Noah

Sophia 

“Nothing, Carter.” 

I almost slapped myself earlier for forgetting that Carter was on the line. 

“Is that so?” His deep voice sounded raspy as I sensed he didn't believe me. 

He must know that I'm lying. 

“Yes. That is just me messing with Ace's head.”

He chuckled darkly over the line as I gripped the phone tighter to my ear. “Very well, sweet pea. I believe you.” He concluded but deep down I knew he had his reservations about this brand new me. 

Why wouldn't he? Anyone with eyes can tell that something was different about me. 

Or rather about Annabelle. 

“Thank you.” 

Before his reply could be heard, a knock sounded at the door making me jump in shock as the phone slipped through my hand. 

“You've been awfully tense and jumpy since today, Annabelle. Loosen up.” Carter scolded me as I picked up the phone and tucked it back into my garter. 

“Who is it?” I asked aloud to whoever was at the other side of the door. 

“It's me.” 

Ace. 

My mood instantly soured at the realization that I was now his wife and thus his responsibility. To top it all off, I live in his house. 

“What do you want, Ace?” I grumbled. 

“He's here for the wedding night, Anna. Isn't it obvious? My brother wants some.” Carter laughed over the phone as I eyed him with disgust knowing that he definitely wouldn't see me. 

What a despicable human being. 

“Noah wants you to tuck him in. He needs you to read him a bedtime story.” Ace announced. 

I groaned in exhaustion as I felt a migraine approaching. 

How was I going to play wife and mother to two people I don't know. 

What did I ever do wrong to warrant such a tough punishment? 

“Ahh Noah, that little brat.” Carter's dislike for the little boy was hard to ignore. 

His distaste for the little boy actually roused my interest in meeting him.

“It's fine if you're too tired, Annabelle. I'll handle it if you're not up to it.” Ace spoke up again after there was no response from me. 

“No! I'm coming. I'll be out soon.” I rushed out. 

“Oh please! You and I know that that kid is one of the most irritating things to ever exist.” Carter voiced his opinion over the phone. “Ace is using his annoying son as an excuse to get into your pants tonight. From reading books, you'll be warming his sheets. Good riddance.” He sounded irritated. 

“He's just a kid, Carter.” I reminded him. 

“Yeah, right! Have a nice night, Anna. Just know I'm watching.” He harshly stated before hanging up. 

I pulled out the phone to make sure he really wasn't on the line anymore before exhaling and running my hands through my hair. 

“Annabelle? Are you there?” Ace asked again. 

“Yes! Give me a second!” 

I searched around for where to hide the phone before deciding to just place it underneath my pillow. 

I combed my fingers through my hair to make myself look presentable before wiping my face to get rid of any trace of the tears I shed earlier. 

“Sorry. I was busy with something.” I apologized as I opened the door to find Ace standing there in just his shirt and black pants. 

The shirt had been unbuttoned all the way down and was merely serving as a jacket now. 

His hair was tousled as a strand of pure black hair rested lazily on his forehead. His hair looked like he had run his hands over it a lot of times. 

He overall had a laid back and lazy appearance. But in a hot way though. 

“What were you busy with? I thought I heard a voice.” The pinching together of his eyebrows in confusion was enough to let me know that Carter hadn't exactly kept his voice low. 

“No. You heard wrong. There was no one in there with me.” I lied smoothly. 

Before he could press further, I continued talking to change the topic, “Where's Noah? Where is his room?” 

He eyed me suspiciously before leading the way down a flight of stairs. “He isn't staying in his room for now. He said he wants to be with me tonight. He's scared of the thunder so he'll be sleeping in my room.” He informed me as he stopped in front of a huge mahogany door with a golden handle.

He twisted the handle and walked in before holding the door open for me. 

I took a step into the room and was immediately hit by the signature scent I have come to associate Ace with. 

Manly. Musk. Masculine. And a bit of citrus. 

The room smelled so much like him. 

He closed the door behind me as I took in the extremely large bedroom that seemed too grand for a king. 

This bedroom is massive and reeked of immense wealth. 

The furniture in the room blended together in perfect harmony of black, midnight blue and gray. 

The panel lights on the ceiling were only things illuminating the room in a golden brown hue. 

The large floor to ceiling glass window overlooking the city in the room was partially hidden by the gray curtains. 

“Mommy!” 

The tiny voice mixed with the grabby pair of hands grabbing my leg was enough to snap me out of my trance. 

I glanced down to see the most beautiful pair of big hazel eyes I have ever seen in my entire life, looking up at me expectantly. 

His little hands that were holding my legs now started to tap on it to get my attention. 

He is the most adorable thing to ever exist. 

How could Carter dislike such an angel? How can anyone not get charmed by this little man? 

“You're Noah?” I blurted out.

He looked confused for a second before realization hit him and he harshly tugged at his cowlick as the rest of his brunette hair flipped up and down. “Are you still mad at me because of last time? I promise not to wet the bed anymore.” 

His large eyes had started to water. 

He is literally so adorable. 

“Ooh no, sweetie. I'm not mad at you. I could never be mad at you.” I bent low to his level and carefully studied each and every feature on his face. 

He was cute to say the least. 

He had large eyes and a cute button nose paired with a small pink mouth and chubby cheeks. 

“Mummy's not mad at Noah?” He wiped his eyes with the back of his palm as hope flashed before his eyes. 

I shook my head as I couldn't get rid of the smile on my face. “No, sweetie I would never ever dare to be mad at you.” I pinched his cheek which made him giggle. 

“Noah is happy, mummy!” He exclaimed happily before wrapping his little arms around my neck in what was supposed to be a hug. 

I froze at first because of the unexpected contact but soon hugged him back before carrying him up and towards the large bed with light beneath it as Ace followed us wordlessly. 

I placed him on the bed and tucked him in while praying that my boobs don't pour out of this dress. 

That would be embarrassing. 

“Where's your storybook, little man?” I asked him. 

“It's in my room, mummy. You left it there, remember? Silly mommy.” He laughed. 

“Don't worry, I'll go get it.” Ace offered before leaving the room and re-entering not long after with a colorful book in his hands. 

“Thank you.” I replied to Ace who nodded. “Silly mommy.” I tried to joke about the fact that I didn't know where the book nor his room was. 

Halfway through reading the book, Noah fell asleep and I set the book down before tucking him in properly and standing up from the bed. 

“Aren't you forgetting something?”