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167 — Reaching a closure...
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
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Fallen for Daddy's Friend 168 — “Should we get married already?”
The doctor’s words make me hold my breath. If I want to find out the gender of our baby? Just the possibility makes my heart race with excitement and joy. I waited for it so badly, and now it’s about to happen.I lie on the stretcher, my trembling fingers gripping the sides of the sheet. Julian sits in a chair next to me, close by. Our eyes meet, and I reach for his hand, for his touch that comforts me.A young nurse approaches with a serene countenance. She asks to be excused while her delicate, gentle hands lift my blouse until my belly is completely exposed. Julian’s hand squeezes mine a little tighter, and he seems just as nervous as I am — if not more so.Dr. Kraig sits down in front of the small screen that shows nothing noticeable and also asks for consent to touch me. He explains, “It’ll be a bit cold, but it’s so we can see the baby,” and spreads gel over my stomach. I feel a shiver run through my body, an
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 169 — We don’t control life.
Julian’s words make my heart skip a beat. But even in the face of my surprise, he continues to look at me with no sign of regret, no laughter, no hesitation... He really means it.Yet I can’t smile.Long seconds pass in my silence, and his expression gradually becomes worried. He watches my face intently, paying special attention to my brown eyes that say everything my lips cannot.I don’t say a word for a while, and neither does Julian. The silence isn’t as comfortable as I’d like, but I can’t cut it. I swallow hard, my lips trembling, overwhelmed by too many intense sensations that ache my eyes.I’ve always heard that emotions are on edge when you’re pregnant, but I never thought it was so true.Julian sits down next to me on the couch, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. I lean my head against the curve of his neck, snuggling into the warmth of his body, wrapping myself in his strong arms.
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 170 — “Thank you, my little angel.”
“Used to be?” I look at Julian softly, afraid to touch on such a delicate subject, squeezing his hand reassuringly.Julian sighs, looking to the other corner of the room.“Jack’s death broke us. My mother especially. The thing about depression is that it always seems to sneak up like a shadow. It’s there, even when you think you’re over it, even when you’re fine and can’t feel it... It only takes one slip for it to come up again.” Julian says with painful familiarity, almost like he had suffered it himself. For some reason, I feel that he’s talking about himself more than about someone else.But he brushes it off with a smile, inflating his lungs to the max.“She’s feeling better now... Mother may no longer be the smiling, full-of-life woman she was before, but she’s still here.”I stay silent for a few moments, absorbing his words, understanding them better than an
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 171 — Presentation time…
I fix the skirt of my suit for the third time, brush away the dust that doesn’t even exist on my blazer, and walk in circles around the room that has been mine for the last few weeks, where our entire project was born and developed until we reached this point.The idea that existed only in my head has now become a collective dream. All the sweat and effort of my team is on these pages, on this USB drive.I look at the clock, noticing that the time for the project presentation is approaching. I’ve heard that the manager’s project is realistic and not very creative, but it is an effective method for restoring a company’s reputation. Sarah’s project is more innovative, with a different approach to the conventional. Of course, these are just comments; the details of each project have been kept secret. Even the presentation will be done individually.My eyes are drawn to the clock again.12:29 a.m.I only have one long minu
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 172 — Project Enkrateia
All the board’s attention is on me. I can see a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and fascination in the board’s eyes as they follow the slides, in the expressions that take different forms as I present my project, which, honestly, I don’t know how to define.Innovative?Utopic?Crazy?“Who is affected by this leak? What’s the data?” I pause dramatically, adding to the tension. “These people have faces, names, and this data is like a key to their lives, their intimacy, their security. And they don’t even know how much it impacts their lives. We must change that... By making everything public and allowing them to search personally.”“Make it public?” Director Bald scoffs. “Are you trying to finish Dynamic’s reputation? We’re only considering saving it because this data hasn’t been made public. If they know the extent...”“That’s precisely
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 173 — “You ruined his life.”
It takes me a while to understand what Mrs. Smith is saying. Eric’s arrested... is that true? I knew that some of the people investigated in the scandal were being charged, but I didn’t expect Eric to be so involved in it. It shocks me to the point where the words completely disappear from the tip of my tongue.Suddenly, memories that were buried in the back of my mind come back like a hurricane, making my eyes widen. […] “Angelee, darling, I’ve baked some cookies... let’s have tea together!” Mrs. Smith said, smiling. “I bought you a present, what do you think?” Smiles and more smiles. “Let’s go on a family trip! You’ve been out of America before, haven’t you? Let’s choose somewhere you haven’t been yet, all of us together.” She always smiled, her voice as soft as the sweetest of illusions. “Angelee, I adore you as if you were my own daughter-”These memories
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 174 — The Adams family
I know Julian said I didn’t need to worry, but the moment he drove beyond the iron gates of the villa, my heart rose to my throat. My trembling hands clutch the fabric of my dress while my eyes linger on the landscape around us. The estate is so big that we need to drive for at least ten minutes along the long stone road. The surrounding forests bring me a strange sense of peace like we are outside the world. It’s hard to believe that Julian’s family has a forest on their property, and I wonder what it must be like to explore it.The lowered window lets a refreshing breeze into the car, and I inflate my lungs, hoping that this will somehow boost my courage.When I finally see the magnificent classical mansion, my heart skips a beat. It’s simply majestic. In fact, it even looks like a castle. The large white pillars add a sophisticated, antique aesthetic that matches the family’s influence. But it’s no wonder the villa is so i
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 175 — “I’m sorry I left.”
In the outdoor fire pit, I feel a little more at ease. Jordan is certainly as talkative as his older brother; his carefree personality makes me comfortable, perhaps because we’re almost the same age. Unlike Julian, who has a more restrained sense of humor, the youngest of the brothers loves to make jokes, and his timing is good enough to get a few laughs. At first, Julian seemed nervous and suspicious, but he soon lowered his defenses and opened up a little more, allowing himself to smile even at the jokes he thinks are ridiculous.The other brother, Joshua, looked even more doubtful when he laid eyes on me. I could see the curiosity and suspicion in his dark green eyes with some shades of brown. He also looks a lot like Julian, and his hair is medium-length, falling over his forehead in small, discreet waves. Well, I can certainly understand why he could be called a playboy — with his looks, I’m not surprised that women fall at his feet. He looks like a
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Fallen for Daddy's Friend HAPPY EVER AFTER.
“Jackie, Lizzie, stop running like that… you could get hurt!” I shout, putting my hands on my waist. They are laughing, hiding their smiles behind their little hands. But despite this, they go running back down the sandy beach, making my heart rise to my throat.They grow up so fast! Two years and seven months ago, they were so small in my arms, and now they’re running around our house in Nassau, their blond hair ruffling in the pleasant wind.Just as we promised, we created a little tradition in our family; every year, during our wedding anniversary, we bring the children with us. It’s the second time they’ve been here, and this time, we’ve decided to invite the people closest to us to enjoy this paradise.“This place is really wonderful!” Cathy says behind me, stroking her big belly. I look over my glasses and quickly take them off. “Seriously, I really appreciate you inviting me... I’d really go mad
Fallen for Daddy's Friend MICHAEL — Always by your side.
As soon as the meeting is over, I feel my tense shoulders relax. My head is throbbing, a pain that has haunted me since last night when I received a call from my father.Apparently, his retirement has been announced. He will continue as chairman for another six months just to organize everything until his departure.The problem is that he still hasn’t announced a successor. The board is desperate because of the options, as none of them have the necessary qualifications to be the group’s new chairman. Of course, that’s just a sadistic strategy to get them on their toes and accept Dominic O’Neil’s desire.Apparently, my half-brother is taking victory for granted, telling everyone that he will be my father’s successor and that the group belongs to him. With the news of Father’s retirement reaching the knowledge of the media, it won’t be long before he finally names me as the new chairman.When I accepted Dominic’
Fallen for Daddy's Friend CATHY — I’m falling...
The doorbell jangles, announcing my arrival. And as always, the moment people look in my direction, without interest, almost by instinct, their eyes widen, and the whispering begins. After all, I am a supermodel. My face is all over Times Square. I don’t have the luxury of privacy, of an anonymous life.Still, why am I here?My blue eyes meet the owner of this place; he’s distracted by another customer, smiling easily.My stomach twists, and I feel suddenly nervous.The whispers reach his ears, and he looks at me. It takes a few seconds for his face to show a reaction, but soon, the smile rises to his eyes, following me while I cross the coffee shop to the table at the back.I sit down and hide my face behind the menu, my cheeks burning for a reason unknown to me.Dammit, I look like a teenager. It’s not like it was the first time I’ve woken up in a man’s bed after a few drinks. And it certainly wasn’t the first time
Fallen for Daddy's Friend HONEYMOON — PART III
It took a year before we could really enjoy some time alone on a honeymoon, but I have to say that it was really worth the wait. Julian made sure that our first day in Nassau, at our new beach home, was special and unforgettable.First, he invited me on a yacht ride. Going down to the deck was itself a memorable experience. This place is simply breathtaking, and the private beach is so beautiful that I couldn’t help but imagine my daughters playing in the sand. The thought made my chest warm. I already consider this place a second home.To my surprise, Julian prepared a wonderful breakfast while the 65-foot yacht cruised along the coast with everything you could wish for — fruit, bread, juices, coffee, and ending the tour with a glass of wine in one of the cabins. Fortunately, the sound of the sea drowned out my moans enough for us to enjoy some sex on the high seas.After the tour, it was lunchtime, and Julian took us to Paradise Island. He chose a luxuri
Fallen for Daddy's Friend HONEYMOON — PART II
They say the Bahamas are paradise on earth, and I couldn’t find a better word to describe this place. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life.As soon as we arrived at Nassau airport, a car was waiting for us. The weather is really nice here, even though it’s winter. Although I like snow, it’s nice to feel the warm weather enveloping my skin... I wish the girls were here… the cold makes them so sensitive.Thinking about them makes me feel a bit down. My heart squeezes, and I try to think that it’s only for two days and that soon they’ll be in my arms again, but still, I miss them. It’s an almost unbearable feeling. I wonder how they’re doing, if they miss us, and if they’re crying right now...But I know that Julian and I need this. It’s the opportunity to enjoy a real honeymoon, which we haven’t had before. Some would think that it’s a shame to celebrate it after so long, with the
Fallen for Daddy's Friend HONEYMOON — PART I
— ANGELEE ADAMS (POV)ㅤ“How are you feeling?” Julian asks for the first time since we got on the plane. The trip to the Bahamas doesn’t take long, about three hours, but we’re reaching our destination soon.“I’m fine,” I say, taking Julian’s hand in mine. I stroke the white-gold ring on his finger, but I’m still lost in thought.“You seem to have a lot on your mind.” He says, studying my face.“A little.” I give a nervous smile and shrug. I thought I’d be scared to see Laura, to hear the words she said to me that day, but I didn’t.”“What’s bothering you, then?” Julian’s question makes me raise my eyes again.“More than being afraid of Laura, I was afraid of losing the people I love again,” I confess, noticing that his gaze softens. “Losing you, our daughters... I couldn’t bear it.”&ldquo
Fallen for Daddy's Friend AFTER STORY — PART II
— ANGELEE ADAMS (POV)ㅤㅤFor the past seven months, I’ve wondered what happened to Laura.What happened after she left by the stairs? What happened to her twisted mind?I knew that she had been temporarily arrested for trespassing and assault, but Julian and my father tried hard to keep the details away from me. Perhaps that’s why the subject never really seemed a closure to me.Unfortunately, as much as I fought against it and didn’t want to admit it, for the last seven months, that day has tormented me.When I held my daughters in my arms for the first time, I swore to myself that I wouldn’t let Laura get to me. And I really tried to deny it, to convince myself that it was enough just to let go and focus on my family — but I couldn’t, and I hate myself for being weak to that extent.Finding out that Laura would spend her time in a mental institution wasn’t really a surprise. I knew there was s
Fallen for Daddy's Friend AFTER STORY — PART I
— JULIAN ADAMS (POV)[...] Seven months later.ㅤㅤI sigh deeply, massaging the top of my nose. Ever since I heard the verdict of Laura’s trial, I’ve been feeling uneasy.Many months have passed, and I still remember how I felt when I saw the building security cameras… and how I threw up, feeling stupid, weak, and furious.I’ve never felt so impotent in my entire life.But what really put me out of sleep was what happened the day Angelee woke up in the hospital... when Laura also decided to break into the J’O Tech building. I still get chills remembering that night.It’s been a long time since Laura was fired, but for some reason, her credentials worked. In the end, we really had to restructure the entire I.T. department, which resulted in a mass layoff that only didn’t make it into the media because of damage control.Laura got crazy when she knew that her plan to harm Angelee and my
Fallen for Daddy's Friend 184 — The end.
My eyes take a while to adjust to the brightness, but slowly, the blur goes away. I move my hands, feeling a weight on one of them.I blink a few times heavily, looking down carefully because I still feel a little dizzy, and see that Julian is sitting in an armchair next to the bed, holding my hand.He senses my movements and slowly opens his eyes, looking directly at me, taking a few moments for him to understand that I’m wide awake. When reality hits him hard, Julian’s eyes widen and glisten with tears.He doesn’t say a single word, just leans in, taking my hand in both of his, enveloping it in his warm palms, something I’ve really missed over the last two weeks. He rests his forehead on our hands, his tense shoulders immediately relaxing.“You really scared us, you know?” Julian grumbles, then looks up. I can see the deep, dark circles under his eyes. “You’ve been unconscious for two whole days!”Sudde
