Getting dressed, Andrei stared at me tenderly while I lay exhausted on the bed.
"Go to sleep, I'll wake you up when it's time to go home," he kissed my forehead and strode outside to attend to loads of paperworks.I had no plan of taking a nap, but I didn't want to disturb him either so I took my phone and sent Regina a text.Not long after the text was sent, my phone rang.Looking at the caller ID, my eyes lit up that Regina was calling."Hey!" I cheerfully said."I thought you had forgotten me," Regina had a sulking voice.Chuckling, I said, "Drama queen, we only had a phone conversation last week."I heard Regina, giggled. Last week we talked about her wedding this coming weekend."Is Andrei going to come with you?" Regina asked with a serious tone this time."No, he's got a lot of work to do." Regina sighed and I got curious.<Andrei stared at me blanky and he didn't say a word. Patiently, I waited for his response. For the time he said nothing, I didn't blink so I could take in the slightest change in his expression. I was uncertain with emotions that flickered in his eyes. They kept changing in rapid succession. I didn't know how long I waited for him to say something. Giving up and wanting not to hear his answer, I wanted to stand up but he fastened me on his lap by firmly holding my waist as he rested his head on my shoulder. "Tara, I won't repeat my mistake and will not do anything that will harm our relationship. If we couldn't have children, then so be it, as long as you're here with me." Later, as sleep was claiming me, I felt Andrei cleaned me. My eyes were too heavy for me to open my eyes. "I love you," I heard him say to me while he tucked me under the comforter.
His possessiveness ruined the mood in the car and we remained quiet until we arrived at the airport. It didn't cross my mind that a man who has everything - face, body, intellect and wealth would still feel insecure. Stella's betrayal still had a lingering effect on him. There was a fight inside me. The desire to embrace and kiss him to give him assurance versus ignoring him to make him realize his wrong. My hand was already on the handle of the car, ready to alight from the car. "Tara," his voice was rough with emotion.I looked at him and threw myself at him. "I love you, Andrei." Andrei locked our lips together for a long kiss. He pulled away and looked at me, eyes full of longing and desire. "Go, before I change my mind." "Babe, I'll always be yours," kissing his cheek before I stepped out of the car.Although Andrei wanted me to fly
"Is he angry?" Colonel Kavanaugh asked, standing beside me. I sighed and looked at him helplessly. Colonel Kavanaugh was one of the few comrades who was kind and treated me well while I was in the military. Now, to treat him rudely would deem me an ungrateful person. "He'll come around, don't worry," I smiled, wanting to dispel the heaviness in my heart. "Is he treating you well?" Judging from his expression and his tone, Colonel Kavanaugh was too concerned about me. I hope he will stop directing this kind of affection towards me as I can't accept it. I'm a married woman and it's not right for him to feel that way for me. I was having a hard time dealing with this kind of situation. I could easily dismiss him if he had been nothing but rude and aggressive to me. However, he had been kind to me. That one year we have known each other he didn't take a
Hendrick Kavanaugh's POVEuphoria imbued me hearing Tara mention my name for the first time. They didn't notice my presence while talking about me. Tara expressing how he saw me a good man lifted my heart but made it sink when she said that she hoped that I would find the woman for me. It's painful to hear that the woman you love does not want you. I cleared my throat to let them know that I was around. Simultaneously Tara and Regina turned their heads to me. Surprise flickered in Tara's eyes and she pursed her lips. "Good morning, ladies," I greeted both of them. Regina as my best friend's fiancé greeted me using my first name. "Good morning, Hendrick." "Good morning, Colonel Kavanaugh," Tara's greetings made me feel glum. She was back at that way of addressing me in a distant manner. "We're friends, Tara, just call me,
"Isn't that too much of a punishment?" Unsurprisingly, Tara expressed her concern. Though she was being targeted she always wants to treat people fairly.She didn't oppose the punishment but was questioning the severity of the punishment. "She had it coming," Regina nodded in agreement."She's conceited and thought that she could act as she wanted," I continued. She pursed her lips and didn't make a comment, agreeing to what I just said. "Wait for me, I will have someone watch her do the punishment."I don't trust Captain Sharandi and I have to ensure that she will do everything I said so that she will learn to respect others. I met Roger on my way to the parking area. He was chuckling. "You finally punished her. Did she do something to your princess?" I curtly nodded. "Want to go with me? I'll be taking your woman and Tara for lunch."
I turned to look at the woman. The woman called my best friend. She was afraid that someone would snatch her man from her. She was afraid of her own ghost. "Lucy, stop making scenes here. Go home!" Roman's eyes were cold as they looked at Lucy. Lucy was glaring at Roman and hadn't seen my face yet. "Are you afraid that she'll know you are married and have a child?" Lucy sneered and looked at me. Due to shock, Lucy almost lost her balance but quickly regained it. *Ha, you're the woman he was seeing. Had the novelty worn off and Mr. Kanovski put you aside so you are here seducing my husband?" I chuckled in amusement which worsened Lucy's agitation. Taken by surprise, Lucy threw herself to me and I fell backwards with her on top of me. Grabbing my hair and pulling it. "Stop, Lucy," I heard Roman shout. Three years without the daily milita
Why did I forget that this is Colonel Kavanaugh, an astute man who could easily see through me? Because of his intelligence he managed to climb up the ranks at young age. He's just two years older than me. Despite the uneasiness in my heart, I agreed to go with him to see General Rossini. "Dad, met my mother before he was dispatched abroad to wage war. Upon discovering that she was pregnant, mom went to the military headquarters to look for dad but was informed that dad was one of the casualties in war." Hendrick said. I didn't ask him about it but because of the strained silence between us he had to say this. "There was misunderstanding, there were three Alexander Rossini in the military at that time, so mom got the wrong information. Mom moved to the south and they hadn't seen each other as mom died when I was just three years old." He continued when I didn't say anything. "Dad, met my mother's identical twin sister when she came to visit me. Dad thought that she was my mom
Andrei was sitting on the couch in the center of the lobby with his bodyguards scattered around the area keeping people at bay. He was positioned on the spot where he could easily see people entering the hotel. His eyes were trained on me. He smiled at me and lifted his hands beckoning me to run to him. Such an invitation, I wouldn't turn down. Quickly, I scurried to him and threw myself into him not caring what people will say to me. "Missed me?" He asked while I was nuzzling his chest like a cat. "Yes," I said in a muffled voice and I lifted my head to look at his face. "I missed you very much." He leaned forward and locked lips with me in a gentle kiss. I heard the sound of camera shutters as Andrei lips came in contact with mine. As realization dawned on me, the paparazzi were here for him and they captured us kissing. "Andrei, let the bodyguards disperse the paparazzi," I said to him as I shyly burrowed my face in his neck."Let them be, they need it to put food on their
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