(Stephen's POV) "Ouch!" I whimpered in pain, as the intensity of the sunlight rays struck me harshly. I whirled to the other side of the bed, and as usual, Kendall was not lying close to me. She always made sure she left before I woke up. One of her skimicks of avoiding me.Since our little episode in the study room, she had avoided me. I heard her come in stealthily every night, thinking I had slept off, and leave early in the morning before I woke up. She was such a funny and naive woman, I scoffed. "I would surely have you when I want. Stephen gets what he wants. I am just not ready now." My body reacted excitedly at the thought of having her. "Damn!" I cussed. If not for Antonio and that witch of a lady, Jessica, I would have had my way at the study. Kendall's soft body lit a passion I had not felt in a long time. Her lips were alluring and soft as ever. Her moan sounded angelic too. Recalling the sound she made as I fondled and caressed her breast, I smiled and turned toward
(Stephen's POV)I almost fell flat on my face. It was as if a different Kendall Hart came to work today. Where did that timidity and anxiety go? I had only seen this part of her once, the day she stormed my study room angrily and wanted to terminate the contract. That was anger, this on the other hand was something different. Although with the same vigor. This was tenacity and charisma beautifully blended together. 'Had she always had this rare side of her,' I pondered as I twirled my desk side to side. Seeing her earlier, she was like a warrior queen, one ready to take up any challenge.Extraordinarily! She really did fit into the Mrs. De La Cruz role so well. I could not help but glare at her stupidly. I hope no one noticed how hard I had glared, or even the grin my face had unapologetically made. I would not want people or even Kendall to know she has such an effect on me. Dumbfounded by everything about her - her charisma, beauty, and demeanor, I had forgotten I was talking t
(Kendall's POV)I almost thought I was going to evaporate from the thin air with all those eyes that glared at me as I stepped out of the car and walked into the office building. "You can do this Ken… yes you can." I kept speaking those words to myself. Even with those words, my legs quivered, the last time I received such attention was when I fell while returning from the restroom during my interview. "Gosh!!! Can you do this, Ken?" I asked myself rhetorically. Taking a deep breath again, I walked past with vigor all the eyes that stared at me and walked towards the elevator. Since I didn't know my office yet, Antonio had texted me to come to his office, so he could show me to my department and then my personal office. At the elevator were two ladies. They glared at me unashamedly. I could literally feel their eyes all over me as I waited for the elevator to reach my destination."Is this not that lady that came for the interview some months back wearing an outdated fashioned c
(Stephen's POV)Unable to suppress the rush of jealousy that flowed through my body from my head down to every space between my toes, I fumed with rage as I paced back and forth in my office, soliloquizing like I was a madman.Casual talk, huh? That was how everything would start, and they would begin to develop feelings for one another. I needed to keep my eye on that Raymond guy. He was handsome and he looked too good to be a saint.I boiled even more as the memory of their laughter flickered through my mind. The worst part what when he stood up so close to her, making his skin touch hers. "Damn! That guy," I cussed. I exhaled deeply and applied the breathing technique I learned from my father seven times. Still, nothing seemed to work. "But why am I this mad?" I pondered, taking a swig of rum.She was not even my wife, our agreement was purely professional, no strings attached. Well, I did not care for I just did not like sharing my things. What was mine was mine, at least till
(Kendall's POV)On my way to the meeting, my stomach rumbled aloud like a jet flying in the air. Could it be that my stomach was not in agreement with the snack I had gotten from the company's cafeteria? Feeling uneasy, I decided to stop by the restroom, which was directed to me by one of the employees passing by. The nice lady said the restroom was down the staircase at the extreme right, and it was one minute's walk if I was not taking an elevatorWithin the speed of lightning, I answered the call of nature as I emptied my disturbing bowels. Stepping out of the toilet, I discovered that everywhere had become quiet and scanty..I had been walking for four minutes, searching for the elevator when it dawned on me that I took the wrong turn after exiting the restroom. It was not my fault as every nook and cranny looked alike, and there was no one I could ask."Arrrghhh!!!!" I screamed out in frustration. Infuriated, I leaned against the wall with my face, gazing at the ceiling. "Where
(Stephen's POV)I turned, smiling mischievously as I recalled Kendall's countenance. The shock on her face made me selfishly ecstatic and fulfilled. She had never thought or expected I was going to make that big announcement to everyone, at least not yet.I noticed her legs were stuck to the ground, and she almost faltered when she tried to stand and walk to the podium as some of the board of directors beckoned her. It was as if she became paralyzed for a few minutes upon hearing me call her name with the title: De La Cruz.I grew jealous when she regained her stability after Raymond whispered something into her ears, smiled at her, and gave her a little shrug on her shoulder."Damn! That guy again." I gnashed my teeth, watching how he was beaming with smiles at Kendall.As she jolted upright, the jeers, applause, and the eyes that were directed at her, made her nervous because I could see her fiddling her two fingers the usual way she used to do anytime she was anxious.In my office,
(Stephen's POV)Dropping the phone, I darted out of my office as panic gripped my soul. The last time I was this scared was when I received the news of the fatal motor accident, and my world came to a halt."Let it not be, let it not be…" were the only words I could mutter as the maid's voice kept ringing in my head.As I sprinted to the reception, I did not even care about the eyes that were fixed on me. Some of them even thought I was running mad."Get me, Antonio," I yelled out at the front desk secretary as I tried to reach the family doctor on my phone."Sir, the secretary said he left a few minutes ago to attend a business meeting with the Japanese client which was supposed to be held at the Great Star Hotel," she uttered and I felt like slapping her.Frustrated and angry that Dr. Diego, the doctor was not picking up, and Antonio was nowhere to be found, I stamped my feet to the floor and banged my fist on the table.Kendall… Instantly the thought of her ran through my mind, and
(Stephen's POV)As I climbed onto my bed, I heaved a sigh of relief. I was so glad that everything was over and was brought to normalcy. I lay supine, shutting my eyes as I could not stop asking myself why Kendall's first day at work was full of drama and sad news.Remembering that I had not taken a shower and I needed to do that before sleeping, I sluggishly dragged myself to the bathroom and took off my clothes before sauntering into the bathtub.As the drops of water swam down my body; I felt a deep sense of relief; greater than the one I was feeling before. It felt as though the water had successfully washed away the panic and fear my heart was caged into.I enjoyed the smooth flow of the liquid on my skin, and my mind could not help but flash back to Kendall's countenance throughout the whole situation.She was a strong mother indeed.The way she held herself together even amid the chaos was amiable and commendable. Her grace and her charisma were second to none.Suddenly, I bega
(Stephen's POV) - A YEAR AFTERMy wife and I stood side by side in front of the full-length mirror, a flurry of excitement in the air. Tonight was a momentous occasion; the event we had been planning and looking forward to for weeks. The merging of our companies was a significant step forward, and this party was our chance to celebrate with colleagues, friends, and loved ones. I adjusted my tie, glancing at my reflection, my heart racing with anticipation and nerves. "How do I look?" I asked, half-jokingly.Kendall turned to me, a playful smile on her lips. "You clean up pretty well, I must admit."Chuckling, I gave her a mock bow. "And you, my dear, look stunning." And she did — her red silk gown cascading elegantly to the floor, a perfect match for the occasion.She blushed and turned back to the mirror, fussing with her hair. "I hope I'm not overdressed. Isn't this jewelry a little too much?"I stepped closer and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and a soft kiss on her neck
(Stephen's POV)A few months after our wedding took place, my wife rested her head on my thighs as I caressed her protruded belly while watching our favorite family show.The doctor said her due date was just two days from now according to the gynecologist, and I was doing my best to ensure she witnessed no pain.The show's opening scenes played out, and the triplets wriggled and giggled between us, seemingly just as eager to enjoy the film.Suddenly, a hushed gasp escaped Kendall's lips, her hand instinctively reaching for her belly. I felt her tense against me, and then it happened, a rush of warm liquid and soft pop. Panic surged through me as her water broke right there on the couch."Ken, are you okay?" I asked, trying to hide my alarm.She managed a weak smile, her breathing becoming uneven as her contractions started. "I think... think it's time."My heart raced as I scrambled to my feet. Gab sprang up immediately too.My eyes darted between my wife and the kids, who were now
(Kendall's POV)My eyes sprung open, welcomed by the warm greetings of my little darlings as I exited the dreamland.Each of them held a unique bouquet and my all-time favorite chocolate bars, their faces beaming with smiles, reflecting the love and excitement that filled the air.I rubbed off my eyes and sat upright. "Good morning, my babies. How was your night's rest?""It was nice," they chorused.What's the occasion, little angels?" I asked after seeing the boxes of pizzas and strawberries beside me too. "Are these all for mummy?""Yes, mummy, look! I picked these sunflowers for you because they're as bright and beautiful as you!" Laura replied, her voice clear and smart as always."And I brought these roses for you too, Mummy. I want you to always be happy." Claura gently added."And what do we have here?" I asked, my gaze turned to Flora."Wildflowers, Mom," she responded, smiling as she stretched it towards me. "We picked them from the garden."Taking the flowers from each of t
(Kendall's POV)I returned to our master bedroom after checking up on the girls, my body heavy with the weight of the pregnancy and I felt relieved that Gab was already taking care of their baths.Since we came back to Mexico, putting things in order has been my hobby and a way of releasing the stress that comes with additional lives in the belly. Moreover, this was like an exercise.After the room felt just right, I decided it was time for a bit of relaxation and the idea of a warm bath was too tempting to resist, given the ache in my back and the swelling of my feet.Slowly, I undressed and stepped into the soothing embrace of the bathwater. The gentle lap of water against the sides of the tub created a calming rhythm, and soon I stepped out of the bathtub, feeling rejuvenated.Wrapping myself in a soft towel, I moved back to the room and began applying fragrant body cream to my skin. Just as I was lost in the soothing sensation, the door creaked open. I turned, surprised to see St
(Stephen's POV)After Kendall finished hurling the words she couldn't say when she caught them together, we left and prepared ourselves back to Mexico.A few weeks after we flew back to Mexico, I stepped into the gym, and the soft glow of the overhead lights illuminated the sleek exercise equipment that lined the room. The rubber mat beneath my feet was cool to the touch as I climbed the treadmill. With a flick of a switch, the machine hummed to life and I adjusted the settings.As I started jogging, the steady rhythm of my footsteps matched the beat of my heart. The view outside the floor-to-ceiling windows revealed my tranquil garden, still shrouded in the morning mist.The gentle whirring of the elliptical machine in the corner called out to me. Transitioning smoothly, I moved to the machine, gripping the handles as I began to pedal. The low hum of the machine and the focused burn in my muscles created a serene sense of accomplishment.Sweat began to form on my brow as the minute
Kendall's POVI woke up to the sound of a familiar voice, a voice that had become a comforting presence in my life."Arise and shine, Mrs. De La Cruz."As I blinked my eyes open, I saw Stephen humming one of my favorite songs delightfully, a song he knew I loved as he placed a tray of food on the stool close to the bed. Awwwn!."Behold the queen of the empire. Mrs. De La Cruz is awake," he uttered dramatically.I watched as he approached, his eyes never leaving mine, his love and care palpable in every step he took.The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on his tousled hair and the gentle smile on his lips. The aroma of freshly cooked breakfast wafted through the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.With a gentle chuckle, he leaned over me, planting kisses all over my face as his fingers brushed against mine in a tender caress."What do we have here? You cooked?" I asked, surprised, butterflies dancing in my heart as I chuckled shyly."Just for t
(Kendall's POV)It's been over two weeks since I had been in the hospital and we're ready to leave as Gab folded my things into a packing bag. Staring out of the glass window, my heart leaped with joy that the gloomy days were over. The thought that I had forgotten who my triplets, Gab and even Stephen were caused a crack in my happy heart.I wondered why I'd be waking up uttering Fred's name. I hoped Stephen wasn't sad about it at present because I'd have flared up if he had to be in my shoes and he began to clamor Jessica's name.Also hearing the information about Antonio, I was devastated. Stephen held him in high esteem and I felt very annoyed knowing that he had ulterior motives for all he did. Very sad."Forget the past, Kendall, it's a new start now. Life has given you another chance. Don't contaminate it with the past." I cautioned myself as I rubbed my baby bump that was beginning to shoot out."Oh! You're set," the doctor voiced immediately as she entered the room, almost s
(Stephen's POV)What! I glared intensely with my mouth slightly opened as the prosecutor revealed that Antonio was in communication with Frederick and Antonio.Why didn't Jeff mention when he called me about the kids earlier?As I sat down, I wanted to yell out to the world, my heart sinking in betrayal. I suspired and managed to comport myself so as not to disturb the stillness of the courtroom."Why did you not tell me about the third party?" I growled at the prosecutor's attorney, who was smiling in victory at the way he handled the case immediately after the court session was over."I am sorry, Mr. De La Cruz. I found out, just a few minutes into the court session.""You still should have…"Just then, I was interrupted by the dinging notifications of my phone buzzing and it was from Jeff.My heart skipped a beat as I read the message. "Found him. Arrested. At the NYPD's 23rd Precinct. I will give you details when I see you."Adrenaline surged through my veins as I walked hurriedly
(Frederick's POV)I sat behind the well of the courtroom, hovering my eyes around as I floated in the turmoil of sad emotions with the depths of guilt and regret pressed down on me.All evidence was clearly against me, although there were no witnesses in the murder case. My notebook, the fingerprints, everything pointed to me.While I sank in my misery with sadness written all over my face, a few inches beside me, Anna also sat in the dock, her face void of any remorse. She looked ready for anything that came up as her arms crossed against each other.On the other end of the docks was a lady named Jessica and two young ladies I leaned were her spies both at Stephen's workplace and home. They had been orchestrating some evil plans toward Stephen and Kendall.I switched my eyes back to the jury. Their eyes bore into me, a mix of curiosity, judgment, and perhaps even a hint of pity. The courtroom felt suffocating as if the air itself was tainted by the terrible deeds I had committed."OR