(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
(Dean)I pocket my phone as I send out the message to Ashley.I don't care what she thinks or anyone else for that matter, it was silly of me to have succumbed to mom's pressure and tricks, by agreeing to date Ashley in the first place.Or perhaps, it was my desperate attempt to clear the air about the fuss of me still being hung up on Bella. Maybe I still am, I just can't admit it.But I shouldn't be, she cheated on me, she deceived me.And yet there's no single day in the last past four years that I haven't thought about her.What we had was beautiful, how could she throw all of that away?They say time heals all wounds but why can't I relate to that phrase? Because it's been four freaking years and it still doesn't make it hurt any less.I'm still angry, too angry at her and then at myself for still harboring this feelings.It's crazy, I'm crazy, aren't I?I turn to Ethan, wanting a distraction."Do you care for a drink?" I ask my best friend, Ethan as he plopped onto the couch."Ye
(Bella)A month later….Our plane touched down the city of New York. I inhaled deeply, letting the cool breeze touch my skin.One would think I wouldn't show up here with all the memories it holds, right?Well, here I am.I'm not gonna lie, realizing Brenco is the company Calvin just signed with had me rattled.It just leaves me feeling, maybe my past is back to haunt me.Calvin said the deal has been signed and finalized. But there's no way Dean himself will take up on the project, not for an expansion.Don't get me wrong, Clein's is a big name here in LA but trust me, is nothing compared to Brenco and it's billion-dollar subsidiary wings.I bet he has piles of projects waiting on his desk.But even so, if he does get involve. I'd be professional about it for Calvin's sake and mine.I know I should've told Calvin first up about it being a company of my ex. But seeing Calvin being pumped about the partnership. I couldn't bring myself to tell him.And I definitely do not want him bailin
(Dean)I stand in front of the mirror in my bedroom, adjusting the cufflinks of my perfectly tailored tuxedo as I get ready for the Elite's party.It's been one hell of a hectic week but I can't complain, business is running smoothly, even so more than usual.My instincts is at alert when I hear the door crack open but I don't look back because when I stare back at the mirror, Ashley's standing right behind me wearing a rehearsed smile.Her presence behind me is stifling, almost suffocating but the only good thing is that I don't have to deal with her after tonight.She moves closer, wrapping her arms around my waist but all I did was step away from her in a subtle stride.Talk about who doesn't read a room, you're damn well giving Ashley her oscars.Just one more night, Dean. My inner mind soothes me.I muffled my distaste as I turned to face her. "You don't have to be here. Raymond is to pick you up, he always does," I have this look, eyebrows all scrunched up when I say this.I see
(Dean)Wanting to know why everyone seems hepped up. I shift my attention to the entrance, my curiosity piqued and so does Ethan's.It clicks, I remember him, the guest who had everyone geeked.Calvin Williams.The CEO of Clein's and Brenco's new partnership. We'd met a few days back, and I personally asked Humphrey to send him an invite.But then, it's not really him that catches my attention and that of others, it's the lady with him.She's beautiful, a bombshell in every sense of the word and more. Slim, she's endowed with a well sculpted body, her curvy figure is out of this world. Her raven hair cascades down her back like a waterfall of night, framing her heart-shaped face.A poise elegance radiates from her every movement.There's no denying it, she's worth the gasp.She's on a stunning red dress that hugs her curves like a second skin, showing off every inch of her body. A body that every male and half the females in the hall are drooling over.There's just something about the
(Dean)As I drove home, I can't help but replay everything in my head.The pain I saw in Bella's eyes as she shut the door in my face, the way she looked at me, it's stuck in my head, like an imprint refusing to go.The deafening silence after she shut the door, it just feels like she's shutting me out of her life completely.Why did I ever let her go?That feeling when something's within reach but yet out of grasp.I feel even worse knowing I have a family I'm not part of, it leaves me feeling so empty.I don't know if there's anything I say or do that'd change anything but I do know that I'm never giving up on her, my family.I take a deep breath, my mind spirals.Ethan was right. I didn't handle things well, I should've fought for what we had. I shouldn't have let anger get the better part of me.If l hadn't, we'd still be together, raising our kids like we've always wanted.I deeply regret everything.I grip the steering, beating myself up mentally.The fear and the guilt of what
(Ashley)"You're unbelievable, Ashley!" Evelyn rants as we step into the house but I paid her no mind, walking in and replaying everything in my head."So the real reason you asked we step out this night is to stalk Dean?" She spat, her voice rising slightly in a pitch.I clench my fist beside me, stopping abruptly. Believe me, Evelyn is getting on my last nerves, I just can't wait for Kendra to get back, jezz!I turn, fixing her with a hard look. "So?" I spat, clearly triggered.She crosses her arms, her jaw set in a way that tells me she isn't leaving this alone. "You shouldn't have done that, it's wrong!" She replies, her gaze softening and then she takes a few step forward. "Look, Ashley. It's not too late to stop, you have to—,"I cut her off sharply. "Never!" I blurted out, my eyes blazing with anger. "I will never leave Dean for that bitch, he's mine and I won't let anyone get in my way," I say sternly, my voice loud and clear.Evelyn chuckles, her eyes slowly meeting mine. "He
(Dean)I look at them, and I can't help but smile even though Bella's words still had me forlorn. There's a warm glint in their eyes that tugs at my heart, so innocent, so pure. It just manages to push the sadness away, leaving me unexpectedly warm inside.It's fascinating in a way that's hard to explain.Quickly they come running up to me with a big smile even before Bella could utter a word.I know she isn't taking this so well, I understand but I honestly didn't mean for any of this to happen.My little princess stares at me with little wonder, while Javier clings to my hand. "Did mommy tell you?" She blurted out, looking between Bella and I.I don't miss the excitement in her voice, and Javier nods, pinning his eyes on me.Confused, I take a quick glance at Bella, and she rolls her eyes, instinctively folding her fingers into her palm.She only does that when she's nervous, maybe it's not something she'd want me to know.Mirroring my hesitation, Javier asked. "You'll be our frien
(Bella)I squint. What the hell is he doing here, and at this time?I frown, I'm not doing this with him. I reach to slam the door shut."Bella, please don't —," Dean says hastily, stepping a foot in, it wedge between the door, causing me to stop halfway to avoid hurting him.I throw a sharp gaze his way, my anger simmering. "So you think you can just show up here just because you own the building?" I snap, my voice dripping with barely contained anger.He shakes his head, taking a step backward. "No, Bella. That's not it, I just needed to talk to you, I tried but you just wouldn't let me," he explains, his voice low and strained. "Just five minutes, please,"I'm angry at him, too furious but there's just something about the calmness in his voice that softens my heart slightly, he looks so desperate, almost broken and a part of me tells me I wouldn't dodge this forever.But even at that I hesitate, eyeing him warily."Please," he mutters again, his eyes are pleading, looking for some k
(Bella)I glance at my wristwatch, turning to Anne. "Please get them down for dinner, Calvin should be here any moment from now," I say as we set the dining table.Anne sets the plates down and wipe her hands clean. "Alright," she mutter before stepping out of the living room to follow instructions."Good evening, mommy." Jasmine greeted cheerfully as they walk up to the dining table but I noticed Javier was looking gloomy even after he greeted.A smile creeps up my face. "Evening babies. I made lasagna, you like it right?" I beamed, my eyes flickering with warmth as they approached."Yay!" Jasmine squealed, her eyes widening in excitement, but Javier remained silent as he stared at the floor.I noticed he's been quiet since yesterday, and when he eventually talks, he mostly speaks to Jasmine.Initially, I didn't read much meaning into it but now, hearing I made Lasagna without any hint of excitement confirms my suspicion.Javier could have Lasagna anytime any day, it's one of his best
(Dean)I watch as Calvin walks up with a subtle smirk, wrapping his hand possessively around Bella's waist, my eyes lingers on the contact, my heart ramps.And even worse, he outrightly said they're together, that he's the twins father.Bella didn't counter that, my heart's racing as I try to process it, I mean she has every right to move on with someone else. I'd suspected they're together but hearing him say it to my face makes my stomach twist.I can't handle Bella being with someone else, I really can't. We're still married. And I definitely can't take seeing her raise our kids with another man, it'd kill me.Wait, I pause.The twins, they're mine. Puzzled, I tilt my head thoughtfully remembering Calvin's claims.I let out a slow breath. He's obviously lying, but how could he lie about something as big as that?My thoughts spirals.Did he adopt my kids as his?I clench my fist beside me, the mere thought of it makes my stomach churn.But if he did, they'd be living together, righ
(Bella)"Bella, Bella, Bella please wait!" Calvin calls after me as soon as the elevator slows to a stop. A little angry, I ignore him, walking straight into my office but he doesn't back down, he follows me in.I'm not cool with what he did earlier, and I don't have to pretend that I am. I need him to know.As soon as we're both inside the office, I turn to face him, my frustration building inside me. "What was that for?" I blurted out, my voice a little tight.There, I've said it.But as much as I'm not okay with what Calvin did, my whole body screams at me to not drag this, I should be thankful he swooned in to help but then the look on Dean's face when Calvin claimed we're together, it's stuck in my head, refusing to go away.I shouldn't care, like hell I shouldn't.Calvin sighs deeply, he looks away briefly and then back at me. "I just had—," he trails off, his eyes darting on me. "I know you want to handle this on your own but I just had to step in, Bella."My expression falters
(Bella)Yet again, there's an unavoidable meeting with Brenco in a few minutes, and my mind tells me that Dean wouldn't miss it for anything, not when he's been trying to reach out.Showing up for this meeting is he's only way out. ***I grip my tablet a little tighter, an attempt to keep myself grounded, I take a deep breath, wearing a polite smile before sliding the doorknob of the conference room.I step in confidently, my stride firm and fluid. I walk over to my chair, and a pair of eyes follows me, it's unmistakably Dean's.I take my seat, and shortly after, the meeting began.Calvin has a warm smile on his face as he proceeds. "Good morning everyone," he began confidently, his voice firm.He goes ahead to acknowledge everyone's collective efforts and then moving forward, he discussed the progress of the ongoing project so far, the new changes he's proposing, of course with Dean's approval.All the while, Dean's piercing gaze doesn't go unnoticed as I could literally feel his eye
(Dean)With Mom subtly bringing up Ashley at every slightest opportunity she gets, and Aunt Elena gushing about how perfect we'd have been together. Honestly, I'm at loss at what to do with her and her overbearing attitude, both of them.Fed up, I excused myself to take a call.Outside the house, I walk over to where I'd parked my car, a quiet spot for a bit of peace.The cool night breeze brushes against my skin as I lean on my car, pulling my phone out.I look at it and I see a text from Humphrey, informing me that a meeting with Clein's has been scheduled.I stare at the message a little longer, all the while my mind racing with different ways to approach Bella and get her to talk to me.Meeting her at Clein's seems to be the best way and I can't afford to blow that up."Doesn't look like you wanted to take a call, more like you wanted out of that..?" Rih observes as she approaches, giving me a knowing look.I drag in a sharp breath, pocketing my phone I nod. "They're…. a little to