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Chapter 21 – Calm days
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Overall, she thinks the first date went well. He kisses like a man starved. She dared to assume this time that he’s definitely feeling something for her. Even if it’s just lust or physical desire. She’ll take it, anything to begin their relationship.
She slept in the next day. It’s going to be a lazy day for her, just chatting with her family.
Around ten in the morning, she received a message from Christan.
“Hey, how are you today? Have plans to do?”
She finds it… funny. It doesn’t contain any formality or his seriousness. She laughed softly before replying to it.
“Good, thanks. Just lazing around at home. How about you?”
He didn’t reply immediately, but his response came nevertheless.
“Took the kids out. We’re at the park. They asked me if we can invite you. Told them it’s short notice and might disrupt your owns plans.”
Oh… what
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Try Harder Chapter 22 – Disapproval
Alena realized this version of Christan is very endearing. She couldn’t help but get her hopes up, higher than usual. It actually feels like they’re really dating. Well, they are, but it doesn’t feel like they’ve only just started. In their short calls, she was able to get a glimpse of his daily life. She got a good grasp of his schedule, when his breaks are and when he leaves the office.When Thursday came, she chose a much nicer outfit for the dinner. She started feeling nervous again. She hasn’t asked Christan about it. She’d like it to be a surprise if he’ll be able to come or not. Alena was relieved and the smile on her face was frozen in place when all three of them showed up. The boys kissed her cheeks before sitting down and she hugged them briefly. She looked up at Christan and was surprised when he leaned down and kissed her cheek, too. She knew she’s blushing. Her eyes widened a little as she bit her lip. Did he just&
Try Harder Chapter 23 – Picnic
Christan could tell that something is bothering Alena. They picked her up in the morning and she seemed like her usual self, given how boisterous the boys were. They were very excited to have her today. But still, there were moments her expression would slip and look worried. The boys couldn’t tell. He can.With Alena around, he was dragged by the three of them to join every game.“Don’t you have a dog? It would be nice to play fetch with a dog.” She asked while looking at a couple playing with a Golden Retriever.“Do you want a dog?” Carl asked, glancing quickly at his dad. Christan could interpret it just fine. They would pester him to get a dog if Alena says yes.She thought it over while watching the dog. Smiling, she replied, “Nah. I would like playing with one, but I don’t think I’ll have the time to take care of it.”“We’ll take care of it.” Drew volunteered. Actua
Try Harder Chapter 24 – Trouble
As soon as Alice heard more information about their dad’s plan, she would tell everything to Alena.“He actually made a shortlist and at the top of the list is someone named Tristan Jake Woods. They call him TJ. Seems like a good man but scarred. Literally. He’d been in a vehicular accident right out of college. He’s got some issues with women, apparently. Gold diggers, the usual. And his scars seem to cause him a certain level of insecurity. Other than that, he’s quite the successful businessman. Almost at par with the likes of Christan Taylor.” Alice rattled off from her notes.“Not at all interested, Alice.”“I know, just letting you know what kind of man dad wants for you.”“Someone scarred, really?” As soon as she said it, Alena felt bad. She’s not the type to judge someone based on appearance.Alice made a disgruntled noise. “Alena.” Her tone carried a w
Try Harder Chapter 25 – Beginning
Alena is shaking. She did something in public that may cause her family some trouble. Just what kind of deal did her dad had with the Woods? She snorted at realizing something. Reeds. Woods. It’s not funny. She walked quickly, momentarily forgetting where she parked her car. She turned right and spotted her vehicle. Behind her, Christan walked the same pace as her. He watched her escape. Isn’t she planning on talking to him? Why did she just leave?When she opened the door of her car, that’s when she noticed his presence. He was walking towards her and she’s not sure how to feel. Half of her is relieved to see him. Half of her is terrified. Is he angry?“I’m sorry you had to witness that.” By the time she finished that sentence, he was already in front of her.They stared at each other, until she felt like squirming under his piercing gaze.“You did well.” He stated as he reached for her curls.
Try Harder Chapter 26 – Open up
“I need to be inside you now. We’ll have more fun later.” He declared and she readily nodded. She adjusted herself towards the center of the bed, with him crawling above her.When she moved to take her panties off, he stopped her.“Leave it.”Right. It’s flimsy anyway. She thought as she spread her legs wide for him. He touched her again, preparing her, making her terribly wet to easily receive his girth. She could remember the first time he entered her. He stretched her walls to its limit, and it will happen again now. As he stimulated her for natural lubrication, his mouth found its way towards her breasts. The lace material didn’t actually hide her assets. If anything, it highlighted it. The design made it so that her nipples looked like the center of the flowers. He licked them over the lace and the rough texture of his tongue and the lace made her squirm. Her chest heaved up and down. The motion stirring up his imag
Try Harder Chapter 27 – Commitment
“I understand.” He told her before cupping her chin. Her eyes looked vulnerable as they stared at him. He kissed her deeply and she cling to his arm.Afterwards, he asked, “Since he’s your dad and you know him better than I do, what do you recommend I do? I should talk to him and make him accept me, right?”Alena scrunched up her face. “That’s the thing. He made a rule for us girls about dating.”“He did? What is it?” He gently embraced her again and her eyes wandered around his room.“When we date someone, we have to bring him home on the first date or the first week. He… he interviews the guys for their motives, intentions… to make sure they’re serious about his daughters. He also checks their backgrounds, personality and character. Pretty much the usual, but he prefers them to be personal. You know, acting like part of the family. Not hiding too many things. Open. Sho
Try Harder Chapter 28 – Three words
She groaned, sure that her family would’ve seen the same articles. Well, it’s not as if it was a secret to them. Her dad would be the one getting a hard time. It’s his fault anyway. Dragging her into an agreement without getting her consent. Serves him right.“It’s not that hard to figure out the truth. Their speculations were mostly on point, but there is some damage there. We can just let it settle down on its own. It’s more important that I get your dad’s approval and help him if he would let me.”Aww… she felt soft inside at his concern for her stubborn and difficult dad.“You’d do that?”“Anything to let him accept me.” He returned the phone to Carl and pressed a kiss on Alena’s lips.Carl’s not sure if he should be happy or if he should be grossed out. A quick kiss is fine. No need to drag it out in front of young eyes.Alena thought the sa
Try Harder Chapter 29 – Mommy
Maybe he should’ve done it differently. She’s still young, after all. She probably wanted a proper proposal. He grimaced. He should’ve made preparations before blurting that out. Still, he simply wanted to create an opening for Drew’s question. He’s sure Alena would agree.He stood up and approached her. He took her into his arms.“Don’t worry. I’ll give you a proper proposal. I just wanted to make my intentions clear. You’ve been hearing the boys asking about a marriage or a wedding. You shouldn’t feel embarrassed when they do. They already know that’s where this is going.”Alena took a deep breath at his explanation. His words are too sweet. He’s gonna give her a proper proposal? She doesn’t need one! She’s fine with this kind of proposal.She chuckled before hugging him, too. “I’m just happy. You made me very excited. I look forward to our future toget
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Try Harder Chapter 45 – Ending
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
Try Harder Chapter 42 – Background
“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
