Briana POVI could not breathe.My lungs felt stuffy, and my cheeks were growing warm.The promise and the threat in Noah's words sent a warm tingle to my spine.But I can’t just let myself be swayed.I let myself believe him once, and where did that get me?I ended up a divorcee, and my children did not know their father for the first years of their lives.What if he dumped me again?So many thoughts ran in my head. I had gone completely blank and totally ignored Noah.“I have to go back to the office,” I told the triplets while the wait staff cleared our table.“You just got hewe.” Brixx commented with a long face.Mason and Riley joined in the protest.“Mommy has pending work to do, and I have a meeting in thirty minutes.”“We still have time. I want to go to the park. I want to try biking here. You promised we would ride the bike.” It was Riley, laying the guilt trip on me.My expression sank.I really don’t want to stay a little longer around their father. I don’t want to feel
BrianaI decided it was time to lay down my cards and let Noah know about any misgivings I had in this setup.He wanted to prove himself not as a father to his children but as a partner to me. He wanted us to try again.But that would be asking me for a lot. If I agreed to his request, that would mean shedding my armor and making myself vulnerable.It took me five years to slowly build up my armor, and now Noah is asking me to throw it away.“Your proposal was admirable. But we were only wasting our time if I can't trust you. Let's cut ourselves some slack. Let's stop this now and find something workable for us and the children. I am sure when they grow older, they will understand."
Briana POV“You okay, Daddy?” I heard Riley ask Noah the moment we got back to our table.My eldest is becoming a daddy’s boy. I envied Noah. It did not take him long to get the triplets’ affection.Despite the four-year absence, I could see that the triplets already loved their father and depended on him.In fairness to Noah, I could also see how he loves the triplets. He was ready to drop everything for the children.He was also ready to make our relationship work for them.“He said he loves me.” I sent my best friend Hanna a text.I noticed she had been silent lately and realized I had been too preoccupied with so many things that I had forgotten about her.So, when I got the chance, I tried calling her. I assumed she was busy since she was not answering my call.After waiting for her response, I suddenly remembered it was her birthday today.“Noah, I reserved a room for the children for their nap. You can sleep with them."Noah met my statement with a frown."What about you?""Ca
Hanna POVI was out in a meeting when my secretary called me.As head of the marketing department, I sometimes go outside to meet potential clients or people from the print and broadcast industry for adverts.My secretary called to tell me someone was waiting for me at the office.Since the meeting was just inside the hotel - in one of our restaurants, I marched back to my room right after concluding the meeting.I was all smiles.The client wanted to book the hotel for their company conference. It was a huge company comprising two hundred employees.I started planning in my head and got so busy, so it came as a surprise to me when I got to my office and found my best friend waiting for me.“Briana!”She is holding a cake with a small lighted candle in the middle, singing a happy birthday song.Other employees joined in the singing.My eyes misted.My mother had forgotten it was my birthday - even my sister. Dad is dead, so there was not much to expect.But the two living relatives fo
Hanna POVAfter a while, Briana got a phone call and looked apologetically at me before taking the call.“It’s Noah. He said the kids were awake and were looking for me.” She shared after she ended the call.I rose from the chair.Seeing what I did, Briana rose from her seat, too.“Oh, I forgot to give you this.” She rummaged through her bag to pull out a jewelry box. My eyes widened in alarm.“Briana, you don’t have to,” I told her when she handed me the box.She grinned. “It was a present from Woodside. I have been meaning to give that to you. I always forget. I figured now’s as good a time as any.”I opened the box and smiled. It was a gold bracelet with a rose design in the middle. “It’s beautiful!” I exclaimed.Briana smiled. “I am glad you like it. I chose the rose design because the yellow rose symbolizes friendship and loyalty.” I bit my lip. “Briana, I…”I hesitated. Should I tell her about my relationship with Britney?Briana misinterpreted my reaction.“It’s alright.
Briana POV“What are you talking about?” Hanna sputtered like the idea was cringy.Her body shook, telling me that she found the idea repulsive.Yet I could feel something in her response. It was exaggerated; meaning, she was trying to shake the idea off my head.She also looked flustered, which tells me she’s not telling the entire truth.“Nothing," I replied and saw her visibly relaxed.But the idea of having Hanna as a sister-in-law appealed to me. So I persisted. Who knows..."You can tell me if you like my brother. I can set you up on a date with Rowan, or if you like Flint…” My voice trailed off when she rejected my offer vehemently.Hanna shook her head, a mocking smile lacing her lips.“No. I’m fine.”“Okay. But if you change your mind, you know you can always come up to me.” I told her.Hanna glared at me, telling me to stop, and I only laughed her reaction off.“Positive. Dating is far from my mind at the moment. I just got promoted. I need to show the company and my boss t
Briana POV“Where have you been? I was frantic with worry.” Noah greeted me after finally showing up at home.It was past the children’s bedtime.Noah leaned close and sniffed my hair.“You smelled cigarettes and alcohol. Where did you go?” Suspicion laced his voice.“I was just at the hotel.”Noah frowned. “Yet you did not bother to call me back or tell me? I had been calling you countless times, Briana.”I walked past him. I am not in the mood to face his scrutiny and interrogation. All I want is to lie in bed and rest.I feel so tired.Noah clamped on my arm and tugged. “Hey. What’s wrong? Do you have a problem? I thought we would try to make our relationship work. Why are you suddenly growing cold on me?”The gentleness in his tone was a mockery to me.When I remembered what Britney told me, my heart was being squeezed painfully in my chest.I squeezed my eyes shut.“I am sorry. I don’t think I can do this.” I told him frankly when our eyes met.“Why? Tell me your reasons so I
Briana POVWhen I woke up the following morning, I did not find the children in their room.Their nannies said that they were in the kitchen.I padded the floor on bare feet to join them.Since I got in late last night, Noah tucked them in.Breakfast and dinners were a sacred time for our family.When I entered the kitchen, the first person I saw was Noah. He was busy flipping burgers while the children waited at the island counter.They occupied a long stool each. Riley propped his elbows on the counter while Brixx spun his stool left and right.On the other hand, Mason was lyi
Beth POVThe genuine happiness on Krizzie’s face was one I did not often see. “Are we going to live in one house from now on?” She asked hopefully. I met Brent’s gaze over Krizzie’s head, and the silent question splashed over his face. I turned to our daughter, realizing that I had failed to give her a happy home. “Don’t.” Brent mouthed when our gazes locked, seeming to know what was happening inside my head.I nodded, but could not help the sadness that crept into my heart.“Would you like us to live under one roof?” I asked our daughter. I did not have to wait. Krizzie’s resounding yes filled the air. She let go of our hands to clap them together. “Yipee! Mommy, Daddy, and Krizzie are going to live in one house.” She cried, her eyes glowing.When we reached the parking lot, we saw the Hunter triplets. They were Krizzie’s friends. “Riley! Brixx! Mason!” She called them. The three simultaneously looked in our direction.I had to laugh at the same expression plastered on t
Beth POVI was speechless. I didn’t know where I found the temerity to think so lowly of myself when Brent had been openly worshipping me like this. “I am so sorry. For a moment, I thought…”I tried to explain myself, but Brent quickly placed his index finger to my lips, preventing me from speaking further. “I understand. Jealousy is a b*tch, right? Now, you know how I feel every time that doctor is around you. It hurts so much here.” Brent took my hand and placed it at the center of his chest to emphasize his point. I was deeply chastened that I could not look Brent in the eye. “It s*cks!” I admitted.Brent laughed and pulled my head toward his chest. I buried my face in his chest to avoid meeting his gaze, feeling ashamed of myself. “Sweetie, it’s alright. No harm done. Next time, tell me what bothers you.” Brent released me to fetch the cup from the cart and offered it to me. I cupped my palm around the cup and sipped, nodding approvingly when I found that it was my favor
Brent POVI left Beth’s room feeling like the rug had been pulled under me.I could not pinpoint what went wrong, but I intend to find out.Earlier, I wanted to knock my head, thinking it was the wrong move to bring Beth to the office.Beth is a gentle soul, and my office might come off as a dangerous place for her.But I knew my people. No one would have the audacity to come to her to confront her or anything.They were all afraid to earn my wrath.I am a good boss, but I treat people accordingly. I reward and punish them if they earn it.My feet carried me to the kitchen.I walked to the fridge and took out a bottle to guzzle some water.Then, I sat on the dining chair, waiting for Pablo’s report.I did not have to wait long.My phone beeped a notification sound. Pablo sent me a link, and I immediately opened it.&nb
Beth POVWhen we arrived at the underground parking, Brent helped me inside the back passenger seat, much to my confusion, but I did not say a word, thinking it was better.I need to step back a little. We agreed to give our relationship a try, but right now, I feel that the years put a huge wedge between us. I don’t know him anymore.He has become unreachable for me. Then, my confusion turned to surprise when Brent slid beside me. “Who's going to drive…” my voice trailed off when a man in a black suit took the steering wheel from Brent. “Rico will drive us,” Brent informed me, providing an answer to my unfinished question. We reached the downtown area. Rico parked the car outside a convenience store and got out. A few minutes later, he returned.Brent opened the car window and took the package Rico handed him. He opened the package and took out a bottle of water and a tablet. “What is that?” I asked, staring in distaste at the tablet in his hand. “Pain reliever. I thin
Beth POVBrent gave me a tour of his building. From time to time, I could feel the long stares. They were sizing me up, like people were judging my suitability for their boss.It made me uncomfortable, and for a moment, I realized the disparity in our standings regarding wealth and influence. He was up there, and I was left down here. But Brent’s hand wrapped around my waist, or the way his eyes lingered on mine, ignoring everyone else, gave me the courage to dispel the negative thoughts away. Brent's success shouldn't be an issue in our relationship. Of course, in this world, Brent is the boss. He is the man on top, and anyone who closely associates with him meets people’s scrutiny. “Are you alright?” Brent asked, sensing my discomfort. His attention was all on me, fending off people who wanted to approach him. “I am fine.” I tried to wave him off. When we exited one department, and on our way to another, I asked for a reprieve. “Can I go to the restroom?” Brent walked me
Brent POVDo you know what heaven feels like?It was having the love of your life wrap her arms around your massive frame and hold on to you like she did not want to let go or part from you. That was heaven for me - being held by Beth like this was my new definition of high. Before, what made me high was dodging bullets and trying to outwit Hades from the door of death.I used to live in the thrill of danger, but no more. That’s the reason I built BASS Incorporated frame by frame. For my own protection.I already cheated death once, and I am not sure I can do it again. I released her and cupped her chin. Then, I leaned my head in to capture her lips in a gentle kiss. At first, I only pressed our lips together and pulled back. Her tongue darted to worry her upper and lower lips, and I became excited.I pulled her again, and this time, I took her lips in a searing kiss.I took control of the kiss, nibbling and chewing on her lips before I let my tongue slide over the seams, wai
Brent POV“You are a billionaire.” She uttered in a daze, and I nodded my head. BASS Incorporated is a renowned surveillance and security company.“Why didn’t you tell me?”“As you mentioned earlier, your desires are simple. There is nothing about my company or wealth that could impress you.” I told her bluntly. “Still. It’s one piece of information you kept from me. I was supposed to know because I was your wife.”“At the time, the BASS was not this big. I started as a private investigator. My reputation grew with the help of Noah Hunter. He threw work my way. I specialized in corporate espionage. I unravel many cases of economic sabotage and stealing company trade secrets. Then, the Fords also gave me jobs.” “Isn’t that a bit dangerous?” Worry etched on her face, and I leaned forward to smoothen the folds it created on her forehead. “I am doing administrative work nowadays. Before, I used to handle cases that took me weeks, sometimes months, to finish.” The creases on her foreh
Brent POVI held out my hand and anxiously waited for Beth to take it.When she placed her hand on mine, I closed the gap between us to pull her to my chest and wrapped my arms around her.“Thank you.” I closed my eyes and sighed.Beth pushed at my chest and self-consciously looked around.“People are staring.” She whispered shyly.But I was not concerned about that. What matters is that Beth agreed to give us a try.“I don’t care about them. I only care about us.&rdqu
Brent POVI felt her resistance fading away.Our chests heaved with too much emotion, but I was not letting her go.She twisted her body, and I released her, but I made sure that she was not far.I took her hand, all the while looking straight into her eyes.“I told you, I love you.”“Love is nurtured, Bernt. You did nothing in