***Bethany’s POV***The sound of my heels echoed in the empty hallway as I walked toward the office where Dale recommended me to work. Honestly speaking, I would be forever grateful to Dale for helping me in almost everything. He allowed me to stay in one of his properties, and he also mentioned that Jacob wouldn’t be able to find me. He said I would be safe as long as I wouldn’t dare to travel outside Bradfordshire.As usual, I arrived at my workplace an hour earlier than my schedule. My boss accepted me to be part of the sales team even if I didn’t have much experience in doing sales. He knew that my experience was limited to doing household chores, and I didn’t finish my degree. Regardless of my shortcomings, he hired me for the job, as long as I’m willing to be trained.One morning, I was familiarizing some of the products and services that the company would offer when my boss arrived, and he seemed to be in a bad mood. “Good morning, Mr. Navarro,” I greeted the taciturn business
***Bethany’s Pov***When he explained it would be impossible for him to like me, I was stunned to speak. Therefore, I followed him to his office without saying anything. When he ordered me to sit at his desk, I furrowed my brows in confusion.“Open the computer and check my emails,” he commanded, so I immediately sat in his swivel chair as he had instructed. My eyes couldn’t believe the number of emails he had in his inbox. I looked at him for further instruction, and he said, “You have to read it before replying.”“Me?” I asked in disbelief.“Yes. You.”Although I did it before, I was nervous about opening his mailbox. Then, I took a deep breath before clicking it, and unconsciously, I adjusted my blouse. “This one asked for a special discount,” I told him.“Then, check from the system if she’s qualified to avail of our special discount, and if she’s qualified, tell her about it.”“Noted, sir.”After checking the system, I found out that the client needed at least fifty transactions
***Jacob’s Pov***The moment I realized why Lily showed up in Claybourne again, I decided to befriend the woman. When she casually mentioned killing Bethany, I feared that she has become someone unreasonable and blind to avenge the wrongful death of her twin. Before leaving the office, I tried calling her, and I was glad when she answered my call. “Hello Lily, are you available later?”“Tonight?”As I listened to her speaking on the other line, I was drawn to her sweet and honeyed voice. “I wonder if you can join me for dinner tonight,” I told her.“Hmmm I have an appointment tonight but I think I can meet you for coffee,” she suggested.“Alright. I will be in Mug Shot in thirty minutes,” I told her before disconnecting the call, and then I texted the address in case she was not familiar with the closest coffee shop from the mayor’s office. I knew it was rude to disconnect the call before she could say yes but I couldn’t give her the opportunity to refuse.When I arrived at the coffe
***Bethany’s Pov***Five years later… I worked so hard at Mr. Navarro’s logistic company and because of my hard work and the willingness to learn everything about the business, I got an increase in salary. After one year of working with them, I realized that the sales department could help me in achieving my goal. Their schedules were flexible. As long as I could meet the required sales quota, I could clock out anytime, so I talked with my boss about it.Initially, I was nervous to discuss it with him, but I was glad I did because he agreed. In fact, he offered another incentive for the sales team, whoever wanted to pursue a degree related to the job, he would offer a subsidy for our tuition on top of the sales commission. Of course, I couldn’t just enroll immediately without testing the waters.For three months, I worked under the best sales representative as his assistant, and he was so helpful in teaching me. During my second month, I hit the quota for the first time, and I was s
***Bethany’s Pov***I could not believe I had returned to Claybourne, a community with five-star hotels, luxury apartments, and condominiums, after five years. Claybourne has everything including the man who broke my heart again and again. I heard from Dale that Jacob had no choice but to marry his ex-wife’s sister, as it was customary to the other clan, or Dark Furs would face extinction. After five years, Claybourne had a lot of improvements, but it also enhanced its existing assets, especially the beaches with fine white sands.Claybourne, which was founded on the outskirts of a bustling neighborhood, was a prime example of a contemporary metropolis. In addition to its attractiveness, the city was shaped by the backdrop of an ever-clear sky. Due to the fact that the vast majority of buildings have been constructed with numerous glass and light features to mimic the aesthetics of the blue sky. Claybourne has received a great deal of attention due to its excellent recreational facili
***Bethany’s Pov***He walked with me until we reached the boardwalk, at which point he said his final goodbyes. “Would you like to accompany me to the house?”“Miss, he dislikes crowds. Have a fantastic time!” He said and returned to his sailboat. He signaled with a hand gesture that he was only a phone call away by waving his hand at me from the upper deck.I gave him a friendly smile as I began my stroll on the boardwalk. If I had known, I would not have worn high-heeled shoes on a private island. The long trek had left me with painful blisters, and I desired to sit down immediately. A few minutes later, I was standing in front of his island residence, and I couldn’t help but be amazed.The exterior of the bungalow appeared magnificent. It was constructed with red bricks and mahogany-colored wooden ornamentation. Small, half-rounded windows illuminate the home and give it an asymmetrical, contemporary appearance. The structure was constructed in an L shape.The expansion continued
***Bethany’s Pov***“Can you imagine how excited I was when I learned that you scheduled a meeting with me?” he asked, his adorable grin bothering him!I told him, “At least one of us was excited.”“Bethany, where have you been? I've been searching for you all these years.”“Really? Wow, that is incredible. Do you believe you can deceive me again?”He replied, “I'm not trying to trick you,” and I scoffed at his response.“If you say so,” was my response.“Don't be arrogant, Miss Middleton. Come and have breakfast with me.”“Thank you, sir, but I'm already satisfied.” I declined his invitation to share a meal.“Shouldn't you make an effort to treat me with courtesy?” Jacob inquired with constricted pupils.“I don’t think I can discuss business with you, Jacob, so I’d rather just go home. My boss could just send another representative,” I told himAgain, he issued his ultimatum: “Join me for breakfast, or you'll regret it.”I was compelled to follow him to the kitchen, despite the fact
***Bethany’s Pov***My smile began to fade as soon as I realized that we would be alone in his room. His response was, “I don't think it's a good idea.”“Why? Are you concerned that I might behave improperly with you?”“Yes,” I humbly admitted.“For instance, kissing you on the lips? Or would you like me to put you in my bed?” I scowled at him after he made some obscene suggestions because I believed he was a jerk.My current thoughts were completely out of the ordinary. I had no choice but to sneak up behind him and photograph him as he opened the door to his bedroom. Then, I regarded the photograph for a moment and exhaled deeply.“Are you not entering?” As soon as he noticed I was still standing outside his door, he inquired.I replied, “Wait,” and entered his den slowly. Even though his appearance made me feel uneasy, I had no choice but to tolerate him! But it would be nice if he wasn't so ridiculously attractive! His room, along with the rest of the house, was decorated in a con
***Bethany’s Pov***I averted my gaze because I felt naked in front of his eyes, but Jacob caressed my face and compelled me to look at him. For a brief moment, our gazes were locked, and no one dared to look away. Standing outside his room was inconvenient, so I wish he would move sooner. When he snatched me and dragged me into his room, I gasped for air. I didn't care that there were no words to describe the intensity of our need, whether sexual or emotional. In my heart, I yearned for him."Would you mind telling me what you want, my dear wife?"Jacob inquired about my desires, but I was at a loss for words. I was baffled! I didn't know what I was looking for except for him to touch, embrace, or kiss me. Without thinking, I threw myself at Jacob. I was taken aback by his sudden attack with his mouth, and my eyes widened as I realized I liked the way he conquered me with his lips. My knees started to wobble, and I had no choice but to grab his hand for support.I grumbled inwardly,
***Bethany’s Pov***The outdoor dining sets with umbrellas, cabanas, and chaise lounges that were set up for the event made the beach colorful and vibrant. “Good morning, darling,” he greeted me but I only raised my brows in response. He still smiled at me as if I had said something nice to him.“Leave,” I told him.“You can’t be so cruel to me this morning, sweetheart,” he complained, but I wasn’t in the mood to be nice to him.“”Can’t you see I am busy right now?” I snapped at him but he just grinned. What’s wrong with him?“Bethany, when did you become so vengeful?”“Vengeful? If you were in my shoes, would you still smile at me as soon you wake up?”“Don’t worry, darling. I will make it up later,” he whispered but I just snorted at him.“Whatever,” I told him but when he suddenly embraced me, I lost.“Come on, don’t be such a baby, and smile! Jillian is looking this way, come on, smile darling!” “I was horny and you just kept on sleeping last night!” I complained and although it
***Bethany’s POV***After my conversation with Jacob, I tried calling Dale’s number, hoping he would take my call this time. Previously, I tried calling him but his number was always out of the coverage area. I just wanted to check if he has seen the face of the Uncle who took Jillian for a trip. Although, I trusted my father’s words about Jillian being safe, I still wanted to check with Dale. If only he wasn’t so busy lately.“Hey! I'm getting married in three days," I jested as soon as he answered the call, but Dale took it seriously.“Wow, congratulations, Bethany. Jacob is a good man, and you're fortunate to have him." He stated."But I'm not sure about that. He appears to be a good catch, but he stated that marriage was ridiculous, can you imagine?""He loves you, and I know you feel the same," Dale said, but even if he wasn't there, I disagreed with a shake of my head.Before opening my mouth to speak, I swallowed the lumps in my throat. Every time I remembered his words, I fe
***Bethany’s Pov***I resigned to my fate as Jacob’s wife, but something happened. There was a commotion at the back, and when I looked around, I saw Jacob along with his men. His presence at my wedding alerted my father’s men, and the environment has turned into a danger zone. “Jacob!” I exclaimed as he approached me on a calm manner."I told you you are all mine. Bethany, you are mine. So get up and let's go home," he said, but no matter how slow his voice was, my father heard it and came over to us with a scowl."How dare you come here!" Father yelled at Jacob, and I was nervous as both men studied each other, with no sign of Jacob being afraid."Stop it, both of you!" I ignored the bystanders and yelled at both men. "Let's just walk away, Jacob." I've decided to follow Jacob wherever he would take me, than to get married to someone like Jacob. It would be boring!"Bethany, you can't do this to your father!" When we walked away, Roger Middleton shouted.I felt bad for my father bu
***Bethany’s Pov***It was late, and I knew my father was not at home. I decided to go for a swim in the pool because swimming usually helps me clear my mind; however, when I arrived, Alexander was already there!"Hi Bethany, would you like to join me?" He asked as soon as he saw me approaching, and I made a funny face.As if I could use the same pool water in which his body dared to float! His presence and carefree attitude disgusted me. "Never mind," I said as I prepared to leave.When Alexander called out my name, I turned around to see him approaching me. After seeing his hairy chest, I had to close my eyes for a moment. He didn't appear normal to me! He had so much hair all over his body that he looked like a monkey!"Do you like men with long hair?" I rolled my eyes to my head as he inquired. I was nearing the end of my patience, and Alexander put it to the test like a pro."Why do you have so much hair?" I knew I was being impolite, but I was enraged by his outrageous display o
***Bethany’s Pov***Sleep has always been my way of escaping reality. I closed my eyes and forced myself to sleep. A few hours later, however, I was awakened by someone, and when I opened my eyes, I saw my father standing near my bed. I glared at him again before closing my eyes, but he did not leave and remained standing!"Just leave me alone," I said as I wrapped the coverlet around my entire body."We have to deal with your situation, Bethany." He made an announcement.“Deal with it? How are you going to deal with it, Father? I am a divorced woman, and it was your fault for forcing him into the marriage!” I accused him of orchestrating everything along with my Aunt. It couldn’t be his idea alone.“You are engaged to someone else, Bethany. It’s not just Jacob, and thankfully, I made several deal when you were just a kid! It comes handy in your current situation,” he stated.“No, I am not going to marry another man. Once was enough, Father. My kids would be fine without a father figu
***Bethany’s POV***Tangled hedges and bushes surrounded an emerald field of grass. A single ornamental piece, simple but elegant in design, stood near the back. The smaller flower bushes were well cared for, but still given plenty of room to grow; they came in all shapes and sizes.The hedges and bushes grow to 1.5m/5ft in height, which was unusual and possibly unique to this garden. Marble slabs were scattered about, directing visitors to the best spots. Plants, grass, and roots appeared content with their positions in the garden, with none attempting to reach further, at least not yet.The ornamental piece commanded all attention, but it also draws attention to everything around it. The smaller flower bushes have no trouble attracting attention, and the hedges and bushes were certainly a sight to behold, but there's no way to win when the garden was designed with the ornamental piece in mind.It has been awhile since I spent a few hours in the garden, reminiscing about things espec
***Bethany’s POV***I thought Jacob was joking but when the nightfall came, he used his strength to gain access to my room. He was comfortably seated on my couch, watching television as if he had all the time in the world.“I am going to take a shower now, would you like to join?” He asked.“Not a chance,” I replied."By the way, darling wife, could you please get me a towel?"As the guy reveled in taunting me with his nakedness, my nostrils flared. "Please get it on your own; I'm too tired to get up," I said, lying."Hmm, I'm thinking about taking a shower later and sleeping now," he said, attempting to lie beside me.I jumped out of bed and dashed to the cabinet to get a clean towel for him. “"Here," I said as I handed him the towel then he laughed as he made his way to the bathroom.“Come on, Bethany. Join me! What’s stopping you this time? We used to do this before, remember?”“I don’t take a bath frequently since I got pregnant, Jacob.”“Lies,” he chuckled.About ten minutes late
***Jacob’s Pov***For a moment, I remained silent and simply stared at the woman who refused to terminate his pregnancy. I knew she was a wonderful mother, but having another bastard wouldn’t be acceptable. She has to marry me or terminate her pregnancy!Suddenly, her aunt entered with a tray of refreshments. I accepted a glass but I had no idea it could lead to something disastrous. She added something into the drink and only God knew what happened after that. When I regained my senses, I was tied up into a chair, along with Bethany.“I now pronounced you as husband and wife,” the man said much to my disbelief. When I glanced at Bethany’s reaction, her brows were also furrowed. She was probably confused, too! After the ceremony, they untied me, and asked me to kiss Bethany. Someone photographed the event, and it happened so quickly.“Jacob, please take care of our princess,” the woman said with so much emotions on her face, but I was still puzzled. My mind was befuddled and I didn’t