"I want you to work for me but...as a mother of my children"



Mga salitang nagpabago sa buhay ni Maricar. Mga salitang nagpagulo ng kanyang puso at isipan. Papaano na lamang kung biglang isang araw, hindi na lamang maging pekeng ina ang gustuhin nya? Papaano na lamang kung ayaw nya ng maging trabaho 'yon at gustuhin na nyang totohanin ang lahat? Totohanin ang pagiging ina sa mga anak ng business tycoon na si Edwin Jimenez?

months later.
The time continued normally, Wiliam decreases the missions that he was accepting a little because his mother was becoming very suspicious.
He also managed to add 35 more orphaned babies using some connections using money was easy, and between babies 2 were mutants one had the power to cause vibrations in solid objects and the other he didn't know yet but would find out later.
> With that I have 36 future disciples now just wait for them to grow up and train them!
Wiliam, who was in the orphanage director's office, looked at the staff taking care of the babies on the screen, at first he was reluctant to hire people to take care of the babies and decided to try to resolve this on his own.
He was not able to last even 3 hours against the babies and this forced him to hire maids whom he would fire 1 or 3 years from now.
- Okay, I have something important to do today!
Wiliam dressed in casual clothes and left the orphanage heading towards the city center, today he planned to meet with the old woman, he was not there to train and learn magic but to try to make a deal with her.
(Oh guys, you don't mind me buffing Sub-zero's powers using some MCU stuff, do you?)
A few minutes of walking after he was able to reach the front of the magicians' building, he started up the stairs.
(Note: I don't know the name of the place.)
When he arrived in front of the door a monk unlocked it and opened it, he looked around confirming that there was no one else before turning to him.
- Wiliam?
- Right!
- The old lady is waiting for you!
With that he entered the building and Wiliam followed behind him, he was calm on the outside but sweating like a river in his mind.
> Stopping to notice now, the old woman is like the Kronika of this universe, the two are bald, powerful, have something that controls the time and like to make fun of their opponents.
Wiliam followed the monk until they reached a door.
- She is waiting for you inside!
- Thanks!
The monk then left, leaving Wiliam alone in front of the door, he came over and knocked on the door.
Toc-Toc!
- In between!
A woman's voice was heard, Wiliam took a deep breath and entered the room and saw a bald woman drinking tea.
The old woman also saw Wiliam but she was a little surprised when she tried to read his mind.
> But what is this?
She thought as she looked at the mental image of a man and a blond boy entering a room, then he removed his clothes and was going to start doing the wrong things she stopped snooping around Wiliam's mind.
- I see you tried to read my mind!
What Wiliam used now was a Lin Kuei technique to go against people able to read minds, this technique consists of thinking about their biggest traumas and fears and what Wiliam showed the old woman was a cut from the episode of Boku no piko.
- I must say that discovering that you are gay on my first impression was not something I expected!
- Wait I'm not gay, stop making that little smile that says you're not going to judge me for who I am!
Wiliam snorted and sat down in front of the old woman who was now giving that provocative smile.
"Okay, I'll get straight to the point, I'd like to negotiate with you!"
"Oh, what would you like to negotiate with me?" The old woman replied as she swallowed her tea.
"Well I want access to your library, help finding and collecting rare minerals like Vibranium and Adamantium, I also need you to teach me how to open portals or be my personal taxi." If anyone outside looked at these requests they would talk to you he is crazy, how can we agree with that however Wiliam was confident that the old woman would accept the agreement.
"And why do you think I should agree with your proposal?" The smile never left her face but her eyebrow rose slightly.
"Well, why don't you look to the future and tell me?"
The old woman closed her eyes soon after, after a few seconds she opened her eyes again and held out her hand to Wiliam.
"I don't see why not do this business, but I hope you keep your word"
"And I wouldn't dare to break an agreement with you!"
The two shook hands and then started to talk about some things but most of the conversation was with Wiliam collecting information and the old woman trying to read his mind and seeing more and more horrible things that would judge the mental capacity of a normal person.
-----------------------
"I'm at home" Wiliam opened the door to his house and went in, his baby pigeon that he took in months ago grew up to be a big pigeon that was watching the house now.
He did a little cafune on the pigeon and went into the house, he soon noticed that it seemed too quiet for her taste.
"Anyone at home?" He asked but didn't hear an answer.
Tac!
Wiliam turned his head towards the noise upstairs, he sneaked up the stairs and found the door to his parents' room half open.
The voices of his parents were talking inside, it seemed that they were in a fight he approached and started to listen to the conversation.
"I can't let you do that," James said as he held Margaret's hands, her eyes were already swollen from crying and despair could be seen on her face.
"This is my decision James, but know that I always loved you!" Margaret was also not very well but she managed to remain calm and kissed the tearful James.
"Really not in any other way?" He said with a hint of sadness in his voice as he looked at his wife's belly.
"You listened to the doctor, I will not survive the birth but I don't have the courage to have an abortion so James I ask you to take care of our family for me and Wiliam!" drink than a war veteran.
BAM!
The couple turned their heads to the door and saw a Wiliam there with a bitter expression on his face.
"What do you mean by that!" He shouted as he tried to keep his face straight but was visibly shaking.
"Oh Wiliam!" Margaret opened her arms and Wiliam ran and hugged her too while crying, despite being cold-blooded and not caring about the lives of others discovering that his mother would die for his brother to be born was something he was not prepared for.
(Before you call it hypocrisy, know that Scorpion killed entire families when he worked as a murderer and became super pistol when they killed his. To simplify the most valuable people in what is ours, not others and if you deny it is a lie I am sure that if you could choose between your mother living or the mother of a person you never met you would accept the first option without even considering.)
(Also, some people said that what he did was cruel in the last chapter but know that Kira (Death Note) made a pregnant woman commit suicide just for fun.)
------------------------------------
Oh guys here is the author and I was slow to post a chapter because yesterday I cut my hand.
Then you wonder how you cut your hand well it was next.
I was at home helping my mother build a fence when one of my friends called saying that a feminist demonstration was going to a church to burn it!
Hearing those words, the Templar inside me woke up and I said.
"It's time to burn heretics!" I quickly went into the house and put on my armor, took out a wooden sword for training purposes.
I called my horse Juan and we went towards the church to protect it on the way I met other brothers who were going with me on this journey.
On the way to the church we passed through the streets full of posters of protesters and garbage and by the amount we could deduce that their numbers were at least 5,000.
Only 28 riders were going with me on this journey and despite the chances of victory being minimal we did not back down and move on.
We made a detour in an alley to pass the mob and soon arrived at the church that was now empty.
BAM!
We entered and soon we began to barricade the entrance with chairs and wooden logs, one of our guides guided the horses to a safe place.
At the church altar a white-haired priest was silently praying. I approached and waited for him to finish his prayer.
"Father, I ask you to leave, things will be dangerous here!" I gave my warning to the priest but he just looked at me and smiled.
"The house of God is my place and this is where I must be, I will not leave it just because of people who do not believe in God!"
After those words, I didn't try to convince the priest anymore, but I prepared myself for the fight that would follow.
30 minutes later we could feel the crowd shaking, their voices were getting louder and louder as they approached the church.
I turned to my nervous companions and said words to cheer them up.
"Brothers, do not fear! Although our enemies may be many, we are protected by the grace of God and if they want to set fire to the house of the Lord, they will have to pass by their soldiers! "
"FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!"
"FOR THE GLORY OF GOD !!!" They shouted together with me and we all looked back at the gate.
BAM! BAM!
The protesters started knocking on the gate sending strong tremors to the door, the tables and timbers were being pushed back a little at a time.
BAM! BAM! BAM
The noises rang in our ears, the air was full of tension for what was to come.
BAM! BAM! BAM!
I gave one last prayer to God asking for strength and raised my sword, my colleagues followed my example.
BAM! BAM! BAM!
CRACK! BANG!
The doors opened and hundreds of protesters came in screaming and running towards us, I didn't even have to aim and swung my sword towards a protester.
The sword hit the man's head and threw him dizzy backwards. I selected my next target and swung the sword again.
A fierce fight ensued, thanks to the tight space the battle was balanced and we were not losing much ground.
I was hit by punches and blows from the protesters but I didn't hesitate, we continued to fight until my arms were numb from swinging the sword.
Time passed, seconds, minutes and finally 20 minutes since the battle started.
My armor was dirty and worn, my cloak torn and sweat was descending from my skin that was now full of cuts and bruises but the battle was not over yet.
BAM!
"Argh! "One of ours was hit by a sledgehammer and flew backwards, our attention returned to the figure that launched one of ours flying.
She was a big, fat woman with muscular arms, she was carrying a black sledgehammer.
The woman screamed and advanced towards our fallen companion to finish him off, others tried to get closer to help him but they were too far away and the closest one was me.
Clenching my teeth, I stepped forward and stood in front of my companion swinging my sword defensively to hold the blow.
BAM! Crack!
I was thrown back, my wooden sword was broken in half, and a large cut opened in my hand when the skin was severely ripped off.
However, I didn't have time to prepare because it was coming again with the sledgehammer raised, with no other choice I grabbed my broken sword with my bleeding hand and prepared myself for the impact.
Swoosh!
BASH!
But the impact never came, one of my teammates blocked the attack with his shield, which ended up with a big dent.
"AAAAAAA! "He screamed as he pushed with all his strength, unbalancing the woman and throwing her back, at that moment the comrade I protected stood up and swung his club with all his strength towards the woman.
Bang!
Some teeth came out when the woman was hit and thrown on the floor, we didn't have time to celebrate because other protesters were already coming towards us.
I got up carefully and looked at my injured companions and prepared for the next wave.
In the end, the police arrived and expelled the protesters, apparently the priest had called the authorities when we started fighting, which ended up saving us.
I had to keep my hand bandaged for a few days so I couldn't post a chapter.
(Ps: This is all true, don't you dare say otherwise!)

Our mc died and found God who gave him a wish. Our MC chose to have the powers and techniques of sub-zero God then sent him to Marvel.
If I write a wrong event just treat it like errors in the universe and don't keep playing in my face.


"It's called the BRCA1 gene," Selena told Luke. "It's a genetic anomaly that's passed down to the women on my mother's side of the family." She sighed heavily. "It killed my grandmother, my Mom, my aunt, and my sister, and since we never had health insurance when I was growing up, we had no clue. Not one. We just thought it was incredibly bad luck that the women in the family were all dying from the same disease, but even if we wanted to check it out, we could never have afforded to."
He nodded and stroked her hair over and over again, waited for her to tell him what she felt comfortable sharing. 
They were in Selena's bed, cuddled up together. He was on his back, his muscular arms around her sleek body; she was curled up on her right side, her head on his naked chest, her fingers tracing his impressive stomach muscles. She was warm and relaxed and drowsy, but not quite ready to sleep.
"When I enlisted, I got regular medical check-ups for the first time in my whole life," she said. "I had to go through my entire family's medical history, and the doctor was tipped off by all the women on my Mom's side dying of aggressive breast and ovarian cancer. He ordered the necessary blood tests and looked for the red flags... and uncovered every single one of them. That's when I found out about the gene, and what it would do to me eventually."
"So you knew from the beginning that you'd have to get your breasts removed?"
"Yeah. I knew I'd have to make that choice one day." She shook her head. "I found out more than six years ago, and I finally gathered up the courage to do it."
"What did your family say about this? When they found out about the gene?"
"I didn't tell them."
"What?" He stared at her in horror. "I know you didn't tell anyone at work, but why not share this with your family?"
"I couldn't, Luke. My Dad and my brothers were devastated by what happened to my Mom and my sister, and they're still reeling in so many ways. My Dad has a stress-related heart condition, my one brother's struggling with addiction, my other brother's in and out of jail for petty crimes and drunken fights. I couldn't put them through all this again. It'd be like ripping scabs off old wounds."
"So instead you went through it all by yourself?" He was trying to be gentle, but it was difficult. "You didn't have to, babe you have family right here in Denver who'd have been there for you." 
She looked away from his hard gaze. "I  I knew that if I got the surgery, I'd be safe, at least for now and from one type of cancer. I'm not someone who sits around and talks endlessly about upsetting shit, or who frets and stews and fusses. I just  I wanted to just do it, and take care of it, and get on with things. Get on with living my life."
"And have you?"
"Mostly, yeah. I think I have. I'm back at work and doing OK in my head."
"You talk to someone?"
"Like a therapist?"
"Yeah."
"No. I didn't think I needed to."
"Why not?"
"Because it's not like any of this was a surprise to me. I mean, I've known for years that it was going to come to this, and in the end, it was my choice to get the double mastectomy. It wasn't an accident out-of-the-blue, or an illness that was full-blown. I was  and still am  healthy. I was in control. But"
"But what, babe?"
"But now I think that was a mistake. To not talk to someone."
"Yeah?" 
"Umm-hmmm."
"It's not what you thought?" he asked quietly. "It's harder?"
"For sure." She sighed a bit. "I thought I knew what to expect, how it would all look. I prepared myself mentally as best I could, I looked at endless photos of women post-surgery without their breasts, pictured myself with the scars and no nipples and flat as a board. But the reality" She swallowed hard. "The reality is something else."
"So you think you want to talk to someone now?"
"I think that if we're going to  to give this a shot together, then I need to seriously think about getting some help, so I can feel more comfortable with my body around you." She paused. "Are we giving this a shot?"
"Of course we are," he said, incredulous that she was even asking. "Don't you know that I'm fucking crazy about you?"
"No." She was genuinely surprised and he smiled at that. "I had no idea."
"Well, now you do, beautiful."
He drew her to him slowly, carefully, and kissed her. Right away, the heat between them sparked and he pulled back with a sigh of regret. He couldn't wait for her to heal up so they could make love; Luke wanted nothing more than to worship this woman's amazing body. 
"I'm sorry I turned you down so brutally when you asked me out," she said. "I'm sorry I was so bitchy and rude."
"It's OK, babe." Luke gave her a sexy little grin. "I'm a glutton for punishment, so I had no problem going back for more abuse and insults."
"Good thing you didn't just take 'no' as my final answer, huh?"
"Yeah. I knew you were just making me work for you."
She giggled and shifted a bit, then grimaced as her left side strained.
"OK?" he said right away. 
"Yeah." She mouthed a tiny kiss to his incredible chest. "It's not so bad."
"This gene," he said slowly. "Is it the same one that Angelina Jolie has?"
"Yeah. That got a lot of press, huh?"
"It sure did."
"Anyway, the short answer is yes, the gene is the same. But it's not that simple, really. I mean, even if a woman has the gene, it doesn't necessarily mean that she'll have to get a mastectomy or a hysterectomy. It just means that she has an increased chance of getting breast and ovarian cancer, but the risk and percentages depend on every individual woman's case, and on the gene's unique mutations."
"And in your case, the risk was high?" He stroked her tense back muscles, trying to soothe her.
"Yes. Sky-high."
"How high?"
Selena sighed. "I had a ninety percent chance of developing breast cancer, and about the same chance of getting ovarian cancer."
"Holy shit." Luke was stunned. "Those aren't great odds, babe."
"No, I know. And it also means that I'll have to have my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. Soon, too."
His hand stilled on her back. "So no babies?"
"No." She shook her head, tried to smile. "No babies for me."
"You wanted them?"
"Yes." She felt tears welling again, but this time she didn't try to hide them from Luke. "Yes. I wanted to be a mother."
"Fuck, Selena." Luke wiped her tears away. "I'm so sorry."
"It'll mean that I live, so I'll do it but it is something that I'll mourn for a long time." She hesitated. "You  you want kids? Kids of your own?"
Luke gently lifted her mouth to his, dropped a tender kiss on her lips. "I want kids, but when I met my ex-fiancée, she couldn't have them. We explored adoption and surrogacy, and I was totally OK with both. I just wanted to be a parent with her, you know? I was fine with not doing things the traditional way."
"Whoa. Wait up." Selena gazed up at him. "Fiancée?"
"Ex-fiancée," Luke corrected her. "Ex."
"Oh." An adorable little worry line appeared on her forehead and he kissed it away. "You going to tell me about her?"
"Sure, I will. I'll also tell you how I lost my hand, and about my family, and anything else at all that you want to know about me. But not now, OK?"
"No?"
"No," Luke said firmly. "You've had one hell of a night and you need to get some sleep. Close your eyes."
"Bossy," she muttered.
"You bet your sweet ass I am," he growled. "I'm taking care of you now, babe, so don't bother getting all snarky and feminist about it. This is happening, and you're just going to go along with it. Now Close. Your. Eyes."
"Bah," she huffed, but she did as he said.
She was astonished at how quickly the exhaustion returned. She supposed the adrenalin rush from being with Luke had sustained her for a while, but now her body was ready to crash. And it was going to crash hard. She curled up closer to his comforting warmth and strength, started to let herself give over. But she had two more questions.
She forced her eyes open. "Luke?"
"Yeah?"
"Will you stay while I sleep?"
"Are you serious?" He shook his head. "I'd like to see someone try to drag me away from you."
She sighed deeply. "This is going to be good, right? This thing with us?"
"Aw, babe." His heart clenched up tight at her sweetness, her vulnerability. "It already is."




Marysol James was raised in a small town in Canada and is still a small-town girl at heart. She's a cancer survivor, cinnamon bun lover, and hardcore caffeine addict. If you'd like to stay on top of her news, please visit her official author's website at www.marysoljames.com

When Emma Cartwright gets some very (very) bad health news, she handles it in just about the last way that anybody who knows her would expect. Namely, she heads out alone to a bar on Friday night, intent on having her first-ever one-night-stand. A single night of escape with a scorching guy, and then she’ll focus on her treatment and recovery. After all, what’s one night, really? 

Ever since coming back from Afghanistan two years ago, Dean Jessop’s life is all about ‘just one night’. No commitment; nothing permanent; nothing long-term. He meets Emma and one night of hot sex later, she sneaks out of Dean’s place while he sleeps – and they both think that’s it. Neither expects to see the other ever again. 

A month later, a chance encounter brings them back in to each other’s lives. They strike an agreement which includes: casual sex only, nothing too personal, and they can end it anytime with a single word. What Emma and Dean don’t count on is developing strong and real feelings for each other, despite Emma hiding her disease and Dean running from his guilt. 

When Dean finally tells Emma what happened in Afghanistan, she wonders if she can confess her own dark secret. But can she really expect him to forgive her for hiding her illness from him? If she tells him the truth, will he be there for her through it all? And can she help him make peace with his own demons?


'Journeys end..journeys end, wait a minute'

He unfolded a paper and started reading,

Journeys end in lovers meeting,
Every wise man's son doth know.
What is love? 'Tis not hereafter;
Present mirth hath present laughter;
What's to come is still unsure:
In delay there lies not plenty;
Then, come kiss me, sweet and twenty,
Youth's a stuff will not endure.

(Note: it's written by Shakespeare)

He bowed after completing, giving me a chance to notice what he is wearing.

'Is that your mother's coat?'

'A gentleman never kiss and tell, though I appreciate your interest in my attire. It speaks of your wifely qualities', he said haughtily.

I pinched the bridge of my nose, taking a Long breath I said, 'First, you are a kid,KID, not a gentleman. Second,  stop with wifely qualities, that's just ew. Lastly, why are you quoting Shakespeare to me?'

'You are offending my sensibilities madam. I'm courting you with my linguistic prowess',he said clutching his heart.

'Linguistic What? What's with regency lingo? Please tell me you don't read another of your mom's stupid novels', I pleaded.

'Is it what the lady prefers?'

'Ugh, forget it. I can't even sue you for harassment'

'No law can deflect my emotions, madam. I was born to adore you. You are the moon of my life'

'Then it is eclipsed indefinitely', I rushed from there. One of these days that kid is going to be the death of me.

Monday I bustled into the office lift in my white blouse and pencil skirt which is a tad bit tight around my curves, ok too tight for my curves. I should have done the laundry on Saturday, but in all the excitement that happened I forgot about it. Serves me right to push my chores.

'You are not abducted by aliens?', I turned to come face to face with rose. Was it only 2 weeks back we were discussing office gossip? It looks like another lifetime for me.

I rolled my eyes, ' stop exaggerating. I'm just on the top floor'

'Makes no difference. At least with aliens, I get to hear juicy details'

'Yuck, I don't want to go there with a ten foot pole.'

'Anyway, how was your weekend?'

I want to say you know, getting a criminal arrested,being courted by a 9 year old , just regular stuff. Instead I said, 'nothing interesting. Just watched tv.'

'Girl, no offence but you need to get a life. There are a lot of men who would do anything for a glimpse of those babies. Want to go club with me Friday night?' she said pointing towards my tight blouse.

'Thanks for your advice. But right now, I'm trying to survive the hurricane called Raphael Sinclair. So rain check?' 

The lift pinged before she can reply me which is fine by me, because I don't want to explain the disaster called my social life.

When I signed in my computer there is already a message from Raphael 

You are 3 minutes late Ms. Anderson. I hate to cut from your salary , but I shall if this continues.( meaning he loves to cut)

Now what's this? What ruffled his feathers this early? Day- by-day he is becoming more strange.

While I'm musing on this the intercom buzz interrupted me

'Ms. Anderson please come to my office'

I entered his office sceptical of his mood.

'I want you to do the presentation on the Budget plan of next Seasons product', he barrelled straight to the point.

'Ok...When is the presentation?', I asked doubt niggling in the back of my mind.

He sighed as if I'm pestering him with my questions , 'Afternoon Ms. Anderson'

'Umm which afternoon Mr. Sinclair?', I asked doubt solidifying.

'Don't be stupid if you can help it Ms. Anderson. This afternoon of course'

I took a breath to rant on him about what I think is stupid when I heard POP. This is what happens when you take Long breaths as if you are in a beach.

I looked down at the button rolling towards Raphael in mortification. This day couldn't get worse. I scrambled to my legs trying to reach it when I heard a tear. 

Oh god no. Floor, open up and swallow me whole. Phone, ring. Pipes, burst. Please, anything to create a diversion so I can escape the most awkward moment of my life.But as usual, the universe ignored my pleas for help and left me exactly where I was— in Raphael Sinclair's office with a torn skirt and one button-less blouse. 

I stood awkwardly holding my gaping blouse, 'Umm Mr. Sinclair..Umm'

He cleared his throat and pointed to the door, 'You may find something to wear in there', he said not meeting my eyes. Is it my imagination his eyes glimpsed toward my body? Surely he is too stoic to show such an emotion as lust.

I opened said door with post haste to find myself in a closet. Not a small one for Raphael Sinclair, no. My entire bedroom can fill here and still there would be space left. I checked the wardrobe but to my utter horror all I could find are suits, suits and more suits.

What do you think? That Raphael Sinclair is a closet feminist who likes to wear female clothes? Hardly.

All I can wear from this lot is a shirt.  I slid my sleeves through the shirt and buttoned it up. It barely reached my thighs, at least it covered all important parts.It smelled like him, all manly and woodsy—as if someone had bottled the scent of testosterone and sold it. I shake my head to clear my thoughts of lust. Seriously Erica, lusting after Lord now?

I opened the door to hear the hitching sound. It couldn't be, could it? Well well, it seems Raphael Sinclair is not immune after all. Good to know he is a  mere mortal like me. His gaze roamed down my body before reaching my eyes. The heat radiating from his eyes wants me to melt into a puddle before him.

'If your ogling is over, perhaps you want to change into this', he pushed a carry bag into my hands.

Yup, this day could get worse.

Erica anderson,21, is an assistant secretary in Sinclair enterprises. Her routine life takes a turn with a phone call from her Sister who hasn't met her in 6 years. The events spiralling takes to worse when her sisters body is found with a murderer on loose. Her search for the murderer lands her on the Sinclair family's doorstep.

What is the connection between her Sister and Sinclair family? Who killed her and why? What happens when her heart gets involved with one of them? 

Join Erica's journey of love, guilt, betrayal and revenge.

Note: not edited.



'Journeys end. Journeys end, wait a minute' 

He unfolded a paper and started reading, 

Journeys end in lovers meeting, 

 Every wise man's son doth know. 

 What is love? ‘It’s not hereafter; 

 Present mirth hath present laughter; 

 What's to come is still unsure: 

 In delay there lies not plenty; 

 Then, come kiss me, sweet and twenty, 

 Youth's a stuff will not endure. 

(Note: it's written by Shakespeare) 

He bowed after completing, giving me a chance to notice what he is wearing. 

'Is that your mother's coat?' 

'A gentleman never kiss and tell, though I appreciate your interest in my attire. It speaks of your wifely qualities', he said haughtily. 

I pinched the bridge of my nose, taking a Long breath I said, 'First, you are a kid, KID, not a gentleman. Second, stop with wifely qualities, that's just ew. Lastly, why are you quoting Shakespeare to me?' 

'You are offending my sensibilities, madam. I'm courting you with my linguistic prowess’, he said clutching his heart. 

'Linguistic What? What's with regency lingo? Please tell me you don't read another of your mom's stupid novels', I pleaded. 

'Is it what the lady prefers?' 

'Ugh, forget it. I can't even sue you for harassment' 

'No law can deflect my emotions, madam. I was born to adore you. You are the moon of my life' 

'Then it is eclipsed indefinitely', I rushed from there. One of these days that kid is going to be the death of me. 

Monday, I bustled into the office lift in my white blouse and pencil skirt, which is a tad bit tight around my curves, ok too tight for my curves. I should have done the laundry on Saturday, but in all the excitement that happened, I forgot about it. Serves me right to push my chores. 

'You are not abducted by aliens?', I turned to come face to face with rose. Was it only 2 weeks back we were discussing office gossip? It looks like another lifetime for me. 

I rolled my eyes, ' stop exaggerating. I'm just on the top floor' 

'Makes no difference. At least with aliens, I get to hear juicy details' 

'Yuck, I don't want to go there with a ten-foot pole.' 

'Anyway, how was your weekend?' 

I want to say you know, getting a criminal arrested, being courted by a 9-year-old, just regular stuff. Instead, I said, 'nothing interesting. Just watched tv.' 

'Girl, no offense but you need to get a life. There are a lot of men who would do anything for a glimpse of those babies. Want to go club with me Friday night?' she said pointing towards my tight blouse. 

'Thanks for your advice. But right now, I'm trying to survive the hurricane called Raphael Sinclair. So, rain check?' 

The lift pinged before she can reply to me, which is fine by me because I don't want to explain the disaster called my social life. 

When I signed in my computer there is already a message from Raphael 

You are 3 minutes late Ms. Anderson. I hate to cut from your salary, but I shall if this continues. (meaning he loves to cut) 

Now, what's this? What ruffled his feathers this early? Day- by-day he is becoming stranger. 

While I'm musing on this the intercom buzz interrupted me 

'Ms. Anderson, please come to my office' 

I entered his office skeptical of his mood. 

'I want you to do the presentation on the Budget plan of next Seasons product', he barrelled straight to the point. 

'Ok...When is the presentation?', I asked doubt niggling in the back of my mind. 

He sighed as if I'm pestering him with my questions, 'Afternoon Ms. Anderson' 

'Umm which afternoon Mr. Sinclair?', I asked doubt solidifying. 

'Don't be stupid if you can help it, Ms. Anderson. This afternoon of course' 

I took a breath to rant on him about what I think is stupid when I heard a POP. This is what happens when you take long breaths as if you are on a beach. 

I looked down at the button rolling towards Raphael in mortification. This day couldn't get worse. I scrambled to my legs trying to reach it when I heard a tear. 

Oh god no. Floor, open, and swallow me whole. Phone, ring. Pipes, burst. Please, anything to create a diversion so I can escape the most awkward moment of my life. But as usual, the universe ignored my pleas for help and left me exactly where I was— in Raphael Sinclair's office with a torn skirt and one button-less blouse. 

I stood awkwardly holding my gaping blouse, 'Umm Mr. Sinclair...Umm' 

He cleared his throat and pointed to the door, 'You may find something to wear in there', he said not meeting my eyes. Is it my imagination his eyes glimpsed toward my body? Surely, he is too stoic to show such emotion as lust. 

I opened said door with post-haste to find myself in a closet. Not a small one for Raphael Sinclair, no. My entire bedroom can fill here and still there would be space left. I checked the wardrobe but to my utter horror, all I could find are suits, suits, and more suits. 

What do you think? That Raphael Sinclair is a closet feminist who likes to wear female clothes? Hardly. 

All I can wear from this lot is a shirt. I slid my sleeves through the shirt and buttoned it up. It barely reached my thighs, at least it covered all important parts. It smelled like him, all manly and woodsy—as if someone had bottled the scent of testosterone and sold it. I shake my head to clear my thoughts of lust. Seriously Erica, lusting after Lord now? 

I opened the door to hear the hitching sound. It couldn't be, could it? Well… well, it seems Raphael Sinclair is not immune after all. Good to know he is a mere mortal like me. His gaze roamed down my body before reaching my eyes. The heat radiating from his eyes wants me to melt into a puddle before him. 

'If your ogling is over, perhaps you want to change into this', he pushed a carry bag into my hands. 

Yup, this day could get worse.

Erica Anderson,21, is an assistant secretary in Sinclair enterprises. Her routine life takes a turn with a phone call from her sister, who hasn't met her in 6 years. The events spiraling takes to worse when her sisters’ body is found with a murderer on the loose. Her search for the murderer lands her on the Sinclair family's doorstep.

What is the connection between her sister and Sinclair family? Who killed her and why? What happens when her heart gets involved with one of them? 

Is avenging justifiable in the name of cathartic escape?

Erica's hunger for justice leads her on a journey filled with love, betrayal, forgiveness and acceptance.



CHAPTER 11 

Song for the chapter: Westlife ft Mariah Carey///// Against all odds 

Vanessa's POV 

“Congratulations Mr Amaan, it's positive” the doctor congratulated Richard and I was forced to smile. Truthfully I was hoping it was negative, I can't imagine myself carrying this man's baby in my womb for nine months. I mean 9 solid months. 

Leaving the doctor's office, Richard had this huge smile on his face that’s making me question a lot of things right now because that devil, never smiled. 

I was confused, sad and angry. Angry at myself for agreeing to this, angry at my father for having a hole in his heart, angry at the universe for bringing someone like Richard into my life. 

We got into his car and he brought out his cheque book. After writing whatever gibberish on it, he stretched it to me and when I checked it , it was a whopping one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 

He actually did as he said. The fact that we're both acting civil towards each other was a surprise to me. 

After dropping me off at the bank to deposit the money, I quickly transferred some of the money to my mom's account and switched off my phone so I would be able to escape her interrogation session. 

I went job hunting and even though I knew I was going against the agreement, I just can't let someone control my life for me. I need to be doing something other than sitting around the house and waiting for Richard to fix things. 

Having walked for more than an hour, I finally saw a vacancy board right outside a restaurant. The restaurant needed a cashier and I think I can do this before the pregnancy starts showing, at least for three months. 

While praying to God to let them not recognize me, I entered into the restaurant and approached the first person I saw. His back was turned to me so I had to tap him to gain his attention . When he turned, my jaw dropped, he's drop dead gorgeous. 

I think he just came out of those movies with Greek gods. Even the Greek gods are super junior to this guy. He smells royalty unlike that stupid boss of mine. 

Why will I even think about that man at this beautiful moment in time. 

How can I even possibly think about his name?. All he's about is pride and selfishness, if only someone would help me teach him a lesson one day. But damn, this bro before me is super handsome, I can’t believe what I’m seeing. The white Tee he wore under the shirt was tight enough to reflect those sexy babies called abs. His skin tone is to die for…... 

“When you're done checking me out, please tell me so I'll ask you if you need anything” He speaks English, the Greek god speak English 

“I'm really sorry, but I was not checking you out in anyway” I quickly composed myself and internally hit my head on an invisible wall so I’ll die to avoid this embarrassment. 

“It's written all over your face” I just embarrassed myself. 

“Im Michael and you are?” He stretched his hand out for a handshake and I quickly took it 

“I'm Vanessa” I replied 

“I know you're Vanessa Decruz, fiancee of the great one and only Arab prince, Richard Amaan” 

I'm so bursted 

“What are you doing here?” He inquired not giving me the chance to ask how he knew me. But I guess I'm quite popular now. 

“I'm applying for the cashier's job I saw outside, can you please take me to the manager?” I asked politely 

“I'm the owner of this place and before I offer you the job, can I ask you about why you need this job?” 

“I don't want to stay jobless and idle and also save for the dry season” I replied 

“Okay, don't worry. Your secret is safe with us here. Let me tell you my real name, I'm Michael O'Brien” 

That surname sounds familiar though but I can't guess where it's coming from. 

“Let me help you solve the puzzle, I'm the son of Daniel O'Brien” I gasped out loud in surprise. Daniel O’Brien is a rock star, I remember how I use to keep the man’s poster in my locker back in high school and I also remember not being the only girl who did that. 

“So ,you see the reason why your secret is safe with us here” I nodded in reply. 

“When can I start work?” I asked 

“You can start now if you want to, it's all good” he replied before walking over to the table and brought out books of records as big as an encyclopedia for me to sort out. 

“There it is, Vanessa. Are you sure you can handle this?” 

“Why do you ask?” I was already flipping through the book checking the way things are being done here. 

“You look all frail and fragile” 

“Just because I look like this and you look like that doesn't mean I'm the weaker sex. Stop seeing we ladies like we're too lazy to do things. We're strong too you know” 

“Feminist alert!, I didn't mean anything big, I was just worried about you that's all” he explained 

“Okay, How did you get to know about me because I'm very sure Richard cubed the whole issue before the Paparazzi released my pictures online” Curiosity killed the cat 

“I was at the party, I mean the party where you were introduced to the whole of the Arab Emirates that you were the future queen” 

“Future queen my foot” I grumbled 

“You don't want to be the queen, most girls would die to be in your position right now” 

“What's so special about being the queen?, Most girls would have died if they're in my position right now” I started making notes on the book and started sorting it out too. 

“Are you from the Arab Emirates?” I asked based on the fact that he said he was there at the party. 

“Partially, my mom is from there but my Dad is an American and the queen is my mom's elder sister” he explained 

“Thank goodness I didn't say anything bad about the queen. Wait a moment, that means you and Richard are somehow related” he nodded before he started walking off to the room attached to the back of the restaurant.. 

“The workers will soon be here and you'll get to meet all of them” I smiled and when he smiled back, I almost fainted. That was when I realized that I’m crushing on my new boss. So help me lord 

“I think we'll make really great friends” he said before disappearing to the back of the restaurant.

Vanessa was always invisible to Richard Amaan, her boss, until he decided to make her his fake girlfriend to the Royal dinner. Things took a different turn and they had to lie that Vanessa was pregnant even though Vanessa never signed for that part of the bargain. With a pregnancy news looming over the Royal Household, Richard wasn’t ready to take no for an answer from Vanessa.. he’s all ready to make her pregnant and even make her his own.

Whether Kala and others' prayers would be heed or not, that was a story for another day. For now, all they could do was sulk in regret for their actions and look on as Kiba's figure turned distant. None of them wanted to be even close to him, much less try to capture him.
As Kiba expected, the chase didn't end as a new set of crowd started following him. There were just too many people in The Fair. After all, it was almost like a city, a totally safe haven in the forest. The treasures he supposedly owned was a great enticement. 
Kiba was unfazed and continued to rush through streets. He increased his speed a bit and left the crowd in a dust storm. 
"Fuck!"
"He is a treasure mine!"
"Don't let him escape!"
The crowd increased their speeds but they were greatly lacking.
Kiba took a turn on a street ahead, and he has just taken a step, when thunderous roars filled the air.
"Hmm?"
Kiba found streams of light beams coming at him. As they approached closely, it was clear the beams were actually knives, wrapped by lightning vipers. 
Even if a Level III mutant was struck by this lightning vipers, their body would be instantly paralyzed and their hearts pierced by the knives. The speed and power left no chances for avoiding multiple strikes.
"You are attacking the wrong guy with lightning," Kiba couldn't help but smile.
He lifted a hand and waved it in a circular motion. 
With a sharp screeching sound, the knives fell down, but the lightning vipers leaped in air. They were excited, their bodies no longer containing killing power. 
They released enormous energy of lightning and wrapped around his hand. There was no destruction or scorched body as the attacker expected. On the contrary, the snakes seemed to be happy as they licked his hands like a pet. There was a pure, unadulterated joy.
"What?!" A shocked gasp came from some distance ahead.
It was a woman named Pooja. She has middle-length hair, brown skin tone, and a slender frame.
She looked with wide eyes as the lightning vipers disintegrated into lightning particles and glued on his hand.
"How is this possible?! Is he also a lightning-attribute mutant?! But they said he was telekinetic!!"
Pooja has got information from one of the people in the mob. She was thinking when her pupils dilated. She looked with mouth agape at the scene in front of her.
Like a sponge absorbing water, Kiba's hand devoured the lightning particles. There was no resistance as if his body was made of lightning.
Pooja gulped down a mouthful of saliva in shock. She hasn't even comprehended this development when she saw a fist closing into her.
Frightened but she quickly said, "A handsome man like you must be chivalrous, right?"
Kiba stopped his fist after coming close to her stomach. He was a taken aback by her words and retraced his fist back.
One of the most popular codes of chivalry stated - A real man doesn't hit a woman or children.
Pooja was a fast thinker and she knew when to take advantage of her gender. 
She smiled as she saw him lowering his fist. She knew many mutants who had their own codes, especially among males.
They considered women as a frail species and someone to protect. Such men wouldn't attack women even if the latter tries to kill them. 
They were a firm believer of code and nothing would change that.
Pooja couldn't have been happier to meet a man of such code as an opponent. 
'And they say chivalry is dead."
She was smiling when her smile suddenly turned stiff as Kiba said, "I'm not chivalrous."
Pooja tensed up and her body was instantly drenched in cold sweat. She didn't want to die, and she was thinking of what to do when his next words stunned her.
"But I'm a feminist."
 Pooja's eyes instantly brightened up. She sighed in relief and happily wiped sweat from face. She felt she couldn't have asked for a better opponent. 
Feminists saw every woman as a victim!
 It was even better than having a chivalrous man!
"I'm so happy to meet a feminist in this dangerous land," Pooja said with a sweet smile. 
Kiba responded with a smile as well, and said, "I hope you don't misunderstand but please know something."
"Know what?" Pooja asked, puzzled.
"I'm a true feminist," Kiba answered with the same smile as before. "Not some pseudo-feminist you might know."
"Huh?" Pooja was bewildered. 
Kiba observed her for a moment before explaining, "That means I'm a believer in equality."
Pooja didn't understand his words but his next action cleared all her doubts.
A fist rammed into her stomach like a truck. Her secret armor shattered into pieces and her body instantly turned pale.
"It means I shouldn't discriminate just because you are a woman," Kiba said as he lowered his fist. 
Pooja was in no state to reply. As soon as the punch made a contact, she was sent flying through air, coughing up an arrow of blood.
After flying for two hundred meters, she crashed into a wall. The rampaging force in her belly surged into the wall behind, and the wall cracked into fragments.
"AHHHHH!"
Pooja let out a heart-wrenching scream. She found her internal organs shattered, on brink of collapse. 
Her eyes erupted with tears and her face turned sickly yellow. 
Kiba slowly stepped forward and arrived before her. The dust on the ground swept away as he crouched down.
"It makes me happy to know you are happy to meet a feminist in this dangerous land," Kiba said with a sincere smile. 
His smile was filled with kindness but for her, it was like a smile of the devil. She found it hard to believe he would attack her so violently, without a hint of mercy, after acting the way he did previously.
Kiba took her chin in his hand and said, "A gentleman is someone who does not what he wants to do, but what he should do. I have forgotten something so obvious but thankfully you reminded me."


In the age of mutants and technology, everyone is after power and eternal life, but Kiba lives for his dreams of lust and vanity.

A man on a mission to live the life to the fullest. 

The tale of the legendary Wife Hunter whose very name terrifies husbands around the globe.

This is the story of the devil who does as his heart pleases, unafraid of the labels of good and evil.

-----

Fan synopsis:

Entangled in the schemes of two-faced government, a futuristic divided world, and a holy mission of his own, follow Kiba's journey of sins!

(Note: The starting 20 chapters are very short and slow paced. The main story starts from the 30s so please give it a try till then ^_^  You can rest assured the novel has a good plot besides the R-18 elements ^.^)

I do not own the cover.

Support:
http://bit.ly/trueseeker

Discord:
https://discord.gg/TGmqHw3

Glossary/Wiki:
http://trueseekernovels.com/



Tequilas POV
"How do I look babe is it too much?" I stand in front of the most handsome man I have ever seen as he gives me a flat look. I was dressed in a simple red off-shoulder, with like skinny jeans and brown sandals.
'Baby, you look good in everything, no it's not too much." Draco claps in approval, a huge grin on his face and I smile at my two boys.
"Oh thank you, my babies." I kiss both of their cheeks.
They were both matching, Ace with his grey sweatpants and T-shirt, and Draco in his little grey pants and T-shirt also.
"What's the plan for tonight?"
"Lots of wings?" I raise an eyebrow. "I mean carrots."
"Mhm." I hum, knowing they were going to do anything but that.
"Just have fun, my babies." I blow kisses but Ace places Draco down as he looks eager to run to his toys and grabs my arm.
"I don't want just an air kiss." He frowns killing me towards him.
'Babe, I'm going to be la- Ace listen- I-" he finally shuts me up with a slow kiss, ensuring he takes up all my time knowing that I'm too weak to fight back.
As he pulls away, a huge grin on his face, I narrow my eyes playfully at him before looking at Draco who was carelessly hitting his trucks against the wall.
"Watch him." I remind him as I turn to leave and he smacks my butt.
"I always do baby."
The paparazzi were here
Oh my goodness, they were here
I park my Audi, sending the keys to the valets before I'm swarmed with a huge lot of people. Its one of the very few occasions so I was actually a bit wary of this situation as they shouted
"Mrs. Marcel how does it feel to be married to a billionaire?!"
"Is it true that the baby isn't Ace's?"
"Mrs. Marcel, why are you here at this event?"
"Are you being abused at home?"
"Oh come in, come in." I notice Marni as she ushers me in.
"Don't mind them, its just a little discussion yet they always want to be all over it." She grumbles and I laugh nervously, their questions still ringing in my ears.
"I'm so glad you could make it Mrs. Marcel." She beams, pulling me into a hug and I awkwardly Pat her back. She leads me to the middle room where there were already six women, sitting and looking at me like I was some type of mystical creature. I glance behind me, hoping that maybe there was one but sadly none whatsoever.
We all sit in a circle and Marni introduces us.
There was Asian Luna, red hair Darcy, green eyes Ollia, freckled Hayla, Black-haired Nicola, and Dark skin Niomi.
They all greeted me with warm smiles to which I returned. I have a feeling this was going to be good.
That feeling couldn't be more wrong because I got kicked out.
You know me and my big mouth. It all started when Marni brought up men opening doors and carrying bags as a problem.
"Why would that be a problem?" I question leaning forward while raising an eyebrow.
"Well, it obviously shows that they think we are too weak to do it on our own." She laughs like it the most common thing and they all follow her. I scrunch up my face.
"Or maybe they're trying to be gentlemen? My husband always opens the door, it could be to the bathroom and I barely hold my bag when I'm out. It simply shows that he's not afraid to take care of his wife,?wherever?it is." Marni's smile drops.
"Well that's your opinion but what I'm stating is facts."
"There's no facts boo," I get a little heated. "Gender inequality is not chivalry. We women need to stop putting down men for every little thing they do, they're not perfect and neither is me."
"Mrs. Marcel with all due respect this is a feminist club, you can go talk about male dominance elsewhere."
"I see the problem," I smirk. "You're close-minded and you?don't?like to be wrong but it's okay because I don't know who hurt you boo."
"All I'm saying is Chivalry is not dead. Opening the car door, the door to the supermarket, holding my bag isn't gendered inequality." I scoff flipping my hair, before standing.
"I think it makes no sense to have a discussion when no one wants to listen to my point. Have a good night ladies."
"Good leave! I was going to ask you to anyway." Marni declares while the others sit silently.
"Okay sis,?imma?just go home to my husband who loves me so much he may?just-"
"I may just what? We were just coming to check on you baby where are you going?"
A huge grin clouds my face as I take Draco into my hands.
"I love you Ace, just as you are." I throw a glance over at the women before pulling him with me.
"I love you too baby, how was it?"
And here I am, at home, sitting on the couch with a sleeping baby in my arms.
"She's a b-"
'Oh stop?"
"Seriously, where's her sense? Her husband must've let the door hit her in the face or something." Ace rolls his eyes before taking Draco from me and grabbing my arm as we walk upstairs.
"Babe?"
"Yes, love?"
"The paparazzi-"
"What did they do?"
"Well, that's what I'm going to tell -"
"I swear I will light these people on fire."
"Ace-"
"Tell me, baby, what did they say?"
"They said-"
"They're so rude."
"Ace." I deadpan but a little giggle escapes me before I sober up.
"Nothing bad I just thought... well in case it spreads they said. ." I clear my throat as he raises an eyebrow.
"They said you abuse me."
And he freaking exploded.
He waited until he closed Draco's door before blowing up.
"Why in the world would those nitwits think that? I can't believe these people what do I pay my managers to do!" He started yelling running down the steps. "You know what they are? Worthless pieces of -beep-, they don't know how to keep their nose in their own -beep- so that mother-beep- dwell on us but I will -beep- them up. -beeping- -beep-." Eyes wide I stare at him as he starts... doing the dishes?
'Babe are you okay?"
"Tequila you know I would never?ever?hurt you." He turns to look at me.
"I know babe-"
"How dare they? I can't believe how far people go nowadays that's not a?normal?question." He's silent until he slams his hands on the counter abruptly, anger fueling in his eyes as he suddenly moves towards the weapon room.
"Ace," I warn as I grab his arm. "What're you going to do?"
"I will hurt them Tequila I swear I wouldn't -"
"Babe we can't... we can't let it bother us if we do it's going to be suspicious if you lash out baby breathe." You could hear a pin drop which wasn't surprising since Draco could sleep through a hurricane. His voice was raw as he shook his head. "I-I don't want to be painted like that."
"Because of your father," I conclude and he nods, embracing me as I pull him into my chest.
"Oh baby, you'll never be like him, you have the biggest heart known to man."
"I want to take them into my palms and grind them to salt as they scream for mer-"
"Ace Marcel." I groan as he continues ranting. He was calmer as I rolled my eyes, sitting on the couch to watch him pace.
Fifteen minutes later and I'm bored as he seems to be on his hundred evil cackles.
He's probably got a thousand different ways to just burn one of them right now.
"Ace. ." I call out in a sing-song voice and he immediately stops as he knows I only do this when I need attention which he loves to give.
"I'm done." He walks towards me and I grin, almost wolfishly as he turns up the TV, taking off his shirt.
It's going to be a good night.
Three and a half years later.
Y'know those sappy moments where you see your child go to preschool, I think I'm the only one crying so badly.
Ace was beside me, trying to calm me down while Draco sits in my arms looking exasperated as I burst into another fit of tears.
"Can I go now, daddy? Mommy, please stop crying." He wipes my cheeks and I sniff placing him down.
"I'm sorry baby, have a good day." I try to hold in the fresh batch as Ace kneels beside him.
"Be a good boy for mommy and daddy you hear me?" Ace smiles ruffling Draco's hair.
"I'm not a boy." He runs a hand back into his curls, seeing his father do it tons of times. "I'm a man."
I giggle at that as Ace stands finally chuckling.
"Hi, I'm Draco." He introduces himself to another boy who was busy building Lego.
"I'm Blue." I watch as Draco stretches his hands and Blue takes it.
"Are you sure he's only five?" Ace whispered, against my cheek.
"I honestly don't know anymore."













"
Angeline is Pito's adopted daughter, but she is a strange girl. My name is Tequila and my husband Ace are only constantly approaching the true face of Angeline. She is not like an ordinary little girl. I've come close to throwing that child out the window. Angeline also seems to be constantly detecting my bottom line."



The reporter didn't know what to think when Greg Marshall called her and asked her to come over to the house. At first she thought it was a prank call but she knew his voice well enough to know it wasn't. 
She didn't ask any questions about the visit over the phone and once she hung up, she began to wonder of his intentions and the possible outcomes this visit could have.
He was definitely popular for his ability to seduce women of all sorts. Before his marriage, every woman she knew would have gladly given him the opportunity to wine and dine her- hell, even now that he was married, some still wondered if he had given up his old ways.
She wondered the same thing because she didn't want to be his next victim. She knew men like him and he could easily try to use his charms on her to shake off the scent of the story she had picked up in California. But then again, his motive could be different.
What if he wanted her to witness him playing the faithful husband? She wouldn't be so easily fooled this time around- the history she knew could easily be played out today. The only thing that would change is the first name of the woman involved with the charming Greg Marshall.
No, she wouldn't be fooled by the Marshalls and Quinton's act of marital bliss. She would be ready for whatever they presented.
She wouldn't get so excited to imagine a full blown confession, but she was willing to keep an open mind. She would hear Mr. Marshall out and then she would write it up for all the angry women in the country who loved Quinton's ready to wear, high fashion and tailor made ensembles and thought she deserved better.
It probably wouldn't be more than confirmation of the truth she knew to be.
Mentally she reiterated her views as she got out of her car and looked up at the marvellous house the two of them purportedly built together. If the outside was a subtle implication of the inside, the two of them had learned a thing or two about luxury from their parents.
The housekeeper received her graciously and led her to the first sitting room.
"Mr. Marshall will be down in a moment. Would you like some tea?" Mrs. McNaugh asked her.
"No thank you- some water would be nice though."
"Very well."
Her water arrived before the man of the house did. When he did show up, he looked just as handsome and receptive as ever.
He gave her a normal, friendly smile as he approached. Reaching out his hand, he greeted her.
"Ashley. Thanks for coming."
"My pleasure, Mr. Marshall."
"Do you mind if we move this to a more informal room? I want you to see me as I am, not some stuck up Ivy Leaguer who treats women like interchangeable car accessories."
Ashley would have to be the most obtuse person in the state to miss the edge in his voice and the anger that flashed in his eyes briefly. Then he was the perfect host, pointing out the state of the art design studios that were side by side and the other facilities available on the first floor, before ushering her into the second, informal sitting room.
Greg was wearing khakis and a golf shirt that brought out the colour of his grey eyes. He smiled again as they sat down, his perfect teeth a flash of white in his evenly tanned face. Ashley had to admit he was gorgeous.
His shirt hugged him slightly around the triceps and across his broad chest. It was open at the throat and Ashley couldn't help notice that his tan seemed unending. Up his neck, she saw the same strong jaw she'd seen in California. The same mouth currently stretched in an inviting half smile. His eyes set perfectly above a perfect nose were sparkling with friendliness.
No, she couldn't complain about his looks. Donna hadn't done badly for a trophy husband.
But she wasn't going to be swayed by his looks, she reminded herself firmly.
Greg was used to the frank appraisal Ashley Warner was giving him- women often stared at him- but then he saw her resolve harden again and he stifled a tired sigh. This was going to take a while.
"I called you here to find out why you have it in for me."
Warner opened her mouth and closed it when Greg raised a hand and said, "Before you spin a tale, hear me out. I don't think you know me as well as you think you do- you have put me in this hideous category and yet you and I have never done what we are doing right now- speaking face to face."
She had the grace to break eye contact before saying, "Be that as it may, your track record speaks for itself. If you were so upset, why haven't you ever charged me with libel or slander?"
"Because I have greater issues to deal with than a local reporter's bitter view on sexually active men." He said with just enough disdain in his voice. "My lawyers have done a good job to quell the fire you and your feminist comets like to keep setting in my field."
She fought the blush, but was sure she had turned a pleasant pink.
"Anyway." He said, steering the conversation back to his point. "Tell me why I am your preferred victim? Why not my unmarried buddy Craig? He has far less to lose than I do." He said honestly.
Ashley tilted her head to one side, the way she had seen Donna do once during her first appointment. Greg's eyes narrowed and she was sure he recognized the gesture or it at least reminded him of her.
"I think you know on some level. I am curious to know what it is that both the DQ sisters see in you- I don't see the logic behind her choosing you as well. You have been caught with your pants down this time and I think it proves that Donna Quinton-"
"Marshall." He corrected.
"-Deserves a better mate than you. It's people like you that tarnish the images of professional women and make us look like fools for being with you."
A month ago, that might have just rolled right off Greg's back, but now it made him mad as hell. He didn't show it though. "'Caught with my pants down'?" He mocked gently, the humour never reaching his eyes. "As far as I know you only have your imagination supporting this theory." Then he dismissed her statement with a wave of his hand. "We are well suited for and to each other- don't tell me you don't see it." He said almost amicably.
The reporter shrugged, not willing to commit.
"You know that it's actually people like you who help drag women like her through the dirt. It would never have been an issue if you hadn't done that piece on me in California. I can't believe that you can't see that. She has already made her choice and I'm pretty sure I heard the priest say 'What God has brought together let no man put asunder'. This is for life and you really have no place assuming I forced her into the marriage or that she has made a huge mistake."
"I can't believe you'd actually mention the Lord's name in this conversation."
"If you value Him that much then, why are you trying to destroy my marriage?"
"I am only shedding light on what is bound to happen in the future. It didn't take you long to fall out of the matrimonial bed."
"You don't know what you're talking about, Ashley and you're treading on thin ice." He told her, keeping his tone even but his eyes turned glacial.
She seemed pleased that she was upsetting him. "I know what I saw and I know what I heard."
"From a retired Spanish song writer? She would say anything to get a bit of media cover." Greg said scathingly.
"Be that as it may, you failed to hold up your end of the bargain." Ashley reminded him.
He really disliked being reminded about his moment of weakness. He smoothed his hands over his shorts and counted to ten before saying anything to the reporter. "You act like you've never made any mistakes before. Someone must have turned you into the empty soul you are now... Who broke your heart, Miss Warner?" He asked softly.
Donna had spent the morning in bed. Greg had spent some time with her, they had eaten breakfast together and then he had read the newspapers before heading downstairs to do some work. He told her again on his way out that he was expecting someone at the house. She hadn't asked who. Her response had been a yawn and a lazy wave.
Now she was bathed, dressed and ready to do something with her day. She would look over some sketches she had to take care of for an early week meeting and then she was going to call up Shirley and go for a drink at a juice bar.
As she headed downstairs, she wondered if her stomach ached due to hunger pangs or it was the baby playing with her digestion again. She resolved to get some food but voices on the first floor stopped her.
She could see no one in Greg's studio so she headed to the living room. Both voices sounded familiar- one being Greg's, the other she wasn't too sure about. Just as she was about to push open the door, she heard the woman say "You know, I wanted to be the woman in your life quite badly."
"I don't believe this." Greg said, sounding a bit incredulous.
"Oh, it's true." Ashley said candidly, not sounding tortured or distraught in any way. "After your fiancé died and I started digging into your history, I found out about Carlita and I figured you could do with a focused, accomplished partner. The more I sought the story, the more I liked you and the direction your life was taking.
"I went to the Quinton's place for a scope on where they featured in your life and whether I stood a chance against the memory of Diana Quinton. I figured I did- it was more likely you'd choose me over her little sister at the time."
"I've never met you in my life."
Warner laughed. "I know. I was very idealistic then and my imagination took me to the heights of success. Things didn't turn out the way I wanted them to- I fell pregnant by the man in my life at the time. The guy left me soon after he found out and I was forced to abandon my young selfish existence and get ready to grow up and have a baby. Now I have a beautiful nine year old daughter."
"What does this have to do with me?"
The arrival of her baby had successfully put paid to her plans of snagging the handsome bachelor, she told him. She had managed to forget him and live her life with a greater amount of contentment until that fateful night in the hotel bar. Just as she had begun to gather the guts to go talk to him, the Carlita lookalike had approached him and she had watched him succumb to her wiles. It had, simply put, disgusted her.
"You're just like other men- you think you can walk all over us and give us your babies."
Greg looked at her like she was crazy. "I am nothing like that. Even Marie- my greatest romantic mistake- will tell you that I appreciate women very much. I don't mistreat my wife and I take great offense when you imply that I do. You can't change the world by embarrassing families and destroying marriages, Warner. Didn't anyone ever tell you that?"
Ashley Warner didn't get a chance to respond because that was when Donna pushed the door open and stood there looking at the two of them.
"Donna." Ashley said, a little startled.
They both stood up, Ashley moved by inexplicable fear and Greg motivated to make sure Donna and the baby were alright.
"What the hell is going on?" Donna asked him.
She seemed fine.
"I called Ashley over here to clear the air."
"And how is that going?" She asked casting a sardonic look at the reporter.
"She thinks I am a sadistic playboy."
Donna gave a little laugh, "Indeed, air needs to be cleared then. Shall we sit down?" She waited until Ashley had taken her seat and then she sat down on the sofa with Greg.
"What gives you the impression that Greg is a bad person? I have known you to be a feminist but why are you so hell bent on degrading my husband?" Donna asked the reporter. "You're making it quite personal."
Ashley was quiet for a long time and then she said, "I have evidence that Greg is hiding something from his past. For my own interest I was willing to overlook it, but I have grown up a lot since I had a young woman's crush on Greg." She explained to Donna, not knowing how much she may have heard already. "I have a nine year old daughter and as a single mother, things affect you differently. I have come to the decision that it's better you know now, while you still have a chance to back out of all this." She gestured vaguely to her surroundings.
Greg and Donna both knew that Donna would do just about anything to keep her dream house. She had more claim on it than her husband did in more ways than one. Neither of them bothered to let Ashley in on that nugget.
"What is it that you want to tell us." Donna asked, "That you think may make me leave my house and my husband, Miss Warner? He's not the father of your baby is he?" Her tone was mocking.
Greg had seen Donna's hand clench slightly at the mention of a child and wondered if it was the reminder of her first baby or the prospect of another case where Greg was accused of reneging paternal responsibilities that put the edge in his wife's tone.
"No." Ashley said, blushing a little. "He's not the father of my child, but there is a baby in his past that he hasn't told you about- of this I am almost certain."
Donna went deathly pale. "I beg your pardon?"
"Diana was pregnant when she died."
That statement hung in the air for a long moment.
Donna was the first to speak. "I know that she was. If that is all you have in store, then you have wasted your time building up a case against Gregory."
Ashley was stunned that neither of them seemed too shocked. It was more like they were trying to figure out how she knew.
"I can't believe that you knew the truth and you still married him." Ashley said. "It offends me as a woman and more so as a mother!"
"Well, I am not here to please you or support your feminist ideals." Donna said, irked by the tone of the reporter's voice. "I don't have to explain myself to you and neither does Greg."
"Now that we are on the same page, will you let this go?" Greg asked then. "Donna and I have been honest with each other and she already knows that."
"Did you tell her about the abortion arrangements too?" Ashley wondered out loud.
Donna leap up and shouted, "Will you stop this? I don't care what you have found out about this man and my sister- Let her rest in peace. I have had enough of you reporters and your incessant need to bring her up!"
"Reporters exist to illuminate the truth." Ashley went on insistently. "The fact that you are unconcerned about the past means you are a willing conspirator. Frankly, I am quite surprised that you're not bothered by Greg wanting your sister to abort their love child."
"Abort their-?" Donna's hand went involuntarily to her stomach. "If you are not going to leave my house, then I will! You have no idea what you are saying."
With that, Donna left the room.
Greg stared at Ashley Warner. "What are you trying to do, Miss Warner?"
"Expose you for the true monster you are." Ashley insisted.
"You are a hateful human being and you have no idea what you have just done." He said stalking out the room.
"I told the truth!" She called after him, stung by being called hateful. She stood up and smoothed the wrinkles out of her skirt.
Greg saw Donna heading toward the front door. "Donna!" He shouted, taking the stairs two at a time.
She didn't stop or look back so he kept moving after her. He passed Mrs. McNaugh on the way and he said, "See Miss Warner out, please."
"Of course." The housekeeper proceeded upstairs and down the hall. She found the subject of her instructions standing alone in the sitting room.
"I trust you had a satisfactory meeting with the Marshalls." The older lady said stiffly.
"Yes. I think I did." Ashley replied, smugly.
Mrs. McNaugh turned her nose up slightly and said, "So you won't mind leaving now."
Ashley did not protest but preceded the housekeeper down the stairs.



"When a young successful woman is ready to get married and have a baby, all she needs is the perfect man to take his place at the altar.
When a handsome, wealthy man is being pressured by his father to produce a legitimate heir there isn’t anything he can do besides find a suitable lady with the right genes and upbringing to marry as soon as possible
Donna Quinton never would have imagined marrying her older sister’s fianc but when fate brings Gregory Marshall back into her life at the perfect time, how can she say no?
Neither of them is designed to maintain a long term relationship. But they need each other."

feminist for babies novel

Babies

My Babies

Sub zero in MCU

The Unseen Enemy

Tangled with the CEO

Tangled with the CEO

His Majesty

The Sinful Life of The Emperor

Apple Kisses

Match Made

People search feminist for babies also like: