Richard's POVFeeling the quickened beat of desire as I stare at her beautiful brown eyes and the white bridal silk dress she is putting on, revealing way too much.Her skin is so soft against the silky dress, making a memory suddenly jump into my head from years ago.The memory of that one night. My mouth is dry as I recall the night and how hot and tight her body was against me. “You know each other?” A strange man demands, and I see him approaching Arabel.This is when I realize I called her that. Quickly, I turn to Ashley, who shrugs at Arabel. Ashley knows her as Bella, and I am sure she doesn't want people to know the relationship between us. Aside from that, Ashley didn't tell me she was here. She never mentioned inviting her. In fact, I never knew they had gotten this close.“You know the bridesmaid, Richie?” Caleb grins widely and gives me a wink.“Yes.”"Hello," Arabel greets me, prompting me to turn back to her and smile in response when I realize she's not addressing me
Arabel’s POVThe music comes to a stop, and tension fills the air.When I turn around, I discover that Richard has left. Ashley gestures for me to move away from the man, whose name I now know to be Fernando.“Excuse me,” I mutter calmly before leaving him on the dance floor. I had been pretending to enjoy his company so that when I finally cut ties with him, he would know something was definitely wrong somewhere.“Ashley…”“Richard just left. Did you do something to annoy him?”With my brows furrowed, I shake my head. “No.”She smiles. “I told you he likes you, didn't I?”“Ashley!”“What?! Isn't it obvious already? Almost everyone in the room is whispering in agreement. He didn't even look at Amy's face for more than a second. His gaze was fixated on you all along. I saw the jealousy in his eyes when Fernando was dancing with you…”“So all along, you were watching us instead of dancing with your man?” I fold my arms around my bosom, finding it hard to believe.She chuckles softly. “N
Richard's POVThe light from the lobby illuminates her features, casting deep shadows down her exposed thighs and making me take a gulp.How long has she been here? Staring at the distance between us, I let out a deep sigh of relief, knowing she wouldn't have heard all I said to my mother over the phone.Maybe she just came. Perhaps she left without realizing my presence.Even after calling her name, she doesn't move. She seems to have frozen in one spot. She doesn't respond to my call or look in my direction.When she finally turns in slow motion, displacing her beautiful face and her silk dress, I want to move closer and ask if everything is fine.I halt.The sight takes my breath away. She looks sexy and makes my legs unsteady.She slowly makes her way towards her, moving in a slow-motion manner that makes me question if this is real or if I'm just imagining it.As she draws nearer, my breath catches. It's hard to believe that just a short while ago, I was upset with this woman fo
Arabel's POVAs the girls get dressed, my phone begins to ring. I want to get Ashley ready before I put on my dress.I am the bridesmaid. It's part of my duty to do that. She comes before anything else.When I stepped out, her hair stylist was working on hers. Noting how lousy this place is, I decide to go back into the inner room where Ashley is, to receive the call.Given that it's an odd number, it might be important.As soon as I enter, a familiar voice reaches my ears. “Hi, Bella.”Fernando.He has a unique voice. It is him.“Hi. Fernando?” I ask to be sure I am not mistaking him for someone else. This gets Ashley's attention, and she throws me a wink.She must have given him my number. Probably last night because none of us had seen the guys this morning.We didn't go back to the party after speaking and sitting silently on the beach with Richard. Instead, I went back to the room to sleep. I didn't even know when the girls came back.“Yes, you didn't make it back to the party l
Richard's POVMy heart couldn't take it.Seeing Arabel in the arms of that jerk as he leans forward to peck her forehead like a man would do to his wife.My heart felt like it was going to break into half pieces. It makes me seethe in anger.Before I can do anything, my phone rings, jerking me back to life as I divert my gaze away from the sight.Asking her for friendship was an alternative to telling her how much I loved and cared for her. I had never been so scared in my entire life. I dreaded what her answer would be. Friendship was all I could ask for.When I did, I thought she was going to let her guards down and transform overnight into the caring and loving woman I used to know.My heart gives a little twist as I rise from the table to excuse myself. My face burns with fury as I make my way out of the hall where the after-wedding lunch is taking place.Betrayal has hit me square in the face.Back in there, when the vows were being exchanged, I saw the way she was staring at me
Arabel's POV My heels click against the marble floor as I walk down the hall, dressed in a flamboyant black gown and stiletto heels.Although it shouldn't mean anything, it does.For Fernando.Ashley was right. She wasn't entirely correct when she suggested that I should enter another relationship, but she was correct when she suggested that I should find someone who could assist me in forgetting my past.Not only that. Giving me such an idea brought another brilliant thought into my head.I was Richard's ex. He claimed to love me. How delightful would it be for him to witness me in a relationship with someone else? Not just any man, but Fernando.I saw the way he was filled with rage at the bachelor's party. I also remember how he always stared at Alex with clenched jaws because he thought we were together.Jealousy always swept through him whenever he saw me with a man.The elevator takes me up to the second floor, where Fernando is waiting for me at the restaurant. He might consid
Richard's POVWhen she walks in elegantly, her hair falling softly around her shoulder and her heels making a clacking sound, my entire body becomes still.I am almost on my toes to catch up with her, glad at the coincidence when something stops me.Fernando.He stands up with a wide grin on his face. I feel a sudden flare of rage as I watch, but Trevor taps me from behind.“Richard, what's the matter?” "Richard, what's the matter?" he asks, prompting me to return to my client. We were supposed to meet last night, but it got rescheduled because he had to fly out for an impromptu conference, making our meeting impossible.We are here on a Saturday noon, sitting by the window to avoid distractions, in order to finalize our deal.I wondered why he asked us to meet here at first, but the moment I saw Arabella walking in, I bless him in my heart.I turn back to the duo, flashing smiles at each other. Trevor taps me again, his gaze following mine.“You know them?” He asks questions out of c
Arabel's POVHis cold blue eyes flash in front of me as he pulls the door open to see me. The anger from yesterday is still boiling within me as I raise my hand in the air and strike him in the face.No surprise. No pain. No emotion.I stare at him, my heart beating twice its normal rate, as he continues to watch me with his unwavering gaze.Suddenly, guilt settles inside of me.I was extremely mad at him. Coming over there and answering Fernando on my behalf was a sign that we knew each other even more. After I told him I didn't want people to know, he had the guts to ruin that moment. What gave him the right to come over and act like I have no say over my life? If I wanted to date him, his opinions would never matter.Fernando is a good man, I am sure of that. He is someone I can date without any regrets when all Richard has ever done is hurt me.If I hadn't vowed to myself, his actions are enough for me to accept Fernando, just to spite him, but I wouldn't dare. Once bitten, twi
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