Arabel's POV“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you!” A round of applause resounds in the decorated living room.“Hurray, hurray, hurray!” The thought of cutting the cake fills Daisy's friends with excitement.“Happy birthday, Daisy.”Everyone begins to congratulate her as she flashes them her prettiest smile, looking like a Cinderella princess in the white ball gown she is wearing.She turns around and embraces me tightly, her arms flying around my neck. I laugh heartily, happy that I eventually did this.I am happy to see the smile on her face. I am happy to have made up for what happened last night.“Thank you, mummy. I love you," she says, pecking my cheeks.“I love you too, my darling,” I peck her forehead, holding her tiny waist.“It's time to cut the cake!” Someone announce, making her whirl around and leave my hold.I move closer to her, smiling at everyone present, glad for the massive turnout. I had believed it wa
Richard's POVThe loud voice startles me, making me stop for a moment to listen and hear where the voice is coming from.I'm out here searching for Arabel. Not to eavesdrop on anyone's conversation. With this in mind, I make sure to continue searching for her when the voice comes again, this time sounding just like the voice of the woman I am searching for."Ashley, who is getting married then?"Ashley?She gasps. “You? Not Richard?”Suddenly, a scream leaves her mouth. “Oh girl, I am so happy for you. Is it that same guy you told me about?”I don't hear what the person from the other end is saying as I approach her figure under the tent, walking stealthily with the crutches.They are so tiring, but I have no choice since my mother was so against having me use a wheelchair instead.“Richard's friend? Which of them?”“Really? I don't know him. So I guess you have finally gotten rid of your crush for your boss, right?”She laughs heartily.“Yes, I agree.”Then silence follows, and I sta
Arabel's POVThe evening ended with Richard missing. His mother asked if I had seen him, and I told her no.She tried calling him, but he wasn't picking while I busied myself with thanking our guests.Virtually everyone ate to their fill. Daisy's over excitedness won't stop me from smiling with pride.By the time I say goodbye to the last guest, Mother is already looking worried as she keeps dialing his number."Can't you reach him yet?" I approach and ask. She nods.Guilt stabs my insides, and I fold my arms before telling her honestly. I saw him outside a while ago. Perhaps he left already.”“Left? To where?” I shrug indifferently. “What did you two talk about?” She stares at me suspiciously.“Nothing really. We didn't get to talk,” I reply and begin to dial his number, which rings until it goes to voicemail.He isn't answering my calls either. I hope he is fine, though.“Try him again,” she insists, and I do that.He picks at the second ring with a raspy voice. “Hello.”“Hi, where
Richard's POVThe ringing doorbell persists, forcing me to grab my crutches and trot towards the door with a hardened expression.I am not expecting anyone. And this is really not a good time for any visit.This is a pure inconvenience.Ever since I have been on crutches, I have been super lazy. The fact that I had to use the damn sticks every single time messes with my head. Even when I want to take a bath, I have to go in there with them.When the bell rings again as I get closer, I pull the door open aggressively, intending to ask whoever is at the door what he or she is looking for.No one knows me around here.So I'm sure it must be the neighbor from across. Our condos are opposite each other.However, it isn't anyone I don't know.The person at the door is the least anticipated.Arabel.Her face does not register any kind of emotion I am expecting. No hurt. No smiles. No indignation.“Hi,” she says lightly, holding up a package.“Arabel?” I can't hide my surprise. The mere fact
Arabel's POVDespite the anger shimmering inside of me, I let it out, watching his face devoid of emotion turn aghast with shock.He suddenly leans back like someone who just had an attack, making me wonder if I was wrong when I thought he was going to sigh in total relief.Determined to get it all out, I continue painstakingly. "Before the divorce, I was pregnant with her. I…I knew… I found out that night, and I was on my way to inform you about the news when I heard you speaking with her. I decided I wasn't going to act as if I heard you clearly cheating on me…”“I didn't cheat…” I raise a hand to cut him short.“I am not done!”I am not looking at him, out of fear of what I would do to him, considering how much pain and ache I am feeling as the memories rush in like a wave of the ocean.“When I entered, you asked me if I received the papers, like it was something consensual. Something we both wanted. Something we both knew about beforehand. I asked what papers, keeping aside my int
Arabel's POVJust as the school bell rings, I park in the driveway, stepping out quickly and walking towards the waiting room, where I will pick Daisy up.When I get there, I see most of the children getting picked up by their parents, but Daisy isn't there yet.I furrow my brow because this is unusual before moving out to check the teacher's office.Before I get there, the teacher, Mrs. Maxwell, comes into view, our eyes connecting. Rather than her usual smile, a hint of sadness pierces her expression, prompting me to rush forward in panic.“Mrs. Mathew?” I call as soon as I am within reach. “Is everything okay?" Where is Daisy? I couldn't find her in the waiting room...”“She is with me.” She points towards her office before signalling for me to follow.Without any more questions, I stride after her with anxiety. I am refraining from bombarding her with questions about why Daisy is in her office instead of the waiting room.But the fact that Daisy is fine is assuring.The office doo
Richard's POVTerror slices through me as soon as I can make the name on the screen of my phone.Arabel.Why the hell is she calling at 2 a.m.?As I step out of bed and quickly answer the call, the sleepiness in my eyes disappears.“Arabel?”“Richard,” her voice is raspy, filled with fear and dread. She remains silent for a moment, as if contemplating whether to tell me what happened or not. “Are you still in London?”The questions come out in a whisper.“Yes,” I answer firmly with a nod. “What happened? Why are you calling at this time?”“A shot,” she only says, which gets my heart racing with panic. "I don't know, but I can still hear the gunshots. I'm scared. Daisy won't stop crying…I…I…” she trails off.I find myself running out of the bedroom to the living room. My car keys are on the table in the living room, so I grab them and rush out.Alex.That jerk.Ever since I saw him take a picture of her house, I knew he was up to no good. The only mistake I made was not assigning a gua
Arabel's POVWhen my eyes open, I know I cannot keep pretending. I cannot keep hoping and wishing Richard's suspicions were wrong.I see Richard talking to someone wearing a white coat, whom I presume to be the doctor. I had been awake from my unconsciousness, but I didn't want to face Richard, so I pretended to be asleep until I slept off.Now that I am awake, I know I can't continue doing this.Richard's eyes meet mine, and he rushes forward as the doctor goes out. “Hey.”“Where is Daisy?” I demand, my voice barely in a whisper.“She is asleep. Natalie is with her. I didn't want her to see you this way,” he mutters, his hand caressing my hair. I pretend as if I don't see that.In fact, I have been pretending as if I don't see how much he cares now, unlike before. I always ignore the way he stares at me lovingly. Something he didn't do when I desperately wanted him to.Every bit of my anger has subsided ever since I told Daisy about her father. I thought it was going to double, but I
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