(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 nothi
(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."Y
(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 baili
(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
(Bella)If I want to prove to everyone and myself that I've really moved on and couldn't care less of what Dean and his family has going on for them, then there's no better time than now.Turning up at that party, looking amazing and feeling confident will go a long way doing that.So, I did one of the things I know how to do best, a glam look and my incredible nack for fashion.A real stunner in every sense of the word.Picking up my purse, I glance at the mirror for the last time, a smile escaping my lips.Perfect, just perfect.Calvin and his driver are outside, waiting to take me.Just before I step out of my room, my phone buzzes in my purse.Quickly, I pull it out, to take a look.It's a text from Derrick.I click on the message, my eyes scanning through.Derrick: The private investigator just called, same old story, there's no positive response yet. But we won't back down. We'd keep searching until we find her or anything that might lead us to her, okay?I take a deep breath, l
(Dean)So, it's Friday evening, the day Ashley had asked to come over to my house and talk things out.Personally, I'd prepared myself for tonight, because something deep inside me tells me that Ashley can't just accept rejection without a fuss, her response almost sounds like there's an ulterior motive behind it.Well, tonight I'd know."It's all set," Ethan says, his voice cutting through my thoughts. I take a quick sip of my drink before turning to face him."Thanks man," I say earnestly, and almost on cue, the doorbell rings, Ethan and I share a look, he has a smirk as he shrugs into the couch."I guess it's time," I say with a grin, raising my glass of wine. Gently, I bring it down and head out of the guest room to get the door.I get to the door, and take a quick look through the peephole. Ashley's standing there, a bottle of champagne in hand.Without hesitating any further, I hold the doorknob and slide it open, revelling Ashley.Her face breaks into a fake smile, one that bel
(Bella)Judy is trouble, her presence is imposing and unsettling. And that brings me to my question.Why's she here?On the surface, Judy Brennan was a vision of perfection, with every detail of her appearance meticulously refined, from her thousand-dollar outfit, her rehearsed smile, down to her annoying serene posture. But looks can be deceiving, there's more to someone than meets the eye.Things aren't always as they seem.I hold her gaze and there's a smile on her face, a rehearsed smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.My nerves are a little short and for a second I consider turning back but then again, I don't have to give Judy the upper hand, I'd rather not have her think she has me worried.My heart ramps up but I'm not going to show weakness.I take a deep breath and walk up confidently to the table, my gait smooth and fluid.I take a seat. "Really?" I spat, keep my voice down. "Setting up a client's profile just to get me here?" I say in a low and distasteful tone.Her smi
(Bella)Two days has passed since the ridiculous stunt Dean pulled at the restaurant. I swear, he's beginning to get on my last nerves.But I did tell him off, and I don't know if that'd make him stop. I doubt this few days respite will last that long. Dean's never easily deterred.I also need to work through the feelings that have stirred up deep inside me.But right now, I can only hope he stays away and stop bothering me.Calvin on the other hand. Well, he's been there. And every damn time I look into his eyes, I see the curiosity in them, but he didn't ask about what Dean said that night.Maybe he just didn't know how to, or he doesn't want to pry. Or perhaps he's waiting for me to open up about it.And thankfully, there hasn't been any meeting scheduled for the project with Brenco. The air feels lighter without Dean throwing taunts around, at least for now.So, we have a new client on board and the weird, well not so weird thing is that this client said he'd only commit after a d
(Ashley)As Dean disconnects the call, a smile creeps up my face, I cross my legs, taking a sip of my wine."Don't tell me you're going ahead with this?" Evelyn, my friend asked, her eyes fixed on me in disbelief.I smirk. "What do you think?" I wink, swirling my glass, the thought of having Dean wrapped around my fingers brings an undeniable joy to me.The thing is, I've been following Dean for quite some time now. He wouldn't talk to me, pick my calls nor return them.It's so clear that Bill doesn't want me but he doesn't have a choice here, I'm going to be by his side and that's it.I didn't relent in following him and then one day, I saw him talking with that bitch openly, it made me so furious, so angry that it almost knocks the breath out of me.It felt like I couldn't measure up to her, no matter what I do.I've done literally everything to get to Bill but none of them has ever worked.But then again, I've come too far to back down, not now, not ever.So, I knew if I didn't wan
(Dean)The room falls silent, Ethan's words hanging in the air. I just stilled, letting his words sink in.I don't know but the thought of seeing Bella with Calvin, losing her to him, the fear of it, it makes my stomach twist, it leaves my heart feeling empty.But then, I'm still confused about a whole lot of things.My mind's a jumbled mess.I look at Ethan, my expression softens completely. "You remember the little boy from the mall, the twins?" I ask, holding Ethan's gaze.He shrugs. "Yeah, I do. What about them?" He asked, eyebrows raised.I swallow hard. "Bella's their birth Mom," I say, my voice strained.Ethan tilts his head, his eyes wide open. "Huh?" He exclaims, his eyes darting on me, he has a look of disbelief registered on his face. "Bella has kids?"I nod. "Yeah, she does," I reply, the words as simple as it sounds, feels so heavy in my mouth. "I'm just so—- confused," My shoulders slumps. Ethan narrows his eyes at me, studying my expression carefully and then he says i
(Dean)I'm seated at my office, flipping through a document, I tried to stay focused but I'm really not feeling it.I've instructed Humphrey to call my PR team to clean this up immediately and luckily they've been able to hold things down for now.Hopefully we don't draw more attention to the situation, the gossip will die down with time too.And as for Eric, we'll meet again.All in all, I should be a lot calmer right?But heck I'm not. I still have a bigger fish to fry.Bella, the twins, their paternity, the reason why she's been hiding them, the pills, my sudden confliction, all of it.Surely, I'll get to the root of this.As I shuffle nonchalantly through the pages of the document Humphrey had brought in earlier, a woman's angry voice cuts through the silence. "Where is Dean?"I recognize that voice instantly. It's Mom.She must've seen the news, such things doesn't get past her.I shrug back to my chair, waiting for her to stride in.The door burst open and Mom storms in angrily
(Dean)I barely slept last night, my mind's been a mess, I can't seem to hold it down, Bella's words, Humphrey's revelation.It's all stuck in my head, refusing to back off.I don't understand.How is it even possible that Bella has not just a kid but twins and I didn't know?If it was anyone else that told me about this, I'd have doubted it but then it's Humphrey and he sent me evidence to back this up, the full details of Bella when she moved in and true to his words, she's their mother.But it baffles me that I'm just finding out, I must say, she did a fantastic job hiding them.But then again, who's the lady with the little boy at the mall?There's just so much questions running through my head.Javier, the name escapes my mouth as my brain works overtime.Now, it makes so much sense.The resemblance, the sudden connection ever since I laid my eyes on him, my curiosity, it's not just about me liking kids.It's something more, something deeper.Wait.The twins couldn't have been mo
(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
(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 h