(Bella)"Thank you," I finally smiled at the delivery guy, taking the flower and the gift bag from him.Once I shut the door, I quickly picked Calvin's call before it rings out. "Hey," I mutter, my voice calm as a soft smile coils up on my lips.Calvin's voice comes through with a hint of concern. "Hey, I called in to check up on you in the morning but you didn't answer," he says. "You haven't responded to your emails either, just wondering if you're okay,"Surprised, I paused. Calvin's acting rather normal, I thought he called to check if I've received the gifts.Well, if he was aiming to surprise me then it worked, it actually did.I walk back and settle into the couch, my eyes on the gift bag. I exhaled slowly. "I have been in an incredibly morbid mood today but it's nothing serious, and I was hoping to check my emails later in the day," I explained and then my voice lowers and a grin appears. "But honestly, you didn't have to send me gifts, worrying about me like this, it's enough,
(Bella)The next day, Calvin visited. I noticed he has a forced smile all through, and he's more quiet than usual, avoiding eye contact.Once done putting the kids to bed for a nap, I walk back to where Calvin is.Calvin finally shifts his gaze to me. "They're asleep now?" He asks, keeping his voice even.I nod, offering a tiny smile. "Yeah, they must be exhausted from all that playtime,""Yeah, right," he says.There's a tightness around his mouth that betrays his words. I feel a knot form in my stomach.Calvin's shoulders stiffened as his eyes darted on me. "The gifts? They were from your ex?" He suddenly asked, his voice firm like he's so sure.I exhaled slowly. "Yeah, it's from Dean. But I'm not keeping it," I retort.Calvin's expression softens, and the tension in his shoulders eases a bit. "I see," he mutters and then he holds my gaze briefly. "You plan on returning them or..?""I will return them, I see no need why I should accept them anyways," I sighed.Calvin watched me a li
(Bella)It's been two days since my kids asked if Dean could be their father, I haven't given them any explicit answer yet but I have really given it a thorough thought.And by the time I made my final decision, I couldn't tell how my fear of Dean taking full custody dissipated.Perhaps it doesn't really make much sense, I mean, if he wanted to, he would have acted on it.So, yeah. This isn't about me anymore, it's about my kids, and I no longer intend to cavil or compromise.As a mother, my kid's happiness and wellness should be my utmost concern.I want to give them a chance to have both parents regardless of the situation with Dean.Of course my nerves are a little short about it, what it'll all bring moving forward.Ashley's threat played in my mind. Letting Dean play his dad's role will surely agitate her, as much as I always seem unaffected by her threats, I know she's more deadly than she looks.I mean, she has proven that over and over again.But then, am I really going to let
(Dean)I couldn't have been more restless after seeing Bella's text.She wanted to meet and talk, on one hand I was happy she texted, super excited even but on the other hand I was dreadfully nervous.Bella wanted to talk?That thought leaves me thrilled and anxious. We'd be having lunch this afternoon, and hence I welcomed the morning with an electrifying buzz.I wore my finest suit, a well polished shoe and made sure my hair was perfectly in place. I just couldn't help myself.Ethan noticed it, perhaps from my voice when he called this morning to remind me of the meeting with the upper Elites.And trust him to not fail to ask. "You sound incredibly thrilled for someone who'd be in the same space for two long hours with Eric Scott," He say, my mind drifts to the meeting I do not wish to attend.If it wasn't out of duty and perhaps business, I doubt I'd want to be anywhere near the likes of Eric. Eric always wants to undermine me at every turn. He seems to cease any chance he gets to
(Dean)If there's one thing I learned from my past mistake, it's to never trust other people's stories before hearing Bella's.I've learned the hard way, and Bella's the one I trust the most, I know that now.I might've cluelessly allowed Judy and Ashley to manipulate me but right now, no one has that power over me.Not even this despicable lying asshole.I look at Eric, and a dry chuckle escapes me. "Were you expecting me to flare up? Oh no, Eric. That's absurd, as a matter of fact, you should be thrilled to have her aboard," Thrown off, his smile fades and his face falls completely, I can see his eyes widen in disbelief, he looks at me like I didn't just say that.Having received the reaction I expected, I take a cautious step forward and tap his shoulders gently, his eyes follows my hand. "You'll be fine, Eric. We'll all be," I give him a tiny smile before retreating.I spot his balled fist but he didn't dare say anything else.I hear Ethan call me from behind, I turn to see him wa
(Bella)I woke up the next day and realized I had angrily closed my laptop without responding to Eric's mail.Of course the normal me would've left it unattended to, but then I need him to know that I wasn't some pawn he'd use in his dirty little games.Maybe if I tell him more assertively, he'll stop bothering me.I reach out to my laptop and quickly replied before starting my day."Hi, Eric. Well, consider this the last time I'll respond to you over this ridiculous offer, maybe, just maybe if you play fair and put in the required work, you'd measure up. I'm not a pawn you'd use in your malicious dirty games against your opponent, let that sink!"I let out a heavy sigh, and dragged myself out, ready to welcome the day.*******I set a reminder on my phone regarding lunch with Dean, as I settle into my chair, flipping through the files on my desk.I worked in silence, till Cynthia came in to say hi, she has been a little more friendly, no longer the grumpy lady who stalks me outside re
(Dean)My stomach is in tight knots as I sit down in the empty restaurant, one I had booked out for the time we'd be spending here.I glance at my watch as I prayed she doesn't change her mind.Bnd then I turned, meeting the most gorgeous eyes I've ever seen, for a fleeting seconds I stared, clearly blown away.Bella looks breathtakingly gorgeous in a simple gown that's just a little below her knees, she has a knack for making even the simplest clothes look elegant.She's easily the most beautiful woman in the world, and if she ever gives us a chance, I'll never let her slip out of my fingers again, never.My dick stirred in my pants as I took in her features a little more, I quickly force a breath down my lungs, blocking out my lewd thoughts and just then a smile creeps up my face."Bella," I mutter, standing up to welcome her but then her face went dead cold in an instant, disregarding me with just a glance.She walked straight to our table and my eyes strayed to the bag she was hol
(Bella)I finally stepped out of the door, and I had never felt so relieved walking out of a restaurant.I just can't get over the sadness I saw in Dean's eyes as I declared there was no us. There had to be something wrong with me for feeling bad about nothing.I shouldn't, he made me feel worthless, he humiliated me and shattered my heart into a thousand pieces, I can't forget that.I shake off that weird feeling, reminding myself that what I had with Dean, needed to be over.I don't want to hurt myself more by giving in to what I feel for him. I had to literally force myself to sound mean, act like it or risk letting my real emotions show.Do I love Dean? I'd probably scream yes.But is love truly enough to sustain a marriage, a union?This isn't just about love, I can't trust Dean, and trust is everything.And as for him? He has no trust in me either, no faith.His mother knew to go after his insecurities, a few photos was all it took and he easily folded, he didn't even try to dis
(Bella)Those words were all it took, and Dean's lips are on mine again, devouring every inch of my mouth, I could barely catch my breath as the kiss grows more intense with every second.It feels like we're both starving, the passion is still there, as fiery as ever.Dean lifts me up against the wall, his lips still on mine, while I wrap my legs around his waist.After a few minutes of kissing me none stop, he gently brings me down, and striped me bare, discarding my dress and I watch his eyes darken as he stares at my body, eyes filled with admiration."You're so beautiful," his voice is hoarse and soaked in desire, he undid his button, shrugging out of his shirt, revealing a well-defined chest and sculpted abs.My eyes roams his body, exploring every fascinating inch of his chest and abdomen and then my face flushed as my eyes drifted to a certain bulge in his boxers briefs. When I look up to meet his gaze, he has a smirk.He took a single step forward and that was it, he whirls me
(Bella)The awkward silence lasted till Calvin was out of sight. I turn to look at Rihanna and she looks a little sad, her eyes pinned in the direction Calvin had taken.I clear my throat, snapping Rihanna back to reality. "Is everything okay?" I say, my eyebrows lifting in question.She forced a smile. "Oh, it's nothing," she waves it off. "How have you been, Bella. It's been such a long time," she says, her eyes lightening up again.There, she's being too obvious about changing gears but that's okay. I understand awkward moments better than most.I exhaled, offering a smile as warm as hers. "I've been great actually. It's so nice to see you," I say earnestly."Yeah," she mutters, her gaze softening. "We should catch up sometime," she says and I nod."Yeah, we should,"We talked a little more before she excused herself to join her date.As I watch her leave, I couldn't help but think about earlier, what was that?There's definitely something, it can't be nothing.Calvin looks like he
(Bella)I knew I wanted Dean, I wanted him so badly. Even now my body still tingles from his touch. I just realize how much I've missed him.That kiss, his gaze that makes me weak to my knees, it all reminded me that I was starving.I could feel the wave of heat washing over me when my eyes strayed to his crotch, I just couldn't help it, my mind instantly projected him naked, and his cock buried deep inside me, what those gorgeous hands of his could do to me.But then, I shook my head, inwardly scolding my lewd thoughts.My walls had crumbled to dust when Dean said he has and will always love me.Strangely I didn't doubt his love, I had looked into his eyes, searching for even the barest traces of lies but I found none.I see the way he looks at me and that itself tells me more than I need to know.A part of me wanted to tell him that I never stopped loving him. But I restrained myself from doing so. I'll put it down to being cautious, and yet my whole body screams at me to admit that
(Dean)I watch tears slip down the side of her face and now I feel like the biggest asshole in existence for making her cry.I see the doubt in her eyes and it fucking kills me, I know it's going to take a while before she'll fully trust me again.I'm willing to do anything, anything at all to get her to trust me again.But then, she pulls her hands free from mine and looks at me, her eyes a teary mess. "You don't get it, Dean. Ashley is crazy, she's dangerous, she'll try to hurt me, her threats were real, and your mother? She's unhinged. I" she pointed out and pause, as if remembering something. And then she looks at me. "Judy knew I had your kids long before you figured it out, she wanted to pay me out, to leave my kids to you and Ashley, she thinks the worst of me," her voice cracks, barely above a whisper and then she lowers her head.My eyes widens as I try to take in what I've just heard.My fist clench and unclench at my side.Ashley threatened her? And mother knew the kids we
(Bella)I flip over for what feels like the hundredth time, unable to sleep, my mind just won't stop racing, Dean's sad eyes haunted my mind.Frustrated, I throw off the covers and drag myself out of bed, wearing no more than red silk nightgown.I head to the kitchen to grab myself a bottle of water and go through my emails later, hoping it'd help quiet my mind, somehow. But not before checking in on Javier and Jasmine.With a bottle of water and a clean glass in hand, I move to the kitchen island and sat down. But just as I take the first gulp, I hear a knock on the door.I squint, checking the time on my phone. Who could possibly be knocking on my door, and at this time?It's a few minutes past 9PM, not too late but I don't usually have anyone over at this time.I place the glass back down and shuffle to the door. When I opened the door, I'm startled to see Dean standing there, ashen-faced.I didn't expect he'd be here, especially when I got his text earlier saying he had a late nig
(Bella)I could feel Dean's eyes on me the entire day and even as I join Calvin in speaking to a few guests, his gaze was still on me.I refused to meet his eyes, focusing my mind on anywhere but him. And then finally he walks up to Calvin and I, alongside his assistant, Humphrey."Dean," Calvin turns to meet him, shifting his attention from a guest to him, a soft smile in place, My heart raced with Dean's closeness but I didn't dare look at him.Well, not until he mutters. "I'll have to take my leave now, I have an urgent matter that needs my attention," he says but there's an edge in his voice and instinctively my eyes landed on his blue ones.I see an unmistakable glint of sadness in his eyes as it flickers between Calvin and I."Oh, that's fine, Dean." Calvin says calmly, extending his hands.Dean looks at the hand Calvin was offering and hesitantly he takes it, returning a tiny smile and then he turns but not without giving us both a once over.My stomach is tied up in a knot as I
(Bella)I haven't been able to get Dean, the kiss out of my head, from one lewd thought to another and it pretty much unsettles me.I'd like to think I've been ignoring him quite well and I'm sure he knows.I must be a terrible person because I didn't even ask if he was okay now, if Doctor Raven said anything that'd be of concern.I should ask but the urge to stay away from him was greater. And the next day we slipped into our co-parenting roles, and I try to keep away from him.I see his efforts into getting us to talk though, I feel his scorching gaze but I paid no mind, making sure there's no situation that'll leave us alone in one setting.Of what use will opening up to Dean or accepting my feelings for him be? It'll rile Judy and Ashley up, and then what?I can't risk it.They might be quiet now, staying off my back but I know it's only a matter of time.If they see I'm not here for Dean, and that I only have my kid's best interest at heart, maybe they'll finally let me be.Speak
(Dean)I turn to Rihanna, who's been watching me silently from across my desk. She finally speaks up. "So, not only are you avoiding your mom but the entire family?" Rihanna says, raising an eyebrow.I give her a look. "Don't be dramatic," I reply, shaking my head.She feigns a frown. "But that's what it looks like, you don't take your calls, and you barely return them,"I clear my throat and throw her a glare. "Well, it wasn't that bad, until you started bringing mother up, you know the rules, Rihanna and yet you choose not to abide by it," I tell her outrightly.Yeah, and not to mention that I know she's here to lecture me.She shrugs and lets out an exasperated sigh. "I know, and it's not like I have too much of a choice here, I have a sulking mother at home, and Judy came by the house yesterday, visibly sobbing. I've never in my entire existence seen Judy cry, I almost thought she's untouchable,""Don't be deceived by their stunts," I huffed, I know not to take whatever mother and
(Dean)I shouldn't. But she closes her eyes, and my mouth is on hers. My tongue entered her with ease, tangling with hers.The thrill of our tongues meeting races through my body. I fist her hair and drag her in more, she opens her mouth to me, and I'm flooded with need.The taste of her, the feel of her, the need, it's intoxicating, overwhelming.My mouth opens, and the kiss grows more intense, her body melts into mine and for a moment everything ceased to exist, just us, just this.God, I've missed her, this. Why did l ever let her go?But just then, her eyes slowly opens, and she pulls away quickly, breaking the moment.She tensed and looked away, she bites her lower lips, as if realizing what we've done. I see something flicker through her eyes, leaving me all confused.Does she regret kissing me back?She stands up quickly, and grabs her car keys, her nervousness seeping from miles away. "You should have Doctor Raven come in the morning for a proper checkup,"Thrown off, I blink.