Novel-novel oleh Anthony

Cassie tapped her pen against her desk, staring out of the large window overlooking the city. Spring had come in full bloom, casting the skyline in golden light. From her office at Turner-Langston Enterprises, she could see the entire city they had once fought so hard to conquer.Life was good, almost too good.Their foundation was thriving, helping hundreds of young entrepreneurs and single mothers. Their businesses were expanding globally. Hope was growing into a spirited, fearless little girl.And yet, Cassie couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.Damon stepped into her office, his tie loose around his neck, a boyish grin on his face.“Working late again, Mrs. Turner?” he teased.Cassie smiled, standing to meet him. “Guilty as charged, Mr. Turner.”He closed the door behind him and crossed the room, wrapping his arms around her waist.“You know,” he murmured against her temple, “we could always take a vacation. Italy? Greece? Anywhere you want.”Cassie leaned into h

The world slowed down for Cassie and Damon after Hope’s birth.The busy city, the clamor of deals, the endless meetings all of it faded into the background. Their days were now measured in feedings, diaper changes, tiny coos, and sleepy smiles. Their nights, once filled with glittering galas and power plays, were now quiet moments spent rocking Hope back to sleep.Cassie sat in the nursery one afternoon, the soft pastel walls glowing in the gentle light. Hope dozed against her chest, her tiny fist curled around one of Cassie’s fingers.Damon entered quietly, a warm smile on his face as he crossed the room.“How’s my two favorite girls?” he whispered, crouching down beside the rocking chair.Cassie looked up at him, her heart feeling too big for her chest. “Perfect. She’s perfect.”Damon brushed a kiss against Hope’s forehead, then leaned in to kiss Cassie too.“I still can’t believe we made her,” he said, wonder in his voice.Cassie laughed softly. “Best thing we’ve ever done.”Hope s

Snowflakes fell softly around Cassie and Damon as they strolled hand-in-hand through the park. The city glowed under a blanket of white, and laughter echoed from ice skaters gliding across the frozen pond nearby.Cassie smiled up at Damon, feeling like she was living inside a dream.“I used to hate winter,” she said, squeezing his hand. “It always felt cold and lonely.”Damon glanced down at her, his dark eyes warm. “And now?”“Now,” she said, stepping closer to him, “it feels magical.”He stopped walking, pulling her against him. “That’s because we made it ours.”Cassie rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. It still amazed her how easily he had become her home.“How about we make another memory tonight?” Damon suggested.She tilted her head back. “What do you have in mind?”His grin was boyish and irresistible. “Come with me.”Twenty minutes later, Cassie found herself standing in front of an old stone chapel tucked away in the heart of the cit

Cassie stretched out on the bed, the warm morning sun dancing across the white sheets. She watched as Damon pulled on his shirt, the muscles in his back flexing with each movement. A lazy smile played on her lips.“You know,” she said, voice still husky from sleep, “you’re making it very hard to leave this bed.”Damon turned, his tie dangling from his fingers, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “That’s the idea.”She laughed, pushing herself upright. “We have meetings today, Mr. Turner. Big, important meetings.”He tossed the tie aside and climbed back into bed, capturing her mouth in a kiss that made her toes curl.“Meetings can wait,” he murmured against her lips.Cassie surrendered for a moment, lost in the feel of him, the taste of him. But reality tugged at her, and she pulled back, albeit reluctantly.“If we’re late, the board will have our heads,” she said, breathless.Damon sighed dramatically. “Fine. But you owe me later.”She arched a brow. “Oh, I’ll make it up to you.”His gr

The silence stretched painfully between them. Cassie’s heart pounded so loudly she could hear it in her ears.Her father’s face flushed an angry red. “Cassie, you don’t know what you’re doing.”Charles Blackwood’s lips curled in disgust. “This is foolishness. You're risking everything for what? A fling?”Cassie stood tall, her fingers tightening around Damon’s hand. She wouldn’t let them intimidate her anymore.“This isn’t a fling,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “I love Damon. And he loves me.”Damon nodded without hesitation, his thumb brushing reassuringly across her knuckles.“We’re not asking for your blessing,” Damon added, his voice hard. “We’re informing you.”Richard Langston stepped forward, lowering his voice in a way that was far more threatening than if he had shouted.“You're my daughter. You think you can throw away everything I’ve built for you? For him?” He sneered. “You don’t even know what real life is, Cassie.”Cassie’s chest tightened, but she forced herself t

Cassie turned to face him fully, her heart pounding against her ribs like a wild drum. The scent of old paper and wood surrounded them, wrapping them in a cocoon of memory and hope.“You’re asking me to take a huge risk,” she whispered, her voice trembling.“I know,” Damon said, stepping closer until there was barely any space between them. “But you’re worth it. We’re worth it.”Cassie closed her eyes, breathing him in. Everything about this felt reckless, dangerous but also right. Like the universe had spent years pulling them apart only to slam them back together in the most chaotic way.“I don’t want to lose you again,” she admitted.“You won’t.”Slowly, she opened her eyes. Damon’s gaze locked onto hers with a fierce determination that sent shivers down her spine. He cupped her face gently, brushing his thumb across her cheek.“I’m not my father,” he said. “And you’re not yours. We make our own choices.”She leaned into his touch, desperate and scared and exhilarated all at once.