to hide being with Bryce for a month. She kept this from me for thirty days.

She could have told me right when she stayed over for my graduation weekend celebration, but she chose to keep quiet about it.

"Thank you for listening to my childish woes".

That smile for his appears, "It's what I'm here for and they're not childish."

They are but I don't argue with him, "You're so wise".

"It comes with being older I guess", he shrugs and takes a sip of his wine.

***

"Spit it out".

Lex looks at me and bites his bottom lip. I would be very distracted by the sight if i couldn't feel the anxiety rolling off him in waves. He is practically vibrating and it's making me uneasy.

Ever since we got into bed, I could tell that he was stuck in his thoughts and not focusing on the documentary that we're supposedly watching.

He clears his throat and takes a deep breath. What's got him so nervous?

One of his large hands captures mine over the duvet, "You know I love you right?", he asks. His eyes twinkle under the dim lighting of the bedroom.

"I know you love me. I love you too". I say as the heat rises to my cheeks.

He leans over and gives me a quick peck on the lips.

"So I had a very interesting conversation with my sister today".

"Oh yeah?".

He nods, "She thinks that we should publically announce our engagement".

"Seriously?", I ask .

"Yes but I told her the decision to do that lies with you. We won't do it if you don't want to.".

A public engagement announcement?

It sounds like a good idea. Plus my life has sort of been public knowledge ever since I started dating this man.

Even if we don't do it, the paparazzi will find out eventually through their sneaky annoying ways.

And If I am to fit into his world. The world of the rich and famous, guess this is one of the things that we have to do.

"We can do it. It sounds like fun".

He seems unsure of my answer, "Really? Are you certain about this?".

I nod and lean over to kiss his lips. I never get tired of kissing him. It's quite addictive.

"I'll call her tomorrow and let her know", he says right before pulling me down and hovers over me.

"I love you", he murmurs, his lips an inch away from mine.

I loop my arms around his neck and thread my fingers through his hair, "I love you too".

He seals the remaining distance and kisses me passionately.

***

Public announcements are not a small thing.

I thought that we'd send out a mini statement and tell everyone that we are going to get married. But boy have I got it all wrong.

It is actually an entire production. I mean camera's, lights and us posing for a photoshoot. Isadora obviously knew some people in the media industry and she set this up faster than I could say Kentucky Fried Chicken.

The house was bombarded by Isa and her army of stylists, photographers, make-up artists and a whole lot of people so early in the morning. Seriously... she walked into the door while I still had cereal in my mouth.

To make matters worse, the people she came with are from Bliss Magazine, which is where Gigi works. Obviously this means that she is here with them and I somehow don't know how to act around her.

I'm still wrapping my head around her new relationship with Bryce.

Lex and I get separated.

He is taken to one of the guest bedrooms while I stay in ours for hair and makeup. Everything is done so quickly and efficiently, it kind of creeps me out even though I am widely impressed with the level of professionalism that these people possess.

The editor of Bliss and Gigi's boss, Jamie Jenkins, or JJ as she likes to be called is such an awesome lady. I thought all magazine editors were like Meryl Streep on but she's a tender person.

In other words she is extremely nice.

Once we're done they haul us downstairs where the photoshoot will be done in the living room. There's more natural light but the photographer has his team with all the lightning ready.

Isadora scheduled for us to have shots taken in three different outfits, the first one is more formal. I'm in a cream pant suit with a black lace bralet underneath the jacket. And Lex is irresistibly handsome in a dark royal blue suit and a white shirt. No tie and the top two buttons undone.

The moment he walks into the living room, I swear time stands still, as every pair of eyes just stares at him. Once he reaches me, he pulls me into his arms, not caring that we have an audience and places a small kiss on my forehead.

"Are you ready for this?", he asks as he looks me in the eyes.

This is my first official magazine shoot, so I am slightly nervous about looking ugly in the pictures but that is the least of my worries. I don't want to embarrass him or make a full out of myself. He is used to this. Being the prominent man that he is, photoshoots are childs play to him.

I take a small breath and nod up at him "I'm ready".

Once we settle down, JJ gets into work mode and starts shouting orders to her team, while the photographer keeps telling us to shift into different poses.

Two hundred frames, two outfit changes, and a video interview later,we are officially done. I cannot stress how exhausted I am enough. I just want these people out of here so that I can get into a warm bubble bath and relax in bed with my man.

While the production crew packs up, Isadora and Miss June help with cleaning up the kitchen since our whole house had to become a giant workstation. At least we were good hosts, and had some food ordered for all these thirty people.

The sound of the bedroom door opening gets my attention. I am in my robe, as I have recently changed out of the last outfit which was eveningwear. I look up to see Gigi, standing a few feet away from the door. I sit on the bed while she takes a seat on the chaise.

We sit in silence for two seconds before she speaks up, "I'm sorry".

I have to say that those were not the first words I expected from her at this moment but, I'll take it. I accept the apology.

"Look, Rosie you're my best friend. My sister. And I should have told you about Bryce the moment it happened". She wipes a stray tear from her cheek.

She continues to speak, while i sit patiently listening, "He came the apartment one time because he wanted to talk"

"Talk about what?".

"You", she answers. "He wanted me to help him with fixing his friendship with you. He felt bad about not speaking to you for months".

I scoff, "That was all his fault".

She nods, "And he knows that too"

I shake my head at her, "I'm sorry but how does his remorse about how things got between me and him tie into you guys being a couple?".

I really wanna know, because this story seems to be going anywhere except to the point.

She sighs, "we got to talking and I called him out on his crap. Anyway between the crying and the hugging.", she releases another breath, "We slept together".

Well...duh even I know that.

"But then we thought that we could avoid the sexual tension after it happened but then a few days later it happened again. So we kept having a physical relationship until our feelings got tied up in the mix".

The guilt mixed in with shame on her face is honestly tugging at my heartstrings. I can see how sorry she is.

"But you didn't tell me G".

She nods, "I know. I was planning on telling you before your graduation but things got so busy and I didn't want to spoil your weekend, especially since there was family around"

Her reason sounds justified but she still didn't say anything after that.

She stands and walks over to me. Taking my hand in hers she looks at me with teary eyes, "I'm so sorry Rosie, please forgive me".

She's my best friend and has been with me through thick and thin. If she wants to be with Bryce then who am I to stand in the way of love? I pull her towards me and we embrace each other in a well needed hug.

"It's okay, I forgive you" I say to her as her shoulders shake due to her crying. My own eyes become wet as I feel the tears trail down my cheeks.

I guess the makeup is now ruined. I was going to remove it anyway.

"So we're okay?" she asks.

I smile at her and nod, "We're okay.".

She pulls me into a hug once more and I hug her back with equal vigor.

She's more than just my best friend. She is my sister. A big part of my life and I am not about to let some boy drama break us up.

We're adults and we should resolve our issues like adults.

So yeah...we're okay.

***

BELLE POV:

I can't believe my eyes.

My little sister Stacy just walked in here with the worst news ever. I am about to freaking lose it.

"You're lying", I say to her. Bile rising to my throat.

Great! Now I'm going to throw up.

She shakes her head, "I'm serious I have proof".

I watch as she reaches into her tote bag and pulls out a magazine. She places it on the coffee table and My eyes nearly pop out of their sockets at what I see.

On the cover of Bliss magazine is Alexander with his arms wrapped around that stupid maid. A migraine attacks me as I read the cover:

It can't be. I spot the ring on her finger and my own fingers furiously page through the magazine to read the feature on them.

The more I go through the words, the more my eyes see red.

He's marrying that filthy cow!

That is supposed to be me. She's living out my life.

My ring.

My house.

My man.

"Hey calm down", Stacy says. I look up from the article and look at her. She has a smirk on her face. "Doesn't feel good does it?", she asks.

I want to slap that smug look off her face so bad.

Stacy and I may be siblings but she is the little sister from hell. She likes it when I suffer and this has just topped the list of things that she wishes would rip my heart apart.

"Shut up", I say to her. I get up from the couch and walk towards my kitchen to get a bottle of water. The pounding in my head seems to increase with each step I take towards the fridge.

"Come on. You deserve this. You're not a good person Belle." Stacy's annoying self says as she sits on one of the barstools.

I hate her.

But not as much as I hate that maid girl. She ruined my life.

"We both know that you never felt anything for Alexander. You wanted money and an upgraded status".

I throw the water bottle cap at her which she expertly catches.

"You're a thirty five year old model. Your time as a beauty symbol is over. You ruined what you had with that man by cheating on him with Matteo, who actually had feelings for you by the way".

I swear if she doesn't shut up, I will drown her in the kitchen sink.

I move around the counter, I walk out the kitchen, she still follows me around. Like some needy toddler.

I would kick her out but she'll come back like a boomerang.

I need to get out of here. I need air.

"I don't know why you have your panties in a twist. You were with Alexander for three months and out which you cheated on him for two. So calm down.".

She grabs the magazine and chucks it at me as I grab my purse and car keys "This is what greed gets you."

"I'm going for a drive". I move past her and quickly get into my car.

Driving around aimlessly calms my raging headache down. I feel better and then pull up into a small bohemian themed cafe. I walk in and see that the line is not so long. Only a few people in front of me.

I stand behind a tall man with blonde hair, and broad shoulders. He looks tense though and he is breathing heavily as he stares at something near the register. I follow his gaze and my heart also starts beating fast as for the second time I am bombarded with that Bliss magazine cover with Alexander and that damn girl.

"Ugh, not this again", I say out.