Andera's pov. Everything is going smoothly. Well, everything except my love life. I haven't been able to meet Rosa's eyes since I stepped into the office. Guilt twisted my insides."Andera, are you listening to me? I've been trying to get your attention" Rosa said, her tone slightly aggravated. "Umm...Yeah... You were saying?" I lift my head from the computer screen I had been staring at, gulping as my eyes lock on Rosa's. She eyes me suspiciously. "Let's leave business aside first." She walks around the table, her olive skin radiating in her navy blue suit."What did you do, Andera?" My eyes suddenly widen in their sockets. She must have noticed the dark circle under my eyes since I came in three hours ago."What do you mean?" I ask feigning ignorance"I know that face; it's the same one you had that day on the beach when I forced you to wear a bikini. You have this look of self-pity whenever you feel you've done something wrong. It's all over your face now. Tell me the truth, p
Thane's pov"Fully booked? I'm not accepting that for an answer. I don't care if I have to buy the entire restaurant to get a reservation for Friday night. A table or the entire building, I'm dining there with my date on Friday." I cut the call abruptly and slammed my phone down on my desk. Paul blinked, wisely choosing not to aggravate me. Thank goodness I'm not dealing with the weird side of Paul today; I don't want anything to ruin my mood, but the restaurant's manager's reluctance was grating on my nerves. If he doesn't get me a VIP reservation by Friday, I'll just book the entire building."But sir. If it's fully booked, why don't you just find another? There are more exquisite places to take your date." I shook my head. "No, it must be this one." I persisted.This was the same place Andera had gone out of her way to secure reservations for us on our year marriage anniversary dinner I stood her up. I want to take her there and apologize for it, make amends. I will erase every
Andera's pov. I sat at my desk, exchanging a couple of messages with Dr Rahim Rajah. The date for our appointment has been set, a week from now. Tiffany hasn't shown any signs of tiredness or weakness; my little girl has been her usual energetic self, hale and hearty. But I'm not taking any chances. Better safe than sorry, which is why we're meeting with Dr Rahim next week.I stretched my arms to ease my body from the stiffness that comes with sitting down all day. Rosa was currently on-site, overseeing the installation of a solar panel system for a tech company. They wanted to change their energy source to solar power to reduce their carbon footprint. After that conversation with Rosa, I have avoided Carol like a plague. He stopped by the day after I made my move, but I had Becky politely dismiss him. Fortunately, Carol has been busy with his photography job; he's usually not at home, and our paths have only crossed once. Still, the awkwardness between us remains. I know differen
Andera's pov.Timmy had a frown on his beautiful face when I announced that Aunt Rosa and her brother - Carol, would be joining us for dinner tonight."Why can't Aunt Rosa come without her brother?" He whined, his chubby cheeks falling into a frown. I knelt down beside him in their shared bedroom, trying to reason with my stubborn boy."Because that wouldn't be nice, Timmy. Just imagine if someone invited Tiffany to a party and didn't invite you. Would you be happy?" I asked him. Tiffany, my sweet girl, giggled; she sat on her pink bed, legs dangling off the edge. "If they didn't invite Timmy over, I wouldn't go mommy." She said proudly."Fine. He can come." Timmy finally agreed. "And you promise to be nice to him?" I shot him a stern glance. A small grin played on Timmy's face. His gray eyes grew bright with mischief. "Yes, Mommy. I'll be nice to your boyfriend." He teased. My jaw dropped. "Boyfriend? No..no..." I shook my head. Timmy and Tiffany burst into a fit of giggles. Th
Andera's pov.I stared down at the necklace around my neck, Carol had put it on me before dinner. While Rosa and the twins chatted, he was taking sneaky glances at me. Our eyes met a couple of times, and I instantly looked away. I had invited Carol over to tell him the truth, not to get swoon away but his gifts and thoughtfulness. When we finished our dinner and dessert- courtesy of Becky, Rosa moved the kids to the living room so they could all watch cartoons, but I knew she was giving me some privacy to sort things out with Carol. "First off, thanks for the gifts tonight. It's really appreciated." I began; Carol had a lopsided grin on his face as he leaned back into the dining chair. His tattoos peeked out from under his short-sleeved shirt, his jean trousers hugging his thighs, and gold earrings in both earlobes. Carol is a handsome man; I don't know why my body doesn't reacted to him the way I do whenever Thane is around me."Don't mention it, Andera. I am more than glad you lov
Andera's pov. I glanced at the silver necklace on my bedside table, gleaming in the morning light that filtered in through my curtains. Despite having agreed to Carol's relationship proposal - or whatever that was last night, I didn't want to put it on again.But remembering my meeting with Thane today alongside my engineers, I swallowed down the uncertainty and wore it. It suited my cream bodice with the square-cut neckline. The engraving was clear and bold; whoever stood near me would see the writings and suspect that it was a gift from a lover. That's the reason I changed my mind, so Thane would assume it was given to me by someone special.Petty? Yeah, I know. Anything to stop him from thinking I'm available.I headed downstairs, ready to drop Tim and Tiffy at preschool. These days, I prefer driving myself every where I go. Reaching the school, I exchanged pleasantries with other parents who were dropping their kids off."See you later, Mommy." Tiffany waved me as I bent down to
Andera's pov. Thane led me outside, his hand resting on the small of my back, even in my heels, he was so tall, I'd have to tilt my neck if I wanted to see his face. The orange sunset set the sky in colorful hues. It was beautiful. I wanted to watch the sky with Thane's hand resting on my back, making me feel safe. He opened the door to his Bentley for me and I stepped in. His cologne wafted into my nose and I took in a breath full, of this familiar scent of sandalwood that always made me heady.Thane stepped into the driver's seat as I watched his long veiny fingers close around the driving wheel. I blinked, my mouth suddenly going dry, the sight of those fingers and Thane's veiny arms used to make my toes curl. It still does. I looked away, towards the streets of Seattle as Thane drove. He took a turn that wasn't the route to my home."Hey, my house is that way." I pointed towards the direction he missed."I know." Came his curt reply"What do you mean you know?" Thane didn't ans
Thane's pov“Tiffany." Her name rolled off my tongue like sweet wine. It's a beautiful name. The name that had been etched in my mind for days now, it was the only thing swirling in my head until I saw Andera wearing that necklace in the waiting room.One problem at a time, I had muttered to myself even though I was burning with rage. I'll sort out Tiffany's case first. Then I'll remind Andera that she's mine.“Surprised?" I asked, my expression poker-faced. “I know about Tiffany. Now sit down." I pulled out the chair for her, Andera numbly sat down, she couldn't deny it. The way her hands shook on the table was a testament to the truth. She looked at me with big wide eyes, the greens of her eyes outshining the brown. Andera could try to mask it, but I see right through her facade. Her mind must be running a mile a minute, wondering how I found out. I'll fill her in on everything but first..."Take that thing off your neck," I ordered. My eyes fell down to the sliver heart-shaped pend
Andera's Pov The first thing I felt was the cold.My eyelids were heavy; it was an effort to open them; even when I did, I couldn't see past the darkness that wrapped me like a dark curtain. My head throbbed, heavy like lead. The harsh cold hit me again, racking my body with shivers.Reality hit my hazy mind like a brutal wave.The accident and kidnap.My kids.“Timmy! Tiffany!” I screamed past the burning parchedness in my throat. My voice echoed off the walls, bouncing back to me.“Atlas! Timmy!! Tiffan..”A cough so violent wrenched free from me, squeezing my organs, clogging my throat.Water, I needed water.I coughed again, and blood spluttered to my thighs; the dull ache in the side of my head returned, but it wasn't bleeding anymore; the wound must have coated.I reached out to touch it, but my hand didn't move; I tried again, but nothing; it was then I regained consciousness of my body enough to know I was tied down to a chair, my ankles were bound, and my hands tied behind m
Thane's Pov. The meeting dragged longer than it should have. Much to my Asian client's disdain, I kept glancing at my watch, thinking of Andera, Timmy, and Tiffany at the bakery and all the family time I was missing out on. Thankfully, the wedding was a stone's throw away, after which we'd go on our honeymoon - the twins included, to a place far removed, deep in the mountains. I heaved out a sigh of relief when we rounded things up. Something had been gnawing at me the entire meeting. I brushed it off as the feeling of missing out, but now that the meeting is over, I realize it's because Atlas didn't check in with me. He was supposed to give me information once they reached the bakery, and departed too. Andrea had also said she'd call me on her way back. I haven't received her call, and she should have been back by now. I called once. No answer. Twice. Nothing. By the third ring, my gut twisted sharply. I stood from my chair when the call ended and reached out to Paul “Postpon
Andera's povI could hear the blood pounding in my ears. My pulse spiked, I drew the twins closer to me.“Mommy is something wrong?” Timmy asked with a trembling voice.Atlas drew out his gun, Tiffany let out a piercing scream, Timmy burrowed into my side, his fists clutching my shirt.“Stay down.” Atlas's voice carried a note of urgency I had not heard before. My throat dried as I pulled the kids down with me to the floor of the car. “At..Atlas. Wh..what's going on?” I couldn't hear myself over the erratic beating of my heart. Oh God! What could be happening? My body trembled with fear. I reached into my purse with shaky fingers to call for help. Somehow, over the loud thumping in my chest and the shakiness of my body, I heard the sound of metal clashing against metal behind us, of tires screeching, and a loud bang.My hand flew to my mouth to stifle my horrified scream; the car behind us had just been hit.Tiffany burst into tears, and Timmy joined immediately. “Mommy”I hushed t
Andera's Pov.Tiffany tugged on her daddy's pants, giving him those cute hazel eyes both of us found hard to say No to. “Please, Daddy, please. Pretty pleaseeee”I bit back a grin when Timmy joined, grabbing the other leg. “Please, Daddy.”They were both using their child charm on him, and it was working. Thane ran a hand over his face like a defeated man. His eyes ping-ponged between the two rascals, weaponizing their asset of cuteness. There was love in his eyes, bright and unwavering, but there was also guilt, the kind only a parent would have when forced to choose duty over time with their family.“Help me.” Thane mouthed in my direction. I cleared my throat, stepping in. “Timmy and Tiffany Reinhardt, come here.”Timmy pouted, folded his arms, and stomped his foot over to my side; Tiffany held on though, sheathing her biggest weapon-big puppy hazel eyes. Thane's throat bobbed, he hated saying no to the twins. While Timmy was more understanding, Tiffany would likely throw a fit
Andera's pov. I stopped by Becky's to see how they were doing; thankfully, Jeremy is walking now with the aid of crutches; they both promised to be in attendance for the wedding. It's two more weeks to forever! I grinned and stopped at the red light. Thane and I were putting the finishing touches on our preparations. The kids and I have been so giddy ever since. I know Thane Is equally excited; he's not just bouncy like me, Timmy, and Tiffany. Explaining our remarriage to the kids had been quite a task; they kept sprouting question upon question, but they were later distracted with the promise of cakes, partying, and participating in the wedding. I drive home on autopilot. The gates opened as I pulled up in the garage; I caught sight of Thane waiting on the terrace. “Welcome back,” Thane says with a soft smile as I join him. He's wearing a crisp white shirt folded at the wrist and pants that hugged him. It was unfair how he looked insanely handsome in his casual wear. One
Andera's pov. Today was for the girls—just me, Rosa, and Tiffany.Timmy pouted as we left the house, arms crossed and lips pushed out dramatically. “Why do the girls get all the fun?” he asked, for the third time. I ruffled his hair and kissed his forehead. “You’re going to get your tuxedo tested with Daddy, and he also promised you ice cream afterward. That's pretty fun too.”He nodded, his pout loosening at the mention of ice cream. I watched as Father and Son dressed up to go to the tailor. My heart doing the happy dance somersault of someone in love. With the wedding just four weeks away, our preparations have kicked into full gear, We arrived at one of Seattle's most exclusive bridal houses. The boutique was known for Its elegance and custom gowns. It smelled like soft roses and expensive fabrics when we stepped in. The bright lighting poured from the crystal-like chandeliers to the rows of dresses that looked like art.“Woah.” Tiffany's mouth flew open in awe “Mommy, it lo
Andera's pov. The clouds darkened as I made my way to my car. It was all clear skies this morning. Now it's threatening to rain, typical Seattle weather. Well, on the bright side, at least it didn't start before I made this visit. I slipped into the driver's seat of my car right as the rain started pouring down. Two weeks ago, I got that call from Atlas. I met Becky in a physically sound state, emotionally- not at all good. Her fall was a result of a call from her sister, telling her that her son had been involved in a motorbike accident. Becky left immediately to tend to her son. I turn on my car engine and drive out from the hospital's parking lot. Jeremy - Becky's son, had been recovering. Thankfully, he was wearing a helmet at the time of his motorbike accident, so no damage went to his head, but he did break some important bones in his legs. The doctor assured us that with the proper treatment and rehabilitation, he would be able to walk again. Thane and I had been visiting
Andera's pov.Seattle hadn't changed, The normal moody skies and busy traffic. My office hadn’t changed either. The floor to ceiling glass windows remained the same as with the walls, and the same soft buzz of conversations and typing that filled every corridor of Auraspire Energies.But I had changed.A whole lot, not that I dyed my hair a different color and got some tats. There was a new weight on my left hand—cool, solid, impossible to ignore.And everyone noticed.The second I stepped off the executive elevator. I caught lingering glances at my hand, the glances changed to widened eyes and whispered exchanges.Congratulations, ma’am,” Lucy, one of my very loyal workers said as I passed the marketing wing. I smiled my thanks at her; despite being the CEO, I kept my relationship with my workers professional and cordial.“Welcome back, Boss! The Maldives looked good on you,” another called out.“Damn, that ring could finance half our solar grid,” Alex, our lead engineer, muttered wi
Thane's povShe knows I'm lying. I know that she knows I'm lying. I watched her and the kids sleep peacefully in the cabin; it's been hours since we left, and we'd be home soon. Home. Warmth spread its way all over my body. I had doubted Andera would accept my proposal. Hell, I hadn't even wanted to propose yet, although I carried the ring everywhere with me. But Maldives had been an eye opener, I realized, for what would be the hundredth time, that I wanted to spend every day of my life with her. I wanted us to have beautiful vacations and getaways, laugh together, and share our tough moments. Like taking her to the sea of stars, the proposal had also been a gamble; thank the universe that the stars(above and below) were in my favor. I didn't know what I'd do if she had turned me down.But there's another problem I have to fix. I hated lying to Andera, but fúck, I couldn't put her in that position of anxiety and worry again. She's under the illusion that no one is after her, that