(Dean)I pocket my phone as I send out the message to Ashley.I don't care what she thinks or anyone else for that matter, it was silly of me to have succumbed to mom's pressure and tricks, by agreeing to date Ashley in the first place.Or perhaps, it was my desperate attempt to clear the air about the fuss of me still being hung up on Bella. Maybe I still am, I just can't admit it.But I shouldn't be, she cheated on me, she deceived me.And yet there's no single day in the last past four years that I haven't thought about her.What we had was beautiful, how could she throw all of that away?They say time heals all wounds but why can't I relate to that phrase? Because it's been four freaking years and it still doesn't make it hurt any less.I'm still angry, too angry at her and then at myself for still harboring this feelings.It's crazy, I'm crazy, aren't I?I turn to Ethan, wanting a distraction."Do you care for a drink?" I ask my best friend, Ethan as he plopped onto the couch."Ye
(Bella)A month later….Our plane touched down the city of New York. I inhaled deeply, letting the cool breeze touch my skin.One would think I wouldn't show up here with all the memories it holds, right?Well, here I am.I'm not gonna lie, realizing Brenco is the company Calvin just signed with had me rattled.It just leaves me feeling, maybe my past is back to haunt me.Calvin said the deal has been signed and finalized. But there's no way Dean himself will take up on the project, not for an expansion.Don't get me wrong, Clein's is a big name here in LA but trust me, is nothing compared to Brenco and it's billion-dollar subsidiary wings.I bet he has piles of projects waiting on his desk.But even so, if he does get involve. I'd be professional about it for Calvin's sake and mine.I know I should've told Calvin first up about it being a company of my ex. But seeing Calvin being pumped about the partnership. I couldn't bring myself to tell him.And I definitely do not want him bailin
(Dean)I stand in front of the mirror in my bedroom, adjusting the cufflinks of my perfectly tailored tuxedo as I get ready for the Elite's party.It's been one hell of a hectic week but I can't complain, business is running smoothly, even so more than usual.My instincts is at alert when I hear the door crack open but I don't look back because when I stare back at the mirror, Ashley's standing right behind me wearing a rehearsed smile.Her presence behind me is stifling, almost suffocating but the only good thing is that I don't have to deal with her after tonight.She moves closer, wrapping her arms around my waist but all I did was step away from her in a subtle stride.Talk about who doesn't read a room, you're damn well giving Ashley her oscars.Just one more night, Dean. My inner mind soothes me.I muffled my distaste as I turned to face her. "You don't have to be here. Raymond is to pick you up, he always does," I have this look, eyebrows all scrunched up when I say this.I see
(Dean)Wanting to know why everyone seems hepped up. I shift my attention to the entrance, my curiosity piqued and so does Ethan's.It clicks, I remember him, the guest who had everyone geeked.Calvin Williams.The CEO of Clein's and Brenco's new partnership. We'd met a few days back, and I personally asked Humphrey to send him an invite.But then, it's not really him that catches my attention and that of others, it's the lady with him.She's beautiful, a bombshell in every sense of the word and more. Slim, she's endowed with a well sculpted body, her curvy figure is out of this world. Her raven hair cascades down her back like a waterfall of night, framing her heart-shaped face.A poise elegance radiates from her every movement.There's no denying it, she's worth the gasp.She's on a stunning red dress that hugs her curves like a second skin, showing off every inch of her body. A body that every male and half the females in the hall are drooling over.There's just something about the
(Bella)If I want to prove to everyone and myself that I've really moved on and couldn't care less of what Dean and his family has going on for them, then there's no better time than now.Turning up at that party, looking amazing and feeling confident will go a long way doing that.So, I did one of the things I know how to do best, a glam look and my incredible nack for fashion.A real stunner in every sense of the word.Picking up my purse, I glance at the mirror for the last time, a smile escaping my lips.Perfect, just perfect.Calvin and his driver are outside, waiting to take me.Just before I step out of my room, my phone buzzes in my purse.Quickly, I pull it out, to take a look.It's a text from Derrick.I click on the message, my eyes scanning through.Derrick: The private investigator just called, same old story, there's no positive response yet. But we won't back down. We'd keep searching until we find her or anything that might lead us to her, okay?I take a deep breath, le
(Dean)I whirl around to face Ethan, my anger and frustration boiling over. "What do you mean, Ethan. Didn't you see that?" My voice is cranky, louder than I'd intended whilst drawing the attention of a few nearby guest.Ethan drags in a sharp breath. "Of, course I did. But you need to calm down Dee, you shouldn't create a scene. Moreover, she's staying away, just like you asked her to. Surely, there's no problem in that," Ethan stated.I chuckle, a bitter amused one. "There's no problem in that, you say?" I spat, my voice is low but laced with venom. "Showing up here out of the blues is the problem, acting like I'd never existed after what she did to me is the fucking problem!" I fume, not backing down. Ethan glance around the room briefly, a cautious gesture and then he turns back to me. "Fine but this isn't the time or the place for this and you know it. I suggest you let her be—,""No, Ethan. I just can't." I blurted out before he could finish.Ethan raises his eyebrows, like he j
(Bella)We got to our table and settled in. But then it hits me, Judy's table is just across us, and as expected, she's throwing daggers at me.I smile, more to them than myself.Judy is livid, furious even but as the matriarch that she is, she's doing a perfect job masking the turmoil brewing inside her from everyone but me."Are you okay?" Calvin's voice cuts me off my little moment, and I turn to respond."Sure, I've never been more okay." I reply, offering a smile.Calvin nods, reaching out to my hand and offering a gentle squeeze. "I'm glad to hear that," he says, his tone's soft as his eyes lock onto mine.I hold his gaze a little longer, the admiration in his tender look is clear, too apparent. Calvin adores me, it's glaring, everyone could see that and sometimes I just feel bad that I can't give him more.I widen my smile, squeezing his hand right back. He turns to a waiter, signaling for glasses of wine.I relax back into my chair, but the heated gaze from the table across ne
(Dean)I can feel my nostrils flare up in an intense anger and frustration as Bella ignored me, walking back into the hall.There's just something about her unmistaken resolve, a subtle reminder of how much she hurt me, how much she played with my feelings.She isn't sorry, not even rueful.That brings me to those tears, her pleads, asking me to hear her out. I can feel my chest tighten at the thought of it.Where they even real?Has anything about Bella ever been real?I clench and unclench my fist at my sides, struggling to keep myself grounded.The nerve of her to throw shades at me, to throw whatever relationship she has with Calvin at my face, to ignore me.I'm not going to let this go. I sure won't.I mean, I'd buried everything that happened, at least I thought I did.Left everything the way it was, even with Ethan bugging me not to, I accepted my ill luck regarding love.But then she just shows up from nowhere, unfazed and suddenly acting bipolar.That's exactly what I can't ta
(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.
(Bella)I still couldn't stop thinking about what Derrick said, perhaps I was slacking off, getting too comfortable around Dean.My head is just so messed up right now. It feels like Dean has plaqued my senses, and no matter how hard I try to turn off my thoughts, it keeps drifting back to him.I find everything he does intriguing, perhaps a little too much.But I can't let myself fall any deeper than I already am, and I also need to work through this feeling that has stirred up since we got close again, I can't let it linger on.It's quite risky, especially when I'm trying to protect myself from what it will all bring.That's it, I sigh.I need to guard my heart, by all means.******So, I try to keep my distance, only speak when spoken to, and I also tried not to get excited by Dean's presence.I avoid any awkward situations, I leave the room right when he walks in, and lastly I avoided eye contact.I wasn't unkind though, I just tried not to be too friendly, that way I might focus