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
Noah POVI am losing her.I thought showing her my love - giving her time and effort would make her come back to me.But right now, I am feeling that she is slowly slipping away.And it breaks my heart in two.She left the kitchen, and I followed upstairs.She went straight to her room while I said goodbye to my kids. The children were enrolled in the best school in Redwood and will start school in a week.“Daddy! Let’s paint!” Mason called me when he spotted me standing by the doorway.He was sitting on a small artist's chair. The mini easel on his front hangs a small canvas.I watched while he wielded colors on the canvas and could say we have a fine artist in the making.He wields his brush like an expert, creating a dramatic fusion of colors.As a connoisseur, I could tell my son had talent.“Wow, son! This is great!”“Mason studied art back in Woodside. He had a solo exhibition last year. This year, the Ford Empire will sponsor another exhibition for him.” It was Marcus.I did n
Noah POVI saw her stumped.But when she recovered, tears pooled in her eyes.“But what is love without trust?” She countered.“How can I love you without trusting you?” She added when I did not respond.At the same time, the light turned green, and I had to start
Briana POV“I hate him! I hate him! I hate him!” I mumbled the words like a mantra while I marched to my office.My heavy steps, emphasized by the hard clacking of my heels on the floor, echoed in the lobby, attracting unwanted attention.I don't care.I was so p*ssed!Most of the employees I came across would try to avoid me, not wanting to become the target of my ire.I was genial most of the time, but Noah p*ssed me off big time.Martina, who followed me after I walked out, openly laughed at me.She tried to stifle her laughter, but it came out as a
Briana POVMatina is crazy. I thought to myself later.I can’t accept what she said that I was s*xually frustrated; that is why I explode on Noah all the time.My phone rang, and it was him.Martina and I were at the hotel’s spa at that time. I realized what I needed was a good body massage to relax.“I brought the triplets to the butterfly sanctuary near Rosewood Hotel. Can we drop by later for a snack?”“Okay.” I agreed.I assumed Martina and I would be finished by then.I also went to inquire about the banners he posted around Redwood City.
Briana POVI heard a moan, which sounded so much like it came from me.I was about to pull back when I heard Noah’s groan.The kiss became volatile. It was like Noah couldn't get enough of me.I can’t get enough of him, too.His heady taste, the warm feel of his body enveloping mine, reminds me so much of the years before our separation. I was ready if Noah decided to take me right there and then, but it seemed like he was not.He pulled back. We were both panting while staring at each other.“Why did you stop?” I said in between my pants.Noah cupped my face with his palms. His movements and gaze were tender.“It’s not the right time.”I pouted. Sexual frustration made my body shiver involuntarily.“I am dying here,” I admitted.Noah leaned and pressed our foreheads together. “So, do I. God knows how much I wanted to, but you deserve to be worshipped. I want to pay homage to your body for bringing my triplets into this world.”I nearly cried in frustration, but Noah continued.“Unt
Noah POVNight of the Party.I watched Briana the minute she stepped inside the reception area for the senior Bennett’s anniversary party. She was flanked by her four brothers on both sides.Charles, her eldest brother, had his arm around his wife's shoulder.They looked formidable from the outset. Two beautiful young women and four dashing young men – all have the power to command attention.Their presence seemed to magnify the whole place, making everyone seem insignificant in comparison.Briana looked stunning in her gown with her upswept hair. She looked regale, like a princess from a fairy tale with her four bodyguards.Her four brothers looked dapper in their matching suits. She was their Queen. Jenna, Charles’s wife, looked pale in comparison to her.I chuckled secretly to myself while my eyes swept the grand ballroom. Who am I kidding?No one compares to her. Briana's beauty glowed, and all eyes, especially male ones, were enraptured by her beauty.My jaw clenched when I saw
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