Leslie looked at Vivian intensely, concern etched on his face. "Is employing a lawyer the best course of action? Did you willingly give your child up for adoption, or was she taken from you?" he asked, his voice filled with empathy. "Consider the fact that she's now an adult, she has bonded with her adopted parents for more than ten years. Are you prepared to force a relationship through legal means?" He urged Vivian to carefully weigh her options and think about the implications of her decisions.Vivian gazed at Leslie with teary eyes, her heart heavy with the weight of her past decisions. "What would you have me do?" she asked, fresh tears forming in her eyes. "I feel helpless," Vivian said as the tears rolled down her cheeks.Leslie reached out and gently wiped away her tears, his expression softening with empathy. "I understand this is incredibly difficult for you," he said softly. "Right now, maybe it's best to take a step back and give her space to process what she's learned. Rus
"Sit down, honey," Pamela softly urged, her voice tender and caring, as she motioned for Bernice to come closer. "Sweetie, I need you to listen to your dad and me. Just hear us out first before you judge us. Whatever happens, always remember how much we love you," Pamela continued her words carrying a weight of sincerity and a plea for understanding. She pointed to a spot on the bed, inviting Bernice to take a seat, to join them in this difficult conversation.Bernice, a mix of anxiety and curiosity swirling in her eyes, sat down, her heart racing with uncertainty. This moment felt pivotal, like a turning point in her life. She took a deep breath and braced herself, ready to hear what her parents had to say. The love she knew they had for her was the anchor keeping her steady in this storm of emotions."We loved you from the first moment we set our eyes on you. We were told that your mom didn't want you. She had walked away from you and gave up her parental rights. She made it clear s
After speaking with Vivian, talking to Bernice wasn't much of a difficult decision. Her words still echoed in Pamela's mind hours after she had gone. "I appreciate your acceptance to see me," she had started. " Believe me, I don't take it for granted," Vivian had said. She paused for a minute before she started again, "My family had never heard of the word, cryptic pregnancy until I went into labour. The doctor explained it to me and my family just hours before I gave birth. Everyone was shocked, myself included. I was just eighteen years old then and never saw it coming. I had sex when I was under the influence of alcohol. The details of the sexual encounter were foggy and that didn't help my case when everyone was asking me while I was in labour who was responsible for the pregnancy. All I could remember was entering the back of a van with a young man. Everything about it was completely foggy, I didn't know who the person was or what happened between us that night.", the room wa
Leslie got up and sat beside her, he held her tight while she sobbed. When she ceased crying, he asked again, "What happened?What did Bernice say to you?", Leslie asked. "she wants a DNA test ", Vivian said. " she wouldn't even let me say anything, she won't let me explain", Vivian said. Leslie didn't say a word, she held onto Vivian as she clung to him like a lifeline. Leslie gently held Vivian's hands and looked into her eyes. "Vivian, asking for a DNA test isn't a rejection of you. It's a huge revelation for Bernice. Imagine having your world shifted so dramatically after eighteen years," he said, his voice filled with understanding and empathy.He continued, "Patience is what she needs right now. The foundation of trust and understanding will take time to rebuild. Just as you've had years to come to terms with your decisions, Bernice needs that time too. We must respect her process, and her emotions, and give her the space she needs to process everything. If a DNA test is what sh
" Everything is perfect. From the scan, you're expecting two babies. You're expecting twins", the doctor said, pointing to the screen. The words hung in the air, heavy with disbelief and joy. Vivian felt a whirlwind of emotions surging through her, a beautiful blend of astonishment, amazement, and immense happiness. She looked at the doctor, whose face was now lit up with a warm smile, mirroring the delight of the news."Yes, you're expecting twins," the doctor confirmed, her voice gentle and assuring.Tears of joy welled up in Vivian's eyes as she marvelled at the screen, where the two amniotic sacs were visible, each housing a precious life. It was a miracle—a double blessing she could have never anticipated.She whispered again, more to herself than anyone else, "Twins... I'm going to have twins."Vivian, in awe and curiosity, questioned the doctor about why the twin pregnancy wasn't detected during her previous scans."Doctor, how is it possible that this twin pregnancy wasn't d
Nora's words had struck Vivian like a bolt of lightning, and she knew Nora wouldn't joke about something like this. "Your sister wants you by her side, come to the family hospital," Nora urgently relayed, leaving Vivian stunned.Vivian sprang into action, her mind focused on her sister. She turned to Bernice, still processing the unexpected turn of events. "I'm sorry, but I have to go. My sister is in labour and she wants me there. Please let your parents know and reschedule with the doctor. I'll call to update them," Vivian explained, her movements quick and determined.As she headed to her car, Bernice asked, her concern evident, "Can I come with you?"Vivian paused, appreciating the offer. A soft smile graced her face. "Sure," she replied, touched by Bernice's care. "Drive behind me," she added, getting into her car. The urgency of the situation propelled her, and she drove swiftly towards the family hospital, Bernice following closely behind.In the car, Vivian quickly dialled Nor
Not long after Vivian arrived at the hospital, she was ushered into the doctor's office where Pamela, Kennedy, and Bernice were already seated. Pamela and Kennedy sat close, their hands tightly entwined, and Bernice sat beside them. The atmosphere was tense, emotions simmering just beneath the surface.With a brave smile, Vivian greeted them all, acknowledging the gravity of the moment. Bernice, ever considerate, greeted her in return, offering a small but reassuring smile.As they waited for the doctor, time seemed to slow down. Every tick of the clock echoed in the room, resonating with the beating of anxious hearts. When the doctor finally entered, a wave of anticipation surged through the room.He greeted everyone warmly, attempting to soften the gravity of the situation. He then brought out the envelope containing the result, holding within it the answers to the questions that had burdened them all.Bernice, sensing Vivian's nerves, gently held her hand, offering a reassuring sque
Ted looked a bit nervous as if he was contemplating his words carefully. "Can we talk?" he asked, his expression a mix of hope and apprehension.She hesitated but then nodded. "Sure, come in." Vivian opened the door, and they entered the living room. The atmosphere was tense, filled with unspoken wordsAs They stepped into the familiar living room, the atmosphere was tinged with a mix of nostalgia and apprehension. Ted cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "I'm sorry for my absence, for being MIA for a while," he began, his voice carrying a touch of vulnerability. "Part of it was due to... what happened. I guess I struggle with handling rejection," he admitted with a nervous chuckle."I've had time to reflect on everything," Ted continued, finding his words. "The fact that we can't have a romantic relationship doesn't mean I can't have a relationship with my child," he said, nodding towards Vivian's unmistakable bump, a blend of hope and uncertainty in his eyes. On the other side
Hazel EyesAnastasia Perry, an elegant figure at 5'10" with striking blue eyes and flowing blonde hair, stood amidst the bustling city sidewalk. Her cobalt blue pantsuit radiated confidence, while her honey blonde hair was impeccably gathered into a sleek ponytail. The world outside was a whirlwind of activity, but Anastasia's focus was on one thing – her wristwatch. Time was slipping away, and she knew she had to hurry. Her job interview at the prestigious Pinnacle investment banking organization was scheduled for this morning at eight, and the stakes had never been higher.Pinnacle Investment Bank was a financial institution of immense prestige and global recognition, making it the epitome of success in the world of finance. Anastasia's excitement was well-founded, as Pinnacle represented the pinnacle of achievement in the world of investment banking, and she was on the cusp of becoming a part of its illustrious legacy.The day began with an unexpected and unwelcome obstacle. Anastas
Prologue Anastasia lay on her luxurious bed in the Queen's suite of a five-star hotel. Laughter and music echoed from the sitting room where her bridal party reveled in pre-wedding festivities. However, she was alone, engulfed in a sea of emotions, her tears staining her meticulously applied bridal makeup.Moments ago, she had been the picture of excitement, eagerly anticipating the moment when she would become Mrs. Anastasia Matthew Smith. Matthew had always been the love of her life, he had loved her completely and deeply just the way she had always wanted to be loved. But now, the once joyous bride-to-be was grappling with a torrent of doubts and despair.As she gazed at her reflection in the vanity mirror, her beautiful lace wedding gown, hand-beaded to perfection, felt like an unbearable weight. Anastasia couldn't fathom how everything had unraveled so swiftly. "How could it have all been a lie?" she whispered to her reflection.Her heart heavy with sorrow, she rose from the bed,
EpilogueRegina and Victor had been through a tumultuous journey, filled with pain, secrets, and betrayals. However, after the dramatic confrontation at Vivian's wedding, something began to change. The shock of seeing Mona Lisa and witnessing the chaos she had caused acted as a catalyst for a long-overdue conversation between Regina and Victor. The events of that day had forced them to confront their issues, and it had become evident that they couldn't keep living separate lives.In the days following the wedding, Regina and Victor spent hours talking and sharing their feelings. It was an emotional rollercoaster, but it was also incredibly cathartic. Regina expressed her hurt, anger, and disappointment while Victor admitted to his mistakes and the pain he had caused her. It wasn't an easy process, and at times, it seemed as though they might not make it through. But what they discovered was that, beneath the hurt, there was still love, a deep and enduring love that had been overshadowe
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue across the expansive garden. It was Vivian's special day, a day she had dreamt about since she was a little girl. The garden had been transformed into a breathtaking paradise, adorned with an array of vibrant flowers, and an elegant white archway stood at the end of a long, flower-strewn aisle. The air was filled with the sweet scent of roses, lilies, and gardenias. There was a palpable sense of excitement, anticipation, and joy in the atmosphere as the guests gathered, taking their seats on either side of the aisle.Vivian, radiant in her flowing white gown, stood at the garden's entrance, flanked by her bridesmaids. Her dress was a masterpiece, adorned with delicate lace and shimmering with intricate beading. Her long veil cascaded down her back like a waterfall, creating a vision of pure elegance and beauty.As the soft strains of a violin filled the air, the guests turned their attention toward the aisle. The bridesmaids, dressed i
"Sit down," Regina said firmly as she took a seat on the bed bench, and Victor followed suit, sitting beside her. Regina gazed into his eyes, her emotions palpable."Victor," she began, her voice laced with a blend of disappointment and hurt, "we've been married for nearly forty years. Why didn't you just ask me for a divorce instead? Instead, you put me through years of torment. I can't even begin to explain the psychological torture of sleeping alone most nights while you were with your mistress. Was I that terrible of a wife? And the audacity she has to come here, astonishes me."A heavy silence hung in the room, punctuated only by the tension in the air. Regina, unable to bear the silence any longer, grew frustrated."I need answers, Victor," she said, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and sadness. "Talk to me."Victor sat in stony silence, his gaze averted, as Regina's words pierced the air like a knife. She continued, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and sadness."Vi
The atmosphere by the poolside was heavy with tension. Regina, wearing a worried expression, walked up to Victor, positioning herself between him and Mona Lisa. She spoke firmly, her voice laced with concern, "Victor, can you please tell me what is going on here? What is she talking about?"A hushed silence enveloped the area as everyone held their breath, anxiously awaiting Victor's response. Even the babies, cradled by their nannies, were now asleep.Regina, her eyes locked on Victor's, repeated her question with a tinge of urgency, "Victor, answer me."Mona Lisa, who had remained relatively quiet, suddenly chimed in, her voice full of intrigue, "I will tell you."All eyes turned to her, waiting for her to reveal the mysterious truth that had brought her here, casting a shadow over the joyous occasion.Regina fixed her gaze on Mona Lisa and pressed further, her tone resolute, "Mona Lisa, what do you have to tell me?"The question lingered in the air, and although it weighed heavily o
On the morning of Vivian's wedding, the atmosphere was alive with energy and excitement. The gates were wide open, allowing easy access for the wedding planner and various vendors to enter the garden where the ceremony would be held. The wedding decorators were a flurry of activity, tirelessly working to transform the garden into a dreamlike wedding venue. It was a bustling scene as the team prepared to create a beautiful backdrop for Vivian's special day.Sebastian was summoned to check the door because someone was inquiring about Victor Moore, his boss. In his role as Victor's assistant, Sebastian managed appointments and was well aware that Victor had a free schedule for the day. Victor had explicitly instructed Sebastian to clear his agenda in light of his daughter's wedding. When Sebastian opened the door and laid eyes on Mona Lisa, his expression shifted from professional calm to surprise and uncertainty. Sebastian had been in Victor Moore's employ for nearly five years, startin
At sixty-three years old, Victor Moore was a remarkable and illustrious man. At six feet and three inches tall, he was a sight to behold anywhere he went. His well-built, slender figure radiated strength and energy. His well-manicured salt-and-pepper hair gave him an impression of seniority and experience.His well-defined facial features showed signs of a guy who had matured with dignity. His well-groomed beard and powerful jawline gave him an air of rugged handsomeness. His deep-set, piercing blue eyes sparkled with charisma and intelligence, frequently creating a lasting impact on anyone he encountered.Victor was renowned for having a flawless sense of fashion. He always had a polished appearance, regardless of whether he was wearing a well-tailored suit or more casual wear. His age didn't affect his impeccable posture, which was a reflection of his assured and self-assured personality.Victor Moore was unique in many ways than just his appearance. He drew people to him with his ch
That morning, Vivian had told her that Ted might come over to the house because of the DNA test result. She had decided to go for her post natal appointment with her baby Alexander and subsequently stop over to see her father, Victor Moore. She just wasn't ready for any awkward meeting with Ted. As she finished up at the hospital it was about twelve noon, Veronica drove off to her father's office to see him and kill time as well. when she got to his office she needed to use the convenience urgently. Victor Moore had always been an absentee father, always travelling and barely at home. He had recently come into town to see Vivian's babies, Veronica couldn't count the number of times her father had attended her and Vivian's birthdays for the entirety of their childhood. Their mother never complained and Veronica always thought her mother deserved better. After speaking with her father'ssecretary, the pleasant lady insisted Veronica sit and wait because her father was already in a meetin