Chapter 1 The DinnerTHE TAYLOR’S HOME, NEW YORKButterflies ran free in Nina’s belly, making her the happiest person on earth. It's been so long since she had desired the gift, and it finally came to her when everything seemed to be heading for the rocks. Her eyes lingered on the paper in her hand, and she squealed in extreme delight. It's been days since she kept the news to herself, hoping she wouldn’t let it all out in excitement before the right time. Now that the day had finally come, she couldn’t wait to tell the world. Humming a Beyonce tune to herself, she changed from her outing attire to something more comfortable and headed to the kitchen.“What would you like me to prepare for dinner, ma’am?” Tania, the kitchen help, asked Nina.Nina smiled sweetly at her. “There is no need to worry, T. I will cook myself.”She raised a brow in surprise. “Why, ma’am? There is a lot to cook today. Are you sure you can handle it? Is everything okay?”“Everything is fine. I am just willing
Chapter 2 He is SterileTHE TAYLOR’S HOME, NEW YORK.The silence that followed her announcement wasn’t what Nina expected from the people she considered her family. She looked from one person to the other, her smile fading. Her hands rubbed at her belly unconsciously.“Didn’t you all hear me? I get that, and it is the shock. But this is good news. I am six weeks pregnant. I am carrying the first grandchild of the family.” She said, staring at her parents-in-law.Asher blinked in shock and didn’t know what to say until he felt someone kick his foot under the table, like someone touched by a hot pan. He yanked his hand out of Nina’s hand, hissing loudly.“What did you just say?” He bellowed.Nina stared in evident confusion. “You heard me, baby. I am pregnant. We are having a baby.”Asher got up from the chair, ruffling his hair. He took his time to come up with the right things to say as he kept pacing the room back and forth. Pausing abruptly, he pointed a shaky finger at Nina. “Is t
Chapter 3 The Divorce PapersTHE TAYLOR’S HOME, NEW YORK.Nina's heartbeat raced as he dropped the bombshell on her. Immediately, she went down on her knees and tried to touch his legs, but he kicked her off. “Asher—““I am going to get a divorce from you!” Asher repeated himself, this time with more finality in his tone.Nina felt the ground spin under her. She hoped this was a nightmare and she would wake up from it. The tears kept pushing their way out of her eyes, burning her cheeks. She slapped herself to be sure she wasn’t having a bad dream, and it hurt badly.It seemed she had finally crossed the thin line between life and its unforeseen circumstances. She never thought something like this would tear her world to pieces today. Probably, if she knew, she would have remained in bed.Even though Asher had been acting strange for a while, they were refined and cordial with each other. He still makes love to her and kisses her goodbye whenever they arrive at the company. Even if sh
Chapter 4 Earning Her KeepTANIA’S APARTMENT, NEW YORK.“Ma’am, you should get up. Don’t forget you are on the early morning shift.” Tania said to Nina as she tapped her gently to wake her.Nina mumbled incoherent words and turned back to Tania before opening her eyes. She groaned inwardly. Nina had never had a hard time waking up before. But with her pregnancy, she wakes up grumpy or tired in the early hours. Sighing in exhaustion, she sat on the bed, scratching her eyes.“Good morning, Tania. Can you please stop calling me, ma’am? My name is Nina. And you are the reason I have a roof over my head. I don’t know what would have become of me.”“Just because you are in this state now doesn’t change that you are a woman of respect. This moment won’t go on forever, and I know you will return on your feet in no time. So, please, let me call you as I please.”Nina laughed softly. “You are such a sweet person.”“I owe it to you. You are the first person I worked with who didn’t treat me like
Chapter 5 The EXSIMS GROCERY STORE, NEW YORK.Xander kept staring like a thunderstorm had hit him. He would never have imagined in a lifetime that Nina would be checking goods at a grocery store. She had bags under her eyes even though she had make-up on. Nonetheless, Nina looked as beautiful as ever. It would have been shocking if she had lost her beauty. And his heart seems to be doing a victory dance at the sight of her.“How have you been?” He asked, finally breaking the almost consuming silence.Nina cleared her throat, shifting in the chair awkwardly. “Good. I guess.” It appears the universe has a thing or two against her. She would have preferred Andrea to meet her at the store instead of Xander.“I’ll check your items in now.” She was grateful for a while that he saw her on duty and wouldn’t have the excuse to talk to her.But to her shock, he was waiting right outside the store after her shift was over. Which meant that he would have waited longer if she had to stay until la
Chapter 6 Blocked OffXANDER’S HOME, NEW YORK.“Did you get home safe?” Xander said into the receiver while tapping lightly on the car wheel. Nina made incoherent sounds in the background before making her voice clear again. “Yes, thank you.” “I mean what I said, Nina. We should meet to talk again. I don’t know why you wouldn’t let me drop you off at home, especially in that state you are in.” “I am pregnant, not handicapped, Xander. And I have been doing fine by myself, and I don’t need a knight in shining armor to do so.” Her words sliced through his chest like a knife, but he chose to ignore it. “I just wanted to be of help.” She exhaled, “I understand what happened in the past was a misunderstanding. But I need you to know that times have changed, and I am no longer the Nina you used to know. I would like this to be the end of us seeing one another again. I only gave you my contact to avoid coming off as rude. It's okay if you choose to delete it. Have a good night, Xander.”
Chapter 7 The Interview DDFOODS COMPANY, NEW YORK.Nina stared anxiously at the file in her hand. She was determined not to let herself be pushed to the ground by her supposed fate. Nina applied to all of the job posts in her field. When she got a call to come in for an interview, she was over the moon.DDFoods is also a counterpart of M&M Foods. Even though they arrived later, they have done immensely in the market. Nina has no doubt she will get the job. Her experience is more than enough to get her the head researcher position.“Miss Ruiz?” The secretary called out.“Yes, ma’am,” Nina replied and jumped up too quickly, causing her belly to ache. She winced inwardly, still holding up a warm smile.“Come with me.” She urged, and Nina followed closely.“Ah, Miss Nina. It's quite a delight to see you. Come sit, please; I am Donald Davis, the CEO.”She had expected to have the interview with the Human Resources Department, but then coming directly to the CEO might mean she has the job.
Chapter 8 Family ProblemsJACKSON FAMILY HOME, NEW YORK.Xander walked into the space, feeling exhausted already. The dining had enough food for a feast. Reasons like this are what keeps him away from the house. His mother can be pretty extravagant in whatever it is she does. There was no reason for her to cook this much, but it’s obvious she B really can’t help it.“Finally, you are here. Dad was just about to throw a fit.” Jace whispered to him as he stretched out his arm for a shake. Xander walked past him like he didn’t notice the gesture. “Rude much.” He snickered.“I am only here because Mum was overly dramatic about what she would do.”“You still could have remained adamant. I would have loved to see what trick Mom has up her sleeve and ready to toss towards you.”Xander gave his brother a side-eye. “I can’t wait to round up with the dinner and leave.”Jace furrowed his brows. “Errr, do you have somewhere to go?”“What does it matter? Of course, I have a house to go.”“Oh, my g
BONUS CHAPTER“Are you ready for tonight, Mia?!” Xander smirked as he sat beside Nina, watching a movie on Netflix and chewing on popcorn. “What’s happening tonight?” She asked, looking at him and pretending not to understand.“Well, why did we ask my mom to care for our baby?” He grinned sheepishly.“Did we plan to do that?” Nina grinned, too.“Well, put this aside.” He took the popcorn from her thighs and placed it on the table. Nina rolled my eyes, hiding her smile. “Oh, not today,” she tried to escape, but Xander quickly grabbed her. “Don’t you dare!” He laughed, tickling her that she laughed so hard. His hand reached for her bare thighs. And before she knew it, Xander grabbed her and pushed her down on the couch. It was fast! He pulled her legs apart and gave her breasts a rough squeeze. He positioned Nina just like he wanted. He yanked off his belt and tied her hand above her head. “Nasty, isn’t it?” Nina giggled.“Wait till I’m in full mood!” Xander removed her pants and sh
Chapter 95 Sex With XanderEPILOGUE: ONE YEAR LATERXANDER’S HOME“Are you sure I look okay?” Nina asked Tania again while analyzing the dress she had on. She had come in to change after Winter doused the other dress with candy juice as they were due to take pictures. Tania huffed tiredly. “How else do you want the dress to look on you, Nina? You look beautiful enough. Come on now, Winter would be waiting, wondering what her dearest mama is still doing hidden away.” Venus peeked into the room. “We are waiting for you. Nina, Winter is eager to cut her cake.” She called out. “Yes, Mum, I am coming.” She replied. Nina’s face fell as she stared at herself intensely. Tania walked up to her and rubbed her back slowly. “I wish he was here.” “You know he would have loved to be here. It would help if you stayed strong for you two. I believe better days are closer than expected.” Tania comforted. Nina smiled, glancing at Tania’s bulging belly. “Jace looks elated these days.” She laughed l
Chapter 94 The MotorcycleREMINGTON HOSPITAL, NEW YORK.The hospital building almost felt strange to Nina, even though she had been by the place a few months back. The section she is heading to must be the reason why. However, Nina has decided, knowing she is doing what suits a great cause, that she doesn’t mind whatever she has to do. “Hello.” She greeted the receptionist. “Hi, ma’am. Welcome. Who would you like to see?” “Uncle J.R. Oh, pardon me, I mean Dr Jason. Is he in? He is expecting me.” “You must be Miss Nina Ruiz?” “Yes, please.” “Alright, please come with me.” Jason was on a call when they walked into the office. At the sight of Nina, he smiled heartily. “Let me call you back, Dr Smith. My daughter just walked in.” He mumbled and hung up. Nina blushed at his referral. “Hello, Uncle J.R.” “How are you, my darling? Feels like ages.” He laughed, embracing her. “I am good. How are you, too?” “Great. Please sit.” He motioned towards the couch. “Thank you. So, I am yo
Chapter 93 Two peas in a pudXANDER’S HOME, NEW YORK.Nina saw how nervous he was and felt bothered that she might have said something she shouldn’t. Relaxing her shoulder, she sat on the couch and faced him. Xander held up a weak smile. “Why don’t you tell me what you must say first?” He urged. She exhaled slowly and took his hand in hers. “We are not kids, Xander. Neither are we immature. Even though my first marriage was a wreck, I believe life continues. Being heartbroken does not mean one's life has to come to an end. Ever since you came into my life, I have been able to see things differently. I am learning to love and embrace life as it should. One thing I promised myself after being betrayed by Asher and Andrea was never to trust anyone. Also, I vowed off men, telling myself all I needed to do was work hard and get back on top. What mattered was getting back at the people who made my life a living hell.” Nina chuckled, still caressing his hand, “But I was wrong. I couldn’t
Chapter 92 Court OrderXANDER’S HOME, NEW YORK.“It doesn’t feel right for me to stay home,” Nina whined behind Xander as he dressed. He turned to her, stopping halfway with his shirt button. “Why not?” “Because it's been two days. I need to get to work.” “Do it from home. Also, Tania would be coming today. Aren’t you excited to see her?” “I am, but…” She pouted, exiting the bed and wrapping her arm around him seductively. “Come on now, what happened last time will never happen again. I will defend myself no matter what.” “That right there is the problem. I don’t want you defending yourself no matter what. I have it covered. Please stay put here until Asher signs the court order, Nina.” Nina huffed in resolve, knowing there was no way out anymore. “Fine, I will just stay back.” She yawned loudly and sat at the edge of the bed, staring at his broad back. For the past few days, she has laid in Xander’s bed. He works until late at night, and she finds his arm wrapped around her wh
Chapter 91 Terrible FatherNINA’S HOME, NEW YORK. Gripping the phone tightly, Nina let out a long hiss. Xander does have a wrong side to him. Despite his promise to meet with her two days back to celebrate her unexpected promotion, he didn’t show up and gave an excuse for being busy. She thought he would reach out afterward, but he still hasn’t called. Her hand trailed Winter’s sleepy face absentmindedly. She brought her to the office to take her around the place like the little one would understand what was happening. Regarding Xander, her inability to get angry at him is the most annoying thing for her. Instead, she is worried that something might be wrong; at the same time, her ego prevents her from calling him. Her eyes roamed her new office space, and it felt surreal. They made the immediate move of X&J Foods into the M&M building. Nina occupied the same office Asher had sat in as the CEO but with a significant redesign. She was more than happy to see Asher and Andrea beneath
Chapter 90 The SwindlerTAYLOR’S HOME, NEW YORK.Asher struggled to sit up from the couch drowsily. He had gotten drunk and slept lazily without a bother in the world. In his distorted state, Asher noticed Andrea rushing out to her car. He let out a hiss, wondering what spa she had an appointment with again. He still can’t get over the fact that Nina holds the rein of a company he had dreamt of for years. She walked in without doing anything to reap where she didn’t sow. He let out a wince at the ache that struck his head. Suddenly, the door opened, letting in an angry-looking Leila. “Have you seen what your stupidness has caused?” She hollered. He held his aching head down. “What is it this time?” Leila screamed into her palm. “I told you to control yourself and not do anything stupid. But I don't remember you listening. Now everyone knows we have been humiliated by Nina. Everything that happened was written in the tabloids, every bloody thing.” Asher let out a slight cough. “Ca
Chapter 89 Why won’t you make love to meX&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK.“I can’t believe this. So, M&M Foods is all yours now?” Jace asked for the umpteenth time.Xander laughed amidst the celebration going on in the lobby. “Yes, Jace. X&J foods will only get bigger and better from here on.”“Nina must be so happy.”“I am sure she is.” He mused while staring at her sweetly among the crowd. “That reminds me, Dawn should be here to celebrate with us. Where is she?”Jace shifted on his legs; Xander hadn’t checked his mail. “She must have informed someone of her absence.”“That is strange,” Xander said, checking his phone for any message she must have dropped.“Why not check your mail?”“Mail? Dawn hardly uses her mail unless it is for work. But then, let me check.” His brows furrowed when he indeed found a message from Dawn. It happened to be a resignation letter. “Take a look, Jace. She resigned. How am I just getting to know about this now? We still spoke a while back, and she didn’t mention an
Chapter 88 The Naive OneM&M FOODS, NEW YORK.Nina stared anxiously at the building and suddenly felt an intense pressure in her bowel. She thought about what might be going through Xander’s head for the rest of the weekend. He had constantly evaded any means of them getting intimate beyond foreplay, and Nina was beginning to think he might not have as much interest in her as she did. Either that, or she is pushing too fast.Thinking about that alone had her on the edge, now returning to the same place where she had experienced so much humiliation it made her feel suffocated.Inhaling sharply, she gripped Xander by the arm. He turned to see her pale face.“Hey baby, are you okay?” He asked in a worried tone.Nina managed to put up a smile. “Yes, I am. I need to get to the restroom. I will join you soon.”“I will wait for you then.”“No, don’t do that. I know my way around here, remember?”Xander looked skeptical, but he chose to respect her privacy. “Alright, just call me if you need