(Dean)Somewhere in Pineview Estate, a sleek, black Bugatti was spotted at a corner, carefully parked.**Ethan raises an eyebrow, turning to me, "I can't believe you'd drag me into doing this?" He says, a note of disbelief on his face.I smirk but I don't say anything just yet, as if studying the environment.Ethan shakes his head, a chuckle slipping out of his mouth as he continues. "Stalking your ex-wife? Wow." He lets out, his eyes darting at me in clear tease.I eye him carefully. "I'm not," I let the words out too quickly, not sure why I'm being defensive. "I'm just—," I trail off. "I'm just curious, that's all.""I see," he has a smirk when he says this, and I don't miss the hint of sarcasm in his tone.Ethan leans back, his tone more serious as he says. "So what's the plan?" He asks.I breath out briefly, steeling my mind as I retort. "I have a weird feeling about Bella's return. She might've managed to fool me in the past but not this time. I'm not letting her have the upper h
(Bella)Calvin pulls out a chair for me to sit down as we approached our table.He offered to take me out, which I declined at first but then he insisted and well, here we are."This is so nice," I say, as Calvin takes a seat, just across from me. My eyes moves over the fancy restaurant, taking in it's nice ambience."I'm glad you love it," Calvin replies, his tone calm, too calm. And when I turn to face him, I catch him staring at me with so much admiration shinning in his eyes, it's unsettling but yet I can't deny the warmth that comes from it."I do." I mouthed, offering a small smile, an attempt to break the tension hanging over us.He nods, maintaining his smile. "I thought I should treat you to a really nice dinner, I noticed you've been quite stressed lately," Calvin says, his smile fading a little as he furrows his eyes on me, his expression shifts to that of concern. "Is anything troubling you?" He asks, his eyes pinned on me as if studying me.I smile, seeing the genuine conc
(Judy)"That trouble-causing slut!" I spat, pacing around the living room in a hissy fit, my anger bubbling beneath the surface.I so much hate that she's back here. How dare her?To think she'd shamelessly show up after all these years, such a hoochie!I did everything possible to keep her out of Dean's life, and it worked. She doesn't deserve my son, not worthy to be a Brennan. I don't know why Dean can't see that!I freaked out, oh l did. The moment Dean introduced an ordinary girl as his wife to be.I could still remember that day, it was right here, at this living room, I almost choked on my drink.And even worse, she's a stripper, an exotic dancer. How could Dean make such a mistake?Out of all the women to bring to me, he choose a worthless bitch, who has no place in our world, a nobody!I panicked.Dean is about ruining the perfect reputation my late husband had built, about to give the press a reason to talk about the Brennans.This would definitely bring our name to the mud.
(Bella)"Mommy, can we go to the mall later?" Javier ask as we're all seated at the dining table, having breakfast.Jasmine nods her head, like they have some sort of understanding.These two!I give Anne a quick glance before turning my gaze back to Javier. "Uhm okay but why honey?"His face breaks into a smile. "We might see the handsome mister there, mommy." He says, his eyes gleaming from what I can't quite place my hand on.I shift uncomfortably on my chair. I mean, the other day I overheard him and his sister talking about this same handsome mister.At first, it didn't really bother me. I mean that's what kids usually do, they talk about things that excites them.And I thought he'd forget eventually. After all, they're kids.But now, looking at his excited face, while he looks back at me, his expression tells me he's really hoping I'd say yes.But how can I?Not when this is starting to unsettle me in some sort of way.Before I could reply him, Anne steps in, offering a warm smil
(Bella)"Bella?" Calvin called softly, his eyes searching mine for a second. "I'm sorry about the other night, it wasn't my intention to make you uncomfortable," he says quietly. "I didn't mean to overstep,"I sensed the sincerity in his words, and offered a small smile. "You don't have to be, Calvin. It's fine, really." I reassure him.But if there's one thing that is certain from that night. It's Calvin and his feelings for me, he hasn't moved past it like I thought he would.I think I need to outrightly point this out but it's not now, not here, the timing isn't right yet."You sure?" He asks, looking at me keenly.I nod. "Yeah."I see him breath out in relief, his eyes pinned on me. "Thank you, for a moment I thought you'd be mad at me."I chuckle lightly. "What? No, Calvin." I replied earnestly."Well, I'm glad you aren't," he says, a soft smile playing at the corner of his lips.I chuckle lightly and glanced at my wristwatch. "I should go now. It's almost time to pick the twins f
(Ashley)"Patience Ashley. Be patient," Judy says with a glass of wine in hand, her legs crossed like an unflappable matriarch, her posture annoyingly serene.My blood is boiling with a rage I'm struggling to keep contained. So angry that this shameless bitch showed up here and is about to mess things up for me.I'm most certain she's not here solemnly for just business, and the look on her face earlier confirms it.And for that regard I doubt if patience is what we need right now. Best believe, it isn't.But Judy loves to be in charge, in control and since I need her to get to Dean, I will let her for now.Elena, who's sitting just across nods, adjusting slightly on her chair. "Pay that silly girl no mind. She's sharp-tongued, you shouldn't let anything she says get to you,"I want to believe that Bella was just rumbling but something about her confidence unnerves me, those taunting smile of hers puts me on the edge. It was like a stark mockery.The last time we talked, she was in te
(Dean)"Yes, Humphrey. What is it?" I asked, seeing the look of disbelief registered on his face.He shakes his head, but the small smile creeping up his face doesn't go unnoticed. "Nothing sir. Was just about reminding you of your meeting with Clein's but well—," his eyes moves over my tall frame before his expression returns to it's neutral state.But not before I caught the faintest glimmer of amusement in his eyes. It's understandable though, I barely remember my schedule if he doesn't keep me on track.And I'd long grown accustomed to Humphrey's subtle expressions, and I know that beneath his reserved demeanor, he was probably thinking, "Well, at least you're remembered this time."But it's not just any meeting, this has to do with Bella and me getting back at her, of course I ought to remember!"Great. Drop the files and let's go," I blurted out, skipping right past his observation.He nods and goes over to the desk to do as I had said while I walk away gently, pocketing a hand.
(Bella)"Are you okay?" Surprisingly Cynthia asked as l walk down the hallway but l mistook her concern as she trying to pick a fight, like she always do.But I'm not about to engage her.I frown. "Not now, Cynthia." I said in a stern tone as I walk past her, my frustration simmering beneath the surface."Hey, I'm just trying to be nice here but you know what? Screw that," she spat, and next thing I heard the door of her office slammed shut.I ignore that, stepping right into my office, my chest tightening with an unbearable hurt.To think I convinced myself that I've moved past this, but there's never been a time Dean's words doesn't cut deep into my heart.And no matter how hard I try to act nonchalant, unbothered about his opinion of me, the hurt is still there. I want so much to be able to get over him completely.And I think I will need to get hold of all the emotions I'm feeling right now.It's not just hurt, it's even more of anger than hurt.A gentle knock comes to my door, cut
(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
(Bella)I got home in time before Javier and Jasmine woke up, I had to, Anne isn't too strong to get them ready for school on her own, and I needed her to get all the rest she can.I didn't get Ivy's call nor text, she usually calls every morning or leaves a text. I had called but she didn't answer and hasn't returned the calls.I pocket my phone and help get the twins ready for school before heading to make us breakfast.As I move around the kitchen, plating the food, I couldn't help but reminisce about last night, it was beyond what I could put into coherent words, it was beautiful, it was passionate and it felt right, more right than anything has in a long time.I had a corking good time.We made love till we were both tired out, we talked about a lot, from how I felt when I realized Ashley and his mother had set me up down to how challenging being pregnant and alone was, how helpful Calvin has been.My stomach twisted when I mentioned Calvin, a subtle reminder of our unresolved is
(Bella)Those words were all it took, and Dean's lips are on mine again, devouring every inch of my mouth, I could barely catch my breath as the kiss grows more intense with every second.It feels like we're both starving, the passion is still there, as fiery as ever.Dean lifts me up against the wall, his lips still on mine, while I wrap my legs around his waist.After a few minutes of kissing me none stop, he gently brings me down, and striped me bare, discarding my dress and I watch his eyes darken as he stares at my body, eyes filled with admiration."You're so beautiful," his voice is hoarse and soaked in desire, he undid his button, shrugging out of his shirt, revealing a well-defined chest and sculpted abs.My eyes roams his body, exploring every fascinating inch of his chest and abdomen and then my face flushed as my eyes drifted to a certain bulge in his boxers briefs. When I look up to meet his gaze, he has a smirk.He took a single step forward and that was it, he whirls me
(Bella)The awkward silence lasted till Calvin was out of sight. I turn to look at Rihanna and she looks a little sad, her eyes pinned in the direction Calvin had taken.I clear my throat, snapping Rihanna back to reality. "Is everything okay?" I say, my eyebrows lifting in question.She forced a smile. "Oh, it's nothing," she waves it off. "How have you been, Bella. It's been such a long time," she says, her eyes lightening up again.There, she's being too obvious about changing gears but that's okay. I understand awkward moments better than most.I exhaled, offering a smile as warm as hers. "I've been great actually. It's so nice to see you," I say earnestly."Yeah," she mutters, her gaze softening. "We should catch up sometime," she says and I nod."Yeah, we should,"We talked a little more before she excused herself to join her date.As I watch her leave, I couldn't help but think about earlier, what was that?There's definitely something, it can't be nothing.Calvin looks like he