Ethan's POV “You have to take it easy man. I know the whole situation is a mess, but you still have to take it easy on yourself.” Ryan said as he shot me a worried look. We were in a bar. Ryan practically dragged me from my office to come with him, while insisting the drinks and music will help take my mind away from the mess I am presently in. However, rather than taking my mind away from things, the loud music blaring from the speaker succeeded in making me more irritable.“I'm fine Ryan. I just need a way to get Alexia back and everything will be perfect” Ryan gave me a look I have become accustomed to. “Just not to sound insensitive, but you know you brought this entire mess on yourself. If you had told Alexia that night about Linda messing with your drink and consequently caused you to have sex with her, you wouldn't be in this mess.” He said. I know Ryan's is right. He has actually insisted I told Alexia about it, but in my defense there is no way I could have thought at tha
Alexia’s POV “Hey guys, I'm home” I yelled loud enough for my brothers to hear me as soon as I stepped into our new apartment. I heard some noises and shoving coming from the guys room upstairs immediately, so I know they are back from lectures and they will be running down the stairs in less than five minutes I predicted.I headed for our mini kitchen to drop the takeout food I got on my way back from the bar where I now work as a waitress.My brother's and I moved to Dartmouth City about two weeks ago. The city is named after Darmont College where my brothers have resumed their first semester. Initially I had been very reluctant to move away from New York City and come share an apartment with my brothers, but they convinced me of the merit of doing so, so I decided to go with themAfter I made the call to my brothers a few weeks back while I was still at Stacey’s they rushed over to her house and demanded I tell them what really happened at the party. They were particularly intere
Ethan's POV It was Monday morning again and I had a series of meetings lined up. Presently I am going through the reports from the marketing department. I am still on page two of the report. I hate going through reports, which is one of the reasons I miss Alexia so much, she usually handles the report and sends me a summary.“Mr Blackwoods, your next appointment is here” Chloe, my temporary Assistant, says as he knocks lightly on my office door.“Please show him in.” I continued marking out the areas of the reports that I wasn't clear with.I heard her walking towards me but I refused to look up from the report until I was done with the page I was currently on, I didn't want to lose track of my progress.“Thank you, Chloe. That will be all” I wait for her to close the door before placing my pen on the report and raising my eyes to stare at Liam our Head of Operations.“Please take your seat.” I gestured to one of the seats facing my desk. “Thank you, sir,” He said sitting down. “Sir
Alexia's POV I just finished delivering a patron his order when my phone pinged. I fished out of my apron, and I was delighted to see that it was a text from Stacey. Stacey: Hey Babes! Hope you are Doing okay! Is your mammary gland Still, hurting?I laughed out loud at her funny way of inquiring about my boobs. Last week when we chatted I had mentioned that my boobs had become heavy and my nipples have been hurting, which is why she is asking about it. I started to text back and then decided that wouldn't do. Though we chat every two days, it's been a while since I heard a voice, so I decided to walk to the restroom to dial her number. At least tonight the crowd at the bar was a bit low so I am sure no one will notice my 5 minutes absence.“Alexia! I am so glad you called” She answered the phone, sounding very excited to hear my voice.I smiled knowing she meant what she said but still going to tease her anyway.“Hello, Stacey! Are you sure you missed
Ethan's POV I am just tidying my desk as I prepare to go home. I have been crashing into the office for the past few days because my new apartment is so quiet and lonely, even though I am still getting used to it.However, as a result of my upcoming trip, I would need to go home and pack in preparation for the two weeks I will be away. Also, I need to inform Elsie my new housekeeper that I will not be available for the next couple of weeks. Though she is used to not having me around anyway.The sound of my office door opening has my head snapping up from the folder I was shoving into my bag. It's past 8:30 pm and no one on this floor is supposed to still be in the office. Chloe my temporary Assistant had clocked out about an hour ago so who could be here? Before I could investigate further, the last person I ever expected to see, strutted in looking like she owned the place.I watched her as she took her time gazing at my new office, before nodding like my office meets her expectat
Ethan's POV “Monsieur Ethan, Dr Louis would like to see you now.” The affable receptionist said “Thank you” I rose from the couch I have been sitting on for the past 30 minutes as I followed the receptionist to the Doctor’s office. The receptionist was very professional and as she walked ahead of me, her lab coat was flapping around, almost bringing an amused smile to my lips.“Here is the office, please go in” she said when we got to a silver door with a Doctor Louis inscribed on it. She knocks gently before opening the door, but steps outside to let me inside, before giving me a professional smile. “Do have an amazing session sir” she said before closing the door thereby leaving me and the mysterious Dr. Louis alone.I take a minute to discreetly peruse the office. The office looks sterile with an examination bed at the right side and a table and two seats on the opposite side of the bed. The only personal item in the office is a picture frame of Dr. Louis in his medical gab.“Wel
Ethan's POV “Monsieur Ethan, Dr Louis would like to see you now.” The affable receptionist said “Thank you” I rose from the couch I have been sitting on for the past 30 minutes as I followed the receptionist to the Doctor’s office. The receptionist was very professional and as she walked ahead of me, her lab coat was flapping around, almost bringing an amused smile to my lips.“Here is the office, please go in” she said when we got to a silver door with a Doctor Louis inscribed on it. She knocks gently before opening the door, but steps outside to let me inside, before giving me a professional smile. “Do have an amazing session sir” she said before closing the door thereby leaving me and the mysterious Dr. Louis alone.I take a minute to discreetly peruse the office. The office looks sterile with an examination bed at the right side and a table and two seats on the opposite side of the bed. The only personal item in the office is a picture frame of Dr. Louis in his medical gab.“Wel
Ethan's POV “Finally, I implore everyone of you graduating today to apply the knowledge you have accumulated within these four walls to your daily endeavors. You are a star and you have all it takes to shine brighter than you can imagine with hard work, diligence, and resilience. Therefore rise and shine my fellow champions!.” After my speech, all the students and members of staff of Dartmont College, in attendance, rose to their feet and applauded me. I smiled at them feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for this privilege, before taking a bow stepping down from the podium, and walking to my seat.After my speech I sat back to watch the graduates approach the podium for their certificates wearing varying expressions of satisfaction, they deserve that smile their hard work and sacrifice earned them their flowersI can't help but remember when I climbed this very podium as a young graduate to receive my certificate after working my ass off for it.As the ceremony came to an end, severa
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