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Chapter 10 – Avoidance
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Alena’s lip twitched as she listened to her dad’s stern warning and prohibition. He was basically telling her to stop chasing after a man like Christan Taylor. She looked at her mom for support, but she merely pursed her lips. The older woman’s not sure how to approach this. Her husband is being stubborn about the issue.
“I know what I’m doing, dad. So what if he’d been married? His wife was dead. It’s not like I’m going to be a mistress. I haven’t seen his kids yet, but I’ll try to get along with them. I won’t needlessly allow them to bully me. What am I? Twelve? Lastly, he’s not that old.” She tried voicing her own opinion. Her dad raised them to take charge. He should know she’s not going to back down easily. And of course, she knew he won’t, too.
“Are you really not going to listen to me? Stop being stubborn, Alena.”
She can’t help rolling her eyes at
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It took Alena two weeks to confirm that Christan is in fact avoiding her. She hasn’t seen him during that period. It’s been almost three weeks since they shared that night. Christan was correct in thinking that she indeed assumed that incident should’ve made them closer, even just a little bit. It’s inadequate to describe her feelings as merely disappointed. She’s starting to feel heartbroken. That was blatant avoidance on his part.Gia noticed it, too, and felt bad for the girl. Alena no longer has a regular schedule of going to his bar. She goes when she’s not busy and given how she decided to balance her work and personal life again, she stuck with it. Even so, to not see him at least once in the five times she went…“Who knows? He might be working on a big project. This isn’t the first time he skipped serving his bar.” Gia tried to assure her. But they both knew better. Alena smiled before gulping the dri
Try Harder Chapter 12 – Overdue conversation
A week later, Drew reminded her that it’s his birthday on next week’s Wednesday. Alena was starting to feel better and she’s looking forward to his birthday. She asked what flavor he would like but he asked her to surprise him.Alena turned to Carl to ask him when his birthday is. It’s still four months away. Then, while waiting for their food. She quizzed them on things they like, so she can incorporate them on the cake and its decorations.They like fruits, especially mangoes. Alena thought she can use mangoes to flavor the cake, or use them as toppings. Or maybe as fillings. Vanilla and chocolate are good as well. They seem to like sweets, except candies.Together, they talked about the dishes that they would have for Drew’s birthday.“We’ll have a few guests, but they’re mostly family. We’d like you to meet everyone. Can we reserve the restaurant on Wednesday?” Carl asked her and she was surp
Try Harder Chapter 13 – Tanya’s words
Christan closed his eyes. Is that why these two haven’t been asking him questions about their mother? Tanya talked to them, but not to him. Why? Did she really feel that she couldn’t trust him with her secrets? He took a deep breath before opening his eyes and looking at his children.“What did your mom say? Tell me everything.” He readied himself and sat more comfortably.The kids exchanged a glance before starting. Whenever Tanya leaves for a case, she would come see them in the middle of the night. It’s their little secret, which they kept.Tanya would ask them about their week, how things went, if they behaved well and treated others properly. She would remind them to be good boys, to study well, and to take care of their dad. Christan wasn’t sure how to react to that. Back then, he was still busy as a bee. He did try to spend more time with the boys when Tanya died. But sometimes he would still be caught up with work. It&
Try Harder Chapter 14 – Change of mind
He was looking forward to seeing her again. He returned to spending a few hours at his bar every night but she hasn’t showed up. Not once in the three days he’d been back.Gia noticed his odd behavior of looking around. He does it before, but he’s doing it frequently these days.“What are you looking for?” She asked, getting his attention.Christan pursed his lips, unsure what to tell her or how to say it.Gia looked at her phone. She did send a message to Alena, telling her that Christan’s back at the bar.“He’s probably going to leave as soon as I show up. Anyway, I’m also busy at work. I’ll see you some other time.” This is what she replied. Alena feels as if she’s missing out on something tonight, but she really has some work to finish. She can’t just go, Also, she didn’t want to be disappointed. What if he avoids her again? It would no longer be a speculation b
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Carl and Drew arrived early on Wednesday afternoon. Alena asked them to check everything and if they’re satisfied. She has people she can order to run around for today.“Everything looks nice. And the food already smells delicious. Can we eat something while we wait for the others?” Drew asked, earning a glare from his brother.Alena chuckled, “Sure. Want to come with me to the kitchen? Let’s see what they’ve already cooked.”The boys followed her and looked around. They were in awe of the place and how busy the people inside were. They were preparing food for buffet, so everything is in large volumes.“Can we have one roasted duck?” Drew was already salivating.“Sure. Anything else?”“Give him some vegetables to eat.” Carl replied.They went back to the dining area. Alena remembered to greet Drew and showed him the cake she personally made. She liked their
Try Harder Chapter 16 – Last try
Alena decided to set aside her embarrassment. She hasn’t given up yet. Not just yet.His children were wonderful kids, too. She marveled at that. How she met them without knowing they were his kids.“Uhm, do you need anything?” She asked. He might want to talk about the details of the party.Christan looked around. All the tables, except for one, are vacant.“Why don’t we sit first?” He gestured towards the nearest table and Alena followed.Where did her bravado go? Should she act a little shameless?“You’ve got great kids.” She decided to compliment them first.“Thanks. I’m sorry about how they acted just now. They’ve been telling me about you. Last week, they asked me to consider dating again. And that maybe I could ask their friend out on a date.” He closely watched the changes in her expression.Finally, she smiled. “Then, would you consider
Try Harder Chapter 17 – After party
She knew she was acting a bit clumsy tonight. She couldn’t seem to get her head straight. Alena is still confused by the sudden change in Christan’s behavior towards her. She could be dreaming this up, for all she knew.When the guests started arriving, the brothers introduced her to everyone. Christan was only watching them from the back, while greeting the parents who accompanied their children.As for the grandparents, they eyed her with wonder, she can tell. Alena made sure they understood how she became friends with the teenage boys. When majority of the guests have arrived and it’s already six in the evening, the designated host started the program. It was neat and direct. Drew thanked everyone for coming and he hoped they would have a good time together. They sang him the birthday song and wished him a happy birthday. Christan was called to say a message to his son. He also thanked the guests, especially his sons’ friends. The grandparent
Try Harder Chapter 18 – His place
She was gasping for air and moaning loudly, her cries encouraging him to continue, he entered her from behind. She was kneeling on all fours and her fair skin is dotted with sweat. Her hair is damp and her forehead is glistening.He could hear her uttering his name with every thrust he makes. Deeper he went into her warm, tight sheath. Her insides felt so good around his manhood. He reached for her hair, curly and brown. He lightly pulled on it, making her arch her back. Reaching forward, he grabbed her breasts and alternately massaged each one. It must have bordered on painful as she cried more whenever he pulls on her nipples and squeezing the healthy globes. He went faster in pounding her, impaling her deeply and making her tremble. He nipped her shoulder as she came and soon followed with his release. As she slumped forward, he watched as their mixed juices gushed out of her and down her legs. He kept himself inside her for a minute. As he listened to the sounds she&rsquo
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Actually, it’s not the last gift from their mom. Tanya prepared letters for her boys for when they reach legal age. Her instructions were to give them to their dad and new mom a year before they reach that milestone. The new couple can decide what to do with them afterwards. At the hospital, they only waited for a short while before the doctor received them. Was asked fairly standard questions and then they were directed to do the test. After waiting some more, they finally heard the results. “Congratulations. It seems you’re pregnant for six weeks now.” The doctor smiled sweetly at them, before handing over the document. “Six weeks?” Christan wanted to confirm. She’s already pregnant when she was kidnapped? His expression darkened. Despite Lee’s news last night, he started getting worried again. As for Alena, she’s grinning wildly. It’s truly a happy news, but when she turned to look at her husband, she’s puzzled by his reaction.
Try Harder Chapter 44 – Resolution
“They already have her. Found her hiding place. I’m surprised she didn’t leave the country. But she’s locked up now. It’s a good gift on your wedding day, right? The bureau sends their congratulations and best wishes.” She winked at both of them.Alena smiled widely as she turned to Christan and jumped on him. He’s relieved, too, and hugged her back.“That means we’re done here, right?” Oliver really wanted to lock her up.Christan snorted, “Do you dislike being here? You haven’t been here for a month.”“That’s enough time already. We’re going back soon.”“You guys might want to visit us sometime in the countryside. Cara would love to meet you.” Lee said this to Alena.“I would love that.” She replied, feeling excited already. It’s nice to have these interactions with his family members.“You
Try Harder Chapter 43 – Wedding
Alena didn’t want to feel anxious and afraid on her big day. The boys helped cheer her up. Aunt Lee told them there’s nothing to worry about. She’s similar to their mom that way. Which must be why they liked her from the very beginning.Dylan and Dree were added to the program and were given roles in the ceremony. The cute toddler walked very slowly while holding onto her brother’s hand.Watching them and everyone who attended, Alena felt so much happiness in her heart.Oliver stood as his brother’s best man. Lee didn’t want to wear a gown so she was a simple attendee.Her sister Alice is her maid of honor.As for Alexis, she’s sitting in one corner with her husband. She gave birth last week and they brought their little angel with them. She’s the fussy kind.Soon, she would have one of her own.As she walked down the aisle, on the arm of her father, she couldn’t help feeling overw
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“But you have your suspicions…” Christan brought up.“They’re just that. Suspicions. It would be a waste of time and mental energy if we go that route without tangible evidences. It could turn out to be something else. Let’s wait. Have some patience.”Alena realized that she’s very logical and clear-headed.Christan sighed and pulled her close to him. Lee grinned at their display of affection, turning to her husband and shamelessly sitting on his lap.Alena chuckled at her actions.“So, weren’t you planning on inviting us to your wedding?” Oliver brought up this topic.“I figured you wouldn’t be able to.” Christan reasoned. Just as he couldn’t take the time to go to the countryside, they couldn’t take the time to come to the city.“My family could.” Oliver grunted his reply and Lee swatted his arm.“How’s Car
Try Harder Chapter 41 – The Taylors
He kissed her and she responded with as much passion. Still, that’s the most they could do. They’re both tired. A few hours of sleep aren’t enough for them to regain their usual energy.“Let’s eat.” She recalled that they’re supposed to have lunch.Still, he spent a few more minutes hugging her close. What did he do to deserve another chance? To have found a woman like Alena? Oh, wait. She’s the one who persisted in chasing him. He would really be stupid if he lets her go.He took a deep breath before releasing her and taking her to the table. They fed each other and enjoyed the silent company. Alena moved to his lap again. This is as close as they could get right now.Afterwards, they returned to the bed and planned to take a few more hours of nap. But they couldn’t seem to fall asleep.He touched her cheeks. She has become thinner in just two days.“Did they starve you?” His
Try Harder Chapter 40 – His Past
His silence unnerved Alena. He’s not thinking of leaving her, is he? She’s really not going to agree to that. She put on a fierce expression, though her thoughts are a mess.“You’re not allowed to leave me. Don’t think you can protect me that way. I’m not going to agree. I’m going to stick to you like gum. If you love me, you’re not going to put both of us through a hell like that. We’re getting married, aren’t we?” Her tone started as angry but became pleading by the end of it.Christan stared at her as he contemplated more.It made her exasperated. She sat on his lap and hugged his neck, clinging to him.“Christan…” She would make sure they remain together. Just the thought of separation made her heart break. But it’s not going to happen. She’d come this far to let that happen.“There’s something I haven’t told you.” He began a
Try Harder Chapter 39 – Her Refusal
“I’m sorry.” He apologized to her and she frowned.“Why are you sorry?” She really thought it was because of her dad.“I’m sorry. Because of me, you suffered a lot.” His expression showed how sorry he is and it tugged at her heart.“No, don’t be. It’s not your fault.” Regardless of what it is, she knew he isn’t the one at fault. In business, personal attacks aren’t really unheard of. She understands this. Those people with evil intent are the ones they should blameThey all went back inside the house and Alena noticed Lee in a corner with a man. She’s guessing it’s her husband. Wait, her husband is Christan’s brother, right? The man would be her in-law soon.When they started asking questions, she looked exasperated and shook her head. She doesn’t want to talk about it another time. She’d been grilled at the agency and she didn’t
Try Harder Chapter 38 – Safe
She stumbled a few times and at one point, she scraped her knees on the ground.“Hurry.” The woman sounded very urgent and then she fired her own gun. Alena felt more terrified but thankfully, her legs didn’t go weak. She was able to move forward with her savior. She can tell that much by now, given how there seems to be a confrontation of some sort between two groups.Her movements became faster when she saw a vehicle from a distance. Is that their ride? Are they gonna be able to leave safely? It’s only a few yards away now.“Come on.”Alena breathed heavily when the door of the vehicle opened and they stumbled inside. She slumped on a seat as she tries to catch her breath. Her senses are starting to return to her. It was as if she couldn’t hear much earlier, save for the woman’s voice and the ringing gun shots.The woman removed her mask and Alena recognized her immediately.“Lee&hellip
Try Harder Chapter 37 – Rescue
Alena felt very uncomfortable and afraid. She doesn’t know who they are and why they took her.The men handled her roughly. Tugging her every time they want her to walk. Twice, she bumped her head on the top part of the doorways in the vehicles. They blindfolded her, tied her hands behind her, and the gag was disgusting. It should be clean as it didn’t taste anything, but it made her drool so much. Hygiene is the farthest thing from her mind.She hoped the boys were safe. It didn’t look like they also took them.They threw her in a messy room. It looked like an abandoned building of some sort and she’s in an old office. They only removed her gag and untied her hands when they brought her dinner. Some stale bread and hot coffee. Wow. This is worse than she imagined what kidnapped victims eat. When she tried to speak with the masked man, he immediately told her to shut up in a very loud voice. She flinched from how it irked her eardrums. To
