Ethan’s POV “Darling I am home!” I shouted as soon as I entered the house.I was met with silence. Could it be that Alexia has already fallen asleep? I wondered as I kept my briefcase on the table and took the stairs two at a time as I bounded up to our bedroom. Twisting the knob and pushing the door open, my gaze goes straight to the bed which has been properly made but very empty. I immediately became pensive as all manner of frantic thoughts whirled around my head.I ran down the stairs as I head for the kitchen “Elsie!” I bellowed frantically before I could even round the corner to the kitchen.“I'm coming!” She yelled as she came running to meet midway. She looked startled as she nervously straightened her apron that was askew and wasn't that flour sticking to her cheeks? I guess she was probably fixing dinner when my call interrupted her. I know I should feel bad about that, but I subconsciously waved the errant thought away as I focused on the reason I called her in the fi
Alexia’s POV “Wow! You are home already! This way before your closing time.” I responded to Ethan after he had me make numerous guesses “Yes I am. I wanted to spend some quality time with my wife so I wrapped up my work at the office and rushed home, only to see that my beloved wife isn't home like I thought.” Ethan answered. I can't see him, but I know he is probably pouting on the other side of the line.“I am sorry about that. I was bored with being holed up in the house for a week and I also missed spending some time with my girls which was why when Stacey called, I had to jump on the opportunity to get some air.”“It's good that you spent time with your friends, but hope you are coming home soon because your very in love with you husband, misses you and wants you for himself.” He said, making me laugh at how possessive he sounds. Stacey, who has apparently been eavesdropping on our conversation while pretending to be pressing her phone, turned to roll her eyes at me mouthing s
Ethan's POV I stood in the sleek, modern car dealership house I usually get all my cars from. It was late, but because the manager is one of my business associates, all I needed to do was give him a call to let him know I was coming over.The initial plan was to get the car tomorrow, but I was restless while waiting for Alexia to get back from her hang out so I decided to make good use of the time by heading here.It's been more than 15 minutes since Jeff texted me that they were on their way. My eyes darted nervously from the rows of gleaming cars to the glass doors. The beautiful fluorescent lights hung around the shop reflected off the polished chrome of the newest 2024 models of cars. I wanted a brand new model, something special for the most special person in my life. I adjusted my watch for the third time in five minutes and ran a hand through my hair, pacing from one end of the shop to the other. They should be here already, I thought, feeling antsy.Today had to be perfect.
Alexia's POV Today is my first birthday as Mrs Blackwoods, was the first thought that flickered into my mind as I blinked awake, my eyes adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. I yawned and rubbed my swollen belly, feeling the gentle stir of the babies within me. One of them gave me a hard push and I winced slightly. They've been kicking harder since I entered my third trimester.I slept so deeply last night after the hectic day I had yesterday. I smiled ruefully as I remembered my surprise birthday car. I can't wait to deliver my babies so I can finally be allowed to drive the beauty.I turned to the other side of the bed, knowing I wouldn't find my husband. Hmm, calling Ethan's husband even after a year still sounds surreal.Ethan's side of the bed was empty and cold. I am sure he left for work already. One would think he would at least wait until I wake up before going to work today since today is my birthday. I sighed and pushed myself up slowly, fee
Ethan's POV “Mr Blackwoods, can I have a minute of your time?” A voice said behind me. I turned to see that it was the Attorney representing Kenneth in the case. He was hurrying to me looking rattled.I paused to wait for him to catch up with me as I discreetly checked my wristwatch for my time.Today was Kenneth's case and I just came out of the courtroom. I decided to attend today's court sitting. I haven't been present in all the previous court proceedings, just letting the legal department do their thing.However since the matter was adjoined to today, for the prosecution and defense to close their case, I thought it wouldn't hurt to attend court. Besides I was one of the witnesses who gave their evidence today.As he got closer, I made sure to maintain an expression of a perfect mask of icy calm that concealed the storm brewing beneath. The journalists who had been waiting on the sidelines bidding for an opportunity to interview me, seeing me standing, suddenly rushed forward,
Ethan's POV “If you must know,my marriage to Alexia may have started with a contract, but we fell in love along the way. I love her and her alone and I have no intention presently or in the future to ever divorce her.” I gritted out.My gaze going from one journalist to the other, daring any of them to challenge or make snide remarks about what I just said or make a half ass remark about it. Wisely they all kept their mouth shut.“As for Linda, she is not my lover, and contrary to whatever sources you got your information from, if the slightest chance she is actually pregnant, I assure you, I am not the father of her baby.” I said. “Thank you for answering my questions Mr Blackwoods.” Selena Martins stated. I gave a half hearted nod, intending to get turn and get into my car, when a hand waved frantically from the back of the mob, trying to get my attention.I decided answering one more question wouldn't hurt, after all they have been here all day just to get what to report about to
Ethan's POV How in the world do prisoners cope in this confined place? I wondered as I walked down the narrow hallway of the county jail, the sterile clang of iron and the cold hum of fluorescent lights filled the empty corridor.One of the prison guards walks beside me as he escorts me to the visitors' area. The heavy steel door buzzed open as he stepped inside, before beckoning on me to follow. I stepped inside and my gaze immediately found the object of this visit.There, behind the scratched plexiglass partition, sat Kenneth. He looked gaunt, his once-polished appearance now frayed, with dark circles shadowing his eyes. The part of me that wants revenge can't help but be excited at his obvious suffering.I took a seat directly opposite him and just stared at my backstabbing, sabotaging cousin. We didn’t speak immediately, letting the weight of silence settle between them. When the silence became somewhat unbearable, Kenneth finally cleared his throat, seeming uncomfortable as h
Alexia’s POV I never knew shopping for a baby nursery could be so much fun, I thought as I strolled through the upscale mall’s baby boutique Stacey insisted we visit. I ran a hand gently over the soft fabric of a tiny onesie that had caught my eyes the very moment we entered this aisle, smiling as I imagined my unborn twins wearing it. “That is beautiful. We are getting it.” Stacey said coming over to stand beside me, holding what looked like a doll in her hands. With the rate she is insisting we get whatever catches her fancy I am very certain that by the time this shopping spree comes to an end, we may need an extra hand to help us get everything we buy loaded into the car. “What are those things in your hands?” I asked pointedly ignoring her comment about getting the onesies. I already knew I wasn't leaving this mall without them. “They are baby dolls of course.” She drawled like I was dumb for asking. “I know they are baby dolls. What I mean is why do my babies need dolls
Alexia’s POV “I don't want the pink dress. I want to put on the blue dress.” Amy pouted, shifting away from the pink dress like she found it offensive. My little girl looks beautiful with her red hair, Ethan's blue eyes, and a face so perfect “The pink dress is better and it brings out your eyes.” I tried reasoning with my 2-year-old daughter.Today is Allen and Amy's 2 years birthday and Ethan and I are throwing a party for them.The others will soon be here and Amy is still delaying us further.“No mummy. Blue is better because it's the color of my daddy's eyes. I rolled my eyes at her, not surprised by her response. Everything is always about Ethan, to say that my little girl and Ethan are close would be putting it mildly. I have been having this dress argument with her for the past 10 minutes and I'm about to insist she puts on the dress when Ethan walks into Amy's room.“Daddy!” Amy squealed excitedly as she ran at Ethan. I smiled ruefully as I watched Ethan pick up Amy and th
Ethan's POV “Look at my handsome grandson. Isn't he the cutest baby ever?” Mom cooed as she bent over our baby boy sleeping peacefully in his crib. A small smile played on my lips. I haven't seen her this excited in a very long time.“Yeah, he certainly is.” Dad, who is also standing behind her, agreed. “If only that dumb skull over there would allow us to see our granddaughter!” He added drily, shooting a furious glare at me. “I am not letting anyone near my princess, just yet. She needs to spend quality time with her daddy.” I repeated for the hundredth time today, scowling at my Dad and Mom. Just before they could retort, the door to our hospital room was pushed open and Nathan, Ryan, Stacey, and Grace walked into the room.“Great, the entire crew is here!” I grumbled surly. Amelia shoots me a dark look.“Ethan, be nice! They are here to celebrate with us and see the newest members of the family.” I shrugged. I know I was being an ass but can anyone blame me for wanting some alon
Alexia POV. “Come on Alexia, just one more push.” my doctor said for what must be the 20th time. “That’s what you said the last twenty times.” I groaned, glaring at the doctor. I know she is just doing her job but I can't help but feel frustrated. I have been in labor for the past thirty minutes and I still haven't pushed out a baby. I can feel my body tiring and the pain is like nothing I have ever felt before. “Darling just one more! I know you can do it.” Ethan who has been beside me this whole time said, still holding my hand. He looks just as frazzled as I look. I had the irrational urge to laugh as I stared at his rumpled look, imagining the reaction of his staff if they could see their prim and proper CEO looking anything but prim. As I imagined their faces, a fit of hysterical laughter burst out of me as both the doctor and Ethan exchanged twin looks of confusion, probably wondering if I had finally lost it, which just made me laugh harder. A high-pitched cry suddenly c
Alexia’s POV “You are the reason we are late for this dinner! So be ready to handle your mom's complaint.” I said, shooting an accusing look at Ethan as he helped me out of the car.“Don't worry! You can blame me, you can blame me.” He was laughing. I struggled to hold on to my anger as the laughter I had been holding on tried to bubble up at his playfulness. I love Ethan's playful side. It's a side very few people are privileged to see.He took my hand in his ass and ushered me into the mansion.The dining room was as grand as I remembered but it still looked cold and sterile. Our dining room isn't as big and grand as this but I will pick it over this one anytime, any day because of the warmth it exudes.The long table was elegantly set with silverware, crystal glasses, and ivory candles that cast a warm glow across the room. At one end, Ethan’s mom was already fussing over the placements, rearranging flowers and adjusting napkins, her excitement barely contained.As we entered the
Ethan's POV “Gentlemen, I think what you guys have come up with is good but if we want to truly broaden our space in France we could do better than this.” I said viewed the projections on the screen.I leaned back on my chair. One of the benefits of being the CEO is that you are privileged to sit at the head of the table and take in the reaction of your team. I noticed that at more comment some of my team members nodded their agreement while some were still frowning like they don't totally agree with me, which is actually okay by me. I am comfortable enough in my space to allow dissenting opinions so long as the reasons are good. In my view it helps in business.Liam lifted his eyes to meet mine like he was about to say something and just as I was about to tell him to go ahead, my phone buzzed quietly on the table. I glanced down, and a small smile tugged at my lips when I saw it was Alexia's name flash on the screen. This one she is calling me in the middle of work, she must be m
Alexia’s POV I thought about all I had learned this morning as I approached Nathan’s office. What she had found was more complicated than she’d anticipated, and she knew she needed Nathan’s support to get to the bottom of it.I tapped lightly on the frosted glass door, hearing the muffled “Come in” from inside. Taking a deep breath, I stepped in, finding Nathan behind his desk, absorbed in his computer screen, closing the door behind me, as I walked up to his desk. The sound of the door closing, jolted him as he looked up in surprise, his eyes lighting up when he saw her.“You are back so soon?” He asked, sounding surprised.I smiled at him. “Yes, at least for now. I have spoken to a few of your staff, and I think I will speak to the others later. I don't want to rush things so whoever is responsible wouldn't suspect we are unto him or her.Nathan raised an eyebrow, interest immediately piqued. “Did you find anything from the few of them you spoke with?”I nodded, settling into th
Alexia’s POV I munch on the apple Elsie placed in my front earlier. I feel restless as I sit here just eating food and watching TV. I wonder how those stay-at-home moms do it. I envy them because these past couple of weeks off work have me feeling antsy and restless.Our sitting room which was bathed in a soft, afternoon light, with the faint scent of her favorite lavender candle lingering in the air, would usually cheer me up a bit, but today the reverse was the case.I was just reaching for the fashion magazine Stacey brought when she came to visit last week when my phone buzzed.Seeing Nathan’s name flash on the screen, I answered with a calm voice, trying to hide the surprise I felt. This should be the first time I am getting a call from him. "Hey, Nathan! What’s up?""Alexia, sorry to call out of the blue like this," he began, his tone unusually serious. “I know you are on bed rest and shouldn't be doing any work, which is why I feel like shit calling you, but I have exhausted
Ethan's POV I leaned back in my chair, my sharp gaze fixed on the report in front of me. For the umpteenth time, I wish Alexia was here to help me with this. Fielding reports was her area of expertise, not mine.I glared at the series of financial graphs glowing from my tablet screen, if only I could magically wish them away, thought, sighing deeply.Despite the report's importance, my mind was elsewhere. I rubbed a hand across my jaw, lost in thought, wondering if I should take a rare moment off and spend some time with his wife.I have been on these reports for the past two hours and I haven't made much of a progress.Just when I was about to push the report aside and take some much-needed break, my phone rang, jolting me from his reverie. Dad's name flashed like a beacon on the screen and a flicker of surprise coursed through me. I certainly wasn't expecting a call from him. He seldom called unless it was about business.“Dad,” I answered, my voice sounding professional, though w
Ethan's POV I picked up my suit jacket from the back of the chair I had hung it earlier, ready to call it in. It's been one hell of a day filled with a series of meetings. I had barely catch my breath since I got back from my visit with Ken.As I strode out of my office, locking the door behind me, I noticed the lobby was nearly empty, which isn't strange seeing as I am almost always the last to leave the office. Chloe had gone home about an hour ago.I walked through the main hall keeping my stride calm but purposeful.I know looked more relaxed than heI had in the series of meetings as if I was shedding the CEO mantle with each step toward the exit.I took the elevators to the down floor today. I want to conserve the little energy I have left because I intend to play some fun games with Alexia when I get home. I already anticipated the thrill of playing with her would be elicited inside.Stepping out from the elevator I strolled to where my car was parked outside and opened the p