After bidding their farewells at Zac's house, the boys set off on their separate ways, each navigating the quiet streets toward their homes. Alex, catching the last bus, arrived at his doorstep to find the living room deserted. A sigh of relief escaped him as he made his way to the kitchen, craving a refreshing sip of water.As he stood by the kitchen sink, savoring the cool liquid from his bottle, thoughts of Maria lingered in his mind. Unable to resist, he sent her a casual text: "Hi, just wanted to say thanks again for today. Means a lot." A smile played on his lips as he hit send, unaware that Isabella had quietly entered the room. Observing Alex's content expression, Isabella couldn't help but assume he's talking to a lady. Clearing her throat to announce her presence, she said, "Hey, you're up." Startled, Alex looked up, realizing he'd been caught in a moment of reflection. "Oh, it's nothing," he reassured, hastily putting his phone down. "I'm not here to bother you; I just wan
The following morning, Isabella found herself waking up early, greeted by the sight of Alex still sound asleep. A quiet "shit, shit, shit" slipped from her lips as she maneuvered her way into the bathroom, careful not to disturb his slumber. In front of the mirror, she couldn't help but mutter, "Damn it," contemplating the surprise of finding him in the morning light on her bed.Taking a deep breath, Isabella proceeded with her morning routine. She had a quick bath, selected her clothes, and dressed with a touch of subtle elegance. A slight makeup application completed her look. Tiptoeing her way out of the room so as not to wake Alex, she navigated downstairs. As she made her way out of the house, Tes, the house help, spotted her. "Good morning, ma'am," Tes greeted."Hi, good morning Tes. How are you doing?" Isabella replied. "I'm fine, ma'am. I'm still trying to make breakfast," Tes explained. Isabella waved off her concerns, saying, "Don't worry about me," and silently slipped out
As Isabella sat in the cafe, the encounter with Layla lingered in her thoughts, sparking a flicker of suspicion about her husband, Alex. She couldn't shake the idea that the text he had smiled at in the kitchen might have been from Layla. Wrestling with these unsettling thoughts, she abruptly stood up and left the cafe, determined to get to her office.Jasmine entered the cafe shortly afterward and found Isabella deep in thought. "I called Oscorp; they agreed to 9," Jasmine informed her. Isabella, still preoccupied with her own concerns, replied with a distracted "Alright, let's get going." The two of them left the building, making their way to Oscorp. Isabella's mind was racing with questions, uncertainties clouding her usual composure. As Isabella and Jasmine arrived at Oscorp, they were warmly greeted by the receptionist who promptly ushered them into the conference room for their meeting. After introducing themselves, they dived into the discussions surrounding the project.Zinna
In the realm of the early morning, Alex found himself caught in the clutches of an untimely awakening. The digital numbers on his bedside clock glowed accusingly, revealing a time that transcended the boundaries of the typical workday start. As consciousness slowly seeped into his groggy state, his eyes widened, and he muttered an expletive under his breath."Oh, shit, shit," he exclaimed, realizing the potential repercussions of this tardy start. Hastening to rectify the situation, Alex leaped out of bed, his feet making a hasty journey across the room. In a synchronized dance of urgency, he reached the bathroom door, swinging it open with a determination born out of necessity.The bathroom light flickered to life, casting shadows that danced in rhythm with his hurried movements. The sound of running water soon accompanied his bustling activity, as he prepared for the day in a whirlwind of soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. The morning routine, typically a choreographed symphony, now pla
Alex, caught off guard and slightly annoyed, retorted, "What is wrong with you, man?" Daniel, enjoying the unfolding drama, replied with a mischievous grin, "I'm only saying what I observed." Aaron sought clarification, "Okay, wait, are you serious?" Daniel, playing it up, responded, "I mean, he gave me the look this morning when he came late to work."John, now intrigued, interjected, "You came late? You've never been late before." Zac asked the question on everyone's mind, "Have you and Isabella made up?" Alex, feeling the weight of the situation, sighed, "What can I do to get y'all out of my life?" Daniel, still amused, exclaimed, "What? Interesting!" Laughter erupted among the group. Alex, trying to maintain some semblance of privacy, clarified, "But she's my wife, though. She's my wife."Daniel continued, "Alright, alright, but how did it happen? You guys made up already?" Alex sighed, "I don't know. It's more like we got caught up in the moment. When I got home last night, I we
As the evening progressed, amidst the delightful ambiance and the rich flavors of the meal, Isabella found a moment to broach a more serious topic. Leaning in slightly, she said, "So, ummm... I met with your team." Ruben's eyebrows lifted in mild surprise. "You did? I thought you were going to send your assistant."Isabella chuckled nervously, "Yeah, we went over together." Ruben nodded, his curiosity evident. "Okay, rough morning?" Isabella hesitated, her gaze momentarily shifting. Taking a deep breath, she met his eyes and said, "Listen, I'm married, and this thing you're trying to do, I mean... I can't give you that."Ruben leaned back, a contemplative expression on his face. "Well... I'm just going to say this. I promised myself not to raise this tonight, but give it a thought. And, of course, the contract is still yours." Isabella's eyes searched his face, attempting to decipher the complexity of the situation. The revelation hung in the air, momentarily disrupting the ease that
The weight of their words hung in the air, a silent conversation unfolding among the friends. Isabella, feeling the scrutiny of their concerned gazes, sighed. "I know it's complicated. I never imagined being in this situation. Alex and I have been through so much, but now it feels like everything is falling apart."As the conversation continued, Kia remarked, "How complicated can it get? I mean, fine, he was your husband, but he didn't live up to the expectations. He works in a clothing factory, lives rent-free in your father's house, and, to top it off, you feed him. So please, how complicated can it get?"Isabella sighed, acknowledging the truth in Kia's words. "Well, I was considering divorcing him. The pressure has just been too much these last few days." Kia pressed further, "Okay, so...?"Isabella continued, "Well, I wanted to have a talk with him. Our anniversary was the other day, and he got me flowers." Jasmine interjected with a soft "aww," expressing a sentiment of apprecia
The following morning bathed the room in a soft, golden glow, signaling the arrival of the weekend. The remnants of the night's festivities lingered in the air, but for Alex, a different set of challenges awaited. He sat up on the floor, his thoughts already occupied with the impending encounter with his in-laws. The plans to meet his Butler added another layer of complexity to the day.As he stood up, careful not to disturb Isabella's peaceful slumber, Alex felt a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. He tiptoed across the room, making his way to the bathroom. Closing the door behind him, he dialed the number of his Butler, the anticipation of their meeting playing out in his mind."Good morning, Mr. Alex," the Butler greeted in his calm and composed tone. "Good morning," Alex replied, his voice reflecting the weight of his thoughts. "We need to meet today. There are some matters I want to discuss." "Of course, sir. I'll make the necessary arrangements. Shall we meet at our usual
As Kia's words hung in the air, Isabella felt a mix of anger and disbelief swirl within her. She struggled to find her voice amidst the chaos of emotions brewing in the room."Okay, Isabella, I apologize. I know I shouldn't have done you wrong like this, But you don't even like the man." Kia's voice broke the tense silence, but Isabella could sense the insincerity dripping from every word."Shut up! Shut up now or else I'll make sure you're wounded," Eleanor snapped, her eyes flashing with fury."You'll do nothing of such, Eleanor. If you don't want me to take back everything I've done for you," Ruben's voice cut through the tension, his gaze stern as he addressed Eleanor's threat."So what now? You two are couples?" Jessica's incredulous voice added to the cacophony of emotions filling the room.Ruben nodded solemnly. "Yes. And she's carrying my child," he admitted, his words hanging heavily in the air."What?!" The collective gasp from the others echoed through the room, mingling wi
As the night wore on, Isabella found herself unable to find solace in sleep, her mind plagued by the events of the previous day. Thankfully, Jessica remained by her side throughout the long hours, offering a comforting presence in the darkness.As morning dawned, Isabella stirred from her restless slumber, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. Turning to Jessica, she attempted to put on a brave face, determined to face the day ahead. "Jess, you can go home now. I'm okay," she insisted, her voice tinged with a sense of determination.But Jessica wasn't about to leave her friend's side so easily. "There is no way I'm leaving you by yourself, babe," she countered, her tone firm with resolve. "You need someone with you right now."Isabella sighed, knowing that Jessica wouldn't budge on this matter. "But I'm okay, though. We need to go to work, in fact," she argued, her mind already turning to the tasks that awaited them."Not today," Jessica insisted, her gaze unwavering as she reached for her
With tears blurring her vision, Isabella drove aimlessly through the night, her mind consumed by a whirlwind of emotions. She didn't know where to go, but eventually, she found herself pulling up to her own house. The familiar sight brought little comfort as she stepped out of the car, her heart heavy with grief.As she pushed open the door, still consumed by her tears, Isabella's eyes fell upon Tes, standing before her with bags and luggage in hand, a look of determination on her face. Confusion clouded Isabella's features as she struggled to comprehend the scene unfolding before her."What are you doing? Where are you going?" Isabella demanded, her voice cracking with emotion.Tes met Isabella's gaze with a mixture of sadness and resolve. "Is everything okay, ma'am? You're crying," she observed quietly.Isabella's frustration boiled over as she lashed out at Tes, her voice tinged with desperation. "Where the hell are you going, Tes?" she yelled, her words echoing in the empty hallwa
As Isabella bared her heart to Alex, her words hanging heavy with emotion, Alex couldn't help but chuckle nervously, a mixture of disbelief and uncertainty swirling within him."Isabella, what about your husband?" Alex countered, his voice tinged with apprehension as he sought to deflect the weight of her confession.But Isabella refused to be deterred, her gaze unwavering as she reached out to grasp his hand firmly in hers. "Alex, don't deflect, please," she implored, her voice filled with quiet determination. "I think about you every single day since you left, makes me wonder if you do the same too."Alex's heart constricted at her words, the memories of their shared past flooding back with bittersweet clarity. "You know what is funny is the fact that you have the audacity to tell me all these after everything I have been through because of you," he retorted, his tone tinged with bitterness."Don't say that. You know you weren't completely honest," Isabella countered, her voice soft
As Grace's questions hung in the air, Alex exchanged a meaningful glance with the butler and Bambi, silently conveying the gravity of the situation. Sensing the tension building, Grace's patience wore thin as she demanded answers."What is she talking about? What about the company?" Grace pressed, her voice edged with frustration.Alex hesitated, weighing his words carefully before responding. "Mum, I promise I'll tell you everything when we get home," he reassured her, his tone earnest."Why not here, hun?" Grace insisted, her tone growing more insistent by the second."Now is not the time or place. Let's respect our friends, Mum," Alex replied gently, his eyes pleading for understanding.Rolling her eyes in exasperation, Grace begrudgingly acquiesced. "As soon as we all get home, you start talking," she declared firmly."Okay, Mum," Alex agreed, his tone tinged with a hint of resignation.Just then, a welcome distraction presented itself as Rich and his wife came into view. Sensing
As the morning light filtered through the curtains, Isabella stirred from her slumber, her senses gradually awakening to the sound of the alarm clock. Beside her, Ruben leaned in to plant a tender kiss on her cheek, his voice filled with gentle insistence."Babe, you need to get up," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin."Good morning, baby," Isabella replied with a sleepy smile, her voice soft with sleep. "What time is it?""It's 9," Ruben informed her, his tone tinged with urgency. "We need to go get ready.""I agree," Isabella concurred, her mind slowly shaking off the remnants of sleep as she reluctantly pushed herself out of bed.As they both began the familiar routine of getting ready for the day ahead, Ruben's phone buzzed with an incoming message. With a quick glance, he checked it and swiftly composed a reply, his fingers moving with practiced ease.Curiosity flickered in Isabella's eyes as she watched him, a hint of concern creeping into her voice. "Who's that?" she
As Alex meticulously adjusted his tie in front of the mirror, his mind buzzed with thoughts about the day ahead. It was the Harringtons daughter's wedding day, a momentous occasion that he had eagerly anticipated despite the whirlwind of responsibilities that had consumed him at work.Grace entered the room with an affectionate smile, her eyes twinkling with pride. "Look at my handsome son," she beamed, admiring Alex's appearance. His smile widened at her words, a flicker of warmth amidst the nervous excitement."Mum, are you ready?" Alex asked, his voice tinged with anticipation. "Because I'm picking Bambi on our way to the wedding."Grace chuckled, her laughter echoing through the room. "I just need to wear my dress. I don't want to wear it yet until I'm sure you're ready.""Okay, Mum," Alex replied, a hint of impatience in his tone. He glanced at the clock, aware of the ticking seconds slipping away. Just then, the butler entered the room."Good morning, everyone," the butler greet
Alex's eyes widened in surprise, a mixture of curiosity and concern flickering across his features. "Who?" he demanded, his voice laced with urgency.Layla leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Let's just say, it's someone you never would've suspected," she teased.Alex's eyes widened in disbelief as Layla revealed the culprit behind the company's turmoil. "It's Becca," Layla stated matter-of-factly."I knew it! I had my suspicions!" Alex exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice. He clenched his fists, his mind racing with a mixture of anger and vindication.Layla's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You knew?" she questioned, incredulous."Yeah," Alex admitted, his tone somber. "We had some trouble months back, and all directions were leading to her, but we were unable to find any evidence."Layla's expression softened as she processed the revelation. "And you're just telling me this now?" she asked, a hint of reproach in her voice.Alex's shoulders sagged
Alex's mind was a whirlwind of worry and frustration as he sat at his desk, poring over legal documents and making frantic phone calls to his lawyers. Each attempt to reach them only resulted in unanswered calls and mounting frustration.With no progress in sight, Alex's last hope rested on Layla and whatever information she had managed to gather. He dialed her number, his fingers tapping impatiently against the desk as he waited for her to pick up."Layla," he greeted as soon as she answered. "What have you found out?"Layla's voice came through the phone, filled with determination. "Hey Alex, I'm just on my way to your house. Don't leave."Relief washed over Alex as he replied, "I'm right here. I'll wait for you."They exchanged brief goodbyes and hung up, leaving Alex to anxiously anticipate Layla's arrival. As he waited, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at him.Seeking solace, Alex reached out to Bambi, his voice filled with apology and concern. "Babe, I'm just