Zoey's POV I gulp down more water hoping the painkillers will kick in soon. Hissing at the sharp pain that sporadically jabs at the side of my head, I rub my temples in a soothing fashion in an attempt to alleviate some of the pain. I swear this is one of the worse day, having and experiencing a migraine is no small feat. Slowly shutting my eyes, I block out some of the harsh brightness in the well-lit room. Its so bright in here, I don't recall it ever being so. Heaving a low sigh, I prop a foot up to try and get comfortable on the swivel chair. The family doctor I saw two days ago had told me it would be normal to experience minor headaches here and there. However, if I feel it is something more, I should come in for a second exam. Might as well. I swear my head is going to damn explode!Calming my breathing and thoughts, I block out the noises around me. I lay like this position for God knows how long before my phone suddenly goes off in the silent room. Perfect. I take my f
Xavier's POV I curse under my breath as I look down at the vibrating iPhone in my palm. Getting a little irritated, I finally glance at the screen. "We're not done here," I say sternly to Zoey before accepting the call when it rings for the third time. "Hey baby," I sliently chaiste myself after realizing what slipped from my mouth. I really don't want to give this girl the wrong idea especially now since... Forget it. I shake my head in disbelief as I mindlessly caress my chin. I never thought seeing Zoey would be this hard. All my old feelings came rushing back to the surface, trying to suffocate me with so many buried emotions. It had gnash at my loosely bandaged wounds, effectively re-infecting my old scars. It seems like no time even passed between us. I'll be a fool to think otherwise though. If only I was just more open minded, things probably would have turned out differently. I can't erased what I did and I just ha
Zoey's POVThis wasn't a part of the fucking plan. Tears stream down my face as I recall that night when he told me he did not want a kid. Fast forward eight years later when I run into the same bastard and earlier than I actually anticipated. My body trembles as a new wave of fresh tears blur my vision. All those feelings from that night rushes back to me ten fold. My eyes water even more and goosebumps slowly dot my skin at the crippling memory. I lean my head back on the soft sofa, enjoying the sound of crackling charcoal. There's no need to cry. I repeat the small mantra to myself in hopes that these horrible feeling would go away. "Thought you might need this," I look up to see my sister with a wine glass and a bottle in her hands. She hands me the glass of what seem to be ruby coloured red wine. "Couldn't find anything stronger," "T-thank you," I reply hoarsely as I take the glass. I wipe the streaming tears from unde
Zoey's POV I really thought I could do this but I am so wrong. Dead wrong. I am only seated for a few minutes and I already want to bolt. The man who fucked up my life is sitting directly across from me. His expensive cologne is which is already infused with the cool AC drift to tease my nostrils ever so often. I subtly press my thighs together shamefully ignoring the heat that is there. Goosebumps slow erect on my exposed skin and I can feel my mouth starting to go dry. I frown when my hard nipples brush against my bra. No, you hate this man! You're just slightly aroused because you can't find dem damn batteries for your vibrator. Satisfied with that I exhale softly and slowly as I gain back control over my body. I can feel his eyes drilling into the side of my face but when I glance over at him he is looking up front. Prolly, it's just me. I swallow painfully blinking back the memories that slowly flood my brain once agaon. I tremble slightly hating the sudden temperature dr
Xavier's POV I watch silently as she removes the sleek phone from her ear. Rolling her eyes, she stuff it in her bag then swing it on her arm in one swift motion. I bite my tongue harshly trying to not recall what almost transpired between us a few seconds ago. I'm very grateful for that phonecall; even though I have some sort of self-control another second and there's no telling what could have happened. My neck and face feels flushed as fuck just thinking about it; I can feel beads of sweat roll from my neck down my Armani suit. I wanted to kiss her badly but I ain't touching her until she begs me to. "I have to go and I am resigning," Zoey's clipped tone snaps me out of my thoughts. I plop back down on the chair watching as she slip on her other shoe. Without another word she sashays out the door leaving me by myself in her office. Groaning in defeat, I rest my face in my hot hands. "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!" I breath out as I contract every muscle in my body to try and refrain from
Zoey's POV "Yeah, I'll be there tomorrow," I say to Tracy who is on the other end of the call. Realizing how stupid I was being ealier I called her a few minutes ago to explain my abrupt absence today. I told her that I had preferred to work from home, which is not entirely a lie plus I'm not ready to disclose my planned resignation just yet. I have to find a whole other job first. "Thanks, goodbye." "So?" Jaz ask as she sip water from the huge plastic cup. We're currently sitting at a small quiet coffee shop not too far from the hospital Ethan works at. "According to her she had no idea the company was even sold until he came in this morning. Apparently some shareholder twin whatnot sold their part of the company to Xavier," I say before munching on my cheese sandwich. I moan lowly, enjoying the spicy cheese and crunchy bread that melts in my mouth. She makes a stank face at the mention of Xavier before fanning me off, "Per favore. I'm not talking about Mr. Big Bucks, I'm taking
Xavier's POV The next day "I think this concludes the meeting for today." Tracy announce gaining everyone's attention at the table. Her shiny black straight hair bounce off her small shoulders as she stands. "Our lawyers will read through so we'll get back to you on that. In the meantime I'll call a meeting today to correctly inform the staff and give them a heads up," she sticks out a manicured hand towards me. "Xavier," "Tracy," I briefly shake her hand giving her a small smile which she returns. The rest of the board rises from their seats talking amongst themselves. "Good to see you again," "Same here," "I guess we'll be partners soon enough, huh?" "Can't wait for that," she lets out a awkward laugh before moving on to shake my lawyer's hand. Excusing herself Tracy joins the other men and women who are talking amongst themselves. She's obviously not too thrilled about the possible partnership but that's something she'll just have to deal with. I tuck my hands in my suit poc
Zoey's POV I prop my aching feet up on the footstool, my tired eyes lazily stare over at the large tv embedded on the opposite wall. The bright screen blur as my drosey mind wander back to the impromptu staff meeting today. I never even got a chance to tell Tracy that next week is probably the last week that I'll be working for her, for Stephen Enterprises. I really want to give her a heads up before I turn in that damn resignation letter, just haven't gotten around to do that yet. I've worked at that place for around four years, that's four long years of me putting in enormous amount of work to help keep the company afloat. As they say though, all good things must come to an end. It truly will be a bittersweet moment if I choose to quit. My stomach churn uncomfortably just thinking about it, I haven't even start looking elsewhere yet. I stiffle a yawn placing the back of my cool hand against my hot mouth. You know I'm not taking over the company right? It's just a partnership, I
Zoey's POV Three full whole weeks have passed since the night Xavier unveiled the startling truth about Dasha. Time since then has continued to flow, bringing with it a mix of routine and unforseen challenges. As the Chief Financial Officer of Agrocentre Enterprises, my days are usually consumed by spreadsheets, finance reports, and strategy meetings. Today, however, I find my mind wandering to more personal concerns. My period is late. I'd noticed it a couple of days ago and have since been distracted. I'm caught between the thrill of hope and the sobering realism that it could be nothing more than stress-induced irregularity.Yet, that's not the only thing that piqued my interest since week. A close inspection of the company's documents had revealed a surprising. The ownership of Agrocentre Enterprises, the company where I'm serving as a CFO, appears to have been transferred over to me. When, how or why this had transpired I have not a clue, but I'm positive this switch up has eve
Xavier's POVMy heart pounds in my chest, each beat echoing the feelings I harbour for the woman laying in my arms. Zoey. Her name is a mantra in my mind, a single word that holds so much meaning, so much emotion. Our breaths mingles, our bodies still intertwined on the couch. The open space is bathed in the soft light of the moon which casts an ethereal glow over everything. The night is peaceful, intimate and perfect.My fingers trail lightly down her back in a soothing manner. She shivers in response to the touch to which I smile. She's a beautiful woman, each and every surface of her. Those striking hazel eyes, that sexy smile, the way she looks at me with so much love - it's overwhelming but in the best way possible."I love you, Zoey," I whisper into her hair, my words heavy with the truth of my feelings. This woman, she's become my world, my anchor. She has brought the gift of love and light into my life, one that I'll will be eternally grateful for.She stirs in my arms, her
Zoey's POVI watch as the sun slowly sinks into the far horizon. It's the natural end of yet another day.Certain things do have to come a natural end don't they? Heaving a heavy sigh, my fingers toy with the cold handle of the ceramic mug. The remnants of my hot coffee lingers at the bottom of it. Soft overhead lights flickers on bathing the small café with an unnatural dim glow. The quiet hum of background conversation create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort but I feel quite the opposite of it. Ethan's earnest brown eyes study me over the rim of his coffee cup, a soft smile playing on his lips. His white coat is draped over the chair next to him, the medical emblem of his profession and a strong testament to the countless lives he's saved.True be told Ethan and I were never serious. It was a casual relationship, one that was built on common interests and convenience, but I've realize now that it's time to move on. With Xavier making efforts to be a part of Tyler's life and min
Xavier's POV Underneath the faint indigo Seattle sky, I stand amidst the elaborate decorations and crowd of cheerful guests on my mother's grand estate. My heart pounds against my rib cage in anticipation of their arrival. Today's not just another day. Today, my son Tyler, turns nine. I've turned the world upside down to make it memorable. As memorable as one's ninth birthday can be. Yet, despite all the meticulous planning and preparation, a throng of anxiety reverberates through me. It honestly feels like I'm about to shit myself. It took every fiber of my being not down a bottle earlier. I know that I need to be every bit of sober for this momentous occasion. Every few minutes or so, my gaze instinctively darts towards the estate's entrance. Each rustle of leaves, every flash of light sends my heart pounding wildly in my chest. They're on their way - Zoey and Tyler - making the trip from Long Beach on my private jet but I can't help but wish I was there with them.I've arranged
Xavier's POV A week had passed since our trip to Jamaica. Seven long excruciating days filled with emotional turbulence and strained silences. Tyler hasn't said a single word to me since that night, since the night I turned his whole world upside down. According to Zoey, he's still processing, still hurting over what he had heard. My mind keeps replaying that night as if in a sick loop. The hurt in Tyler's eyes, the way his world shattered with my confession is a memory I wish I could erase, not just from my mind, but from his too. My heart is riddled with pure guilt yet I am weirdly happy at the same time. Now that it's all out in the open and no more secrets are lurking in the shadows gives me great hope. Yes, we have a lot talk about, tough conversations to get through but it will be okay. I've said all I had to, all I could really, now it's time to hear from the big man himself. My son. All I can do is give him the time and space he needs. In the meantime, I've been visiti
Xavier's POV Here I am, perched on the grainy warmth of the Dunns River Falls beach in Jamaica. I watch Zoey and our son play in the water, their laughter bounce off the ocean waves and mingle with the cheerful shouts of other beachgoers. In this moment, I feel an odd sense of wholeness; a poignant satisfaction I've not known before. Yet, within that sense of completion, a tinge of regret persists. It's as if the paradise before me only magnifies the gravity of my past transgressions. There's no escaping the memories of my careless actions, the times I'd taken Zoey for granted. Despite the caress of the tropical breeze, a shiver runs through me. Zoey. Her name, her face, her smile. They're all etched so deeply into my mind. I love her, and yet, I did hurt her. I fucked up. I allowed my pride and stubbornness to eclipse my affections. And it is this remorse that overshadows the moment, a bitter reminder of a time I wish I could erase, and yet also a time that shaped me into
Xavier's POV "Yes! Yes! Mhm," In the soft moonlight, the woman's facial expression screws up in one kin to pure pleasure. Her perky breasts rise and fall with each bounce as we start to strike a perfect rhythm. Up and down. Our bodies glisten with streaks of sweat very much evident of our prolonged fucking. "Fuccck!" We've been at it from dusk, definitely for a couples hours now but I just can't seem to get my fill. Mentally anyway. God! Fuck! The jumbled thoughts keep taunting me, playing various scenarios of how this could all pan out. No matter the angle I look at this shit from, it always end the same: they'll leave again. A crippling pain shoots in my chest at the possibility. The fucking awful possibility. No, don't think. Don't fucking think. Not now. "Not now," I mutter bringing myself to the mission at hand. I need control. I need to be in the one in absolute control. I fucking need it. Leaning forward, I begin to suckle on a harden nipple. It's salty vanilla taste elici
Xavier's POVI groan in bliss at the specks of sand sinking beneath my bare feet as I stroll down to the beach. The crashing of the waves grows louder around me with every leisured step. My eyes are immediately draw to the silvery stretch of ocean, totally enthralled into panoramic beauty of the landscape. For the first time since being here, miles upon miles away from home, I feel less anxious. Somewhat at peace. "Very therapeutic," plopping down onto the sand, I vaguely wonder if Duke would mind a change of scenery. Speaking of which. I mentally note our session for tomorrow morning. Sitting criss crossed now, I pluck my IPhone from the pocket of the thin basketball shorts I'm now sporting. I immediately went to my emails, skimming through the ones flagged important first then the others. I reply to as many as I can, copying and forwarding memos from my various businesses to my appropriate assistants. The jet is back home, fueled, clean and at my disposal for this weekend which I'
Zoey's POVMy eyes fall to the heartwarming scene in front of me: Tyler is cuddled against Xavier's chest as they both sleep peacefully, only light snores shared between them. I smile fondly at the pair as I remove my phone from my ripped jeans to photograph this wholesome moment. After taking a couple I stow away the device grinning like a hyperactive fool. My sweet boys... Mine...A familiar feeling surges through my body at the thought igniting every single cell in its wake. Oh no. I blow out a small puff of air as I turn my attention towards the fluffy clouds gallivanting outside the plane's window. Will all of this even last? I'm getting awfully accustom to this. The past three months have been quite mind-fucking. Honestly, I still haven't fully come around to the idea of having Xavier back in our lives. In my life. I would be lying if I said I don't feel anything for him, especially now that's he's back and fitting in so well but hanging onto the pain he left behind have som