Marcus POVI watched my brothers disappear inside their rooms individually, but my feet were reluctant to do the same. My room does not appear inviting at the moment.In the end, I let it carry me outside.I took my car and drove around until I stopped at a low-cost apartment building.I pulled at the curb and looked up at Martina’s unit before glancing at the dashboard clock.It was past midnight, but the light on Martina's unit was still up. She was not asleep yet.I decided to watch and wait for some movement above, but when there was none, something told me to turn the engine off, and I got out of the car.I walked to her doorstep, hesitating.Then, I knocked on her door. There was no answer.I pressed my ear to the door to check if there was movement inside, and when I heard none, I started to panic. What if something happened to her? What if criminals came to her house to rob her?“Martina!” I knocked once again and waited.When there was still no response, I started pounding o
Martina POVI walked the short distance from the parking lot to the entrance of the Rosewood Hotel with bags in my eyes.Marcus’s midnight visit caused me to lose sleep.When he left my apartment last night, I quickly went back to the shower to rinse the sudsy water from my body.All the while, I was cursing him in my head.Why did he have to show up? Was he trying to rub in my face the fact that he just got out of a date with Chloe?He arrived at my apartment past midnight, and I doubt they only had dinner.With Marcus’ caliber, I was sure they did more.“Excuse me!” A man’s voice interrupted me from my musing.Surprised, I turned around to check and saw men walking toward me. They each carry an elaborate flower arrangement in their hands.I stopped and stepped to the right to let them pass.“Good morning, Martina.” The bellhop greeted me at the entrance.I frowned when I noticed a parade of flower baskets ahead of me. “Do we have a special event today, Joe?”Joe shook his head and s
Martina POVEveryone gasped.It was the first time Marcus told Ford Empire employees his intention toward me.“What are you doing?” I hissed, feeling embarrassed all of a sudden.Marcus smirked. “I am courting you.” He said out loud, and everyone started teasing us.There were tweets, whistles, and heckles all around us.Some even clapped Marcus’ back approvingly.“Way to go, Marcus! Don’t let Martina say no.”I smiled at her. People around us had this knowing look on their faces.“Martina, don’t just stand there. Don’t let Marcus wait, or someone might snap him up.” Belle, one of my co-workers, snickered.Marcus wiggled his eyebrows. “See? Stop putting me in misery, Martina.” He joined in the good-natured teasing.I was about to make a searing comeback to reject him, but Marcus intercepted my intent. He grabbed my hand,d and amidst cheering from our small audience, he dragged me out of the office and out of Rosewood Hotel.“Where are you taking me?” I asked when he locked the doo
BrianaBack at the Office.“Where is Martina, and why does my office look like a flower shop?” I asked everyone when I came to my office that morning, and the sight of blooms lining the floor, counters, and tabletops greeted me.Roses, Tulips, Hydrangeas, and Stargazer Lilies were elaborately arranged in bouquets and baskets, creating a satisfying blend of colors. It was actually lovely.At first, I thought it came from Noah, and my heart began beating fast with excitement.Then, I realized the flowers were arranged on my assistant's table, and a hunch formed in my head.One of my employees confirmed my hunch for me.“Didn’t you see them? Marcus took Martina away. The flowers came from him.” Belle, Marcus’ assistant, informed me when the small crowd gathered outside my office started to disperse following my arrival.“What happened?” I asked Belle.“Marcus is courting Martina. Would you believe it?” Belle’s high-pitched voice could not mask her excitement.“You should have seen Martin
Noah POVIt was around lunchtime when Langley called me to inform me that he was meeting Briana to hand over the certificate of stocks my deceased parents left her.I already discussed with him the cancellation of transferring all my stocks to Briana, but I was thinking of allotting fifty percent of my shares to the triplets.“Okay, but hold off on the transfer of shares for the triplets. I have yet to discuss it with Briana.” I told him.Langley agreed, and by afternoon he called to inform me that he would be leaving for Rosewood Hotel.I was in a meeting when I got a call from Briana. Thinking there was a problem with the certificate of shares that Langley brought, I immediately answered her call.“Sweetheart, what’s up?”“Did you know that our divorce petition was denied?” She asked in a shaky voice.I did not get what she was saying, but I could sense the urgency in her tone.I stepped out of the conference room, signaling Chris to take over before leaving the meeting.“What, swe
Noah POV“How come I did not know?” I asked.It was a question I asked myself, but I did not realize I had spoken aloud. “It must be because of amnesia. You were not yourself when the verdict came down.” Langley replied.I read the entirety of the document, and beads started to form on my forehead.“It was stated here that the divorce was denied because the petitioner was not of sound mind at the time the divorce petition was filed.”What I read caused me to panic.I got up from my desk and left my room.“Where are you going?” Langley asked, confused by my behavior.
Noah POVIt amazed me how efficiently and effectively Briana took charge.She was amazing. She looked like a woman who can do anything regardless.With my bodyguards surrounding us, Briana helped me to her car.“The Rosewood Hotel has its own clinic, but I wanted to be assured of your condition if a competent neurologist will look into you.” She explained when her driver opened the door for me.She slid into the backseat after helping me and ordered the driver to the nearest hospital. In less than five minutes, the car parked at the entrance to the emergency room.Briana supported me. She wrapped an arm around my waist. And though I can manage to walk alone, I zipped my mouth shut.Who can complain when someone you love openly wraps you in her arms in broad daylight – even if it was for the wrong reasons – I would take it any time of the day.At the doctor’s clinic, the nurse gave Briana a form to fill out while the doctor asked me questions about the incident that caused us to rush t
Briana POV"I don't see anything wrong with your test. " The doctor said.Noah and I looked at each other in relief.I was worried earlier and was howling orders at my people to get the woman accountable for hitting Noah. I later learned that she was a diplomat's wife."Ms. Ford, the subject was not associated with Britney, but her husband cheated on her several times." The head of Rosewood Hotel security department informed me."What should we do about her?" He asked."Where is she?""At the security office."“Throw her out and ban her from all branches of Rosewood Hotel effective immediately,” I told him.“Her husband had already arrived and was asking for an apology. He is also willing to pay for damages.” The head of hotel security added.“I don’t need money or his apology. I need him to get his wife in line." I said with gritted teeth, and then as an afterthought, I added,"Ask him to submit his wife to medical tests. Normal people do not hurt other people on impulse.” Then, I
Brent POV“We both made mistakes, Beth,” I said, eyeing Beth with the corner of my eye. “Release yourself from the bondage of self-blame and just savor what we have now. Life is too precious for self-recrimination and regrets. We have to keep moving forward. Let’s be happy, Beth. You, me and Krizzie.” Beth sighed. “I will try.” My hand left the steering wheel to pat the back of her hand, lying on her lap. “That’s my woman. Do it because from now on, I don’t want you to be unhappy, Beth. I wanted to fill our lives with laughter and happiness.”“Daddy, can we go to the playground to play?” Krizzie butted in at the back when we were near one of the famous indoor playground facilities in Redwood. I turned my head to look at Beth, seeking her opinion.Since it was a Friday and Krizzie had no classes the following day, Beth nodded her assent. “Sure, baby,” I said before entering the facility’s parking area.We went to a gated playground with slides and cute trees. Krizzie had a gr
Beth POVI watched Briana’s back as she strolled to her family’s car. Noah waited for her. He assisted her as she climbed into the car before he followed suit. Looking at Noah Hunter earlier, I admit I was guilty as Brent has charged, but seeing Briana Hunter in person made me feel awed by her personality.She was like a goddess who had descended from Mt. Olympus. Her striking beauty and genteel personality took my breath away. I shook my head to give clarity to my brain. “I didn’t think Briana Hunter could be so..” I looked around, floundering for words. Brent grinned. “The Fords are an inspiration. Not only were they gifted with good looks and richness beyond mere imagination, but they were passionate people. They love and hate with equal intensity. But more importantly, they were all family-oriented individuals. To be their friend is a privilege.” Brent explained. “Will they accept me? I didn’t have so many friends outside the medical field.” I told him honestly, afraid that
Brent POVBeth looked so starstruck that I had to flick my hands before her face to get her attention.“You like Noah Hunter?” I asked, feeling a surge of the green-eyed monster unexpectedly. Beth laughed. “Are you jealous, Mr. Anderson?” She asked in a rare display of coquettishness. I glared at her. “What if I am? What are you going to do about it?” I said in a challenging tone. Beth looked happy. There was a glow in her eyes that was not there before.She dropped my hand suddenly, which made me halt in my tracks in surprise.Fear slowly spread all over me. I shook my head. “Don’t you dare chase another man, Beth? Noah Hunter is so very in love with his wife. He worships the ground she walks on. You don’t have a chance.” Beth’s smile grew wider. She was eyeing me with a glint in her eyes which made me uneasy. Did I offend her?Was she p*ssed?Would she slap me for speaking my mind?“You already promised me to work on our relationship. Don’t dare break that promise, Beth.”
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 th
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