Rocky stared at the documents in his hands like they were vapid vermin. He could not fathom how everything turned out like this.
He looked straight into Adam Micheals’ eyes, his expression challenging the older man.
“And what if I don’t?”
Outwardly, Rocky looked menacing, but he was crushing inside. He did not know how his day had gone from triumph to worse in a matter of less than an hour.
Leigh’s father stared back at him, an equally challenging expression covering the older man’s face. To Rocky, he looked cold and resolute nothing Rocky would say could change his mind. He knew Adam Michaels most of his life and this is the first time they were at odds with each other.
Adam sighed, crossing his arms over his chest, taking in a relaxed stance, appearing too confident for Rocky’s peace of mind.
“You still need to
Rocky did not know how long he sat there after Leigh’s father left. He was staring off into space, wondering what had happened. He felt a numbing pain in his chest while their conversation played back in his head. “What happened?” Kade asked clueless when they found Rocky alone in Leigh's room. “Where is Leigh?” Rocky shook his head. "She left." He said, forcing the words out of his lips. “Oh, man! I am sorry.” Matt said, clapping him on the back before joining him on the floor. The other friends followed suit until all of them were on the floor, knees raised and their backs leaning on the wall. “What is going to happen now?” Sean asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence. Their faces show their worry when Rocky would not answer. His face looked distant. His friends looked at each other, unsure how to deal with this version of their friend. Rocky looked so lost. He was with them but not with them. A nurse poked her head in, and they all turned in her direc
Rocky’s expression soured when he recognized the person who snatched the Whiskey bottle from him.With the sudden expectation he felt, the excitement rapidly vanished, quickly turning to undisguised disappointment when instead of seeing Leigh, he saw the last person he wanted to see.“What are you doing here, Regina? Aren't you supposed to be in jail?” Rocky asked coldly, sounding rude and gruff.“I post bail,” Regina admitted in a meek voice, feeling like she has lost some of the courage she mustered when coming here. In her mind, her plan seemed to work, but faced with Rocky’s undiluted hostility, she faltered in her steps, undecided whether to pursue her purpose or not.But then, she already lost a lot. She had to risk whatever was left of her to be able to regain what she had lost.She stepped forward - slow tentative steps - so as not to alarm the man who seeme
Rocky woke up with an unusual smile on his face. He groped the side of the bed where Leigh usually sleeps, and when he found it empty. He sighed. He had the most wonderful dream. Leigh came to him in his sleep and they made wonderful love. It felt too real. He remembered her “I love you.” and his eyes took on a sparkle. Even in his dream, Leigh has the power to calm him. Rocky got up in bed, surprised to find him naked. He found his discarded clothes bundled on the foot of the bed, thinking he undressed in his sleep. He used to do that in the middle of the night, but when he tried to place the event in his head, he could not remember a thing. The only thing that plays vividly in his mind is making love with love. Until now, he could still feel her special scent wrapping around him, her softness enveloping him. Rocky went to the bathroom, took a shower, and did his other rituals. When he emerged from the bathroom, a towel slung low on his hips, his body glistening in water
“Congratulations!” The dean of their college greeted Leigh when she received her diploma amid the applause of her batchmates and the school board. Then, she faced the crowd to meet the eyes of the man who attended her graduation with her. This same man greeted her when she got down the stage with an exuberant embrace. “Congratulations.” He hugged her and kissed her on the cheeks. Leigh smiled. “Thank you. I thought you wouldn’t come.” She elbowed him on the ribs, earning her a boisterous laugh. "And miss this important event in your life? Of course, not." He told her arrogantly, but when she hit him with her elbows, he stopped and massaged the spot she hit. “Can’t you take a joke?” He told her before he slung his arm around her. “Mommy!” A child ran to her. His small face looked stormy when they landed on the arms resting on his other's shoulders. He glared at Adam Fowler, forcibly pulling his mother away from him. “She’s mine! Don’t hug my mommy like that. Only I get
“No, dad!” Leigh grabbed the edge of her seat, tension gripping her arms when she argued, telling her father she was not the least bit enthusiastic about the idea. Adam Michaels watched his daughter, saw her pale face, and almost took pity on her. Almost being the operative word because when he shook his head, it was as if the indecision did not happen. “Our main branch is in Somerset. You are aware that after you get your degree, you will take on the company just like what you wanted.” He sprung the idea in an enticing way that would make Leigh snap it up in seconds, but the reaction he expected following his announcement. was not forthcoming Adam Micheals still has something up his sleeve. He was not a ruthless businessman for nothing. He looked his daughter in the eye, daring her. “Or,” He dangled the word in suspense before continuing, “... Are you perhaps afraid to come back?” Adam knew his daughter well for him to challenge her this way. Leigh would not back down
Aboard their family van, Leigh watched as the familiar landscape of Somerset rolled through her eyes. The scene felt familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. It had been years since she had been her last - after senior high- to be exact. “So many changes.” Leigh could not help the gasp that came out her lips when she saw a billboard of a familiar man on the road and nudged her friend.“Adam Fowler, you purposely omitted to tell me I am hobnobbing with a celebrity!” Eyes grew wide as saucers, Leigh’s pleasure spread all over her face at this news. Adam laughed and opened his arms wide like it was no feat to achieve such a status. From a basketball varsity player drafted into the NBA, he was now making history on the professional court. “I am still your old friend, Adam. Nothing changed.” He told her. At the same time, they both heard a snort from the back. It was Sam. “You have any problem back there, Sam?” Adam asked cheekily, knowing how Sam tried to cut him off when h
At his office, Rocky was surprised when a flying newspaper landed unannounced on his messy table filled with proposals and documents he needed to sign. He shoved the newspaper aside, opting to concentrate on the more pressing business matters. Then, his eyes landed accidentally on the front page of the newspaper, and his jaw automatically clenched.Printed on the banner photo was the face of Adam Fowler and Rocky’s ex-wife Leigh Michaels Bolton. Something akin to pain pricked his chest. His eyes took in Leigh’s appearance. Gone was the girl who liked to wear ordinary clothes to fit in the usual crowd, replaced by an elegantly-dressed woman who looked more beautiful than the last time he saw her.Rocky looked at her face and studied every feature, taking on the changes that time brought in her. Like land in drought, he lapped up the image, trying to quench his thirst for the sight of her.Then, his eye
Leigh shook her head. Rocky was part of her past that she had to get used to. Sooner or later, their lives will cross again because of Axel. As early as now, she needed to adjust and get accustomed to his presence.She’s stronger. She has changed a lot.“I was just surprised, but it’s alright.” She assured a concerned Adam.Adam does not look convinced. He studied her face in scrutiny, making her uncomfortable at the scrutiny because of the distance separating their heads.She pushed his head away playfully. “You’re taking advantage.” She snorted, but none of the sting. To anyone, it sounded more like she was making fun of him.She knew Adam for years, and he never took advantage of her. Not even once. Well, except for the casual arm-slinging or hugging, he didn't venture beyond the line of friendship.Adam grabbed her
The HATED BULLY is the SECRET FIANCE has come to its end. Thank you everyone for taking time to read Leigh and Rocky's story. Allow me also to mention my sincerest thanks to my editor Sameen Watson for guiding me through this whole process. And to all of you who was with me from chapter one up to epilogue. Thank you for patiently waiting for daily updates. Thank you for the votes: Lean Cantara, Alexandria Barnes, Melissa Agee, Criselda Sanchez, Kashika Jain, Lei Esturas, Mariam Jyoti, Susan Black, ariel raplinger, babybimps, Patience Madileng, Keri Ann Lane, Nicebin A Sangma, Wanda Stewart, Lizette Abigail Corpuz. Special thanks to Melissa Agee. She was my very first voter. Thank you for the first 8 gems I got for this story. And also for reading my other story The Billonaire's Replacement Bride. Special mention to Lean Cantara, Alexandria Barnes, Criselda Sanchez and Lei Esturas for commenting in the chapters. Your comments actually inspired me to continue writing even
It was a glorious day. It was a Sunday, his grand wedding day!After Leigh agreed to marry him again, they ran back to the other house to tell everyone. They were greeted with congratulations, hugs, kisses, and warm pats on the back.“I want us to be married right away,” Rocky told their parents, and Leigh agreed. She does not need a grand wedding. She only needed Rocky, Axel, their families, and friends to be at the wedding. Her father agreed because he wanted to leave as early as possible with her mom for their tour. It was Rocky’s mother who objected. “I wanted a grand wedding, Rocky.”While the parents argued and discussed the wedding, Rocky dragged her to her feet. They slipped out of the house without their parents noticing. “Where are we going?” She asked, confused when he bundled her into his waiting car. “Let them plan a grand wedding, but I want to marry you now. I can’t wait. I want you to wear my ring on your finger when I make love to you for the first time after f
“Aw, Axel, my man!” Rocky groaned before nuzzling her neck to cover his red-from-arousal face. Leigh giggled, tickled as his breath fanned her skin. Axel chose that moment to swing on his father’s back and ride him like a horse. They almost toppled over to the bed, pressing Leigh if not for Rocky’s quick thinking. He braced his hand on the bed for support, allowing Leigh to scoot farther from the two. She laughed when he saw Rocky’s insufferable look but knew he was faking it. He loves playing with his son. She blew him a kiss, and he caught it in the air before placing his hand on his lips, making smooching sounds that had her double up in laughter. In the short time they were together, Leigh found out about Rocky’s playful side, something that surprised her. He used to tease her, sparking her anger that would later explode into verbal fights. She realized Rocky did not know how to treat her back then. He was unsure of her feelings as she was unsure of him. But when the
Stepping out of her father's office, they saw Axel waiting at the visitor’s lounge with Gemma, her father’s secretary. Everyone in her father’s office was surprised when Axel shouted, “Mommy!” Axel was like a human dynamo. He hurled himself at Leigh, but when Leigh caught him, he squirmed and launched himself at his father next.“Daddy!” Rocky Bolton smiled, snagging his son mid-air to catch him and swing him up to ride his shoulders. “Who were you with?” “Grandma,” Axel said.Then, Rocky pulled Leigh close. Together, they walked out of Adam Michaels's floor. When they passed by employees, Leigh could not help tensing up, feeling shy all of a sudden. She was reminded of the spectacle she made at the facade of the building. By now, she was sure everybody already knew about her and Rocky Bolton especially since her son took after his father a lot. Everyone who sees them together would not mistake the connection. On the other hand, Rocky had a different interpretation of the cu
Adam Michaels looked like he was ready to throw a fit.He was flushed red in anger.His strides were long and swift, with hands clenched to the sides while Leigh, Rocky, and Sam followed him.They invited curious stares, looking like a mini-parade on their way to the elevator bay, except everyone steered clear of them. The murderous look on Adam Michaels’ face was enough to scare people away.They rode the elevator with Adam bringing the front while his daughter Leigh, Rocky, and Sam followed like meek children who got into trouble and were awaiting punishment at the principal’s office.They stopped on his floor. His secretary was shocked to see him followed by his daughter, a man she presumed to be the infamous Rocky Bolton because she had been tipped earlier about the scuffle at the entrance, and Sam Adams.Mr. Michaels, just when he was about to enter his room, changed his mind at the last s
“Where have you been?” Rocky slowed down upon hearing the familiar voice of his mother.A smile broke his lips when he saw his parents sitting on the L-shaped couch in the living room, waiting for him.“Mom, dad. What brought you here?” He asked, surprised at the unexpected arrival of his parents. It had been too long since he last saw them.“Are you just going in? Where have you been?”Evelyn Bolton took a long look at her son and knew Rocky had spent the night elsewhere. She walked over to him, suspiciously taking a whiff of his neck.“No trace of alcohol. Hmm.” 
Rocky drove fast, pressing on the throttle to accelerate their speed upon learning from Leigh that Axel was crying. “Did something happen?” He asked worriedly, thinking his son needs to see a doctor. Leigh frowned absently at him. “No. He woke up and did not find me there.” Rocky covered her hand with his. Leigh sounded guilty. He, too, felt partially guilty that they had to leave Axel, but not about the talk. They needed that talk. In no time, they reached the Michaels' home. Before Rocky could turn the engine off, the door to the passenger side opened, and Leigh got out. She rushed back to see Axel and stopped when she found her son huddled in the corner of the plant box, bawling his eyes out. Something twitched inside as guilt and shame washed over her. A mother can't help feeling that way because, for a mom, a child's welfare will always come first. “Where did you go?” Adam Michaels cried when she gathered Axel in her arms and hoisted him up. Rocky was hot on her he
They were both panting when they both came up for air. Leigh looked down to see Rocky’s head thrown back and shutting his eyes as he let his face ride her orga*m.It was a huge turn-on. Leigh found her hands fisting Rocky's glorious ink-black hair to drag his face up her body. His lips made a teasing line from the apex of her thighs up to her chest. He nuzzled her neck before his lips finally landed on hers for an ardent kiss. “I love you.” Rocky breathed.Leigh purred her contentment before pushing him off her, reversing their roles. The declaration of love awakens the aggressor in her. She attacked his lips as the predator who wanted to give him full service. Rocky saw her intent, eyes blazing hot coals, and declined the offer. “No.”“But, you haven’t…” Leigh said, pointing to his hard c*ck that needed instant gratification and release. Rocky quickly covered himself before giving Leigh her nightie, undie, and terry cloth robe.“What the h*ll, Rocky? Why are you denying m
“What did you do, man?” Kade was already waiting in his office when he arrived. Rocky plopped on the couch next to Kade and tiredly leaned his head on its back. “I am desperate, man. The sooner I get my wife and son, the better for my peace of mind.” “But you are doing it all wrong. You are inviting trouble from Michaels by doing this. And look!” Kade showed him a viral post an hour ago. It was him! People are speculating, eagerly wanting to know the mystery that shrouded the entire event. Their curiosity whetted. They started asking questions as to why a well-known businessman like Rocky Bolton would appear in front of Michaels's building. “Some people think you are pulling a stunt like this as a business strategy. You wanted to gain leverage for your contracts.” Kade added, sounding concerned. Rocky shook his head, rubbing his hands through his hair in frustration. “I am at my wit's end, Kade. If I do not act right away Leigh and Axel might be taken away in a fl