Thane's povSEVEN AND A HALF YEARS AGO. Things like this are why I left home in the first place. Everyone is here with a smile, pretentious smile. It's my father's birthday; the Great Duncan Reinhardt is about to retire. I have been overseeing the company for some months now, but today it would be made official. I would become the CEO of Renihardt's infrastructures, and there's so much I plan to do, so many ideas to grow the company but first....My eyes scanned the party, looking for her. I'm always looking for her. I'm always ignoring her. This unhealthy habit started when she turned nineteen. I was home that day. Only my father ever bought her gifts. My sister's didn't like her and my mother... Well, my mother was too busy with the men... Boys she dates to be concerned about anyone in this family. I hadn't been home for so long that I expected to see Andera as a little red-haired girl running the hallway with a crown of flowers on her hair. That was how I remembered her. Ander
Thane's Pov.At thirty-four, I have accomplished what many spend their whole lives trying yet failing to achieve. However, there are things that I regret immensely. In my early and mid-twenties, I was reckless, overbearing, and selfish. I wouldn't say I'm any better now, but at least I'm willing to admit that I, too, have flaws.If I could go back in time, I would never have been so angry at the prospect of marrying Andrea. I would treat her like the queen - the Empress she is. I would give in to the love I was starting to have for her.I can't go back in time, but I can control how the future would be. Andera doesn't realize it yet, but she sits at the center of my universe. It's crazy how much I'm in love with her now. In the morning when I wake up, it's her smile that comes to my mind before anything else, when I close my eyes to sleep, her voice is the lullaby that gives me sweet dreams.Dreams about me, her, Tiffany, and many other kids. I want a big family with Andera. And I w
Andera's pov ONE MONTH AGO.They say the enemy of your enemy is your friend. I don't know about that. Marcus's creepy smile made my skin crawl. Even the way his eyes darted between me and the lukewarm coffee he offered me. I have half a mind not to drink it, not only because it's not hot, but also because a small part of me doesn't trust him.I sat in the spacious conference room, in a few weeks, we would be having a meeting here, and by we, I mean Thane and I. “An alliance.” He repeated himself, stoking his goatee. Uneas washed over me, but I didn't let it show on my face. “Yes.” I answered, even though it wasn't a question. “we both want to get back at Thane for something.”Marcus's eyes lightened. He giggled. A grown ass forty year old man giggled, but there was no mirth in his eyes, Marcus had this air around him that was very disturbing. Add a little bit of white, green, and red make-up; he could pass for the Joker. But I was willing to put aside my reservations and work wi
Thane's Pov. Andera's face paled like she had just seen a ghost walk past. If I didn't know her well enough, I would have thought she pissed her pants. Right now, I'm not sure I know her well enough. Not that she pissed herself or anything, but because she planned with Marcus to destroy my entire life and career. I know Andera still harbors hatred for me, but still, trying to frame me of corporate fraud and tax evasion? I would have spent my entire life in jail if I wasn't smart enough to keep tabs on Marcus.I knew the man was always jealous of my success. So I planted spies around him.Rick, one of the FBI agents - and also a friend of mine marched up to me. Andera shot up from her seat, her face white. “Wh..Wh.. ” she stuttered, looking from Rick to a confused Marcus. I glanced at Andera, hurt tightened my chest. She really did plan with Marcus.When I heard the information from my sources that Andera was allying with my enemy, I waved it off. I thought even though she hated m
Melissa's pov. I didn't stay in one hotel for too long. I was running away from something, someone whom I didn't know, but I knew he would stop at nothing to hurt me. Sometimes, while staring at the ceiling of the luxurious suites I stayed in, I wondered if it would be better to turn myself to the cops. Tell them I planned to murder my father by overdose but he ended up in a coma. If I did, I'd be on death row, and I love life too much. I loved MY life too much. I stretched my hands up in the air, laying back down on the bed; my nail polish was getting old and worn out; between being blackmailed and trying to figure out how I was going to save myself, there was no chance for a manicure. I no longer slept well at night, resulting in ugly bags under my eyes. I was stuck in Seattle for God knows how long. ‘Take Andera out of the way, and you would be the only one Thane has for comfort.’ my blackmailer's last text read. I laughed to myself. I laughed at him; he was foolish. Even if
Andera's pov. I broke my promise to myself. I swore no man would ever see my tears again yet I was weak before Thane. I allowed myself to be vulnerable. Thane challenged me to go on with my revenge, and that Is exactly what I will do. After he walked out on me in that storage room, I took time to reflect on so many things, and when I eventually came out, I had wrapped my heart in iron, leaving the old Andera behind- the one who has a soft spot and could easily be manipulated by Thane. My decision was made: I would hit Thane with my last blow, and the second that was done, I, Rosa and the kids would get on the next flight to Boston. I will put everything behind me afterward. So far, it's been five days since Marcus's arrest. Every time my phone buzzed, my heart raced to see if it was a message from Thane and every time, I was always disappointed; I cursed myself silently for allowing Thane to crawl under my skin this much. “Ready to go home?” Rosa's voice came from behind me. I no
Andrea's pov.I knew he was around, but we didn't see each other that night; I understood though, that Carol needed some space from me and my problems.I needed space too, from my own melancholy and loathing. Time with the kids was a reprieve, I could forget about Thane and the inevitable chaos I would soon wreck his way, I could forget about my strained friendship with Carol.“Mommy, you promised we could have a dog,” Timmy whined, giving me the puppy eyes.“Did I?” I asked with an amused grin. Taking care of two boisterous kids required energy, time and patience, not to mention chips of my mental health...adding a pet to the family, I don't know if I have enough strength for that.“We should have a cat instead,” Tiffany interjected, twirling her hair with her fingers. “They're softer and more easier to cuddle.”“Too bad Tiffy. Mommy already promised me we would have a dog.” Timmy teased. “I did?” Timmy looked up at me with a small frown. We were all sitting on Tiffany's bed, hav
Thane's Pov. I'm pretty sure I broke more than ten traffic rules in the book. It was already past ten at night, but still, the roads of Seattle were busier than ever. “Move.” I honked my horn at the minivan in front of me. Whoever was behind that wheel had to be an eighty year old grandma. A turtle in morphine could move faster than that. “God dammit!” I cursed as I took a sharp turn to overtake the van. I needed to get to Andera fast. Not that there was much I could do. I didn't know if that picture was taken minutes or hours ago. I couldn't find who did it by barging into her home, but what I could do was to ensure she was okay and to assure my racing heart too. In no time, the photo would be wiped clean from the face of the internet and every device. My tech guys were that good. The ride from my mansion to Andera's home is nearly twenty minutes, I made it there in seventeen. I parked my car and took long strides to the door, well aware that she might be asleep by now, and I wa
Andera's povThe scent of bacon and coffee waffled into my nose, urging me to wake up. I cracked an eye open to meet Thane's disarming smile. “Wake up sleepy,” he whispered and kissed the side of my face. “The morning bells are ringing.”I yawned, smiling at the sight of him. “Can I get an hour more?”Thane sat by my side and pulled the blanket away from me. “Thane,” I grumbled. “It's Sunday. Let me sleep some more; You didn't exactly let me rest after we got back from the restaurant last night.”After last night's successful dinner between my father and Thane, we celebrated in our passionate way. Thane didn't let me sleep until the early hours of this morning, not that I'm complaining or anything.“Eat up, Love, there's something I want to show you.” he stroked my hair, his fingers smoothing the tousled strands. “Can't you show me while I'm in bed?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite my growing excitement.A small chuckle rumbled in his throat. I felt the sound all the w
Thane's pov “I'm not nervous,” Andera murmured. “I am completely relaxed.” she blew out a deep breath. “See, fine.”I swallowed down the laugh working its way out of me. “You're completely relaxed, hun? Is that why there's sweat on your face, even though the AC is on full blast?” I teased, my eyes crinkling at the corners.Andera glared at me, but her face quickly softened when I pulled her in for a hug. “It's one dinner date with your father. How many things could go wrong?” She mumbled something unintelligible, snuggling closer to me “A lot.” Mr Campbell, Andera's father was in Seattle. I know he's not a big fan of mine, Andera had once subtly mentioned that, but despite his reservations, he didn't interfere in our lives- yet“It will be fine, Love,” I assured her. Andera sighed, “How do you know that?”My lips twitched into a small smug smile. “I know because I have my charm. It's impossible to dislike me for long. Look at you, you came around, and so will your father.”An
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)