Holding a coffee cup in her hands, Elara was eyeing her kids who were busy playing with their father. Aiden had taken off his t-shirt and was sweating profusely. The newly appointed governess was sent inside, to allow some privacy to the family. Sebastian had a blindfold on his face, and he was searching for his sisters and his dear daddy. The moment he was approaching any of his sisters to hold, Aiden used to be too quick to lift his daughter and run from there. Elara couldn’t help the mirth when she saw Aiden saving his daughters like crazy. When Sebastian was about to get frustrated, Aiden was quick to stand near him, allowing him a chance to catch his father, “Come on, Dad. That was too obvious!” Seb took off the blindfold and waved at Elara, “Right, Mom? He did it intentionally!”Elara shook her head. The dear daddy was helping every kid. Sebastian was not an exception.“Mommy! Join us!” Zoe waved her hand frantically. Before Elara could utter a ‘no’, all of them were pulling
“So, you talked to him about Vicky? You have become bolder, Elara. Just like Mimi. That was very courageous of you to call him bast*ard!” Thalia started laughing on the call teasing her and all Elara wanted to do was get inside her phone and pull Thalia's hair. “By the way, did you two sleep together last night?” The question made Elara blush to the roots. “No, Thalia. We just snuggled!” Said a heavy voice behind Elara who wanted to die in shame. She was in the kitchen talking to Thalia on the speaker. Shit! “Aww, Aiden. That’s not good. Why just snuggled?” Thalia asked him cheekily and Aiden had to scratch the nape of his neck, “Ask your friend. I am ready for more, but she likes those snuggles!” “Aiden!” Elara screamed at him giving him a warning glare, “Aren’t you getting late for office?” “And aren't you getting late for your bakery?” “I was making breakfast for you.” They both had momentarily forgotten that Thalia could hear them. “And I am more interested in the baked go
Elara was still sitting on the cold floor against the wall. There had been something going on in Aiden’s life that she was never aware of. What was that?He told her that the lesser she knew the better. But now she wanted to know. She couldn’t wait. Four years back her life turned upside down because she thought Vicky was back in his life.To date, Aiden wasn’t engaged to Vicky. Never married her. Shouldn’t he have done that the day he divorced Elara?“Elara, ma’am. Elara, ma’am.” Her barista guy was calling her in a hushed tone.At this time of the day, there was nothing they might need right now. So why couldn’t they just let her breathe?“Elara, ma’am.” The same secretive hushed voice came through the door, “Office executives are here on the inspection round. You need to be here.”“Round?” she quickly stood up and started straightening her top. After a quick fix of her hair, she came out and saw Aiden standing there with his team.He was holding their menu card and was talking to
The shock on Vicky’s face might be evident because the middle-aged man seemed a little concerned, “Is everything alright, dear?”“Vicky?” Aiden left his seat and walked up to her, to make her sit on a nearby couch, “Bring some water.” he asked Genelia who also looked worried.She quickly dashed towards the office fridge and Mr. Wendell sat beside Vicky, “I was here because I received the call from Aiden asking me about some additional documents. That brought doubts to my mind. I asked my newly appointed manager to send you an email that our meeting is canceled. I had to visit the nearby village as my mom was on death bed. I had to leave urgently. My ex-manager was also there for finance clearance, and he must have heard my orders. He offered me that he would be passing your office in the daytime and could easily deliver the message personally. My mistake. I shouldn’t have trusted him. These are not my signatures. This document is fake.”Vicky was drinking water sip by sip. Her pale fac
The soft glow of the bedside lamp was casting a warm ambiance across the room. Aiden and Elara’s fingers were intertwined across the opposite sides of the bed because the triplets were sleeping between them.After Zoe’s continuous persistence, they had agreed to let them sleep in their bedroom just for tonight. Being a mature kid, Sebastian didn’t want to join them, but Aiden had lifted him up along with his squealing daughters to bring them to his bedroom.“You never discussed her condition,” Aiden whispered, his fingers softly brushing Zoe's long red hair.“There is this doctor who is famous for treating kids with ear problems. A popular ENT in Kanderton. But he never confirmed our appointment because he only entertains elites.”Aiden propped up on his elbow, “Now who does that? Is he a doctor or a butcher?” his anger was evident even in this hushed tone.He had to stop himself when Lily stirred in her sleep, “They would get disturbed, Elara. Move here to my side.” Elara pursed her l
Flashback (Elara Smith: 16 years old) I am Elara Smith and the day I turned sixteen, my best friend Vicky Barone surprised me with a cake and a gift. She gave me a bracelet that was made of tiny hearts surrounded by gemstones. “Whoa. This is expensive, Vick.” I didn’t want to have it, but she was as stubborn as a mule, so she held it around my wrist and clasped the lock. “Just shut up. OK? I am Vicky Barone, and I can’t hear a No.” It was an expensive school, and I was there because my father who was a gardener used to work for an elite family. The house next to ours was empty for many years. “Every time, I try to gift you something, you start protesting as if I am asking you to pay for it,” Vicky said bitterly and stood up picking up her bag. We were on the soccer field and were planning to go to a nearby pizza joint to celebrate my birthday. Of course, Vicky was the one who was financing this pizza party. Being the daughter of a gardener, I couldn’t afford such celebration
“Don’t be silly. He is looking at me.” Vicky whispered back.Ok. Maybe my eyesight wasn’t working well, and I was squinting.“Hello there. Can you guide me to the administrative office?” I heard his voice and kept playing with my bag strap.“Just walk straight and turn left by the end of the hallway. By the way, I am Vicky.” I sensed Vicky standing up, I raised my eyes and found them shaking hands.His eyes were darting towards me every now and then,“Elara! It’s his first day,” Vicky rolled her eyes and said between clenched teeth.She wanted me to acknowledge his presence and give him a warm welcome.I got up quite clumsily and tried to smile. His face contours were perfect.Just perfect.“Elara!” Vicky then turned to him with amusement in her eyes, “I am sorry, she often zones out.” She told the guy with laughter in her voice.“Can you take me to the office? I am quite poor with the directions.” This time my heart did skip a beat.He was asking me this favor.ME!I turned to look a
(Still, the flashback by Elara’s pov:)I had turned eighteen. I was still the same fat girl who wasn’t needed by anyone. Noah was kind enough to offer to take me on dates everywhere. Yup. Everyone had a boyfriend except me. So, to keep my integrity, Noah was a blessing in disguise. I know it was shallow of me to think this way. Vicky and Aiden had become a hit couple in our school. Aiden still used to stare at me and now I knew why. He used to find me cute. Almost like a little sister. There used to be affection in his eyes. Vicky's attitude started changing with me from the day she officially announced that she and Aiden were dating each other. Once or twice, Noah used to give the impression to others that he was kissing me when in actuality we used to murmur until the witnesses walked past us. He had been a great help and a great friend. We started hanging out more. It had been two years since I had observed Aiden and Vicky hanging around together. And every time I used to se
(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