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 militaWhy 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
I lowered my eyes, perfectly concealing my emotion. "Wife, do you think I was attentive to you for a show?" I heard a hint of hurt in his tone. "If it was for a show, I would have let him into our suite and captured everything I had done for you in the bathroom," I have no words to refute him, thus I chose to zip my lips. "I would let him take photos of me, brushing your teeth, helping you with your skincare routine, drying and brushing your hair and putting you on your clothes and shoes." At the end of his statement, I realized how unfair I was to him. I failed to see his sincerity and accused him. I was, in fact, saying that he was a hypocrite. My lips trembled uncontrollably. "I am sorry, babe." Despite being hurt, Andrei was the one who took initiative to hug and console me. "Don't cry, baby," Andrei stroked my back gently when I began sobbing. "I'm a terrible wife," I really felt bad after misunders
Stormy gray eyes stared at me in the mirror as I put on my earrings. "Is that your going to wear in the wedding?" The cut of the gown was according to Regina's preference. It is form - fitting gown that is backless and with a plunging neckline that almost reached my belly button. There is also a slit up to my mid - thigh. I could hear the displeasure in his tone. "It's the bride's preference," I reasoned, making him frown. "I don't like it, go change," the mood in the room turned sour in an instant. I huffed and said, "I have no spare gown or dress in here, do you expect me to go to the wedding as matron of honor wearing a pair of jeans and a shirt?" Andrei didn't answer me and went outside the room and made a call. He didn't come into the room until thirty minutes later he came in with two gowns in his hands. "Change," he said and hand me the two go
Intermittently, while the wedding ceremony was ongoing, my eyes would look at the back where my husband was seated. His eyes were fixed on me as though no one else mattered. My heart felt warm to know that he focused his attention on me. There are other beautiful and young female guests but none of them could get his attention. I felt my cheeks burned at his intense gaze at me. "Mrs. Kanovski?" I heard the officiant and jerked my head towards him. "Sir?" I looked at him puzzled.He pursed his lips and I looked at Hendrick for help. "The rings," he whispered. "Ah, okay," I took the small box of rings and handed it to the officiant. Embarrassedly, I bit my lower lips. I avoided looking at Andrei, lest I got lost in him again. It's really humiliating. I listened intently to the officiant so I could follow his instructions. I
Tara looked at me and gave me a smile while he patted my arm gently.My uneasy heart found comfort in her action. So long as she gives me an assurance that she loves me and not Colonel Kavanaugh no matter how agitated I was, my restless heart would calm down. "How's the uprising rebellion in the east?" General Rossini asked, stirring the subject away from his son. "It's a complicated one as there are many influential people who are involved in it. But we are optimistic that our plan and strategies will deliver the desired result." "I have already released the funding for ammunition," I chimed in. Though I no longer occupy a public office, I still actively help to keep the glory of my nation. Disrupted peace is detrimental to our nation so I have to help the government achieve peace for our countrymen in the east. "However, we encountered a problem recently. The leading surgeon in
"Babe, this is Wendy, the interior designer of our new mansion,* Andrei introduced the lady to me but I didn't give her a second look. "Our new mansion?" I couldn't grasp how rich people spend money. We already own a mansion. Why another mansion? "This location is great for our children," Andrei stroked my belly as if we were expecting. "Air here is fresher than in Willowbrook and nearer to the company and schools." This man planned everything as if I was pregnant. I was speechless. "Now, I will leave to you the interior design. Wendy will oblige to whatever design you want," Andrei gently touched my face. Andrei left us to answer the incoming call. Wendy sized me up, looking at me from head to toe and vice versa. I stared at her nonchalantly. Countless times, I have experience being looked down upon and I'm now used to it. Nothing can faze me now.
I knew my husband, he would not allow anyone to bully me. Moments later, after sending a message to the company. The manager begged Andrei not to cancel the contract. Though Andrei would pay a penalty for breaching the contract, he doesn't care. On the company's side they will also incur losses from it. Particularly, if news comes out that Andrei broke the contract because of their employee's questionable character. Thus they promised Andrei that they will fire Wendy and have another designer to work on the project. "Babe, don't let them fire her. Tell them to give her a lighter punishment. I have no intention to ruin her career, I only want to teach her a lesson," I told Andrei. Andrei sighed. "You heard my wife, do as she said. Send your best designer. I'm not only referring to talent but a designer who possessed excellent character. I won't let my wife suffer." Every word that came from And
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