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TWENTY (4): Tracking Andre
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2024-10-25 16:45:23Annabelle stormed through the office hallways, her sneakers squeaking on the polished floor, but she paid no attention to the surprised looks from the staff. She was still dressed in her expensive sportswear, the tailored outfit clinging perfectly to her figure, and yet, despite the whispers that surely followed her, she was beyond caring. Her focus was singular, laser-sharp: Get the Winters contract.
When James’s secretary tried to block her path, warning that her brother was in a meeting, Annabelle didn’t even pause. No meeting—nothing—was more important than the mess James had created and her need to fix it before it exploded beyond repair. Without hesitation, she threw open the door to James’s office, ignoring the secretary’s protests. What she found inside made her lips lift in distaste.
The "meeting" was nothing more than James and Rachel entangled in each other’s arms, Rachel perched on his lap like some queen on her thr
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Tangled Destinies TWENTY (5): Tracking Andre
David’s presence filled the room instantly, his tall, broad frame making the spindly secretary look even more insignificant. His face was unreadable, but the tension in his posture and the tight set of his jaw were unmistakable. James shot up from his seat the moment he saw their father, knocking into Rachel in his hurry, and ignoring her surprised yelp. She scrambled to stand, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but David didn’t even spare her a glance. His sharp, dark eyes were locked onto Annabelle.“What did you learn from Andre Winters?” David asked in a low, authoritative tone, his voice carrying the weight of years of command. There was no greeting, no pleasantries, just the demand for answers.Annabelle rose slowly from the couch, meeting her father’s gaze with the same steely resolve she’d inherited from him. “He wouldn’t give me the details outright,” she began, her tone calm and measured, “but he
Last Updated : 2024-10-26Tangled Destinies TWENTY-ONE (1): Helping Out
Lila hadn’t seen Dominic for days. After their lunch together with Aaron and Winnie, he’d disappeared like mist in the early morning sun, leaving behind only the odd flutter in her chest whenever she thought about him, and an unexpected ache she couldn’t quite understand. Sea’s Edge was small enough that bumping into someone frequently was inevitable, but somehow, Dominic had vanished from her daily life. The one constant was Aaron and Winnie. Every day, like clockwork, Marcus would show up at the bookstore with the children in tow. He had started babysitting them more frequently, and every day after school, he would bring them by the shop before taking them home. Idly, Lila wondered if this was related to how little she saw of DominicWhenever school ended, Marcus brought Aaron and Winnie to the bookstore before taking them home, lingering just long enough for the kids to burn off some of their energy, but not long enough for Lila to ask about Dominic
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“I can pick them up, no problem,” she said, trying to keep her tone light. “But I don’t know if the school will just hand them over to me.”Marcus chuckled. “Already ahead of you. I called the school, described you, and gave them a password for extra security. You’re all set.”“Wow, you really thought this through,” Lila teased, grinning. “Maybe this is the universe telling you it’s time to let that old monstrosity of a car go.”“Hey! Put some respect on my baby’s name,” Marcus shot back, laughing. “But yeah, this might be the final straw. Just make sure you use the password. And, Lila? Thanks. I owe you one.”They hung up, and Lila closed up the shop in record time, locking the doors and getting into her small car. Her mind raced as she drove. She couldn’t ignore the way her heart fluttered at the thought of seeing Dominic, even if it was jus
Last Updated : 2024-10-28Tangled Destinies TWENTY-ONE (3): Helping Out
Lila hurriedly got Aaron and Winnie out of the car, huddling under their umbrellas as they made their way to the front door of Dominic’s home. Rain drizzled steadily, a cold dampness creeping into the air that made her instinctively adjust Winnie higher on her hip, trying to shield the toddler as much as she could. The house loomed ahead.When they reached the door, Lila set Winnie down for a moment to check if the door was unlocked, but to her dismay, it was firmly shut. The toddler, her eyes half-closed with sleep, leaned heavily against Lila’s leg. Shifting her weight, Lila dug into her pocket to pull out her phone, first trying Dominic’s number. As Marcus had warned, the call went straight to voicemail. From where she stood on the porch, Lila could faintly hear the muted sound of a ringtone from inside the house, but it quickly cut off.“Looks like your dad’s a pretty heavy sleeper,” Lila muttered to Aaron, who had
Last Updated : 2024-10-30Tangled Destinies TWENTY-ONE (4): Helping Out
His strong, broad frame rested on the desk, his shirt long discarded. The faint glow of the computer monitor in front of him cast soft light over his bare torso, revealing the lines of muscle that shifted with his steady breathing. Lila’s eyes couldn’t help but linger, taking in every inch of his tanned skin, the slight curve of his back as he slept deeply.“Dad’s really tired,” Aaron whispered innocently, standing beside her. But Lila barely registered the words. Her mind was elsewhere—caught in the realization of just how much Dominic affected her.She swallowed hard, forcing herself to look away. What was she doing? This wasn’t like her, not at all. Just over a month ago, she had left James, still reeling from the mess her marriage had become. How could she possibly be feeling… this? Her heart pounded in her chest as she fought the wave of emotions rushing through her.But it was undeniable. She was drawn
Last Updated : 2024-10-31Tangled Destinies TWENTY-ONE (5): Helping Out
With a quiet resolve, Lila rolled up her sleeves and stepped into the living room.She started by gathering the scattered toys, little cars and soft stuffed animals that had been flung around in the middle of playtime. She took her time, gently placing each toy in a small woven basket near the couch. Next, she picked up the throw blankets, folding them neatly and draping them over the back of the couch. Every few moments, her eyes flicked over to the study door, the sight of Dominic asleep etched vividly in her memory.After she was finished with the living room, she moved to the kitchen. A small pike of dishes sat in the sink, and the countertops bore traces of breakfast cereal and the crumbs of hastily-made snacks. She rolled up her sleeves further, turning on the warm water and beginning to wash each dish with practiced ease. The repetitive action allowed her mind to drift back to the heat she’d felt earlier, the strange thrill that had come with the idea of b
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Dominic took a step closer, and Lila’s pulse beat quicker, her heart caught in the wild thrill of anticipation. There was something intoxicating in his gaze, something that made her feel as if he were peeling away her walls, layer by layer, with each unspoken word. The air between them felt , electric, and she knew if she didn’t step back now, she’d be swept away in whatever was about to happen.His face was only inches from hers, his gaze flickering to her lips in a way that sent a shiver down her spine. Her breathing hitched. She felt herself leaning in, just a fraction, but enough to betray how much she wanted to close that small distance between them. She didn’t know what had come over her, this overwhelming desire to abandon all her worries and cautions and let herself feel something she hadn’t dared in a very long time. Dominic’s presence was waking her up, sparking something in her that she hadn’t realized she missed.
Last Updated : 2024-11-02Tangled Destinies TWENTY-TWO (1): Ambushing Mr. Winters
Annabelle fastened the last button on her shirt cuff, the soft fabric sliding over her wrist as she adjusted it, her fingers lingering a moment longer than usual. She stared at her reflection, but her thoughts were miles away. Her mind wasn’t on her outfit, not really; it was on Andre Winters. She was about to march into his office unannounced. No appointment. No polite prelude. Just a woman who wasn’t about to let some businessman derail everything her family had worked for without a fight, but she was certain Andre wouldn’t turn her away.And, if she was honest with herself, part of her was thrilled at the idea of seeing Andre again, to test whether him giving her a hint was strictly professional—or if there was something else simmering beneath the surface. She almost laughed at herself for the thought. He’d given her that hint about his mysterious decision to pull the plug on her family’s business, and he hadn’t offered
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Tangled Destinies FORTY-THREE: A Nuisance (1)
Annabelle stepped out of Lila’s hotel room, closing the door behind her with a quiet click. The hallway was dimly lit, the patterned carpet muffling the sound of her footsteps as she made her way toward the elevator. She let out a deep breath, pressing the button and watching the numbers descend. It was only after ten o’clock but it already felt like she had had a long morning, partially because her mind was beginning to think out all the ways Lila’s sudden reappearance could change the ways things were not. Not only with Andre, but also with the family.At least Lila seemed certain about her decision. Annabelle could respect that, even if she wasn’t entirely sure how things would play out. Just before stepping into the elevator, she heard Lila’s voice call after her. “Annabelle!”She turned back, raising an eyebrow as Lila peeked out from the door frame, looking slightly sheepish.“Can you bring me something from Quick Bites when you come back?” Lila asked, naming a fast-food chain t
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Annabelle drove through the noisy streets of the city, her hands gripping the wheel a little too tightly. The shock of Lila’s sudden return hadn’t left her system yet. She stole a glance at said woman, who sat in the passenger seat, gazing out of the window with an unreadable expression."You sure about this place?" Annabelle asked, slowing as they neared the discreet hotel Lila had given her directions to.Lila nodded, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. "Yeah. I don’t need anything fancy. Just a place to stay for the night."Annabelle didn’t love the idea of Lila staying in a hotel alone, but she also understood why Lila wouldn’t want to stay at her place. Annabelle herself didn’t want her anywhere near the Robinson mansion, not with James so suddenly interested in wanting to know where Lila was after all this time just because Rachel was no longer an option.Still, Annabelle wasn’t about to let her hand
Tangled Destinies FORTY-TWO: Surprise Surprise (2)
"I'm in the city," Lila repeated, her voice slightly breathless. "I just got off the train. I—" She paused, then let out a small, self-conscious laugh. "I know it's sudden. But I wanted to let you know before I get to a hotel."Annabelle sat back on the closed toilet lid, pressing her free hand against her forehead. Lila had been in Sea’s Edge just last night. The last time they spoke, she said nothing of wanting to leave and now she was here?"You’re looking for a hotel?" she asked, catching on to that last part."Yeah. I… I didn’t really think this far ahead. I just knew I needed to come back," Lila said. "I’m trying to find a taxi now.""Don’t," Annabelle said immediately. "Don’t get into any taxis. I’ll come pick you up.""You don’t have to—""I will," Annabelle interrupted firmly. "Just wait for me at the station. I’ll start coming now."Lila sighed teasingly but didn&rsq
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Annabelle slowly stirred, her body warm despite the cool morning air. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt this deeply satisfied, with contentment wrapping around her like a second skin. As she shifted, a slow ache bloomed through her body; a delicious reminder of the night before.She was sore everywhere – her arms, her thighs, her shoulders. For Pete’s sake, she was sore in places she didn’t even know one could get sore in. And it made her want to do it all over again. Her lashes fluttered open, and for a moment, she simply lay there, absorbing the quiet intimacy of the moment. The room was dimly lit with the heavy hotel curtains keeping the morning light at bay even though the sun was already risen. The sheets were tangled around her legs, cool against her skin, but it was the solid weight of the arm slung over her waist that held her still. Andre.The realization sent a ripple of surprise through her. She had expected to wake up al
Tangled Destinies FORTY-ONE: Things Fall Apart (2)
Lila’s fingers trembled as she scribbled a quick note to Marcus, her vision blurred by unshed tears.“I’m sorry, but I need to step out for a break.”She hesitated for a brief second before placing the note where she knew he would see it. As she gathered her things and slipped out of the bookstore, a cool gust of wind brushed against her damp cheeks. The streets of Sea’s Edge were quiet this afternoon, with most of its population at work. She should feel relieved that today was a slow day. Marcus wouldn’t struggle to handle the few customers that trickled in. But relief never came. Only a hollow ache in her chest as her feet carried her down the familiar path back to the cottage.Every step, her mind replayed her conversation with Dominic in excruciating detail.The moment he had asked her if they weren’t enough of a reason for her to fight. The way his expression had hardened. The hurt in his eyes when he realized she was choosing to leave rather than stay and fight for them.She pus
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The scent of fresh paper filled the bookstore as Lila carefully unboxed the latest shipment of books. She placed each book into its designated pile, her movements methodical.A few feet away, Marcus was busy unboxing their new supply of office essentials—staples, pins, and other mundane necessities. Unlike her, he wasn’t as precise in his sorting, carelessly tearing through the tape and letting packing peanuts scatter onto the floor.Lila barely paid him any mind as she reached for another box. It was slightly heavier than the others, and as she peeled away the layers of tape and folded back the cardboard, her eyes landed on something that made her lips curve into a smile.A Canine Musketeers book. Its cover gleamed with an emerald sheen, the illustration playful and inviting. A cartoonish German shepherd stood poised with a sword in its mouth, facing off against a husky, their blades exaggeratedly long and dramatic.Lila swallowed hard. Aaron loved this series. It was the very first
Tangled Destinies FORTY: Accusation! (2)
Annabelle’s brows lifted, unimpressed. She folded her arms and leaned back against her chair. “Wow,” she drawled. “That’s a very serious accusation, James. Do you have any proof, or are we just throwing wild theories around now?”His jaw twitched. “Don’t play games with me. You’re the only one who cared enough about her to help her disappear. You must know something.”Annabelle exhaled through her nose, shaking her head. “You sound paranoid.”James took a step closer. “Don’t do that. Don’t act like I’m crazy.”“You are, though.” She tilted her head, a sharp glint in her eyes. “Because yesterday, you weren’t even asking about Lila. You didn’t care where she was. You weren’t checking in on the so-called search effort. But now, all of a sudden, you’re this devoted ex-husband who’s desperate to find her?”
Tangled Destinies FORTY: Accusations! (1)
After a cold shower in the gym’s locker room, Annabelle towel-dried her hair, taking her time as the icy water’s effect dulled the fire simmering in her belly. She knew it wouldn’t last. Even as she dressed in a fresh set of clothes, her mind wandered. She could have sworn her body was humming. She wasn’t naive to let herself think this was about emotions or romance. No, this was about doing something for Annabelle for once, and not for the company and certainly not for the family.With her hair satisfactorily dry, she left the building, her gym bag hung on her shoulder. Sliding into her car, she pulled out her phone and quickly booked a suite at an upscale hotel. With a few taps and a confirmation email, a suite at the prestigious Meridian was booked.She deliberately chose a neutral setting, somewhere neither nor Andre could claim dominance. If she was going to have this night with him, she wanted it to be free from the weight of their family names, their business interests, their t
Tangled Destinies THIRTY-NINE: Reckless Decisions (2)
Annabelle was the first to pull away, though it took every ounce of willpower she possessed to do so. Her breath came in short, uneven pants, and she could still taste Andre on her lips, still feel the firm press of his body against hers. His hands still rested on her waist, his grip firm, as if he wasn’t quite ready to let go. Maybe that was a hint he thought that she might take back what she'd just done. But Annabelle had no intention of second-guessing herself. Not this time.She placed a hand against his chest, creating a sliver of space between them, but it did nothing to cool the heat simmering in her veins.She swallowed, taking a moment to calm herself before she spoke. “We need to set some ground rules.”Andre’s fingers flexed against her waist, his thumb grazing over the damp fabric of her workout top. “Rules?” he asked. His voice was rougher than usual, less composed. It would be a lie to say she wasn’t secretly delighted in the fact that she had shaken that assured composu
