Chapter 51Victoria I wasn't alone. I could sense it even before opening my eyes. Fear gripped me as I jerked out of my sleep and shot a glance at the man sitting opposite me. He sat on a chair, his head placed on my bed. I glanced at the clock and I wondered why he would be around me by this time of the night. Even without looking at his face, I already knew who he was. I gulped, slowly sitting up as I took some time to stare at him before he'd wake up. He was still in shape just as usual, and his hairstyle remained the same. My mind wandered to the past and a pang of guilt gnawed in my chest. I didn't do anything more than hurt him yet he was here. Unable to tame my curiosity, I reached for his arm and woke him up. A scowl appeared on his face after he raised his head, then when he realised that I was the one who touched him he quickly rushed to me, wearing his worries on his face. "Are you alright, Tori?" The tenderness of his voice hit me hard but I made sure he didn't noti
Chapter 52Lorraine I couldn't understand why I reacted the way I did, but it was surprising to find Victoria and Bumpy making out in the ward. Heck! How did he even know that she was there? Maybe I reacted that way because I didn't expect them to be back together that easily, but it still didn't make any sense that I had to run off like that. "Lorraine!" He shouted, his heavy steps resonating behind me, but I didn't stop. "Wait up, please." I was already feeling embarrassed and the quirky stares that the nurses passed at me didn't help matters. A nightmare had aroused me from my sleep some minutes ago, and it was more painful that Dexter wasn't beside me. I didn't even notice him leaving. Feeling scared, I rushed out of the hotel room without checking how I looked, ignored Drake's warning that I should stay in and rushed to the hospital. That was my mistake because I should have stayed back and waited for Dexter. I felt a grip on my arm, restricting me from taking any other
Chapter 53Lorraine Life had returned to normal. Dexter and Arnold teamed up and ensured that Victoria was taken to a proper rehabilitation center. I was so happy with her decision and I hoped that she'd come out clean. I resumed practice in earnest as I'd already taken several days off. I didn't want to look lazy because I was with Dexter. Speaking of Dexter who had become extremely distant since he found out about my kidnapper, he was nowhere to be found presently and I had to go to work in Drake's taxi. I didn't mind though. At least, I could have interesting conversations with him before getting to work. Once I got to the training room, we would be bombarded with lectures after lectures, giving me no time to think too much about my relationship with Dexter. Today I'd be practicing on my own as Stella said that I'd almost become perfect in my poses and steps and I didn't need much supervision from anyone. It got me elated and motivated so I focused on my practice. Lunch br
Chapter 54Lorraine Drake opened the revolving door that led to the boutique for me to go in. I sighed as I glanced at the clothes arranged in different racks at different positions. “We have to get you a nice dress that will make you stand out, then we'll head to the salon so your hair can be taken care of.” He listed the activities for the evening which I took note of. I wasn't looking forward to the party, but I know it was important to Dexter or he wouldn't have asked me to come along. I wondered what could be going on with him. Sometimes, he'd show me how sweet he could be and other times, he'd act like we are complete strangers. Gradually I was getting used to his attitude even though it was difficult. “Let's get to it then. We don't want to waste Dexter's time.” I said sarcastically. His lips parted as if he had something to say, then snapped his mouth shut immediately. “Don't worry, everything will be fine.” I ignored his words of encouragement and advanced towar
Chapter 55Lorraine The party was in full swing by the time we arrived. Several couples trooped in with smiles on their faces; most of them were fake apart from mine which stemmed from the sense of fulfillment I felt in torturing Dexter. Each time our eyes met, he didn't bother to mask how much he wanted me. Unfortunately, I wouldn't give in. He needed to have a taste of his own medicine. "Can you fill me in on the details of the party? I need to be able to make easy conversations, you know." He explained the purpose of the party with hesitation, scowling at everyone who took a second glance at me. "You shouldn't have worn this. Now I'd have to constantly remind these men that you are with me." He whined. "You don't have to go through the stress, dear husband. It's not important." I said as a waiter passed us with a tray. I picked up a glass of white wine and downed the whole contents. "Let's talk later." He was clearly shocked by my new attitude, but if I had to act this way t
Chapter 56Lorraine My eyes were filled with tears but I willed them not to spill. Not in front of these people who enjoyed my humiliation and even added to it. I was chill; too stunned to speak or yell at them to stop playing the video. I couldn't even imagine who would have taken a video of me and Victoria in our most vulnerable states. Dexter stormed forward as the guests cleared the way for him. I didn't bother to call him back as I anticipated his next line of action. He collected the microphone from the host of the party and cleared his throat. His steel gaze trained on everyone of us. With my eyes fixed on him, I could see how hard it was for him to control this temper. "Good evening, everyone." He began with a cold tone. "I was invited to this party by a friend and honestly, my wife and I have been enjoying it until now." My heart melted as he publicly called me his wife and that statement emboldened me as I ignored the snide remarks that were thrown at me. "Someone ou
Chapter 57Lorraine I gasped, palming my lips as I darted my gaze around the guests who stared at me expectantly. They'd never forgive me if I gave a negative response though I didn't have plans of doing that. "I'm giving this one more shot, Dexter, so I'll be your wife, but have it at the back of your mind that you just signed up for a whole new coaster ride with me." I giggled and the guests began to chant ‘say yes’. Since there was no ring, all he had to do was get up from his feet and hug me. I felt at peace in his embrace, just the way I used to feel years back. He had always been my savior and now he'd proved again that he would always be there for me. "I didn't expect today to turn out this way but I'm so glad to have you fully as my wife." He held me tightly as I blushed. "I think I'm happier than you are." "Are you?" I wriggled my brows. He loosened his hold around me. "I'm starving right now and there are only two things that can satisfy me: You and your meal." I tap
Chapter 58Lorraine "Wakey Wakey." Dexter sang loudly as his side of the bed dipped when he climbed on it. "Rise and shine, your majesty." He clapped. I rubbed my eyes slowly, the sun rays bursting through the window and reflecting on my face. I opened my eyes quickly to find a tray on the bed with a plate of omelette, bacon, two slices of pancakes and freshly made orange juice to go with it. My lips stretched into a smile as I snatched the tray from him. "This looks so delicious. When did you have the time to make all of this?" My mouth was already watering as I couldn't wait to dive into the meal. While I slept like a baby, my man kept himself busy in the kitchen. How good it was to see this adorable part of him all the time. "Thank you for breakfast, Dexter. Have you had anything to eat?" I asked and he shook his head. "Don't bother about me, your satisfaction is my priority." He stood up, duffed an invisible cap, then gave a mock bow. I giggled as I bit into the hot pan
Chapter 160ONE YEAR LATER "You look so ravishing," Mrs Gonzales cupped my made up cheeks and planted a kiss on my forehead. "Thank you, aunt." I beamed with a smile as the veil was set on my head while she left the room to attend to something else. Aunty Rosa, as I fondly called her, had become a part of the family. I made her the CEO of my company as she was more than capable of being a leader, and also, I wanted to compensate her for everything she did for my mother. I was fine with being a consultant and when she was ready to retire, I'd take over. Since we moved to Colorado, my life with Dexter had been all shades of fun. The happiness I craved for after losing my mother was restored, and never did a day pass without me thanking the universe for granting me my wishes. And today, after five months of having my twins; Nyla and Brian, I was ready to walk down the aisle and experience what a beautiful wedding felt like. I stood in front of the mirror and stared at how wel
Chapter 159Melissa I peered down at Dexter's sleeping face and sighed. Doctor Luca had constantly assured me that he would be fine, but I was yet to understand why he hadn't woken up already. If Leonardo had succeeded in killing him, I'd have resurrected his dead body and murdered him myself. Actually, I low-key wished that I was the one who shot him, but it didn't matter anymore because he was dead and gone. Staring at the tubes connected to his body caused goosebumps to cover my skin. He was in the situation because of me. My mind wandered as several thoughts filtered in and out of my head. Lilly had come earlier with Mary to visit him, but even her presence couldn't stir him up. No! He couldn't remain this way forever. He had to wake up. I took one of the chairs in the ward and sat beside him, entwining our fingers while I used my free fingers to caress his face lightly. He was still the most handsome man I'd ever seen, even in unconsciousness. "Cupcake, how are you
Chapter 158Melissa Blood drained from my face as the bullet went straight to his chest, causing him to slump on the ground. Leonardo pushed Lilly away and tried to break into a sprint, but he was gunned down by the cops who opened fire on him until his body was filled with bullet holes. If Dexter wasn't lying on the ground in the pool of his own blood, I'd have been rejoicing that the source of all my troubles was dead, but the sight of him in a lifeless state snuffed out any trace of happiness within me. "Get the ambulance, please!" I roared, my heart plummeting as blood gushed out from his mouth. I held his hands, my tears forming a wet mask on my face as I caressed his head. His eyes were shut, but I refused to believe that he was dying. I sat on the ground and placed his head on top of my neck, then I tore the hem of my dress and dabbed his chest with him to reduce the rate of the blood flow. All the while I did that, my heart skipped several beats and my fingers trembl
Chapter 157Dexter"You need to come back home now, sir, Leonardo is threatening to shoot the madam." Mary, my nanny, whispered with a note of urgency as if she was being restricted from talking. At the mention of his name, my heart skipped a beat and my palms became clammy with sweat. Not because I was scared of him, but with him in our house, my wife's safety wasn't guaranteed. I'd gotten her message so there was no need for us to keep talking. I dropped the call and put inspector James on the line. As the minutes passed, my anxiety skyrocketed, threatening to hit the roof. My previously distracted mind was transcending into a state of frenzy and I couldn't do anything about it. He picked up after what seemed like eternity, and if he wasn't a noble police officer, I'd have thrown a punch at him. "Hi, Mr Hemingway. How are—" I cut through the pleasantries with clenched teeth. "I'm not fine, inspector James, Leonardo is in my house right now." "What? How is that even possible?
Chapter 156Melissa The sun shone brightly, the atmosphere bubbly and charged, but my feelings were the direct opposite as I worked on packing the rest of my clothes. It was past one pm, and it gradually dawned on me that in less than three hours, I'd be leaving California to Mexico. Mexico was a nice country, but I wasn't sure it would be nice to me if Dexter wasn't there. What could I do about it? Nothing! The doorbell jingle, so I dropped the last pair of black shoes I'd selected as I didn't know what event I might be attending, even though I planned to stay indoors throughout my visit there. My chest tightened since I wasn't expecting any visitors, then I shook away my suspicion, reminding myself that if it was Leonardo he wouldn't be coming directly through the door. I took a peek at the peephole and found a man standing beside a bike with a box, causing me to frown. It was strange to see him because I didn't make an order and I clearly wasn't expecting anything from some
Chapter 155Melissa He came in, his expression glimmering with pure exhaustion. My eyes intently followed his sluggish movement as I tried to overcome the barrier between us so that I would welcome him properly. "You didn't tell me that you'll be coming back this late. I've been waiting." His eyes darted to his wristwatch, then he palmed his forehead with a sigh. "I'm so sorry. I lost track of time. Today was really hectic, several things had to be put in place and I wanted to oversee some of the activities by myself." He explained calmly, while I peered at him, my jaws slackened in surprise. We were supposed to be having a beef, but here he was, explaining how his entire day went even though his body screamed for rest. Strings of guilt gnawed at my chest as I fiddled with my fingers. I'd been completely selfish, and that was why I couldn't notice that my husband was slowly losing his mind because of my problems. I wasn't even making things easier for him. "Can you come over to
Chapter 154Melissa It was over a week since Leonardo managed to outsmart the cops and ran away, and I'd admit that I lost my peace of mind ever since. He could be lurking around, patiently waiting for the right time to strike and I wouldn't know. I wanted it all to end. I wanted to live happily with my family, take a long break from work and just reap all the fruits of my hard work, but all of my wishes wouldn't happen with Leonardo running freely while his daughter was behind bars. Dexter came into the room with a brown envelope in his hands. Once he heard that Leonardo had escaped, he lost his peace as he aided the cops in searching for him. He had become a shadow of his handsome self, as he was more interested in keeping Lilly and I safe. "Hi, cupcake, how was your day?" I asked as he sank on the bed and kissed my lips lightly. His hands moved to my abdomen which he caressed fondly. It was still flat as the pregnancy hadn't gotten to three months. It was a good thing becau
Chapter 153Melissa Seeing that everyone was already seated in the boardroom, including Leonardo and the rest of the staff, I stood up to address them. "I'm sure you are all wondering why I called for this impromptu meeting. It's because we have an important announcement to make, but before that, I'd like to appreciate everyone who is working tirelessly to ensure that Hills Jewelry is back to the top again." I said and they followed my speech with an ovation. I spoke to them with an air of confidence, passing glances at Leonardo who tried to hide his frown. If only he knew what I had in store for him today, he wouldn't be present at the meeting at all. But I found a way to lure him here, promising him that I was going to help him return to his former position. "You all showed me love and unwavering support, and in these few days of working together, we have been able to convince Troy Golds to partner with us. The partnership will be more beneficial to us because of their influenc
Chapter 152DexterMy heart thudded faster as I waited patiently in Doctor Luca's office for him to come with the DNA test result. I knew that Liam claimed to be Lilly's father and he had several ways of proving it, but for some unknown reasons, I hoped that a miracle would occur and the result would be in my favor. The door made a creaking sound as Doctor Luca let himself in. I searched his face for a clue, but as usual, his face gave away nothing. He sank onto his seat and said nothing for some seconds, then he inhaled and fixed his gaze on me. "The result is ready." He announced like I didn't know already. "Can I have it?" I asked curtly, getting cranky by the minute. He passed a brown envelope to me which I opened. A white paper fell out and I opened it, unwilling to drag the tension further. I scanned through the information, unable to make out what it meant until I got to the end and saw the statement of the result. My heart plummeted when I read that the probability of my