(Bella)
I shove the papers on the table and Judy picks it up, her hand running through the papers in excitement.
A smile crosses her face as he mutters. "Finally," she turns to Ashley and Elena, giving them a knowing smile and then back to me.
"Alright. Let's wrap it up real quick. Go in there and pack your things. The buyers are waiting, hurry up Bella," she spat, crossing her legs and relaxing into the couch.
I stare at her, all of them, sobbing my eyes out.
Where do I go from here?
My life has been centered around Dean.
I drag my feet upstairs, each step feels heavier than the last. My heart torn apart as I packed my clothes, glancing around the house I'd started to set up as my forever home.
The one I'd build a family with Dean and live happily ever after. Fresh tears came pouring out, my eyes feels so heavy, my chest too tight to breathe.
Once done packing my personal stuff, I sit on the bed, thinking of where to go.
I really do not want to bother Derrick but he'd be so mad if I don't. And he's the only family that I have since mom passed, or perhaps the one l know of till –.
The thing is.
I'd have a sister, which I got to know on mom's dying bed, a secret or rather her past that she kept to herself. An elder sister but according to mom, she was forcefully taken by her first husband's family, after he passed, leaving her with nothing.
They left the country, leaving no trace. The only memory she has of her was her baby picture and so do I.
Mom had me after she remarried two years after.
I'd promised her on her dying bed that I'd look for her but all attempts had proved abortive since I only have her baby picture and a name, which I doubt she still bears.
I take a deep breath. Now's not the time for this as I could literally feel my eyes drench
with tears.
In a swift motion, I reach out to my phone and dialed his number, pressing it to my ears.
"Derrick," I sniffled.
"Bella," his voice sounded through the phone and then he goes silent when he realizes I was crying.
"You're crying. Damn it, what's wrong?" he asks.
"Can you come pick me up? I'd explain later," I say, wiping the tears blurring my vision.
"Hang in there, Bella. Be there in thirty minutes," Derrick's protective voice comes out.
I hang up and rolled my box downstairs. Judy, Elena and Ashley turns to look at me, their faces beaming with smiles like they've won a lottery.
"Oh, poor thing." Judy's voice comes in a mock scrutiny. "Don't be too sad. Just go back to the streets, I'm sure you're better off there,"
Elena gives a mock laugh. "That's where she belongs anyways," Ashley laughs along.
I look at her, all of them. A mix of anger and disbelief washing over me.
I feel like slapping off that smug smile on Ashley's face. Judy and Elena, they have always been like this, nothing new.
Exactly thirty minutes. I hear the honk of Derrick's car. I stood up but then I halt, my head is spinning and I feel like throwing up.
I steel myself, gathering the last strength in me as I walked out of my home, not sparing them a glance.
"Bella!" Derrick comes running up to me before I reach the ground.
I hear him calling my name, tapping my cheeks gently but everything went blank after that.
********
My eyes slowly opens, and a white ceiling comes into view, the sterile smell. It clicks.
I realize I'm in a hospital. I try to piece together what happened and how I ended up here.
The last thing that flashes through my mind is Derrick rushing to me before I could hit the ground, him calling my name and tapping my cheeks gently, everything goes blank after that.
The door cracks open and Derrick scurries in, relief etched on his face as he sees me awake.
He sits beside my bed, taking my hands. "Bella. How do you feel?"
I nod, disoriented. "I'm fine. How did l get here, what happened?"
"You fainted, Bella."
"Huh?" I exclaim, gently pulling myself up, and sits on the bed instead. "We should go, Derrick. I'm fine now," I tell him.
He shakes his head. "Your results will be out soon. We need to be sure, at least know the reason why you fainted," he says, concern etched in his voice.
I give him a tiny smile. "I haven't had anything to eat. That's why," I divulged.
Derrick stands up. "What? I need to grab you something then," just then the door opens again and a doctor walks in, holding an envelope.
Derrick sits back down.
"How do you feel Mrs Brennan?" That name brings back the hurt. I just give him a tight lipped smile but I don't correct him. "I'm fine now, I need to be discharged,"
"Sure. But you need to stay away from stress, it's not good for your condition," he says giving me a gentle smile.
Condition?
He seems to be oblivious of me saying I'm okay.
I'm about to ask but Derrick beats me to it.
"What condition?" Derrick, my cousin asked even before I could.
"Oh, Mrs Brennan is five weeks pregnant. Congratulations," he says handing the envelope.
Did I just hear right?
Pregnant, how didn't I know?
Oh, no!
I hesitate and Derrick takes the envelope instead. The doctor turns and leaves.
"Bella you're pregnant!" Derrick says excitedly but I kept a straight face.
His smile fades realizing I wasn't upbeat about it.
Tears welled up in my eyes, spilling down my cheeks without warning. "I can't be pregnant," I mutter whilst sobbing.
"Why? You've always wanted to," Derrick stares at me, confused.
Just then I realize I haven't told him about what happened.
"Dean and I are divorced."
"Huh?" Derrick exclaims, wide-eyed.
I take time narrating what happened, tears strolling freely from my eyes. Derrick looks horrified, confused just as I was earlier.
"You see why I can't be pregnant. Not now, I can't raise a child on my own, I don't know how to," I let out, my voice thick with emotion.
Instead of replying, Derrick wraps his arms around me, offering comfort through his silent hug.
I sink into his hug, sobbing on his shoulders. He pats my back gently, reminding me that I'm not alone. Eventually we pull away.
He holds my gaze. "First, you need to eat something. We'd figure this out later, okay?"
Bless him, the only person that truly cares about me right now. What would I have done if l didn't have him?
I nod.
I watch Derrick's back till he was out of the door. I'm left in the deafening silence of the hospital room.
I take the test results, my eyes gawking at it in disbelief.
God, I can't be pregnant. I'm emotionally drained to care for a child right now.
My life's a mess.
How do I get through this?
(Dean)"That's enough Dean!" Ethan says as he drags the glass away from me, eyebrows raised."You're only hurting yourself. Drinking won't solve anything," he retorts. "You need to go home and at least hear Bella out,"I chuckle bitterly. "And listen to more lies?" I blurted out. "Those pictures are all the proof I needed. She's a slut, Ethan."Ethan shakes his head. "This is quite confusing. Bella loves you, I'm sure.""Pretense, all pretense, man. She deceived me into believing that. But truth is, she still craves her old life, she wants to be out there fucking them dudes. She's on birth control, didn't want to ruin her perfect shape," I snap."My mother, Aunt Elena, they were right after all. Bella is a filthy slut, no redemption.""You're drunk, Dean. We need to get you home," Ethan says, skipping right past my tantrums.I scoff. "Home?" I laugh. "That's no home. She disgusts me, I can't even stand her," my phone insistently buzzes in my pocket, again, and again.I pull it out, and
Bella.It's been a week since the divorce and there has been no call nor text message from Dean.And each time I think about how easily he gave up on our love, it hurts me even more.I've tried to call him and everytime I do, it enters voicemail. Even Ethan's number hasn't been reachable as well.We're having a baby, one that we've always wanted and he doesn't even know.I've never imagined raising our child alone, never had to think about it and now it seems like that's becoming my reality. Dean is nowhere to be found, he hasn't reached out.It seems like I'm the only one half hoping to fix things somehow.I've been stalking our house for the past few days, waiting to talk to Dean but that gate has been closed, it just feels like I've been shut out of Dean's life for good.Judy wasn't bluffing about selling the house after all.My life has become a living nightmare.I instinctively rub my belly, I have a human growing inside of me, a baby to love me and me to love back.I don't even h
(Bella)"Sorry ma'am. But we've been asked not to let you into this premises," one of the security guards tells me.Is this a joke? I roll my eyes at him. "I'm here to see my husband!" I retort firmly. "I'm sure you know who I am?" "Of course we all do but please madam you have to leave now. I don't want to lose my job," he reply calmly, his tone pleading.I can't believe this, why would Dean give such orders. How did we get here?He disappeared on me, running away from problem and now he's restricting me?I could already feel tears forming in my eyes, waiting to spill.I turn to the guard again. "Please I have to see him. I promise not to get you into any trouble," I pleaded frustratingly.He takes a deep breath. "Trust me ma'am, if I can, you wouldn't have to ask twice." He says.I don't back down. "Please, just five minutes, it's important that I see him,""There's nothing I can do ma'am. I'm sorry you have to leave now,"I look at the guard again and he looked really sorry, like
(Bella)I step out of my ride, looking at the building in front of me, club forte. A place that used to be part of me till Dean showed up.I take a deep breath, putting my shades back on before walking into the club.I'd planned to come in time, if I hadn't, some of those weird and obsessed clients would've seen me.I walk straight to Jame's office and knock before letting myself in.A smile spreads across his face as I step in."Alright girls. We'll continue this later, I have an important guest," he smiles warmly at me, discharging the three girls. I guess they're newbies because I don't recognize any of them.They stand up, casting me a quick glance before they walk out of the door.James stands up, moving over as we share a quick hug. "It's so good to see you again, Bee. How long has it been?"I chuckle lightly. "It's been two years, James. Don't act like you don't remember,"He laughs briefly. "You know me too well. Don't you?" He retorts and then his face turns serious. "Why?" He
(Dean)In attempt to escape the nerve-wracking feelings, work had become my go-to, well even so more than usual.It's been roughly eight months since Bella signed the divorce papers and disappeared. And just like that I've spent the past months isolating from my social life and a little from the world."Can you put down that laptop for a moment, Dean. You've turned to a workaholic," Ethan says as he stepped into my living room.I don't reply him, I keep my eyes glued to my laptop, typing away.Ethan pours himself a drink and comes right back. "It's weekend, man. And you're still working your ass off," he teased.I pause a little, giving him a death stare but Ethan knows me more than anyone else.He furrows his eyebrows at me, this time he isn't about teasing me, he has this concern expression etched on his face."Look, Dean. If you think burying yourself with work is going to make you feel better, then you have to rethink, man." He says and paused. "It's been eight months and you're st
(Bella)"Mommy!""Oh, no," I mutter under my breath as I pause halfway up the staircase, laughing at myself inwardly at my poor attempt to tiptoe to my room unnoticed."Mommy you're home so late," Javier says."Were you trying to hide mommy?" I hear Jasmine's voice and her little flip flops behind me.And when I turned she has her tiny arms crossed while Javier is seated at the dinning table, looking at me with those adorable puppy eyes, and I sure as hell know where he got that from.Just then, Anne emerges from the kitchen, chuckling at the situation.I put on a smile immediately, knowing my babies won't stop asking questions if I don't answer.I walk over to Jasmine, bending to her level. "Of, course not, baby. Mommy is just a little bit tired," I replied, stretching my hand a little, just to sound convincing.Quickly I turned my gaze to Javier."I'm sorry I'm late again, sweety." I do feel guilty coming home late this past weeks but work has been pretty hectic.But then again, I ne
(Bella)"Alright honey, be good okay?" I say, smiling warmly at Jav and Jas as their teacher waits behind to take them from me.Jas smiles. "Okay, mommy""Mommy, are you picking us up from school today?" Jav asked, as he looks at me."Of, course, honey. Henceforth mommy's going to be picking you both from school,"I watch his face break into a big smile, Jas is not left out. "Really?" Jas asked, her eyes gleaming.I nod. "Yes, baby. I promise.""Pinky promise," Jav brings out his tiny finger and I almost burst out laughing with the way he did it."Pinky promise," I mutter, crossing my finger with his little one.I kissed them on the cheeks, watching and waving at them with a smile as bright as the sun as their teacher guides them away.Once out of sight. I take a deep breath, checking my wrist watch to confirm the time.I walk back to my car and head straight to work.After the early morning meeting where I delivered an excellent pitch to our future investors. Everyone seems impressed,
(Ashley)"I said I'd order when my date arrives, get lost." I snapped at the waiter, my anger bursting forth as I waved him off angrily."Such a moron," I mutter under my breath as he scurries away.I take a quick glance at my wrist watch and it's been two hours since I walked into this restaurant.Anger, fury is nothing compared to what is brewing inside me.Again, Dean's standing me up!I dressed my best, all for him but yet he never shows up.First up when he decided to give dating a shot after so much pressure from his mom and Aunt. He was cool, at least he didn't try to make me feel inferior to her, that slutty bitch.Even though I'd known, he's only doing this to prove a point, that he has moved on.But as months turned into years, he'd drifted apart, doesn't show up for our dates, doesn't pick my calls and takes forever to return them.It's just obvious that this relationship isn't working out. I've tried everything within the past few years to be just like that bitch but nothin
(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