“How about we grab a coffee and a donut on our way to the office?” Noah asked her with a slight tilt of his head during the drive.He could feel Elara’s excitement. Last night she called him to tell the good news that she had signed the contract with Aiden’s company and Noah couldn’t ask her why she didn’t take suggestions or any kind of input from him or anyone else.He felt hurt. He always thought, at least they were friends. He parked the car in front of a small café for breakfast. The moment they entered, Elara took a long whiff in bliss. The tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee was wafting through the air.They made their way to a corner table.“Sitting here makes me wonder what kind of seating arrangement they will have.” She was talking about her soon to be café. The only thing on her mind was her café.“And what about Morgana and Barbara? Have you given them the tour of that place?” He was desperately looking for ways to convince her to reconsider her decision. “Yes. I
“You told him that?” Thalia asked her while taking her shoes off and plopping back on the couch, “Gosh! My feet hurt. Sometimes these long duty hours kill me.” Elara was quick to sit near her feet and started massaging them.“No, Elara. Oooh. That’s awesome.” Thalia’s eyes rolled back, and she hummed in satisfaction, “So you told him about your date plans with other men. That’s very bold of you. How did he take it?” Thalia asked her, keeping her eyelids closed in bliss.“He did not take it well, I guess. He didn’t say anything but…”“But?”“But his eyes said it all,” she whispered and resumed massaging her feet. Thalia blinked her eyes before responding to her,“You still like him. Don’t you?” Thalia's question made her smile.“He is my kids’ father and my first love.” She moved her feet to a side and stood up pointing a finger at herself, “It’s not possible for me to keep hating him and let him take over his fatherly duties. It would be a wrong impact on my kids but… he has this cert
“Elara stirred and tried to stretch her arms. But both her arms were firmly held at her side by someone. “Umm,” she moaned in complaint, half sleeping, and tried to open her eyes, “Leave my arms,” she tried to spit her hair strand that was going inside her mouth.She heard a deep chuckle, and someone helped her in moving away the strand from her mouth. She frowned and opened her eyes only to find a hand moving before her eyes that didn’t belong to her.It was caressing her cheek. With wide eyes, she raised her head and found herself staring into the jet-black eyes of Aiden Lockwood, “Holy cow!” she tried to get up from his body and stumbled only to fall back on him, “help me.” She glared when she saw him looking at her all amused.She could hear giggling sounds nearby and found her kids grinning ear to ear seeing their parents act all childish.“Aiden!” she whispered.“Yes, cupcake.”“Don’t call me that!” she murmured and placed her palms on him, which resulted in a loud groan escap
Aiden looked down at her swollen red lips, “I won’t be able to go home if you keep doing that, Elara.” He pinched her chin between his thumb and forefinger. In the heat of the moment, he had lifted her and made her sit on the counter. Her shapely legs were crossed around his hips, and he was conscious of his hardness. He didn’t want to give her the impression that he was making it all hasty. “Then don’t go!” Aiden looked at her face and bent his head to brush his lips against hers. He wished, he could take her right then and there on the counter. “It's not only about the stay, Elara. It’s also about my self-control. I seem to lose it quite fast when I am around you.” His voice felt like a caress to her, “Just like you lost your self-control around Vicky?” Aiden who was planning to crush her lips again went still after this casual remark, There was a challenging glint in her green eyes, “Or is it because I have lost all my body weight? And now nobody can call me fat?” She was expe
Thalia opened the door and was shocked to see the girls crying in their parents' arms. Aiden and Elara brought them in. There was so much fatigue, evident on their faces. “Holy F…” Thalia couldn’t finish it when she got a warning glare from Elara, “I am sorry. But why are they crying?” No one could hear her because of the loud wailing of the girls. “Hey, Sweethearts, “Aiden took Zoe from Elara’s arms who was uncontrollably crying and screaming. He was already holding Lily. “Hey, my munchkins. Listen,” Aiden was speaking to them so softly. Lily was hiccupping now, but Zoe wasn’t ready to be quiet. She was still throwing tantrums. Aiden cradled the tear-streaked face against his chest. “You said I can have all the candies, Daddy,” she said with a sob, “Those were my favorite. I … I always lo…loved the strawberry flavor.” She was being interrupted by her own helpless sobs. Thalia found it strange because there was amusement in Aiden’s eyes when he pulled the girls to his chest and
The kids were still sleeping, and Elara tiptoed to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. She had already prepared the base for her baked stuff and now Morgana and Barbara were completing the baking part.She was thinking of increasing their salaries along with bonuses. They both deserved it after putting in so much hard work along with her.“Did you even bat an eye, or you stayed awake all night, like an owl in excitement?” Elara rolled her eyes when she heard her friend's hoarse voice behind her.She poured more water into the coffee machine, and quietly added coffee to it. She smiled when Thalia’s loud, unlady-like yawn echoed in the kitchen. She switched on the coffee machine.“I won’t be able to meet my kids before going to work. That will be too early,” Amid the buzzing of the coffee machine, Elara’s voice had a tinge of sadness.“It’s just for a few days, Elara. They are understanding and mature-headed like their mama. They will understand. Trust me,” Thalia took out two mugs from
“Vicky is back! And you are telling me today?” Thalia asked her when she was getting ready for office.“Yes, she is back. But there is something odd going on.” She said while brushing her fingers through the thick mane.“And that is?”“After that first meeting, she is no longer there to bully me. She seems so busy that …”“Yeah. That is strange. But what is Aiden’s reaction to all this?” Elara almost choked on her friend’s query and got up from the couch after taking the last sip of her coffee.“I think the office car is here.” Ever since she told Aiden for less communication, he was sending his personal car for her pick and drop. He never visited her café.And he was seeing kids in the afternoon during lunch break when Elara used to be at the café.She hadn’t seen him since that Monday morning, and this was killing her from inside. She had been cursing herself for what she told him.She had hurt him.From the moment he was back in her life, he had been nothing but respectable to her.
“Are you alright,” she just shook her head with a quivering smile when the Barista boy asked her after taking a careful look at her face. Elara didn’t want to talk to anyone. She didn’t want anyone to show her even an ounce of concern.She wanted to run far, far away from there. Or maybe wanted to leave the world. She wanted to die.Aiden would easily take care of the kids behind her. Right?Unlike other days, today she couldn’t show the customers her usual chirpy self. After lunchtime, fortunately, there were not many customers left so she went to the pantry and slid down to the floor.Taking out her phone, she punched the numbers on it, “Hello, mom.” She closed her eyes when she heard Sebastian’s voice. “Baby!” she smiled through the tears running down her face, “what are you doing?”“We were playing puzzles, Mom. How is the work? Are they liking your treats?” He asked her and she had to clutch her lips tightly before answering him,“Umm hmm. I think so.” She pursed her lips into
(3 years later)The Dubai Airport was buzzing with travelers. Mommies and daddies were running after small kids, honeymoon couples were busy taking their selfies, and the suited men were ready to take their next flight after a small transit.“Daddy! Zoe is again poking her finger in my neck,” Seven-year-old Sebastian tried to dodge his sister with a playful grin who was now coming to ruffle his hair. Aiden looked over his shoulder and found the nannies walking behind him, holding the tiny hands of two-year-old triplet boys.It was a much-needed trip for his family. His beloved wife needed a break. While managing kids and home, she had been busy expanding her business by opening franchises throughout Kanderton.The last three years had been the best time of his life. He spent his childhood without his parents or any siblings and now he was the head of a big family. With six kids and Elara Lockwood by his side, his family was complete. “I hope you didn’t take a hasty decision when you
Elara wasn’t ready to detach her lips from Aiden’s mouth and he was an equal participant in the kiss. Genelia ushered the guests politely out of the conference room.She had a small smile when she closed the door behind her.“Mrs. Lockwood seems quite emotional,” one of the guests remarked. Genelia who was a bit worried that they might remark on the unprofessionalism of the boss nodded her head with a smile.“I am happy that you didn’t make it an issue.”“Why would we? Aiden Lockwood is lucky to have such a lovely wife by his side.” They talked good-naturedly about it and then headed to ‘Lemons and Tarts’ for some more gingerbread.***“Honey,” Aiden tried to speak between the kisses, she was showering on his mouth and face. Her lips had gotten pink during the constant kissing.“Cupcake!”“Shhh. Let me taste you some more, Aiden.” She said holding his face. Aiden closed his eyes and took a long sigh. He couldn’t wait to go home and make love to her.He could feel her hands all over hi
Unknown person’s pov:We were extremely poor. We were so poor that all I and my family could manage were the meals that mostly consisted of bread and water.We used to dip bread pieces in water because sometimes it used to be so stale and hard that we could not chew it without dipping it in water.We couldn’t even afford coffee and soups in the winter season. All we could do to avoid cold was hot water. Once there was nothing at home except a few slices of bread and I had to control my hunger to let my siblings feed on it. My stepfather ditched us when I was too small. Mom struggled a lot to keep our tummies filled. She used to work at a bar and could only manage to pay rent and once-a-day meal. We were five siblings. I was the eldest and the illegitimate one. According to my mom, my father was her first love. They were in love and wanted to marry young but then my father met an accident and could never know that I existed in my mom’s tummy.Then she met my stepfather who used to p
After four hours of transit at Dubai Airport, Vicky was now boarding the next plane to Germany. She took out her phone to switch it off when it pinged.An email from Aiden.She opened it and found a document.“What is it?” She clicked the document murmuring to herself and then gasped in excitement.It was the divorce decree. He had signed the divorce papers. Elara was again divorced. Yay!She couldn’t contain her happiness and dialed his number.His phone was not responding. He must be on the plane.She then dialed Meer’s number.“Hey. Can you connect me to Aiden?” she just wanted to check if Aiden was serious with her or playing some kind of sick joke.“Hey, Vicky. Where are you? What about the contracts you worked so hard for? You didn’t even bother to send an email for your sick leave.”She could detect the frustration in his voice.“Yeah. I am sorry, Meer. But my question is still unanswered. Where is Aiden?”“I don’t know, man. His family is also worried for him. He hasn’t come
Vicky was quickly packing her stuff including her cash, jewelry, some gemstones, and very few dresses. Aiden could always buy her new clothes as he had gotten a great taste.She needed to get out of here before Greyson’s men could reach her. Jack’s wife had gone crazy and had threatened her that she would never spare Vicky. Taking a last look around, Vicky sighed in tension. Though Aiden was with her she could not take a relieved sigh, until she landed on German soil.“I hope this is the last time I am escaping from a place,” she murmured with frustration and wheeled out her compact suitcase.She came out of the modern apartment building and stood out waiting for Aiden.“Honey. You should have waited for my call,” Aiden said placing her small luggage in the car trunk.“I just wanted to get out of here,” she said a little desperately. “I understand. Don’t worry. You are safe with me. It’s just that… we can’t take risks.” Aiden clasped the seat belt around him and inhaled a heavy brea
Vicky Barone’s pov continues: Like a perfect gentleman, Aiden owned the baby. He promised to man up for taking up the responsibility of the baby. Being a well-raised guy, he left Elara so that she could build her future too. He was never expecting that she was pregnant and would attempt to run away. Neither was I. She proved to be more daring than my expectations. Collin Greyson was a powerful man, and he was looking for me like a hawk. I wanted to hide behind Aiden but the hunger for power and to take over his office was growing inside me. The revenge I wanted to take from Edmund was burning fire inside me… To get the contracts, I started using men to my advantage. First, it was Mr. Wendell, the fake one. Then the real one. And then Mr. Jack. All was going well until his wife walked in. I had to run for my life and sacrifice those contracts. Thankfully Aiden didn’t get mad at me. But I was sure he must be upset. Then one fine day Jack’s wife walked into my office and got
Vicky Barone's POV:Ah! You all know me already. I’m Vicky. Vicky Barone. The most beautiful and most gorgeous girl in high school. Boys used to run after me. And the moment I met Elara, I wanted to be her friend.Why? Because she was fat, and I needed someone to feel superior. The school was full of all the hot shots. It was not easy to impress anyone with money. So, I thought why not Elara?She wasn’t rich. She was the daughter of a gardener. No one would even bother to throw a second glance at her except Noah. But later Noah told me that he just liked her as a friend.He never had any intention to develop a romantic relationship with her. And then that hot hunk made his entry into our lives. The one and only.Aiden Lockwood. The handsome. The hottest.I saw the way girls were falling for him when they saw him first time. Even Elara Smith who rarely got impressed with anyone had her mouth hung open.That day I decided that Aiden was fuc*king mine. He belonged to me.But … but
“Pregnant?” If Elara’s face was pale, Vicky’s had turned ashen white, “h… how is it possible? Aiden… were you two sleeping behind my back?” Vicky couldn’t believe it. After waiting for this man for four more years, he had again slipped out of her clutches. “Why?” At this point, she wanted to take her own life. Everything had come to an end for her. She no longer trusted words like love, affection, or Aiden. “I can explain, Vicky,” Aiden raised his arms in total surrender, “go to your office and I’ll explain everything to you. I promise, love.” Love? Elara who was now handling her pounding headache, her eyes snapped up to look at Aiden questioning him. But his focus stayed solely on Vicky. What was exactly cooking in his head? He must have felt her eyes on him because his eyes momentarily shifted towards his wife, and he winked. Shaking his head, he went to his desk to get his phone. “I am feeling fine. It’s just the pancakes, guys.” Elara tried to protest when Aiden calle
“Don’t walk away, lady when I am talking to you,” she heard Vicky hissing and turned back in surprise, “I am not done talking to you. Come here.” Vicky snarled.The woman was already upset. Her intuition was telling her that something bad was about to happen.However, Genelia didn’t seem too fazed by her anger, “I am sorry, Ms. Barone. I think your anger is misplaced. Which side of the bed did you get up on today by the way?”“I am your boss, dammit and you are not allowed to joke with me. Especially when I am upset.” Right now, Vicky wanted to kill this lady who was acting like she knew it all.“If you are upset then please avoid talking to me. I am leaving and I would really appreciate it if you don’t call me again.”With that Genelia left the space leaving a more furious Vicky who was clenching her fists. “I will teach you a lesson. I will teach everyone a lesson who will try to act superior to me. How dare you, Edmund. You old fool. How dare you put Elara’s name there when I am t