Briana POVI bit my lip, and my nose twitched.I wanted to bitch slap Martina if I saw her again for doing this to my brother.He had become too different from the brother I knew five years ago.It was like life had been sucked out of Marcus.Gone was the confident man I knew, my bulwark when I lost myself after Noah and I parted.“I already signed the divorce papers, Brie.” His tone was dull, suggesting deep sadness.My hands clenched to my sides.
Briana POVI watched in contentment as my brothers clapped Marcus on the back. “Hey!” Marcus complained when Flint hit him a bit harder.Flint smoothed his back, grinning. “You are Brie’s favorite brother. You deserve that slap.” Rowan and Charles chuckled in mirth before they bent to pluck Marcus from the bed to carry him to the bathroom. “Put me down! Where are you going to take me?” Marcus cried.Charles, Rowan, and Flint placed him in the shower stall before they turned the shower on, and water sprayed on Marcus' face and head. Marcus tried to leave, but the three barricaded the door so he wouldn't go out. “Bro, you need to bathe. You seriously stink.” Rowan complained, and they all laughed while I watched them smother Marcus with liquid soap on his face and arm. “Stop. I will do it myself!” Marcus cried. The three stop and leave him alone. “Male sure you clean up well.” Charles hollered outside the bathroom before closing the door.As I heard the sounds of splashing w
Martina POVI walked out of the elevator and went nervously to the nurse’s station.“Is Dr. Martin in?” I asked the nurse dully.She nodded and pointed me in the direction of the clinic. “Room 405.”After thanking her, I started taking the route she told me and arrived at the door with the nameplate of the doctor I was looking for.I knocked.“Yes?” The nurse inquired.She ushered me in after informing her about my appointment with Dr. Martin. 
Briana Time flies so fast.I am now in my 37th week of pregnancy.After filing the petition and receiving his divorce certificate, Marcus immediately reported for work. He showed up at the office and started tackling the pending tasks and documents piled up on his desk. He deferred accepting runway engagements since he devoted most of his time to running the Hotel. I had become a stay-at-home mom and wife since my 35th week because Noah forbade me to report for work, and I was bored out of my wits. Marcus understands, though. Between him and Noah, I can’t do anything apart from whining and making catty comments alternately between them. “I want to go fetch the kids later,” I told Noah at breakfast this morning.He did not reply, and I thought that was a good sign. I was wrong. Noah got up from his seat at the dining table, walked to me, and kissed my lips.“A delivery van will arrive this afternoon.” He informed me I couldn’t leave the house because I had to receive the par
Noah POVI watched Briana’s reflection in the side mirror after I pulled the car from the driveway. She smiled, waving me goodbye, but the smile did not reach her eyes. I could not help but sympathize with her predicament.I promised myself I would make it up to her after the issue of Britney had been sorted out. Briana deserves that and more. When she was out of my sight, I called Brent. “How is it going?” Brent already knew what I was talking about. “I already called our people at the airport. We did not find any trace of Britney going out of Redwood.” “What do you mean?” “Brtiney did not leave Redwood. She is still here.” “Are you sure?” I asked. Worry laced my voice. This is what I was afraid of. If Britney had flown out of Redwood City, it would be better for my peace of mind. But since she didn’t, I could not take anything to chance. “What about the docks?” I am hoping Britney would use a passenger yacht or a ferry. Brent replied in the negative. “She is stil
Noah POV“Is anything the matter?” Brina asked. My breath hitched as I tried to act as casually as possible. Briana is an intelligent person. It would not take her long to put two and two together and come up with five. “Nothing. I am just curious.” I prevaricated, but I am sure my voice is giving me away. Briana knew me too much to be able to hide this from her. There was a pause on the other end. I am almost certain Briana is thinking. “Are you suspecting Hanna of helping Britney?” Bingo!Briana had nailed the issue on the head. Surprise, I became speechless. I don’t know what to say. Should I deny it or confirm it?I looked around me, trying to grope for words, clearing my throat to bide for time. Briana, as I said, was sharp. There is no way I can hide something from her. It’s best to tell her now. “We haven’t found any conclusive evidence yet. That is why I am asking you.” “But you are suspecting her. You wouldn’t call me if you didn't.” Briana sounded too sure of
Noah POV“Daddy!” “Daddy!”“Daddy!” I smiled when I heard the triplets call out my name. They had an early dismissal, and I was glad I decided to fetch them earlier than usual today. They rushed up to me, and I bent down, arms spread wide to receive their hugs. “I miss you, my triplets,” I told them and saw the three of them grin. “Really?” Their eyes sparkled in mischief, but I want to answer them truthfully. “Yes.” As usual, Mason’s eyes roamed around. “Where is Mommy?” “At home,” I told them. It had been two weeks since I forbade Briana to leave the house, but the children would still ask for her every time. Maybe I was overreacting. Briana is right. We cannot postpone our lives due to fear. I looked around and knew that my man was stalking the place. I employed a handful of bodyguards to watch over the children. However, they are invisible to our eyes, except for their three regular bodyguards. It was because I did not want to frighten the triplets. They are still
Briana’s POVMy heart almost stopped beating when I saw what happened. After I left the house to greet the triplets, I watched in horror as I saw them run excitedly to the other side of the road, where they saw Marcus. It was so swift and sudden that all of us watched in horror as a car zoomed past, almost hitting Mason. My body froze when I saw it, but it was just a split second of confusion because adrenaline pushed me, pumping blood in my veins. I ran after my children with fear gripping my heart. I did not care that I was pregnant and could not even carry my weight. All I ever cared for was to save my son from danger.I sighed in relief when I saw Marcus grab Riley by the waist to get my son out of the way. At the same time, I saw Noah grab Mason and Brixx and carry the two of them to safety. My heart raced wildly in my chest as I watched in relief how Marcus and Noah got the children in time, and they were now out of danger. Then, my angry eyes darted to the car that alm
Brent POVJust like what Noah said the night before, they were not at the hotel to see us off, but he gave instructions to his people to assist us. We got ready very early because Krizzie had classes. “Are you free today?” I asked Beth after we sent Krizzie to school. “You were the one who talked to my supervisor about taking a leave. How long did you apply for my leave?”“A week. You still have two more days of rest. Don’t worry, you won’t be alone. I want to spend more time catching up. What do you think?” I wiggled my brows at her, grinning mischievously. Beth slapped my chest.“I don’t like that look, Brent. I want to rest.” She warned me. She looked so d*rn cute that I stepped forward, arms spread to encircle her in my arms, and hugged her tight. Beth struggled in my arms. “Brent, people are staring.” She warned me, but I don’t care. I am too happy to care about what other people would think.“Let them.” I urged her and held her in my arms for a while longer. When I got
Brent POVKrizzie got back into our room right after, halting our talks. She knocked repeatedly on the door, prodding me to rise to my feet and open the door for her. Behind Krizzie, I saw Noah. “Thank you, Uncle Noah.” She said, turning her back on me to wave at Noah, who patted Krizzie’s head before meeting my fist for a bump. “Will you be alright here?” He checked on me, and I nodded. “Okay then. I will go ahead.” He told me.“Thanks, man! We will be checking out tomorrow morning.” I informed him while looking at the bed, where I saw Krizzie climbing in and snuggling with Beth. “Okay. I will inform the concierge in case we are not here. We are going home tonight.” Noah informed me before sauntering away. I went back to my family to join them in bed. Krizzie was asking Beth where we had been, and Beth was showing her pictures of us in the resort. “You went to the beach?” Krizzie exclaimed.I could see the dismay on her face. Beth hugged her. “We went on our honeymoon.
Beth POVI looked down from the chopper that was going to bring us back to Redwood toward the beach resort that served as our honeymoon getaway for three days and two nights and felt all the good things filling my heart. Without hesitation, I gave the property a little wave as we embarked on the journey back home. “Are you tired?” Brent asked when I leaned back on my seat and closed my eyes. I smiled naughtily. “Who wouldn’t? You did not give me a rest, Mr. Anderson.”The reprimand had no sting which was what I intended.It was the truth anyway. Brent grinned. “Did I wear you out, Mrs. Anderson?” He asked softly, but I could see the warmth in his eyes.I lifted my hand to flick his nose playfully. “I love you, Brent. Thank you for not giving up on me.” I told him.It was the truth. If Brent gave up on me, I think that would be a point of no return for the two of us. If he did not fight for us, I don't know if I would have the strength to stay and be with him. Brent did all t
Brent POV“Welcome to paradise,” I murmured in Beth's ears when the chopper drew close to the beachfront property that Rowan gifted us and prepared for landing.I held Beth close and motioned for her to look out the window so she could see what I meant. Her involuntary gasp was the response I was expecting and much more. "This is so beautiful Brent." She told me, eyes shining bright in awe. I nodded. "Indeed. The most beautiful." I agreed. Though I was not referring to our honeymoon getaway but to the woman before me. Beth, without a doubt, is the most beautiful woman my eyes have ever laid on, I decided. At the same time, I took my fill of her beauty, most especially her expressive eyes. “Your friends are wonderful.” She said evasively. She pulled her gaze away from me to avoid meeting my hot gaze, but I knew exactly what she was feeling. Her body became rigid next to me, and I smiled. Beth was self-conscious about the attention I was giving her. I took pity on her and gav
Beth POV“Ouch!” Brent grumbled when I nudged him hard on the ribs.He turned while rubbing his side to meet my glare. “Who told you to make bets on me?” I sounded stern.Brent looked nervous, and I smiled inwardly at the worry that registered on his face. “He was drunk, frustrated, and full of remorse that night, Beth. It was the time he learned about you dating that doctor. Brent felt threatened and felt cowardly. We need to do that to spur him on.” I did not realize Noah had been listening to our conversation. I did not hear his approach until he butted in to explain Brent’s side. Doubts covered my features as I stared at Brent to confirm. “Who won?” “I did!” Brent replied arrogantly. I pursed my lips. “How much did you win?” I asked, curious.“Apart from the beachfront property, close to ten million.” My eyes widened in shock. “Ten million for a bet? Wow!” My eyes rounded.“It started as a dare, Beth. But Brent did not start it. We did. We had hoped that it would bec
Brent POVI looked at Beth and saw the pink that tinged her cheeks. “I am serious, Beth. I wouldn’t have achieved all this without you as my inspiration. You and Krizzie were the driving force behind my success, so whatever I built with my hands, all I have accomplished, you were a big part of it.” I told her honestly. Beth looked like she was ready to cry. All afternoon, I had been making her cry, and I felt like punching myself. I lifted my hand to wipe her tears. “Please, don’t cry. I never meant to hurt you.” “I am not hurt, silly man.” Beth countered and punctuated her words with a smile. “I am just overwhelmed by everything. First, the proposal and the wedding, and now you are telling me this. I don’t know what I have done to deserve this.” She told me. “You gave me your love, Beth. It was what enabled me to be better every day. Without that love, Beth, I wouldn’t amount to anything.” Her face contorted, but her eyes sparkled in delight. A sheen of tears covered her ey
Beth POVI saw Brent’s nostrils flared as desire as potent as mine, filling his eyes. “I want you.” He admitted when he gathered me close to burrow his face into the crook of my neck.His words made me tremble in his arms. Tingles traveled my spine, and I had to grab Brent to press my arms around his massive back. “Dude, we still have a whole program for you. Don’t ravish your wife in front of us.” Rowan teased. “Says the man who did not ravish his wife in the hospital bed.” Flint inserted suavely, eliciting another round of laughter from all of us. Brent lifted his gaze toward Briana, who seemed to understand what he was going through. In response, Briana clapped her hand to call everyone’s attention. “Everyone, as much as the newlywed couple wanted to spend more time with us, they all wanted to have their privacy to savor this moment.”“Don’t try to be diplomatic, sis. Just say that Brent wanted to have his honeymoon right now.” Flint butted in, much to my consternation. I f
Beth POVI was still in a daze, receiving congratulations from our guests. Until now, I could not believe that it happened. I am married.Brent and I are married.I looked at the man beside me.He caught me staring at him and smiled his happy smile—the unrestrained one I had come to know these past days. Brent looked relaxed and laid back, a far cry from the man I married nine years ago. That man was uptight and looked like the whole world rested on his shoulders. He looked even younger now. “You are frowning.” He commented, leaning close to whisper in my ear. His action startled me. “Don’t hesitate, Beth. Tell me what was in your mind. I would love to hear your thoughts.” He assured me when he saw me stop and hesitate. I bit my lip. This was quite a new feeling, actually. The idea excites me. I wanted to be able to tell him my thoughts because when we first got married, I bottled everything inside. Yes, we are happy, but that happiness was not full. Maybe because I feel th
Brent POVUnlike our first wedding, which was done in less than five minutes at the mayor’s office, I prepared an elaborate impromptu wedding for Beth.When I enlisted my friends’ help, I was not confident they could pull this through, but now, I can safely say that nothing is impossible for the Fords and Hunters. It was tough, but they made it happen. Another thing that raised my concern was Beth’s refusal. I can’t let my friends’ efforts go to waste, but I also prepared myself for the worst. If Beth is not ready, I wouldn't force her. She has to agree to marry me out of her own volition. And I thank God that she did not make any fuss. We only needed to clear the air between us, talk heart-to-heart, and let go of the pain from our past. “Ready?” The coordinator gestured for my best men to start the processional.I chose Flint and Noah because they were my best friends. Then, I walked toward the makeshift altar at the end of the room, where I stopped to wait for Beth. Noah