Chapter 37 The CasseroleNINA’S APARTMENT, NEW YORK.“Thanks for the groceries. But you don’t have to keep doing this, Xander. I can take care of myself by myself.” Nina mumbled into the receiver.It's almost as if Xander never listens to her and does whatever pleases him. He had groceries delivered to the house, saying he didn’t want her or Carla to stress since they were both in delicate conditions.She can’t thank him enough for being unique; many times, she wants to refuse him, but he does it when she mainly needs help. It's almost as if he has a camera following her around to tell when she is distressed. It feels nice having someone to look after her in such a thoughtful manner, but she refuses to get carried away again.Xander grumbled on the other end. “That is my way of contributing to you, and you have no choice but to take it. Thankfully, it's not something you can return.”She chuckled. “Thank you very much.”“You are welcome. I have a favor to ask, though.”“Which is?”He
Chapter 38 A Friend IndeedXANDER’S HOME, NEW YORK.Xander groaned as he watched Jace devour his precious meal hungrily while whining about how devilish the female gender was. And he made promises of never liking anyone again. “Didn’t you say you weren’t into Minny, and it was just casual?” Xander queriedJace glared at him like he had said something wrong. “Can’t a man be allowed to change his mind? That was what I thought when we started, but it’s different now.” “What changed, and what exactly did she do wrong?” His lips parted as he got prepared to sob. “Minny went on a date with another man and even flaunted it on her status. She has never even posted any half pic of me. Women are evil!” He hollered. Xander watched him for a few seconds and, in no time, burst into a fit of laughter. Jace felt betrayed by his brother’s lack of sympathy.“I hope you know your time will come,” Jace mumbled. “Is that a threat?” His brother asked. “Take it whichever way you choose. Just let me b
.Chapter 39 A Thing X&J FOODS, NEW YORKNina hurried towards the office, feeling thankful for escaping Dawn. It would have been too awkward bumping into her after yesterday. She had thought something was happening between her and Xander, and she was right. Now she knows why Dawn might feel some way about her association with Xander. Even though she feels hurt that Xander never took the liberty to tell her that he is in a relationship, he denied it when she asked. On second thought, they probably just put a label on it. Nina feels that either way, it's none of her business as long as she knows not to get into Dawn’s way. As she entered the office, she was shocked to find Xander by her table. He stood with his hands in his pocket and eyes darting around the space. None of the assistants were around yet. Xander looked up at her with a smile that faded when he saw her face. There were tired lines on them, and they almost looked bloated. “Nina.” He called out, trying to help her to si
Chapter 40 The Joker’s Face JACKSON’S HOME, NEW YORK.“That witch! How dare she come into our lives and try to come between my man and me? I am going to show her what tough is like.” Dawn kept talking to herself as she washed her hands in the restroom. Nina stepped into the space, happy that Jace had caught a clue, and directed her towards where Dawn would likely be. “Were you saying that to me?” She asked from behind with a smirk. This time, Nina didn’t bother to cover up her baby bump. She had handed her jacket over to Jace. Dawn scoffed in distaste when she looked down at the bump. “You have no shame, do you? Following another person’s man when carrying someone else’s child.” “What man are you talking about?” She cackled dryly. “Are you trying to play dumb? If you two were ever going to work, you never would have broken up in the first place. Keep to yourself, or I will make your life hell.” Nina sucked her teeth and took intimidating steps towards her. “Do you know what I d
Chapter 41 The Greedy FellowTAYLOR’S HOME, NEW YORK.Asher rubbed at his tired neck as he stared intensely at the chart in his hand. It’s ridiculous that a food company that hasn’t clocked a year in the industry has made more sales than M&M Foods in the last two years. Although everyone knows X&J has always done exceptionally well with their business. However, it never caught his interest since they are not in the same line of business.Things seem to have taken a different turn now that they are taking the lead role. The board is beginning to threaten to sell out the company if there is no positive change in sales. There must be a reason why a new company is making such waves. To make matters worse, he has been trying to reach Nina, but her line isn’t going. She probably had him blocked.All of the places that he can imagine she might be hiding, he has no idea where. Since she has no family or actual friends besides Andrea, it's like her life has no exact trace. Asher pulled at his
Chapter 42 The Fiery QueenNina’s face paled as she tightened her grip on the steering wheel while watching Andrea enter her car and drive off. She couldn’t sleep a wink over the night as her thoughts roamed. She was only thankful that the office wouldn’t be resuming until tomorrow.What she did to Dawn was uncalled for, and Nina wouldn’t be surprised if she found the cop on her tail. All of her outbursts and the discomfort that comes with being pregnant and having her hormones do whatever it is they like to make her so angry that she wishes she had enough courage to get a gun and pump a few bullets into Asher and Andrea.Tears laced her eyes heavily. Nina gasped in a bid to catch her breath. It is all their fault. Their actions threw all her years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering trust to the wind. And she is left with nothing. Her hand rubbed at her belly unconsciously. If only she were not pregnant, maybe it would have been easier to move on with her life and not have a fra
Chapter 43 ApologiesXANDER’S HOME, NEW YORK.“I shouldn’t have come down here,” Nina mumbled as she parked in front of the house. “Well, you are here now. You might as well go inside.” Tania interrupted her soliloquy. “Why didn’t you just suggest that I call him instead? Coming here is a stretch. What if he has a house guest or doesn’t take visitors on his resting day? It's not working hours. Won’t I be accused of using my privilege of knowing him to take advantage?” “Well, it wouldn’t make sense if you don’t use such an opportunity occasionally.” She joked. Nina cut her a glare. Tania had insisted they visit Xander for her to explain herself to him and find the best solution to the situation at hand. Nina had resisted, but Tania knew how to be persistent. Her face paled at the thought of Xander getting angry at her for doing something as cruel as causing another person bodily harm. Tania noticed her demeanor and sighed. “You look like you have just bumped into a ghost. Relax, N
Chapter 44 Jewels OrphanageX&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK.“What are you doing?” Xander asked Dawn when he noticed her peering into his phone.She pouted, trying to hide her smile. “Nothing. I was just wondering why you had the phone on the lock to that extent. What are you hiding, huh?” Dawn wiggled her brows at him.He raised a suspicious brow. “Why are you interested in whatever I am hiding?”“Nothing. I just used to know your passcode to the house, and now you changed it.”“I didn’t change it because of you. I did this to keep Jace out of my house. But he knows it now anyway, and I hate that he keeps that much tab on me.”“I don’t think I would ever like your brother.”“He doesn’t like you either. So I bet that is just perfect. No one will get hurt.”“You do know he gets down with my sister, right?”Xander stared blankly at her. “Meaning? Isn’t your sister in a relationship?”Dawn mirrored his expression. “Does that make any sense? Since when do you give excuses for irrelevant behaviors?”
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