DANE
It had been over two weeks since the visit to my parents. The day after, Mom had given me a lecture on why I needed to find a young child-bearing wife, not an older businesswoman who already had a child. That pissed me off and I had said a good few words. I loved both Dahlia and Aria. Regardless of the fact that Aria had chosen to call me father, I loved it. I don’t care that I had only known her for a few months, to me it felt like forever. I was her dad no matter what anyone said.
As for Dahlia, I loved her and what Mom said, I didn’t really care. I made it clear that this was the family I wanted and would always cherish. Besides she was only thirty… I'm sure when the time came we could have another child.
I had also begun to look at some houses. Call it ego, but I didn’t want to live at Dahlia’s place, I wanted to at least put a roof over their heads. Somewhere new to start fresh memories. I thought to have a look first and then talk to Dahlia about i
Thank you for reading and leaving me a gem, it means a lot :D
DANE "Maria… You’re Maria’s nephew? Wait… Does Dahlia know this?" He asked, looking at me sharply. "She does." I said, sitting down. "But the thing is, there are so many questions that have no proper answers too. Questions that I want answers to. My father still beats himself up over finding her that job. A job that cost her, her life." "She committed suicide…" He said, his eyes were shadowed as he now looked at his hands. "Yeah, so I've heard. But I want to hear what you know. Please Mr El Nazari, don’t hold anything back." I said quietly. He sighed deeply, looking out the windows past me, his eyes lost in memories of long ago. "I loved her. After the loss of my wife, Dahlia’s mother, in a car crash… I never thought I’d love again. Until I met Maria, she was the breath of fresh air we both needed in our lives and she loved Dahlia dearly. Do you know that was what made me love her even more? I wanted Dahlia to have a mother who would l
DAHLIA I wasn’t expecting this, but the thought sent my heart into a frenzy. Dear lord… The doctor wiped the gel from my stomach as I sat up slowly. "I will book you in for an antenatal appointment, and book you in for bloods… Are you okay, Ms El Nazari?" "Oh yes." I said, trying to make sense of the warmth that was filling me. I was going to have another child! Aria was going to have a sibling. She would have someone to play with. Dane… Dane would… I didn’t know what Dane would want or think and the very thought scared me. I plastered my usual faint smile on my face as I slid off the bed. "Thank you, doctor; please let me know when you're available and I'll make the time to fit into my schedule." I said, as she printed out a sheet and slipped it into a card along with a picture of the scan. "You are about 5 weeks pregnant. The heartbeat looks strong and I know you are a healthy person. Avoid alcohol and raw eggs. Please take it
DANE I waited to the side of the diner, mom was currently busy and unlike last time, I was in no mood to help out. I couldn't get the words she said about Dahlia out of my head. I looked around the warmly lit diner, thinking how times had changed. I used to help out here on top of my other side jobs when I was younger. It had been tough, but seeing that debt number grow increasingly smaller encouraged me to keep going. I walked over to the large board containing photos and notes and other bits and bobs. A wall where things were never removed from… I remembered there was a picture of me here, on my 9th birthday. It was probably the biggest party I had ever had. I remember pinning a picture here… that one would be nice to show Aria. A small smile crossed my lips. There was something about that little princess that really warmed my heart. She was her mother’s daughter, after all, guess both knew how to melt my cold exterior. "Dane…" My mother said, as I
DAHLIA Last night, Dane had so much on his mind that I didn’t end up telling him about the pregnancy, but I knew I needed to tell him rather than have him find out some other way. Maybe I should get something… A thought came to me and I smiled, my heart skipping a beat. It was now around 10 am and after a late night last night, I had slept in. Dane had said he’d handle work. Remembering last night, I blushed at the very thought. He indeed had a lot of stamina… I shook my head, thinking back to how I could break the news to him. A sudden thought came to me and my eyes lit up. We could go out for lunch, and then after eating, I would surprise him with a cupcake that had the message on it. Yes, that sounded good. Feeling excited, I dialled his number. "Hello." He said. "Hi, my love. I hope I’m not interrupting… I was hoping we could go out for lunch today?" I asked softly. "Of course, princess, I’ll be done with this meeting in ju
DANE You are going to become a daddy again. Those words rang in my head as I stared at my beautiful temptress. Her eyes filled with a hundred emotions as she waited for my reaction. How could I tell her…? How could I put into words the emotions that coursed through me? It felt like a repeat of when Aria first asked me to be her father. I was beyond happy, excited, nervous and worried for Dahlia. I had a thousand questions but I couldn't form any words. I reached over, cupping her face, my lips meeting hers in a deep, passionate kiss. I kissed her like it was the last time, pouring my emotions into it. I would never let her go. She had given me happiness after happiness. Why hadn't I met my precious queen sooner? I deepened the kiss as she struggled to keep up, but I didn’t care. I just wanted her to know how I felt. My love for her would never fade. She had given me three treasures that were priceless. Herself, Aria and now this little one. She gasped
DAHLIA It had been two days since I had told Dane about the baby and he had been nothing but supportive. I realised he didn’t even push me down on my stomach during sex anymore and avoided bending me over his desk yesterday at work. It was sweet. He was staying true to his word and making love to me in different places though. After sex in his office, my legs felt like jelly when I returned to my own. Although I must admit, I had felt thoroughly satisfied. I had decided to do my work from home today and just rest a little. Aria had gone to school and Dane was at work. I sipped my tea, answered some business emails and signed some digital contracts. Finally, when I was all done, I sat back after sending off my 5th email. "Phew!" I said, printing them out and sending some copies to the correct departments to store in our systems. I took my phone out, replying to Dane’s message, when I remembered the small card that belonged to Zara
DANE Two hours later, the officer had taken the full account from Dahlia. I didn’t want her to be stressed, not when she was pregnant, but it was inevitable. I just hoped that once this was all over and all those behind it were behind bars, life would become easier. "This video is enough, but I think if we had a full confession from Amal El Nazari we could have a stronger case. She comes from a wealthy family, even if your influence is much stronger. Warren Murdock is already using the sympathy card that we are abusing power and holding him. Under pressure, there are chances they will be released on bail until the court passes the final judgement. I think the best thing we can do is get a full confession from her. Ms El Nazari, I think you are the one best for this job." "She can’t…" I trailed off when Dahlia nodded. "We will be there, all set around you. We would be happy for yourself to be there too Mr Altaire. I assure you that Ms El Nazari’s safet
DAHLIA Baba had come this morning and Aria, bless her soul, was beyond ecstatic when she learned that Baba would be living with us. The only thing that worried me was, his days were numbered. I had personally gone with Markus to collect Baba’s medication from his doctor. I was hoping Amal would ring me as Baba had warned me that she was very angry he was leaving. Once she called, that would be my cue to invite her to one of the spots the officers had suggested. We were on the way back from getting the medication when the phone rang. I smiled when I saw my stepmom’s number. Well, it seemed this was my chance. I answered the call after taking a deep breath. "Hello?" I answered. "Dahlia. Hello. I will skip the pleasantries; how do you think I feel knowing you have taken my husband from me?" "He’s my father too. I just feel you are always so busy anyway, at least this way I can take better care of him." I said. I wan
TWO AND A HALF YEARS LATER… DAHLIA "Careful there Cain!" Dane’s mother scolded her grandson despite the smile on her face. "You will get your mother's clothes dirty." She kissed the chubby little boy on his cheek. He pouted as he tugged at her necklace. I smiled watching them, my little boy with his large grey eyes like mine and his hair was the same as his father and sister. "Let me fix that for you." Amanda said adjusting my veil that Cain had just tugged. I looked in the mirror, I was dressed in a stunning white wedding dress with jewels and beads. My hair that now almost reached my waist, was open and in its natural curls, pinned back in an elegant puff. The scar on my face was faint and I didn’t hide it any longer. My face glowed with the dewy makeup my stylist had applied, and my jewellery glittering. Today was the day I was to marry the love of my life. Dane. Life had changed so much since the day we ended Joaqui
DAHLIA I didn’t know where he had taken me or why he had the sudden need to come out with his true identity. We hadn’t driven far when the van stopped and I was being dragged out of it, all I could see was it was some sort of car park. My stomach sank as he pulled me into the darkness and down the ramp to the lower floor, I couldn’t see anything much and I did my all not to stumble whilst Joaquin didn’t seem to care. There were a few dim lights but for the most part, it was dark here. He pushed me against a post and began tying me to it roughly, I winced when the rough rope singed my skin. "I’ll make quick work of this." He muttered. My stomach twisted in fear, what was he planning? Every worst-case scenario flitted through my mind and I just felt sick. Maria… Zara… Amal, who was carrying his child… Kendra, who could have been his daughter… The moment he removed the cloth from around my mouth I thought of what I could say.
DAHLIA It had been a few weeks since Kendra’s body had been found and Dane had stayed true to his word. Emily would not get away with it and the doctor who had attended to Aria had given his statement. I was officially free from Warren completely and I couldn’t be happier. Dane’s relationship with his family had been strained, but regardless of that fact, I had invited them to our engagement. I knew deep down, they were still his parents, and I also knew they would treat Aria well. They had treated her well before too. I just hoped one-day things would work out. Family was not always pleasant, and many of us had parents who made mistakes, but that does not mean we should immediately disown them. I just hoped with time things would work out and they would realise what they were missing, because I would love it if Aria had more family around. The news of my engagement and pregnancy was swirling around, but we had not confir
DAHLIA My heart was racing as he spoke those words. Dane was proposing. My chest rose and fell as I tried to speak. My throat felt dry and I got choked up. He reached over and took the ring from my fingers. His gorgeous dreamy hazel eyes looking into mine for an answer. I couldn’t reply, so I nodded. Breathing deeply as I held my hand out. A devilish sexy smirk crossed his lips. "Use your words, princess." He purred teasingly. I poked my eyes at him. "Yes, I would love to." I whispered, holding my hand out to him. He took it, kissing it softly before he slipped the stunning ring onto my finger. "I love it, and I love you." I said, cupping his face as he stood up and pulled me into his arms. I kissed him passionately, hoping he could feel all my love for him in that kiss. He moved away when I gasped for air and I smiled at him. "Love you too, princess." He said running his fingers through my hair.
DAHLIA It had been a few days since we had visited Devin in the hospital, yet still we were unable to track Kendra down. Although Dane did tell me that there was a high chance she may be dead. I just hoped it wasn’t the case, for Devin at least. Malcolm had tried to find more details on Kendra’s birth father, but he wasn’t even mentioned on the birth certificate. There were a few places Malcolm went to ask around, people who knew her mother, but he had drawn another blank. Tonight, Dane was taking me out. He had said it had been a while since we got a break and just a change would be good for us both. I was excited about it. I had taken some time to pick out a crystal-encrusted mini dress, which I wore over a nude bodysuit that emphasised my curves. The dress had a high collar and shoulder pads, which only had more tassels. It was probably the shortest dress I’ve worn, the dangly bling strands just about covering my behind, but it felt right. I paired it with silver
DANE Was she a woman or an angel? She was so selfless that here she was willing to help the brother of her ex-husband's mistress… I had seen her looking around the hospital earlier with a frown on her face. "I haven’t got the money for the bills, and the doctors said they can’t keep me on dialysis-" "Devin. I’m here. Don’t worry. I’ve paid the bills on Kendra’s behalf. No one will bother you. Calm down." Dahlia said, placing her hand on the boy’s shoulder. He noticed the cuts on her hands and looked at her sharply. "What happened to your hands?" "I… was attacked." She said, giving him a small smile. "Oh… I’m sorry…" "It’s ok, I’m alive. That’s the important part…" Dahlia stated with a gentle smile, "Is it ok, if I take a seat?" "Of course, any friend of Kendra’s is a friend of mine. I mean… I don’t really have friends, so…" "Do you get to go out?" "Yeah, if someone takes me, but Kendra’s busy… Sh
DAHLIA It was several days later and luckily, it seemed like that was the end of Emily. There was nothing she could do to us or try to claim Aria. There was plenty of proof of her neglect, after all the doctor had seen the state Aria was in when I had taken her to the hospital that night. Thanks to the cold that night I had fallen ill too. We had to go through legal terms to register her as there was no proof of any child being born in any hospital in the city that was unaccounted for, there was no way she could do anything. Today, Dane and I had decided to head to Maria’s old apartment. We had planned to ask them if there was anything they saw or heard before Maria was killed but we had drawn a blank. Maria’s friend had passed away and her son had renovated the entire building and had a shop built in its place. "Another dead end." Dane said, tapping the steering wheel as we drove away. "Dane, shall we visit The Hope Trust Hospital? Kendra’s brothers
DANE There was only one Emily I knew, and for her to be here… felt unreal. I was done and dusted with her, so why now? I didn’t need her, nor did I want her anywhere near Aria or Dahlia. I looked towards Dahlia, who was standing there looking stunned. Her large eyes were full of emotions, her chest heaving. "One moment…" I said to the watchman. Closing the door, I walked over to Dahlia. I was about to pull her into my arms when she stepped back, sending a stinging pain through me. Her breathing was heavy, and I could tell she was beginning to panic. "Don’t worry… She cannot come between us… or Aria. If she thinks she can worm her way back in, then she has another thing coming." I said quietly, tugging her by the elbow. I pulled her into my arms forcefully. I didn't care if she wanted to or not, I needed this. "Have faith in yourself beautiful, and in me… No one can mess this up." She nodded, but I could still feel her shaking. I didn’t
DANE We had just arrived home when we heard Aria laughing as she and Hadid sang some Arabian song. "Finally home…" Dahlia said with relief. I was glad she was feeling better now. "Home indeed, speaking of which… I have a few things I wanted to show you." "Sounds perfect." She said. "Mama!" Aria said as she hurried over. Dahlia hurried forward worriedly. "Careful Ari." She scolded lightly catching her carefully and kissing her head. "Mama, Grandpapa and I are singing songs!" She said. "That’s lovely, now how about you go and enjoy yourself? Mama will go shower and then we will join you all for some pizza?" "Oo yummy! Takeaway?!" "Yes." Dahlia laughed. Aria gave me a hug before she walked off to tell Hadid. Dahlia stood up, smiling as she turned to look at me, taking her coat off slowly. If only she realised how enticing that move was… "Mind ordering?" "Not at