"C'mon Haden, you're cheating." Vincent whined.

"I'm not. I'm just way better at this than you." I retorted.

We were currently in my office stacking plastic cups that we found in the storage room. I suppose I was better at it than Vincent.

"I win!" I shouted as Vincent glared at me.

"I swear we are so childish sometimes." He laughed.

"So how are things going between you and Aubrey?" He questioned.

"Still the same. I'm angry at her for ruining my life. Speaking of that, I miss Ivory. She hasn't spoken to me since she left."

"She's probably mad at you or blames herself for what happened to Aubs."

"Yeah, I guess so. I have to make things right between us."

"Just don't tell her about when you were sleeping with all those women."

"Damn it. I completely forgot about that I'm such an idiot."

"Right you are." Vincent sniggered which made me glare at him.

"I really screwed up this time." I groaned.

"You can tell her the truth. Just explain everything to her or you can let your guilt eat you alive."

"Thanks for the options." I retorted sarcastically.

"Anytime bro."

"So what's going on with the party you told me about? You know you're lucky Aubrey saved your butt with that lie." Vincent laughed.

"Exactly, because her mom would have told my mom that I didn't take her on a honeymoon now that she's feeling better and I wouldn't hear the end of it. Oh and Aubrey will handle the entire party planning."

"So you're not going to help?" Vincent questioned even though he knew the answer.

"Just because she lied for me doesn't mean I like her and everything will be fine. I'm still trying to find a way out of this marriage. Just as before I want nothing to do with her."

"Maybe you should give her a chance. She's actually not as bad as you say."

"Whatever man." I shrugged. I was in no mood for an argument.

~

After finishing everything I had to do at the office I went home but not before purchasing Ferrero Rochers, Ivory's favourite chocolate, and a bouquet of flowers. I planned on surprising her today. I've missed her a lot and I needed to see her.

Upon arriving at home I was greeted by a lot of decorations and party items. Aubrey was busy organising items for the party. She was currently on a ladder attempting to hang a piece of decoration.

She looked like she needed help but I ignored her and continued upstairs. I took a shower and dressed casually.

As I was about to leave the house Aubrey called me.

"Haden can you pass me the glue gun? If I move the entire piece will fall apart and I'd have to start all over."

"Get it yourself. It was your idea to throw a party." I barked as I slammed the door. Strangely enough, saying those words did not give me the satisfaction I was expecting.

I got into my car and drove to Ivory's house.

After ringing the doorbell a couple of times she finally opened the door.

"Haden." She breathed.

I instantly crashed my lips unto her and kissed her passionately. She immediately responded and wrapped her hands around my neck.

She jumped into my arms, never once breaking the kiss as I walked to the sofa. I hovered over her as I peppered her neck with kisses. I kissed her all the way down until I reached her stomach.

I was surprised at how much her stomach had grown since I've last seen her.

I gently rubbed her stomach and placed a kiss on it.

"I'm sorry." I whispered as I stared into her eyes.

"What are you apologizing for Haden? I'm the one who left."

"That's not all I'm apologizing for Ivory. I also slept with other women during the time you left. That's a total jerk move and I'll never forgive myself for it."

Ivory was silent for a moment then she spoke.

"It's okay Haden. Thank you for telling me. I forgive you."

"You're forgiving me that easily?" I asked in surprise.

"Yes, because I knew you were just upset about the entire situation. I mean you shouldn't have done it but we can't change that and I'm not gonna hold it against you. But you aren't getting to touch me for a while though." Ivory added.

"Fine, thank you baby." I kissed her soft lips again. " I also brought your favourite chocolate and flowers." I smiled and her eyes lit up.

We sat on the couch and watched a couple of movies together.

"Haden, my doctor's appointment to check on the baby is Thursday. Will you be able to come?"

"Of course I'll come baby. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

I was about to kiss her again when my phone rang. I answered without checking the caller ID.

"Haden, can you purchase some refill for the glue gun? I would do it myself but I'm a bit busy." Aubrey chuckled awkwardly.

"Well, I'm busy as well so you will have to get it yourself." I ended the call.

"Was that Aubrey?" Ivory questioned.

"Yeah."

"Maybe you should go to her. It sounds like she needs you." Ivory frowned.

I cupped her cheeks and stared into her eyes.

"Ivory, she doesn't need me. Besides, you need me more especially since you're having my baby. I need to spend more time with you."

She snuggled into my arms and lay her head on my shoulder. This is perfect.

Haden was being a jerk again. Not like he actually stopped but I expected him to be more supportive of this. I kind of wanted him to help me with this. I thought planning a party would bring us closer together but I was wrong. He still wanted nothing to do with me.

I decided to call Vincent maybe he would want to help.

"Hey Aubs." He greeted.

"Hey, Vincent. I was wondering if you would like to help me decorate the house for the party." I asked.

"Yeah, of course. I'll be right over."

"Thanks, and can you bring some refill for a glue gun. I know I'm asking a lot but-

"It's fine Aubrey. I would love helping you and you're not asking a lot."

I blushed at his words. He is so kind and helpful.

"See you in a bit Aubs."

"See you."

Vincent arrived about 15 minutes later armed with refills for the glue gun and Jolly Ranchers.

"You brought Jolly Ranchers! That's my favourite snack. I love those." I giggled.

"You love these? Then you'll have to take them from me." Vincent smirked.

"Is that a challenge." I put my hand on my hips.

I began chasing him and he dashed outside and into the terrace. For a few seconds, I had no idea where he had gone.

In a split second my hands were pinned over my head and Vincent's cool breath fanned my face. His other hand had those precious treats.

"You're not fast enough kitten. You couldn't catch me but I caught you." He whispered in my ear.

I blushed at the close proximity we were at.

"What should I do to you?" He smirked teasingly.

"Uh-umm." I stuttered.

Our faces drew closer together. Our lips were almost touching. This was moving too fast.

I quickly snatched the Jolly Ranchers out of his hand.

"Who is not fast enough now?" I laughed as I stuck out my tongue at him.

"Well played Aubrey. Next time I won't hesitate." Vincent chuckled. Something told me he wasn't referring to the snacks.

For the next few hours, Vincent and I finished decorating the house.

"We're finally done." Vincent breathed as he lay down on the sofa.

"I know right, that was tiring."

"What do you want to do now?" Vincent asked.

"We could watch a movie."

"Great idea. I'll set it up."

"I'll go get the snacks." I smiled.

I went to the kitchen and prepared some popcorn, skittles, slices of cake and Coca Cola.

When I returned, I found that Vincent had already set up the movie and was waiting on me.

I sat next to him and we shared the snacks. We were watching Captain Marvel.

About 40 minutes into the movie Vincent turned to me.

"Do you love Haden?" He asked. I was surprised by his question.

"I'm sorry if I'm being nosy. It's none of my business." He added.

"No, it's fine. I do care about Haden and yes, I love him. Even though I know he won't ever return my feelings."

"Then why do you stay with him Aubrey? I know he's my best friend but you deserve better."

"Because love is stupid and painful. I can't tell my heart who to love it just happens."

"Aubrey you should-

Vincent was interrupted by the opening of the door.

"I guess I was able to pick up the refills Aubrey-" Haden started but paused when he saw Vincent was there.

"Vincent, what are you doing here?" Haden inquired.

"Aubrey needed help so she called me," Vincent said as he stood.

"Oh okay. I see."

"I should get going. I'll see you around Aubrey. Bye Haden." Vincent waved as he left.

Haden and I were left alone in silence.

"Haden he only came to help, nothing happened between us if that's what you're thinking," I added.

"I wasn't thinking anything Aubrey and it's your life you can do whatever you want with it. I don't care what you do or who you have an affair with. This marriage is a sham anyway."

"You think I'm having an affair?"

"You can try to act innocent around me but I can see right through you."

"Why are you always accusing me of something Haden? I did absolutely nothing to you."

"I find my best friend and my wife at home alone. What do you expect me to think?"

"Vincent was just helping."

"Whatever Aubrey. It doesn't matter."

"I get it you're just jealous."

Haden spun around and stared at me with cold, steely eyes.

"That's where you're wrong. Haden Vanderbilt never gets jealous."

~~~~~~

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