(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 rest of the week just flew past without any drama, and for that I'm grateful. I buried my self in work even so more than usual. I don't think I've ever worked that hard but it helped keep my mind away from overthinking.I also didn't have to lock horns with Ashley or Judy and Dean hasn't showed up in that time, perfect.Maybe this will all be fine and I can finally have that quiet and peaceful life I've always wanted.Ivy went back to Canada, promising to keep in touch and that she has been doing. She never fails to call, speak with the twins and I also got to know Aria, she's so soft spoken, I couldn't help but love her the second I heard her sweet tiny voice.All in all, it's been a good week, well not until…"Mommy," Jasmine's voice wafted into my ears and I see her darting towards me."Careful baby, so you don't fall," I tell her, a wide grin appears.Wrapped in my arms, I stroked her hair and say. "Baby, Javier is napping, you should too," I tell her, feigning a frown
(Bella)Derrick stared at me like I've just told one hell of a bad joke. "She found you?" He asked again, his eyes pinned on me as he straightens up.I nod, mirroring his expression. "Yep, Ivy did." I take a sip from my glass. "In the most terrific way ever," I say with a cheeky grin and studied Derrick's reaction.A smile appears, one that stretches into a big grin. "That's —almost unbelievable," he wowed. "I never even for a second thought she'd know, judging from the untraceable background," I give him a wry smile. "Well, technically she only just found out and she also mentioned that we wouldn't have found her no matter how hard we tried, hence the reason she came to me as soon as she had a detailed information,""Hmm, that explains all the hamper then, a bunch of detectives couldn't even find her," Derrick breathed out and then his gray eyes began to shimmer as it perks up. "How's she though? Does she look like Aunt Sarah , or you, perhaps the father? Or is she…,""Slow down Derr
(Bella)I couldn't sleep, I tossed and turned all night, yesterday was….well a lot.Alot happened in one day.If Ivy hadn't showed up the time she did, I could — I could've been drugged. And then Dean showed up suddenly realizing I was innocent after five years.I was angry, hurt, a little sad and perhaps irritated all at once. But now I don't even know what I feel anymore.The rising sun streamed harshly into my room, cruelly informing me that my time for rest has come to an end.I toss one last time and dragged myself out of bed, maybe a long shower is what I need to get me out of this foul mood. But it doesn't.It took me several deep breaths and summoning every ounce of my strength to step out of my room.But unlike me, my kids happily buzzed beside Anne in the kitchen, welcoming the day with a beaming smile.Ignoring the lingering restlessness and my lack of sleep, I managed to paste a smile on my face before entering the kitchen."Mommy!" They both chorused, running up for a hug.
(Bella)"Oh, shoot!" I exclaim as I realize I've been too caught up with the moment to check my phone, it's been on silence all evening.I fumble for it in my purse, sitting in the backseat of the ride Ivy had ordered. When I pull it out, I'm hit by the multiple missed calls from Calvin.He had asked that I text him as soon as I get there, it skipped my mind completely.God, he must've been so worried.There, he left a message, actually tons of messages. I opened them.Calvin: Bella, are you okay? Are you still out with her? You aren't picking your calls, I'm worried, please reply to my messages as soon as you see them.I take a deep breath, choosing to call him instead of texting back, I dialed his number pressing the phone to my ear."My God, are you alright Bella? I've been trying to call you but you didn't answer," Calvin says, his words coming out in a rush.I dragged in a sharp breath. "Sorry, Calvin. My phone was on silent, I didn't hear it ring and I totally forgot to text you
(Dean)Fury scratched it's way through my skin, seeping through every pore as I tried to digest what Arthur had just revealed over the ended phone call.His words still echoed in my head as I gripped my phone tighter. Ashley alongside my mother connived to set Bella up, how despicable."Three out of the men in the photos has confessed, turns out your girlfriend and your— mother paid them to have those pictures taken," Arthur strained through the phone and I could feel my blood run cold. "And the pills were very much planted by Ashley, isn't it?" I had asked."I'm afraid so," Arthur quipped back. "And Bella's ring, I'd have you know that your mother paid for it to be couriered to you, not Bella,"I gasp, finding it hard to breathe."Goddamn it!" Ethan cursed under his breath.Fury coiled within me, quickly turning into molten lava and threatening to erupt.God. How could my mother do this?I knew she was capable of many things but this?How could she intentionally ruin my life?And A
(Ashley)I grip my phone tighter as I step down from my car, while Kendra hurriedly tried to catch up.I paced across the driveway, dialing Judy's number, it rings and yet no response.I clench my fist against my phone, feeling my blood boiling within me.She's been ignoring my calls since last night. Dean had surprisingly outed Raymond and I and the little indiscretion.Frankly, I never saw it coming. So you could imagine my shock when he revealed he had known all along.It was, well….But Judy is being ridiculous about it all, not like I did half of what I've done on my own. So, she should deal with it and stop acting like a goddamn saint!I don't care what she thinks, she can pretend she hates me but I know as well as she does that she's in this with me.If I go down, I'm definitely dragging her along with me.I paced, as much as I had convinced myself that Judy needs me no matter what, I could still feel the ounce of restlessness within me."Pick your goddamn phone!" I cursed, fee
(Bella)I can't seem to ignore the way Ivy looks at me, like she's found a lost treasure!I'm seated at the spacious balcony, adjoining her hotel room, taking in the stunning view of the city, the lights twinkle like stars and the distant hum of traffic creates a soothing ambience.Just like she had suggested, we left the club and took a cab here. And for some reason, my overly cautious self felt safe."Here," Ivy hands me a glass of wine with a smile, settling just across from me.I take a short sip and then I studied her. "You look— so much like mom," a soft smile appears."I do?" She raises her eyebrows, eagerly looking at me.I nod. "Absolutely, I'd show you her pictures later," I say and I see her eyes perk up.She looked at me with such warmth and intensity, it felt like a balm, soothing my mind. "I'd really love that," she replies, a bittersweet smile creeping up her face, I see relief and something else flash through her eyes, —- maybe pain.But then my thoughts spirals and I f
(Dean)I opened the door to Rihanna's wide smile. "Hey bro," she says before stepping in.Her company is a welcomed distraction to my disheveled mind.I offered her a glass of wine before settling into the couch just across from her.She crosses her legs, taking a decent sip and then she watched me without saying a word."So what now?" she blurted out, bringing her glass down.I sighed, not sure how to put my emotions into words.When she didn't get a response, she straightens up, furrowing her eyebrows at me. "Look, you need to deal with this guilt. Otherwise, it's going to eat you alive—- and the tiniest chance you have of getting Bella back along with it,"I dragged in a sharp breath. "What if I lose her?" I find myself asking, unable to stop myself.Rihanna stares at me for a tad bit long before she drags in a shaky breath. "Trust me, you wouldn't want to know the pain of losing someone you love the most," she says, but there's an edge there.I hold her gaze, and I'm forced to ask
(Bella)"You should be more careful," the black haired beauty winks at the bartender who looked like he never saw that coming.And then those gorgeous eyes landed on me and for a second I stilled, her mischievous grin is gone, replaced by a warm smile.And for some reason I couldn't stop a smile from creeping to my face as I hold her gaze and then she begins to walk up to me, her every step exudes confidence, drawing the attention of the people around.There's no denying it, she's elegant, so stunning, a badass in every word and the way she carries herself? Epic!There's something magnetic about her, something oddly familiar, I just can't wrap my head around why I feel drawn to a total stranger.And sure enough she appears before me, staring deep into my eyes and before I could will myself to say anything, she leans forward, pulling me into a big hug.Stunned, I blink. Not sure why I didn't feel the need to pull myself out of a stranger's embrace. Her hug brought silent comfort, warmt