(Bella)The rest of the week just flew past without any drama, and for that I'm grateful. I buried my self in work even so more than usual. I don't think I've ever worked that hard but it helped keep my mind away from overthinking.I also didn't have to lock horns with Ashley or Judy and Dean hasn't showed up in that time, perfect.Maybe this will all be fine and I can finally have that quiet and peaceful life I've always wanted.Ivy went back to Canada, promising to keep in touch and that she has been doing. She never fails to call, speak with the twins and I also got to know Aria, she's so soft spoken, I couldn't help but love her the second I heard her sweet tiny voice.All in all, it's been a good week, well not until…"Mommy," Jasmine's voice wafted into my ears and I see her darting towards me."Careful baby, so you don't fall," I tell her, a wide grin appears.Wrapped in my arms, I stroked her hair and say. "Baby, Javier is napping, you should too," I tell her, feigning a frown
(Dean)Not going to see Bella this past week was the hardest decision I had ever made in my entire life.Fuck, maybe I shouldn't have listened to Ethan, he said he has a hunch that Bella hasn't moved on, that what she needed was space at the moment. It took me all night of tossing and turning to agree to his logic.I couldn't help it anymore, the torture became unbearable, so I decided to send her flowers instead, I had Humphrey scour for the best florist shop, I remember she loved roses, I hope she still does.My nerves are a little short, I feared she'd reject them, the tension and restlessness I felt was slow to leave, I stared at my phone, waiting to get a confirmation from Humphrey, regarding it.I poured myself a drink, hoping it'd help calm my racing nerves, but heck it doesn't. I grip my glass tighter. I guess I was lost in my train of thoughts that I didn't hear the door open."Are you alright?" Ethan eyed me, most likely sensing that I wasn't. Then his gaze shifted to the am
(Bella)"Thank you," I finally smiled at the delivery guy, taking the flower and the gift bag from him.Once I shut the door, I quickly picked Calvin's call before it rings out. "Hey," I mutter, my voice calm as a soft smile coils up on my lips.Calvin's voice comes through with a hint of concern. "Hey, I called in to check up on you in the morning but you didn't answer," he says. "You haven't responded to your emails either, just wondering if you're okay,"Surprised, I paused. Calvin's acting rather normal, I thought he called to check if I've received the gifts.Well, if he was aiming to surprise me then it worked, it actually did.I walk back and settle into the couch, my eyes on the gift bag. I exhaled slowly. "I have been in an incredibly morbid mood today but it's nothing serious, and I was hoping to check my emails later in the day," I explained and then my voice lowers and a grin appears. "But honestly, you didn't have to send me gifts, worrying about me like this, it's enough,
(Bella)The next day, Calvin visited. I noticed he has a forced smile all through, and he's more quiet than usual, avoiding eye contact.Once done putting the kids to bed for a nap, I walk back to where Calvin is.Calvin finally shifts his gaze to me. "They're asleep now?" He asks, keeping his voice even.I nod, offering a tiny smile. "Yeah, they must be exhausted from all that playtime,""Yeah, right," he says.There's a tightness around his mouth that betrays his words. I feel a knot form in my stomach.Calvin's shoulders stiffened as his eyes darted on me. "The gifts? They were from your ex?" He suddenly asked, his voice firm like he's so sure.I exhaled slowly. "Yeah, it's from Dean. But I'm not keeping it," I retort.Calvin's expression softens, and the tension in his shoulders eases a bit. "I see," he mutters and then he holds my gaze briefly. "You plan on returning them or..?""I will return them, I see no need why I should accept them anyways," I sighed.Calvin watched me a li
(Bella)It's been two days since my kids asked if Dean could be their father, I haven't given them any explicit answer yet but I have really given it a thorough thought.And by the time I made my final decision, I couldn't tell how my fear of Dean taking full custody dissipated.Perhaps it doesn't really make much sense, I mean, if he wanted to, he would have acted on it.So, yeah. This isn't about me anymore, it's about my kids, and I no longer intend to cavil or compromise.As a mother, my kid's happiness and wellness should be my utmost concern.I want to give them a chance to have both parents regardless of the situation with Dean.Of course my nerves are a little short about it, what it'll all bring moving forward.Ashley's threat played in my mind. Letting Dean play his dad's role will surely agitate her, as much as I always seem unaffected by her threats, I know she's more deadly than she looks.I mean, she has proven that over and over again.But then, am I really going to let
(Dean)I couldn't have been more restless after seeing Bella's text.She wanted to meet and talk, on one hand I was happy she texted, super excited even but on the other hand I was dreadfully nervous.Bella wanted to talk?That thought leaves me thrilled and anxious. We'd be having lunch this afternoon, and hence I welcomed the morning with an electrifying buzz.I wore my finest suit, a well polished shoe and made sure my hair was perfectly in place. I just couldn't help myself.Ethan noticed it, perhaps from my voice when he called this morning to remind me of the meeting with the upper Elites.And trust him to not fail to ask. "You sound incredibly thrilled for someone who'd be in the same space for two long hours with Eric Scott," He say, my mind drifts to the meeting I do not wish to attend.If it wasn't out of duty and perhaps business, I doubt I'd want to be anywhere near the likes of Eric. Eric always wants to undermine me at every turn. He seems to cease any chance he gets to
(Dean)If there's one thing I learned from my past mistake, it's to never trust other people's stories before hearing Bella's.I've learned the hard way, and Bella's the one I trust the most, I know that now.I might've cluelessly allowed Judy and Ashley to manipulate me but right now, no one has that power over me.Not even this despicable lying asshole.I look at Eric, and a dry chuckle escapes me. "Were you expecting me to flare up? Oh no, Eric. That's absurd, as a matter of fact, you should be thrilled to have her aboard," Thrown off, his smile fades and his face falls completely, I can see his eyes widen in disbelief, he looks at me like I didn't just say that.Having received the reaction I expected, I take a cautious step forward and tap his shoulders gently, his eyes follows my hand. "You'll be fine, Eric. We'll all be," I give him a tiny smile before retreating.I spot his balled fist but he didn't dare say anything else.I hear Ethan call me from behind, I turn to see him wa
(Bella)I woke up the next day and realized I had angrily closed my laptop without responding to Eric's mail.Of course the normal me would've left it unattended to, but then I need him to know that I wasn't some pawn he'd use in his dirty little games.Maybe if I tell him more assertively, he'll stop bothering me.I reach out to my laptop and quickly replied before starting my day."Hi, Eric. Well, consider this the last time I'll respond to you over this ridiculous offer, maybe, just maybe if you play fair and put in the required work, you'd measure up. I'm not a pawn you'd use in your malicious dirty games against your opponent, let that sink!"I let out a heavy sigh, and dragged myself out, ready to welcome the day.*******I set a reminder on my phone regarding lunch with Dean, as I settle into my chair, flipping through the files on my desk.I worked in silence, till Cynthia came in to say hi, she has been a little more friendly, no longer the grumpy lady who stalks me outside re
(Ashley)I pace the floor of my hotel suite in Italy, gripping my phone tighter as anger blurs my vision.This isn't how it was supposed to play out but yet again Dean's making it all about that bitch.Judy had clearly cut me off, her avoidance, her silence tells me all I need to know, maybe she's having cold feet now, she is.Dean cutting her out of his life and banning her from coming close had hit her hard, I bet she never expected any of that to happen, it was a big blow.She can be easily disarmed but not me. I've got nothing to lose.Dean could ban me for all I care, it changes nothing, he'd always be in my heart, always.Just a little longer and he'd see I'm all he needs, not her.So, I planned to hit Bella where it hurts the most, I knew how she enjoyed her private life and space and disrupting it was just a perfect move.And what better way to do it if not with those photos, it's super convincing, wouldn't even have to break a leg getting the media to believe it, even Dean be
(Bella)I spent the rest of the day in Ivy's new home, while looking after the kids together.I must say they've been a handful but we wouldn't have it any other way, watching them play, giggle, and talk makes it all worth it.Dean said he has something really urgent to take care of, he did call on his way to work, asking for Ivy's home address.I figured he'd want to come see the kids so I sent those in a jiffy.I'm on the couch going through a book I had picked from Ivy's room, while she goes to check on the kids as they nap.I hear Ivy's footsteps as she walks back to the couch and when I peer up to look at her, I see a smug smile. "You need to see this," she says shrugging down next to me and extending her phone.I take it and it's a clip, I give her a look before tapping on it. My heart did a little flip as I see Dean in a press conference.I straightened up, my interest piqued. Dean stood by the lectern, dressed in his three-piece suit, ready to address the audience.A small smi
(Bella)I wake up and Dean isn't beside me but I when I hear a little sound in the bathroom I knew he was in there.Last night was mind blowing, Dean did things to me that had me nearly passing out from pleasure.We both didn't leave this room, the only time I had to say anything to anyone was to Anne, she had knocked to ask if we'd have dinner and of course I dismissed her, we've both had our fill and by the time I had my sixth orgasm, we were both tired out and could barely stomach anything.Stretching, I'm about to get up when he saunters out of the bathroom, fully dressed."You're awake," he says, a smile finding it's way to his face. "I didn't want to disrupt your sleep, seeing you needed rest after….," he winks, pausing halfway.My face feels like volcano and I could barely hide it from him. "You're ready to go?" I manage to ask through a shy smile and he nods."Yup, but I asked Anne to whip up something for you," he says and almost immediately a knock comes to the door. "I gues
(Dean)The smile on her face makes my stomach clench with happiness and every ounce of jealousy I had felt suddenly ebbs away.I don't reply, my words failed me, all I did was stare at her, my desire laid bare.My eyes darken and the next thing I knew, I leaned over and claimed her lips, kissing her so hard. I need to get lost in her so bad, I want to eat her out for hours.She moans into my mouth and my dick throbs in my pants. I whirled her around, resting her back on the couch, towering over her, and claiming her lips once more."What are you doing?" She asks, out of breath, while I gently nibble on the nape of her neck. "Dean…Anne could…,""She's out to get groceries. It's just the two of us, baby." I murmur against her skin, running my hand over her hard, sensitive nipples through her silky top."She'll be back— in no time," she croaked out, causing me to pause and look at her.Fine, I picked her up and maneuvered us to her room, I gently put her down and pulled off her silky top
(Dean)I have called Arthur and asked him to urgently look into how those pictures got to the press and I know I'll have my answer in less than a day.I stood in front of Bella's front door and exhaled deeply, ready to face this strange lady but this time I won't be leaving if I don't see my woman.I press the doorbell and waited and after a while the door creaks open and this lady stood before me yet again, bearing an unreadable expression.But instead of telling me off, she shifts to let me in, and I see a smirk creeping up her face.Is she messing with me?"Come in," she says, giving me quite the look.I step in, still as confused as hell."Didn't you say you just —," I tried to voice out but the approaching footsteps cuts me off.I turn to see Bella, and she paused as soon as she sees me, staring into my eyes.The warmth in her eyes somehow takes all my worries and fears away."Babe," I call out softly and rushed to her, pulling her close and wrapping my arms around her, I hold he
(Bella)"Why didn't you say so sooner?" I smack her arms and she giggles slightly."Well, that's part of the surprise, telling you would have ruined the fun, don't you think?" she says, lifting her eyebrows.I shake my head, and walk over to her car to meet a beaming Aria, I pause.She's gorgeous, pretty eyes and a cute smile like her momma."Hi," I say, flashing her a smile.Her grin grows bigger and she throws herself into my arms. "Aunt Bella!" She squealed.I ruffle her hair and when I look back to where Ivy was standing, she isn't there anymore, she has opened the door of my car, leaning over and talking with the twins, I could literally hear their soft giggles.I snap my eyes back to Aria and kiss her forehead. "What's her name?" I pointed to her big doll behind her."Star," she says, her smile growing even wider."Such a cute name," I retort, ruffling her hair gently, my smile still in place. I just love her, I've loved her long before now.After we had our moment, I step aside
(Bella)Whoever was behind this aimed to ruin me, hence the reason my social handles were all over the media, notifications were pouring in, tons of hateful words, dirty comments and some even tagged me a whore and a golddigger.The blogs didn't relent, they're clearly milking this for all it's worth.Tired of reading through all the nonsense about me, I drop my phone and exhaled deeply.I'm handling this a lot better than my emotional self would, it baffles me but well, I'll have to do me, the world will be just fine.But then….. I pause, a thought comes to mind. If this lingers on, it won't be long before they drag my kids into this drama.I sigh, running a hand through my hair. Soon enough, it'll be the gold-digging wife and her secret babies.My kid's faces will be all over the media, I wouldn't put that past the person behind this chaos.God, I don't want them to drag my innocent kids into this and I definitely do not want this kind of ridiculous attention for them.I sucked in
(Dean)Unease, worry, a surge of helplessness, all of it scratch it's way through my skin, seeping through every pore.It's been over five seconds since this strange lady shut the door in my face, and here I am, glued to a spot.That isn't even the disturbing part, but wheels are already turning in my head at her response. She moved in?If that's not strange, then I don't know what is. A pang of uneasiness, fear, and a little bit of anger settles over me.Maybe if I hadn't freaking silenced my phones, I would have been here in time.But moving out? Did Bella really do that?I'm not believing any damn thing till I hear from her, and there's only one way to find out, actually two ways.Shit… I pause.I can't contact Derrick, I had angrily deleted his number when I thought Bella left me and I still don't have it now.Ugh. I run my hand through my hair, and then I lift my eyes and slowly walk over to meet the building's concierge.He bowed down to greet on seeing me.I give him a curt n
(Dean)Full tilt into my meetings and I've barely come up for air. It's been a busy day, even so more than usual.And I can't wait to get done with it and head back home to my woman and kids. I couldn't wait until I could hold Bella in my arms again.But then, I had an odd feeling when I called Bella before getting on with these meetings and she didn't answer, I texted her and waited for a while but got no response.Humphrey came to inform me that it was time for the meeting, my eyes had flickered on the phone before I put it on silence and handed it over to Humphrey, alongside my other phone.I do that whenever I have important meetings to avoid distractions, and this one is with international investors, so yeah."We're looking forward to working with you, Mr. Brennan." One of the men says with a grin as he extends his hand toward me.A smile sits on my lips as I take the hand he's offering. "It's a pleasure, Mr. Duke."Once done, I head out to where Humphrey is seated, waiting.He g