"Girl, good job! You won the first round," Bianca Jones told Lydia and I as we sat at our favorite restaurant.I smiled weakly. "I did. it was nice to put Dera Pete in her place."Bianca grinned and waited until the waiter brought our food and drinks. After he had served us, she took out her phone and took pictures."This is okay, I need to post this on my Instagram because I'm this restaurant's brand ambassador," Bianca replied, and I smiled.Bianca was born into a wealthy family but she did not want to take over her family business. She loved being a social media influencer, so she vlogged almost every aspect of her life.Once Bianca finished taking the photos, she put her phone aside and remarked, "I had a good time reading about Dera Pete's public apology. Her face was all constipated with that fake smile of hers, haha!"I nodded and responded in a soft tone, my thoughts appearing to drift somewhere else, "Mmm, yeah. She didn't anticipate getting ambushed like that but she had it
At Lydia's apartment, the twins had returned from school and were in the playroom.Jack sighed as he viewed the news on his tablet. He shook his head and tutted prior to speaking, "Daddy is so dumb. He let Mommy go to someone else."Precious pouted. She looked at her brother and asked, "Is Mommy going to marry Uncle Dean? Does that mean we'll grow up without a Daddy?""Uncle Dean is not bad. He loves Mommy and since he is the one Mommy wants to marry, we just have to accept him as our Daddy," Jack told his little sister. Precious's eyes filled with tears and her lower lip quivered. She said, "But I want Uncle Frank to be my Daddy.""Precious, the man Mommy loves will be our Daddy-"No! I want the handsome Uncle. I love him despite the fact that he's dumb," Precious protested and tears flowed down her face.Jack felt sympathy for his little sister. He kneeled down and cleaned her tears, saying, "Don't cry, Precious. Such a baby. Don't worry, I saw Mommy being kissed by Daddy last night
I tightened my fists, my nails biting into my palms, and ground my teeth. I smiled at Lydia and told her, "Thanks, Miss Josephs. that's so kind of you. But Frank has been looking for the best doctor for me. I'm sure he'll schedule one for me soon. Thanks for the concern, though."Lydia nodded. She had already anticipated that I would refuse her offer, but the paleness that swept over my face when she proposed treating my legs caused Lydia's eyes to narrow in suspicion.Why had I panicked when Lydia mentioned the subject of introducing her to experts? It was also strange that Frank had not been able to secure an expert to treat me after all these years. The man could move mountains for me, so why was it taking so long to get the proper treatment for me? Could there be more to my condition than met the eye?Lydia shook her head and muttered to herself, 'Why am I thinking about this? It has nothing to do with me.'She did not wish anything to do with Frank or me anymore. Getting involved
I walked into the restaurant private room and scowled at the surprise group of people sitting at the table.I eyed my father, Miles Lanka, questioningly. "What's this, Dad? You said you wanted to meet me for lunch to discuss something. What's with the entourage?"Miles glanced at me and gestured toward the seat opposite him. He spoke, "Sit down, son. We are all here to discuss your engagement ceremony with Dera Pete."I clenched my fists and my jaw tightened as anger boiled up within me. My dad had apparently conned me into meeting with the last people on earth I wanted to meet with. Dera Pete sat next to the empty seat where I was to sit, while my stepsister and stepmother sat next to my dad.I arched an eyebrow and replied firmly, "I cannot speak of the ceremony without my grandfather." Hearing this, Miles could not help but get angry. He looked like a pressure cooker about to burst as he posed, "Son, do you show disrespect towards me because my father did not leave me the company t
A few days afterward at Josephs & Co."Miss Josephs, Mr. Lanka to see you," Hannah said through the intercom.I glared. 'Frank is here? What now?'"Did he tell what he needs?" I inquired. I didn't have an appetite to pamper Frank."He told that it is the new jewelry release party," Hannah announced.I gnashed on my lower lip. I responded, "Let him in."Because I had volunteered to help with the project, I could not turn Frank around and send him back if he was in my office to talk about work.Frank walked into my office a few minutes later and sat down opposite me. He gazed at me and his heart skipped a beat.He would always say that I looked wonderful when I worked. I wore a pale pink feminine two-piece suit and had my dark brown hair sweeping over one shoulder. "What can I help you with, Mr. Lanka?" I said, very much aware of Frank's irritated stare on me.Why was he looking at me like that?Frank blinked as he attempted to shake his head clear. He said, "I have been preparing for t
Days went by and soon it was the night before the launch party."Are you prepared for tomorrow?" Dean called Lydia on the phone.By tradition, Dean had called Lydia before she went to bed.Lydia nibbled her lower lip before she spoke, "I am a bit nervous.""Really? I did not expect you to be nervous when everyone is complimenting your work," Dean replied.Lydia exhaled deeply and said, "That is how it works for artists. We always second-guess ourselves despite how capable one is. there is always the fear about whether people would approve of what we do or not. I am certain of my work, but I just cannot help worrying about everyone's reaction towards it. Yes, I do understand that not everybody would approve of my work and that is rather natural. We all like or dislike something differently but that doesn't mean unfavorable criticism does not reach us.""You're only human, my love," replied Dean. "Your skills are first-class. Don't worry.""Yes but I simply can't help but get the jitter
"Thank you very much," Lydia replied graciously, smiling as they made their way through the crowd."Good evening, Miss L, Mr. Anderson, you two are well matched," another said as he stopped Lydia and Dean to greet them.Lydia smiled warmly while Dean replied, "Thank you, Mr. Carson. I'm the luckiest man to have Miss L as my woman and partner for tonight."He placed his hand on the back of Lydia's neck and led her to their table. As they walked, Lydia felt a burning gaze upon her. She whipped around and saw Frank standing across the room, gazing intensely at her. Frank looked smoldering in a black suit. His gorgeous dark hair was swept into a subtle quiff, adding to his appeal.Lydia saw a flicker of anger in Frank's eyes as he scowled at her. But she nodded slightly towards him in recognition and returned her attention to Dean.Meanwhile, Frank almost ground his teeth to dust when Lydia ignored him. A searing pang of jealousy shot through him. From the moment he set eyes on Lydia, he
I tried to hide my card as I saw the number, but it was already visible."We have a winner here! Miss L is the winner!" One of the women shouted with excitement.All of them, including Frank, stared at me, and I was the center of attention.The host smiled and declared, "Miss Josephs, you have to dance with Mr. Lanka since he picked your number."Frank left the stage and walked over to me. When he got to me, he held out his hand and said, "I may have pulled your number, but since I'm a gentleman, I'll ask you to dance. May I have this dance, Miss Josephs?"Gasp filled the room as women waved fans. Frank was burning up when he asked me to dance."Congratulations for winning, Miss Josephs. You are so fortunate!" someone said.I scowled to myself.Fortunate? In fact, I was cursed. Why did Frank pick my number out of all the women there in the hall? I glared at Frank and skipped a heartbeat. I couldn't help but admit that he looked good-looking. But that wasn't going to make me ignore the
Miles gazed at the two children, his eyes welling up with tears. He replied, "So, I'm a grandfather. and I'm the last person to hear that my son has kids?""Miles, it's not so easy to say something to you when you've got a snake whispering in your ear," Charles said, his eyebrows knotting.Miles looked at his dad and barked, "Father, you've always been so hostile towards Celeste. She's a nice woman. You would notice that if you only let her alone. learning you people didn't tell me about my grandchildren simply because of my wife breaks my heart."He turned to look at Frank and said, "I'm your father, Frank.""Yes, you are, Dad. but-" Frank would have liked to ask Miles if he had, in fact, been playing father to him all those years. However, he maintained himself at arm's length because of the children. He sighed and uttered, "I'm sorry, Dad. I should have informed you when I found out about them."Miles gazed at Charles and gave him a reproachful look. "Father, you should have told m
I was shocked by the turn of events. "Well done for having got rid of Lewis Anade, ma'am. Now you can run the company without any encumbrances," Hannah Collins, the secretary of Lydia, said. I smiled.Whereas Lewis and Craig were released on bail to be tried, it was a relief not to have them. Otherwise, they could have brought about the downfall of Josephs & Co. "That's right. is Miss Lanka's design ready for production?" I asked."Yes, it is. I will watch over the project myself so no one else tries to steal it from you. But nobody will touch this now that Lewis is suffering," Hannah told her. "Mr Lanka actually takes a special interest in you, ma'am. He handled all that and you never had to lift a hand." I felt a grin surface in recollection of Frank. Indeed, Frank had taken an exceptional level of care towards me.He put me first and always put my safety and happiness into consideration. I felt safe with him. I felt at home when he was around."Arrange a special gift to give to Dia
He put me down on a reclining leather couch and dropped to his knees, standing between my legs.I blushed as Frank pushed his hands under my dress and began to take off my panties.As he did this, Frank glanced up at me, grinning when he saw me blush."C-Can we turn off the lights?" I asked, my heart pounding wildly in my chest.Touching my core was one thing, but having Frank's face against it was another. I was so nervous.Frank let out a low chuckle as he slid down my panties completely."I want to see all of you, baby," he murmured. "Now, spread those legs wide for me."I blushed again but slowly opened my legs wider. When Frank looked down at my center, he raised an eyebrow and said, "Someone came prepared.""Frank-" I tried to close my legs but Frank held them open."I love it." he exclaimed and before I knew what was happening, Frank dropped his head and buried his face between my legs.My eyes widened with shock at the sudden intrusion. Nevertheless, as soon as I felt Frank's
"A movie date?" I replied when I looked at the cinema in front of us."Yes. it's mid-week and it's not crowded, so we can go see a movie. I would have liked to book the whole place but I thought you'd like a full experience," Frank smiled. I glared at him and said, "Since when do you like movies? You used to say you find them boring."Frank chuckled strangely and responded, "I still don't like movies but for you, I can sit and watch a thousand movies if it would make you happy."I smiled hardly at all. I recalled how I used to plan movie nights on dates, though Frank hadn't been keen on this before.In fact, we never went on a date or hung out together. But now things were different. Frank was making an extra effort and I appreciated it."So what do we watch?" I said as we walked towards the counter to stand in line like everybody else.Frank scanned the screen and said, "Well, I don't know what you enjoy. We can watch a romance movie-""No, I prefer action films," I replied."Really?
Diane scoffed and said, "Well, my brother instructed his men to watch Lewis after that spectacle the other day. When he realized what they were going to do, he set a trap for him."Lydia felt warm inside. She had no idea Frank was discreetly looking out for her."Are you really buying Craig's shares?" Lydia asked.Diane nodded and said, "Yes, I am. It's time I too began investing.""Thanks for today." Lydia said, her heart full.Once Diane had left, Lydia's phone rang; it was Frank."Did you like my gift?" Frank's deep voice sounded on the phone."Yes, I did. Getting rid of the Anade has saved us a world of trouble. thank you, Frank," Lydia said."When are you going to call me baby, honey, or darling. I don't want to be just Frank to you," Frank said on the phone.Lydia's face reddened. She was not used to giving pet names. Gnawing at her lower lip, she said, "We shall see what the future holds.""I see. then I have to work harder to earn myself a sweet name," Frank replied. "I'll pic
"Diane Lanka? Is she the sister of Frank Lanka? Did she just call Miss Nakamura her sister-in-law?" Someone whispered."I did hear that Frank was once married to Miss Nakamura. Are they back together again?""Does this imply that the Lanka Cult will be in an alliance with the Nakamura & Co. Company? This is a good thing for us!""Hold on!" Craig yelled. "This is not the problem we are here to discuss. Miss Nakamura ruined the company's reputation and she has to go to prevent the VIP client from suing us.""Why would I sue my sister-in-law's firm? Have you lost your mind, old man?" Diane responded. She looked at Lydia and then whispered, "Frank told me you two got back together. Congratulations! I am so happy to see the two of you together again." Lydia smiled and blushed. "I see he could not wait to share the news, huh?""He's so thrilled, you have no idea," Diane whispered, then turned her focus to the rest of the room."I didn't come here today, not to see my sister-in-law being bul
One of the other directors walked in, holding what his contribution would be. "Miss Nakamura, I think there is only one thing left to do to appease the VIP client. We cannot afford to be sued at the moment."Lydia smiled wickedly. These aged men always played the same tricks. It was becoming tedious.She regarded him and them all before asking him, "And what do I need to do to appease the client?"Craig cleared his throat and stated, "You should resign your office and give it to Lewis. He will see this through.""I agree. Lewis Hendrix would lead the company better.""There's been one crisis after another since Miss Nakamura took the position. I think it's sufficient to say that she's failed to run the company.""Amen to that. We don't have money to pay for lawsuits. Who is going to fix this mess? Our reputation will be destroyed."The shareholders just kept expressing themselves after Craig's comment. Sitting in one of the chairs positioned around the large table, Lewis was wearing a
"A test period?" Freya Nakamura questioned, her brow furrowed in skepticism.I nodded and responded, "Yes, Ma'am. I know nothing that I tell you today will make you reconsider me. So, I'll show you that I'll make your daughter the happiest woman alive.""And you only need thirty days to do this?" Freya questioned, skepticism in her voice. "What if you are just faking for those thirty days?""I can never pretend with Lydia. I adore her. I may have discovered too late how much she mattered, but I'll spend the remainder of her life apologizing to her," I insisted, my tone heavy with determination.Freya scowled, her eyebrows furrowing. She looked at me and scrutinized me intensely before her eyes relaxed slightly."I see," she replied. "Since you're giving me thirty days to prove that you're worthy of my daughter, I'll give you a chance."My heart was pounding, but before I could respond, Freya went on, "But. if you fail to make Lydia happy or if you hurt her again, I want you to leave h
Smiling, I looked into Lydia's eyes and said, "This time, though, I want to do everything right. We will go out on dates like normal people. When I sweep you off your feet and make you fall in love with me the way you used to, I'll propose to you so that we can remarry.""Is that really necessary?" Lydia asked. "We are already married legally."I nodded and said, "Yes, it is needed. I owe you a wedding, baby.""I don't want to drop you off, baby. I want to stay with you and our kids," I said as we exited the car when we reached the Nakamura mansion. I let out a deep breath and added, "Being a gentleman is tough."I walked Lydia to the patio of the mansion and placed my arm around her waist, holding her close."I wish you'd remained with me tonight," I growled in my deep sexy voice.Lydia smiled and wrapped her arms around my neck, looking up at me."I know but. I have to tell Mom and Dad about our reconciliation first. Dad may have promised that he won't interfere but Mom won't be so