My heart jumped. It was like I was having a heart attack.
There was something in his eyes that I couldn't decipher while he looked at me.I did not dare to speak.I know with my fast beating heart, my voice would likely tremble.That would just give away how nervous I am.I don't want to hear from him that I was acting as if I was still a virgin.My innocence was taken by this man while I was under the influence of drugs.I don't even have a single memory of that night I slept with him."Good night," he said and turned his back on me.What a relief!However, I was saddened that he slept with his back facing me.Didn't he like to face me?Am I unpleasant to look at?Dismayed, I covered myself with the comforter and turned my back on him.I didn't know how much time I spent sulkiToday my husband turned 32. He will be having his birthday party in one of the hotels their family owned instead of holding it in the presidential palace. He gave me a ball gown, shoes, bags and jewelry. Of course, he would not let others know that it was from him. So, it was Major Kavanaugh who delivered it to me. And it was Major Kavanaugh who would drive me to the hotel as if he was my date. "As always, you look stunning, madam," he bowed like a gentleman.I understood the shifting of how he addressed me in front of other people and when we were alone. It must have been an instruction from my husband. "You're not bad yourself, Major," I said while I hooked my hand on the nook of his folded arm."I am flattered, madam," he chuckled.I looked up and caught a glimpse of his blushing face. Was he shy that I pr
Totally heartbroken that my husband was cheating on me. I looked for Major Kavanaugh for comfort but I couldn't find him. So when the waiter offered me a red wine, I took it and drank it in one go. And took another one and gulped it not caring about my low alcohol tolerance. I just wanted to make this pain in my heart go away. "Hey, why are you drinking?" I heard Major Kavanaugh from behind. I turned to him and he took the glass of wine from me. "Give it back to me." "No," he was resolute and I know I can't have it back. "You're already late to stop me, I drank one glass of red wine already," I chuckled and I was beginning to feel tipsy. "What made you drink? You weren't like this, tell me," I never saw Major Kavanaugh this anxious. "Nothing, I just want to enjoy the party," I swayed as I felt my surroundings spinning. I grabbed his arm to steady myself. "You're drunk, let's get you to your room," he held my arm and led me out of the hall. "Earthquake, I think there's an ear
Andrei's POVMy whole body turned cold when I heard that Major Kavanaugh took my drunken wife into my hotel suite. General Rossini told me that he's a trusted man but I felt that he liked my wife. I can't let him have his hand on my woman. I eyed him suspiciously as I saw him walking out of the room. I stormed into the room. Upon seeing my wife on the bed, fully clothed, I was relieved. With hurried steps, I neared the bed. When she opened her eyes, I saw tears pooling her purple eyes. "Andrei?" She sobbed. The way my name rolled on her tongue sounded sweet. I gathered her in my arms and lowered my head to lock lips with her. I was so gentle to her but she didn't escape the pain of the first time. I stared at the sleeping woman in my arms.I brushed my knuckles on her blushing cheeks.
Andrei's POVThe ministers had already left after so much deliberation. I rubbed my temple as my head throbbed. We are having some problems on the eastern border as some citizens from neighboring countries are illegally entering our nation. My people are getting laid off because of these illegal aliens. Many of the factories in the east border employed them because they are paid lower than our people. And then there was the problem in the south. The rebels were also stirring up troubles now that the election was drawing near.These were the two major issues that needed to be resolved as soon as possible. We had deliberated all the presented plans to combat these problems.It was really stressful as some have their own agenda and would oppose any plan that harms their interests. So I have to be shrewd when dealing with the state's matter.
Tara's POVMy husband wants me to bathe him? I stood there unmoving, I wasn't sure if I heard him correctly. As if he read my mind and repeated. "Bathe me." Like a desert, my throat was dry and to lessen the dryness I swallowed my saliva.Turning on my heels, I turned to him and asked, "Seriously?" His head bobbed while his usual wintry gaze was replaced by puppy eyes, dismantling my resistance. How could I refuse him, when he looks so cute and adorable? Listening intently to him while I bathed him, I came to understand that being the head of the state was more stressful than I had imagined. I wish I could always be there for him, standing beside him. He asked me about my opinion, so I shared my thoughts about it. The time I finished sharing my thoughts, he was looking at me with amazement. After I helped hi
Ignoring the looks they were giving me, I kept walking. The steps I took were brisk so that I could walk away from their scrutiny. Having in mind that I have to adjust my husband's diet, I went to talk to the chef. As the announcement of candidacy for the next election was getting nearer, his political rivals were creating trouble for him.He was stressed more than ever. A diet plan combating the stress was one of his needs. And my understanding and support as his wife. We had just finished discussing the changes when I was called back into his office. "Your Excellency?" I used a formal way to address him in front of the staff. "Leave us," He said in a domineering tone and they left the two of us. I sensed that he was tense despite his assertiveness. "Why did you call me back?" "Don't go out for a day off for the time be
Andrei's POVShe called my name over and over again while she cried on my chest. Seeing her behave like this upon seeing me, filled my heart with so much joy that it overflowed. It just showed how much she missed me. Her arms and legs were wrapped around me like vines for a long time until her sobs subsided.But, all of the sudden, she asked about Major Kavanaugh. Imagine the pain of being stabbed in the heart. That was how I felt when I heard her ask about that man. Pain overshadowed the joy I felt. All I could do was to clench my jaw. Quarreling with her was never part of the option.Every second counts, I wouldn't spoil any of it by quarreling with her. "He's fine, don't worry about him," I gave a peck on her forehead. Ignoring the throbbing pain in my chest. "How have you been faring?" I was cupping her face and intense
I saw her extend her arms and I gazed at her hands. In her hands were my phone and MacBook which Andrei confiscated from me a week ago. "His excellency, wanted me to bring these to you, madam," she said in a small voice. That small voice somewhat caressed my heart and it bewildered me. "Do you have any message you want me to convey to his excellency, madam?" She was respectful to me and this was the second time she called me madam. For a moment there, a question mark appeared in my head. I saw her looking at my husband when we're at the party with so much adoration. Was she not in love with my husband? Did I get it wrong? Not a single ounce of hostility exuded from her, only a deep down respect for me. Silence wrapped the place. Sharon did not leave and waited for me to say something. Already getting emotional that my husband would lea
Andrea Wilkin’s POV The garden was filled with laughter as my kids, my siblings' kids and cousins' kids were running about the garden. Today is my dad’s sixtieth birthday. My siblings and I organized this surprise birthday party for him. “Are they coming?” My brother Austin asked while cradling his third child. “Yes, mom sent me a text an hour ago that they’re preparing,” I replied. “Kirsten is blessed to have you, Austin,” I said, smiling. Austin and Nicholas are like our dad, they are hands on dad. My phone rang as Austin was about to respond. Before I answered the call, I signaled at everyone to keep quiet and they cooperated, not wanting to ruin the surprise. “Mom?” I whispered. “Andrea, your dad is asking me where we are going and the reason we are going out. What should I tell him?” I chuckled. It’s really hard for mom because dad could see through her. It’s really hard to surprise him. “Just tell him that you wanted to have a date with him,” I suggested.
“Congratulations!” Evan gave me a manly tap on the shoulder. Tara had just finished feeding our baby and laid her on the baby cot when he and Trixie came in. “Oh, so beautiful,” Trixie cooed. “What is her name?” Evan asked while looking at my sleeping daughter. “Andrea,” Tara answered and I looked at her in surprise. “You don’t like it?” she squinted her eyes. “I’m happy, babe,” I hugged her, smiling from ear to ear. Naming our daughter after my name was one of her ways of showing how much she loves me. This woman truly amazes me. Despite all the pain she has gone through since we got married she always finds ways to express her love for me. She loves me no matter what. ***The following day, the DNA test result was out. The result has proven that Tara was the great granddaughter of Marcus Reinsterd the Duke of Clorgow. Tara’s grandfather released a statement that Tara is his great granddaughter, the daughter of his grandson the son of his son, Lincoln. In his statement, t
I was like a cat on a tin roof waiting for my “great grandpa” which I was going to meet for the first time. “Don’t be nervous, babe. They can’t hurt you,” Andrei reassured me as he kissed the crown of my head and stroked my large belly. “Dad and mom, will be here, shortly,” as soon as he said that we heard hurried steps coming from the entrance of the mansion. Suzanna smiled at me reassuringly as she walked towards us. “All will be fine, darling,” Suzanna said as she stroked my back. Trevor layed a box and a file on the coffee table before me.“The box was what your grandma left for your father, while the file was your father's legal documents.” I looked up at Andrei and his smile gave me the needed strength for me to look into the box. One by one, I took out the content of the box. I took out the diary and read it. March 5[I was disowned and disinherited by my family because I chose to marry Lincoln Reinsterd. But it was worthwhile because we love each other.]June 1[All of
While I was brooding, the door burst open and I saw Courtney come in while the bodyguard was restraining her. I waved my hand, “Let her be.” “What are you doing here?” I tried not to let my annoyance seep through my voice. This woman saved me after all. “Mr. Hendrick, your surgeon is my friend and he discussed your leg injury with me.”“And?” I frowned. What does she have to do with my injury? “You didn’t look at the card I gave you?” she asked and her eyes darted at the side table. “I’m a physiotherapist,” she went on. She explained to me that I will have a greater chance to walk again if I undergo therapy. Tara’ POV“You can visit me, mom,” I told mom as she was crying when we were left alone in the room. She nodded and wiped her face with her handkerchief. “You take care of yourself, okay,” she said and kissed my forehead. “I will,” I said and we hugged for I don’t know how long. My brothers were in the living room looking solemn as they stood before the grand piano.
Jordan was at the door. “We are all waiting for you at the dining room,” he said and gave me a mischievous grin. I forgot, it’s Saturday today. When I came to Astrana, we all gathered together at the dining table at lunch time on Saturdays. Jordan was right as everybody was seated on their chair at the dining table when we came down. “Sorry for making you wait,” I said as Andrei drew a seat for me. “It’s alright,” Trevor answered, smiling at me. The sparkle in his eyes was more brilliant at this time. Is this because he was seeing his best friend in me? Suzanna told me that my biological dad was his best friend. One by one I looked at the faces of people I love as we were having lunch. My heart was filled with gratitude that I was blessed by God to have been surrounded by people I love and love me too. ***The day before we were leaving, I was hugging Andrei from behind as he was shaving his face. “Babe, we are leaving tomorrow night and I haven’t visited Hendrick in the hosp
I used my eyes to plead to Andrei and let me go to the hospital. Yes, I don’t see Hendrick as a lover, but he is my friend and I can’t just ignore him knowing that he is now in the hospital. “Let’s go,” Andrei said and I was relieved. I hugged him and said, “Thank you, babe.” “Get Johnny to drive for you,” mom said. Andrei embraced me as we traveled as I was tense. “Don’t get agitated. Think about our child.” “Mm,” I nodded and silently prayed that Hedrick would be fine and the surgery would go well. There was a woman who was waiting in the corridor in front of the surgery room. She might have heard our hurried steps and turned toward us. I was stunned as she was beautiful. My heart suddenly leaped with excitement. Finally, the one for Hendrick showed up. “Are you the girlfriend?” she asked when I was near her. Andrei slid his arm around my waist, silently telling her that she’s got it wrong.“I’m sorry, I thought you were because he has been calling your name. So I called
“Mm” I pounded his chest with my fists but Andrei seemed not to feel it. “You are disgusting!” I said as my palm connected with his face after letting go of my lips. His head turned sideways because I hit his face hard. He looked at me with teary eyes. “Can’t we come back to the way we used to be?” My heart clenched seeing the pain in his eyes. “Don’t you love me anymore, Tara?” I took a profound breath. He has to know. It’s immoral to continue in this relationship. “Andrei, Kristoff Kanovski is my father and he is your uncle. We are cousins. We are in an incestuous relationship. It’s immoral.” It was hard to say it, but it is the truth and we both need to be freed from this. “Let’s go, they are waiting for us in the living room,” Andrei moved out of the bathroom and I walked behind him. “What happened to your face, son?” I heard Suzanna.“Your son misbehaved so he reaped what he sowed,” Trevor said, chuckling.There was no available seat in the living room and was already
As if strong hands pulled me together. My strength came back all at once and I went to have a shower. “Tara, wait for me, I will come and get you and our child back,” I said. I was crying and smiling at the same time. I will not let Kavanaugh have her. If kneeling before her will gain her forgiveness and acceptance, I am more than willing to do it. I shaved my face as my beard and mustache had grown long. Tara didn’t like me growing my beard and mustache. She wanted my face smooth. I went down after getting dressed. “Are you leaving tonight for Astrana?” Dad already guessed what was on my mind. “Yes, I can’t wait to see her. We have been like this for months,” I shook my head, realizing the wasted time. “You should have asked me about it son,” dad patted my shoulder. “I was afraid you would have another heart attack that would kill you. I can’t bear seeing mom, lonely and crying,” I said with a sigh. It was the truth, I’d rather be sad than see my mom cry. “We will go with
I pursed my lips. “Tara, I will be here for you and the child,” Hendrick said. “What about your mom and dad? You left them for me?” Hendrick shook his head. “No, they came with me.” I remember that General Rossini and Eloise were Astranians. “Do they know the reason you left the military and went here?” I asked with wide eyes.“Yes they do,” Hendrick nodded his head with a smile. ***At night, I was in bed, and my mom came into my room. “Mom?” My mom sat on the side of the bed and I slid my body in the middle of the bed to give her space to sit. She got into the bed and she leaned on the headboard. “Don’t be afraid to accept the man, he truly loves you.” I looked up at her and said, protesting, “But mom.”“Sh… listen to me. It’s very important.” mom said and had me lay my head on her chest.“When I was young I had a boyfriend who came from a powerful family.” Mom paused for a while and sighed.“But his mother told me to leave him and I agreed. However, after agreeing to hi