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
Aaron's Pov I was on my way driving out of the estate when I saw Alexander's car driving in.He's obviously going to Tessa's house. I don't know why he thinks it's convenient to always come to Tessa's house by this time.For fucks sake it's late and he should know his boundaries!But on a second thought, he's friends with Tessa and that kind of gives him the right to visit Tessa anything he wants to.I still haven't gotten over the night Tessa went out with him on a dinner date and now this.Alexander is intentionally trying to get under my skin.I took a deep breath, trying to steady my breathing. I gently drove out of the estate.Few kilometers away from the estate gate, I started having this disturbing feeling about Alexander's visit.All the time I was with Tessa, she didn't mention that Alexander was coming over, even though we weren't exactly talking but I felt she should have mentioned it at some point.I don't trust Alexander one bit, he is a pervert! And Tessa is not safe wi
Aaron's PovAfter I was done cleaning Tessa up, I changed her night gown and carried her to the bed.I covered her up with a duvet. I let out a deep breath, making sure she was comfortable before I walked back to the couch. Putting the towel away and carrying the basin of water down to the kitchen. After then I cleaned the floor where Tessa had puked.I went to the kids room and checked on them, they were sleeping adorably. I kissed their cheeks before leaving their respective rooms.As I find my way downstairs, I can't help but imagine what Alexander would have done if I didn't step in on time.I swear, Alexander is not getting away with this, I'm going to make sure he regrets ever touching Tessa with those filthy hands of his, Asshole!But then, my thoughts raced, if I decide to let Tessa in on what Alexander tried to do last night, is she going to believe me?I don't think Tessa would believe me but then again Tessa usually don't forget everything that happened around her when she'
Tessa's Pov.An hour later, Mara and I walked back into the living room, after dropping Xavier and Zoey in school.I shrugged into the couch and then a memory of Alexander pulling closer over me surfaced.I winced slightly in pain, holding my head. Mara rushed to me."Tes, what's wrong?" She asked, her tone concerned. "You're still having a hungover, right?" She asked as realization hits her I nodded, shifting my gaze at her. "But that's not all!""Okay," Mara cuts in sharply. "Hold that thought. Firstly, I need to get you something to help with the hungover and then you can tell me all about it," Mara said, standing up."Okay Mars, thank you," I said with a nod, offering her a small smile as she disappeared into the kitchen.Soon she appeared with a hot bowl of hot soup, a hot coffee and a painkiller. "I'm sure this would help," Mara said, dropping the tray on the table."Thank you," I muttered, going for the painkiller first.As I take the last spoon of the soup, Mara asked. "So, w
Tessa's Pov "Good morning ma'am," Rose greeted as I approached her, her face beaming with smiles."Good morning Rose, how are you doing this morning," I asked, returning the smile."Great!" She exclaimed, walking behind me as I entered my office."I cleared your desk yesterday, and rescheduled your appointments as instructed," Rose said, giving me heads up on my schedule for the day."Judy Lee is insisting on meeting up with you to finalize the contract," Rose said and paused. "Miss T?" She called. "Should I set up a meeting with her? She seemed really persistent to meet you in person," Rose asked."Sure, twelve noon would be perfect," I replied."Okay, I'll get that done right away," Rose said sharply, typing in her tab."Uhmm," I said, "Tell the dispatch team that I'd love to have a brief meeting with them," I instructed."Okay, got it!" Rose retorted, noting down.She looks up at me, waiting for permission to leave. "That would be all, Rose. You may leave," I said gently, offering
Tessa's Pov I eyed him carefully, my expression blank as I glared at him.Alexander tried to take advantage of me. Why would he do that? My thoughts spiral around.Aaron just sat there, waiting for me to digest his words, he doesn't seem eager to make me believe his claims, he looked like he knows more.I straightened myself in defense, even though deep down, somehow I don't think he'd go that far, just to discredit Alexander.I recalled Alexander acting all weird when I opened the door, and then he was saying things I can't remember, getting a tad bit too closer than he should. Then the rest is blank."And why should I believe you?" I asked, my eyes flickering in defense. "For all I know, you might actually be making this up to get him out of the way," I added sharply, my gaze fixed on him.Aaron scoffs slightly but remained calm. "You sure, you don't believe me?" He asked.I rolled my eyes at him. "And why should I? Alexander is my friend, he can't possibly hurt me," I defended.But
Aaron's Pov.I left Tessa's office, not sure why Tessa not believing me had to hurt this much. But then I felt bad for her, she much have genuinely considered Alexander as a friend and the asshole had to do this?I know back then, I only briefed Tessa how Alexander drugged Lisa, I didn't go into details how it happened and how cocky Alexander can be. He's a man that can go to any length to get whoever he wanted.He deluded Tessa into believing all she heard about him were untrue and showed Tessa a side of him he only wanted her to see.I'm so sure that he also pretended to love my kids, just so Tessa could see him in that limelight.I could have showed Tessa those footage from the CCTV and exposed Alexander but my instincts kicked against it. I wanted Tessa to figure it out herself, it's her call, and most importantly I wanted her to learn to trust me again.Somehow I knew that Tessa wouldn't believe me, but it still hurts to hear her say it to me.I returned to my office and buried m
Tessa's Pov.Earlier before I got home, Alexander had messaged me back that he was free and he'd come this evening.Mara wanted to go with me to my place but I told her I could handle it alone.I wanted Alexander to look me in the eyes and either lie or say the truth. Either ways, I wanted to give him that benefit of doubt as a friend, who has always been there for my kids and I.I sat down in the living room, patiently waiting for Alexander to arrive. Margaret brings a glass of juice to me."Thank you," I muttered, taking the glass from her, I take a sip and carefully placed it on the table. "Aren't you done for today" I asked Margaret."I am. But I'm waiting for the twins to return, so I'd tidy their lunch boxes before leaving," Margaret."Hmm," I hummed, but the look on Margaret's face is not convincing. For some reason I felt that wasn't why she was still around, normally she goes home earlier than this."Margaret," I called. "Are you okay?" I inquired.Her eyes flickered as she g
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