Every year during Christmas, Edward Milano is forced to think about Ariana Alexandre, the innocent nineteen-year-old he bedded for one night. The look on her face when he told her the next morning that it was nothing but a one night stand, still haunted him. He wants her again because no matter how many women he has slept with, they couldn't satisfy the way she did. Fast forward to six years and there she is, working in the company he bought. Edward wants to win her back, no matter what. But she hates him. Not only that but she's got secrets. Secrets that can ruin him for good. ***
View MoreA huge sigh slipped out of my lips. This was not going to end well. Oh well. What's the harm in trying again? Sucking a sharp breath, I tried again only for the chain to dig in my thumb and unzip.
I winced in pain, wetting the tip of my finger before peering at the empty hallway.
"Mom! Mummy! Maa!!" I sighed. "Please help"
Looking back, I twisted my lips at the state of the overloaded suitcase.
In my defence I was told it could fit over ten kilograms so I stuffed three pair of footwear, six shorts, four summer dresses, half a dozen tank tops, few jackets, my soft pyjamas and of course an evening gown.
The creaking of floorboard echoed as the footsteps approaching towards my door got louder.
"Even the next door neighbour heard you! What is it Aria?!" I heard my mother before I saw her in my line of vision. My birth giver was as usual wearing a scowl on her face, her dark brown hair tied up in some messy bun, few strands falling on her face. She was holding a wooden spatula in her hand, the apron tied around her spotting few splatters of sauce.
Almost meekly, I pointed accusingly towards the suitcase on my bed.
"Again? You should not be allowed to pack!" An exasperated sigh escaped her. My mother placed the wooden spatula on the nightstand, tightening her apron.
"I am improving!"
"Sure let's say that."
I sheepishly smiled, looking away.
"Did you really pack your Christmas jammies? We are going for a wedding!"
"So?!" I made a face. "It's not my fault that Franci decided to get married in December!"
It should be illegal to get married around Christmas season. With my elder brother making money I was sure he was set on getting me most of the things from my wish-list.
My mother rolled her eyes, already pulling out most of the items I had neatly folded. "You both are same age and she's getting married before you."
"Exactly. We are nineteen I do not know why she's in rush to marry."
When the invitation came in mail I could not believe my eyes. I tried to call Francesca multiple times only to hear dial tone. Nothing about this impromptu wedding made sense to me. It was in last week of December and in middle of nowhere.
"This again? I am sure her parents are not forcing her Ari. Please behave at the wedding. We are old family friends and I would like to keep it that way."
No matter how many times I tried to probe neither of my parents gave away. I had to see Francesca in person and ask her all these burning questions.
"I know mom!"
"Good. Now let go of some of your items from here."
***
"What the fuck Adrian?" I sneered at my idiot younger brother who was sitting in my window seat. He barely looked at me, not even bothering to remove his earphone and simply drumming his fingers.
"Dad! Tell him to get out."
"There's enough space in the back, my love."
"We are already late, Ari. Get in." My mother made a face.
"This is not over." I pointed a finger at my brother while dragging my feet and throwing myself in the back seat. From the rear view mirror I saw my brother poke his tongue out before shoving mouthful of haribos.
For sixteen year old, he was a pain in my behind. Then again I was exactly like him at sixteen to my older brother.
"I miss Andrew! My brother would have taken my side!" I exclaimed, crossing my arms.
"You two cannot go a minute without fighting, amour." My father laughed, while turning on the ignition.
"Whatever."
***
Spectacular. That's the only word I could think of as I peered at the four-storey beach house. It took us five hours to drive with my father refusing to stop more than once. I stretched my arms, a smile curving around my lips at the sound of waves softly hitting the sand. There was a heavy smell of salt in the air.
"This is beautiful, no?"
"Si, mi amore. I can't believe they own this." My mother responded to my father, leaning into his arms.
I looked away, making a sound. My parents were so in love even after three decades of marriage. It was nauseating at times but also made me yearn for that kind of bond.
"Alex, you bastard!"
I stilled at the boisterous laughter that followed the sound, heavy footsteps rushing our way.
"Look who finally decided to show up in this humble abode!"
Humble. I thought under my breath watching an older man in his late fifties. Armund Murray, my father's best friend snickered, tugging on his arm and they both hugged each other. They both were childhood best friends turned business partners. So it was natural for Francesca and I to be friends as well.
"I hope it was a pleasant journey here." Francesca's soft voice floated around breaking my chain of thoughts. I blinked, adjusting to her presence as she embraced my mother.
Francesca Murray was definition of beauty. Everyone at school were absolutely enamoured at her curly blonde hair falling down her shoulders, always shimmery and glowing due to the sunlight, button nose and almond eyes that were a deep shade of brown, borderline golden. She could easily be a model with her natural features but simply hated the attention and was quite introverted.
She was dressed in a simple light pink summer dress, the kind that hugged her in right places. Unlike before the smile did not reach her eyes, skin looking pale and her figure shrunken as she stood next to my mother.
"Franci!" I exclaimed, rushing to envelop her in a tight hug, feeling her immediately relax. My eyes clenched shut as I was hit with a strong whiff of her citrus shampoo. "Why were you not taking my calls? What happened to your phone?"
"Aria..."
"The last time we spoke we were planning a trip and now you are getting married?!"
"Brian!" A bark jolted me out of her arms as Francesca was pulled away. "Why don't you show all of them their rooms, si? They must be tired after the journey, no." Armund said, his grip tightening around his daughter.
I glared at him.
"Follow me, signora."
Grudgingly I nodded my head, still eyeing my friend who stood in silence. Something was not quite right but I had no means to confirm my doubts.
"Franci can show..."
"Aria!" My mother nudged me, handing me my suitcase.
"Go to your rooms and fresh up. I will ask the cooks to hurry up with the dinner. Brian will come get you then, okay?" Armund smiled. "I am sure Franci is needed by her mother in the kitchen. She will meet you at the dinner."
A sigh escaped my lips, watching my friend get dragged inside.
***
Unpacking and changing into one of my most comfiest shorts and a shirt, I hopped out of my room with a new mission. Find Francesca and talk to her alone. The problem with that was I had no idea where's her bedroom. It was my first time at the beach house and everything looked same to me.
Lost in my thoughts, I stubbed my toe against the edge of the door. Wincing in pain, I hopped on one feet, cradling the injured toe when my head crashed against a wall. I squeaked as my nose brushed against it, body jerking and waiting for the fall but it never came.
Instead of that, I felt a strong grip on my waist.
"Watch where you are going."
At the unfamiliar voice, something coiled inside my belly, my eyes adjusting to the sudden light. As my head tilted, I felt as if someone knocked breath out of my lungs. Oh. I sharply inhaled making the situation worse, taking huge gulps of his spicy vanilla cologne.
The boy no scratch that. The man in front of me had the most sinful shade of blue eyes with dark hue on the edges. His thick eyebrows were pulled together, narrowed at me as if he was patiently waiting for me to say something, jaw clenched and rigid. For a second I forgot to blink, staring at his Adonis-like beauty.
"Take a picture it'll last longer." He added and that was enough to snap me out of my daze.
My cheeks reddened at that, suddenly that hot feeling spreading all over my body. I immediately flailed, getting on my feet and his arm fell from my waist. I mentally slapped myself for thinking about missing his touch.
"I-I wasn't..." My throat felt dry at the way his muscles flexed as his arms crossed against his chest, the white button-down shirt was rolled up near the elbows. I could feel the pointed shoes pressed against my sandals to which I realise how close we were standing.
"Yes?"
My toes curled at the smile playing on his lips.
"You should have watched your step mister before crashing into me and almost killing me."
He snickered.
"Killing you? Please, If anything I saved you, cara."
"You don't know me enough...Whatever a simple sorry is enough."
I petulantly crossed my arms, mirroring his stance which did not work out well. The action caused my breast to push up and his eyes travelled there for a second but in a flash, he was staring back at me.
"Apology? You americans are too entitled. I should be getting a thank you for saving you from falling on your pretty ass" He chuckled, the vibration of his laughter travelled straight down to my core. I felt my abdomen clench at the deep husky sound and my legs clamped tighter.
"I will thank you over my dead body, mister."
"It's Edward."
"It's I don't care."
"You wound me." He placed his hand on the left side of his chest and stuck his bottom lip at me. I tried to focus on what he was saying instead of his glistening pink lips. The thought made me shiver. I really needed to focus.
"Just like you did. So we are settled I guess."
He opened his mouth to respond but before that, there was a familiar face standing next to him. I blinked at Armund as he patted the strangers back.
"I see you have met my nephew, Aria"
Nephew? I thought while gaping at the attractive stranger in front of me. Good genes runs in the family. I thought under my breath.
"Aria." He rolled the name, every single syllable sounding foreign and new to my ears. The piercing gaze as he said did not help.
"Edwardo she is Francis best friend and also Alexander's daughter..." I tuned out the rest of the sentence, trying to bite back a groan. If he's the nephew it meant he will be staying in the same beach house till the wedding. Two whole weeks of Edward and his stupidly attractive face.
Just what I needed! Not.
***
"But Dad! If we don't leave now, all the good candy will be gone!" Aiden whined, twisting his mouth while he hopped excitedly on his feet. Edward let out a sigh, blinking at our son before looking at me for help. I shrugged in response. I did it every year. The same dance with him and it was tiring. “Aiden listen to me-" I tuned out their conversation, focusing on the batter in the bowl. The cupcakes needed to be ready for the party so that they can finally appreciate my baking skills. My mom in particular. "But dad!" Edward turned towards me again. I rolled my eyes a bit. That's all his fault really. He indulged our son too much even after all these years. At the age of eight, Aiden only grew up to be more sassy—a quality he inherited from me. That’s what Edward says every time he looses against his son. "Okay that’s enough you two.” I cleared my throat. “Aiden Edward Milano eat your dinner, or you'll be grounded in your room and won’t have any candy.” "Mom
I couldn't stop the fat tears from rolling down my cheeks. It was one thing for Edward to be cruel but letting Sara talk to me like that? How could Edward humiliate me like that? I genuinely believed him when he said he broke up with Sara. The ring on her finger was a clear indication that he was still very much with her. And like a fool I am I let go of Ashton for someone like him. This is karma. I laughed bitterly while wiping the tears away. Driving through the streets while it was raining felt a reflection of myself, the storm of emotions running through me. On the way back home I saw his name flash multiple times on the screen but did not bother to pick up. Minutes later, I was in the parking lot of my building and exhaled a long breath. The last thing I wanted was to cry on the way to my apartment. Wiping furiously at my cheeks I slammed the door to the car, locking it before rushing inside. The babysitter was looking after Aiden so as soon as she saw me enter, s
/Sara's POV/ When I found out that Edward was so serious about his son that he took them to meet his parents I had to do something. Nothing was working my way these days. Ever since he found out about Aiden, things began slipping from my fingers one by one. It’s all Aria. I should have been more cruel to her from the start, made sure she never sees him in the same light again. Believe me I tried. All these years I was able to lie and keep him all to myself but that Aria had to ruin everything. My face flamed with fury as soon as I remembered how he had the audacity cheat on me with her and later throw me out of the house. I endured everything he put me through as his assistant, pleased him in every way possible only to get discarded like this. Even after all the things he did I was still crazy about him. I knew that I had to do something to get him back and it would be my final shot. I tried not to make any sound as I sneaked in his bedroom. He was still asleep and as
/Edward's POV/ It was out. Finally. The pain of hiding it from her was swallowing me from inside. How long can I pretend that it was alright? The words were swirling inside me, always at the tip of my tongue but never having the courage to get them out. Breaking up with Sara made me notice things clearly. I could not keep it inside me anymore. It was selfish of me to do that even after knowing she’s dating Ashton. Better say it out when it’s in early stage rather than later. One thing I was sure is it would have gotten out one way or another. There’s only so many times I can keep getting away with it. The sound of my heart beating along with our shallow breaths was the only thing that I could hear. The silence in the room was deafening, almost scary that it made me want to say something. Aria was quiet and her silence was burning me inside. As those words left my mouth I could feel instant relief knowing that I was not caring the burden of keeping it for myself. From past
At Ashtons cold touch on my shoulder, I almost jerked in the spot, taking few seconds to recover. Then it dawned on me that we had already reached our destination. All throughout the car ride, I was occupied with thoughts, all of them leading to Edward. For some reason I could not stop thinking about how he did not tell me about his breakup with Sara. I deserved to know about it. Not only because we were parenting Aiden together but as a courtesy. He knew way too much about me and always sulked if I glossed over any minor detail but felt absolutely important to not share such a valuable piece of information. But why was I so affected by the whole thing? It was silly how my insides couldn't stop fluttering from the moment I heard about it. What was this strange feeling? For the sake of it, I decided not to put my finger on it, choosing to focus on important things. "You okay?” Ashton quietly asked as he tried to tug on my arm. When I met his eyes I could see that he was genui
/Edward's POV/ I was on cloud nine when Aria called me to look after Aiden in her absence. It meant that she finally trusted me enough to leave him alone with me. Her doubts where slowly fading away and I couldn't be any happier. She had every reason to be hesitant and nervous after all it was my fault for leaving her alone all those years ago. When I heard that the reason she was allowing me to take our son was that she was going out with Ashton. I should have known that she was actually dating him and did not make it up as I thought. Truly that night was nothing for her which made it even more painful to swallow. I tried not to dwell on it as I picked Aiden. He was someone who could genuinely make me feel better. The entire week I could make it through you just said the hope that he was there. Sara had been persistent asking me to take her back. She was never like this. It felt like she had changed into the obsessive person who wanted me at any cost. That scared me because
It had been a week since Aiden found out about Edward—his father. Things drastically changed and as much as I feared them to have gone wrong they did not. At least for now. I thought bitterly. Edward was trying to involve himself as much as he could. His effort was something that took my parents by surprise as well. One thing that made me realise that it’s serious was the dedication he put into showing up. Every morning he came at exact eight, had breakfast with Aiden and then insisted on dropping him to school. And in a different car everyday at that. Once Aiden found out that his father had money and lots of it, he made it a point to enjoy it. I was all against it, not wanting to entertain his tantrum of having a different car drop him every day but Edward spoiled him. He was making up for the lost time—basically buying everything he could possibly can. It was ridiculous. Aiden’s room was filled with boxes and boxes of legos, some he did not even had the chance to open be
My mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. Why did things not work my way for a change? I thought under my breath as I took in Ashton’s appearance. Never had I seen him so furious before, body language taut and lips pinched in a straight line as he acknowledged Edward in the room. If looks could kill he would have been six feet under by now. The question hung in the air for a few seconds, making the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I was hyper aware of his eyes on me, the need he had to know the answer. But I was hesitant to talk about it in front of Aiden. The last thing a five year old kid needed was even more drama for a day. He already had too much to deal with on his plate. “Aria.” He dropped his voice low, inching closer to me as if he thought I did not hear him after the first time. My eyes clenched shut. “I heard.” I swallowed the lump in my throat, hands falling to my sides helplessly. “Can we talk inside, please?" I softly asked. He stared a
The atmosphere around felt tense for no reason at all. I had no idea what Edward was going to tell him. Or what he had been planning all along. He looked dull, even though he was trying to put a front. I could see the bags under his eyes like he had not been sleeping well. They were noticeable for quite a while now but I didn’t want to broach into the topic. For the first time I noticed how resigned he appeared, almost deflated with his shoulders hunched as he tried to muster as much energy as possible. Did something happen the night before? I thought to myself. Maybe he was just as nervous thinking about introducing himself to Aiden’s life. For a hot second I sympathised with him and how difficult it must have been for him to come into senses with the new reality and accept it. Edward was taking it well, way better than I would have reacted and tried to make adjustments so that he could meet Aiden. That’s something I can never deny. He truly cared that he’s there for him and wan
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