BellaI stared at his outstretched arm for a solid minute, wondering if I should take it or not. I couldn't trust him. This could be another trap and I just couldn't tell what the man seated before me was thinking. I studied his eyes for a moment, trying to find truth in them. Nope. It was just the same dark expression. I decided to take it. I didn't have much of a choice. It was either we lived in peace for two years, or I lived in total pain for the same two years. I couldn't back out. A deal was a deal.I let out a slow exhale before extending my hand.“Friends,” I muttered under my breath and I saw him smile—a kind of smile that didn't reach his eyes. He stood up immediately, dropping the basket on my bed.My stomach rumbled and I grabbed it quickly as if to stop the sound from reaching his ears. A sigh of relief escaped my lips when he didn't say anything about it.“Your maternity leave from work begins today. I don't want to see you anywhere in and around the office. Is that

BellaMy legs moved forward a little and my body tilted in their direction. I wanted to do something— run to her and help her off the ground. My heart ached as I saw her wince in pain, holding onto her sprained ankle.She looked at me and I saw bitterness thriving in her gaze. I entered the car and the driver zoomed off. Through the mirror, I saw Hardin walk away and leave her there, wriggling in pain.My car was fast becoming a place to clear my head as I recounted everything with my eyes closed. “Will Beth be okay?” I hated her but not as much as to want her dead or disabled. A part of me was thankful that she took Hardin away from me. Who knows? It could have been me on the bare ground.“Bruce,” I let out a sharp breath as I remembered that I hadn't spoken to him since the incident.I wanted to turn around to go pay him a visit but immediately decided against it when I thought about what Xander could do to him if he found out.“Hey cutie,” I typed, trying to sound sweet. “How are

XanderI knew Bella was very mad after the meeting with Lilian. I wanted to run after her but I'm Xander Rivera. I couldn't be seen running after a woman in the streets. “Besides, how do I explain to her that what she saw was Lil’s personality on a normal Tuesday?” I pondered within myself as I watched Lilian nibble on her burger.She was excessively clingy and it always wore me out. I couldn't get rid of her— she was like a fly around poop; fucking persistent and yeah, she was kind of fun to be around so, I just couldn't!“Will you like to go bowling with me tomorrow? I heard there's a new place not too far from my house and if you want, we could…take a cold shower right after.”Yep! She had been trying to get me into her bed for the longest time. Truly, one couldn't deny that she was a snack to the eyes— pretty from head to toe but…I also wondered why she kept on trying even after it was all over the news that I had a wife now. She wasn't in town when it was trending but she shoul

XanderI couldn't hide the desire in my eyes as I looked into hers. I was tired of playing games. I wanted her to know how much she made my heart race but she'll leave eventually.I wanted her to trust me. I didn't lie when I said I didn't do women. I had sex a couple of times before meeting her at the wedding but it was only to let off steam when I needed it and I paid those women to go far, far away from me.I never forgot to use condoms but with her, I didn't.I remember thinking what a lucky bastard Hardin was as I stood behind the bushes, watching the ceremony, until, the rest they say is history.I'll say fate wanted her to be mine, even if it was just for two years.I never believed in love at first sight but I couldn't take my eyes off my brother's wife-to-be after seeing her for the first time.Why didn't I do women, you ask? There were no intense reasons attached. I just hated the drama that came with them. I needed to protect my estate and my life but this one…I wanted her

BellaI wasn't sure how long I slept for but it felt like ages. I was able to move a little and the pain didn't feel as bad as it used to be. It had been a few days of strict bed rest.“Don't get up from there, do you hear me?” Xander told me three days ago, after the sleeping dose wore off. I woke up to a few missed calls from Bernice. I don't know how she heard what happened but she called as soon as she did and promised to travel to Miami to come see me.“Hi, sleeping beauty.” My senses were awakened by the sound of the voice I knew too well and it stirred a deep surge of nostalgia.“Bern!” I shouted and leaped, forgetting all about the medical drip that was attached to the back of my hand.“Hey, hey. Relax, okay? I'm here now,” A flood of emotions washed over me with each word she spoke and it made me realize how much I had missed her.“Bern,” I said, gently, squeezing her hands tightly. I couldn't give her a hug because I couldn't sit or stand yet.The doctor said I had a few br