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 povI wiped another tear from my face, not caring that the chaffuer could see me from the rearview mirror. I had ordered a Black car serviceto pick me up from the restaurant. Since I entered the luxury vehicle. I've been alternating between crying and laughing. When Thane called our daughter's name, a deluded part of me had hoped he'd beg me to take him back so we could live together as a family. But then he ruined it, by asking about her paternity.The first question he asked was if Tiffany was his child. Really? Is he stupid or did he say that to annoy me? I had thought. But then he kept on pressing, demanding to know if Tiffany was his daughter Thane thought low of me. Disgustingly low. I loved him, I worshipped the ground he stood on, and I made him see that no other person could measure up to him. Yet he implied that the moment we got divorced, I opened my legs to some Rando to knock me up.Thane is going to suffer for every moment he hurt me, I wished I could do more
Andera's pov.“Are you jealous, girl? You're sure you don't want to reconsider your sexuality? You could be gay for me. Trust me, I'd take you places no man has taken you before - my brother included. " Rosa joked as she drove us to Hilltop Preschool. It was closing hours and we both decided to pick the kids up together. Rosa and I have been teasing each other since morning. “Jesus Rosa, I didn't sleep with Carol. I only fell asleep while we were watching a movie." I defended myself. She had walked in on us yesterday, I jerked awake when I heard her laughter. After putting the kids to bed(they waited up for me) I went over to Carol's - Rosa's home. True to what he said, he didn't touch me, we stayed side by side on the couch watching a new action movie Carol had recommended. I have never been a movie person, I tend to fall asleep thirty minutes into a show. Being with Carol was comforting, it was just like spending time with Rosa - like spending time with a good friend. I was so rel
Melissa's Pov. “Stay the fuck away from me, Melissa. I hate you! You are a leech! That's what you are!" Sebastian yelled as I walked out from his mansion and life. I kept chewing my bubble gum, blowing bubbles at intervals. My Louboutins clacking on the marble floor. “ Are you seriously leaving?" He asked incredulously, his tone layered with worry. I had to stifle a grin. I knew Sebastian was bluffing when he said I should leave his home. “Come on Melissa. One apology wouldn't kill you." He sounded frustrated and tired. I kept walking, not even turning to spare him a glance. I had reached the living room now. Men, with their incessant attitude, always grate on my nerves. Last night, Sebastian and I attended a family gala. One of the servers didn't get me the exact wine I ordered -which is a big insult to my person, and to teach the woman a lesson, I poured the drink on her. Sebastian got angry instead of defending me so I left the gala with my held up high. I came back home a
Melissa's PovOver the past week, I hired several hackers to track my blackmailer's number but the criminal had his tracks covered. It was untraceable. I had gone through my list of suspects over and over again but it still does not add up. There were the five guys I had that orgy back in high school, but what would they benefit from me marrying Thane? And it's not like I recall their identities anyway. There's also Paul - Thane's nerdy cousin and personal assistant. He could be planning to take the company from Thane's hands, but it didn't make any sense how he'd accomplish that by my relationship with Thane. Everything was so weirdly confusing. At this point I was going crazy, throwing my frustration at everyone and everything. Sebastian has been avoiding me like a plague, using the disguise of business to stay away from home. I sighed as I took my sip of vodka. It's been eight days since that blackmail. Maybe the fucker has given up and decided to find someone else to torment,
Andera's povShe took off her sunglasses. Her icy blue eyes locked onto mine. My blood simmered with fury, memories of all those times Melissa taunted me came rushing like a wave.I thought Thane said he wasn't with Melissa anymore, what the fuck was she doing in front of my kid's preschool?Oh shit! The kids.My eyes fell down to the twins who were darting their gaze between me and Melissa. “Mommy, is something wrong?" Timmy asked, gray eyes full of concern. Tiffany snuggled closer to my leg, disturbed by Melissa's hard stare. Melissa's eyes fell on Tim's. He puffed out his chest like the brave boy he is, under different circumstances, I would have grinned, but with the frown deepening on Melissa's face, she knew. The resemblance between Thane and Tim is striking. She knows about the twins- Thane's twins.“What are you doing here?" I deadpanned, my mind was racing a mile a minute but I didn't let my troubles show on my face. I would not cower before Melissa, never again. Her lips c
Andera's pov“Please, Daddy. Pleaseeee”Tiffany begged, giving Thane adorable puppy eyes. If we weren't running late for work and preschool, I would have stood much longer to watch Thane battle with indecisiveness. It was cute to see the refined and powerful CEO of a multi-billion dollar company struggle to say ‘No’ to a nearly five-year-old kid. “Tiffany. You can't.” I said softly but firmly, helping Thane out. His shoulders visibly sagged with relief. This little girl had him wrapped around her small fingers “You cannot wear a tiara and heels to school. It's against school policies.”She grumbled and looked up at her daddy, waiting for him to intervene. Thane shrugged apologetically and offered to buy her a new doll house if she cooperated. “I'm sorry sweetie, but mommy is right. I could, however, buy you a new doll house instead.”Tiffany considered the offer for a beat, before grinning and accepting “Deal?” “Deal”They both shook hands like they had closed a business contr
Andera's povOur partnership was thriving more than I expected. Reinhardt infrastructure and Auraspire Energies were the talks of the town. Rumors had already flown around about me and Thane, but we chose not to address the issue yet. We were happy the way we were. Lazy mornings in bed, afternoons texting each other and giving updates about our companies, evenings with our kids, and laughter enough to make our stomachs hurt, and then, last but definitely not least, nights of passionate lovemaking. We were happy, that was until some certain visitor showed up on Sunday.“I'm sorry to interrupt your...time Sir, but you have some visitors.” Joseph, our butler, interrupted our banter.It was a lazy Sunday evening. Thane and I were nibbling on my homemade red velvet cookies; the twins were with Rosa. She would bring them back in an hour or so. Initially, Thane had been reluctant to let Tim and Tiffy out of his sight, but after much convincing on my part, he finally budged. The kids were
Andera's pov.If my smile widened just a tiny fraction, my face would split into two. Who knew forgiveness could be so refreshing? It's been almost two weeks since I gave in to Thane; that's two weeks of happiness, laughter, love, and...other things.I watched as Thane helped Timmy and Tiffany with their home works. Pencils and crayons were scattered in the living room. As if he knew I was watching him, Thane raised his face and saw me standing at the foot of the stairs. From over here, I could feel the heat that flared in his eyes. “Hey.” he mouthed, his eyes warm. “Hey.” I mouthed back, Thane's eyes trailed over my body. Now that things between me and Thane were more.. cordial, my guard around him dropped. I wore my preferred shorts and tank tops, sometimes -in the privacy of our room, I wore nothing at all. Thane gave me a part appreciating, part promising smile before refocusing on the task spread in front of him. Heat gathered below my spine. I could never get enough of Tha
Andera's povOur partnership was thriving more than I expected. Reinhardt infrastructure and Auraspire Energies were the talks of the town. Rumors had already flown around about me and Thane, but we chose not to address the issue yet. We were happy the way we were. Lazy mornings in bed, afternoons texting each other and giving updates about our companies, evenings with our kids, and laughter enough to make our stomachs hurt, and then, last but definitely not least, nights of passionate lovemaking. We were happy, that was until some certain visitor showed up on Sunday.“I'm sorry to interrupt your...time Sir, but you have some visitors.” Joseph, our butler, interrupted our banter.It was a lazy Sunday evening. Thane and I were nibbling on my homemade red velvet cookies; the twins were with Rosa. She would bring them back in an hour or so. Initially, Thane had been reluctant to let Tim and Tiffy out of his sight, but after much convincing on my part, he finally budged. The kids were
Andera's povI snuggled closer to the solid warmth behind me that was new yet familiar. A soft purr escaped my lips. ‘Where was I?’ I thought in my hazy mind.Boston?Seattle?Home?My bed felt different, more comfy and warm. I sighed when something strong and warm brushed over my stomach, pulling me closer. I let out another moan.My eyes opened a fraction to see gray and white walls, furniture that I didn't recognize, and paintings that weren't mine. “What? Where...am..?” “You're awake.” a gravelly voice whispered into my hair. It took me less than a second to recognize that voice. It was Thane's. At once, my hazy memories cleared up. The warmth radiating around me was Thane's body. What I felt on my stomach was his big hand pulling me closer to him.“Hey!” I scrambled away from Thane and off the bed. “Why were you cuddling me?” Thane wiped the sleep from his eyes with his hands; his dark hair tousled; morning light seeped in through the curtains and rested on his skin, making t
Andera's pov.“Welcome home” Thane gestured into his mansion, a smug grin on his face that I wanted to smack away. Last night, while we settled into the too-tight sleeper couch, I had agreed we all live together, that Is until I can come up with a plan. The idea of living with Thane, under the same roof makes me want to pull my hair out. If five months ago, someone had told me that I would be living with Thane. I would have called them crazy, but here we were.It's not like I have much of an option though. Go to court? Good gracious no. Move back to Boston and leave my children behind? Not even at gunpoint. Move in with my ex-husband, whom is loving and kind to our kids and won't stop looking at me like he's a starved man and I'm his last meal? Umm... How bad could it be? The answer: catastrophically bad. “Stop staring at me., I yelled In a fierce whisper. Thane's lips curled an inch. “I'm just so glad you decided to come home.” “I did this for our kids.” I retorted. “So i
Thane's pov “Your daughter is responding well to the transfusion. We will need to keep her admitted overnight for observation, but we're optimistic about her recovery.” My shoulders sagged with relief, and so did Andera's. Tiffany had been transferred to a specialized hospital when the results came out showing that I was a perfect match. We both exchanged a look, Andera's face lit up, she placed her hand on my arm and softly mouthed “Thank you.” My heart- the poor guy melted into a puddle. Now that we were sure Tiffany was okay, my tension had loosened up, and I was starting to feel like an idiot for lashing out at Andera, for getting angry at her when she had as much right to hate me. I placed a hand over hers. “I'm sorry.” I mouthed back. For being an a*shole, when she was down and needed me. “I'm sorry for everything.” When Andera gave me that mesmerizing smile, I was tempted to pull her close to me and lock my lip with hers. The doctor, (whom we had forgotten was there)
Thane's pov Seeing Andera had brought up all the anger, frustration, and hurt I had locked away. I told myself I would look past what she had done and move on from it for the sake of our children, but the wound cut too deep; I wondered if it would ever truly heal.I reached the doctor's office. My heart beating erratically in my chest as I pondered over the condition of my daughter. I silently cursed myself for the minutes I wasted exchanging words with Andera. The doctor stood up, pushing her curls behind her ear.“I'm Tiffany's father.” I blurted out. “Tiffany and Timmy's father.” Andera came up behind me, so close I could feel her body heat. My heart twisted again, her proximity stirred a painful longing Inside me.“Well then. Let's begin. We will start by taking your blood to see if you're a match for your daughter." The doctor stated.Even after three days, knowing that I have a daughter and a son still felt surreal to me; it made me feel equal parts happiness, sadness, and w
Thanes pov.I could have sworn I heard a crack in my chest. “What are you talking about Andera?” I demanded. Andera sniffed some more. Murderous rage ripped through me while my mind raced a mile a minute with the worst cases scenarios. If someone hurt her or Tiffany.....I shook the thoughts away; I couldn't possibly be thinking of killing someone when I was in a cemetery. “It's Tiffany. Sh...she is....we couldn't...” Andera stuttered. My blood pressure skyrocketed.“Send me your location, now. I'll be there.” she ended the call and I waited for Andera's message. “Are you leaving?” Imogen asked, her red-rimmed eyes peeking out from under the lace of her black hat. Melissa's death hit Imogen the hardest.When I found Melissa dead days ago, I immediately informed the police; investigations were carried out and are still being carried out. I spent the first day and most of the second at the police department, cooperating with the investigations, and even after I was cleared of all su