(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, mo
(Dean)Ethan comes right out from his mini bar, he's holding a bottle of wine and two glasses in hand.He pours us a drink and hands mine to me, with his eyebrows furrowed at me, he retorts. "So, you're saying you met a strange kid in the mall and he looks just like you?" He's looking at me intently, trying to gauge my reaction, he has this look, like he just doesn't get it.I take a sip, running a hand through my hair. "I just can't explain it. He's —," I trail off, struggling to put my feelings into words. "I know this doesn't make sense, Ethan, but he's just like a mini me, same eyes, same face but,"Ethan tilts his head, his eyes shining with curiosity. "But what?"I take a longer sip, an attempt to keep my voice stable. "His mom showed up, not someone I know or have ever seen," I say, trying to stifle the absurdity of my next words. "But then, I still can't shake off that strange feeling inside me, it's like the more I try to, the more it gnaws at me," I sigh.Ethan shrugs, gulpin
(Dean)Somewhere in Pineview Estate, a sleek, black Bugatti was spotted at a corner, carefully parked.**Ethan raises an eyebrow, turning to me, "I can't believe you'd drag me into doing this?" He says, a note of disbelief on his face.I smirk but I don't say anything just yet, as if studying the environment.Ethan shakes his head, a chuckle slipping out of his mouth as he continues. "Stalking your ex-wife? Wow." He lets out, his eyes darting at me in clear tease.I eye him carefully. "I'm not," I let the words out too quickly, not sure why I'm being defensive. "I'm just—," I trail off. "I'm just curious, that's all.""I see," he has a smirk when he says this, and I don't miss the hint of sarcasm in his tone.Ethan leans back, his tone more serious as he says. "So what's the plan?" He asks.I breath out briefly, steeling my mind as I retort. "I have a weird feeling about Bella's return. She might've managed to fool me in the past but not this time. I'm not letting her have the upper h
(Bella)Calvin pulls out a chair for me to sit down as we approached our table.He offered to take me out, which I declined at first but then he insisted and well, here we are."This is so nice," I say, as Calvin takes a seat, just across from me. My eyes moves over the fancy restaurant, taking in it's nice ambience."I'm glad you love it," Calvin replies, his tone calm, too calm. And when I turn to face him, I catch him staring at me with so much admiration shinning in his eyes, it's unsettling but yet I can't deny the warmth that comes from it."I do." I mouthed, offering a small smile, an attempt to break the tension hanging over us.He nods, maintaining his smile. "I thought I should treat you to a really nice dinner, I noticed you've been quite stressed lately," Calvin says, his smile fading a little as he furrows his eyes on me, his expression shifts to that of concern. "Is anything troubling you?" He asks, his eyes pinned on me as if studying me.I smile, seeing the genuine conc
(Judy)"That trouble-causing slut!" I spat, pacing around the living room in a hissy fit, my anger bubbling beneath the surface.I so much hate that she's back here. How dare her?To think she'd shamelessly show up after all these years, such a hoochie!I did everything possible to keep her out of Dean's life, and it worked. She doesn't deserve my son, not worthy to be a Brennan. I don't know why Dean can't see that!I freaked out, oh l did. The moment Dean introduced an ordinary girl as his wife to be.I could still remember that day, it was right here, at this living room, I almost choked on my drink.And even worse, she's a stripper, an exotic dancer. How could Dean make such a mistake?Out of all the women to bring to me, he choose a worthless bitch, who has no place in our world, a nobody!I panicked.Dean is about ruining the perfect reputation my late husband had built, about to give the press a reason to talk about the Brennans.This would definitely bring our name to the mud.
(Bella)"Mommy, can we go to the mall later?" Javier ask as we're all seated at the dining table, having breakfast.Jasmine nods her head, like they have some sort of understanding.These two!I give Anne a quick glance before turning my gaze back to Javier. "Uhm okay but why honey?"His face breaks into a smile. "We might see the handsome mister there, mommy." He says, his eyes gleaming from what I can't quite place my hand on.I shift uncomfortably on my chair. I mean, the other day I overheard him and his sister talking about this same handsome mister.At first, it didn't really bother me. I mean that's what kids usually do, they talk about things that excites them.And I thought he'd forget eventually. After all, they're kids.But now, looking at his excited face, while he looks back at me, his expression tells me he's really hoping I'd say yes.But how can I?Not when this is starting to unsettle me in some sort of way.Before I could reply him, Anne steps in, offering a warm smil
(Bella)"Bella?" Calvin called softly, his eyes searching mine for a second. "I'm sorry about the other night, it wasn't my intention to make you uncomfortable," he says quietly. "I didn't mean to overstep,"I sensed the sincerity in his words, and offered a small smile. "You don't have to be, Calvin. It's fine, really." I reassure him.But if there's one thing that is certain from that night. It's Calvin and his feelings for me, he hasn't moved past it like I thought he would.I think I need to outrightly point this out but it's not now, not here, the timing isn't right yet."You sure?" He asks, looking at me keenly.I nod. "Yeah."I see him breath out in relief, his eyes pinned on me. "Thank you, for a moment I thought you'd be mad at me."I chuckle lightly. "What? No, Calvin." I replied earnestly."Well, I'm glad you aren't," he says, a soft smile playing at the corner of his lips.I chuckle lightly and glanced at my wristwatch. "I should go now. It's almost time to pick the twins f
(Ashley)"Patience Ashley. Be patient," Judy says with a glass of wine in hand, her legs crossed like an unflappable matriarch, her posture annoyingly serene.My blood is boiling with a rage I'm struggling to keep contained. So angry that this shameless bitch showed up here and is about to mess things up for me.I'm most certain she's not here solemnly for just business, and the look on her face earlier confirms it.And for that regard I doubt if patience is what we need right now. Best believe, it isn't.But Judy loves to be in charge, in control and since I need her to get to Dean, I will let her for now.Elena, who's sitting just across nods, adjusting slightly on her chair. "Pay that silly girl no mind. She's sharp-tongued, you shouldn't let anything she says get to you,"I want to believe that Bella was just rumbling but something about her confidence unnerves me, those taunting smile of hers puts me on the edge. It was like a stark mockery.The last time we talked, she was in te
(Bella)The awkward silence lasted till Calvin was out of sight. I turn to look at Rihanna and she looks a little sad, her eyes pinned in the direction Calvin had taken.I clear my throat, snapping Rihanna back to reality. "Is everything okay?" I say, my eyebrows lifting in question.She forced a smile. "Oh, it's nothing," she waves it off. "How have you been, Bella. It's been such a long time," she says, her eyes lightening up again.There, she's being too obvious about changing gears but that's okay. I understand awkward moments better than most.I exhaled, offering a smile as warm as hers. "I've been great actually. It's so nice to see you," I say earnestly."Yeah," she mutters, her gaze softening. "We should catch up sometime," she says and I nod."Yeah, we should,"We talked a little more before she excused herself to join her date.As I watch her leave, I couldn't help but think about earlier, what was that?There's definitely something, it can't be nothing.Calvin looks like he
(Bella)I knew I wanted Dean, I wanted him so badly. Even now my body still tingles from his touch. I just realize how much I've missed him.That kiss, his gaze that makes me weak to my knees, it all reminded me that I was starving.I could feel the wave of heat washing over me when my eyes strayed to his crotch, I just couldn't help it, my mind instantly projected him naked, and his cock buried deep inside me, what those gorgeous hands of his could do to me.But then, I shook my head, inwardly scolding my lewd thoughts.My walls had crumbled to dust when Dean said he has and will always love me.Strangely I didn't doubt his love, I had looked into his eyes, searching for even the barest traces of lies but I found none.I see the way he looks at me and that itself tells me more than I need to know.A part of me wanted to tell him that I never stopped loving him. But I restrained myself from doing so. I'll put it down to being cautious, and yet my whole body screams at me to admit that
(Dean)I watch tears slip down the side of her face and now I feel like the biggest asshole in existence for making her cry.I see the doubt in her eyes and it fucking kills me, I know it's going to take a while before she'll fully trust me again.I'm willing to do anything, anything at all to get her to trust me again.But then, she pulls her hands free from mine and looks at me, her eyes a teary mess. "You don't get it, Dean. Ashley is crazy, she's dangerous, she'll try to hurt me, her threats were real, and your mother? She's unhinged. I" she pointed out and pause, as if remembering something. And then she looks at me. "Judy knew I had your kids long before you figured it out, she wanted to pay me out, to leave my kids to you and Ashley, she thinks the worst of me," her voice cracks, barely above a whisper and then she lowers her head.My eyes widens as I try to take in what I've just heard.My fist clench and unclench at my side.Ashley threatened her? And mother knew the kids we
(Bella)I flip over for what feels like the hundredth time, unable to sleep, my mind just won't stop racing, Dean's sad eyes haunted my mind.Frustrated, I throw off the covers and drag myself out of bed, wearing no more than red silk nightgown.I head to the kitchen to grab myself a bottle of water and go through my emails later, hoping it'd help quiet my mind, somehow. But not before checking in on Javier and Jasmine.With a bottle of water and a clean glass in hand, I move to the kitchen island and sat down. But just as I take the first gulp, I hear a knock on the door.I squint, checking the time on my phone. Who could possibly be knocking on my door, and at this time?It's a few minutes past 9PM, not too late but I don't usually have anyone over at this time.I place the glass back down and shuffle to the door. When I opened the door, I'm startled to see Dean standing there, ashen-faced.I didn't expect he'd be here, especially when I got his text earlier saying he had a late nig
(Bella)I could feel Dean's eyes on me the entire day and even as I join Calvin in speaking to a few guests, his gaze was still on me.I refused to meet his eyes, focusing my mind on anywhere but him. And then finally he walks up to Calvin and I, alongside his assistant, Humphrey."Dean," Calvin turns to meet him, shifting his attention from a guest to him, a soft smile in place, My heart raced with Dean's closeness but I didn't dare look at him.Well, not until he mutters. "I'll have to take my leave now, I have an urgent matter that needs my attention," he says but there's an edge in his voice and instinctively my eyes landed on his blue ones.I see an unmistakable glint of sadness in his eyes as it flickers between Calvin and I."Oh, that's fine, Dean." Calvin says calmly, extending his hands.Dean looks at the hand Calvin was offering and hesitantly he takes it, returning a tiny smile and then he turns but not without giving us both a once over.My stomach is tied up in a knot as I
(Bella)I haven't been able to get Dean, the kiss out of my head, from one lewd thought to another and it pretty much unsettles me.I'd like to think I've been ignoring him quite well and I'm sure he knows.I must be a terrible person because I didn't even ask if he was okay now, if Doctor Raven said anything that'd be of concern.I should ask but the urge to stay away from him was greater. And the next day we slipped into our co-parenting roles, and I try to keep away from him.I see his efforts into getting us to talk though, I feel his scorching gaze but I paid no mind, making sure there's no situation that'll leave us alone in one setting.Of what use will opening up to Dean or accepting my feelings for him be? It'll rile Judy and Ashley up, and then what?I can't risk it.They might be quiet now, staying off my back but I know it's only a matter of time.If they see I'm not here for Dean, and that I only have my kid's best interest at heart, maybe they'll finally let me be.Speak
(Dean)I turn to Rihanna, who's been watching me silently from across my desk. She finally speaks up. "So, not only are you avoiding your mom but the entire family?" Rihanna says, raising an eyebrow.I give her a look. "Don't be dramatic," I reply, shaking my head.She feigns a frown. "But that's what it looks like, you don't take your calls, and you barely return them,"I clear my throat and throw her a glare. "Well, it wasn't that bad, until you started bringing mother up, you know the rules, Rihanna and yet you choose not to abide by it," I tell her outrightly.Yeah, and not to mention that I know she's here to lecture me.She shrugs and lets out an exasperated sigh. "I know, and it's not like I have too much of a choice here, I have a sulking mother at home, and Judy came by the house yesterday, visibly sobbing. I've never in my entire existence seen Judy cry, I almost thought she's untouchable,""Don't be deceived by their stunts," I huffed, I know not to take whatever mother and
(Dean)I shouldn't. But she closes her eyes, and my mouth is on hers. My tongue entered her with ease, tangling with hers.The thrill of our tongues meeting races through my body. I fist her hair and drag her in more, she opens her mouth to me, and I'm flooded with need.The taste of her, the feel of her, the need, it's intoxicating, overwhelming.My mouth opens, and the kiss grows more intense, her body melts into mine and for a moment everything ceased to exist, just us, just this.God, I've missed her, this. Why did l ever let her go?But just then, her eyes slowly opens, and she pulls away quickly, breaking the moment.She tensed and looked away, she bites her lower lips, as if realizing what we've done. I see something flicker through her eyes, leaving me all confused.Does she regret kissing me back?She stands up quickly, and grabs her car keys, her nervousness seeping from miles away. "You should have Doctor Raven come in the morning for a proper checkup,"Thrown off, I blink.
(Bella)I still couldn't stop thinking about what Derrick said, perhaps I was slacking off, getting too comfortable around Dean.My head is just so messed up right now. It feels like Dean has plaqued my senses, and no matter how hard I try to turn off my thoughts, it keeps drifting back to him.I find everything he does intriguing, perhaps a little too much.But I can't let myself fall any deeper than I already am, and I also need to work through this feeling that has stirred up since we got close again, I can't let it linger on.It's quite risky, especially when I'm trying to protect myself from what it will all bring.That's it, I sigh.I need to guard my heart, by all means.******So, I try to keep my distance, only speak when spoken to, and I also tried not to get excited by Dean's presence.I avoid any awkward situations, I leave the room right when he walks in, and lastly I avoided eye contact.I wasn't unkind though, I just tried not to be too friendly, that way I might focus