(Dean)I can feel my nostrils flare up in an intense anger and frustration as Bella ignored me, walking back into the hall.There's just something about her unmistaken resolve, a subtle reminder of how much she hurt me, how much she played with my feelings.She isn't sorry, not even rueful.That brings me to those tears, her pleads, asking me to hear her out. I can feel my chest tighten at the thought of it.Where they even real?Has anything about Bella ever been real?I clench and unclench my fist at my sides, struggling to keep myself grounded.The nerve of her to throw shades at me, to throw whatever relationship she has with Calvin at my face, to ignore me.I'm not going to let this go. I sure won't.I mean, I'd buried everything that happened, at least I thought I did.Left everything the way it was, even with Ethan bugging me not to, I accepted my ill luck regarding love.But then she just shows up from nowhere, unfazed and suddenly acting bipolar.That's exactly what I can't ta
(Ashley)It's that bitch!It's really her.What the hell is she doing here?I clench my fist in rage, my blood boiling with lingering resentment.I'd made sure I kept her out of Dean's life, never thought she'd show up here after all these years.It was an easy peasy, she loved and trusted me, warmed up to me so quickly. It wasn't so hard putting her out.I'd planned everything since the day I deliberately ran into her.And then, the perfect timing came, I'd baited her out.I thought I've won, thought Dean would be so vulnerable to fall into my arms, to see my love for him. but he didn't, for some reason he'd acted indifferently to me.And then, I thought to myself, maybe he needed time to get over her, to accept she'd left him for good. I'd convinced myself he'd come around.But then, months turned into years and Dean's still the same.He acts like he's over her, he'd pretend like he's fine with the divorce but I know he isn't.I can see right through him. And it hurts to know he'd ne
(Dean)I lean back into my chair, my eyes wanders at the stack of contracts on my desk, waiting to be signed. I've been struggling to stay focused but my mind is far from steady.It's like the more I try to push the nagging feeling gnawing at me since I met Bella last night, the more it's stuck in my mind.I'm angry, confused and not to mention I'm curious as to why she'd show up acting all clueless.I mean, it's been four years, and she has every right to have moved on with someone else but for some reason I can't seem to let it go.Seeing her happy with him while I'm still stuck in the past makes it even more unbearable, with her taunting replies during our brief altercation, I just knew I wouldn't let it go.And to add to my stress, mom's been blowing up my phone since last night. My guess is, Ashley already told her about the break up.Of, course I'd expected her to.My phone buzzes again, this time it was Aunt Elena and not Mom.Their interference just makes me so sick to my stom
(Bella)I've scoured for the best preschool around with the help of Derrick. Langford Academy stands out.I mean, with their current and past records, they're no doubt the best, and that's exactly what I'm looking for, because my cute little munchkins deserves nothing but the best.And even better, it's just a few minutes drive away from home, and not so far from Clein's.We've been there for a brief interview, alongside with Javier and Jasmine. And I wasn't surprised when I got a message of their acceptance two days ago. Javier and Jasmine are very bright and quick-witted. So I'd expected it.I take a quick glance at my wrist watch as I walked out of the kitchen, carrying their lunchbox. "Come on darlings, we're going to be late for school," I call after Jav and Jas as Anne clears their table.Not only was it their first day in school, it was mine in work as well.I didn't think much about working on board with Brenco, because according to Calvin, we won't be working directly with De
(Dean)I stand tall and confident, my eyes pinned on no one else but Bella.Her pretty face and eyes stares back at me, bowled over.The look on her face says it all, just as I'd expected.Our eyes lock for a second longer before she drags her gaze away from me.I'd taken her unaware, beating her to her own games."Dean," Calvin calls out as he stands up, extending a hand with a gentle smile.I manage a smile, taking his hand, whilst watching Bella intently from the corner of my eyes."We hadn't expected to see you in person, your assistant reached out," Calvin says, sitting back down at the head of the table while I take my seat just directly opposite Bella. Perfect!I give a tight-lipped smile, a gesture that belies my true intent. "Well, I changed my mind," I retort. "Or does anyone feel uncomfortable working with me?" My eyes are fixed on Bella when I say this.Her eyes meets mine briefly before she breaks her gaze but not before I see something flash through her eyes."Of, course
(Bella)Something about Dean turning up for this meeting rather than his assistant pushes me off-kilter. I'm convinced it's not just about business.I'd like to think and as far as I know, Dean never mixes personal issues with business.But then, so much has changed, he's changed and I can't hold on to the things I used to know, especially one that comes from a place of hurt.Plus, I know he still sees me as a cheat and a gold digger, who was with him because of his money.There's nothing I'd say or do that'd change his mind anyway, so why bother?And oh, the smirk and glint in his eyes doesn't go unnoticed.His attention is on me as he steps in, his proudful strides, a constant reminder that maybe — well, all of this is about me.The impact of his threats still lingered, like an imprint in my head. But then, he needs to know it doesn't bother me.I don't care about his threats.I snap out of my daze, and put my game face on.The presentation is filled with an underlying tension, which
(Dean)"Be here in time tomorrow. I have an early appointment," I tell Raymond, who nods in return."Sure, boss." I step out of my car, heading right inside. It's been a long day and I'm quite stressed on what to do with Bella.Once I step into the living room, I paused.Nothing prepares me for the sight before me.Mom's seated on the couch, her legs crossed with a glass of juice in hand like she's a queen or something. Her presence is imposing as ever.I'm surprised, mainly because I didn't see her car parked outside. Maybe we'd revisit her having a spare key.I mean, I'd expected her to show up here or at the office since I've been avoiding her calls.But she didn't in the past one week and now she's here, and at this time.I take a quick glance at my rolex. It's past 7pm."Mom?" I call out, walking towards her."Oh, you're finally back," she says, bringing her glass down, unfazed."What are you doing here by this time?" I ask outrightly, my tone skeptical.She frowns, clearly not p
(Bella)"Oh, baby, you shouldn't be up, look at the time," I retort, feigning a frown as I walk into Jasmine's room.She's on her tablet, clearly playing games on it. But as soon as she hears my voice, she puts it down, her eyes furrowed at me in guilt.I reach out to her, caressing her hair gently. "Javier is sleeping and you should do the same too, sweety." I frown a little."I'm sorry mommy," she says softly, pouting her mouth in a cute way.Pretty irresistible thing, how'd I stay mad now?I let a smile form on my face. "It's okay, baby," I say, patting her back gently. "Come. I'll put you to bed," I say, pulling the covers over her tiny body while I lie beside her, caressing her softly."Mommy?" She calls with a soft voice."Yes, baby." I smile at her, willing her to go ahead."I want a new doll, mommy. You promise to get one when we get here. Can we go to the mall tomorrow?" Jasmine ask, her eyes wide in anticipation.It just dawned on me that she'd had her heart set on having a n
(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