The next morning, Astrid woke up feeling horrible and weak. She was unable to get a wink of sleep after hearing her husband's words last night.
She got up early as she always did whatever he was around just to prepare his breakfast. Although, he employed a chef to handle his meals, Astrid wanted to be the one making his meals.
After taking cooking classes for a month, she began to take charge of what he ate.
Beaming with happiness that he always ate her food, she got the energy to leave her bed and prepare for the day.
However, her smile was wiped off when she saw Victoria in her kitchen.
"Good morning," she greeted with a sly smile that infuriated Astrid.
"What do you think you are doing?!" Astrid questioned her, her voice now on a high tempo.
She walked up to Victoria, and snatched the bowl of eggs she was holding and made a horrible mess.
"Did I not tell you to let me take care of you? You should know your boundaries Miss Victoria," Astrid cautioned her.
Even though her husband welcomed her into their home, Victoria had no right to trespass into her kitchen left alone to make food for her husband.
It was embarrassing enough that she stole her husband's attention. But Astrid was not going to let her assume her duties, never.
Sighting Rowan from her peripheral view, Victoria fell to the floor.
"Ahhh, why did you hit me? All I ever did was to help you out of my good heart," Victoria cried.
Astrid was confused about her sudden drama and froze when she heard her husband's voice.
"What do you think you are doing?!" He growled at her.
"I did not do anything," Astrid defended herself but Rowan walked past her and went to Victoria who was sprawled on the floor.
Astrid was shocked at how she twisted the truth and acted like she was pushed to the floor.
"What happened?" Rowan asked for an explanation but Astrid was too shocked to explain.
"I tried to cook up something for breakfast. But she came in and yelled at me for being in her space. When I tried to explain to her, she snatched the bowl of eggs I was mixing and hit me. When I cried out she pushed me to the ground. Now, my waist hurts," Victoria lied.
Astrid stumbled backwards from her pretense. This was her first time meeting a pathological liar.
"That is not true," she whispered aloud.
"How else would you explain the mess you caused?" Rowan pointed at the spilled eggs on the floor.
"She is lying, Rowan. I didn't even touch her," Astrid defended herself yet Rowan chose to believe his childhood sweetheart.
"I am so disappointed in you," he said and walked away with Victoria in his arms.
Astrid clenched her fist and blinked back her tears as she watched her husband carry another woman. He never treated her with such gentleness before.
Her heart swelled with pain yet all she could do was hold back.
Chef Gladline walked in, confused at the mess. Astrid didn't bother to give her an explanation and instructed her to prepare breakfast for the day.
She went up to her room and took her phone with tears in her eyes, she called her best friend, Rose Wright.
"My sweet buttercup," she answered on the first ring.
"Rose," Astrid said with a teary voice that got her best friend worried.
"What's wrong?"
"It's Rowan. He...I...think he is going to kick me out soon. His... Victoria is back... living in our house," Astrid cried.
"What? How dare he do such a thing? Does his Grandma know about this? I am coming over," Rose sparked over the phone.
"No, you don't have to come over. I just don't know what to do. He will hate me more if I tell his Grandma about this. I don't want him to hate me, Rose," Astrid complained. Even though she was hurt by his actions, she couldn't stand to lose him.
Her love for him was too much for her to whisk away all because of a woman who suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
After wailing to her best friend, she listened to her advice and told her not to worry too much.
"If he continues to act like that then tell his Grandma or I will," Rose said.
"Please, don't. I will try to talk to him. Maybe, come to peace with Victoria," Astrid foolishly muttered.
"Don't do that! She is the threat in your marriage. If she keeps persisting, call me and I will give her a good beating. Then we will go on vacation in Miami and have a wonderful time together. So please don't cry. That bitch is not worthy of your tears," Rose consoled her.
After talking to Rose, she felt better and more determined to fight for her husband's attention.
She went down to the dining room and met them. Astrid scoffed in her mind at the audacity of the woman beside her husband.
The drama she had played this morning still shocked her. A grand pathological liar.
"Good morning," Astrid greeted, ignoring the cold gaze her husband threw at her.
"Good morning, young Miss. You are looking sad. Did you not sleep well last night?" The little boy asked and Astrid smiled at him.
He was more thoughtful than her ignorant husband.
"Something got into my eyes," Astrid said just to put the boy's mind at ease.
"My Grandma always blew air in my eyes whenever something got into them. Would you like me to do the same for you?" The boy innocently asked and Astrid's heart reached out to him.
He was kind and well brought up unlike his mother who hid under a sheep's clothing.
"Thank you, little one but my eyes are good now," she said and the boy turned to his food.
After a minute of silence, Rowan cleared his throat and asked the maid in the room to summon everyone.
Once they were gathered, he got up from his chair and made an announcement that shattered Astrid's pride.
"As from today, Victoria will be third in command in this household. You will attend to her demands and make sure she doesn't lack anything," he declared and they obeyed without raising any objections.
However, Astrid was against his decision. As it was a trample to her pride and power as his wife.
"Rowan, you can't give such authority to her when I am here. She is your guest and she has to remain as your guest," Astrid said even though she was nervous at the same time.
"And let you repeat what you did this morning?" He blurted out and Astrid went silent. The fact that he didn't believe, hit her hard.
"If that is the case, then give me an explanation why they are here? Tell me who they are to you. I have every right to know. So please, tell me," Astrid said with a subtle voice.
She was all cracked inside. The man she loved still cherished his past lover. She thought that he would learn to love her, to accept her but now she realized that she would always be the last priority in his life.
All he cared about was his company, wealth and now his past lover.
"Of course, you deserve to know about their connection to me. Astrid, this is my son, Noah and his mother, Victoria. They will be staying with us as it is my responsibility to care for them," he shamelessly said.
Astrid couldn't find the right words to say anymore. Her husband had a child, that was his mistake in the past. But now he was feeling less concerned about her feelings and only thinks about his responsibility.
She looked at the little boy beside her and couldn't bring herself to hate him.
‘Don't let your emotions control you, Astrid. You can do this. Everyone makes mistakes.' she mumbled in her mind and a little smile broke out on her face.
“If you are going to grant her authority over the entire house, exempt the kitchen. It is mine alone to handle," Astrid said with a calm voice as she stared at her husband with the hint of betrayal written on her forehead.
Victoria tried to object to her wish but Rowan stopped her and granted his wife what she desired.
After having breakfast, Astrid went to the backyard, where she tended to her little garden of flowers. Aside from cooking, she vested her time in the garden.
While she was enjoying her peaceful time caring for her flowers, Victoria and her son came into the garden.
Astrid tried not to mind them but Victoria's intention was to provoke her.
She threw a little ball at Astrid and pretended not to have seen her. Astrid knew too well that she came for trouble and chose to ignore her.
Later on, Rowan joined them in the garden as he wanted to bond with his son more. They were all together in harmony until Victoria decided to play dirty.
"Let me help you with the bucket," Victoria said to Astrid.
"No, I don't need your help," Astrid answered and turned away from her.
Suddenly, Noah cried out in pain and Victoria screamed.
"What did you do to my son!"
Astrid stood shocked as she watched Victoria hold up her son who was bleeding on his face.
Before she could move an inch, Rowan rushed past her, quaking her in the process.
"Rowan, please save my child. Your wife is so cruel. I know that she doesn't like me but why did it have to be our son," Victoria vomited those words laying a strong emphasis on *our son*.
Without clarification, Rowan turned to Astrid and yelled at her. "How can you be so wicked?! Don't you ever come close to my son again! Or I will call the police," he spat out.
It was there and then Astrid realized that she wasn't needed anymore. Her husband's actions already made it clear to her that he would always show his childhood sweetheart over her.
Astrid didn't bother to utter a word as it was no use trying
to convince them. She stormed up to her room, picked up her phone and dialed a number.
"It is time, get me the papers." She ordered, brooding with anger.
"I want a divorce." Astrid presented her husband with the document first thing in the morning. She was done with enduring his cold treatment towards her and his stupid decision to bring back his childhood sweetheart into their home.Rowan looked at the document with a frown on his face as he saw no reason why she would bring up such a matter."What do you mean by a divorce?" He questioned her with a stern voice. But Astrid was not having it with him."Are you deaf or something? This is our divorce papers. All you have to do is sign the document and you can marry your ex-girlfriend," Astrid raised her voice at him for the first time and he was taken aback by her sudden change."How can you say such a thing..." Victoria pretended to be hurt but Astrid glared at her."Oh shut up and stop with your drama. I know that you want my husband and I am delightfully handing him over to you," Astrid said. She was flaring with anger and pain as she uttered those words."Astrid!" Her husband thunder
Astrid's secret identity as the mysterious business Guru made countless headlines. A lot of companies reached out to her for collaborations and interviews, but she kindly declined them as she had trusted partners who supported her company to move forward.She was fully aware of the pressure that would follow her reveal in society, but she didn't care anymore as she was no longer the timid and gullible Mrs. Wade, who had no voice of her own.In fact, she wanted to rub it on her ex-husband's face that he had lost a diamond while chasing after a rusty gold.She made a promise to herself that she would never allow anyone to push her around again. As for love, no man would ever be worthy of her affection again.Astrid's secretary, Nelson, walked into her large office holding a list of things she had asked him to research. “Ms. President, I have gotten all the names you requested for. Just as you said, they are all involved in sharp practices," he informed her, and she took note of them.“
Once it was evening, Astrid's secretary drove her back to her family's main house. She had gotten a call from her Mom earlier to come home for dinner. She needed a break as well from the emotional rollercoaster she had escaped from.After her divorce with Rowan, she felt free from the pressuring grip that held her down on the Wade family. Rowan was no good for her, he had neglected her feelings for years and brought his ex to their home regardless of her position as his wife. But she had seen to the end of such treatment by leaving her cold hearted husband.She freely slammed the door of her car and handed the keys to her parents' favorite butler, Mr. Williams. "Welcome home, young Miss. It is so good to see you," he said with a compassionate glint in his eyes. Aside from being her parents Butler and the main housekeeper, he was her second father who took care of her throughout her childhood. He had a daughter the same age as Astrid who was no other than her best friend, Rose."Than
Hello, everyone. This book will be getting massive updates from now on. I am done with my exams and can freely write now. Also, yesterday was my birthday and as a gift from me to you, I will drop five chapters today. Happy reading 😘."What?!" Astrid yelled as she stood up with a force that slammed her chair to the ground.Her parents were startled by her sudden outburst and wondered what made her react in such a way.Her eyes flared with anger as she stared at her phone. Ava quietly dropped her fork and focused on her daughter, curious and worried about her outburst at the same time."Is there something wrong?" She asked, her husband as well had a frown on his face as he patiently waited for his daughter to speak up.Astrid looked up from her phone and softened her furious expression. "It is a business venture that I have been aiming for. But I lost track and some other company is partnering with them,",she lied.If she actually told them what was on her screen, her parents would s
The next morning, Astrid rushed over to her company, skipping her breakfast for an appointment. Her parents were worried about her dedication to her work but she assured them of being attentive to her health.On getting to her company, her secretary, Nelson stood at the entrance ready to welcome her. He stepped forward and opened the car door for her."Good morning, Boss," he greeted.Astrid flashed him a bright smile and responded to his greeting. "Good morning, Nelson. How was your night?" She asked and he flushed red.Even though it was a regular greeting between him and his Boss, Nelson couldn't deny his admiration for her. To him, she was a super woman with great talents, smart and unwavering. Most of all, she was beautiful. It was shocking to hear that Mr. Wade had chosen someone else over her. Nelson now thinks of Mr. Wade as blind and foolish man for making such a choice.The thought of it made him feel so furious. "Nelson?" Astrid called. He snapped out of his thoughts and t
After the day's work, Astrid called it a day. She was satisfied with the outcome of her work schedule being completed, especially the part where she instructed Nelson to blacklist Mr. Harper's company.No one dares mess with her and goes free. The man and his company were thrown into a complete hysteria. Reporters flooded him for an explanation while stockholders who invested in his company rained insults and demanded for their money.The man was a total fraud. Fortunately, Astrid was able to unmask his facade on time.She took her coat and purse and walked out of her office, ready to hit the road back home. "Nelson, I will be leaving now. Take care, and please don't pull an all-nighter. Go home and have a good rest. Oh, tomorrow, don't bother coming to work. I will be spending time with Rose for the day. So take a day off," she informed him before going out of the office.She went down to the underground garage and retrieved her car. "Goodbye, Ms. President," the security officer g
Noah's little sneeze wakes Rowan up from his sleep. It is 7 A.M. in the morning and the little child seems to have caught a cold.Rowan places his hand on his forehead checking Noah's temperature. But he isn't running a temperature. He gets up from his bed, goes down to the kitchen and warms up a bowl of milk which he later transfers to a glass.On his way back to his room, he finds Victoria sitting at the front of his door with her knees bucked to her chin and her arms wrapping around them."What are you doing here?" He growls at her, angry at the sight of her."So now, I can't see my own child anymore? Do you think it is easy for me...." She tries to say but Rowan cuts her off instantly not giving her a chance to complete her words."Noah does not need you to be with me. I should be the one bonding with him and not you. The only reason why I brought you here is for him not to feel lonely and lose his motherly love," Rowan reminds her and she presses her lips into a thin line, frustr
Dear readers, thank you for following up my book especially those that leave a comment after each chapter...I recognize your sweet efforts DANCING STAR...I will keep updating and keep you all captivated as more chapters come ❣️. thank you 😊 After preparing for the day, Astrid drives down to Rose's house to pick her up for their day's shopping.On getting to her house, Astrid revs her engine and rose comes out of her balcony and yells out loud. "Go girl. Give me a minute." She goes back inside and throws all the necessary things she needs inside her mini black Christian Dior bag.She runs down in her red bottom heels and pauses a feet apart from Astrid's car, admiring her sweet ride. Astrid roars her engine like a badass woman knowing how much her best friend loved the sound of killer engines."This is it. The life I have lost is finally back. I won't lie, that bitch Rowan brought to your home did you good. My baby is back," Rose chimes excitedly and Astrid laughs cheerfully.It ha
“Let me get this straight. Rowan asked you to remarry him and you said no but then had sex with him," Rose summarized Astrid's story. They were at a spa house receiving a full body massage and facial treatment. Astrid hummed in response, enjoying the relaxing touch of her masseuse's hands.“Why? You should have just said yes. How long are you going to keep playing tag with him? That's frustrating you know," Rose said, gasping in relief after her masseuse hit a stress point on her body.Astrid had regained most of her memories about her best friend. It was hard to forget someone as cheerful and sunshine-like like Rose. She talked along, clung to Astrid like a Velcro strap whenever she wasn't indulged by Rowan or entertained by her fiance, Nelson. So it was easy to remember her faster than everyone else.“I just want him to suffer a little. He said he hurt me in the past. So he should get a taste of his own medicine," Astrid expressed her intention which Rose disapproved.“That was a
As days passed, Astrid began to adapt to her surroundings. She enjoyed spending time with those around her most especially, her dear husband.He made her happy. These triggered some of her memories to return. Although they were still hazy, she could remember names. However, his name didn't seem to bring good memories to her. Most of what she could remember was her crying and feeling desperate for his attention. During those times she had those flashbacks, she distanced herself from him.She didn't understand why she would feel horrible towards someone who she loved. The thought of being betrayed again frightened her. She wanted to be with Rowan as long as possible. So instead of prying and questioning her taunting memories, she decided to bury it deep in her heart.After all he loves her and that's what matters. She thought that if she pushed the bitter memories of her past behind she would be able to live happily with him.But then, memories like that were hard to forget. “My love.
Astrid cracked up when she noticed Delilah had turned pale from her threat. She couldn't believe that she would react to it thoughtfully.“I am sorry Doc," she said, laughing in between. “What's funny?" Delilah asked still shaken from her threat.“It was a joke. I am not a horrible person to do such a thing to my doctor. You see I received treatment from a doctor who toyed with my brain, switched my medication, and made me think I was someone. I am only being cautious that the same thing won't repeat itself. Please forgive me if I startled you," Astrid muttered with an apologetic smile. She didn't mean to scare the young doctor.But then she didn't want to be fooled by anyone again. She wants to get better, heal from her wounds, learn about her husband again, and remember her memories.Doctor Delilah let out a relieved laugh feeling embarrassed that she had fallen for her patient's prank. She brushed her hair behind her ear and placed the clipboard she was holding on the mini tea tab
"Welcome, Mrs. ...um." Astrid's therapist stared at her patient's chart. She was confused about how to address Astrid since she had two last names. Rowan and Astrid had not renewed their vows after they annulled their divorce prior to the accident. Rowan had plans of rectifying that later. But for now, he wanted Astrid to feel comfortable with him and others. Seeing her struggle with the names, Astrid placed her hand on the clipboard and gently pulled it down."Call me Astrid instead," She said, easing the doctor's burden.The doctor smiled at her and offered her a seat on her fluffy white sofa. Astrid noticed the white interior design in her office especially the russian poreclain dolls that sat on a stair-like shelf."I hope you don't mind the plain colour of my office. I like the colour white," the Doctor muttered when she noticed Astrid's roaming eyes."Not at all. It's simple and lovely." She smiled."Okay, would you like a cup of tea or coffee?" The doctor asked, walking over
Traveling back to the city was one thing and relating with the people you had forgotten was a whole lot for Astrid. She got to meet her parents who couldn't thank Rowan enough for bringing her home. They shared memories with her, took her to their favorite family spots and called her best friends over. Rose and Nelson hovered around her everyday they came to visit, they never left her and made sure she was comfortable. Chef Gladine was overwhelmed to have her back and prepared all kinds of dishes to welcome her. Everything seemed new to her but they made her feel at ease especially Rowan and Noah who were at her beck and call. “No, Mommy. That's not how to make my sandwich. You put the tomatoes first before the Vegetables, I like it that way," Noah instructed, showing her how he liked his sandwich to be made. “Don't put pressure on your Mommy, Noah," Rowan cautioned as he fried some eggs and bacon for breakfast. He had an apron tied around his waist, giving him a sexy daddy appear
Hi, guys. From this chapter, Luna will be addressed by her real name, Astrid. Thank you to all of you who have been following my book diligently. Thank you. I have been overwhelmed with a lot of things happening in my life recently. Please, I need your supernatural motivational power so that I can write this book up to 100k words and publish it on A****n, then start with book two, guys.Astrid was furious, disturbed by the truth she had just learned. The reason for \Scott's actions remained unknown to her. For two good years, the life she was living was a lie. Her memories were still hazy, but then she felt safe around Rowan, connected to him more than she had been with Scott.Especially with the little child sleeping in her arms. They were on the road, driving away from the base. Noah was excited to know that she was leaving with them. Rowan tried not to ask her questions about the situation. He knew she had confronted Scott because he had orchestrated it himself, used Victoria to rev
CHAPTER 85Everything was getting sick and tiring for Luna to bear. She didn't even know who to believe in anymore.She couldn't fathom the reason why it was so hard for her to live without getting sabotaged, bullied, or lied to.After she returned from her morning exercise, she went on to ask her doctor about her health and pressured him for answers.“Please forgive me, Miss Everhart. I tried to take him out of it. But he refused and threatened to harm my family if I didn't comply," the doctor begged, but Luna paid no heed to his cries.She stared at the result she was holding, squeezing a part of it with rage.“You don't deserve to be a doctor. Lying to your patient and falsifying her medication just because of your selfish interest," she muttered through gritted teeth.She trusted him with her health and believed his lies but got stabbed in the back.“You just ruined a person's life. So remember that I will destroy yours, Doctor," She threatened before walking out of his office.Af
Panting through the woods, Luna ran her morning laps. The sun was yet to rise, and the morning breeze was still chilly and moist. Most of the mountain parts were covered in mist. However, the dewy atmosphere was clearer than her foggy brain. After that intense make-out session with Rowan yesterday, her mind refused to return to the present. She kept reliving the hot sensation of his hands on her body, his blazing kisses, and his adoring words. She was overwhelmed and confused about what to believe.Two men with different personalities. One is a liar, and the other is unpredictable.She couldn't think of the words to describe Rowan. All that she could think of was how he made her feel. Which felt so wrong. She shouldn't feel that way, not with a man, not her husband. But the question is, who exactly is her husband?Taking a break against a boulder, she reached for her water bottle strapped to her joggers but found nothing. She let out a hiss, cussing under her breath for being absent-mi
A groan escaped from Rowan's throat as Luna kissed him. Their devastating attraction for each other finally played out as they merged their lips. Their tongues played a game of tag, deepening their kiss to a fiery intensity that burned their senses.Luna fought against her control, but each time Rowan struck his fingers on her bare back, an uncontrollable fire ignited within her, causing her to desire more of him."This is wrong." She muttered breathlessly as she kissed him hard, bringing her body forward."No, love. "You are only reclaiming what rightfully belongs to you," Rowan mumbled inside her mouth, kissing her fiercely as his life depended on it.It had been so long since he last tasted her and now that they were acting on their desires, he dared not to miss the opportunity. He slipped his hands under her black top, caressing her skin with a needy urge to rip the cloth off her body.Thrilled by his sensual touch, Luna leaned forward, wanting more of his fiery hands. She gaped as