I had the house to myself, which was a good thing in my books. There was no one here to see me sulk and stuff my face with food. My only company was Gideon and he kept to his own his side of the house. Even my escorts were unavailable. Guess at the end of the day, protecting his precious Ava was more important than guarding me.For the millionth time that day I filled my bowl to the brim with cereal and sat crossed legged on the plush rug, as I watched several reruns of my mother’s favorite telenovela, since my life was becoming one. They might have tips for handling my fake husband’s possibly crazy ex.To say I was in shock was a simple term, so many times I had replayed that night in my head, wondering if I missed something.We were talking, and then she slammed her head on the counter. My hands were no where near her, I think? With the fear I saw on her face after she raised her bloodied head, I wondered if I had actually done it in a fit of rage, and wiped the incident from my mem
I looked down at the clear liquid, hesitating.“You didn’t say anything about the new decor Wynona.” I pointed out, pouting as I raised theglass.“Oh yeah!” she giggled turning around. “It looks great, I would have done a lot more…”-she ran her hand across a frame of a painting. I could not tell what the artist was going for, all I could see were legs and a ton of color, but I liked it. Seeing my chance, I emptied the contents of my glass into the plant pot beside me, hoping the dosage would not be enough to kill the plant.I raised the glass to my lips just as Wynona turned.She frowned at me, then shrugged and smiled. “I wanted us to drink at the same time, but hey! I appreciate the spirit.” She downed hers and gagged, sputtering. “How the fuck did you manage to keep this down with a straight face?”“Oh you know, Italian genes.” She snorted at that.It took a little convincing, but Gideon reluctantly agreed to let me go out without him, even though his brows stayed knit together as
That was the longest shower I had probably taken. I let the hot water run over my body for the longest time, to wash away the smell of alcohol and my anger at Ethan for his words. Was I angry at what he had said, or the fact that he was with Ava all day and only came to boss me around, or was it just the fact that he had been with Ava? I knew this feeling. Jealousy.I turned off the shower and stepped out.By the end of thirty minutes, I had on pants and a cashmere top, and carried the luggage I had packed for the trip, enough for a week. My eyes fell on the drawer containing Wynona’s gift and my cheeks colored.Ethan had also changed clothes and was now dressed in cream colored slacks and a light colored polo shirt. He stared at one of the art pieces I had got. I cleared my throat to alert him of my presence. He gave me a once over and nodded his approval.“You ready?” He asked coldly.Dotting Ethan was gone, and brooding Ethan was back.After I nodded, he turned on his heel and open
Cool air blew around me raising my hair off my neck as it barreled in my face. I could smell the sea from our place. I itched to see the beach but waited as Ethan led us to the main house. Natural looking décor hung around the property giving it a calming feel. I now understood why rich people went on vacations in homes like these. “Is this really yours?” I asked incredulous“Not mine specifically. My grandfather bought this property a long time ago, it has been in the family ever since, why?” I forced my grin down and unlocked the patio door Ethan pressed his phone to his ear and moved down a corridor as he spoke into the receiver.I took off my sandal heels and ventured further unto the patio. There was a little dinner setting, covered Jacuzzi and a little swing, but more importantly, the empty beach. I felt drawn to it. God I would love the week we would spend here. I walked to the sand and sunk my feet in, allowing it to cover my toes. A giggle of pleasure escaped from my lips. It
I woke up earl y that morning to make breakfast. A little exchange since he had made dinner for us last night. After a comfortable meal, we set on our mission.He stopped us in front of a unisex shop for clothes and helped me out of the car.The shop was unassuming on the outside but absolutely gorgeous on the inside. With bold- looking interior design that would appeal to both their male and female customers. A sales representative welcomed us and asked who needed outfit.“We both do.”“Would you like your fitting together?”“She should get started with the designer. It won’t take me long to find a suit.” he replied with a charming smile. The representative grinned back at him.“Of course Mr. Crowe.”She led me to a small room and people brought in snacks and food while I waited for them to bring dresses out. She walked in, in a cute black business suit with her afro styled in a low bun.“Mrs. Crowe. It is a pleasure to finally meet you! I’m Imani. ” she said fondly with light in her
I moved towards him hesitantly.“You know you can just play music on your phone right?” I said to lighten the mood. “Riya’s going to have a live band playing. This is as close as we get to imitating that atmosphere. plus...music sounds more romantic when coming from one of those. It’s my father’s favorite thing. Step closer” I held my breath as I stopped in front of him. “Closer Mae.” I did.He sighed, exasperated and pulled me closer to his body. “Now put your hands around my shoulder.” He ordered. “follow my lead”He showed me a basic waltz and then some, where we could move around the room. I giggled when I almost tripped. “Let's just stick to staying in one spot alright?”My laugh died in my throat when I noticed that Ethan had gone completely still beside me. His hands still rested on my hips where he tried to steady me. when I looked up at his face inquisitively, his eyes locked into mine, revealing a blaze of desire.He sighed, “You’ll be the death of me, Mae.“ I didn’t know wh
I moved towards him hesitantly.“You know you can just play music on your phone right?” I said to lighten the mood. “Riya is going to have a live band playing. This is as close as we get to imitating that atmosphere. plus…music sounds more romantic when coming from one of those. It’s my father’s favorite thing. Step closer” I held my breath as I stopped in front of him. “Closer Mae.” I did.He sighed, exasperated and pulled me closer to his body. “Now put your hands around my shoulder.” He ordered. “follow my lead”He showed me a basic waltz and then some, where we could move around the room. I giggled when I almost tripped. “Let's just stick to staying in one spot alright?”My laugh died in my throat when I noticed that Ethan had gone completely still beside me. His hands still rested on my hips where he tried to steady me. when I looked up at his face inquisitively, his eyes locked into mine, revealing a blaze of desire. He sighed, “You’ll be the death of me, Mae.“ I didn’t know wha
I moved away from Ethan slightly so I could see Ishaan’s face. He was smirking. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Ethan bellowed. I was relieved I was finally out of Ishaan’s grasp, but I could feel drama brewing.“Relax mama bear. I was just having an…Interesting conversation with your wife, one that I would like to get back to when you’re done with your tantrum.” He cocked his head to the side and looked at me. “he’s very uptight isn’t he. I see why you’re in need of me.”Horrified gasps left my mouth as Ethan ’ s fist connected with Ishaan ’ s jaw. I heard someone call his name and realized the small voice was from my mouth.“Ethan, stop!” I shouted further. I got pushed behind as a couple men hurried towards them and tried to separate them. Ishaan was bloodied and grinning while Ethan still looked furious.“What is going on?” Riya said, confused as she took in the scene before her. A crowd had already formed around us and they parted to let her through. I cringed when I t
CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINE“Pregnant?”I nodded. Pregnant. The word rang continuously in my mind. It's good news.“We need to go see Cartwright tomorrow,” Ethan suggested.“Sure.”“I can't believe he is going to be a father.”“Me too.” I concur.“Go to bed, you need to rest. It has been a long night.”It has. I looked up at his face, “Goodnight.”“Goodnight Cupcake.” He lowered his lips to my forehead and planted a gentle kiss on it. I took in his scent once again before he pulled away from me and made his way to the door. Don't go. I wanted to say those words to him badly but I couldn't.He opened the door and left. I looked down at my phone, reading the message again Wynona had sent.Wynona: I’m pregnant, Mae. I know. It came as a shock to me too. I'm scared and I don't know what to do.I tapped on it to reply.Me: Don’t be. It is good news. Have you told Cartwright? After sending the message, I proceeded to exit the message box but stopped when I saw the three dots dancing at the botto
“What are you doing, Jace?” My voice trembled with fear. Jace ignored my question, his eyes locked into mine. I struggled to be free from his grip but he was stronger. “Stay still, I'm not doing anything to you Mae. I just want to hold you.” “You can hold me but not in this inappropriate manner. I have a husband.”“A husband that has his Ex lurking around. You deserve better.”“Better? What do you mean?” I averted my gaze. This conversation was about to go southwards. A conversation I’d love to avoid.He let go of me and took three steps backwards, his hands in the air in a surrendering gesture. “By better, I surely don't mean me, of course.” He chuckled. “I had you there, didn't I? I'm sorry if my actions caught you off guard, I wanted to check something.”“And what is that?”“To see if you fit in my hands perfectly. You didn't, because of your tiny figure. I like my girls taller and thicker.”“Jace!”“Sorry.”“You are fucking, Psychopath.” I giggled. “Well, that sounds familia
“You don't have to act like this, Mae”“Really? Please tell me how to act, Ethan. Tell me.” I pinched my brows tightly as I sighed deeply, “Mae, I'm sorry. Alright. I shouldn't have danced with her or even said anything to her.” I explained while walking behind her. She had her back against me the entire time I spoke. Her long strides led her to the door. Mae twisted the knob and pulled open the door, “Leave my room.” She demanded. Her hand was on her hip and the other was on the knob. I have never seen Mae this mad.Why did I let Ava get to me? Why did I even dance with her tonight? She let me know and now, her actions want to ruin my marriage? Not happening. I lo...like Mae and I'm not letting her go no matter what. Moving from the spot where I stood rooted in shock, I took three steps closer to her, “Mae—”“Leave,”I sighed in defeat and proceeded to leave. Nothing will make her change her mind once it has been made.I heard her scoff as my legs began to move. “Of course.”I
Ethan had his eyes on me the entire night throughout the remaining ceremony process. He watched me like a sniper watching his victim, ready to pull the cock and fire the shot of questions probably piled up in his mind. I pretended not to notice his little sighs, the way his hands twitch and involuntarily ball up into a fist. He would release it whenever he caught himself. I wanted to wrap my hands around him, to take his sweet scent but the anger was greater than my feelings. Ethan has been nothing but kind to me except for the few times he has been a dick. He is a good man, the little voice in my head reminded me. He doesn't deserve this mental torture. I pushed back the thought and went on with my night till the event was over and we went back home.The door of the car swung open with a little bit of force as I was impatient to wait for him to open the door even though he was already there. The door grazed past his knees and I heard him cuss under his breath. Climbing down from
The sound from her cheek, as my hand landed on it with full force, resounded around us, piercing through the solemn music playing in the background. How can she be so desperate? First a picture, now a kiss? I couldn't take it anymore. The music paused abruptly, a pause that turned all eyes in our direction. Soon, whispers and gasps swallowed the silence from the crowd watching us.Ava held her cheek in disbelief, her widened eyes locked into mine and I returned it with a fierce gaze. She should know not to mess with me. Ava has been on my nerves ever since I entered Ethan’s life but all this has to stop. I hope this will put her in her place.“Did you just slap me?” She confronted as though she just realized what had happened.“I did,” I responded in agreement. “ It seemed you were drunk, that was meant to sober you up. How are you feeling?”“How dare you?!” She shrieked. I shook my head slightly in scorn, “Exactly. The same damn question I asked myself. Why are you so desperate to
My whole body froze as my name slipped out of his beautiful lips in public. It was unexpected and I didn't know how to react but to sit tight and smile.He caught me off guard with that one. My heart raced with joy, warmth spread through my body as I stared at him on stage.He stood tall like a Greek god dressed in a perfectly tailored maroon colored suit that seemed to almost match the color of my gown. I blush inwardly at the thought of it.His usually stoic demeanor has somehow softened as his eyes stayed glued to mine during his speech.Ethan paused after a long address to the crowd, his voice softened and he began to address his grandfather directly.“Grandfather, you have always told me that success isn't making money. It's about making a difference. It's about creating something that will outlive us. And I want to make this promise to you tonight. I will do everything in my power to honor what you have built. I will always carry forward the values you have imbued in me—- integr
“Ava is in the banquet,”“How do you know?” She asked again, her face furrowed.“Cartwright sent a text to inform me about it,” I explained.Mae scoffed, “Great, just great,” She relaxed her face, stretching out the slight crease on her makeup and a tight smile that disappeared almost immediately. “ A good start to ruin my evening.” She murmured.“Are you cold?” I asked concerned about her bare back being exposed to the chilly air of the evening.“Are you bothered?” She fired back, although her voice was low, the irritation was evident.“You know I'm not. Let's go.” I instructed, pointing to the door. She lifted the hem of her gown off the floor and proceeded to walk out of the living room into the garage. I followed behind a guide to watch her steps. As we got to the garage, we entered the BMW Vantablack car and drove off in the direction of the event.As we arrived, a valet rushed forward to collect the keys and I handed it over to him. After he drove off, I curved my hand gesturing
“How is Mae?” My grandfather's voice resounded in the glass walls of the office.“The news broke her but she is good now, I hope,” I explained to the old man who stared at me blankly. No emotion on his face.“What are you going to do about Ava?”“Errmm—- I…” I started but of course, he interrupted like always.“You don't know how to handle the issue? How am I supposed to hand over my company to you when you can't even handle a minor case like this?”“I will handle it. Relax and have faith in me.” I cajoled.“Relax? You want me to relax.” He scoffed cynically. “Because of whatever silly relationship you had with that girl—who was up to no good, my company is about to fall apart and you want me to relax? You haven't even given me a grandchild!.” He snapped.“Grandfather.”He sighed deeply, “The handover ceremony will be a good solution.” He pinched his brows and released it, stretching his thumbs opposite ways to the end of his brows. “Prepare for the banquet and make sure you appear ha
“Why did you marry me if you were still in love with her? I never wanted all these. You took advantage of my family's situation because you knew I was vulnerable at that time. Now I watch you write my story while I'm forced to read a version of myself I don't know.”“Mae!” Ethan cried out, “please just listen to me. “I can explain.”“Don't you understand, Ethan? Your explanation will not change the fact that you fucked her and lied in my face about it. How could I have been so stupid to believe you? Handling issues?” I scoffed, “ More like handling her in bed. I don't even know why I am so angry about this. This is nothing but an arranged marriage, you can have sex with whomever you choose. Now, please open the door.“You got it all wrong, Mae”“Huh?”“Whatever you saw was from years ago. Ava and I are done, thoroughly done.” He explained. “I don't know why she posted an old private picture of us kissing or what she was aiming at us but please me when I say, I don't have feelings for