Ethan's POV The game ended with Nathan's boys besting the other team 6:4. It was a good game and Aiden and Austin really outshined themselves. I still haven't been able to tell them apart from a distance. Maybe when they are closer I may be able to tell who is who.“I need to go see my brothers!” Before I could respond to that, she was already climbing down from the booth and running to the pitch. I shook my head at her in amusement as I followed after her at a much slower pace.“If you had two brothers who are obviously champions in basketball, you would also be excited to go see them,” Ryan, ever the nosy one, commented as he walked beside me.“Their mastery of the ball is really something to watch. They literally dominated the field and to think they haven't been playing for years and just within a week of resuming back, they are already being a terror to the other teams. I can't wait to see what sweet havoc they will wreck after three months of playing” I said with admiration.“L
Alexia's POV “Alexia! Dartmouth College sent another letter offering me a full scholarship!” Aiden shouted excitedly the minute I stepped through the door. In his excitement to break the news to me, he doesn't even notice Stacey walking in beside me, until Austin coughs and bumps him by his side. It was only then did he turn to acknowledge Stacey “Hey! Hi?” he said blushing. Stacey smiled at him “Hi! I don't know if Alexia has told you about me, but I am Stacey and I have been dying to meet you guys. It's a pleasure to finally get to see you. Now that we have that out of the way, which of you is Austin because I can't seem to tell you guys apart” she said in a rush.Austin arched an eyebrow at her inquisitiveness as he crossed his arm over his chest. “That will be me” “The one who wants to be a lawyer right? Alexia has told me so much about you. It would interest you to know I wanted to be an Attorney while growing up” Stacey said with a sigh “Oh so why didn't you end up becomin
Ethan's POV “Alexia please hurry up! We are going to be late!” I yelled as I stood beside my car impatiently waiting for Alexia to come out of the house “I just need a minute, I am almost done” she yelled back at me. That was the exact answer she gave 10 minutes ago. How long does it really take a woman to dress the fuck up. A glance at my wrist watch shows the time is 4:30pm and the Company’s end of the year party commencing at 5:00pm prompt, we barely have 30 minutes to get there. It's been two months since my father walked into my office to break the news that the CEO position wasn't going to automatically pass to me as I earlier thought, but that Kenneth was also being considered. Within these two months I have worked tirelessly, day and night to ensure I get all the projects I pitched for. Since I stopped sharing my main ideas with my project team, none of my ideas have fallen into the hands of our competition, consequently, I have had more contracts executed to my great reli
Alexia POVI can feel the intensity of Ethan's apprehension and fury from here like a tangible force. I really don't blame him for being furious. When I think of what Kenneth has done, only one word comes to mind “despicable”. As Ethan's father gives his final speech as the CEO, Ethan's appears aloof as he plastered a look of practiced indifference on his face. He would have fooled me into thinking he was alright, if not for his tightened fist and his stiff posture. A part of me wants to place a hand on him in comfort but I refrained from doing so as that may attract prying eyes and unwanted attention, so I turned away from him and fixed my gaze on his father. “...In the last couple of years, I have invested everything I had into building Blackwoods into the edifice it is right now, which is the reason I have strived in these past few months to ensure someone who is capable, a team oriented leader and one who would make necessary sacrifices take over the affairs of the company….” E
Ethan's POV I walk to the podium reeling from shock. I can't believe Dad still made me the CEO after all the hassle.“Dad!” I said with a voice filled with emotions as I covered the short distance between us. He immediately opened his hands wide for a hug, which in itself was a surprise. My father is not one to display affection freely in public.“I'm proud of you, son. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect son” Dad said as soon I stepped into his arms. This was the first time my father had commended me since I started working in the company. It's always been from one complaint to another about something he feels doesn't quite meet his expectations. The fact that he openly commended me in the presence of this multitude, I certainly won't forget this moment.“Thank you, Dad, this means a lot to me” He gives me a pat on the shoulder before pulling away. He handed the microphone to me before stepping down from the podium. I allowed the applause at his descent to subside before addres
Alexia’s POV “You will regret this! I will ruin you!” Kenneth threatened as he struggled with the two security personnel dragging him away. Ethan's only response was to smirk at him as he beckoned the other security personnel to restrain Bridget as she was about to dash out of the hall.Ethan turns his gaze to me, cocking his head as though he was deep in thought. “I think it would be fitting if you handled her address, after all, you were the one she wronged”. He said, handing the microphone to me. I shook my head in refusal. Though I appreciate his consideration, I don't think I want to do this. How do I face this crowd to expose my best friend, when I can't even look in her direction, without bursting into tears?“Ethan, I can't handle it please” I looked pleadingly at him. “You are the strongest woman I have ever seen and I know you can handle this. You need to, so others don't think they can walk all over you and get away with it.” He gives me an encouraging smile. I took a de
Alexia’s POV “I love you,” Ethan said when our dance slowed to a more relaxed pace. I blinked at him in shock as those three words clang and resonated through the whole of my being. I know he alluded to it when he invited me to the podium, but a part of me believed it was all for show.“I love you with every fiber of my being and I want to say thank you for showing me what love is.” He gazed at me with so much intensity. I could see the emotions shining through those gorgeous eyes of his and all I wanted to do was get lost in this feeling.“I love you too Ethan” I confessed. His smile widened at my confession.“Stop smirking!” I chided him playfully. “There is no need to be embarrassed about admitting your feelings to your ‘head over heels in love with your’ husband” He gives me a knowing look that has me itching to slap the smugness of his face. The fact that we are not alone and people may misinterpret it as us fighting, had me reining in the urge. “So, I have been thinking….” Et
Alexia’s POV I started blinking rapidly as I refused to cry. I could feel the tears welling in my eyes, but I was desperate not to let them fall. I can't show weakness in front of Ethan's Mom and Linda, they would gloat about it and I refuse to give them that satisfaction.For a moment I gaze at Ethan’s face, my heart twisting in all kinds of agony as my mind tries and fails to reconcile the man who confessed his love for me just a few minutes ago and the one who just betrayed me in the worst way possible.“Ethan, do you care to explain what is going on here, to the rest of us in the gallery?” I asked cooly, my lips stretching into a smile that failed to reach my eyes, as I stepped away from his hold and almost lost my balance in the process.The wave of pain crashed down on me, a tangible weight. Ryan rushes to my side to place a hand on my back for support as he gives me a look filled with worry. I was grateful for his support, heaven knows I needed it.“Are you all right?” Ryan wh
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