(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
(Ashley)"To what do l owe this sudden visit?" Judy asks, bringing her glass down, her posture annoyingly serene.I threw my purse on the couch and blurted out. "He knows, I think he does!" I settle into the couch, my eyes on her.I see something flash through her eyes— maybe a little fear, worry? I don't really know but it's gone as quickly as it came. "And you say that because?" She gives me a look, her face blank.I hesitate a little, choosing my ways carefully. "Okay, the thing is," I began, my eyes darting on her. "I have been following Dean for quite some time now and he's been visiting that building, the last time I followed him, he saw them—- those kids, they ran up to him," my words stumbles out in a stutter, my face not hiding my irritation and anger.Judy rolls her eyes, sitting up straighter and there it was, that exact reaction I saw a while ago, more clearer this time.It's definitely fear, worry, panic."They ran up to him?" She repeats, her eyes darting on me like she's
(Judy)I take a sip from my glass, my mind spiralling as I watch Ashley leave.Of, course she has managed to instill that panic in me even though I'm world best at hiding my emotions.I'd be lying if I say I'm not bothered. Truth is, I am. And it scares me.If Dean ever finds out, then it'd be disastrous, he'll want to know more and when he eventually does. I sigh. Stopping my mind from thinking further, but it doesn't.My thoughts are running wild. I thought I had this all under control but no it doesn't seem like it anymore.I had offered that silly girl a life changing money to give up her kids, to leave and never come back but she vehemently refused, throwing the paper to my face.It did hurt my ego and even more from a girl like her, I didn't think she'd refuse, I thought she'd jump at the offer, after all girls of her caliber would do anything for money.Or perhaps, I tilt my head, the money isn't enough, she probably wants more?It has to be it. She's probably bidding for the r
(Bella)Seated in Calvin's office, I watch his body tense as I told him I invited Dean, my ex-husband over.He worked his jaw and furrows his eyes on me. "It's all for the kids, right?" Calvin asks with a raised eyebrow as he studies me intently.Noticing the worry etched on his face, I nod. "Of, course, he's coming only as their friend," I reassured him."Nothing more?" He asked again, more persistent and that made me shift slightly on my chair. I understand his concerns but there's something in his eyes, something more than a mere concern, something a little disturbing.I give him a tight-lipped smile. "Nothing more," I repeat. "Jav and Jas are oddly too fond of him," I add, not sure I can fully say it's odd, maybe it's only natural as he's their biological father even though they don't know that yet.Calvin holds my gaze for a moment before he exhaled softly. "It's fine," he says before his eyes shifts back to me. "Will you really be comfortable with him there? Perhaps I should dro
(Bella)I turn to meet her fiery eyes, burning with a barely contained disdain. "Ashley, I'm sure you know it's not cool to stalk people?" I retort, a tiny smile on my face."Oh shut up!" She spat, inching closer, her face switching to a smirk. She looks around the store, and then back to me. "You made a terrible mistake coming back here, Bella. A mistake you'll will pay dearly for," she threatens, her eyes locked onto mine.I know exactly what to say and how to react. Since I have my recorder on, I need to push her a little, just enough to make her spill her trash.I all but snorted. "A mistake, really?" I spat. "How so? As far as I can work out, you're the one trying so hard to hide your dirty little secret, not me." I give her a look and then a smirk forms on my face.I watch her face twitch and a frown resurfaces. "Don't get too cocky," she blurted out, her eyes cold as always. "You sound so self-righteous but we both know that a retired whore like yourself is far from perfect," s
(Bella)Ivy plopped down on the sofa beside me and gives me a quizzical look.Derrick isn't left out, he studies me like he's trying to figure something out."Okay, that's it. Spill, what is it?" Ivy says, her eyes flickering on me as I struggle to keep my excitement contained.A smile creeps up my face as I pull my hand from my back, flashing my diamond ring for them to see. "Ta-da! We're official now,"Ivy's eyes widens and Derrick gasps. Ivy takes my hand, taking in my ring and then she looks at me with a beaming smile. "This is — beautiful. Congratulations sis," she says, pulling me in for a brief hug.Derrick's eyes glistens. "I'm happy that you're happy sis, you're glowing," he says with a light chuckle."Ikr. It was one of the easiest yes I've ever said in my entire life," I beamed, running my fingers around my ring. But then I go silent, suddenly lost in my thoughts."Are you okay?" Ivy's voice pulls me back to earth, her face etched with concern.I nod and forced a smile. Sh
(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