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
It was obvious that Michelle was sending the gift to embarrass him. That way, he would not send her any gifts in the future.“Flowers? Which woman gives a man flowers?” Madison asked under her breath, understanding Michelle’s intention.Somehow, she wished that Michelle would soften a little, but she had never lost a child before, so how could she convince a person who had to be calm?Madison suddenly smiled, to both Ezrah and the delivery girl’s amazement. “That is the David Austin Juliet Rose.”It was one of the most expensive roses in the world, but Ezrah did not see the reason for the sudden amusement in her tone because of flowers when he was a man.“Of course, I know what kind of roses they are, but am I a woman?”Bitterness flung his heart as he realized that every time he took a step ahead, Michelle would do something to bring him two steps behind.“Should she send it back to the sender?” Madison asked as Ezrah stared at the flowers once more.He might not be a woman, but this
“No visitors allowed,” Coco’s bodyguard tried to stop Lake at the door but was violently shoved away as Lake barged into Coco’s office.The forceful sound of the door opening startled Coco, and Lake caught sight of her reddened and moist eyes.She also seemed afraid of something, and he hoped that this was all a joke.“Now what is the meaning of this, Rose? I’m not leaving here until you give me some answers.”Coco looked afraid and eager to send him out, rising to her feet.“Oh, Lake, you shouldn’t have come.” Her heart ached to see him like that when all she wanted was to make him happy.It’s just that sometimes, things do not go the way we want them to.“What is the problem, Rose?” Lake asked seriously. Coco looked around nervously.“Nothing. Just take your ring and leave. Don’t ever contact me again. I made a mistake. It's too early, please go.” She removed the engagement ring and pressed it into his finger.Then she went around and opened the door for him. “Please leave, or I wi
Coco stared helplessly into Michelle’s worried eyes, tempted to tell her everything that happened within the short time she left her office, but that would be more like shooting herself in the foot. As much as it pained her, she had to do this.“Michelle, I know you care, but please don’t. I have a lot of work to do.” Coco suddenly pushed Michelle away. Shock settled in Michelle’s eyes. Coco was never aloof to her in their decades of friendship.“Coco, what has come over you?”Coco could not hold her gaze as she spoke.“Nothing. I don’t want Lake, and I don’t like you being here because of him. Please go to your office. I will see you when I’m through with this proposal.”Michelle felt something amiss. This was not her best friend. Was someone blackmailing her? Michelle was determined to find out and decided not to persist.If someone was indeed blackmailing Coco, then Michelle forcing her to spill it would only endanger her life.Getting back to her office, Lake seriously asked, “D
Earlier.Coco entered her office from Michelle's office, excited about her work and thinking of an excuse to see Lake before their agreed time. A few minutes later, someone entered.Coco stood up. “River, how did you get in? Where is Ben?” She was furious that he had managed to get past the bodyguards.River had a smirk on his face for seeing her again after a long while. To him, the few weeks felt like centuries.“Your new bodyguard? I distracted him.”Coco was furious, but this was her territory, and she had to protect it. “Get out, River. How did you get out of jail?”River felt good, as if he owned her office.“Rush is the one who filed the case so it was easy for him got me out.”Coco’s heart sank, and she sank back into her chair. River had a victorious smile on his face.“Surprised? He hates you because you shot him, and thanks to you, he either has to be bound to a wheelchair or use crutches.”Being warned not to get close to Michelle, Rush no longer tried to operate himself b
Coco found his words ridiculous, completely unmoved by them. She clearly stated, “I will never be yours.”Her response infuriated River, and he raged, “Then you go down or you come with me.”Her heart shattered. Never in her life would she want to go anywhere with River. “To where?”“Wherever no one can find you again. You like sex, and so do I. That Lake guy can never be better than me in bed.”That was his only strength, but Coco knew better at this moment. She hadn’t been intimate with Lake, but even if she had, she decided not to make a comparison or dwell on the past with River.Lake gave her the chance for a fresh start, and she was going to roll with it.“Sex is nothing, River. There is more to a man than just pleasure.”River’s brows raised, thrown off by her comeback.“I see someone has been giving you advice. Tell me, has he been intimate with you?” Jealousy bubbled in his voice, shining in his eyes.“If he has, then the deal is off, and I’m sending this viral. Has he?” His
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