(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)As l walk my way down the corridor, I spot Cynthia walking to her office, I quicken my step just to meet up.And most notably, she's been oddly calm, that's unlike her, she always seems to be at loggerhead with me, and doesn't fail to show just how much.Right on cue, I step in front of her door before she could touch the doorknob, she looks up at me, her expression blank.I drag in a sharp breath. "Look, Cynthia, about the other day, I'm sorry for snapping at you, it wasn't my intention to, I was just having a bad day," I apologize.She takes a step closer, her eyes narrowing at me and then she spat. "Your business, not mine. I don't care," she says outrightly but I know now that she usually doesn't mean what she says.And from what I'd observed, Cynthia wasn't best at showing emotions and she has a very strange way of showing empathy.She acts like she's bottling up so much, like something is eating her up. I'd like to think that her attitude towards me has everything to do w
(Bella)Judy snorted. "That's bullshit! He's going to marry Ashley and your return won't stop that, I'll see that it doesn't," she spat, her voice shaking with anger.I laugh but there's no real humor in it. "Oh really?" I mock. "If you're so sure about that, then why are you here?" I ask, meeting her gaze with a hard look.She furrows her eyebrows at me, her jaw set in a way that tells me she isn't ready to back down. "To remind you of your place. And just so you know, that body can't get you, Dean, not anymore. You can only try. He's better off with Ashley, a more decent woman," she snaps."Is that so? I can try. Wouldn't even have to do too much. Don't you think so?" I smirked, my sarcasm cutting deep.Rebecca's nostrils flare, I could see her frustration bursting forth as she rolls her eyes. "Don't be ridiculous! You're not all that." She sneered, her voice steady but I can see the edge there."Well, If that makes you sleep well at night." I shrug her words off with a bored express
(Dean)My phone rings and it's Humphrey calling. I click the green icon and press the phone to my ear."Yes?" I answer, sipping my coffee."Good day boss. The official document for the building has been finalized." He divulged, his voice crisp and professional.I bring the cup down. "Hmm. I see," I mutter."Yes, boss. Are you willing to retain the security officers working there?" He asks.I didn't even have to think. "Of course, everyone keeps their jobs," I reply."Alright noted sir. And the building inspection, when are you free?""Is there any need for that, Humphrey?" I ask, I have my decision of not showing up there in mind when I ask."Most definitely boss, it's one of your laid down policies before purchasing a property," Humphrey reminds me.I take a quick glance at my wrist watch, we still have time before my morning meetings. "Alright. Let's go take a look this morning," if l don't do that now, I'm not sure when it'd be.I'm about to hang up when I retort. "Oh, and one more
(Bella)"Alright Mr Alfred, we'll be looking forward to doing business with you," Cynthia said, extending a hand to our new client.I nod with a smile, seemingly pleased with the outcome of the meeting."The pleasure is all mine," Mr Alfred replies with a smile, taking her hand.As soon as he walks out of the room, I turn to Cynthia, offering a warm smile. "You did great," I tell her."Thank you," she says in a dismissive tone, picking up her tablet to leave.I noticed Cynthia hasn't been as cold as she used to be towards me and that's a relief. Now, we can coexist as colleagues without any bad blood.So the thing is, she didn't answer my question that day, unlike Cynthia I know quite well, she didn't try to counter that, she simply walked away but not before I saw something flash through her eyes, which suggests that I might be right after all.~~I swipe my entry card and walk into my office, the meeting was a welcome distraction from the wheels turning in my head.The weight of Dean
(Dean)It's been days and I still don't know how to feel about the mean things Bella said to me.I thought mentioning the unsigned divorce papers will make her see things differently but I guess I was wrong.Yet again, she's proven to me that she never wanted to be with me.Why do I even keep trying?I mean, she cheated on me, deceived me but I'm the one who hasn't signed the divorce papers, who's been mooning over her and yet when I mentioned it, she showed no interest whatsoever in that.Like she didn't give a care in the world.I guess that did it for me.And now, I'm almost certain that I won't bother her again. I'm going to move on completely just like she has.I'd find the courage to sign the divorce papers officially and put everything behind me.So, throughout these days I've preoccupied my mind with work, attending more meetings than usual, my schedule has been a lot tighter, with barely a moment to spare for introspection.I even went as far as signing up for a gym membership
(Bella)I walk Calvin to the door after a casual visit.To be honest, I've been thinking a whole lot lately, Judy and Ashley's threat, Dean's revelation, it's been on my mind.Calvin turns as soon as he steps out of the door, facing me with a concerned look etched on his face. "Is there something on your mind, something you want to talk to me about? You've been too quiet lately," Calvin asks, holding my gaze.I shake my head slightly and forced a smile. "No Calvin, I'm fine." That's not true but I want it to be.Calvin holds my gaze for a second longer, I'm not sure he's convinced but then he drops it, much to my relief.He lets out a breath and replied. "Okay. Let's have dinner together tonight," he offered.I'm about to find a nice way to turn him down, my mind's unease to hang out right now.Calvin's voice comes through again, a lot softer this time. "Please don't say no, Bella. It's just my own little way of cheering you up," he retorts, offering a warm smile.I look at him, and hi
(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
(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'
(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
(Bella)I walk Derrick to the door, he steps out, turning to face me. "Don't overthink anything, one step at a time, you'll get through this," he gives me a comforting hug."Thank you, Rick. My regards to Ebony," I manage a small smile.As I shut the door, I lean against it, trying to steel my mind from everything.Once done, I made my way to Jasmine's room, quietly pushing her door open. There she is, already asleep, her small frame curled up under the covers, alongside her doll.I walk up close, and when I take a closer look at her face, I see the remnants of dried tears that crisscross her cheeks, leaving behind a subtle map.My heart aches as I carefully caressed her cheeks, my mind reminiscing over what happened earlier.I shouldn't have lost it in front of them like that but Dean he– he just have a way of getting under my skin.I gently brushed a strand of hair away from Jas's face, a small smile creeping up my face.After a while, I quietly walk to the door and carefully closed
(Bella)As I walk away from where Dean is, my steps are firm but there's a tight feeling in my chest, I'm not really sure why.I walk into my apartment and silence filled the room, a subtle reminder that I've got kids who are undoubtedly mad at me, I shouldn't have lost it in front of them like that.I see Anne walking into the living room. "They're mad at me, aren't they?" I ask, dropping my bag on the couch.Anne noticing the worry in my voice, nods slowly. "Yes, they are, but I already cheered Jasmine up, she isn't crying anymore," she tells me.I let out a deep sigh, slipping out of my heels. "Thank you, Anne. Please get the things in the car," I say, settling into the couch.She gives a polite nod and leaves.As I sit there, my mind drifts back to Dean, my thoughts a chaotic mess and for some weird reasons his hurt face is stuck in my head, refusing to go.I angrily told him that I don't love him anymore, that's not exactly true but I want it to be, for my sanity, because it just