LOGINShare
Epilogue
Last Updated:
2023-11-07 14:42:41
IcyDandelionAUTHOR'S NOTE The story of Scott and Zara has finally come to an end. Thanks to everyone that read this book this far. Readers like you are heaven-sent. Your feedback will be much appreciated. This is my first completed book, and you guys are the reason why I have the motivation to write more. Watch out for more books from this stable. I promise to bring you more interesting stories as I level up on this skill. Yours, IcyDandelion.
Related chapters
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango PROLOGUE
The speakers were blaring the latest hip-hop song of the month. Colored neon lights flickered as the clubbers cheered and tore up the dance floor in their skimpy, flashy, and expensive clothes.Everyone dancing was booed up. The ladies rocked their partners like there was no tomorrow. At the bar, drinks flowed like water. There were bottles of booze and tequila shots lined up on the counter. The bartenders did their magic as the DJ did his.On the balcony was a VIP lounge that gave a clear view of the dance floor. Three men in well-ironed shirts and pants sat around a table. In the middle was a man who had his sleeves rolled up. He picked up a glass and gulped down its contents. As he poured himself another glass of bourbon on the rocks, his hand was grabbed."That's enough, dude. You have had three glasses already," his friend said, reaching out to grab the bottle.Scott Brown gave him a stink eye and said, "Get your hands off me." With that, he yanked his hand away and downed another
Last Updated : 2023-07-07Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER ONE: Hard Decision
"Honey, I made your favorite. There's bacon, eggs, oats, and pancakes just as you like it," Zara announced as soon as she heard her husband coming down the stairs.Scott strode down the stairs, adjusting his knotted tie with one hand. He ignored her words as he always did.Out of desperation, Zara blocked his way and said with sad eyes, "It's only gonna take a few minutes, Scott. Just eat with me. I woke up at the crack of dawn to prepare breakfast for you.""And who asked you to do that?" His moss-colored eyes turned hard. When she didn't respond, he added, "I thought as much. Now, get the hell out of my way!"Although shaken up by his shout, Zara didn't move an inch. She cupped her hands over her chest and pleaded. "Please, Scott. Remember that we promised our respective grandmothers to make this marriage work. Let's not entertain outsiders anymore. Marriage should be exclusive. We can do this.""Ha-ha-ha!" Scott suddenly threw his head back and laughed out loud. He then dropped his
Last Updated : 2023-07-07Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER TWO: A Bombshell
One year later.Karen Hall had been sitting on the front porch of her mansion for an hour when the heavy steel gate finally opened. She stood up and walked over slowly. When the backseat door of the Bentley opened, she opened her arms wide with teary eyes."Grandma!" A thin and beautiful young lady ran into her arms."Oh, Zara. You have grown so big," Karen commented, pulling her granddaughter back to get a better look at her pretty face."Come on, Grandma. I have only been away for a year." Zara laughed and planted kisses all over the old woman's face. "I missed you so so much.""I missed you too. Come on in. It's cold outside."The next day, Zara and her grandmother sat at the dining table to have lunch after spending the whole morning chatting to no end."Gosh, I so missed your cooking, Granny," Zara uttered with a mouthful.Karen couldn't help smiling. She spooned more of the chicken soup into her granddaughter's bowl dotingly. "Tell you what, I'll make you whatever you want to ea
Last Updated : 2023-07-07Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER THREE: Wedding Bells?
Zara's face fell for a second. A glint of hurt flashed in her rheumy eyes. Under Mia's intense gaze, she coughed and shrugged again. "What has that got to do with me? He's free to buy any kind of clothes."After sighing deeply, Mia said in a low tone, "He was actually in the company of Cora. When she saw me, she rubbed her belly. I think she's pregnant for Scott."This bombshell was even heavier than the first. Zara's lashes fluttered uncontrollably this time. A pang of pain traveled from her heart to her head. When her eyes met Mia's, she looked away and stared at the flower vase nearby. "Ermm..." She stood up abruptly. "I have many important things to do. Actually, I'll be resuming work at my family's firm in two days. I have to shop for clothes and also get my hair and nails done. Wanna come?"Mia sighed again and then nodded, deciding not to talk about Scott anymore since the topic wasn't welcome. "Go get changed. I know of the best store in town for professional and casual wear.
Last Updated : 2023-07-07Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER FOUR: Boss Lady
A burning sensation suffused Zara's chest. It traveled to her stomach and soon caused it to ache badly. Her face twisted in a frown as she processed what she had just heard.Relishing the sad look on Zara's face, Cora rubbed her slightly bulged belly and added, "It has been a long time coming. Scott and I are meant for each other. We have been in love since we were kids. Soon, we will be together against all odds."Those words added salt to Zara's injury. She was at a loss for a few seconds. But once she got back herself, she pulled Mia's arm and dragged her out. "Let's go!""Zara, let's catch up some other time. I'll send you an invitation to the wedding. Ciao!" Cora called out from behind.Tears had clouded Zara's vision by the time she was out of the store. She swallowed hard and blinked while repeating an admonishment in her head. Don't cry over a man, Zara! "You okay, Zee?" Mia asked with worry after they got into her car. She read her expression and then gave her shoulder a squ
Last Updated : 2023-07-07Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER FIVE: Thumbs Down
A tumult of murmurs broke out in the hall. Scott, who was about to pick a fight, could only stare at Zara. He couldn't believe that she came here to make a presentation for the contract. Since when was she involved in business? Besides, when did she even get back?Finally, Zara faced the crowd and introduced herself. "I'm Zara Hall, the new CEO of Hall Corporations. Most of you may not know me, but I assure you that you will be seeing more of my face from now on.""Hall Corporations? Isn't that the company that's on the verge of bankruptcy?" someone exclaimed.Another replied affirmatively, "Yeah. Last I checked, it was about to be liquidated."Zara didn't utter a word to those comments. After all, they were true. Her company was hanging by a thread now."Young lady, who allowed you in here?" a man with a potbelly finally fired with a frown."Ladies and gentlemen, I didn't mean to barge in here, but last I checked, every human has the freedom of movement," Zara began. Her eyes scanned
Last Updated : 2023-07-07Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER SIX: A Night Together
"Ow!" Zara screamed once his forehead hit her chest. She quickly held him before his body fell to the hard floor. "What's wrong with you, Scott? Are you okay?"There was no answer. Painstakingly, Zara put his arm over her shoulders and kicked open the door. She walked in to find the living in a mess. The sofas were upturned and the glass table at the center was broken. "What the hell happened here?"Seeing that he was passed out cold, she dragged him to the bedroom. It took her almost twenty minutes to do that. By the time she threw him to the bed, she was sweating all over and staggering.Scott didn't move a muscle on the bed. As Zara bit her lower lip hard, a war broke out in her head. She held her breath and moved closer to him. Once her hand touched his forehead, she retreated sharply. He was burning up!Without further ado, she rushed into the bathroom and then returned with a bowl of cool water and two small towels. She wiped his face and arms carefully. Then, placed a wet towel
Last Updated : 2023-07-07Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER SEVEN: Pregnant
Scott swiped his phone screen for the umpteenth time today. He had been bombarding Zara with text messages, but she refused to reply to any of them. Gosh! She was driving him nuts."Mr. Brown... Mr. Brown, are you still with us?" a voice called out all of a sudden.Hearing that, Scott raised his head, only to find a dozen pairs of eyes staring at him. He had zoned out yet again. With embarrassment on his face, he cleared his throat. "I didn't get that. Come again."Some of the directors exchanged weird looks. Then, the director speaking, repeated slowly, "There has been a rumor making rounds in the business circle. Some people are saying that Keystone Group is likely to partner with Hall Corporations for the new city park project.""What?" Scott sat up immediately. "How is that possible? Who told you that?"A rumble ensued in the boardroom a second later. When Scott couldn't take it anymore, he shot to his feet and raised his hand. "Enough! This meeting is adjourned."As he walked bac
Last Updated : 2023-09-09
Latest chapter
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango Epilogue
Ten months later."Wake up, Daddy, Mommy! It's morning already!"Scott and Zara, who were snuggled up in bed, woke up to the excited squeal of their son. Zara opened her eyes and yawned. She nudged her husband as he was already drifting to sleep again."Wake up or he will come jumping on the bed again," she whispered to him.Scott stirred and rubbed his eyes. "But I am so tired. You wore me out last night.""It's not my fault. The baby wanted to eat a lot last night and she refused to let me sleep until I satisfied the cravings.""You know that's not what I'm talking about," Scott chuckled. "How can a pregnant woman have so much energy?"Hearing this, Zara slapped his arm while blushing. "Shush! Don't let Jayden hear you or he will start asking questions again. Help me up, will you?"Scott pulled her closer and gave her a kiss. Looking at her slightly swollen face, he said, "Good morning, beautiful.""Me too! I want a kiss!" Jayden shouted, running into the room without shutting the do
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER NINETY-ONE: Love You More Than Life
Time seemed to stop as Zara let out a scream that reached the ears of the policemen outside the gate. She lost the sense of her surroundings as she looked at Scott's face. Even the gunshots from nearby and the thud that came moments later didn't draw her attention.Her tears fell on his face. He stretched his bloodstained lips again, flashing his red teeth at her. Coughing, he muttered, "Take care of Jayden. I love you two… So so much."Zara nodded her head. "I will. I'll take care of him. But don't leave me. Let's take care of him together, okay? I can't live without you. Stay with me, okay? I love you, Scott. Always have."Still smiling, Scott raised his hand and touched her face. He held her gaze for seconds which seemed like minutes. His hand slowly dropped. Zara held on to it and continued to tell him to stay with her.But at this moment, his eyes slowly closed. Zara's cry increased in tempo alongside Jayden's. The little boy was just as horrified as his mother. Zara shook Scott'
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER NINETY: The Rescue
All of a sudden, a loud noise came from not too far away. Portia and Cora looked in the direction of the exit."What was that?" they uttered at the same time.A gunshot came from a distance above. It was followed by several thuds, louder than the first one."It's the police! You are surrounded. Surrender right now!" a shout came from above.Portia immediately swung into action. "Stay here! I don't think they have found this place. I'll go handle them. Don't let these two get away, okay?"Being instructed, Cora nodded her head even though she was shaking. She sat on the ground while still holding Jayden's hands together. Portia quickly headed for the entrance with the knife still in her hand.Outside, several policemen broke down the door of the house with multiple battering ram. They took several positions while the best of them matched into the kitchen with guns.The door of the pantry was kicked down in the blink of an eye. They broke into twos, looking around in the pantry. A duo s
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINE: Time For Slaughter
"That shoe!" Scott's eyes widened as he leaned forward. He zoomed in on the live footage to have a better look. The other men also opened their eyes wide. Their eyes were on Portia's pair of blue and white trainers."I have seen that shoe somewhere before," Scott mumbled as he began typing on the keyboard again. Another tab opened. He clicked on the surveillance video Portia had given to them. Without wasting time, he looked at the footwear Zara had on when she arrived at the Andersons' home. It was a pair of pink and black sneakers. Quickly, he fast-forwarded the video to when she was leaving. Strangely, her footwear was no longer pink and black. It was blue and white!Scott increased the brightness level of the screen and zoomed in more just to make sure he wasn't mistaken. The footwear had indeed changed."Holy smokes!" Anthony exclaimed at the mystery that was unfolding before him.In silence, Scott scrolled up the body of "Zara". It was at this moment he noticed that the body s
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER EIGHTY-EIGHT: Liars
The person she was looking at was Scott. She imagined slapping him in that hard face of his for all the pain he caused her child. The nerve of him to show up here after everything!"Mrs. Anderson... Mrs. Anderson," Detective Marshall called out, snapping his fingers.Finally, Portia drew her gaze away from Scott. She looked back at the cop and said, "Can't we talk here?""I'm afraid, no. I also need to speak to your daughter."Portia turned. "I could call her out.""No, there's no need. To the best of my knowledge, she's under house arrest, I don't want to stress her more than she already is. Also, she could get into trouble with her probation officer. Just let us in. Or is there something you don't want to see in there?"Hearing this, Portia's face changed immediately. She eyed him and then turned around. She walked into the house, leaving the door open. The four men walked in immediately.As soon as they entered, Scott's eyes swept around the house. He walked around while the others
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER EIGHTY-SEVEN: Two Hostages
"Mommy!" Jayden screamed as soon as he saw Zara sitting on the chair with her head hanging low. A rope was tied tightly around her. There was a dry patch of blood on her neck. Wisps of her hair stuck to her sweaty face. Her hands were tied together in front of her pelvis. Her collarbone was visible at this time, it was deeper than it had ever been. At the sight of his mother in this state, Jayden leaped to his feet and darted to her. Before he could get through the door of the cubicle where Zara was, Cora pushed him down with a smack. He fell to the dusty floor, hurting his back yet again. He screamed, "Aaaah!""Shut it!" Cora roared at him, raising her hand to hit him again.Jayden held his lips as he looked up at Cora with fear. His pale face instantly turned red. He coughed hard but still didn't let go of his lips. Suddenly, something caught his attention. He looked away from Cora. He soon screamed again, "Mommy!"Cora turned to look in the same direction as the little boy. She
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER EIGHTY-SIX: Ta-da!
Cora drew her head back. Looking up at the ceiling, she let out an evil laughter that reverberated in the entire living room. There was a bloodstain on the figurine. The sight of it made her more joyful. She looked down at Zara again and smirked. "Stupid bitch!"The patter of flip-flops suddenly came from the side. It was followed by a scream-whisper, "Cora! Why did you do that?"Cora looked at her mother with a smile still on her face. "I told you she was going to come, Mom. She was about to search the whole house. I had to stop her."Holding her forehead, Portia didn't know what to say for a while. She looked upstairs to make sure Steven was nowhere in sight, then she asked, "How did she get here? Did she come in her car or taxi?""I don't know!" Cora shrugged. "Why do you ask?"Portia put two fingers on Zara's neck. After confirming that there was a pulse, she said, "Use your head, Cora! We can't just let her go. And if we keep her here, the cops are gonna come here. You could be s
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER EIGHTY-FIVE: Mommy On A Mission
The mood in the Hall family's home was sadder than it had ever been in more than fifteen years when Zara's parents died. At the time, many people were crying, but today, it was a one-man crying marathon.Zara, who hadn't taken a shower since the day of Jayden's kidnap, dragged herself from the sofa and sat on the cold floor. Her crying increased in tempo. She dragged her greasy hair and scratched her red face. She looked like a woman who had just lost her husband.Mia moved closer and reached out. "You need to stop crying, Zara. You have been crying for more than two days.""If I don't cry, what else can I do? Eh! What else can I do? My son is missing. And the police keep telling me stories upon stories without having a single clue as the where Jayden is. Yet, I am not supposed to cry?" Zara asked sniffing hard.She suddenly slapped Mia's hand off her shoulder. "Leave me alone. Let me cry!"On the sofa opposite the two young ladies, Karen was seated in casual clothes. Her eyes were he
Open Marriage: It Takes Two To Tango CHAPTER EIGHTY-FOUR: Surveillance Footage
"Yes!" Scott punched the air as he stared at the masterpiece he had made. There was a big smile on his face at this moment. He had taken the day off work and spent the entire morning and noon painting the huge Spiderman figure on the wall of a spare room.With one of his hands on his hip, he muttered to himself, "I just have to put a child's bed here and make it more comfortable. Then, I have to convince Zara to allow him stay the night a few times."The thought of bringing up the topic made Scott shiver. He could already imagine her shooting him a deathly glare. But he was going to give it a shot anyway. "She can't kill me, can she?"Scott chuckled as he imagined her agreeing after his incessant pleas. "She can be very stubborn, but once I make her see the good in this, she will surely agree."As Scott continued to talk to himself, there was a knock on the door. The nanny's voice came from outside, "Mr. Brown, your phone has been ringing. Sorry to disturb you."Scott turned to look a
