Arabel's POVI choked for real.“What?!” My exclamation does not come out right. My tone is too low, barely a whisper.I am melting down to my knees. Hot and irritated.With an unmistakably challenging gaze, he shifts backwards and bursts into laughter, making red crimson creep through my entire face.“Why do you look so shocked? I was kidding, I wanted to jerk you back to life!”If what I was feeling earlier was irritation, what I am feeling right now is pure anger. It bubbles inside of me, from a tiny atom until it springs full blown into rage.He tries to hold me as he laughs, but I jump down from the horse, almost losing my footing.Jerk.Idiot.Traitor.Who the hell does he think he is fooling? Why the hell would he mention such a silly statement?“Hey, Bella!” He calls; his voice is right behind me. I don't need to turn to see if he is closer than I think.Two more running steps bring him to me. He blocks my way, panting heavily. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean…” he trails off.What I
Richard's POVMy gut churns.As I rush out, I look around for Daisy, but she is nowhere in sight.Following my instinct, I rush back to the ice cream spot, glancing around for a glimpse of her wavy brown hair, but she isn't there.Quickly, I make my way back to the horse riding spot, my heart pounding hard at the thought of not finding her.I will be in deep sh*t.I didn't mean to kiss her. I didn't know what came over me.I should have paid closer attention to Daisy to be sure she was still in.Before I know it, I begin to run as fast as I can, hoping to find her there. I don't know where else to go, and I don't know what to tell Arabel.I feel so much like a bad father already. I need to find her, or I will never forgive myself for this.This is a child I am still getting to know. The same child was brought into the world without my knowledge. Just when I thought I was going to have a chance to right my wrongs, get closer to my child, and seek their forgiveness, this is happening.A
Arabel’s POVRichard is petty.I can't seem to figure out what just happened now. Did he just act petty, or am I imagining it?I thought he was going to take the cue and leave, so I wouldn't have to argue back and forth with Alex about staying in the same apartment as my ex-husband.There's absolutely nothing I can say to him to convince him that I moved in without knowing we were neighbors.Alex will conclude in his head that he was right all along, and that Richard is indeed a stalker.With Richard gone, I open the car seat to pick up Daisy. She is fast asleep. I lock the cars and head towards him. He doesn't move an inch, and he looks really annoyed.I don't know who told him I lived here. He must have his ways.“Hi,” I greet politely, watching him shift his attention to the sleeping Daisy in my arms. For a minute, I think he is going to help me with her, but he doesn't.When he isn't saying anything, anger begins to shimmer within me, so I walk past him.The one who should be angr
Richard's POVThe ringing from inside doesn't dissipate my concern. My face is still etched and furrowed with concern.Since last night, that ringing has been going on and off. I can't even figure out if it is her phone or an alarm clock.No one has come out of the apartment, either. Not Daisy. Not her. I also can't hear any sounds, no matter how hard I place my ears on the door.My insides are in disarray. A horrible feeling is stirring inside of me, as though something is wrong or about to happen.It's been two days since we went out, and I haven't set my eyes on her. The fact that the ringing is becoming more persistent and nonstop increases my curiosity.That guy—I don't trust him. He was here two nights ago. They must have had an argument, and it makes me wonder what he did to her.If she isn't in, then where is she?Frustrated, I stalk back inside, hurrying to grab my phone. I dial her number and wait till it begins to ring. A part of me is relieved that her phone is going throu
Arabel's POVBerlin, GermanyAfter sleeping in for two days without any activity other than feeding Daisy, I decide going out today will do a lot for my mental health.No one knows I am here.Not even Ashley.I just need some time alone to figure things out and get rid of my anger towards Alex.He hurt me deeply with what he said. I will never forget how he said it, as if I were a cheap whore who could easily return to her ex-husband, even if I were to forgive him.Daisy and I are having breakfast at Cappuccino Grand Cafe. Seated beside the transparent window, we can see a view of almost every person walking past the cafe.The menu was in German, but I was able to guess what I wanted. For myself, I ordered a Caprese Sandwich, a Cappuccino, and a Parma Sandwich for Daisy.I am done eating. While waiting for my slow-eating Daisy to finish up so we can take a stroll out before heading back to the hotel, I go through my phone.I didn't care about work when I made that rash decision to com
Richard's POVHow do men who want their wives back after a huge quarrel ask for forgiveness? Is there any man on earth who has ever asked his wife for a divorce only to come back after seven years for another chance?Is another chance even possible?These and more questions keep gnawing at my heart as I step foot in Germany.I should have known she would be here. But I wouldn't because I didn't know her well enough and I forgot almost everything that ought to be remembered about her.For Arabel, Germany remains a special place. She used to come here a lot before her parents' deaths. They toured the city together, and she mentioned how it reminded her of them.Instead of bringing bad memories for her, it always brought a smile to her face because of the many happy moments she had with her family here.Mother wanted us to come here for our honeymoon as a gift to Arabel, but I wasn't interested in traveling with her or honeymooning.I was still angry about the fact that I didn't get the
Arabel's POVA loud chuckle and snarl escape my lips against my will.With a small smile on my face, I fold my arms, ignoring the sudden pounding of my heart and the wave of adrenaline coursing through my bloodstream.“I think you got the wrong person, Richard. I told you I was not her, didn't I?”“Stop with the denial, Arabel,” he shouts in frustration and desperation. “Stop with the pretence already.”“I really don't know what else you want me to say. If there is anything I hate most, then it is being mistaken for someone else. I told you from the start that I was not her. Just because you want something with me and I said a big no doesn't mean you should insist I am that woman.”I want to say more.I want to scream at him, letting him know that I am not the foolish woman he married. She was a pathetic woman who loved him unconditionally, even though she knew the feelings weren't mutual.That stupid girl who was willing to show him love till he finally gave in and fall head over hee
Richard's POVI watch with regret as Daisy blows out the candles on the cake and lets out a wide grin. Arabel claps her hand, and onlookers do the same after singing a happy birthday song for her.Indecisive on what to do, I continue watching, my stomach twisting into knots.When I can no longer take it, I step down from the car and take long strides into the restaurant, not stopping until I am right in front of Arabel.With dread, she looks up to meet my gaze.I drag out a seat beside Daisy and slump in before shifting my eyes to meet Daisy's. She isn't jumping up in excitement like she used to, so my heart sinks.“Happy birthday, buddy,” I mutter with a weak smile carved on my lips. I didn't even buy anything. I didn't get her a birthday gift.And that is simply because I didn't even know today was her birthday. How could I have known it was her birthday when I didn't even know her birthdate?This shows how much of a good father I was.I know I have been terrible, but things will ch
Arabel's POVA YEAR LATERA smile radiates from my face as I give my reflection one last check.Unable to ignore the blushes on my cheeks, I remain conscious of the excitement fluttering in my stomach, making me feel like a young adult getting married for the first time in her life.Because the first wedding wasn't real, it feels like the first time. We didn't tie the knot out of love, but this time we're marrying because we love each other.It took me birthing Andrew Giodano to realize what I wanted: to have a family with Richard.He never mentioned marriage to me again until a week after the birth of Andrew, when I asked him when he would propose to me again.His jaws dropped in surprise, but quickly disappeared as relief took over. Before I could do anything, he swept me up in his arms and spun me around.Before he could drop me back on my feet, I bit his shoulder.Everything feels surreal.This is indeed happening. This time, I won't stop myself from telling him how much I love hi
Richard's POVArabel suggested a family date night with mom, Ashley, Caleb, and Daisy present. I haven’t seen her for more than an hour because she is bent on supervising every single meal that comes out of the kitchen tonight.It makes a little smile dance across my face.Sometimes, the pregnancy takes a toll on her. Initially, she experienced morning sickness and constant cravings.At times, she exudes energy and happiness, and today is one of those days.She mentioned she wasn't like this with Daisy. Her pregnancy was stress-free except for the first three months, when she couldn't control her cravings and could barely devour any meals she prepared.When a car drives into the courtyard, I stand up to welcome our first guests, Ashley and Caleb. I still haven't gotten used to the fact that Ashley is no longer my employer but my friend’s wife.Caleb is gradually taking up the role of a best friend in my life. He is very supportive, just like Ashley loves and supports Arabel.He stood
Arabel's POVStella had just left my office, only to rush back in with a bouquet of flowers and a bright smile on her face.I raise a brow in question, dropping the pen in my hand and asking, “Who is that for?”"You, of course,” she replies, making butterflies erupt in my stomach at the thought of Richard.Is he back in London?I shoot up to my feet as she drops the bouquet on my desk. My eyes catch the little note stuck in between, and I grab it.‘To the most beautiful woman ever.’My heart begins to beat faster as I feel an instant burst of excitement. When I glance up, Stella is still standing with a grin on her face.Just as I am about to ask her to leave, she mutters. “He is waiting outside.”He is really here. My eyes widen as I drop the card, signaling for her to leave. As soon as she leaves, I attempt to maintain composure and avoid displaying excessive excitement before heading out.Richard has been away for two weeks now, and it feels like eternity. Just yesterday, I was tem
Richard's POVI open the door quietly to see Arabel standing by the window with her arms wrapped around her waist.She is so engrossed, she doesn't even know when I enter fully until I step closer to her and wrap my hands from behind around her stomach.She freezes.“Richard?!” She calls with surprise, and a low chuckle leaves my mouth.She turns around, allowing my hands to drop. “Who else would it be?”I pull her closer and give her a brief kiss on the lips.“What are you doing here?” She glances around her room, probably wondering if I came with someone. “What are you doing here this late?”“I miss you,” I admit in a soft voice.She chuckles and steps back, her arms still around her waist. “But we saw each other a few days ago, Richard. I thought you said you were okay with me being here in London.”I did.But I can't help it. She gave me a condition, and that condition is for her to go back to London.Her home was in London.I didn't give it much thought before giving in. I didn't
Arabel's POVFollowing my gut is the best thing I can do to reach a decision.I must decide whether to follow my heart's desires or not. For years, I have tried. I have tried to find other men attractive, but none have ever gotten my heart racing the way Richard does.I have tried to despise the man I bore a child for, but nothing has worked. Even though I harbored intense anger towards him for abandoning me, my love for him surpasses even life itself.The words he spewed at me that day, after announcing the divorce, began to ring in my ears.“Remember the agreement we had? Now that Eve is back, we should get a divorce so I can marry her.”The agreement!I thought he was talking about how he told me he still loved Eve. I never recalled him mentioning that our marriage was going to be temporary.I misunderstood him.My overexcitement made me overthink his words that day.And my refusal to feel bad about him having a girlfriend while we are getting married.How could I have thought he w
Richard's POVShe is wearing the dress.Emotions begin to spiral as I try hard to keep the tears from flowing.When she turns to me, I dart my eyes away quickly and focus on the road.Finally, she breaks the silence. “Where are we going, Richard?”The sound of my voice leaving her beautiful, inviting lips sounds so much like music to me. It prompts me to steal another glance at her beautiful face.She raises a brow, reminding me of the question.“You will see,” I only say, forcefully peeling my eyes off her and hoping she won't insist on knowing where I am taking her. “We are almost there.”Silence falls.The fact that she is wearing the dress I bought for her, which I left on the bed before sending her a text to get dressed because I have somewhere to take her, brings me immense joy.It's tempting me to grab her in my arms and slam my lips on hers.After a few more minutes of driving in silence, I pull over in front of the diner, nervousness sinking into my system.She looks out of t
Arabel's POVBy the time I drive into the open gates of Ashley's home, I can't keep my left hand from trembling with intense pain.My decision to drive here with one hand unbandaged and the other in cast is an impulsive one, but I was too desperate to be here to think of another alternative.I carefully park the car in the garage and exit, a wince leaving my mouth.I am not supposed to drive here myself, but the tension around Richard and I since I found out about my pregnancy has been so awkward.We haven't talked about it, and Ashley was the first person who came to mind. I could barely stay calm back at the hospital. All I was thinking of was Ashley and about coming here to see her.When I get to the front door, my phone begins to ring, but I ignore it as I hasten to go in.Ashley doesn't know I'm here. The moment I see her maid, I flash her a quick smile. “Where is she?”“In the living room,” she answers after greeting me politely.Without hesitation, I practically jog to the livi
Arabel's POVMy eyes drift open at the sound of Richard's voice. When I can't see him anywhere around, I lift myself up from the bed, wincing a little, and rest my back on the headboard.He arrives with a phone glued to his right ear.Our eyes lock.“I will have Scott come to you in a couple of hours,” he mutters, his gaze not leaving mine. “Good. Thank you.”He drops the call, and a smile creeps to his face.A frown is etched on my face as I begin to wonder how I got into bed.“Hey,” Richard says, closing the distance between us, his gaze not wavering. “Are you okay?”When I don't answer, he presses his lips on mine briefly before pulling away while I sit still, just in time for his phone to start ringing again.“Work?” I watch him bounce his gaze from me to his phone. He is indecisive on whether to pick up the call or not, probably because he thinks I will convince him to go back home again.“I will call her later, are you okay?” He presses the reject button, then digs it back into
Richard's POVThe ringing sound of my phone cuts my laughter short as I dig my hand into my pants pocket to fish out the phone with my gaze still fixed on Daisy watering the flowers.I glance at my screen and see that it is Amy, my secretary.She was employed after Ashley resigned. She is nowhere near as excellent as Ashley, but she is okay.Having been away from work for about a month, I wouldn't be this concerned if Ashley was still my secretary.Amy calls me for every single thing.I get that she is still new, but some of her calls are totally unnecessary. I'm thinking of asking Ashley to help me put her through some things while I'm here in London.“Amy?” As soon as I answer the call, Daisy turns to face me. I signal to her to continue watering the flowers before I move away.“Good morning, sir,” she says politely. “Are you back in New York?”“No, Amy. I told you I would be back next week, didn't I?” I remember telling her this a week ago, and two weeks ago, too.“The appointment