Arden
I sat in my room, reeling from the shock. Mom's countless apologies couldn't ease the sting. I'd always wondered about my father, imagining him as a deadbeat who abandoned Mom after getting her pregnant. That fueled my drive to succeed – to make Mom proud and happy.
But now, the truth shattered my narrative. My father was a multi-billionaire, a man of immense influence. I scrolled through online images, studying his face. "This is my father," I whispered, feeling a mix of emotions.
Pictures of his perfect family – wife and son – made me feel like an unwelcome outsider. Rex's hostility made sense; anyone would resent an unexpected sibling emerging from nowhere.
The tranquility I'd found after being released from jail vanished. I felt lost, uncertain about my place in this new reality.
"Arden, may I come in?" Mom asked softly.
I remained silent, but eventually relented. "Come in."
Mom entered and sat beside me, her concern palpable. "Are you okay?"
I ignored the question, still processing my emotions.
"I know this is overwhelming," Mom said gently. "But, then when you arrived from the supermarket why did you suddenly started asking questions ?"
I shrugged, unwilling to share.
Mom persisted, "Arden, I—"
"It doesn't matter," I interrupted.
"I guess you're still upset with me," she observed.
"Yes, I am," I admitted. "If this hadn't happened, I'd still be in the dark."
Mom's eyes filled with regret. "I'm sorry, dear. Every decision I made was for your well-being. You're my son, and I love you more than anything."
I sighed, my anger slowly dissipating. "No need to apologize. Let's just forget this ever happened. I never had a father, so let's erase the Normans from our lives."
Mom nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Anything you say, dear.
"Can you forgive me?" Mom asked, her eyes hopeful.
"I already do," I replied with a smile. "Can't stay mad at you for long. I know you always have my best interests at heart."
Mom's face lit up. "Hug?" she asked, opening her arms wide.
We shared a warm, tight hug.
"Easy, Mom! Don't strangle me!" I laughed.
Mom released me, chuckling.
"I'll head back to the Bahamas soon," she said. "I need to oversee the store."
"I wish you didn't have to go," I said wistfully.
"I wish you could come with me," Mom added, her voice tinged with longing.
"We both know that's not possible," I replied, our shared understanding clear.
Mom left my room, and I lay down, suddenly remembering, "Oh no, I haven't told Isla about my release!" What if she visits and I'm not there?
I quickly grabbed my phone, found her number, and called.
"Isla," I said, relieved when she answered.
"Arden! Hello!" Her elation was palpable.
"I'm doing great, thanks. Just got released from jail," I announced.
"Pamela Norman withdrew the charges."
"I actually went to visit you, and the officer told me the news. I'm beyond happy!"
"Sorry I didn't tell you sooner," I apologized.
"No worries, freedom at last! Yay!" Isla exclaimed.
We shared a warm laugh.
"Arden, do you know why Pamela Norman dropped the charges?" she asked curiously.
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Maybe she has a conscience after all."
"Days ago, she seemed determined to put you away for years. Now, it's like something suddenly changed," Isla observed.
"Yeah, I know what you mean," I replied, chuckling nervously.
"I'm kinda busy, so we'll catch up later, okay?" Isla said.
"Actually, can we grab drinks tomorrow evening?" I asked impulsively.
A brief silence followed.
"Oh, I owe you a drink for checking up on me while I was in jail," I added.
"Sure, sounds good," Isla replied.
"Text me a location and time that works for you."
"Alright, bye."
"Yeah, bye."
Rex
Nicole's call couldn't have come at a better time. I was seething with frustration. She agreed to meet me at my villa, and I waited patiently, seeking solace in a glass of fine scotch from my drink rack.
As I poured, the sweet aroma filled the air, teasing my senses. I added ice cubes and took a sip. The vanilla flavors danced on my palate.
My mind replayed the heated argument with Dad, and my thoughts shifted to Arden - now my biggest concern. As the sole heir, I never worried about the family business. But this intruder threatened everything.
I resented Arden from the start, and our shared blood only deepened my animosity. The thought of him as my half-brother was unbearable.
Closing my eyes, I savored the scotch's lingering warmth. With a satisfied sigh, I set the glass down, the ice clinking softly.
The door bell rang, as I opened the door, Nicole stood before me, stunning in a black mini dress that accentuated her curves.
"Hey," I said, pulling her in and closing the door.
Our lips met in a passionate kiss, my hands slipping under her gown to caress her skin. Nicole pushed me back, her breathing rapid.
"Whoa, calm down, Rex," she whispered, her eyes sparkling. "I just got here."
I gazed into her eyes, my desire palpable. "I want you," I implored. "Please don't say no."
Nicole's resistance melted, and she kissed me passionately. I wrapped my arms around her, exploring her body. Her moans ignited a fire within me.
Sweeping her up, I carried her to my bedroom, her legs wrapped around my torso. We undressed hastily, our bodies entwined in a fervent embrace.
With each thrust, Nicole's moans intensified, our pleasure peaking. Our passion consumed us, every moment electrifying.
Nicole snuggled into my chest, her hands tracing gentle patterns on my skin. "I missed you," she whispered, her voice filled with affection.
I nodded, I could not say the same.
Nicole's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she lifted her head to gaze at me.
"You didn't miss me?" she asked, her brow furrowed.
I forced a smile, hiding my truth. "Of course, I missed you."
Nicole's eyes narrowed, sensing my insincerity. "You look worried. What's bothering you?"
I hesitated, unsure how to deflect her concern. Luckily, my phone rang, breaking the tension.
"Who is it?" Nicole asked.
I glanced at the screen. "It's Mom."
"Answer it," she encouraged.
"Hello?" I said.
"Rex, come home. We need tackle what we talked about earlier," my mom said, her tone firm.
The line went dead.
Nicole's eyes lingered on me. "Everything okay?"
I shrugged, relieved to shift the focus. "Just family stuff."
I wondered what would happen between my parents.