(Aya’s POV)“Does that sound believable already?” Red asked, smirking at them.It was as if I was standing on the foot of the mountain, having an avalanche and all the snow fell on me. It was believable because Red almost got me. Embarrassed, humiliated that I allowed to fall myself into his act, and angry, when Red turned to me, my palm instantly landed on his left cheek, slapping him hard.“What’s that for?” He asked angrily, his palm on the cheek I hurt.“I told you I’d kill you if you touched me without my permission,” I screamed angrily, breathing hard and turning my back on him.“Where are you going?” He panicked.Addie and Mike stood up, alarmed that I walked toward the door.“We’re not yet done,” Red snarled. “I’m asking you, Aya, where are you going?” He asked, following me, but halted abruptly when I stopped and turned around.“Weekend, remember? I have work!” I growled.“Are you sure this is the right decision? They’re not married yet, but they’re likely ready to kill each
(Aya’s POV)“Lucy!” I called when I saw her walking toward her office.I glanced at the puff pastry with custard and strawberries I baked and designed with fancy heart-shaped biscuits before dashing to my supervisor. She stopped walking and raised her eyebrows, waiting for me to come closer.“Can I have another shift today?” I chewed on my lower lip, hoping she would say yes. If she allowed me, it would be my third shift already.She chuckled. “Is it because of Chef Heidi?”“Yep!” I grinned, wiggling my eyebrows.Chef Heidi was not a regular cook in the restaurant, only when there was a VIP or special occasion. Toward the end of my first shift, I heard she would be here later. As to who was the special guest, I didn’t ask. She taught Culinary Arts education at an elite university in the country, and learning from her in that school was definitely out of my budget, so whenever she was here, no matter how tired I was from my two shifts, I always took my chance.When I called Addie and L
(Aya’s POV)“Mommy, can Red be my daddy, too?” Katie asked, wrapping her arms around my waist and raising her head to look at my face.If she were asking me for an ice cream or a new toy, I could answer her question, but my little girl wished for a father to be part of our lives when no one was ready. I imagined getting married but someday, not right away.I was too focused on the kids that I did not notice the door opening. Sapphire dashed to Katie and held her hand, tugging her toward her other siblings. The two girls giggled as they joined the others, and Violet led them to the table.“Aya,” Red’s baritone voice startled me.I should be furious at him for including the kids in his crazy plan, but my heart was thumping crazily inside my chest, unsure why I was feeling emotional and where it was coming from. Slowly, I turned around and saw Red standing gorgeously.“What’s this, Red?” I choked, fighting my tears and pretending to be mad.“This wasn’t my idea, but Ariana’s. I’m so bad
(Aya’s POV)It was a quick kiss because the children ran toward Red and me, giggling happily as they embraced us. I chuckled, reaching out for the table napkin on the side and wiping the corners of the twin’s and Katie’s mouths because of the strawberry and chocolate-covered cake balls they ate.“I like this, mommy,” Onyx said, biting the one still in his hand.Mommy.They didn’t come from my womb, but my whole body was filled with joy, and I didn’t know why I was too excited that a few hours from now, it wouldn’t be awkward for me to hear them calling me their mommy. The tears I was holding rolled down my cheeks.Blue gasped. “Oh no! You made mommy cry, Onyx.”I chuckled, wiping the tears and sniffling as I shook my head. My heart was so full, unsure where the happiness was coming from because it was overflowing inside me. I glanced at Red when he called me, extending his hand to go with him and meet our family.“Dad,” I muttered nervously.My father only smiled and hugged me. I knew
(Aya’s POV)Dante fetched us from home and drove us to Rose Hills after breakfast. We had to go there early because Mike mentioned I had to sign the prenuptial agreement before the wedding. I didn’t need to explain it to my family, especially to dad, because they understood. I was just worried because even last night, when we came home to the apartment, he didn’t say much except he knew that there was something special about Red and me.When we arrived, and Dante stopped the SUV in front of the villa, I did not wait for him to open the door. Even Addie and Leslie went out of the car and helped Katie get out of her child's seat, but we let him help my father.“Wow!” Leslie opened her mouth in awe as she looked at the luxurious home of her boss. “This is more than winning a lottery, Aya.”Addie had a different concern. “You walked on that hill and from that gate to here?”I laughed, nodding at her. I could not believe it was only recently that I thought I would die in coming here, hopin
(Red’s POV)“Aya’s here, Red. Why do you look so nervous?” Liam chuckled. “Your bride won’t run away.”I knew that because Ariana and Mike kept updating me on what was happening inside. Aya had signed the prenuptial agreement already, and she was sent to the guest room to prepare her for this event. The plan was a simple wedding in my office followed by a lunch with our families with Sherrilyn. Still, I could not ignore the fact that I already stole Aya’s dream wedding, if she had, and tied her to me, so I asked my sister for help, at least giving her a wedding to remember.Ariana told me last night to relax and leave everything to her and Mike while Liam and I were busy in the online meeting with the board last night. The event coordinator she hired had her staff work overnight, turning the covered swimming pool area into a paradise.When the music began, while I walked the red carpet adorned with flowers looking like they sprouted on the side, I could not help thinking about the gra
(Red’s POV)I wanted to kiss Aya more, but I was afraid I would not stop myself from devouring her soft and sweet lips. I stared at her lips for a few seconds as I licked mine, hoping she would allow me to kiss her again later.Later… I pressed my lips, suppressing a laugh, unsure why I wanted more when I planned to work tonight. She agreed to sleep in my bed, but I didn’t know if I would get a wink with Aya beside me.After hugs and kisses of congratulations from our family members, our guest, the person and the reason Aya and I were in this situation, walked closer to us.“Congratulations, Red, Aya,” she kissed Aya and then me on my cheek.“Aya, baby, she’s Sherrilyn,” I introduced, pretending she didn’t know why Sherrilyn was here.My wife curved into a smile. “Oh, hi! I’m so happy you came today.”“I got worried when my grandchildren called,” she muttered as she looked at the beautifully adorned place. “I came here to witness this day. It’s important for me to see who will take ca
(Red’s POV)I raised my hands. “I’m sorry. I just got curious,” I lied.“Curious? Hmph!”Aya sneered at me again and placed a pillow on the bed’s headboard, leaning her back on the cushion and turning her eyes to the magazine she was reading. I might as well suggest to Ariana to give her a space suit, a good night dress to keep me sane at night.“Don’t take advantage of me, Red,” she sighed, tilting her head to glance at me. She looked cute, pouting her lips.“I’m just a man, okay,” I murmured as I tapped my pillow, annoyingly lying on my bed and covering my face with the blanket.“Red,” called Aya in a hushed tone.“What?”I almost growled when she tried to pull the cover from my face. My forehead furrowed, seeing the horror in her eyes as if she had seen a ghost. “Ariana said you haven’t changed anything in your bedroom for many years. Does it include your bed?” she asked in a hushed tone.I pressed my lips, suppressing a laugh, wondering why she was whispering. The main bedroom, b