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(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
(Dean)For the next hours I bury myself in work, staying busy is just my way of distracting myself from the turmoil brewing inside me.I couldn't shake off the anger in me the moment Bella snapped back at me before walking out of my office, unperturbed.It feels like something just closes up on me, like all my tantrums doesn't get to her.It bothers me that it doesn't.I just want to frustrate her, pay her back for hurting me deeply.My mind works overtime.Is that really what this is about?I sigh.But regardless of what it is, I'm not letting her off the hook so easily this time, not letting her weasel her way back here, just to mess with my head.If she's on the hunt for wealthy guys, then I'm out to get her!I take a deep breath, scrolling through my tab for my remaining schedule.Humphrey is out for business purpose and while my eyes are glued on my tab, I'd realize I still have one last inspection to do, a lucrative project in hand, just beside the mall. I can't sleep on this.I
(Dean)If l didn't know myself well, I'd have said maybe I had a child somewhere that l don't know of.The resemblance, it's almost too real.But then, it's not unlikely, people do look alike these days.Or maybe it's just all in my head."I'm sorry," he mutters, his tiny voice bringing me back to earth, he's looking at me intently, like he's gauging my reaction. His soft gaze undoes something in me, I just can't put it in words. And strangely all the stress just manages to go away, for that moment, it's just this adorable little pookie staring at me with wide, uncertain eyes.I just feel drawn, so drawn, to a strange kid in the mall.I manage a smile, not wanting to scare him the more. "It's alright, dear." I retort, his eyes pulling me in greatly as I ruffle his hair gently. "Where are your parents?" I ask calmly, trying to appear as non-threatening as possible.Before he could reply, I heard a woman's voice. "Javier!" She calls out, rushing towards us in a full panic mode.I raise
(Unknown)She's seated in her chief executive office, like a boss chic, legs crossed as she scrolls through her laptop, all her focus deeply immersed in work.She's a dazzling beauty, a true embodiment of elegance and sophistication. Her poise and aura is second to none. She's a force to reckon on as far as business goes and otherwise.And not to mention, no one dares to mess with her, especially the opposite gender, whom she has shut out of her life completely.A sudden knock on the door drags her attention off work, she looks up and almost immediately, her secretary walks in, a tablet in hand.She walks over to the her table and gives a polite nod, a curtly smile in place. "Your schedule for the day, ma'am." She retorts calmly, waiting for her orders."Get right to it, Olivia." She urges her, returning her eyes to her laptop.Olivia nods, furrowing her eyes on her tablet as she reads out. "You have a meeting with the Robinson's in an hour, review of the quarterly sales report at 10
(Bella)"Mommy!" Jasmine squealed excitedly, walking up to me, her tiny hands wrapped around a pink doll, while Ebony holds Javier with one hand and a bag in the other as they walk closely behind, just as happy."Hi, sweety," I mutter, shifting my gaze from my favorite TV show to them."Mommy, look what Auntie Ebony got me," she retorts, her voice a deep coating of excitement as she shows off her cute doll.I smile warmly at her. "She's so adorable. Have you given her a name yet?" I asked, brushing a strand of her hair to the back of her ear.Her eyes lights up. "She's Coco, mommy." She blurted out with her usual bubbly energy.I giggled, my gaze soft as I retorted. "That's a cute name." I mutter, smiling down at her and then l diverted my attention to Javier, who seemed oddly quiet.He comes over to me, holding his spike, a toy dinosaur in hand.I ruffle his hair gently, making a smile creep up his face. "Did you have fun today, darling?" I ask, my eyes fixed on him.He nods. "Yes, m
(Unknown)She's seated in her chief executive office, like a boss chic, legs crossed as she scrolls through her laptop, all her focus deeply immersed in work.She's a dazzling beauty, a true embodiment of elegance and sophistication. Her poise and aura is second to none. She's a force to reckon on as far as business goes and otherwise.And not to mention, no one dares to mess with her, especially the opposite gender, whom she has shut out of her life completely.A sudden knock on the door drags her attention off work, she looks up and almost immediately, her secretary walks in, a tablet in hand.She walks over to the her table and gives a polite nod, a curtly smile in place. "Your schedule for the day, ma'am." She retorts calmly, waiting for her orders."Get right to it, Olivia." She urges her, returning her eyes to her laptop.Olivia nods, furrowing her eyes on her tablet as she reads out. "You have a meeting with the Robinson's in an hour, review of the quarterly sales report at 10
(Dean)If l didn't know myself well, I'd have said maybe I had a child somewhere that l don't know of.The resemblance, it's almost too real.But then, it's not unlikely, people do look alike these days.Or maybe it's just all in my head."I'm sorry," he mutters, his tiny voice bringing me back to earth, he's looking at me intently, like he's gauging my reaction. His soft gaze undoes something in me, I just can't put it in words. And strangely all the stress just manages to go away, for that moment, it's just this adorable little pookie staring at me with wide, uncertain eyes.I just feel drawn, so drawn, to a strange kid in the mall.I manage a smile, not wanting to scare him the more. "It's alright, dear." I retort, his eyes pulling me in greatly as I ruffle his hair gently. "Where are your parents?" I ask calmly, trying to appear as non-threatening as possible.Before he could reply, I heard a woman's voice. "Javier!" She calls out, rushing towards us in a full panic mode.I raise
(Dean)For the next hours I bury myself in work, staying busy is just my way of distracting myself from the turmoil brewing inside me.I couldn't shake off the anger in me the moment Bella snapped back at me before walking out of my office, unperturbed.It feels like something just closes up on me, like all my tantrums doesn't get to her.It bothers me that it doesn't.I just want to frustrate her, pay her back for hurting me deeply.My mind works overtime.Is that really what this is about?I sigh.But regardless of what it is, I'm not letting her off the hook so easily this time, not letting her weasel her way back here, just to mess with my head.If she's on the hunt for wealthy guys, then I'm out to get her!I take a deep breath, scrolling through my tab for my remaining schedule.Humphrey is out for business purpose and while my eyes are glued on my tab, I'd realize I still have one last inspection to do, a lucrative project in hand, just beside the mall. I can't sleep on this.I
(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
(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
(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)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)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