DANIEL'S POV.Friday came faster than I'd expected and I couldn't help the rush of nervousness I felt when I woke up in the morning. The reality that Jessica and I were going to make our first appearance to my Mum made me feel extremely anxious, especially because she and I were in a very sticky situation. After the incident she walked in on with Bianca and I, she had been kind of ignoring me. Not totally, but it was obvious in her body language that she was not happy and it made me sadder than I'd expected. She literally had no right to be mad at me for hooking up with Bianca, but I myself was mad at myself. What I did was like the highest disrespect ever, even when we were not in a romantic relationship. It was horrible of me to fall for Bianca's trap just when I was still getting to know the real Jessica Cooper—at least I should've informed her that after the wedding, we'd still be able to have other relationships. And I'd been trying my best to talk to her about it, but she'd bee
JESSICA'S POV.I had a problem. I was supposed to be mad at Daniel but I found myself laughing at his jokes and stifling blushes like a teenager. The plan was to keep it professional and cold with him and I think I was succeeding, but he just had to come into my room with his jokes and mischievous smiles that, by the way, I hate and ..."Can I call you Jessie?" Daniel's voice brought me back to earth. He turned away from the road to stare at me and I froze. I had a phobia for people looking away from the road when driving."Yeah sure," I replied quickly just so he could focus. He didn't look happy with that answer because his lips turned down."What?" I asked."There's something clearly on your mind," he nodded repeatedly with a small smile on his face and I frowned."There's nothing on my mind, what makes you think so?""First of, there's never nothing on anyone's mind and second of all, the normal thing I thought you would have done is to refuse.""Refuse what?"He rose an eyebrow.
JESSICA'S POV.My cheeks were already hurting from smiling and Mrs Snider was in no way for with her questioning."Oh my god," she gasped. "You have to come with me to the fundraiser next week Saturday, I mean everyone is going to be there and I can't wait for them to meet you.""Oh yes sure I'll love to attend the fundraiser with you," I smiled brightly before taking a careful sip from my wineglass. "Daniel dear, would you attend with her?"Daniel whose nose had been stuck in her face the whole time his mother had been interrogating me, jumped in his seat like he'd been caught watching porn."Huh?" He asked, looking completely confused. His behaviour had me questioning what he'd been doing and if there was trouble."I said would you be attending the fundraiser with us next week Saturday? Because Melissa has promised me she'll be coming.""Oh," Daniel nodded. "Sure I'll be there. I'll just check in with Clara and Schumann."Mrs Snider gave a smile of satisfaction, looking really happ
DANIEL'S POV.I woke up with the greatest hard on I'd ever had in my lifetime and my head felt like shit after the drinks I'd taken before going to bed yesterday. Yesterday had been going pretty fine until I'd gotten the worst news ever from Schumann. The new client we had been pitching our business idea to for a while now had completely backed out of the deal with no explanation whatsoever and that was bad news for the company. With that in mind, I knew I had to get my head back in the game and figure out a way to save our business. I thought back to my mini argument with Jessica and settled on putting it at the farthest corner of my mind. I had intentions of apologizing to her the second I collected my emotions, but now when I thought of it, it was what was best.I'd figured I'd been getting myself distracted a lot with Jessica and it needed to stop. She'd slowly started to invade into my thoughts and I'd actually started to notice things about her. Things I shouldn't notice, like h
JESSICA'S POV.I was on my last dish when I saw Daniel walk into the room dressed in his gym clothes, and I couldn't help but feel a wave of anger wash over me when he locked eyes with me but didn't say anything as he walked to the living room with his dirty shoes still on. He stayed there for some time and when I couldn't take it anymore I made my way to him. He couldn't ignore me forever. We'd have to talk about it no matter what."Hey, Daniel," I said, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice. " Seems you didn't see me over there so I came to say hi." He looked at me with a blank expression on his face, as if he had no idea what I was talking about. I took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. His behaviour was so uncalled for and not what I needed right now."I feel like you're ignoring me. Did I do anything wrong?"I asked, trying to keep my tone balanced with professional and friendly. Daniel sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He got up from the sofa and came to
DANIEL'S POV.Jessica was in my arms in nothing but a baby tee and boxer shorts. Her scent was everywhere, I could feel her everywhere. She was breathtaking as she pulled back from my embrace and pinned my gaze with a confident and sexy smirk before she leaned down and trailed heavenly kisses down my neck and I couldn't hold back, I groaned. It was when I let it out I understood what was happening. It was a dream. A fucking dream about my maid kissing me and I'd groaned out loud like a starved man. What the actual fuck?I got up quickly and shook my head in attempt to wipe it from my memory. Where the hell had that even come from? How could I have a sexy dream about Jessica when I didn't even find her attractive? Was my mind going insane? The scene from the dream replayed in my head and I slapped myself straight I the cheek. What the hell Daniel? This couldn't happen, not after I'd warmed her about breaking the rules yesterday. This was way worse than being friendly with her, this w
JESSICA'S POV.A WEEK LATER."Jessica," Daniel called from outside while I recited my prepared lines one last time in the living room mirror. "I'm Melissa and I'm an environmentalist who loves animals, children and works for an NGO.""Jessica please!""I'm coming," I screamed, giving myself one last glance in the mirror. I walked nervously to the car, my heart pounding in my chest. Today was the day I was going to meet Daniel's father for the first time, and I wanted to make a good impression. It wasn't helping that his mum had gone for an impromptu business trip and wasn't joining us.I wore a cute pink dress that Daniel had complimented earlier, but he tried to hide his amazement when he saw me coming towards the car. From the pink flush on his cheeks as he caught my gaze I could tell he was impressed. Good job Cooper."Look who finally decided to show up,"Daniel teased immediately I shut the car doors. "Lord knows what you were doing in there.""What could I possibly have been doi
DANIEL'S POV.ONE MONTH LATER.I woke up with a huge smile on my face. I'd slept like a prince yesterday, like all the other days for the past month. Since Dad had met Jessica/Melissa he'd been the best dad ever. He restored most of my assets back, he helped so much with the company and business was doing kind of okay if I do say so myself. The only thing that was left was to seal the deal finally with the wedding. It had already been published on some business magazines that I was getting married to a small town girl and everyone was eating up that shit. So many of our business partners and friends that I knew and didn't know had reached out to congratulate and also show their interest in our company. It was actually shocking how right Dad was. People in this field only took you serious if you were settled down, which by the way sucked. It was no surprise when my phone rang minutes later, screen showing Dad. Marriage was definitely going to be the topic of today.I picked up the p
DANIEL'S POV.ONE YEAR LATER.I walked through the front door of our new cozy home, my heart brimming with excitement and anticipation. After the whole Lori incident, I'd come clean to Jessica about every single girl I'd played in the past, and because Jessica was so big hearted and understanding, she'd forgiven me, and we decided to bury all that in the past. Our journey to letting go of the past had started from getting a new home. Dad had arranged for a purchase for a new house immediately I'd told him abouy it. And though I felt like he was once again helping me out and treating me like a child—he'd explained that buying that house for us was his way of saying sorry for how bad of a father he'd been. After that day I'd come clean to him about the contract, he'd made it his everyday goal to show his remorse, and I didn't mind. I'd forgiven him already just as I'd forgiven myself for being such an asshole in the past. A smile graced my lips when my nostrils filled with the sweet aro
JESSICA'S POV.The road stretched out before us, illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights. Daniel's grip tightened on the steering wheel as we made our way home from his parents' house. The meeting had been pleasant, filled with laughter and delicious home-cooked food. And then the feeling of being known as the real Jessica and still receiving love from them felt good. Suddenly, the shrill sound of my phone shattered the silence inside the car. Startled, I fumbled to retrieve it from my purse. The caller ID displayed an unfamiliar number, and a surge of anxiety coursed through my veins. I had learnt to be weary of calls from unknown numbers these days. "Who could this be?" I whispered, uncertain. Daniel shot me a worried glance, his brows furrowing in concern. I think he was scared it was the stalker too. "I don't know, but you should answer it. It might be important."Taking a deep breath, I swiped the screen and brought the phone to my ear. "Hello?"A voice on the othe
DANIEL'S POV. As the morning sun peeked through the curtains, I slowly opened my eyes, feeling a strong wave of contentment wash over me. I turned my head to the side and saw Jessica lying next to me, her tousled hair framing her beautiful face. Last night with her had been the best night of my life, an eye-opener to the beauty of the world of sex with an emotional partner, and not just some shitty hookup. A smile immediately spread across my lips as I remembered vividly all the events of last night. She had been unpredictable and amazing, everything I'd ever wanted in my dreams. "Hey," I whispered, my voice still husky from sleep. "Good morning, beautiful."Jessica stirred and opened her eyes, greeting me with a sleepy smile. "Good morning, handsome," she replied, her voice filled with warmth. "Last night was... amazing. I didn't know you had all that in you, I totally get the Daniel Snider hype now," she joked, laughing at her own humour. I chuckled softly, reaching out to brush
JESSICA'S POV.I tiptoed out of the bathroom, wrapped in a fluffy towel, steam still wafting in the air. My heart however, raced as I realized I wasn't alone. There, standing by the door, was Daniel, his eyes widening in surprise. I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks, making me acutely aware of my semi-nakedness. And then I let out a startled gasp that cut through the silence. I'm so sorry, Jessica,"he stammered, his voice laced with a mix of panic and regret. "I didn't mean to intrude. I was wondering if you weren't home, and ..." he trailed off like he didn't know just what to say next. My voice trembled as I hurriedly wrapped the towel securely around myself, still stuck in surprise. "Daniel, what are you doing here? Why didn't you at least try to announce your arrival?" "I... I didn't think anyone else was home," he managed to reply, with his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I came back early, and I was worried when I found the house so quiet. I... I'm sorry, Jessica. I don'
DANIEL'S POV.As I wrapped up another exhausting day at the office, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. The clock had seemingly ticked at a snail's pace, each minute passing by with an agonizing slowness. I yearned for the comfort of my humble abode, and talking to Jessica. But fate had other plans for me that evening.Just as I was about to shut down my computer and bid farewell to my colleagues, a faint ping emanated from my phone. I glanced at the screen to find a text message from Bianca. The name alone sent irritation down my spine, a reminder of the reckless past we shared. Her message was brief but desperate, pleading for a meeting at a nearby coffee shop. A mix of curiosity and caution filled my mind, and after much deliberation, I replied with a reserved agreement to be there. Now, behind the wheel of my car, my mind raced with questions. What could she possibly want from me after all this time? Was it another attempt to rekindle the flame that had long since burned out?
JESSICA'S POV.I watched Daniel as he buttoned up his crisp white shirt, his face showing focus and determination. He was about to head off to work, and I knew it was now or never to tell him my plans for the day."Daniel," I called out, catching his attention. He turned to me, his eyebrows raised inquisitively. "I just wanted to let you know that I'll be going out today to visit Julia."His expression shifted from curiosity to concern in an instant. I could see the worry lines etching deep into his forehead. He walked over to where I stood by the door, his steps deliberate and measured."Jessica, are you sure about this?" He asked, his tone tinged with worry. "You remember what happened the last time you went out alone. And I'm not sure it's safe for you to go with your leg still unstable." I nodded, memories of that fateful day flooding my mind. But I had healed considerably since then, though not completely. At least I could stand on my two feet and move around better than before.
DANIEL'S POV.The day after we'd arrived from the airport, Das had called me concerning work. "What's up Dad?" I'd asked while I ate the delicious sandwich Jessica had made for me before she went and locked herself in her room. I'd wanted to go after her and find out what the problem was, but I figured she was going through a lot and had a lot to think about, so maybe she'd needed that time to just rest and think all by herself."Daniel, my boy. How are you?" Dad greeted, cheerfully. " I heard that you just got back from your Mum. How was your flight?"I'd remembered how eye-opening and tensed it had been, and decided to lie instead. " It was great, but I'm tired. You know how me and flights are.""I'm sorry to hear that, son, because you have a lot of work on your plate. You're resuming tomorrow by the way," he said, his tone swiftly switching to business mode. A groan left my lips and I fisted another sandwich groggily into my mouth before saying, "I know Dad. But can I just get
JESSICA'S POV.As I looked up to the warm Hawaiian sun streaming through the windows, the realization hit me like a wave crashing on the shore. Today was the day Daniel and I had to pack up our things and leave this somewhat paradise behind. The bittersweet feeling hung heavy in the air as I glanced over at Daniel, who seemed lost in his own thoughts.Taking a deep breath, I made my way to the closet. It was as if the room itself reflected our somber mood, with clothes scattered on the floor and suitcases waiting to be filled. I tried to focus on the task at hand, folding my clothes neatly and placing them into my suitcase, but my mind wandered back to the memories we had created here.The sound of zippers being pulled closed filled the room as we moved in synchrony, our actions speaking louder than words. There was an unspoken agreement between us to keep our emotions in check, to not let them spill over and disrupt the process of leaving. We had to be strong for each other. The past
JESSICA'S POV.Whoever it is that wanted to kill me was going too far. It was like whoever it was that was doing this had one sole aim only, which was to harm me. The first time was a hit and run, and then Daniel had told me about the phone call he'd gotten that day, and then yesterday, the person had come directly to hurt me. I woke up that morning with a renewed sense of excitement. Today was the day I would get to finally leave this sterile hospital room that had been my home for far too long. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. I could hardly contain my joy as I glanced over at the man sitting in the armchair beside my bed, my contact husband, turned companion. He was was asleep with his mouth open, and though that was supposed to be gross, it looked so cute to me. He'd fallen asleep while watching a movie on his iPad, as he was waiting for me to get ready. Daniel had started off as a stranger, a jerk, a man I barely knew, but over the cou