(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
(Dean)"Yes, Humphrey. What is it?" I asked, seeing the look of disbelief registered on his face.He shakes his head, but the small smile creeping up his face doesn't go unnoticed. "Nothing sir. Was just about reminding you of your meeting with Clein's but well—," his eyes moves over my tall frame before his expression returns to it's neutral state.But not before I caught the faintest glimmer of amusement in his eyes. It's understandable though, I barely remember my schedule if he doesn't keep me on track.And I'd long grown accustomed to Humphrey's subtle expressions, and I know that beneath his reserved demeanor, he was probably thinking, "Well, at least you're remembered this time."But it's not just any meeting, this has to do with Bella and me getting back at her, of course I ought to remember!"Great. Drop the files and let's go," I blurted out, skipping right past his observation.He nods and goes over to the desk to do as I had said while I walk away gently, pocketing a hand.
(Bella)"Are you okay?" Surprisingly Cynthia asked as l walk down the hallway but l mistook her concern as she trying to pick a fight, like she always do.But I'm not about to engage her.I frown. "Not now, Cynthia." I said in a stern tone as I walk past her, my frustration simmering beneath the surface."Hey, I'm just trying to be nice here but you know what? Screw that," she spat, and next thing I heard the door of her office slammed shut.I ignore that, stepping right into my office, my chest tightening with an unbearable hurt.To think I convinced myself that I've moved past this, but there's never been a time Dean's words doesn't cut deep into my heart.And no matter how hard I try to act nonchalant, unbothered about his opinion of me, the hurt is still there. I want so much to be able to get over him completely.And I think I will need to get hold of all the emotions I'm feeling right now.It's not just hurt, it's even more of anger than hurt.A gentle knock comes to my door, cut
(Bella)"Wait, you did?" Derrick raises an eyebrow as I hand him a glass of juice, while I settle into the couch just across him.The twins are out with Anne for a quick stroll around the estate while I'd promised to take them out to grab ice cream next weekend.I was just working on a new client's profile before Derrick came.I nod. "Yes, Rick. I just couldn't keep to myself anymore and if anything, Calvin doesn't deserve to be kept in the dark," I retorted.Derrick let out a long breath, almost in relief. "To be honest, that's just the right thing to do.""I know right. And Dean's been–," I pause, thinking my next words through.Derrick rolls his eyes. "What? Is he bothering you?" his expression shifts to that of concern.I suck in breath. "Not exactly, but he's been a little too much lately, dredging up the past, hurling hurtful words at me as if he'd planned to taunt me at every chance he gets," I reply but my voice has a sharp edge to it.Derrick's expression falters as he holds m
(Dean)"Make it make sense, Dean. You're not only stalking your ex-wife but a kid too? That's a little too much," Ethan says, eyebrows raised, like he doesn't get it."That's the point, Ethan. It's too much of a coincidence and no, I wasn't stalking the latter," I reply, my voice edged with frustration, as if trying to make sense of everything.Ethan furrows his eyebrows. "How so?""Okay, so I was parked a few blocks away from Bella's apartment," I say, giving Ethan a knowing look and then I continue. "And there he was, the cute little boy from the mall, walking side by side with a woman," I pause, the confusion creeping up my face once again.I look at Ethan. "There's another kid with them, she could pass for his twin, same height, they have to be twins, my guts tells me so but then the woman with them isn't the lady I saw with him at the mall the other day," I added.She could be their nanny, justifiably so but then that's not the nerve-wracking part.They're walking into the same bu
(Bella)I turn to meet her fiery eyes, burning with a barely contained disdain. "Ashley, I'm sure you know it's not cool to stalk people?" I retort, a tiny smile on my face."Oh shut up!" She spat, inching closer, her face switching to a smirk. She looks around the store, and then back to me. "You made a terrible mistake coming back here, Bella. A mistake you'll will pay dearly for," she threatens, her eyes locked onto mine.I know exactly what to say and how to react. Since I have my recorder on, I need to push her a little, just enough to make her spill her trash.I all but snorted. "A mistake, really?" I spat. "How so? As far as I can work out, you're the one trying so hard to hide your dirty little secret, not me." I give her a look and then a smirk forms on my face.I watch her face twitch and a frown resurfaces. "Don't get too cocky," she blurted out, her eyes cold as always. "You sound so self-righteous but we both know that a retired whore like yourself is far from perfect," s
(Bella)Seated in Calvin's office, I watch his body tense as I told him I invited Dean, my ex-husband over.He worked his jaw and furrows his eyes on me. "It's all for the kids, right?" Calvin asks with a raised eyebrow as he studies me intently.Noticing the worry etched on his face, I nod. "Of, course, he's coming only as their friend," I reassured him."Nothing more?" He asked again, more persistent and that made me shift slightly on my chair. I understand his concerns but there's something in his eyes, something more than a mere concern, something a little disturbing.I give him a tight-lipped smile. "Nothing more," I repeat. "Jav and Jas are oddly too fond of him," I add, not sure I can fully say it's odd, maybe it's only natural as he's their biological father even though they don't know that yet.Calvin holds my gaze for a moment before he exhaled softly. "It's fine," he says before his eyes shifts back to me. "Will you really be comfortable with him there? Perhaps I should dro
(Judy)I take a sip from my glass, my mind spiralling as I watch Ashley leave.Of, course she has managed to instill that panic in me even though I'm world best at hiding my emotions.I'd be lying if I say I'm not bothered. Truth is, I am. And it scares me.If Dean ever finds out, then it'd be disastrous, he'll want to know more and when he eventually does. I sigh. Stopping my mind from thinking further, but it doesn't.My thoughts are running wild. I thought I had this all under control but no it doesn't seem like it anymore.I had offered that silly girl a life changing money to give up her kids, to leave and never come back but she vehemently refused, throwing the paper to my face.It did hurt my ego and even more from a girl like her, I didn't think she'd refuse, I thought she'd jump at the offer, after all girls of her caliber would do anything for money.Or perhaps, I tilt my head, the money isn't enough, she probably wants more?It has to be it. She's probably bidding for the r
(Ashley)"To what do l owe this sudden visit?" Judy asks, bringing her glass down, her posture annoyingly serene.I threw my purse on the couch and blurted out. "He knows, I think he does!" I settle into the couch, my eyes on her.I see something flash through her eyes— maybe a little fear, worry? I don't really know but it's gone as quickly as it came. "And you say that because?" She gives me a look, her face blank.I hesitate a little, choosing my ways carefully. "Okay, the thing is," I began, my eyes darting on her. "I have been following Dean for quite some time now and he's been visiting that building, the last time I followed him, he saw them—- those kids, they ran up to him," my words stumbles out in a stutter, my face not hiding my irritation and anger.Judy rolls her eyes, sitting up straighter and there it was, that exact reaction I saw a while ago, more clearer this time.It's definitely fear, worry, panic."They ran up to him?" She repeats, her eyes darting on me like she's
(Bella)"It's just a visit, for my kid's sake, it's nothing serious and it's no big deal to have him over," I tell myself, over and over again as soon as I disconnected the call.Hoping these words will sink in and calm my frazzled nerves. I might have been pretty tense during the phone call because I let out a very long exhale afterwards.I've thought about contacting him for a day or two, and I finally made up my mind to stop thinking and actually do it.Not to mention that at some point, I considered packing out of this building since Dean owns it, that way he won't be able to bother me, us.But then, it's that really going to stop him?Logically, I don't think I can be able to keep my kids away from him forever, Derrick has the same opinion too. His exact words and I quote "I hate to say this sis, but you can't forbid Dean from wanting to be part of his kid's life"Those words did quite a number on me as well. I've thought about this for a while…. No, I've actually given it a thoro
(Dean)I blinked, trying to be sure that my mind wasn't playing a cruel trick on me, but hell it isn't.I give Ethan a quick glance before grabbing my phone in a rush. Leaning back, Ethan just stares at me.I might have held my breath as I slide the green icon."Hello," her breathy voice wafted into my ear, soothing every frazzled nerves. "This is Bella,"I swallowed. "I know," I say, my voice barely audible as I try not to sound as nervous as I already am."Ok.." she goes silent and then her voice comes up again. "Sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you could come over sooner, the…my kid's are fussing over seeing you,"There's a long pause from my end, I roll my eyes, glancing at Ethan briefly while trying to process if I've heard her correctly.I guess she misunderstood my silence because her next words pulled me out of my trance sharply. "Well, if you're busy I could just….,""No, I'm not." I blurted out, my words stumbles out quicker than I intended. "I'm totally free, when
(Dean)"So, let me get this straight," Ethan says, bringing his glass down, his eyebrows raised. "You bought those and showed up at Bella's doorstep?" he points at the items I had gone with to Bella's apartment."What?" rolling my eyebrows, I drawled, taking a long sip from my glass. "I just wanted to do something nice, you know." I say defiantly."And you ended up messing things further up." He locked his eyes on mine, shaking his head briefly.I leaned back on the couch, restlessness building up in my gut. "I guess," I mutter in a whisper, acknowledging the truth in his words, and then I remembered her words, the part that makes my stomach churn and decided to share.I run a hand through my hair, the hurt resurfacing. "She said she doesn't love me anymore," I divulged, my voice a little tight as the weight of my words settles over me.Downing his drink, Ethan gives me a look. "I don't think she meant that,""You say that like you know for sure," I worked my jaw and sigh, not in anyw
(Bella)I flip through the last document on my desk, breathing out in relief. But that wasn't all for the day.I have a meeting with a client in a couple of minutes, I know I probably should hurry but the scheduled venue isn't far from Clein's.I've been a lot cautious since Judy pulled that client bullshit on me and it's safe to say that this was truly a client, not some red-hair grumpy woman disguising to be one.I exhaled deeply, closing the document and almost immediately a gentle knock comes to the door and Cynthia pops out her head from the doorway."You busy?" She ask, giving me a quizzical look but I don't miss the nervousness in her voice.I glance at my phone, looking back at her, I reply. "I've got to meet a client but I can spare a few minutes, come in," I offer her a tiny smile.She nods and steps in."Please," I say, gesturing her to take a seat.She settles in, dragging in a sharp breath, she looks at me and then let out an almost awkward laugh. "I know this sounds stup
(Bella)I step out of my office to Calvin's. I did stop by earlier to say hello but he wasn't around. Apparently, he hadn't been since morning.His secretary said he'll be coming in late and it baffles me that he didn't tell me, that's unlike Calvin but then I figured it must've been something really urgent.I knock gently and invite myself in."Bella," he raises his head from his laptop, a warm smile creeping up his face.I return his smile, walking over to his desk."Please," he says, gesturing to the chair just across from him.My smile gives way to a light chuckle, deciding to tease him a little, I retort. "You say that like I'm some stranger walking into your office for the first time,"That elicited a chuckle from him, he places a hand on his chest dramatically. "My bad, pardon me." He says between chuckle.I laugh, the both of us."Is everything okay though?" I ask as soon as our laugh quiets down, my eyes pinned on him. "You're just coming in, that's unlike you," I add.He lea