LAURA'S POVThe next morning, I woke up to a thank you note from Bryan. He had left early for something important but mentioned that I should prepare for a date that evening.As the evening approached, I took a shower, changed, and walked back into our room, only to find Bryan staring at me with a deep frown."What are you wearing?" he asked, his voice laced with disapproval."A dress," I replied, confused, as I turned to check my outfit in the mirror. It was a gorgeous red dress with strings at the back. The dress hugged me in all the right places and ended just before my knees, with a slit at the back."Go and change the dress," he said firmly as jealousy spark on his blue eyes, and my frown deepened."What?" I asked, getting pissed off."Am I speaking gibberish? I said go in there and change. We're not going out with you dressed like that," he repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument."But what's wrong with what I'm wearing?" I asked, with frustration in my voice."Everythin
BRYAN'S POVThroughout our ride to the venue for our date, I felt like we were being stalked. Somehow, Laura didn’t notice. She seemed more relaxed than ever. I received a call from Uriel and glanced at her. “Babe, I need to drop you back at home,” I said, and she stared at me curiously.“Is everything okay, Bryan?” Laura asked as I rubbed my forehead. “Yes, babe, everything is fine,” I assured her, and she nodded.“Ahhhhh!” she screamed in panic when they opened fire on our car. “Bend down!” I shouted and drove at full speed.As I drove down the road, my heart ached with hurt and guilt. We were in this situation because I hadn’t been careful with her.It is the same way I haven't been careful with Mia’s safety and lost her to the cold hands of death. I can’t risk Laura’s safety.“We lost them,” I said to her, and she didn’t respond.Deep down, I knew she was probably sceptical about us after this, or maybe I was overthinking things. Life with me was never easy.Immediately we got hom
BRYAN'S POV"You're so innocent sometimes that I'm scared I'd break you when you eventually see that side of me," I said while playing with her hair. She looked into my eyes shyly."You're such a tease, Bryan," she replied, and I stepped out of the tub."I know you're not ready for anything called s*x, so let's get out of the water because I need to take another shower," I said, and she raised her eyebrows."Again? But didn't we just bathe together?" she asked in confusion as she tied her hair in a bun.I stared at her milky skin, watching the drops of water trail from her neck into her cleavage."Baby, I need a cold shower because right now I'm so hard," I admitted, and her face flushed immediately."I'm sleepy," she mumbled, escaping from the bathroom as I laughed.I bit my lower lip as my mind drifted back to how soft she was, her gentle cries and moans whenever we made out. I remembered that time in New York when I buried my fingers in her warmth.I groaned as the cold water splas
NOTE: INTENSE SEX SCENE IN THIS CHAPTER LAURA'S POV"Good morning, sweetheart," Stephanie greeted as she walked into the kitchen."This place smells delicious," she squealed as she entered the kitchen."Hey, Stephanie, how are you?" I asked with a smile as I covered the pot."I’m fine, girl, and you’re glowing," she teased."Bryan proposed—we’re getting married," I blurted out. She looked shocked as if she’d seen a ghost."Fuck, I've got a wedding to plan!" she screamed excitedly. As I laughed, my mind went back to Bryan's phone call the previous night.Who was he talking to? Why did he look so guilty? I don’t know why, but I felt uneasy with the thought.I hope he's not hiding anything."So you’re getting married, huh? I’m so happy for you. Trust me, these siblings might be annoying sometimes, but they’re loving partners," Trent said as he pulled me into a hug and I chuckled."Hey, babe," Bryan called but paused when he saw Trent in the kitchen with me."I’ll excuse you lovebirds,"
BRYAN'S POV"That's not even a question. I love you and trust me, right now all I want to do is make sweet love to you, but..." I trailed off, and she pulled me into a kiss."I want it. I don't care," she said, and I kissed her back hungrily as I gripped her ass, trailing kisses down her chest.My lips reached the pink buds of her breasts, and as I took them into my mouth, she moaned out. I sucked on them as her fingers ran down my back, and then I captured her lips in a sweet kiss.My fingers trailed down, checking if she was wet enough. I was nervous because this was the first time I would be having s*x with a virgin, not just any virgin, but the woman I’m crazy about, the woman who makes me happy."Tell me if it hurts, okay? I promise I’ll stop," I whispered, and she nodded."Open your eyes, watch me take you," I instructed, as I began to penetrate her slowly."Ahh... ahh," she cried softly.I paused, kissing her lips to distract her. I wasn’t even halfway in yet, and we were alrea
BRYAN'S POVThe ride back to the estate was quiet, and guilt gnawed at me. I couldn’t believe we fought just after taking our relationship to the next level. I messed up. I’ll explain everything to Laura. I didn’t even cheat on her, so why am I complicating things for myself?As soon as I parked the car in front of the mansion, she stormed off without waiting for me."Baby," I called out, cursing under my breath. I hurried after her but froze on the spot."Darling, I’ve missed you so much," the voice I dreaded echoed behind me. She walked up and kissed me like she always had.Laura stood still beside me, her eyes wide, and everyone else was staring. I wiped my lips in a rush, as I watched as Laura headed straight for our room."Sylvia... I told you not to come here," I muttered, facing her."Why? Is it because you have a new fling? You never used to mind," she teased with a chuckle."That was my fiancée, Sylvia. Please, go home," I stated, and her jaw dropped, hurt flashing in her ey
BRYAN'S POVLaura and I arrived at the airport safely, but I knew I needed to meet with Blake before things got out of hand. He wasn’t just threatening me, he was threatening to destroy everything. He wanted me back in the business full time.But now that I have Laura, I don’t want anything to jeopardize the life we’re building together.“What do you want?” Blake demanded as soon as I stepped into his office.“You’re threatening me, Blake. I saw your messages. Why are you so determined to ruin my life?” I blurted out angrily.“Ruin your life?” Blake shot back, his voice rising. “Mia died because of your enemies. Don’t stand there and act like you don’t owe me!”I was speechless for a moment. “Owe you? I only got involved in your business because we lost Mia, and I was trying to cover things up. You’re the one who trapped me in this mess. I just want out, Blake. Please.”Blake walked over to his desk and turned to face me. “Because of Laura?”“Excuse me?” I responded, trying to stay ca
LAURA'S POV“Is he dead?” Kora rushed to my side, checking if the man was truly lifeless. “Oh my God! Oh my goodness!” I gasped, tears streaming down my face.“Babe, the guy is dead,” she whispered, and I stood frozen in place, more tears falling. She quickly typed on her phone, and it wasn’t long before Bryan arrived with the police.“Mine,” he called softly, and I broke down, sobbing as he pulled me into his arms, rubbing my back to soothe me.“I’m here, everything’s under control. Trust me, baby,” he repeated over and over again as I cried.I felt traumatized and didn’t know how to process what had just happened. The police asked us a few questions before letting us go, also taking Bryan’s car for further investigation.“Sweetheart,” he began, noticing how tightly I clung to his hand as he drove us home. “You know you need to talk to me, right? Laura, I’m worried.” He glanced over as I wiped away more tears.“He was murdered because of me, Bryan,” I whispered, but he shook his hea
LAURA'S POV We returned to the city after that weekend, and the whole family was happy about the news, especially his mom and friends. The plans for our wedding went on with full force. Bryan and I wanted something simple, by the sea with family and friends, that was it. A few days before my wedding, I noticed I was seriously sick. I couldn't eat anything because the moment it got in my stomach, I threw it all up. I couldn't even leave the bed. Bryan was out of the country with Oscar for business otherwise, he would be worried sick. "Babe, get off the bed, we are supposed to go cake tasting today," Kora complained. "I can't... I feel so weak... my boobs ache a bit, they feel so full..." I murmured weakly. "What?" Julie inquired, and I rubbed my forehead. "Have you eaten something? Besides, you're burning up pretty badly." "I throw up the minute it gets in my stomach," I replied, and she gasped. "When was the last time you saw your periods?" she probed, and I stared at her. "I
BRYAN'S POV It's been two weeks since the incident with Mikoy and the rest. Laura hasn't been herself, she's been quiet, and the nightmares have moved to a whole new level. It hurt me because it felt like the devil still controlled her happiness from the land of the dead. She has been seeing a therapist, and we are hoping for positive results. I just want my woman to be okay, and maybe a change of environment for a while would help, I thought calmly. "What are you thinking about?" she inquired while walking into our room. It's crazy how I went into a state of confusion when I found out Ruby was not mine. I did a DNA test and I'm waiting for the results. "About you, about us... I think we need space from everything, love," I stated, and she looked at me in confusion as I held her hand. "Let's go out of the country for a while," I suggested, and she stared at my face. "But what about our daughter...?" she trailed off, and my heart warmed at her ability to always create spa
AUTHOR'S POINT OF VIEW "Sylvia didn't commit suicide. The annoying thing is the fact that she was murdered right under our nose," Oscar declared angrily as he fixed his tie. "Who killed her then?" Chase inquired as he took a drag from his smoke. "Her former boss," he replied, rubbing his forehead. "Madam Valencia?" Bryan cursed under his breath as he looked away. How she managed to get her men into the estate was definitely something to worry about. "She didn't send her men, she paid one of our men to do it, then sent a letter of apology after her job was done," Oscar responded as he threw the envelope. "And the fucker that betrayed us?" Bryan inquired. "Nowhere to be found for now. I think he went into hiding." "I always knew she wasn't stupid enough to take her own life. Too bad her past came back at her," Trenton commented, shaking his head. "Enough of Sylvia. Tonight is Cindy's party. Everyone must stick to the plan. I want this over. I've had enough of their madness," B
LAURA'S POVBryan smiled softly as he looked in my direction. I returned the same hearty smile to him.The meeting moved from dinner to the discussion of our plans and how things would be done."Cindy is already a fool right now when it comes to me, so letting me into her party is gonna be the easiest thing to do," Trenton spoke up, telling us his plan."So Laura is gonna be the bait?" Bryan inquired immediately after I came into the picture."It's a brilliant idea," I uttered before he would say no."Brilliant idea? My love, you can't face that bastard. Remember how it turned out the last time?" He questioned, concern written all over his face."How long will I keep running, love? It's high time I face my past and put an end to Mikoy once and for all, so I'm in," I declared firmly, and he sighed softly without saying anything else.He was angry, but I'd deal with his drama later. We can't add that to the list of our numerous problems.Trenton chipped in, "This time around, we have to
BRYAN'S POVThey used to have a romantic relationship in the past? If it really isn't something to be worried about, why didn't she tell me? I wondered as I ran my fingers through my hair with a frown on my face."Don't tell me you're still thinking about that stuff," Trenton nudged me on the arm as we walked toward our rooms."I can't help myself," I replied, and he chuckled."Talk to her, then. Don't let doubt creep in. This is the time when you both need each other the most, man," he urged, and I nodded as he walked in the opposite direction.I walked to my room, and there she was, in her nightwear with Ruby in her arms."Hey, love," she greeted with a bright smile on her face.I couldn't return the smile, though, even if I tried, my mind kept going back and forth."My crown," she called, and I sighed softly."Why didn't you tell me you used to have a past with Cris?" I inquired, and she turned to me in confusion."Are we still talking about him, love? I told you, there's no need t
LAURA'S POV"He asked about Cris," I told my best friend, and Kora stared at me."And what did you tell him?" she questioned while folding some clean towels."Nothing, I didn't tell him. What would I have told him?" I frowned, even the thought kept a rotten feeling in my stomach."At least, Cris used to work for you, so he would let it slide. You don't know how men can be," she chuckled."Cris used to like me so much, there was a time we even kissed, like, made out," I said, scratching my neck nervously."Wait, did you guys sleep together?" she exclaimed, her jaw literally dropping."No, no, bestie, what would make you even think that?" I replied, and she raised both hands in surrender."Don't blame me, baby girl, that guy is smoking hot..." She trailed off."Plus, you guys used to make out in the past," she teased, and my cheeks heated up in embarrassment."Kora..." I whined, and she burst out laughing."Chill, it was in the past. Bryan also had a relationship with Sylvia, they even
AUTHOR'S POV"Is he okay?" Diane inquired, as she rubbed her arms softly."Mom, you need to calm down, please. At least eat something, Bryan wouldn't like to see you in this condition," Stephanie complained, as she hugged her mother closely."I can't eat with all those pipes connected to his body. I'm so scared, I can't lose any of my children," she voiced her fear."Bryan is a fighter, he'll be fine. Just be strong," Stephanie assured her mommy, and she nodded slowly.She had to be strong for her children. Bryan wasn't going to die on her, and that's one thing she strongly believed, even as fear gnawed at her."Hello, ma'am, the lady is awake," one of the nurses reported."Laura is awake, Mother," Stephanie exclaimed happily and left with the nurse to Laura's ward.Laura's eyes fluttered open for the second time, she closed them immediately due to how the bright lights burned her eyes.She opened them again and winced at how sore her body felt, her throat dry and her head hurt."Brya
LAURA'S POVBryan has been the sweetest since I woke up. I was strangely craving noodles, so I asked him to make me some.He stared at me in amusement because noodles weren't something I craved on a normal day. But he left to make me some, after which I invited him to join me.We ended up eating together, and his phone rang in the middle of the meal. I stared at him curiously as he picked up.He looked shocked about whatever he heard at the other end because he started talking in monosyllables.Something told me deep down that something was off."Huh..." He trailed off and stopped himself from continuing."I need to go," he announced immediately after he hung up the call."Go where? It's evening, and I want you here with me," I replied, and he bit his lower lip."It's very important, baby, but I promise I will be fine," he expressed, and I sighed."At least tell me where you're going, I don't feel too good," I complained."Maybe you're worrying too much," he mentioned and kissed my fo
BRYAN'S POV"How is she doing now? Is she okay?" Her best friend Kora inquired as she rushed into my room where Laura lay unconscious on the bed.We moved her to my place after the doctors were done with the most important treatment."She's still unconscious, but the doctor assured us she's out of danger," I responded, and she heaved a sigh of relief."Glad to hear that. I was worried when they told me what happened," she remarked, and I smiled."I caused it though, I made things worse," I mumbled, and she chuckled."Oh c'mon, it's not easy to be with Mikoy in one space and not want to end his life, not after everything he put our girl through," she said, and I pressed my lips tightly together."Be careful, Bryan. I know Laura would want this fight to end with everyone alive," she commented, and patted my back."I will come to check up on her again. Yvonne is awake," she informed me, and I murmured an okay."Everything is complicated, Cindy is part of Mikoy's team, meaning they planne