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Pain splinters across my head, in the back of my eyes, as it travels down my neck and disperses across my shoulders. The feeling of being crushed by Chase becomes overwhelming, and as I try to hit my head against the wall for the final time, he pushes my head back to stop me. “Tell me you still love me,” He demands with hope glinting in his eyes. “After today, I will never utter such words to you.” I sob, feeling defeated. “LIAR!” He roars. “You will love me until the very end, Keri.” Enraged, he releases my head from his grip and punches the wall beside my face. I jump, crying out with fright as shock and panic seep into my pores. Tears blur my vision as it becomes difficult for me to inhale a full breath of air into my starving lungs. A blurry figure steps through the door, it drops something on top of the coffee table as it rushes towards me too. I scream, struggling against Chase as terror fills me. Has this figure come into my home to rob me, will I be subjected to another
As I wait for the kettle to boil to make myself a cup of coffee, I look around my living room and make a mental note to find a local handyman to come through and fix the body-sized holes that currently decorate my living room walls. After Tobias had left last night, I sat in my living room stricken by shock for what seemed like a lifetime. I clung to the blanket wrapped around me like it was a lifeline while I tried to process everything that happened. My outlook on life has changed. I use to live by the quote: Live like someone is watching you dance as tomorrow is never promised. Now I think I’ll live by the quote: Some people will only like you if you fit into their box. Don’t be afraid to disappoint and say no to those that are too big for your box. As the kettle boils, I remember seeing Tobias throw something down on the coffee table, but as he left, he did not retrieve it. I push off the countertop with my hip and make my way to the coffee table. As I recalled, he did indee
“I wouldn’t hold my breath trying to figure it out,” I reply in a husky tone, swallowing thickly as my cheeks start to feel like they are on fire.Before I can predict his next move, Tobias's hand plunges into the scalp of my head, stopping me from pulling away from him, and tugs at the roots of my hair.“That’s the difference between you and me spitfire. I am willing to do the things you aren’t.”Licking the seams of my lips, my gaze drops to his mouth, and instantly I feel sick to my stomach. I hate that after all these years, he is still able to read me like an open book and stroke the desire that still yearns for him even after all this time and after everything that has happened between us.“I’m not in the mood for your bullshit, Landry.”I watch as his gaze drops to my lips too, “I can get you in the mood.”“I’m not interested.”Tobias releases me, standing to his full height, and I am forced to step away from him. He turns his back to me as he looks out of his office window.
As Tobias leans back in his chair and looks at me in a full of amusement, scrutinizing manner, that rubs me the wrong way. I open my mouth to tell him that if I agree to his proposal, he is to step away from Appleton Bakery and let me run my business how I see fit. But before I can utter a single word, my phone blares to life. Exhaling loudly out of my nose, I straighten while I extract my phone from my bag. My heart plummets into the pit of my stomach when I see who it is that is calling me. A coincidence maybe? Lifting a finger, I gesture to Tobias to hold that thought as I make my way to the far end of his office and answer the call. “Mr. Jameson, this is a surprise. Is everything okay?” I ask him in a hushed tone with my back facing Tobias. “Good morning, Keri. I’m afraid not, we need to talk urgently.” My accountant says in a grim tone, telling me shit’s about to hit the fan. I swallow thickly, “I’m all ears.” "I'm sorry, Keri, but the bakery simply isn't profitable enoug
Sitting down on the sofa in nothing but a silk robe, I recall the events that happened this morning in Tobias's office, skipping straight to the end where I eventually agreed to marry him. After he had declared that he wouldn’t touch me unless I beg him. I shoved him away from me, watching as a cocky smile erupted across his face before I marched across his office to where the contract sat on his desk, and I signed it with trembling hands. “There. It is done.” I hissed, dropping the pen on his desk as I spun around to face him, feeling like I had signed my soul over to the devil himself. “I get to keep my bakery, and you get your inheritance.” Tobias had rocked on the heels of his feet, shoving his hands into the pockets of his slacks. “I will have Melanie pick up our Marriage Certificate by the end of tomorrow.” He declared in a stern voice. I couldn’t help but shake my head while I scoffed at the same time. “I'm not concerned about the details, Landry. The quicker we get this don
"Now that you know I am here at the hotel, you can leave.” “Not before I give you this.” He says as he reaches into the back pocket of his jeans. “I should wait, but seeing you like this, in nothing but a silk robe… I have to see it on you, now.” Tobias opens a square jewelry box that contains a diamond-and-ruby-encrusted necklace. I gasp, placing a hand over my mouth as my eyes widen with shock. “I can’t accept this.” “You can and you will, Keri. After tonight, you will be known as the future Mrs. Landry and you need to look the part.” He says in a firm tone that is laced with a challenge for me to defy him. After a moment of admiring the necklace's shimmering beauty in the light, I turn to face the mirror on the wall, gather my hair in my hand, and offer him the privilege of putting it on me. Watching him in the mirror, Tobias delicately removes the necklace from the box before he snaps it shut and tosses it onto the sofa. He moves to stand behind me, pausing when he looks up a
Upon entering the living room, I pause at the threshold, my gaze rivets on Tobias’s back as he stands tall, looking out the window that oversees the city’s bright lights. My heart rate spikes with both desire and animosity. I have never felt so disgusted in myself for letting my guard down and allowing him to touch me in such a manner that had my toes curling, and me screaming his name like it was a fucking prayer. I could murder him. A life for a life. But I’ll have to wait until after we are married, so I’ll at least get to keep my bakery through our marital status. Shaking my head, I rid myself of the homicidal thoughts crossing through my mind. Gah! He truly does know how to bring the worst out of me without even trying. I continue to stare at him, marvelling as his reflection reveals a contemplative mood. His gaze is unfocused and his lips are drawn into a grim line. I wonder if he feels absolutely disgusted by his actions too… His folded arms betray an intrinsic unea
The limousine comes to a standstill and I look out the window with a silent prayer of gratitude playing on the tip of my tongue.I am at a loss and stunned into silence by Tobias’s confession with his use of vulgar words orchestrated at me. But it is also comforting to witness the struggle and torment blanketing him as he is realising his self-control is slipping through the hot tips of his fingers.He returns the bottle and glass to the mini bar, combs his fingers through his slick hair, and he exits the limo with a frustrated grunt. I wait for a beat or two to exit after him as he offers me his hand. Placing my left hand in his, I try not to indulge in the way his large hand swallows mine when he encloses his fingers around my palm and lifts my hand to his lips.“Where is the ring I gave you?” He murmurs, masking his soft, spoken words as he plants a delicate kiss on the back of my hand.My gaze wavers from his as I gulp with the camera flashes bursting around us like fireworks. A
EPILOGUE: TOBIAS:The waves fiercely crash against the shoreline behind us as the sun rays beam upon us.“I do.”Tears of joy brim my eyes as she utters two small words that mean everything and so much more to me. She is officially mine. Again. This time by choice.“You may now kiss the bri-” Before the priest finishes his sentence, I reach for my wife, crushing my lips against hers as I seal the deal between us. Keri smiles against my lips. “How does it feel to be a married woman by choice, baby?”“Perfect. How does it feel to be married and a father of twins?” She has a mischievous glint lining her eyes.“Like the lost pieces to my life have finally pieced themselves back together,” I reply honestly.I turn around and look at my children sitting beside one another with a large grin on their faces as they sit on the white chairs in the sand. Sawyer is holding a small bouquet of flowers, and Ryan, an empty small pillow that not long ago held our wedding rings. My gaze shifts further i
TOBIAS:A persistent knock raps on the timber door, catching me off guard as I flip my steak over on the grill. Turning the BBQ off, I move my steak to the side, taking it off the heat so it won’t overcook. The banging on the door starts again, and my strides become larger until I reach the door and yank it open.“Why the fuck do you continue to bang on my-” The words fall from my lips when my gaze collides with Keris'.What the fuck is she doing here?How did she know I was here?Fuck… Fuck… Fuck…“Keri, I… Uh…”Slap!Before I can finish my sentence, her palm collides with the side of my face. Lifting my hand, I cradle my cheek, dampening the stinging sensation spreading across it. She looks pissed off. Like she could murder me, and I don’t blame her.“So, it’s true. You’ve been here for two months?” She hisses, enraged to find me here. In the same country and not behind bars like I should be.“Yes.” I state firmly, gritting my teeth.“You bastard!” She cries out, shaking her head. “
THREE MONTHS LATER:“We need to reschedule today's’ meeting,” Mel looks up at me from her desk, sounding a little strange. “I’m not feeling well, and I need to go over the new contract Adem sent through for a new deal he wants to cut with us. I aim to be on my A-game before facing him.”“I can get Davis to come in and go over it with you? Two sets of eyes are better than one, and unfortunately, I’m still trying to get up to speed with everything going on as it is.”“Davis is unavailable today. He is at the hospital with Ava.”I know I shouldn’t ask, and I don't understand why I give a rat’s ass about her after all the grief she has caused me in the past, but I can’t help myself. “What’s wrong with my sister?” My voice sounds harsher than I had intended.Gnawing on her inner cheek, Mels’ brows furrow as she raises her gaze to meet mine. “She was standing on a chair, screwing in a light bulb when their oldest girl came running into the living room, accidentally colliding with the chair.
“You need to stop being so hard on yourself, Keri,” El speaks softly, resting a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Under the circumstances, you have done a remarkable job with the twins, and one day, they will eventually realise that you have always had their best interest at heart. If there is one thing I know for certain, it’s that being a parent is a learning process, too. After you have given birth, you are not handed a parenting manual. You learn as you grow together as a family; sometimes, the road we pave isn’t easy. But it sure as hell is fulfilling when you reach the end of that bumpy road.”I take a moment to let her words sink in and wipe my eyes dry as I nod my head; agreeing with her. “You’re right,” I whisper, patting her hand that remains on my shoulder. “It’s been four years now, and I am still as clueless as I was yesterday on how to parent my children correctly.”“Everything that has transpired into this mess with Tobias and Coach Matty, isn’t your fault. I need you to hea
As the front door to Kip and Elz home opens, I glance at Officer Marcus and give him a small smile that falls short of reaching my eyes – a silent expression of gratitude for his safe escort here. He offers me a brief nod, pivots on his heel, and walks away without uttering a single word.“Oh, my gawds, Keri!” El screeches as she yanks the door wide open and pulls me into her loving embrace.I lean into her, tears streaming down my face as my heart shatters further. I feel an overwhelming urge to express my emotions loudly. To express my frustration and lament that the universe and Gods have conspired against my happiness. Yet, I find myself without that feeling. I search within my soul to find my strength and muster the bravery to stand before the twins as they come rushing towards me.“Mummy, mummy… we missed you last night.” They say in unison as they fling their arms around me.El rubs my back as she gently pulls away from our embrace. Our eyes collide, and she utters the words, ‘
I shut my eyes, attuned to the strong and rhythmic pulse of Tobias’ heart, my body half entwined with his. His fingers glide softly up and down my spine as he lies on his back while his gaze remains fixed on the ceiling. We haven't slept; we've only been exploring each other's bodies on an intimate level, compensating for lost moments and creating memories that will linger for years ahead. I press my face against his chest, a deep sigh escaping my swollen lips as I cling to him with all my strength. I long for a chance where time could freeze, allowing us to savor the precious last moments that Kip has generously given us. The sun has risen, birds are chirping, and early morning traffic for churchgoers echoes through the room. There is so much I wish to say to Tobias, but I don’t want to ruin this moment. Though we showed each other how we felt about one another on a deeper level, using our bodies to express ourselves, I still feel like there is so much unsaid between us.“I want you
TOBIAS:The soft caress of her lips is like a lifeline I desperately try to cling to. Warm. Soft. Sensual.I hate to think that this could be the last time I get to feel her like this as she passionately tries to kiss away my deepest and darkest fears. I’ll love her until my dying breath. It’s always been her, and it always will be. I am undeserving of her love, her warmth, and time.“Don’t speak… Just feel, Tobias. Use me for pleasure.”“Don’t say that,” I murmur, pulling away from our kiss. My gaze travels down her body, and she has no idea what the vision of seeing her in my clothes does to me.“I’m serious, Tobias. If now is all we have together. I want you to take what you need from me.”Lowering my pants down my hips, my cock springs free, and I watch through half-lidded eyes as she licks her lips like a starved little kitten looking for its next meal. She lowers herself onto her knees, gazing up at me, with the moonlight accentuating her natural beauty. I lean against the glass
I slowly feel myself surfacing from the deep slumber that embraced me. Reaching across the bed, I search for the twins, and when I am met with air, I jolt awake in a frenzy as last night’s terror claws at my chest. I open my eyes, and my vision slowly adjusts in the darkness.“Tobias, is that you?” I whisper, squinting towards the far corner of a room that isn’t mine.Sitting in an armchair with the moonlight illuminating the room, Tobias is leaning forward with a bottle of Whiskey dangling between his wide-spread legs. He stares down at the bottle, tilting his head to the side as he swirls the amber-coloured liquid at the bottom.“Go back to sleep, baby.” He mutters in a soft tone, raising his head to meet my gaze. “It’s still early, and you need your rest.”I notice that he’s wearing nothing but a black pair of satin pajama pants. His hair looks damp as if he’s just stepped out of a shower, and the woody scent of his body wash faintly lingers in the air.“Have you been sitting in th
TOBIAS:My sedan comes to a screeching halt as I pull into Mattys’ driveway. Pulling the handbrake up, I don’t bother killing the engine and push the door open. Exiting the vehicle without slamming the door shut behind me, I race up the stairs, giving Link the death stare of a lifetime.“Where the fuck is she?” I growl, curling my hands into tight balls at my sides. Rage licks my flesh, setting every inch of it on fire. Without uttering a single word, he points to the door, indicating that she is inside. I bite down on my molars and shove my finger in his face. “You are fucking fired!” I bark in a breathy and murderous tone.So fucking fired!I vividly hear movement inside the house, like there is a struggle, followed by a muffled whimper and I spring into action, realising that my Keri could be in grave danger. I take one step back from the door and I kick it in. Link rushes inside, and my blood turns to ice when I see Keri pressed up against the wall with Matty trying to rip her pan