Margo’s mouth was still open in shock, with no words coming out as she had never met someone like Madison before. Not even her parents or Lake had ever spoken to her in such a manner, but Madison got the rest of her worries out.“As for sleeping in his room, that was a mistake,” she realized.Madison did not think much when Lake told her to sleep on the bed and accepted the offer. Now, with a clear mind, she knew it wasn’t right, even though they had nothing going on, as it could send the wrong signals.She thought to explain it to Margo. “But I was drunk and feeling sick. He must have just wanted to be there to check on me.”Seeing Lake in the distance, she sighed with relief. “Lake, I need hangover pills, and can you go to my apartment to get me some clothes, please?”No matter how she tried, the discomfort from all the alcohol she consumed last night would just not leave her.Then she saw Coco in front of Lake, and guilt welled up in her heart. Before Lake could respond, Madison
Sebastian couldn't explain it to her, but his insecurities couldn't keep him away from Madison for long either."I'll wrap things up here and come back soon so we can talk about it. I don't like having these conversations over the phone.”He paused and asked again. “I heard Coco's voice. Is she there too?"Madison looked in the direction where Coco was talking to Lake but noticed Lake looking worriedly at her."Yeah.""Alright. Please call me when you get home," Sebastian said, about to end the call when the phone was snatched from Madison's hands.Lake walked a little away and spoke in a hushed tone."Seb, if you like Madison, then I'm giving you a chance with her. I'll only keep her company until you return and won't bring her to my house again."Sebastian thought for a moment, unsure of what to say. Lake had a pleasant personality around those he loved, which made Sebastian uncomfortable.But then again, Lake and Madison had been very good friends before Sebastian came along.If th
Coco’s cheeks reddened at Lake’s direct words. It seemed the guy never knew how to use a filter.Clearing her throat, she replied, “You are right. Can I sit?”Lake was instantly ashamed. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize we were standing.”He held her hand and led her to the sofa, feeling slightly nervous as he sat beside her. The wine was on the center table.“It’s too early for wine. Should I get you coffee? I can make toast as well,” Lake offered.Coco would have loved to but had to meet Michelle at the office on time.“Don’t bother. I believe Michelle arranged something in the office already.”“Office?” Lake asked, surprised, but Coco explained it.“Yeah, we have some shoots next week in Miami, so we are trying to round up a few things at the company.”Lake’s expression turned grim. At the time he wanted to pursue her, she pushed him away because River was still in her life. Now that he had the chance, she had a shoot that was going to take her away from him.Lake felt that perhaps
Coco was at a loss for words, wondering if coming here like this was a good idea.There was something about Lake that made her shy, but the way he stared at her was different from the way she saw him look at any other woman. This was a sure sign for her that Lake felt nothing for Madison; his stare was intense, filled with need.“Yes, but I still would love to take things slow,” Coco said.Lake closed in on her, his arm pressed against the wall above her head, forcing her to lean her back against the wall.The desire in his tone was equally intense.“I don’t go slow when I see what I want. I’m not made that way, Rose,” his voice was husky, but Coco raised her brows at how he called her.“I prefer Roselle better, especially Rose,” Lake said. His minty breath fanned her face and ears, making her shiver at the closeness.He moved strands of hair from her face to the back of her ears. “I don’t know how to hold back when it’s about you.”Coco’s cheeks were now stained with a darker shade
Coco stared dreamily at her. Many men came her way when she was dating River, but only Lake left an impression on her. Just a while ago, he reignited something within her that had died. Besides the fact that Lake was moving too fast, Coco had nothing else against him. Then again, River had been too slow, taking years to propose, which never happened until she realized he was cheating on her. Lake had already explained that he could not delay when he saw what he wanted. Coco felt butterflies in her stomach.This was the first time a man she felt attracted to was crazy about her. With River, he always made her feel as if she was the one holding the relationship.That was also the reason it crumbled when she no longer wanted it. It was different with Lake. “I don’t know, Michelle, but he’s just different. He makes me feel things I never felt. He takes charge of my feelings like…” “You are everything to him?” Michelle took the words from her mouth. Coco stared seriously at her. “Yes,
Ezrah was about to end the call when Lake spoke again. “I also wanted to inform you that Coco and Michelle would be leaving for Miami in a few days.”Ezrah felt a wave of sadness at the news. Even with Michelle here, it was difficult to see her, so how would he cope in Miami when she’s gone?“Really? I guess I have to catch up on work then. If she’s going, then I have to be there as well,” Ezrah decided.The things he couldn't give Michelle before, he was ready to provide now and for the rest of his life.“That’s what I planned too, but where are you?” Lake asked, hearing noises in the background.“Just taking care of a few things. Do you want to come?” Ezrah asked, hoping he would.With Lake, things would move faster as he was already familiar with all of Ezrah’s movements.That was why he knew how much Ezrah loved Michelle, even though Ezrah didn't realize it himself or was focused on pleasing Piper back then.Unfortunately, Lake couldn't be there for Ezrah this time.The woman he fe
Ezra thought for a moment. He would have indeed used Lake’s help through Coco, but then he had to be a man to clean up his own mess.“You already have a lot on your hands too. Just focus on your relationship, and I will take it from here. Thanks a lot for the information.”Ezra hung up and did not dare to call Landon for anything about Michelle, as that might lead to him getting fired.Her safety was more of a concern to him than having her in his arms.Michelle was still at her parents' house, and though this was not how Ezra wanted to meet her parents again after her return, he still had to start from somewhere.He was just glad that his wound was healing well, and he felt not much pain.At Madison’s house, she invited Margo in, recalling that Lake was with Coco. This was his chance to get the woman he always had a crush on, and Margo should not be there as a third wheel.Together, they arrived in front of Madison’s door to see that not only did the girls not just come to deliver th
“You and Lake seem to be good friends, so are you friends with Ezrah too?” Margo asked. Madison frowned a little.Margo did not seem to be as simple as she thought and replied, “Yeah, he’s my boyfriend.”The shocked expression blended with sadness said it all. “Your boyfriend? How? When?” Margo asked all at once.Since Madison got what she wanted, she spoke honestly. “Just kidding. He’s my boss.”“And you are crushing on him,” Margo accused painfully, due to how Madison had claimed Ezrah to be her boyfriend earlier.Madison had had her fair share of seeing a lot of women crushing on Ezrah and wanting to gain his attention but was glad she was not one of them.“Never. I’ve never felt a thing for Ezrah, never would.”Margo found it hard to believe. Madison was not even rich or anything but was making it look as if Ezrah was beneath her.“He’s a hot guy. You say it as if he’s some ugly toad.”Madison shook her head, as the understanding of everything was slowly sinking in.“No. Ezrah is
Congratulations, Mr. Newman. Your wife is one month pregnant," the doctor declared, the atmosphere filled with excitement. The bond they shared brought them unparalleled happiness, each genuinely happy for their friends, including little Esther. Zora and Madison spent time with Coco, leaving Esther with the men. The triplets were adorable, the boys taking after their father and the girl after her mother. "I swear, Zora, this is my first and last time. It hurts like a bitch," Coco said, as Zora and Madison laughed. "I heard women were designed for this. You did amazing, mama. Congratulations," Zora kissed her on the forehead and said. Months later, Zora and Ezrah welcomed their twins, Eugene and Eugenia Gannon, and five months after, Madison had a baby boy, Justin. Esther was the best big sister anyone could ask for. Ethan and Ethel welcomed a daughter, and a year later, they had twins, two girls. Lucas never remarried, unable to get over his ex-wife. One day, he received a messa
The day before, Rush had called to inform Ezrah and Zora that he and Odette had a son. Due to the distance, they had not yet visited, and now, he was meeting Lake at the hospital without Coco by his side.“Ezrah, what are you doing here?” Lake asked, his joy radiating on his face, but Ezrah was surprised to see him so happy at the hospital.“My wife fainted, and what are you doing here? I don’t remember the hospital being a place for happy people.”Lake laughed and made a joyful revelation. “My wife had triplets. Two boys and one girl. I was just about to call you.”Ezrah recalled Lake wishing for triplets; it seemed he got his heart's desire and something to keep his parents busy.“Congratulations, Lake, you got what you always wanted.”“Yeah, we found happiness. Congratulations to us, but what’s wrong with Zora?” Lake asked again, his joy fading due to the news about Zora, but Ezrah’s explanation lifted his spirits.“I suspect she’s pregnant. She refused to take the pregnancy test, a
“Lucas, you are insane. I will never choose you over Ethan, and I will never have anything to do with you again,” Ethel said through gritted teeth. Lucas was furious.“Then you leave me no choice,” he yelled and pulled the towel from her.She ran to seek cover in the closet, but he caught her and pulled her to his chest.Ethel felt ashamed and furious as her naked body pressed against his.She tried to free herself, but he was stronger and also drunk.“Why do you want to hide from me? We’ve had each other many times,” he cooed in her ear, but all she felt was disgust and anger.“We were married then, but not anymore. Just let me go,” she tried to push him away to no avail as he tried to force some alcohol down her throat.“I was ready to be kept on the side, but you refused.”After successfully getting the alcohol down her throat and watching her frown as he forced her to swallow it, his lips were closing in on hers.Ethel felt a burning sensation down her throat, and as a woman who n
Chapter 318 – I loved you before, but not anymoreA week ago, Ethel arrived home with Ethan, but he was called away to take care of a few things because Ezrah was still on his honeymoon.The past month and a few weeks had been peaceful, and with Ethel moving in with Ethan, she had no need for a bodyguard. However, on this particular night, things did not seem the same after Ethan left.Unlike his brothers, Ethan never had his domestic staff live with him, but after his mansion is ready, that will change.They were not only planning their wedding but also their future together. All that they wanted for their kids, they wanted to ensure they had it in the mansion.Ethel had gone to shower after a tiring day at work only to find Lucas seated on her and Ethan’s bed.“Jesus, what are you doing here?” She halted in her steps, right in front of the shower room door.Lucas looked drunk, which made Ethel scared. Before she could reach for her phone to call Ethan, Lucas took it from her and inst
“Why? Don’t you like it?” Ezrah asked teasingly. Zora screamed, “Like it? I love it, Ezrah. I’m a lover of pools, but I’ve never seen anything like this before.”She couldn’t take her eyes off her room. Everything was natural, with multiple pools scattered around.For the first time, words failed her when she tried to describe the aesthetics of the room.It looked as if it were carved out of natural rocks.Even the footsteps around were made of natural black stones, and the water was crystal clear. She could also see the Mediterranean Sea in the distance.“To clear up your confusion, we are at Papa’s beach, and this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. I thought you would love this as a honeymoon location.”Zora, though rich, had been too focused on business and revenge before. Honestly, she had never heard of this place.“I’m fascinated to be here.”“Great. Let me explain further. This is Calilo on the Greek Island of IOS. There are only 35 suites in this hotel, and each r
The silence was thick in the air as everybody waited for Ethel’s response, which was not forthcoming.Feeling like he was just being used, Ethan had the understanding that she could not bring herself to trust him.“Dad, she doesn’t love me,” he said on behalf of Ethel. Lucas smiled, but his smile soon went stiff when Ethel responded.“I do, Ethan.”She saw Ethan freeze with a shocked look in his eyes and explained.“I mean, I never imagined having anything to do with my ex-husband’s kid brother, but I’m ready to give it a try.”“You do?” Ethan was so shocked that he lifted her in the air by the waist. “I love you so much, Ethel. I will prove it to you.”Their lips met once again, but they were rudely interrupted by Lucas. “Dad, how can you condone this? It’s shameful.”He could not believe how his submissive housewife could take an interest in his kid brother. This was unexpected.Ethel should have rejected Ethan and not this. However, his mother spoke this time.“You know what, Lucas
“Kate?” Lucas turned in the direction of Ethel’s gaze, calling out accusingly, but Kate made a 180-degree turn and was headed to the exit when the man she came with blocked her.It was obvious that she was trying to escape the accusation, but everyone was interested in hearing what she had to say.Homewreckers were not exactly welcome at occasions like this, as every woman with a man of her own began to get protective.“You seem to be running away,” the man she came with said, not pleased by the revelation.Lucas walked towards her and questioned, “Did you kick her in the stomach?”Kate was covered in so much shame that her lips trembled because of all the gazes on her and replied, “It was an accident.”“No, it wasn’t,” Ethel interrupted, not upset but wanting to prove a point.“You said I didn’t deserve to carry his child because he didn’t love me. You were right because he divorced me,” Ethel smiled, no longer feeling the pain of losing her scum husband.Only Lucas had a pained expr
From a distance, Ezrah and Zora watched everything unfold.“Lucas, I need to put him in his place. Can you give me a moment?” Ezrah was about to go to the scene of the incident when Zora held him back.“No. Didn't you say that Ethan seemed genuine with his feelings? Let’s see how he handles this situation.”Ezrah was unsure if Ethan could come out of this cleanly, reminding Zora,“You told me to protect Ethel or better still, let me get her bodyguard.”Zora shook her head. “Sometimes, the heart doesn’t know what it wants until the opportunity presents itself. Let Ethan deal with it.”Ezrah smiled and relented. “Alright. If you say so.”They heard Lucas mocking Ethan and Ethel. “Why? Can’t you kiss your woman? Sebastian has kissed Madison like three times already, even though they aren’t the bride and groom.”Indirectly, he was taking away the opportunity for Ethan to use the event as an excuse for his inability to kiss Ethel.“Lucas, how we choose to define our relationship is none of
Everyone was excited for Ezrah and Zora, and right after the cake cutting, the couple's dance was announced.Ezrah and Zora had just left the dance floor and were speaking to some guests when other couples took over.Ethan saw it as the perfect opportunity to dance with Ethel, but there were other men eyeing her as well, and they were not afraid to show it.To make matters worse, they reached her before him.“Hi, I’m Rick,” one of them said. Ethan didn't recognize him from their company, which could mean he might be one of Zora’s co-stars.Ethan didn't like this but knew he had to be a gentleman to win Ethel's favor.“Ethel,” she responded with a forced smile, trying to be polite, and somehow, she was glad to see Ethan nearby.It was Ezrah’s birthday, and his focus would only be on his wife. Her bodyguard was there to protect her from danger, not lovers, so he was with the other bodyguards.The only man she had loved all her life was Lucas, and she had never had the chance to mingle b