(Dean)Her words hit me like a punch to the guts, and I struggled to find the right response. "I can't, I— I just can't stay away," I admit, my words stumbles out in a stutter. "Please don't shut me out, I'm sorry, I really am." My voice cracks, barely above a whisper.I look at Bella and she has this look, eyebrows all scrunched up. "I don't care, sorry doesn't fix anything," she spat, her voice trembling with both anger and hurt."I know, it doesn't erase the past," my voice cuts in sharply. "But moving forward I want to be the man you once knew, the man you fell in love with, a better man for you, our kids." I say and paused. "I do not want to be that man who runs away from problems anymore," I say, my voice filled with raw emotion.She takes a step forward, her eyes narrowing on me. "How thoughtful!" She mocked. "I should probably pin a medal on you or something," she spat, her voice dripping with sarcasm.Even in the midst of sarcasm, I can see the hurt buried beneath her words.
(Bella)As I walk away from where Dean is, my steps are firm but there's a tight feeling in my chest, I'm not really sure why.I walk into my apartment and silence filled the room, a subtle reminder that I've got kids who are undoubtedly mad at me, I shouldn't have lost it in front of them like that.I see Anne walking into the living room. "They're mad at me, aren't they?" I ask, dropping my bag on the couch.Anne noticing the worry in my voice, nods slowly. "Yes, they are, but I already cheered Jasmine up, she isn't crying anymore," she tells me.I let out a deep sigh, slipping out of my heels. "Thank you, Anne. Please get the things in the car," I say, settling into the couch.She gives a polite nod and leaves.As I sit there, my mind drifts back to Dean, my thoughts a chaotic mess and for some weird reasons his hurt face is stuck in my head, refusing to go.I angrily told him that I don't love him anymore, that's not exactly true but I want it to be, for my sanity, because it just
(Bella)I walk Derrick to the door, he steps out, turning to face me. "Don't overthink anything, one step at a time, you'll get through this," he gives me a comforting hug."Thank you, Rick. My regards to Ebony," I manage a small smile.As I shut the door, I lean against it, trying to steel my mind from everything.Once done, I made my way to Jasmine's room, quietly pushing her door open. There she is, already asleep, her small frame curled up under the covers, alongside her doll.I walk up close, and when I take a closer look at her face, I see the remnants of dried tears that crisscross her cheeks, leaving behind a subtle map.My heart aches as I carefully caressed her cheeks, my mind reminiscing over what happened earlier.I shouldn't have lost it in front of them like that but Dean he– he just have a way of getting under my skin.I gently brushed a strand of hair away from Jas's face, a small smile creeping up my face.After a while, I quietly walk to the door and carefully closed
(Bella)I step out of my office to Calvin's. I did stop by earlier to say hello but he wasn't around. Apparently, he hadn't been since morning.His secretary said he'll be coming in late and it baffles me that he didn't tell me, that's unlike Calvin but then I figured it must've been something really urgent.I knock gently and invite myself in."Bella," he raises his head from his laptop, a warm smile creeping up his face.I return his smile, walking over to his desk."Please," he says, gesturing to the chair just across from him.My smile gives way to a light chuckle, deciding to tease him a little, I retort. "You say that like I'm some stranger walking into your office for the first time,"That elicited a chuckle from him, he places a hand on his chest dramatically. "My bad, pardon me." He says between chuckle.I laugh, the both of us."Is everything okay though?" I ask as soon as our laugh quiets down, my eyes pinned on him. "You're just coming in, that's unlike you," I add.He lea
(Bella)I flip through the last document on my desk, breathing out in relief. But that wasn't all for the day.I have a meeting with a client in a couple of minutes, I know I probably should hurry but the scheduled venue isn't far from Clein's.I've been a lot cautious since Judy pulled that client bullshit on me and it's safe to say that this was truly a client, not some red-hair grumpy woman disguising to be one.I exhaled deeply, closing the document and almost immediately a gentle knock comes to the door and Cynthia pops out her head from the doorway."You busy?" She ask, giving me a quizzical look but I don't miss the nervousness in her voice.I glance at my phone, looking back at her, I reply. "I've got to meet a client but I can spare a few minutes, come in," I offer her a tiny smile.She nods and steps in."Please," I say, gesturing her to take a seat.She settles in, dragging in a sharp breath, she looks at me and then let out an almost awkward laugh. "I know this sounds stup
(Dean)"So, let me get this straight," Ethan says, bringing his glass down, his eyebrows raised. "You bought those and showed up at Bella's doorstep?" he points at the items I had gone with to Bella's apartment."What?" rolling my eyebrows, I drawled, taking a long sip from my glass. "I just wanted to do something nice, you know." I say defiantly."And you ended up messing things further up." He locked his eyes on mine, shaking his head briefly.I leaned back on the couch, restlessness building up in my gut. "I guess," I mutter in a whisper, acknowledging the truth in his words, and then I remembered her words, the part that makes my stomach churn and decided to share.I run a hand through my hair, the hurt resurfacing. "She said she doesn't love me anymore," I divulged, my voice a little tight as the weight of my words settles over me.Downing his drink, Ethan gives me a look. "I don't think she meant that,""You say that like you know for sure," I worked my jaw and sigh, not in anyw
(Dean)I blinked, trying to be sure that my mind wasn't playing a cruel trick on me, but hell it isn't.I give Ethan a quick glance before grabbing my phone in a rush. Leaning back, Ethan just stares at me.I might have held my breath as I slide the green icon."Hello," her breathy voice wafted into my ear, soothing every frazzled nerves. "This is Bella,"I swallowed. "I know," I say, my voice barely audible as I try not to sound as nervous as I already am."Ok.." she goes silent and then her voice comes up again. "Sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you could come over sooner, the…my kid's are fussing over seeing you,"There's a long pause from my end, I roll my eyes, glancing at Ethan briefly while trying to process if I've heard her correctly.I guess she misunderstood my silence because her next words pulled me out of my trance sharply. "Well, if you're busy I could just….,""No, I'm not." I blurted out, my words stumbles out quicker than I intended. "I'm totally free, when
(Bella)"It's just a visit, for my kid's sake, it's nothing serious and it's no big deal to have him over," I tell myself, over and over again as soon as I disconnected the call.Hoping these words will sink in and calm my frazzled nerves. I might have been pretty tense during the phone call because I let out a very long exhale afterwards.I've thought about contacting him for a day or two, and I finally made up my mind to stop thinking and actually do it.Not to mention that at some point, I considered packing out of this building since Dean owns it, that way he won't be able to bother me, us.But then, it's that really going to stop him?Logically, I don't think I can be able to keep my kids away from him forever, Derrick has the same opinion too. His exact words and I quote "I hate to say this sis, but you can't forbid Dean from wanting to be part of his kid's life"Those words did quite a number on me as well. I've thought about this for a while…. No, I've actually given it a thoro
(Bella)I slip into the red fitted dress with thin shoulder straps and gasped, the dress was beyond beautiful and it fits so well, beautifully hugging my curves.The heels was chef kiss, it compliments my dress perfectly. I grabbed my purse and smiled to myself knowing Dean's waiting.I step out and see Dean, he's waiting for me at the door with a smile on his face and the way he looks at me makes my stomach do flips.He stood less than two feet away from me, his dark hair was well styled, exposing every magnificent angle of his face.His black suit jacket was slightly unbuttoned, as well as his white shirt, exposing a subtle part of his chiseled chest, my eyes inadvertently flicker on it for a second, taking in this incredibly handsome man that's all mine.Then came his deep sultry voice as he takes me in. "You look—incredibly gorgeous, love." He says through gasp, his eyes sweeping all over me. "I just knew this was the perfect dress, and it looks even more prettier on you," he gush
(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