(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)Something about Dean turning up for this meeting rather than his assistant pushes me off-kilter. I'm convinced it's not just about business.I'd like to think and as far as I know, Dean never mixes personal issues with business.But then, so much has changed, he's changed and I can't hold on to the things I used to know, especially one that comes from a place of hurt.Plus, I know he still sees me as a cheat and a gold digger, who was with him because of his money.There's nothing I'd say or do that'd change his mind anyway, so why bother?And oh, the smirk and glint in his eyes doesn't go unnoticed.His attention is on me as he steps in, his proudful strides, a constant reminder that maybe — well, all of this is about me.The impact of his threats still lingered, like an imprint in my head. But then, he needs to know it doesn't bother me.I don't care about his threats.I snap out of my daze, and put my game face on.The presentation is filled with an underlying tension, which
(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 r
(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
(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
(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
(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)"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,
(Dean)Not going to see Bella this past week was the hardest decision I had ever made in my entire life.Fuck, maybe I shouldn't have listened to Ethan, he said he has a hunch that Bella hasn't moved on, that what she needed was space at the moment. It took me all night of tossing and turning to agree to his logic.I couldn't help it anymore, the torture became unbearable, so I decided to send her flowers instead, I had Humphrey scour for the best florist shop, I remember she loved roses, I hope she still does.My nerves are a little short, I feared she'd reject them, the tension and restlessness I felt was slow to leave, I stared at my phone, waiting to get a confirmation from Humphrey, regarding it.I poured myself a drink, hoping it'd help calm my racing nerves, but heck it doesn't. I grip my glass tighter. I guess I was lost in my train of thoughts that I didn't hear the door open."Are you alright?" Ethan eyed me, most likely sensing that I wasn't. Then his gaze shifted to the am
(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