The sun was about to set when they drove up to the rustic cottage tucked away on the shores of Long Pond, in a quiet area where time seemed to have been forgotten. “It looks picture perfect!” said Eva, gazing at the place that would be their home for the next few days. “I’m coming here for the first time. It feels as if I’m in Maine.” A man approached them and greeted them courteously. “Are you Alexander Van Every? I’m Bob Taylor, the caretaker of this property.” “Yes, I’m Alexander Van Every and this is my wife, Eva. Mike must have informed you about our stay.” The man smiled and greeted Eva and nodded at Alexander. “Yes, Mr. Van Every, he has. I have stocked the place up for your stay. Here are the keys. Please don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything. The cottage has its own kayak, canoe, and paddleboard. If you want to enjoy a campfire, just call me and I’ll arrange firewood for you. The firewood provided is for the wood stove and for the outdoor fire pits.” “Noted Mr.
Alexander lowered her slowly and eased himself into the lukewarm water. “Come here, Eva,” he called her softly, his gray and stormy eyes promising sheer carnal pleasure. Eva settled between his legs, but he pulled her closer, leaving no space between them. Quivering deep inside for a release, her breath hitched, feeling his hard throbbing arousal against her. In a flash, a feeling of completeness engulfed her. Eva couldn’t help the feeling! They were together at last. Naked. Exposed. Complete. This was what she had always wanted! “We are meant for love, for one another! Let me make love to you, baby,” he whispered into her ear, his stubble grazing her neck, causing a shiver to go down her spine. “Who’s stopping you?” she said in a husky whisper. As if unable to control himself anymore, he thrust his hips up, slamming against her, making her gasp with pleasure. Although hungry, there was a gentleness in him that took her breath away. Pulling back her silken hair, Alexander kissed dow
“Faster if you want to please me. You have a minute to make me come.” “Wait, please. Give me a couple of seconds to get used to you. You’re so big!” she gasped making him release a throaty chuckle. “I’m sure you've grown used to me, baby! Come on, ride me fast!” He urged her. Eva complied, picking up pace, moving up and down, making him grab her thighs for control. With his hard co*k embedded deep inside her, all Alexander could feel was pure carnal bliss. His head reeled with the urge to release immediately, but he needed to restrain himself. He wanted to spend the day in bed with her. Maybe afterwards, when he had his fill, he would take her out!“Am I doing it the right way?” she asked as she rocked and slid up and down his hard length. “Perfect! Faster, baby,” he hissed, closing his eyes, not wanting the moment to end. “Are you close?” she asked eagerly and Alexander smiled at seeing that she had crossed the 2-minute time limit. He could now relax and release the pent-up heat
It was already late afternoon, and the sky darkened in no time but Eva was happy. At least they could explore the place to her heart’s content. They sat watching a movie while munching on chicken nuggets that she made. “If I eat at this rate, I’ll soon turn into a barrel.” Alexander chuckled and pulled her closer.“I love barrels!” he whispered, planting a kiss on her neck. Ever since the movie started, he had been trying his best to distract her but Eva was adamant to watch it. It had been on her bucket list for a long and she couldn’t let the opportunity go. She giggled, feeling ticklish with his stubble grazing against her neck. “No, you prefer svelte women with big boobs! Remember those women on the ferry on our way from Preston Island?” she said with a scowl, and Alexander chuckled. “You still remember that? It was just to rile you up, baby. Surely you know by now that I only have eyes for you,” he whispered, pulling her right into his lap. “You had a weird way of showing it.
Depositing her on the bed, Alexander hovered over her, watching her with pure ecstasy and admiration reflected in his eyes. “Do you still think that I would cook for any other woman?” Eva smiled and shook her head. “You’re the only one in my life I want to pamper! The only one I live for. It’s always been this way for the last ten years of my life! No one can take the place you hold in my heart, Eva. My love for you is eternal!” Eva cupped his cheek while tears pooled in her eyes. “I know, Alexander! I love you back in the same way!” He gently kissed the tears away before they could trickle down her cheeks, making her smile.“I don’t want you to cry, baby! We will always be happy from now on, no matter what!” “These are happy tears, Alexander!” she murmured, but still wiped her eyes dry.“Smile if you’re happy. I can’t see you crying! You’ve cried enough, but not anymore. Promise me you’ll always smile no matter what!” he insisted, his eyes searching hers as if it were the most i
The next ten days were the most blissful ones in their lives, filled with love, enjoyment, and passion. Intoxicated by it all, Alexander kept postponing the need to switch on his mobile phone and take an update on everyone. So when Eva finally remembered that she had a job to return to, she switched on her mobile phone to check for any termination email from her hospital. Thankfully, there were none apart from a few missed calls from the hospital and from her friends.“Thank God, I still have my job. Can we go home today, Alexander? I need to return to work tomorrow.” Not receiving any reply from Alexander, she glanced up and frowned at seeing the worried look on Alexander’s face as he checked his mobile phone. “What happened? Is anything wrong?” she asked as a feeling of dread clutched at her heart. Alexander looked at her blankly for a while. “Alexander?” she prompted at seeing him frown worriedly. Alexander came to his senses and grunted with annoyance. “Alyssa is marrying that
After three hours, Alexander woke Eva up, but she was extremely nauseated and threw up everything that was there in her stomach. Under the circumstances, it wasn’t possible for them to return as they had planned earlier. “Relax, Eva. There’s no reason to stress yourself so much! Don’t you remember your promise to be happy always?” Eva nodded, sagging into the pillow with exhaustion. She was trying to be happy, but couldn’t drive the bad thoughts out of her mind. She knew his parents would insult her in front of everyone if she went to attend her best friend’s wedding. It was a strange dilemma, since she knew she could never miss Alyssa’s wedding. Their friendship was precious to her. “I’m trying, Alexander, but I’m scared,” she whispered. What if they forcefully separated them forever? What if she lost Alexander forever? Alexander stroked the hair off her face tenderly and looked at her worriedly. “There’s nothing to feel scared of. I’ll be there with you all the time and ensure th
The next morning, Eva called up at the hospital and informed nurse Solomon about her wedding and pregnancy. Promising to join back on Monday, she disconnected the call with a smile of relief. “Thank God! I still have my job,” she gasped, sitting down to a late breakfast. “They love your dedication. I was sure they wouldn’t throw you out.” Eva tucked into the delicious sandwich with a smile on her face. Alexander’s appreciation meant the world to her! “So, when are we going to the wedding venue?” Alexander tensed, looking away to concentrate on his food. How would he tell her that the wedding was happening in his parents’ house? It was a place she was banned from entering! So it wouldn’t be any different on the wedding day!“We’ll go ten minutes before the wedding, at 11:50,” said Alexander with a frown. It didn’t look like he wanted to go at all. “Don’t worry so much, Alexander. I’ll wait outside the gate and watch the wedding. If you can, get Alyssa to meet me once.” Alexander lo
“Granny, grandpa, you have to shift to New York this time. Enough of staying here all by yourselves. Why don’t you sell off the hobby center?” coaxed Alyssa after seeing the way her grandpa was still struggling with his day-to-day activities at eighty-nine.“Yes, Alyssa is right, dad. Please come along with us. You can play with Eleanor or Axel in a few days instead of living here all by yourselves,” said Alexander’s mom. “Who are Eleanor and Axel?” asked a clueless granny. “Alexander and Eva’s baby, mom!” said Jodie Van Every, beaming with excitement. She loved the names the moment she heard them and had been planning a nursery for the baby ever since Grandpa gave his wife an excited look, as if contemplating the suggestion. “Who will buy the hobby center? I can sell everything here and move to New York with you but after Alexander’s baby is born,” said grandpa. “Done. We’ll stay back here and help you sell everything off,” said Daniel Van Every. It was therefore decided that his
The next morning, Alexander reached Mr. Strasbourg’s house on time. His son, Adam Strasbourg, welcomed him and offered him coffee as they waited for Mr. Fitzgerald. Alexander had met him two years ago when he had come down from Frankfurt where he lived. “I know you’re the prime suspect in this case and you shouldn’t be visiting here, but I wanted to see you, Alexander. My mind is very disturbed. Dad was so attached to you, and it’s ironic that you had to be accused of murdering him.”“I’m sorry that I couldn’t save him, Adam. After stepping down from Rotterdams, I was quite busy.”“I understand. For the last two years, we have been pleading with dad to come over to Frankfurt and live with us but he didn’t even consider it an option. He received a strange thrill from involving himself with Rotterdams. He seemed obsessed with saving the empire, which belonged to a deceased friend.”“Yes, he was too attached to Rotterdams.” “What was the outcome of his dedication? He lost his life! Thi
The next day, Alexander shifted to his penthouse when Eva was at the hospital. His mom came over with her housekeeper to get the penthouse cleaned up and arrange their belongings. Alexander felt relieved to be home at last, to where he belonged. “Everything is arranged now. I’ll leave, Alex. We’ll see you later after you settle down,” said his mom. After his mom left, Alexander received a call from Ashton.“Bro, I wouldn’t be able to return soon. There’s an emergency here that will take some time to wrap up. I’ve got a big promotion here at the hotel and I can’t overlook my responsibilities here. Why don’t you start without me?” Alexander noted his disinterest in starting a business under the circumstances. “Oh, that’s fine. Dad has released my funds and I can invest freely. Don’t worry, if you want you can join me anytime.” “Thanks, bro. I will.” After he disconnected the call, Alexander called his lawyer, Thomas Goldstein, and informed him about the latest update. “I want to co
“I’m sorry about that, Beatrix. Eva isn’t keeping well because of her pregnancy and I couldn’t take your call,” apologized Alexander, feeling guilty for ignoring her plea for help. “I understand, Alexander. I know how much I’ve tormented you with my stubbornness and I’m sorry for everything I did,” said Beatrix and this time she genuinely looked ashamed of herself. “So am I. Everything happened for a reason. We weren’t meant for one another.” “Yes and I’ve learned my lesson the hard way,” said Beatrix with a sigh. “It’s better to move on now. Have a good life with Fairfield. I’ll contact Mr. Fitzgerald and start hunting for the evidence Mr. Strasbourg had hidden somewhere,” said Alexander, but Beatrix stopped him. “Wait! I have a request, Alexander.” “Tell me!” Alexander knew what she would ask of him, but he wasn’t ready to go into that again. “Please come back to Rotterdams, Alexander. The company needs you. Right now, Mr. McCabe is the current CEO, but I want you to look aft
Eva gaped at her husband, too shocked to react. After Daniel Van Every’s last call, she hardly expected him to accept her. So did she unnecessarily overreact last night? “Oh, are you sure? How did they suddenly change their mind about me?” She wondered if Alexander fought with them for her. “Alyssa made them see sense. Mom and dad apologized for everything that happened. They want to be a part of our lives, to play with our baby,” said Alexander while Eva sat with her mouth hanging open. Did they soften because of her pregnancy? A smile brightened up her face, and she resumed eating, letting the good news seep into her system. “I’m glad that they’ve accepted us, Alexander. I was tired of living alone with no family to call my own. At Maxwell’s house, his family cared for me so much, I craved one of my own. I wished your family would accept me like they did. Maybe God has granted my prayers.” Alexander smiled at her, feeling satisfied that finally another wish of hers had been fulfil
Eva’s head swooned under the effect of a panic attack, and she gasped for breath. Before she could reach the washroom door, her feet buckled, and she felt dizzy. Alexander rushed to catch her just in time to arrest her fall. Alyssa too rushed in followed by the others, too shocked by everything to react. Alexander’s parents gaped at the scene before them, finally realizing how deeply their behavior had affected the poor girl.“Eva, no one can separate us, baby! Please take a deep breath and calm down,” cried Alexander, but she lost her senses in his arms. Alexander carried her limp body to the bed. “I’ll get some water,” said Alyssa, rushing to the washroom. “Eva wake up. I’m right here with you. You’ve been brave for so long. You can’t fall sick now,” said Alexander, patting her cheeks. Alyssa rushed in with the water and sprinkled it over her face. It worked, and she slowly opened her eyes to look at Alexander with wide eyes. “Take deep breaths, baby. I don’t want to admit you
“Lucas called to say that Mr. Fitzgerald is busy tonight. He wouldn’t be coming in for a discussion,” said Alexander, hovering around in the kitchen while Eva made dinner. The doorbell rang and Eva looked at him worriedly. “I thought Mr. Fitzgerald isn't coming in tonight.” Alexander shrugged and went forward to check out who had arrived at their doorstep at such an odd hour. Few people knew that he was released today and was still staying here in Bronx. Maybe it was Alyssa and Nicholas! “Should be Lisa and Nicholas.” He opened the door and rolled his eyes at seeing how right he was. “Knew it!” he said, opening the door wider for Alyssa and Nicholas to come in. “At last I’m allowed entry into the place. I thought I would always be a stalker waiting outside!” said Nicholas and Alyssa punched his arm. “Did you really stalk me? You creep?” asked Alyssa in disbelief. Eva emerged from the kitchen and giggled at the ongoing topic. “Yes, so? Alexander knows about it. He caught me so m
“Eva’s been at my house with Sienna and Alyssa since last night. Don’t worry, we didn’t allow her to return to her apartment. They ensured she didn’t skip her meals, and she was perfectly fine. In fact, we’re all heading there right now,” said Lucas, and Alexander smiled with relief. “I know why you asked. Maybe it’s got something to do with Alyssa. She can answer your question better, bro,” whispered Nicholas. Alexander smiled, amazed at how Nicholas could see through him. “What are we waiting for, man? Let’s go?” urged Alexander, unable to wait any longer. All the formalities were over at the court and they had no reason to wait. “You need to collect your belongings from the precinct, Mr. Van Every,” said the officer, and Alexander nodded. “I’ll see you later, son. Here are the keys to the penthouse. I’m sorry for everything that happened,” said his dad, handing him the keys and walking away, leaving him stunned. What the hell just happened? Did his dad apologize for his beha
“Bro, this isn’t even half the bail amount. Why did you lie to Eva? She’d be so upset when she comes to know,” said a worried Nicholas as they headed to the court for the initial bail hearing before the Magistrate judge. He looked at the cheque that Sienna had issued against the jewelry that Eva handed to her. It was the exact amount Lucas had specified to Eva. “I didn’t want to overburden her with a loan. Don’t tell her anything. I’ll have a word with Alexander later when he is released. Right now, I’m paying the rest of the amount. It’s the same with Chris’s payment. He didn’t quote it all to Alyssa. I’ll pay the rest when the case is over.” They met Chris and discussed the case outside the court while waiting for the proceedings to start. “So, what’s the update on the case? Did you find any leads? Will they approve of Alexander’s bail request?” asked Lucas in a low whisper. “Yes. I’m hundred percent sure, given Alexander’s respectable past record. I’ve roped in a few noteworthy