(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 n
(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, whic
(Dean)"Be here in time tomorrow. I have an early appointment," I tell Raymond, who nods in return."Sure, boss." I step out of my car, heading right inside. It's been a long day and I'm quite stressed on what to do with Bella.Once I step into the living room, I paused.Nothing prepares me for the sight before me.Mom's seated on the couch, her legs crossed with a glass of juice in hand like she's a queen or something. Her presence is imposing as ever.I'm surprised, mainly because I didn't see her car parked outside. Maybe we'd revisit her having a spare key.I mean, I'd expected her to show up here or at the office since I've been avoiding her calls.But she didn't in the past one week and now she's here, and at this time.I take a quick glance at my rolex. It's past 7pm."Mom?" I call out, walking towards her."Oh, you're finally back," she says, bringing her glass down, unfazed."What are you doing here by this time?" I ask outrightly, my tone skeptical.She frowns, clearly not
(Bella)"Oh, baby, you shouldn't be up, look at the time," I retort, feigning a frown as I walk into Jasmine's room.She's on her tablet, clearly playing games on it. But as soon as she hears my voice, she puts it down, her eyes furrowed at me in guilt.I reach out to her, caressing her hair gently. "Javier is sleeping and you should do the same too, sweety." I frown a little."I'm sorry mommy," she says softly, pouting her mouth in a cute way.Pretty irresistible thing, how'd I stay mad now?I let a smile form on my face. "It's okay, baby," I say, patting her back gently. "Come. I'll put you to bed," I say, pulling the covers over her tiny body while I lie beside her, caressing her softly."Mommy?" She calls with a soft voice."Yes, baby." I smile at her, willing her to go ahead."I want a new doll, mommy. You promise to get one when we get here. Can we go to the mall tomorrow?" Jasmine ask, her eyes wide in anticipation.It just dawned on me that she'd had her heart set on having a n
(Bella)It's been almost five minutes since I got into Brenco.A nostalgic feeling washes over me, it's been four years since I last step foot into this place, and the giant building before me does nothing to soothe my racing mind.I'd prepared myself for this but sometimes we can't control how we feel.Calvin was a bit skeptical about this but I assured him that I could handle it, and I've been considering telling him about my history with Dean, because sooner or later he'd find out.I let out a deep breath.Calm down Bella, my inner mind tries to soothe me.All I have to do, is walk into his office, hand this document over to him, ignore his nonsense while at it and leave once he's signed them.Yes, that's it.With that, I step out, walking my way into the main building, it's still as luxurious as I can remember.I head towards the front desk, a lady in her late thirties smiles warmly at me. She's new, not the secretary I used to know but I don't let that thought linger on.I give a
(Ashley)I blink awake, my eyes struggling to adjust to the light streaming into the room. But then, my mind reels with satisfaction as I noticed my hands wrapped around a firm body.Dean, I mutter inwardly, flipping my half awake eyes open, a smile creeps up my face as I tilt my head, holding onto his body firmly.And then pause, my face drains of any color, realizing who was sleeping next to me.My mind is still a hazy mess, I look around and it isn't Dean's room, it's mine.I froze, pulling my hands away from him quickly, his body reacts to my sudden hand withdrawal but he doesn't wake up.Still in shock, I flipped the bedsheet open, taking a look, I'm naked, we both are.Fuck shit! What have I done?It was supposed to be Dean sleeping next to me, cuddled up in each other's arms and not this gigolo, this good for nothing jackass.I clench my teeth hard in frustration.Last night was supposed to be my best night, a night I anticipated for with every fiber of my being, but it has tur
(Dean)So, it's Friday evening, the day Ashley had asked to come over to my house and talk things out.Personally, I'd prepared myself for tonight, because something deep inside me tells me that Ashley can't just accept rejection without a fuss, her response almost sounds like there's an ulterior motive behind it.Well, tonight I'd know."It's all set," Ethan says, his voice cutting through my thoughts. I take a quick sip of my drink before turning to face him."Thanks man," I say earnestly, and almost on cue, the doorbell rings, Ethan and I share a look, he has a smirk as he shrugs into the couch."I guess it's time," I say with a grin, raising my glass of wine. Gently, I bring it down and head out of the guest room to get the door.I get to the door, and take a quick look through the peephole. Ashley's standing there, a bottle of champagne in hand.Without hesitating any further, I hold the doorknob and slide it open, revelling Ashley.Her face breaks into a fake smile, one that bel
(Bella)Judy is trouble, her presence is imposing and unsettling. And that brings me to my question.Why's she here?On the surface, Judy Brennan was a vision of perfection, with every detail of her appearance meticulously refined, from her thousand-dollar outfit, her rehearsed smile, down to her annoying serene posture. But looks can be deceiving, there's more to someone than meets the eye.Things aren't always as they seem.I hold her gaze and there's a smile on her face, a rehearsed smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.My nerves are a little short and for a second I consider turning back but then again, I don't have to give Judy the upper hand, I'd rather not have her think she has me worried.My heart ramps up but I'm not going to show weakness.I take a deep breath and walk up confidently to the table, my gait smooth and fluid.I take a seat. "Really?" I spat, keeping my voice down. "Setting up a client's profile just to get me here?" I say in a low and distasteful tone.Her s
(Bella)Two days has passed since the ridiculous stunt Dean pulled at the restaurant. I swear, he's beginning to get on my last nerves.But I did tell him off, and I don't know if that'd make him stop. I doubt this few days respite will last that long. Dean's never easily deterred.I also need to work through the feelings that have stirred up deep inside me.But right now, I can only hope he stays away and stop bothering me.Calvin on the other hand. Well, he's been there. And every damn time I look into his eyes, I see the curiosity in them, but he didn't ask about what Dean said that night.Maybe he just didn't know how to, or he doesn't want to pry. Or perhaps he's waiting for me to open up about it.And thankfully, there hasn't been any meeting scheduled for the project with Brenco. The air feels lighter without Dean throwing taunts around, at least for now.So, we have a new client on board and the weird, well not so weird thing is that this client said he'd only commit after a d
(Ashley)As Dean disconnects the call, a smile creeps up my face, I cross my legs, taking a sip of my wine."Don't tell me you're going ahead with this?" Evelyn, my friend asked, her eyes fixed on me in disbelief.I smirk. "What do you think?" I wink, swirling my glass, the thought of having Dean wrapped around my fingers brings an undeniable joy to me.The thing is, I've been following Dean for quite some time now. He wouldn't talk to me, pick my calls nor return them.It's so clear that Dean doesn't want me but he doesn't have a choice here, I'm going to be by his side and that's it.I didn't relent in following him and then one day, I saw him talking with that bitch openly, it made me so furious, so angry that it almost knocks the breath out of me.It felt like I couldn't measure up to her, no matter what I do.I've done literally everything to get to Dean but none of them has ever worked.But then again, I've come too far to back down, not now, not ever.So, I knew if I didn't want
(Dean)The room falls silent, Ethan's words hanging in the air. I just stilled, letting his words sink in.I don't know but the thought of seeing Bella with Calvin, losing her to him, the fear of it, it makes my stomach twist, it leaves my heart feeling empty.But then, I'm still confused about a whole lot of things.My mind's a jumbled mess.I look at Ethan, my expression softens completely. "You remember the little boy from the mall, the twins?" I ask, holding Ethan's gaze.He shrugs. "Yeah, I do. What about them?" He asked, eyebrows raised.I swallow hard. "Bella's their birth Mom," I say, my voice strained.Ethan tilts his head, his eyes wide open. "Huh?" He exclaims, his eyes darting on me, he has a look of disbelief registered on his face. "Bella has kids?"I nod. "Yeah, she does," I reply, the words as simple as it sounds, feels so heavy in my mouth. "I'm just so—- confused," My shoulders slumps. Ethan narrows his eyes at me, studying my expression carefully and then he says i
(Dean)I'm seated at my office, flipping through a document, I tried to stay focused but I'm really not feeling it.I've instructed Humphrey to call my PR team to clean this up immediately and luckily they've been able to hold things down for now.Hopefully we don't draw more attention to the situation, the gossip will die down with time too.And as for Eric, we'll meet again.All in all, I should be a lot calmer right?But heck I'm not. I still have a bigger fish to fry.Bella, the twins, their paternity, the reason why she's been hiding them, the pills, my sudden confliction, all of it.Surely, I'll get to the root of this.As I shuffle nonchalantly through the pages of the document Humphrey had brought in earlier, a woman's angry voice cuts through the silence. "Where is Dean?"I recognize that voice instantly. It's Mom.She must've seen the news, such things doesn't get past her.I shrug back to my chair, waiting for her to stride in.The door burst open and Mom storms in angrily
(Dean)I barely slept last night, my mind's been a mess, I can't seem to hold it down, Bella's words, Humphrey's revelation.It's all stuck in my head, refusing to back off.I don't understand.How is it even possible that Bella has not just a kid but twins and I didn't know?If it was anyone else that told me about this, I'd have doubted it but then it's Humphrey and he sent me evidence to back this up, the full details of Bella when she moved in and true to his words, she's their mother.But it baffles me that I'm just finding out, I must say, she did a fantastic job hiding them.But then again, who's the lady with the little boy at the mall?There's just so much questions running through my head.Javier, the name escapes my mouth as my brain works overtime.Now, it makes so much sense.The resemblance, the sudden connection ever since I laid my eyes on him, my curiosity, it's not just about me liking kids.It's something more, something deeper.Wait.The twins couldn't have been mo
(Dean)Calvin blinks as realization hits him, his expression twists but that reaction doesn't linger on for too long.Bella's face contorts in rage instantly, she looks at me fiercely with a note of disbelief. "Stop with the BS, Dean!" She snaps, taking a step closer, she seems more annoyed than anything, her eyes are narrowed at me, emitting an intense anger, a side of her I've never seen. "I'm no one's wife," she declared, her voice sharp.Hearing her say that straight to my face without a care in the world, undoes something in me.My jaw tightens. "You think this is a joke?" I seethe, my eyes pinned on her. "We're not officially divorced and what you're doing right now," I say, pointing between her and Calvin. "Is damn wrong but it's not like being faithful has ever been your strong suit anyways," I mocked, my voice a deep coating of sarcasm.A chuckle slips out of Bella's mouth, a dry, humourless sound. My frustration boils over, and for a moment I wonder if I've said anything funn