(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
(Ashley)It's that bitch!It's really her.What the hell is she doing here?I clench my fist in rage, my blood boiling with lingering resentment.I'd made sure I kept her out of Dean's life, never thought she'd show up here after all these years.It was an easy peasy, she loved and trusted me, warmed up to me so quickly. It wasn't so hard putting her out.I'd planned everything since the day I deliberately ran into her.And then, the perfect timing came, I'd baited her out.I thought I've won, thought Dean would be so vulnerable to fall into my arms, to see my love for him. but he didn't, for some reason he'd acted indifferently to me.And then, I thought to myself, maybe he needed time to get over her, to accept she'd left him for good. I'd convinced myself he'd come around.But then, months turned into years and Dean's still the same.He acts like he's over her, he'd pretend like he's fine with the divorce but I know he isn't.I can see right through him. And it hurts to know he'd ne
(Dean)I lean back into my chair, my eyes wanders at the stack of contracts on my desk, waiting to be signed. I've been struggling to stay focused but my mind is far from steady.It's like the more I try to push the nagging feeling gnawing at me since I met Bella last night, the more it's stuck in my mind.I'm angry, confused and not to mention I'm curious as to why she'd show up acting all clueless.I mean, it's been four years, and she has every right to have moved on with someone else but for some reason I can't seem to let it go.Seeing her happy with him while I'm still stuck in the past makes it even more unbearable, with her taunting replies during our brief altercation, I just knew I wouldn't let it go.And to add to my stress, mom's been blowing up my phone since last night. My guess is, Ashley already told her about the break up.Of, course I'd expected her to.My phone buzzes again, this time it was Aunt Elena and not Mom.Their interference just makes me so sick to my stom
(Bella)I've scoured for the best preschool around with the help of Derrick. Langford Academy stands out.I mean, with their current and past records, they're no doubt the best, and that's exactly what I'm looking for, because my cute little munchkins deserves nothing but the best.And even better, it's just a few minutes drive away from home, and not so far from Clein's.We've been there for a brief interview, alongside with Javier and Jasmine. And I wasn't surprised when I got a message of their acceptance two days ago. Javier and Jasmine are very bright and quick-witted. So I'd expected it.I take a quick glance at my wrist watch as I walked out of the kitchen, carrying their lunchbox. "Come on darlings, we're going to be late for school," I call after Jav and Jas as Anne clears their table.Not only was it their first day in school, it was mine in work as well.I didn't think much about working on board with Brenco, because according to Calvin, we won't be working directly with De
(Dean)I stand tall and confident, my eyes pinned on no one else but Bella.Her pretty face and eyes stares back at me, bowled over.The look on her face says it all, just as I'd expected.Our eyes lock for a second longer before she drags her gaze away from me.I'd taken her unaware, beating her to her own games."Dean," Calvin calls out as he stands up, extending a hand with a gentle smile.I manage a smile, taking his hand, whilst watching Bella intently from the corner of my eyes."We hadn't expected to see you in person, your assistant reached out," Calvin says, sitting back down at the head of the table while I take my seat just directly opposite Bella. Perfect!I give a tight-lipped smile, a gesture that belies my true intent. "Well, I changed my mind," I retort. "Or does anyone feel uncomfortable working with me?" My eyes are fixed on Bella when I say this.Her eyes meets mine briefly before she breaks her gaze but not before I see something flash through her eyes."Of, course
(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
(Dean)As Raymond wheeled the car into the driveway, I step down and sighted two familiar figures standing in front of my door.It's Mom and then… Ashley.I cursed under my breath, wondering why on earth would mother bring Ashley here, after I had strictly warned against it.I gritted my teeth, my hands fisting as annoyance and frustration bubble over.I sucked in a sharp breath, trying to stifle my anger, before taking a few steps forward, but not before telling Raymond to wait behind.God knows I have no time for this. "Dean," Mom calls out, a smile creeping up her face. "You're back," her smile grows even wider.I shifted my attention from my awkwardly excited mother to Ashley, and as usual she was wearing a rehearsed smile on.I give them a long stare before I blurted out. "What the hell are you doing here?" My question is directed at Ashley, who's smile instantly died on her lips."Dean! Behave, I raised you better than to talk to a woman like that," My mother snapped, giving me