"I thought you said a business meeting? Why is the ride so long?" I asked after waking up from my second nap since we started our drive to the meeting place. I look out the car window and notice that we are out of the city."We will soon be there, sweetheart. Calm down." Ethan replies before returning his attention back to his laptop."Don't you get tired?" I ask,wondering why he was working while in a moving car. He can be such a workaholic; that's something I have noticed about him.He looks up from his laptop with a smirk. "Are you suggesting we do something better?""How can you say such a thing?" I whispered, my gaze falling on the driver's seat, but Marcus was focused on driving.Ethan leans closer, seemingly oblivious to my worries. "What are you thinking about, kitten? I said to do something better, but you have your mind somewhere else."Embarrassed,I look away from Ethan and focus on the scenery outside the window. The view gradually changes to a winding road full of pothole
Ethan's POVWithout being told,I knew Gavin was responsible for the bug in the bedroom. I was already suspicious of him, so that's why I kept searching around the apartment for one; thankfully, Avery had seen it. It was better if I locked her inside. I don't know why, but I had always wanted to hide the fact that I am the leader of the da Coastia Mafia besides being the owner of the Kings Group from Avery. The da Coastia was what the Lorenzo family had been doing for ages, even before I was born, and has been an unavoidable part of me since I was born. Even my sons would be involved.Gavin Arnold is such an annoying man, and even more than trying to do business with him,I had a plan to conquer and take over his underground business. Yes,he also had a Mafia group under his control, and they had been interfering in our businesses along the borders so much that I came up with this plan. Run a legal business with him on the surface while slowly defeating him on the inside, but he already
Avery's POVI was worried. Pacing the apartment had not been enough for me, and I tried opening the door, but it wouldn't budge. There were many thoughts running through my head at the moment, and I couldn't even calm down for two minutes. Why had Gavin kept a bug in our bedroom? And for Ethan,why did he even have to lock me inside without any reasonable explanation? I was so immersed in my thoughts that I didn't hear the sound of the door opening or footsteps behind me."What are you thinking about, kitten?" I jumped in shock as I felt the hot spray of breath on my neck. Placing a hand on my chest to calm my racing heart,I took a deep breath and turned to face him. "Ethan? When did you get in here?"He chuckled. "Why? Are you that surprised to see me?" He tried to pull me into his arms, but I dodged his hold. A small frown appeared on his face upon seeing my behavior. "What is it?""What happened with you and Gavin? You left me in here alone, locked, and worried!"Instead of giving
Avery's POVEthan reached back into his pocket and pointed a gun at Marcella. I felt my breathing stop for a second."Ethan! She is pregnant, for goodness sake! What are you doing?!" I yelled, trying to process the scene in front of me."What exactly is your plan?" Ethan roared, ignoring me and still pointing the gun at a visibly frightened Marcella.Without thinking,I rushed in front of Marcella and spread my arms in front of her. "Are you insane? She only came to ask for help!""Avery,move." Ethan warned,his eyes serious.I shook my head in disagreement. "No way! Why are you trying to hur—""My baby!" Marcella gasped, and I turned just in time to catch her from falling. "My stomach hurts,my baby.."she whispered with her face scrunched up in pain as a lone tear fell from her eye."Sir!" I looked up to see Marcus rush into the bedroom with a look of panic in his face. "Sir,she is not a sp—""Shut up and take her out of here." Ethan interrupted in a solemn voice. Marcus stepped forward
Avery's POVGavin's carelessly strewn coat was the first thing that greeted our eyes as we arrived at the spring pool. He stood in the water, Estella's legs wrapped around his waist, as they kissed like two reunited long lost lovers.Marcella's shriek was probably what dislodged the two lovers, who immediately pulled apart on hearing her scream.“Miss Estella, are you okay?” She asked,Worry appearing on her face.Estella stepped backwards and winked at Gavin before turning and stepping out of the pool."I thought you guys had probably forgotten about me here, although there was a bit of a distraction." She joked,her voice deliberately loud at the last part.I still stood in shock as I watched her walk away to change into her clothes.Ethan did mention they were friends, but what sort of friends kiss so deeply? She soon returned,all changed, and she looked as beautiful as ever.We quietly settled into the car that was brought to take us back. Marcella quickly took the seat beside me in
Avery's POVThis is the first time I have ever made the first move. Ethan first stood, unmoving and unresponsive, as I moved my lips against his. I tried again, but there was still no response from him. Feeling a new level of embarrassment,I moved to pull away, but a gasp left my lips as Ethan pulled me flat against him,his arm caging me before his lips covered mine. The kiss was so electrifying, and a moan left me as our tongues slid against each other. We only pulled away when I was almost out of breath.We both stared at each other, trying to catch our breaths.He gave a small laugh. "Is this your way of getting me to stay for the night?"I sheepishly nodded,unable to take my eyes off him. "Maybe.""Let's go inside, lest you get a cold."Marcus came forward and held out a key. "Sir,how about—""Cancel the reservation, Marcus." Ethan interrupted and faced me as he spoke. "There is no need to stay somewhere else tonight.""Yes sir."We both went back to the bedroom. The bedroom was q
Avery's POVI slowly woke up to the sound of the beach waves. My brows first furrowed in confusion as I sat up on the bed, wondering how I got here. I remembered talking with Ethan yesterday night after dinner and feeling slightly down. A note on the bedside caught my attention, and I leaned forward to pick it up.I couldn't help the smile that spread on my lips as I read the note.[Good morning, kitten.] I am off for today's groundbreaking ceremony and might not come back early because of the activities. Enjoy your day, sweetheart, and don't miss me too much. Ethan♥]I sighed as I remembered the ground breaking ceremony. Thankfully, Ethan respected my wish of not going for the ceremony, and that was a start. I took my bath and dressed in a comfy top that reached my thighs. Breakfast was already set on the dining table, probably courtesy of Ethan. I felt my heart burst with a sweet feeling as I saw another note.[Eat and don't miss me.]It was almost hard to believe these notes were w
Avery's POV“Oh my goodness! How are we going to get inside? The whole place is packed with people and the press.” Anita complained, looking outside the window.A tired sigh left me. I was already feeling tired from cooking for the villagers,which was a hectic task already. We were only able to return just an hour before the after party because I made pasta and fried chicken,which required fewer steps.Anita assisted in serving while I made arrangements for a souvenir company to arrange some gifts and deliver them to the villagers. While waiting for the souvenir company,I made dried hibiscus flower drinks for the villagers. Thankfully,the souvenir company arrived in two hours, which was considered fast since the village was a good distance from the city. For the men and women,I gifted them some skincare products and perfumes, while the children received books, drawing materials, and toys. For the few elderly people who were present,I shared some herbal tonics and tea. The villagers bu
Avery's POV *Five years later*“No Ethan. It's already morning, let's get dressed.” I said, stifling a moan as I felt his hot tongue trail my skin.“Kitten, are you sure?” He rasped, his voice heavy with desire.It was hard to refuse, but we had to be up and doing. Today was going to be a long, eventful day.“I am very sure, honey.” I took a look at his grumpy expression and giggled. “We will have all the time later in the evening. Get dressed.” I instructed, my tone leaving no room for argument. He grumbles before climbing down the bed to pick up his joggers that we had discarded on the floor last night as we gave into our passion. I try so hard not to stare as he wears his joggers, but who am I kidding? Even after all these years, Ethan is still as breathtaking as ever, and it feels like he grows hotter as he ages.“I can feel your eyes on me, kitten.” He turned to face me with a smirk. “Let's just have a qui—”The door pushed open at that instant, and a beautiful, angelic voice fo
Avery's POV **Three months later**“The baby cannot stop kicking, and most of the time I am tempted to check for the gender, but I want to do that with you, honey. The boys won a math competition, and every time I think about it, I can't stop being proud of them because they did an incredible performance.” A smile formed on my lips, and I gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “I am glad they didn't take after me; I hate math and can't stand it. I think our baby is going to be good in math too. And oh, speaking of babies, did I mention that Estella and Anita had given birth on the same day?”That was a month ago. I guess I must have mentioned it over and over again, but it didn't stop me. I have read that patients in coma could hear what was going on around them, so I didn't mind repeating some stories just to keep him from being lonely.A lot has happened in three months. Emilia had committed suicide two days after my visit that day to the detention center. Nana didn't bother to show any f
Avery’s POVThe cold salt water pushes into my lungs and eyes, but I swim harder, searching in the dark sea water for him.Ethan.Just as I desperately call for him in my heart, a stream of bright white light appears, and I see him slowly sinking into the depths. No! I swim faster, kicking my legs desperately and pushing my arms forward just in time to catch his hand.“Ethan!” My eyes snap open at once, and I realize it was a dream. My memories slowly returned to me, and a mixture of fear and anxiety welled up in me—the sound of gunshots echoing in my mind. I must have fainted.“Avery, please calm down.”“Try to take a deep breath.”“Call the doctor.”But I can't see anyone. I want to see Ethan. “Ethan. Where is he?” I yelled hysterically, trying to get down, and I felt two people pull me back. My vision slowly focused, and the worried faces of everyone in the ward were what I first noticed. Camilla and Anita still had their firm hold on my shoulders while Nana and Estella stood watc
Avery's POVMy eyes opened with a start, and a stream of light entered my vision. The horrid smell of gasoline filled my nose at once. I take in the sight of the small spaced room with iron plated walls and a small window that let in light. A small stair with about ten steps that led up to an iron door was on my left and another door,three steps away,stayed to my right. Unlike before when I had felt fear,I am filled with determination to leave this place. I had to,not just for myself but for my baby too.My hands are tied to an iron pole behind me, and a frustrated groan left me as I struggled to loosen the rope. I place my feet firmly on the floor and use my body weight to drag the chair forward, attempting to loosen the rope from my hand. Big beads of sweat rolled down my face, and a wave of tiredness started to grow in me, but I didn't give up.I am still struggling to loosen the rope when the door on my right is pushed open, Jake's voice following. “Don't worry about that, Red. Yo
Ethan's POVI couldn't find the courage to come outside the car. Immediately I left Avery in the house, I had ordered my men to find that ‘woman's’ location and report in less than an hour. The location was sent to me in ten minutes, and presently, I stared at the simple bungalow building located in the city’s developing area.Estella's annoyed sigh brings me out of my thoughts. “I still don't understand why you dragged me out here with you. I should be picking the right dress for the evening’s dinner.”“Estella.” I call, my voice low.She was still not listening as she continued to complain. “Or do you want to buy the houses around here? I really don't have too much knowledge about this t—”“She is here.” I interrupted, this time my voice firm and audible. “She has been in the city and met my wife to setup that dinner.”I don't need to clarify who this'she’ is because we both know. We had both gone through that phase together and somehow always knew when one of us meant to talk about
Avery's POV “Make sure to enjoy your weekend at Nana's place.” I instructed as I escorted the boys to the car that was waiting to take them to school.A small pout appears on Carlos face.“But I want to stay with you and baby.”“Yeah, mummy, I want to read a storybook to baby.” Lucas adds,I understand them. Just yesterday evening, we told them about the exciting news of the baby, and this morning, I am sending them to spend the weekend at Nana's. But I can't help it.Today is the day for the dinner meeting I set up for Camilla to meet Ethan and Estella. I am not sure of how Ethan might react when he returns from dinner later in the evening, so I am sending the boys to spend the weekend at Nana’s in case things don't go as planned.I bend down to their height and ruffle their hair. “You are going to spend the whole time with the baby when you are back.” They don't look convinced, and I quickly add. “Your daddy and I might move back to our old house after this.”Wide smiles appeared on
Avery's POV“Daddy, when can we see the new baby?” Lucas asks, and I can hear the excitement in his voice.It's the evening of the same day we visited Marcella in the hospital, and we had just finished having dinner. The boys and their father sat on the rug as they solved the several puzzle pieces in front of them, while I sat on an armchair knitting a beanie. I don't know, but visiting Marcella today sparked a new feeling of excitement in me, and I couldn't wait to see my baby.Ethan chuckles. “Are you that excited to meet him?”“Yes.” Carlos answered. “We would have a new friend.”I pause in my movements and look up to meet Ethan's gaze. He gives me a small nod, and I smile at him. There was no use delaying the news of the pregnancy to the boys. Warmth floods my chest at the realization that we could communicate with our eyes. It felt so natural and intimate.He returns my smile before turning his attention to the boys. “Boys,” he calls, and they both look up at him. Ethan continued
Avery's POV I hesitantly take a step forward when I enter Marcella's VIP maternity ward. I hadn't expected Nana and Estella to be here with Marcella. The cot where her baby boy is supposed to be lying is vacant, which meant he was taken away to check his vitals.The saying that blood is thicker than water might not have had any profound meaning to me until now. Even though they didn't know that they were related, they still found a way to be around her, and while we drove here, Ethan couldn't stop pondering why he felt so excited more than he should.Now that I look closely, Marcella’s hair, which was previously dyed brown and short, is now long and a rich shade of black, and her blue eyes are the same as those of Estella and Ethan!I suddenly feel a wave of guilt about hiding the truth from them, even though it's Camilla’s place to come clean.Warm arms pull me into an embrace, bringing me out of my thoughts, and I look down to see Nana hugging me.“My dear child, how have you been?
Ethan's POV“The kids.” I repeat, and a smirk forms on my lips when I see her dazed look.“What?”“The kids, sweetheart.”“Oh! Gosh,did I…” She trails off, and her cheeks turn red at once. I smirk and rub a thumb across her soft lips.“It's okay. I don't think they heard.”“Bu—”I gesture for her to keep quiet. The kitchen turns quiet, and we can now clearly hear the boys voices from the living room.“See? I gave them enough questions to keep them busy.” I grin, and relief washes across her features. “Then let's get this done and continue later, huh?”Avery winks. “You have to be fast, though. I can't wait, honey.”*I watched in horror as my mother tore my paintings apart into pieces as she screamed, her voice piercing through the quietness of the evening.“How many times have I told you to stop painting?” She thundered, making me recoil in shock. My nine year-old mind couldn't fathom the reason for her behavior.“Mum! Why are you behaving like this?” My older sister, Estella, yelled