Rowan POV
Hanna is going to cut the line that connects me to her.
She would tell my sister what she had done, and in doing so, she would finally be free of the guilt and would be finally free of me.
If she came clean with Briana, I had no reason to pull her back. She would eventually discard me.
I would not have any hold on her.
She is taking out the excuse I used to get her to my side.
That drove me into a state of panic, and without thinking, I did what I had to do.
I grabbed the phone from Hanna
Rowan POVHanna eyed me exasperatedly when I did not respond.My mouth formed into a thin line.My heart and mind were at war.How can I give her what she wants when it hurts me to let her go?“Get out!” Hanna hissed in exasperation.She shooed me out of her room.She must have thought she had superpowers to be able to push me out, but no. She cannot do it without me conceding to her request.This is the only concession I could grant her.The rest, I couldn’t.The door slammed shut in my face with a force that could wake the entire household.I stayed outside Hanna’s door for a while, rethinking my options and finding none.My hands were tied. My chest constricted, unable to do anything. I was powerless.Until I completed my mission and the Bennetts were taken down, I couldn’t allow
HannaI was in a foul mood when I got down from the cab.The argument with Rowan is still foremost in my mind. I was seething in repressed anger. I wanted to smash his beautiful face but then thought better of it.I don’t want to damage his face. It was one of his assets.But I was still angry at him.Rowan is simply overbearing. He thinks that just because he says it, I will follow.Who does he think he is?When the cab stopped outside the entrance to the hotel, I paid the fare and got out.
Hanna POVI had no idea what she was talking about, so I picked up the crumpled sheet and straightened it out to read what was written on it.It was a warning notice.The Human Resources office sent her a warning about harassing a co-employee. It did not say who, but Hailey was so sure the report came from me that she had to march inside my office to accuse me.My brows arched.I already gave Hailey fair chances.Even when she browbeat, and embarrasses me in front of our co-workers, I do not stoop down to her level and strike back.
Hanna POVWhen I saw the expression on his face, a part of me felt remorse.I have gone overboard and lashed out without considering that Rowan had feelings, too.I realized belatedly that I hurt him.But what am I to do?I was a ticking time bomb, ready to explode.My frustration over our setup is like a monster rearing its ugly head, demolishing everything around it.It was like I was on a warpath. In my imprudence, I ostensibly damaged those who blocked my way.
Hanna POVThe next few days, I was in a state of despondency.Our argument echoes around my head, making me cringe everytime I remember it.I picked up my phone absent-mindedly, and when the black screen of the monitor greeted me, I swiped it to my contacts, looking for a particular number.So many times in a day, I tried to call him.As usual, pride would intervene.I have checked my inbox countless times, only to be disappointed when I find nothing from him.No calls, no messages. Nothing.&nbs
Hanna POVI watched Jeff’s reaction.He did not seem surprised at all by what I revealed, which hinted at something.“You knew? Is that why you were checking up on me?” I asked in a high-pitched voice.It was a good thing Jeff rented a private room for us. We didn’t have to talk in a hush to avoid being heard by other patrons.Jeff looked like he swallowed a lemon. He tried to sidestep my question and veered our topic to something else, but I refused to be swayed. He already piqued my interest.“Jeff, don’t try to avoid the topic. Answer me, please?”My plea must have gotten to him.He looked ill at ease, but then, after a while, he nodded slowly.“I am sorry.” He told me.“I don’t want to embarrass you. I don’t want to look like I was prying, either. But I
Hanna POVWhen I returned to the private room, Jeff stood.“I thought I needed to launch a search for you.” He joked, but his sharp eyes swept over my face, and the unexpected scrutiny embarrassed me.I just had a bawling spree inside the women’s room, but of course, I don’t want to let him know.That would be too shameful.Jeff and I were not that close. I could count on my fingers the times we interacted at the office.I eyed him warily, suddenly feeling suspicious.“Why are you
Rowan POVThey say that if you love someone, you have to set them free.I set her free, but every day is torture.So many times in the past few weeks, I wanted to call her. I kept staring at her number on my contact list, hesitating, unable to press the call button because her words kept ringing in my ear.She told me to back off.I did, but not without Herculean effort.Even when she packed her bags and left my place, my hands itched to call her.My men were waiting for my orders, but I refrained
Brent POVSomeone cleared his throat, and not long after, I felt a tap on my shoulder. “Dude, that is too much public display of affection.” It was Flint, the Prince consort of Arkadia, with his wife, the Queen. There was a hush in the hospital lobby, and I knew exactly how everyone felt right that moment. There was this reverence as they eyed the royal couple. I felt it, too, even though they are my friends.It also did not help that the rest of my friends trickled in. Noah and his wife Briana came in, followed by Rowan and Hanna. Then Charles and Jenna came next. Last to appear was Marcus and his wife Martina. This time, the people in the lobby began to get noisy. They gushed over Marcus, who looked like he stepped out of the page of a magazine cover. I could not deny it. The Fords and Hunters gathered so much attention. It was a rare event to see them all together in one setting.The who’s who of Redwood City gathered in one place, making it hard for everyone not to react
Beth POVThe romantic date set the tone for the rest of our one-week leave until it was time to return to our real lives.“Goodbye, baby!” Brent called out to Krizzie’s departing figure while we watched her walk toward her building. We waited and watched until we saw her figure disappear when she entered her classroom. “She is growing.” I can’t help but be teary-eyed.Last night, Krizzie surprised us when she decided to sleep on her own bed. Brent and I stared at each other when she kissed us both goodnight and then returned to her room. “Krizzie?” I called her, feeling weirded out. “What Mommy?” She walked back to the bed where I sat. “Aren’t you going to sleep with us?” A frown marred my face when I asked.I patted the middle of the bed, urging her to climb in, but Krizzie only shook her head and smiled at me. “The Hunter triplets said I am old enough to be sleeping with Mommy and Daddy. They don’t.” She informed me. I nodded, feeling a little stuffy inside. I knew that it
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