(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)"So?" Derrick breathed through the phone.I sighed. "Don't even get me started with the ridiculousness of Eric's offer," I all but shriek, the irritation I felt that day threatening to resurface.A brief laughter tore through Derrick's throat.I roll my eyes as if he could see that. "It's not funny," I say with a grimace."Clearly it isn't."I stifle a snort. "I just don't get it, Rick," I blurted out, running a hand through my hair. "They all see me as a pawn in their dirty games, throwing money around like it solves everything," I hissed."Wait," Derrick steps in and I could hear him suck in a sharp breath. "Aside from offering you a big position in Dynamite, did he also…?""A hundred thousand dollars and the position of CFO, just to get me to come work for him,""Son of a fucking bitch," Derrick cursed under his breath."Well, I told him to go fuck his mother," I assert.A soft chuckle escapes Rick's mouth and I bet he wiggled his eyebrows, clearly satisfied with my respons
(Dean)This was the day I was going to meet my kids….well, as a friend, not their dad, but it doesn't really matter, Bella has given me the chance to get to know them, that's enough, for now.I stand in front of my bedroom mirror, changing my outfit for the fifth time, in a bid to get the perfect outfit.Never in my entire life have I felt so many emotions at once. Ethan couldn't help but laugh at me when I kept asking him if I had chosen the right outfit. Ethan looks at me and shakes his head, a knowing smirk on his face. "You're freaking out, man. Need I remind you that you're meeting with your kids, you don't need perfection, they'd love you still," I let out a dragged breath. "I know. I just…. I want to look my best, I'll be spending quality time with them for the first time," I tell him like he doesn't know that yet."I hear ya bro, but I'm certain you don't need those," He points at the extra clothes I had brought out to try on. "Besides, I'm sure they'd be too distracted with
(Bella)I watch as my kids jumped all over Dean, telling him all about their day in school, showing him paintings and not to mention Jasmine bringing up Blossom just like she said she would.Nothing baffles me more than how comfortable they seemed around him, it just feels like they've known him since forever.And Dean? He seemed to be enjoying every bit of it, his smile has never left his face since he walked through that day.I tried as much as I can to avoid his gaze, I only speak when spoken to, and of course my super hyperactive kids didn't make it any easier, constantly getting me to talk to Dean.A smile did creep up my face from time to time as I watched Dean together with the kids, but I deadpanned anytime his gaze shifts to me.My kids were smiling quite a lot, they had this wide, beaming grin on their faces.I glanced at Jav, and my son's eyes were glowing as he looked at Dean with so much admiration, he has a wide smile glued to his face all through, it felt so good to see
(Bella)This is it! The day that I've been eagerly waiting for.Even though I tell myself it's just a casual weekend party with my colleagues, the nerves and excitement I feel say otherwise.Perhaps it's just my inner self wanting to unwind.I consider a knee-length satin burgundy dress, and a neckline that's just the right kind of bold, but looking at myself in the mirror had me second-guessing if it wasn't too daring.But then, I wanted to unwind, have fun maybe, it's been a while, and a daring dress it's just what fits.Eventually I decided against it, settling for a sparkling mini metallic sequin dress with a spicy rhinestone slit, it looked so perfect, daring and accentuates my curves perfectly.I didn't even have to look at the mirror twice to know that this is the one.It reminded me so much of my days in club forte, and too daring was a language I was well accustomed with, but then it wasn't a job I particularly enjoyed doing, the circumstances at the time was my biggest drive
(Dean)As Raymond wheeled the car into the driveway, I step down and sighted two familiar figures standing in front of my door.It's Mom and then… Ashley.I cursed under my breath, wondering why on earth would mother bring Ashley here, after I had strictly warned against it.I gritted my teeth, my hands fisting as annoyance and frustration bubble over.I sucked in a sharp breath, trying to stifle my anger, before taking a few steps forward, but not before telling Raymond to wait behind.God knows I have no time for this. "Dean," Mom calls out, a smile creeping up her face. "You're back," her smile grows even wider.I shifted my attention from my awkwardly excited mother to Ashley, and as usual she was wearing a rehearsed smile on.I give them a long stare before I blurted out. "What the hell are you doing here?" My question is directed at Ashley, who's smile instantly died on her lips."Dean! Behave, I raised you better than to talk to a woman like that," My mother snapped, giving me
(Bella)"You should be more careful," the black haired beauty winks at the bartender who looked like he never saw that coming.And then those gorgeous eyes landed on me and for a second I stilled, her mischievous grin is gone, replaced by a warm smile.And for some reason I couldn't stop a smile from creeping to my face as I hold her gaze and then she begins to walk up to me, her every step exudes confidence, drawing the attention of the people around.There's no denying it, she's elegant, so stunning, a badass in every word and the way she carries herself? Epic!There's something magnetic about her, something oddly familiar, I just can't wrap my head around why I feel drawn to a total stranger.And sure enough she appears before me, staring deep into my eyes and before I could will myself to say anything, she leans forward, pulling me into a big hug.Stunned, I blink. Not sure why I didn't feel the need to pull myself out of a stranger's embrace. Her hug brought silent comfort, warmt
(Dean)I opened the door to Rihanna's wide smile. "Hey bro," she says before stepping in.Her company is a welcomed distraction to my disheveled mind.I offered her a glass of wine before settling into the couch just across from her.She crosses her legs, taking a decent sip and then she watched me without saying a word."So what now?" she blurted out, bringing her glass down.I sighed, not sure how to put my emotions into words.When she didn't get a response, she straightens up, furrowing her eyebrows at me. "Look, you need to deal with this guilt. Otherwise, it's going to eat you alive—- and the tiniest chance you have of getting Bella back along with it,"I dragged in a sharp breath. "What if I lose her?" I find myself asking, unable to stop myself.Rihanna stares at me for a tad bit long before she drags in a shaky breath. "Trust me, you wouldn't want to know the pain of losing someone you love the most," she says, but there's an edge there.I hold her gaze, and I'm forced to ask
(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