Mara's Pov.I slowly opened my eyes, the room coming into focus, my head bangs from a hung over.I sit up quickly, my hand instinctively holding my head slightly. "How did I get home?" I mumbled, asking no one in particular. I blinked, trying to remember as I glanced around for clues.My eyes rolled over. "Of course Dylan must've brought me back home," I sneered at myself. The last thing I remember was seeing that flirty message on Dylan's phone and then I asked the bartender for the strongest drink because the message somewhat triggered me."And–," I groaned inwardly. "I remember Dylan's worried face pleading to take me home," my heart started beating faster as I was about remembering what happened completely.Shit! I cursed under my breath as realization hits me."Holy fuck! I must have sounded so stupid last night," I lamented, my tone weary. "What was I thinking, begging Dylan to fuck me?"You're slutty asf, Mara! I breathed inwardly, ruffling my hair slightly.One minute, I wa
Tessa's PovI was seated at my office, navigating through some documents in anticipation of my next collection. I feel somewhat good that Mara is returning today!Hopefully, things get less crazy with her around. Suddenly the telephone beeps, and then my attention shifted to it.Quickly I picked. "Hi, ma'am. You have a guest by the name, Eleanor Winston," Rose relayed.I rolled my eyes, my body slowly getting nervous. What's Aaron's mom doing here? I feel bad for keeping her in the dark all these years even when she was nothing but a good mother-in-law to me in the past.I must have hurt her with my decision, she doesn't deserve the way I turned my back on her. I let my anger towards Aaron ruin the beautiful relationship I had with his Mom.I dragged in a sharp breath, trying to get my emotions together. "Let her in," I instructed. I gazed around my office, getting a little bit anxious as I dropped the call.The door cracked open and Eleanor walked in, looking as elegant as I c
Tessa's Pov.As Eleanor stands up to leave, I stop her in her tracks with my words."Please say me hello to Vanessa, I hope she wouldn't be so mad at me," I retorted, my smile slightly fading away.Even though I didn't know Vanessa for too long but the little time I talked with her, she was really nice and spends most of the day telling me stories about their childhood.Eleanor flashed me a reassuring smile and replied. "Trust me, Vanessa understands you even better," she reassured. "She has once left home, so believe me when I say she doesn't even hold a little bit of a grudge," Eleanor teased and that elicited a chuckle from me."Alright, I will find time to talk to her," I said."Great! Enjoy the rest of your day, Tessa," Eleanor retorted before she left.I felt somewhat relieved after talking with Eleanor, I feel like a heavy load has been lifted off my shoulders.I have been thinking a lot lately on how to face her and eventually I did.I'm so happy we were able to talk things ou
Lisa's Pov.I sat down in my room, waiting patiently for Gabriel to arrive. He had called me earlier to inform me that he found out about something I would want to know.The fool has refused to say it over the phone, saying he's not going to let it out on a platter.I know what he wants, dickhead!But if my body is going to get me the information I needed, then why not?Even though I hated to have anything to do with Gabriel, I just have to."Tessa, you see what you're putting me through? You bitch!," I groaned inwardly, my face contorting with rage and disdain. "I swear, I'm coming for you, I'm going to make you regret ever stepping your feet back to this country. You watch and see!" I sneered inwardly.If she hadn't seduced Aaron into loving her, I wouldn't be in this mess in the first place. I wouldn't be hiding like our outcast. Aaron would have protected me against Matteo.But see how miserable I've become because of that bitch.Suddenly I hear a knock on the door, that cuts me o
Tessa's Pov.I was feeling a bit under the weather so I decided to work from home, Mara had dropped the kids off at school on her way to work.She had insisted on staying back to make sure I was fine, but I promised her that I would be fine by myself, one of us needed to be at work anyway.I start with replying to the dispatch emails, noting down how many orders have been sent out for the week. As hours pass I review our recent contracts and how many orders are to be delivered to make sure we meet up.Around midday, I finished up with the design sketches for my next collection, making sure every design was explicit, something to blow everyone's mind away.The afternoon flies by as I jungle various tasks. Sending available dresses to some of my clients who want to place an order. Usually, I have my team do that but I prefer to work directly with my top clients.As I'm deep in my work, my phone beeps with a call from Aaron.I furrowed my eyebrows at the phone, hesitating to pick it up a
Aaron's Pov My heart felt warm and excited as we sat down having dinner. My eyes sparkled as I watched the kids eat, munching a mouthful of stirred spaghetti. They looked so adorable.I have Tessa to thank for giving such adorable cute kids.My heart twinkled as my eyes landed on Tessa, I chuckled inwardly as I stared at her, she seemed to be avoiding my gaze but it was just heartwarming staring at her.I can't wait to get my family back, to always have dinner like this as one big family happy.Honestly I can't wait, but right now I have to take whatever Tessa offered me till she's more comfortable around me to talk things out.I don't know when it's going to be but I noticed she wasn't as hostile as she used to be today. That's a progress."Daddy, can you feed me?" Zoey asked, pouting her mouth."Come on, baby. You always eat by yourself. Aren't you a big girl anymore?" Tessa steps in, caressing Zoey's cheeks lovingly.I chuckled at this.Zoey crossed her arms and whined. "Of course
Tessa's Pov As my hands brushed against Aaron's. My breath hitched. My heart raced wildly.I hate that I still feel this way. I hate that I'm still attracted to him.As I raised my eyes, his eyes met mine and for a moment I zoned out, my eyes lingering on his succulent lips. I imagined him claiming my lips and kissing me passionately.For fucks sake Tessa, get a grip on yourself! You can't feel this way about him, you have moved on and that's it!Quickly I fought the weird nasty thoughts hovering in my head. I shifted my hands quickly and withdrew my gaze.I carried Zoey, standing up and moving towards the staircase without saying a word, my heart pounding nervously.I could hear Aaron's footsteps as he carried Xavier, walking behind me.I thought back to the expression on his face a while ago, he looked like he was stopping himself from doing something he really wanted to do.I just hope he doesn't mistake my intensified gaze as me wanting him back. Because there's no way I'm going
Alexander's POV.Tessa seemed to be pretty occupied, she barely reply my messages or answer my calls and when she does she's always in a hurry to hang up.She has been acting strange since the dinner night, I kissed her without her consent and that triggered her even though it shouldn't.I've been there for her all these years, loved and cared for her and her little brats, of course it was so obvious that I loved her and wanted her but she chose to friend-zone me, she chose to still love Aaron. Even though she doesn't want to admit it yet, I can see it in her eyes, the way she looks at him, her eyes still holds the same warmth whenever she gazed at him, just like old times. She's still head over heels for him.Shit! It hurts.She's mad because I stole a kiss, been acting up even though I apologized and she said it was fine. I know she'd rather kiss Aaron.I don't know what I need to do for Tessa to see me as more than a friend. I don't know what I need to do to get her to love me, hav
Tessa's Pov."Okay Tes. Why is everywhere dark?" Mara cuts in, unable to hide her distaste."I'm surprised myself," I lied, fighting the urge to laugh and unveil."I think we should find another restaurant. They've probably closed," Mara countered but before she could say another one, everywhere lights up.Dylan is in the spotlight, he's kneeling with one leg, and holding a red box.Mara's eyes are wide open, she turns and gave me a sharp but excited look. "You knew all along,"I nod, my face beaming with a smile.Aaron and everyone else surfaced, eliciting a chuckle from Mara.Okay, I didn't see this coming. "Tessa I'm holding you down for this. How where you able to pull this off without any loopholes?" she asked, unable to hide her excitement."I try," I retorted, smiling back at her.Dylan's face gleamed as he stared deep into Mara's eyes. "From the first time I set my eyes on you, Babe. I knew you we're the one. Thank you for giving us a chance, thank you for loving me,"Mara is a
Tessa's Pov.It's been six months of Aaron hitting on me. We're still married although we aren't officially together but he insisted he'd do things he hadn't done before, maybe that'd make me love him again.The thing is, I love him. He doesn't even have to do too much but I still agreed, I was enjoying every bit of him hitting on me.The circumstances surrounding our marriage didn't give us the chance to get to know each other before marriage. So why not?The flowers, the surprise gifts, the vacation s, the family outing. Everything was so surreal.Aaron is a sweet man. I knew he was, but now I can see it clearly.So, today Dylan is planning a surprise engagement party for Mara.It was hard to hide this away from Mara. That's what surprises are for anyways.Mara on the other hand is two weeks pregnant, planning to surprise Dylan with the news.It's raining surprises this period.I'm so happy for my girl.She's in her lover girl era. Things are different now, she's more open about her
Tessa's Pov.Aaron is walking hand in hand with Xavier and Jesse, while I carried Zoey who's jingling with joy.I could see they're excited to see us pick them up together.What can I say? Every kid wants a happy family.As we walked to the school parking lot. Zoey chimed in. "Mommy? Are you and Daddy friends now?"Her question throws me off a little. But quickly I recovered and offered a warm smile. "Yes, baby. We're friends. You like that, don't you?"She nods excitedly. "Does that mean Daddy doesn't have to go home after putting us to sleep?" she asked, her voice bubbly.I furrowed my eyebrows, a smile tugged at my lips. "We'd see,"Aaron hastens to open the door for me. I'm not sure if he heard me and Zoey.He helps Xavier, Zoey and Jesse settle into the car, making sure they're comfortable.As he slides into the driver's seat. He turns to the kids, his face laced with a wide grin."Is anyone hungry?" he ask.The kids bounces up and down, full of energy. "We are!" they exclaimed.A
Tessa's Pov.I shake my head, my expression blank as the officers took Lisa away. Vanessa and Dante are on a video call with Mateo.Apparently, Mateo had declared Lisa wanted.And now, he has her.She's in for a big big trouble. Her karma is here.Vanessa and Dante follows the officers out.I glance at Bill, he's still shocked from what has happened.I'm worried for him but I don't show it."I need to start trusting my guts more. I never really liked her. Now, I know why. Such a cunning bitch," Eleanor breathed, letting out a deep sigh."Aaron, are you alright?" Eleanor asked, her gaze shifting to Aaron.Aaron nods."Don't stress it. I have to go now. Sure you're good?" Eleanor asked, her voice soft.Aaron nods again, giving her a small smile. "Yeah,"Eleanor leans over Aaron and kissed his cheeks. "That's a relief. Talk to you later,"She throws a smile my way before heading to the door."Today sucks!" Mara squeaked, the weight of the chaos earlier, pressing down on her.She leans cl
Aaron's Pov Lisa's eyes glint with a disturbing calm. "Dylan, of course you don't know that. I saved Aaron that day and he knows," her voice is firm but lacks its usual confidence.Dylan scoffs. "Oh, stop with the lies, Lisa. You're nothing but a two timing manipulative liar,"Okay now, I'm taken aback by Dylan's words. I knew he never liked Lisa and never shied away from saying it but this is new, what is he driving at?Lisa's face contorts with rage, her composure shattering like glass. "You never liked me, of course you'd say anything to downgrade me," she taunted.Dylan turns to me. "Your accident was all staged by this bitch, then she swobs in and saves the day, making it look like she saved your life. I try to tell you but you wouldn't listen," Dylan said, his words clear and direct.I'm really confused. Lisa lied about saving me, all for what?My whole body explodes on the inside, hearing Dylan's revelation, my mind actually can't calculate this.Lisa staged an accident, this
Aaron's Pov.After I got Lisa's message, threatening to hurt Tessa and my kids if I don't agree to meet up.I knew that was the last straw.I might've ignored these signs in the past because I respected what we use to share.But one thing I can't take from her it's threatening my family.I need to put a stop to her madness. Damn what use to be.I had invited her over, trying to play her little games. I involved everyone, including Tessa and thankfully she didn't decline.I watched Lisa walk into my living room, on a black hoodie, and a shade, looking like she's on the run, a forced smile on her face. "Aaron!" She exclaimed dramatically, taking a seat beside me.Her face falls flat as she didn't get the reaction she expected. She looks at me, waiting for me to speak up.Wanting to play her little tricks, I managed a smile. "So, how's life treating you, Lisa," I ask, my tone more skeptical than genuine.She got the hint."Oh, please. Don't act like you care," she said defiantly.I smirk
Tessa's Pov Aaron hugged me tightly, his hand trailed my hair, stroking them softly.I bury my face in his chest, letting the tears flow. The shock, the anxiety, the weight of Alexander's confession– it all comes pouring out."Everything is going to be fine, I assure you," he whispered into my ears.His words are soothing, making my nerves calm a little, but the shock is still there, bubbling under the surface.But for the first time in a long time I want to believe that everything will be fine.Still in Aaron's arms, my mind raced.Why does he have to smell and feel so good?After a moment, I pulled back and wipe my eyes. Being this close with him it's too dangerous with my feelings for him.I looked at him for a while, his eyes are soft and filled with understanding. My expression faltered. Suddenly I felt the need to apologize to Aaron, for refusing to listen and being so stubborn.I can't even begin to imagine what my stubborness would have caused me. My kid's safety!I didn't kn
Tessa's Pov.With Aaron's evidence in hand, I stride into Alexander's company, a surge of anger courses through me, I could feel my blood boiling.The elevator chimes and I walked out heading towards Alexander's office front door, I walked past his secretary and pulled the door open, ignoring her bickering.She follows me into the office hastily, unable to stop me.Alexander raised his eyebrows, surprised to see me. Quickly he raises his hand, telling his secretary it was okay and she could leave.As his secretary left, he steps in immediately, beating me to it. "Tes, I wasn't expecting you,"I arched my eyebrows at him. "The night you came to my house. Didn't you say you left almost immediately?" I queried, my patience wearing thin.He gulped hard and then his expression gave him away."You perv! How didn't I see through you?" I groaned frustratingly. "How could you do such a thing?" I snapped, playing the video on my phone and showing it to him.His eyes flickers but it wasn't of gui
Tessa's Pov."Tessa!" I heard my name and I turned to see who was calling.The face clicks. Vanessa, Aaron's sister.I've seen her a couple of times on video calls but trust me, she looked way prettier in person, she's just a female version of Aaron.A man walked behind her as she approached me, I figured out that was her husband, he looked calm and gentle.I didn't know how to react at first, especially when I shut her out too. I've been meaning to reach out to her one of these days but I guess fate beat me to it."Vanessa," I called out as my face lights up a little and then it falters as guilt crept in.Vanessa notices and nudges my shoulder. "Hey, it's fine, trust me I understand," she assured.Quickly she turned, facing the tall man behind her, her eyes sparkling. "This is Dante, my husband," she introduced.Turning to me, she added. "This is Tessa, Uhmm, Aaron's wife—-," she stuttered but quickly she rephrase her sentence. "Tessa, the twin's Mom," she concluded sharply.Dante no