“Whatever you want to discuss, let’s do it here in the car. I would not go anywhere with you,” Michelle took her stand.Had she known that Ezrah picking up Coco on behalf of Lake was to help with a grand proposal, she would not have followed them and would not have ended up in this mess.All she wanted was to make sure that her best friend was fine, not expecting to end up alone with her ex-husband.Ezrah was saddened that his surprise was ruined, but at least he got to talk to her.Also, he considered his ruined surprise as part of the punishment for the number of times she waited, just for him to not show up.“I will be honest with you, Zora. I want you back. Let’s get married again.”Michelle laughed bitterly. The first time was just like this. “Let’s get married. We can divorce when the news about the scandal dies down.”By then, Michelle was so in love with him that she did not hope for a divorce, which happened eventually.“You are mad, Ezrah. If that is your reason for sending
Michelle clapped mockingly, and Ezrah felt embarrassed. She seemed like a thick shell, preventing his words from taking root inside her.“I would rather die than go on a date with you, and as for sleeping at my house, you are welcome only if you are comfortable sleeping at the gate.”Ezrah was shocked. When she dressed his wounds, he thought she cared, but it seemed to be the direct opposite. Was she acting?“Ezrah, there is nothing you can do to make me love you again,” Michelle spoke with a bitter expression, draining the color from Ezrah’s face.“I faced your negligence even in the office when you treated me like just a regular employee,” she reminded him, adding,“I faced loneliness when I got home, waiting for you to come back when we both worked in the same company. You only had Piper on your mind.”Michelle was getting more and more agitated at the remembrance of everything.“Ezrah, when I was cold at night, I faced it alone with the duvets and heater. You weren’t there.”Ezrah’
Ezrah could not miss this chance, speaking hopefully. “I will do anything, just mention it.” Michelle forced a smile, knowing he misunderstood, and began to explain it slowly to him. “Ezrah, Zora died the moment her unborn child died.” Ezrah smiled bitterly, half guessing what she was up to. Yet, he listened intently to her demand. “Our unborn child died untimely. If not for Piper, I would have been a mother. If you can bring my dead child back, then you can have me, Michelle. Until then, unlock this door if you won’t take me home.” Ezrah had thought about that part, but he knew his suggestion would upset her at this moment. No longer wanting to keep her for so long from her home, fire returned to the ignition, and he stepped on the accelerator. Michelle sighed with relief that her trick worked, and he was driving in the direction of her home. She felt that the understanding of how impossible it was for them to get back together finally sank in, but how wrong she was. Ezrah ar
“Zora, I thought you were sleeping. What are you doing here?'Did you come from outside?” Her mother questioned with worry. Then she noticed her reddened eyes. “Have you been crying? What happened?” He led Michelle to the sofa, not happy about her condition. Michelle had not shown any sign of weakness ever since her return, so this was strange to her mother. “It’s nothing, Mom. I’m fine. Please have a good night.” She was about to stand, but her mother pressed her hand on her thigh, forcing her to remain in her position.“I know you, Zora. What is the problem? Is it Ezrah? I hope you are not going to leave again.”After reuniting after almost three years, she could not bear to be away from her daughter again.“My life is in Los Angeles, but even there, Rush would trouble me. I would find somewhere else,” Michelle revealed. Her mother was unamused. “Michelle, the Ezrah you told us about seemed different from the one we saw after you left, especially when he came to claim your fake c
Coco was confused. It was understandable that she had just met Lake, but he seemed strange.“If that’s not what you wanted, then why did you ask me to spend the night?”Lake wasn't surprised by her misunderstanding and quickly explained his request to her.“That’s because I want to get to know you, but let me wear the mask for you.”Coco felt more at ease knowing they wouldn't go all the way, allowing him to wear the eye mask for her.Expecting to be led to the room, she felt light in Lake’s strong arms as he carried her bridal style.This wasn't the first time he had carried her like that, but it felt different because she wasn't afraid like the first time.He gently allowed her legs to touch the floor before removing the eye mask.“It’s dark,” Coco pointed out. Lake smiled and asked her,“True. But first, tell me what you expect to see.”Coco chuckled, staring at him through the darkness as she began to think about her expectations of him at a time like this.“Well, I expect to see
Lake was not offended by her questions stabbing her insecurities and asked, “Can I kiss you?”Coco was dumbfounded. He did not ask her the first time but was asking the second time. Not receiving an answer, Lake took her lips deliciously, causing all her hibernated cells to wake up once more. Pulling away with Coco staring dreamily at him, he asked her,“Do you think I’m playing you or something? If it’s too hard for you to accept that I loved you from the moment I set eyes on you, then let’s get married.” Rendered speechless, Coco’s eyes blurred with joyful tears. It was not what she thought it was. Lake was the real deal but she had her fears. What if he later used her past against her? Recalling how she allowed River to use her before, she felt inferior. “You know about my past toxic relationship.” Lake smiled bitterly. It ached his heart when he remembered that day in the restroom stall.“That only happened because I didn’t meet you early enough. Rose, I know that you don’t
“I’ve had two abortions, and my womb is damaged. I can understand if you want your ring back.”Coco’s gaze lowered after she finished speaking those words, unable to hold Lake’s gaze. The man was indeed stunned and asked,“Were the two abortions all for the scumbag?”Coco lifted her gaze, her teary eyes meeting his, as she caught him gulp down the wine in one go. It was clear that the man was hurting.“I’m afraid so. He was the only man in my life, and sadly, I can’t give you children.”There was a thick silence in the atmosphere, and the sound of the LED screen became annoying.Lake gulped down another glass of wine before he spoke. “Honestly, I love kids, so if I can’t have them with you, would it be okay for us to adopt?”Coco froze. She expected him to break up with her since he seemed like a man who loved children.Lake sure had a lot of love to give, and was he giving it all up just for her? Coco was now in doubt if his feelings were genuine or if he had ulterior motives.“Are y
Monday morning was busy, but the news about the Henshaws announcing bankruptcy was equally interesting.Michelle could increase her prices and recoup all the money she lost by going against the Henshaws in a few years if she sold at a fair price.The news was like honey on her bread, except that her mood was soon destroyed by someone or something new.“Ma’am, there is a parcel for you,” Landon said, slightly nervous as Michelle gazed suspiciously at him.He was afraid of Michelle getting upset and taking it in him. “I’m not expecting any parcel.”Landon swallowed tightly but was honest with her. “It’s from Ezrah, ma’am.”He instantly opened the door to let the deliveryp girl in.Michelle frowned deeply, but when she saw the flowers, she could not help the warmth creeping into her heart.It was not just a simple flower but a Middlemist’s red, one of the rarest flowers on Earth.Due to Michelle’s desire for that secret garden from before, she had researched a lot about it and realized
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