Gina sat on the pristine white couch in the Smith family mansion, her perfectly manicured nails tapping impatiently against the armrest. She was draped in a silk robe, a cup of untouched herbal tea on the table in front of her. Across from her sat Jigme, her wedding planner, an unflappable man with a sharp eye for detail and an uncanny ability to turn chaos into elegance.“Gina, darling,” Jigme began, flipping through a thick leather-bound planner. “We’ve been over this. A winter wedding in the Alps would be the epitome of sophistication. Imagine it: white roses, snow-capped mountains, Damien in a tailored suit. It’s perfect.”Gina tilted her head, considering. “It does sound enchanting,” she admitted, her lips curling into a small smile. “But the guest list is becoming an issue. The press won’t stop pestering us for details, and Damien refuses to approve half the invitations I’ve sent his way. It’s like he’s not even interested.”Jigme raised an eyebrow but kept his tone neutral. “Me
The tension crackled between them, drawing the attention of a few passersby. Damien clenched his jaw, resisting the urge to snap back. Instead, he stepped away from her and approached the vendor, who greeted him with a wide smile.“I’ll take two skewers,” Damien said, handing over a bill. He turned to Gina, holding one out to her. “You should try it. You might like it.”Gina stared at the skewer as if it were a foreign object. “Absolutely not. If you want to lower yourself to this level, that’s on you, but don’t expect me to join you.”Damien shrugged and took a bite, savoring the smoky flavor. For a brief moment, he felt a sense of freedom, a connection to a simpler life he hadn’t realized he missed so much.Gina, meanwhile, stood rigid, her face a mask of anger and embarrassment. “I can’t believe you’d do this, Damien. It’s humiliating.”“No, Gina,” Damien said, his voice calm but firm. “What’s humiliating is thinking that something as trivial as street food could ruin your image. I
Damien sat in his study, swirling a glass of whiskey as memories of Blaire’s reaction at the engagement party replayed in his mind. Her anger, her piercing words—they were etched into his thoughts. He tried to shake it off, but the more he thought about it, the more her emotions intrigued him."Why was she so furious?" he muttered to himself. A sly smile tugged at his lips. “Could it be that she actually cares?”He set the glass down, his mind spinning with possibilities. Blaire’s fiery response had left him curious and, deep down, a little hopeful. The idea of seeing her again crept into his thoughts, persistent and unrelenting."Maybe I should check on her," Damien thought aloud. The fight had been days ago, and he hadn’t seen her since. Before he could overthink it, he grabbed his car keys and headed out.When Damien arrived at Blaire’s modest home, he hesitated for a moment outside the door. The faint sound of laughter drifted through the window, and he felt a pang of something he
Mr. Harold Smith stood tall, his figure casting a commanding presence over the garden path as he strolled beside Gina. The air was crisp, the sprawling Smith mansion behind them glowing under the warm hues of the setting sun.Harold clasped his hands behind his back, his sharp eyes taking in the meticulously manicured grounds. “You know, Gina,” he began, his tone measured but tinged with satisfaction, “I’ve been waiting for this moment for years. The union of our families is a milestone, not just for us, but for the legacy of the Smith name.”Gina glanced up at him, her smile practised yet sincere. She had spent years perfecting her composure around the formidable Mr. Harold Smith. Today, however, she felt a genuine sense of pride. “It’s a dream come true, Mr. Smith,” she replied warmly. “The Wrights and the Smiths have always shared similar values. This partnership—both personal and business—is a perfect alignment.”Harold nodded approvingly. “Precisely. You and Damien make an excel
Blaire blinked, her cheeks flushing. “Jealousy? That’s ridiculous. Damien has no reason to be jealous.”Her mother, who had been silently observing the exchange from the dining table, chuckled softly. “Maria might be onto something, sweetheart. The way he looked at Fred… it wasn’t exactly friendly.”Blaire sighed, shaking her head. “You’re both reading too much into it. Damien and I aren’t—” She stopped herself, suddenly unsure of what to say.Maria leaned closer, her grin widening. “Aren’t what? Together? I know that. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have feelings for you.”“Feelings?” Blaire let out a dry laugh, though it sounded forced even to her ears. “Damien doesn’t have feelings for me. If anything, he’s probably regretting ever getting involved in my mess.”Maria tilted her head. “Is that what you think, or is that what you want to believe?”The room fell silent for a moment, save for the faint sound of the television in the background. Blaire stared at her hands, her mind swi
The soft hum of the boutique’s air conditioning blended with the gentle rustle of fabric as Gina moved from one rack of elegant wedding dresses to another. The shop was luxurious, with pristine white walls and golden accents, but her mind felt far from the fairytale it was supposed to represent.Rachel trailed behind her, offering polite suggestions and occasionally teasing when Gina looked particularly torn over a gown.“This one?” Rachel held up a gown with intricate lace sleeves.Gina glanced at it and shook her head, her lips pressed into a thin line. “Too traditional. Damien wouldn’t like it.”Rachel raised an eyebrow. “Since when does Damien care about wedding dresses?”Gina hesitated, her hand brushing over a gown with a flowing train. “He doesn’t. But lately, I feel like… I don’t know what he likes anymore.”Rachel frowned, stepping closer. “What do you mean?”Gina sighed, her shoulders slumping. “It’s just… he feels distant. Even when we’re together, it’s like his mind is som
Rachel had just stepped out into the mansion’s sprawling garden after her call with Marcus. The air was crisp, and the scent of blooming flowers was carried by the evening breeze. She needed a moment to clear her mind, but as she walked toward the fountain in the centre of the garden, she noticed a familiar figure sitting on the stone ledge, his shoulders slumped.It was Damien.He stared at the rippling water, lost in thought, a glass of untouched whiskey in his hand. The golden hues of the setting sun reflected off his brooding expression. Rachel hesitated for a moment, then decided to approach him.“Damien?” she called softly.He glanced up, his usually sharp blue eyes clouded with something unreadable. “Rachel,” he said, his voice low. “What are you doing out here?”“I could ask you the same thing,” she said, sitting down beside him. “You look… troubled.”Damien let out a humourless chuckle. “That obvious, huh?”Rachel tilted her head, studying him. “You’re always so composed, Dam
Damien sat at his desk, papers scattered across it, his laptop open but forgotten. He hadn't even noticed the time pass, his fingers idly tapping against the wood as his mind wandered to places he couldn't quite control. The weight of the engagement, the wedding that loomed closer, and the unspoken tension with Blaire—it was all becoming too much.His mind kept returning to her, to that moment when he had walked out of her apartment. The anger, the confusion in her eyes—it all haunted him. He had told himself that it was better this way, that he was doing the right thing by staying with Gina, by honouring the commitment his family expected of him. But deep down, something within him was restless, yearning for something more.The door creaked open, and Damien’s sister, Rachel, stepped inside, holding a small bag with a satisfied smile on her face.“Hey,” she greeted, noticing her brother staring blankly at the desk. “You okay?”Damien didn’t respond immediately, lost in thought. Rachel
In the weeks that followed, plans for a small, intimate wedding were set in motion. The ceremony was to be held in a quaint countryside chapel, surrounded by close family and friends.On the day of the wedding, as Blaire walked down the aisle holding their daughter, Damien felt a surge of love and gratitude. Despite all the obstacles, they had found their way to each other, proving that love could overcome even the darkest of times.As they exchanged vows, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Their journey had been fraught with challenges, but it had also been filled with love, resilience, and hope.Together, they looked forward to a future filled with joy, ready to face whatever life had in store.The soft glow of the evening sun filtered through the Smith mansion's grand windows, casting warm hues over the family gathered in the spacious living room. It had been weeks since Damien and Blaire’s intimate countryside wedding, a joyous occasion that marked the start of a new chapter in
Harold was silent, his gaze flickering between Damien, Blaire, and the baby. Rachel stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm.“Dad,” she said, “this isn’t about business or reputation. This is about love. Isn’t that what family is supposed to be about?”For a moment, the room was filled with tense silence. Then, without a word, Harold turned and walked away, leaving them standing in the foyer.Damien let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. He turned to Blaire and Rachel, a determined look on his face.“No matter what, we’ll be okay,” he said. “We have each other.”Blaire smiled, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. Together, they left the mansion, ready to start the next chapter of their lives.The tension in the air was palpable as Damien and Blaire left the Smith mansion, their baby cradled in Blaire’s arms. Damien’s jaw was tight with determination, but there was a newfound peace between them. For the first time in months, they felt like a true family, ready to
The evening was still, with only the faint sound of the wind brushing against the windows. Blaire sat on the couch, her hands clutching her phone tightly. She had tried calling Damien countless times, each attempt met with silence. Her heart sank deeper with every unanswered call, and the weight of regret pressed heavily on her chest.Her pacing filled the room with restless energy, her thoughts racing. “What if I’ve lost him for good?” she whispered to herself, her voice quivering.Mrs Taylor, sensing her daughter’s turmoil, stepped into the room. “Blaire,” she began gently, “you need to calm down. He just needs time. Damien loves you. I saw it in his eyes the day he held your daughter.”Blaire shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. “But what if he doesn’t come back, Mom? What if he decides this is too much?”Mrs Taylor placed a comforting hand on Blaire’s shoulder. “He’s a good man, Blaire. He’ll come around. You just need to have faith.”Despite her mother’s words, Blaire’s he
The evening was serene, the golden hues of the setting sun casting a warm glow through the windows of Blaire’s small apartment. Mrs Taylor sat at the dining table, cradling her grandchild with a tender smile as Blaire moved around the kitchen, tidying up and preparing a light dinner.“Blaire,” Mrs Taylor began, her voice soft but firm. “You’ve done so much for your daughter. You’ve given her everything she needs. But don’t you think it’s time to be honest? To tell Damien the truth?”Blaire froze, her hands trembling slightly as she placed a dish on the counter. She had been dreading this conversation, even though she knew it was inevitable.“I... I don’t know if it’s the right time,” Blaire admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “What if he doesn’t believe me? What if he thinks I’m trying to use him?”Mrs Taylor shook her head, rocking the baby gently. “He deserves to know, Blaire. And you deserve to live without this weight on your shoulders. He loves you—anyone can see that. Yo
The air in Blaire’s apartment was thick with warmth and joy, the kind that only a newborn could bring. Her daughter, wrapped in a soft pink blanket, lay cradled in Blaire’s arms, her tiny fingers curling around Blaire’s thumb. It was as if all the struggles, heartache, and fear of the past months had melted away, leaving behind only love and hope.Maria, Blaire’s mother, hovered nearby, her eyes glistening with happy tears as she handed Blaire a glass of water. “You’ve been through so much, my dear. Seeing you like this, with her—it’s a blessing.”Damien stood close, his hand resting protectively on the back of the couch where Blaire sat. He looked down at his daughter with awe, his piercing blue eyes softening in a way no one had seen before.“She’s perfect,” Damien said, his voice thick with emotion. “Just like her mother.”Blaire glanced up at him, her heart swelling. Their journey to this moment had been anything but easy. From their unlikely connection to the trials that had test
Rachel sat on her bed, staring at the glowing screen of her phone. The posts, the comments, the endless judgement—it was all too much. The photos of her and Marcus were everywhere, plastered across gossip sites and social media platforms. The caption stung more than the images: "Rachel Smith disgraces the Smith name—caught with a low-class lover."She tossed her phone onto the bed, pulling her knees to her chest as tears streamed down her face. Her father’s harsh words echoed in her mind, but she pushed them away. She didn’t regret standing up for herself or her love for Marcus. But the weight of the public humiliation was more than she had anticipated.A soft buzz from her phone interrupted her thoughts. She grabbed it, her heart lifting slightly when she saw Marcus’s name on the screen.“Rachel?” Marcus’s voice was gentle, filled with concern.“Marcus,” she replied, her voice trembling.“I saw everything,” he said. “Are you okay?”Rachel swallowed hard. “I don’t know. It’s just...
Gina sat at her opulent vanity, her fingers drumming against the polished wood as she stared at the photos the watcher had sent. The images of Rachel laughing and leaning into Marcus screamed intimacy. In another, Marcus held her hand, his expression tender.Gina’s lips curled into a malicious smile. “So Rachel thinks she can play the hero, aiding Damien while sneaking around with someone beneath her status. Let’s see how the Smith family handles this scandal.”She called the watcher. “Upload the pictures,” she ordered coldly. “Use a burner account and make it salacious. Make sure it spreads like wildfire.”The watcher hesitated for a second. “What caption should I use?”Gina’s eyes gleamed with malice. “Write this: ‘The mighty Smiths are crumbling—Rachel Smith caught sneaking around with a man far below her class. Does this family have any dignity left?’ Add a hashtag: #SmithScandal.”“Consider it done,” the watcher replied.Within moments, the photos were posted, and the internet de
The next day, the mansion was eerily quiet as Rachel slipped out unnoticed, her heart pounding. She had grown accustomed to sneaking away to meet Marcus, but today was different. She wasn’t just meeting her lover—she was also visiting Blaire, someone she felt a strange yet undeniable connection with. Blaire had become a confidante in a way no one else could, someone who understood the weight of defying Harold Smith.Rachel arrived at Blaire’s modest apartment just as Damien was stepping out. “Perfect timing,” he said with a warm smile. “I need to run a quick errand. Rachel, you’re in charge until I’m back.”Rachel rolled her eyes playfully. “Got it, boss.”Once inside, Blaire greeted her with a warm hug. “It’s so good to see you. You look like you’ve got something on your mind.”Rachel sighed, sinking into the couch. “It’s my father. He’s relentless, Blaire. I can’t even breathe without him questioning my every move. And then there’s Marcus…” She trailed off, her cheeks coloring.Blai
Rachel Smith stepped out of the sleek black car in a quiet corner of the city, her heart pounding with anticipation. She glanced over her shoulder to ensure none of her father’s spies had followed her. Satisfied she wasn’t being watched, she adjusted her sunglasses and walked briskly toward the cozy apartment complex where Marcus lived.When she reached the door, she hesitated for a moment before knocking. Almost immediately, the door opened to reveal Marcus, his warm brown eyes lighting up as he saw her.“Rachel,” he said softly, pulling her into the apartment and shutting the door behind her. “I didn’t expect you today.”“I had to come,” she said, her voice trembling. “I couldn’t wait any longer.”Marcus cupped her face in his hands, searching her eyes. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”Rachel shook her head, a weak smile playing on her lips. “No, nothing new. I’m just... tired, Marcus. Tired of hiding, tired of sneaking around like we’re doing something wrong.”Marcus sighed, b