Caesar applied the brakes, bringing the car to a stop in front of Amaliah's house before turning off the ignition. He stepped out when she did, quickly moving to open the back door to retrieve her bag and laptop before she had a chance. Shutting the door, he walked around the car to meet her."Thanks for the ride," she said, accepting the bags from him."I'm sorry again…for everything," he replied."It's okay." She gave him a warm smile, waved, and headed up the steps to the front door."Take care of yourself," he called after her as she unlocked the door."You too," she replied. "Drive carefully.""I'm always careful," he grinned.With that, Amaliah stepped inside, shutting and locking the door behind her. She set her things on the hallway table, then cautiously walked to the window. Pulling the curtains back just a little, she watched as Caesar climbed back into his car, started it up, and drove away.Sighing, she collected her bags from the table, made her way to the living room, a
As the car pulled up to the curb across the road, Caesar gazed up at the apartment building and sighed. The building had aged gracefully, showing signs of wear but still retaining the charm of being one of the oldest structures in New Ashford—a city roughly an hour's drive from HavenHill Central."Pick me up in a few hours, Ashton," Caesar instructed the chauffeur, grabbing his bags from the floor and opening the door. "I'll give you a call.""Alright, sir. Enjoy your visit," Ashton replied with a nod.Caesar returned the nod with a smile, stepped out, and closed the door. As Ashton drove off, Caesar ran a hand through his hair, exhaled deeply, and crossed the street. He caught his reflection in the building's glass doors, hoping he hadn’t overdone it for the party. Black jeans, a black shirt, and a brown bomber jacket paired with black shoes gave him a relaxed yet polished look. His only accessory was his father’s Rolex, adding a subtle touch of sophistication.He pushed open the do
As they tidied up the apartment after the party, Sheila glanced at Amaliah with a knowing smile. "So, am I allowed to assume you've finally decided to give Caesar Masterson a chance to woo you?" she asked.Caesar had left just five minutes earlier after Sheila playfully pushed him out the door. It was late, and he’d mentioned having a breakfast meeting with his father's friends the next morning. Though he’d wanted to stay and help clean up, Sheila insisted he go, even threatening to ban him from any future birthday parties if he didn’t. He finally relented, giving each of them a hug. Before he left, he reminded Amaliah of her promise to let him accompany her to her next hospital appointment.Amaliah chuckled, glancing over her shoulder. "Woo me? What are you talking about?"Sheila huffed. "Oh, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I watched you two all night. You were practically glued to each other, talking and laughing. I think I saw you laugh more tonight than you have all year
Amaliah stood at the lectern, double-checking her slides on her laptop one last time before starting her presentation. Nerves churned inside her, but she trusted herself enough not to let them get the best of her. Caesar had even reassured her, confident she'd do well, and she was determined not to let him down.Her heart pounded as the double doors to the conference room opened, and the board members filed in with expressions that gave nothing away. These were the same people who had watched her stumble through her previous presentation’s opening minutes, and she could almost feel their silent doubts, wondering if today would be a repeat—and if Caesar might consider giving her presentation to someone else.But she had other plans. That wasn’t going to happen; she was set on making sure everyone left this room impressed. Caesar and Francine entered last, and as the doors closed behind them, she watched them take their seats before she took a steadying breath and dimmed the lights with
Amaliah set her iced tea down, her gaze fixed on Caesar. “Was it because of you that Ms. Rodriguez called Mark to her office?” she asked.“No,” Caesar replied firmly. “She heard the rumors and assured me she’d handle it herself. I had nothing to do with it.”Amaliah tilted her head thoughtfully. “He seemed very upset when he came back. I wonder what she said to him.” she mused.“Whatever it was, it should stop him from spreading more lies about you,” Caesar said with a reassuring tone. “But honestly, out of a thousand employees in the company, why did he choose to target you?”Amaliah shrugged, muttering under her breath, “He thinks I’m a snob. He doesn’t like that I won’t answer his million questions about my personal life.” “He should spend less time gossiping and more time focusing on his work,” Caesar said sharply, only to pause as his phone vibrated in his jacket pocket. He ignored it at first, unwilling to let anything interrupt the moment with Amaliah. But when the buzzing pe
"Why have you been ignoring my calls, Caesar?" Anastasia demanded, frustration evident in her tone. "You never used to do that.""Past tense. I do it now," Caesar shot back coldly. His voice was sharp, laced with finality. "And before you ask why—it's because you mean nothing to me anymore.""That's not true!" she retorted, her voice rising. "I'm your fiancée." Lifting her hand, she showed him the ring glinting on her finger. "Remember this? You put it on my finger on national television. The whole world knows we're engaged."Caesar raked his fingers through his hair, his jaw tightening as he struggled to hold back the anger bubbling inside him. His gaze flicked to Sarah, who sat at her desk, feigning disinterest as she worked on her computer. Taking Anastasia into his office to continue this conversation was an option, but he knew better. She’d likely attempt to manipulate him again."Sarah," he said, his voice strained but controlled, "can you give us some privacy? If you have work
Willowridge Manor stood as a testament to timeless elegance, nestled amidst the rolling hills of Fairfield’s idyllic countryside. Spanning two acres of lush, meticulously maintained land, the estate exuded a quiet grandeur that was impossible to ignore.A long cobblestone driveway, lined with ancient willow trees, led to the stately manor. The house itself was a masterpiece of colonial architecture, its whitewashed facade accented with ivy creeping up its stone columns. Large bay windows reflected the golden rays of the sun, while a pair of wrought-iron lanterns flanked the grand oak door, offering a warm, inviting glow at night.The gardens surrounding the manor were a botanical paradise. Vibrant roses in every hue imaginable spilled over trellises, their fragrance carried on the gentle breeze. Lavender bushes bordered the winding stone pathways, which meandered through clusters of hydrangeas and peonies. In the center of the garden stood a marble fountain, its cascading water a so
Caesar pulled into an empty spot in the hospital's underground parking lot and switched off the ignition. Reaching into the back seat, he grabbed a small bag and retrieved a baseball cap from inside. He knew Amaliah would likely laugh at his attempt to disguise himself, but this was for her safety as much as his.As a well-known figure, he despised being in the spotlight, and a visit to the hospital would spark headlines within the hour. If anyone spotted him and Amaliah leaving together, the situation would escalate even further.Sliding the cap onto his head and adjusting a nose mask over his face, Caesar stepped out of the car, shut the door, and locked it before heading toward the sliding doors that led to the elevator. He pressed the call button, and once the elevator arrived, he stepped inside and selected the fifth floor, where Amaliah had texted she would be.A smile tugged at his lips as he thought about her message asking if he was sure about coming to her appointment. He ha
“Dearly beloved,” began Amaliah’s father, the officiant, his voice warm and full of grace. “We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate one of life’s most cherished moments—the union of two souls in marriage. This is more than a ceremony; it is a promise. A vow of love, trust, and choosing one another—every day, for the rest of their lives.”He turned his gaze to Caesar and Amaliah, a soft smile on his face. “Caesar and Amaliah, your story is one of resilience. Of finding light in darkness. Of healing side by side. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter—not as two, but as one.”With a gentle nod, he said, “Caesar, you may now share your vows.”Caesar turned to Amaliah, taking her hands into his. The garden courtyard seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them suspended in the moment.“Amaliah… from the moment I met you, I saw light in a world that had long been shadowed. You weren’t mine to love then, but my heart chose you anyway.I watched you give your love even
Five months laterThe garden courtyard behind the church had been transformed into a dream suspended in early spring. Wisteria vines curled lazily around the old stone arches, and fresh blossoms peeked out from the hedges as if drawn to the soft notes of the piano drifting through the air. Above, strings of fairy lights hung like stars waiting for dusk, and the scent of roses lingered with every breeze.At the entrance to the garden, a welcome table had been set — rustic wood topped with vintage frames holding photographs of Amaliah and Caesar through the years. A hand-painted sign rested beside them, reading “Welcome to the beginning of forever,” in soft cursive. A nearby chair had been decorated with florals — a quiet tribute to someone dear, watching from heaven.Rows of wooden chairs, draped in ivory fabric and tied with sage ribbons, faced a grand floral arch that stood proudly at the far end of the courtyard. It was built from natural wood and wrapped in cascading arrangements
The night bloomed like a dream—soft music floated in the air, and laughter danced through the garden blending with the soft music in the background. The long table was adorned with Caesar’s favorite dishes: grilled lamb skewers, fragrant saffron rice, creamy sweet corn soufflé, and decadent chocolate mousse waiting for dessert to end the evening. The girls played freely on the lawn, their giggles mixing with the sound of glasses clinking, while the adults relaxed beneath strings of glowing fairy lights.But Caesar’s mind wasn’t on the food, or the lights, or the laughter. His eyes kept drifting to her.“I actually have a surprise too,” he said suddenly, turning to Amaliah.Amaliah turned toward him, curiosity lighting up her features. “You do?”He nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Yes.”“What is it?” she asked, scanning the garden for a hint.As the music slowed and the stars shimmered brighter overhead, Caesar stood up. The chatter faded. Gently, he took Amaliah’s hand, pr
The courtroom was quiet, too quiet. It wasn’t the silence of peace—it was the silence of something long-awaited. Heavy. Sharp-edged.Rafael Rivers stood at the defendant’s table, clad in a neatly pressed gray suit that hung a little looser than it used to. He’d lost weight. His face, once charming and confident, had hardened into something unrecognizable.Beside him, his attorney murmured something low under his breath, but Rafael didn’t respond. His eyes were fixed straight ahead—on the bench, on Judge Danetta Myles, the woman who held his fate in her hands.She shuffled a few papers, adjusted her glasses, and looked up with that same piercing calm she’d maintained throughout the trial. “This court is now in session.”The murmur in the gallery faded instantly. Cameras weren’t allowed, but that didn’t stop the press from flooding the hallways outside. The name Rafael Rivers had gone from business columns to crime headlines. Today, that name would be sealed in court records—attached to
It was late afternoon when the door to Amaliah’s hospital room creaked open once more. Caesar turned from his chair beside her bed, where he’d been quietly watching her and the twins sleep. Standing in the doorway was his mother, Charlotte Masterson, her eyes already misty before she even stepped inside.“Oh, my stars,” she whispered, placing a gloved hand over her chest. “Are those my grandsons?”Amaliah stirred at the sound of her voice, smiling sleepily. “Hi, Charlotte.”After the heartfelt conversation Caesar had with his mother not long ago, he’d introduced her to Amaliah. Surprisingly, the two women had clicked instantly—a connection that filled Caesar with joy. Since then, Amaliah, Carlotta, and Charlotte had become regulars on long three-way phone calls, their bond growing stronger by the day.Charlotte stepped forward, making no attempt to hide the tears now slipping freely down her cheeks. “You two… you’ve done something extraordinary.”The twins lay nestled in their bassin
Two weeks after the baby shower and just days before Rafael’s second trial, Caesar pulled into the circular driveway of his house and turned off the engine.“We’re here,” he said, glancing at Amaliah with a soft smile.She gave him a curious look. “Okay… but why the secrecy?”“You’ll see. Come on.”He helped her out of the car and led her inside, one hand gently supporting the small of her back. They walked through the quiet halls and up the grand staircase.“Caesar…” she started, but he just shook his head with a teasing grin.“No peeking,” he said, stopping in front of a closed white door. He turned the handle slowly and pushed it open.Amaliah’s breath caught in her throat.The room was bathed in soft, natural light from the large windows. The walls were painted a calming shade of sky blue with tiny golden stars scattered across the ceiling. Two white cribs stood side by side against one wall, each draped with a sheer canopy. Above them, wooden name signs read Noah and Nathaniel.
A few weeks later At Caesar’s gentle insistence, Amaliah began her maternity leave. She’d tied up the final details of her project, sent the report to his office, and quietly stepped away from work — a pause she hadn't realized she needed until now. As always, the temporary driver Caesar had arranged was waiting to take her home, punctual and discreet, a small part of the care he wrapped around her like a second skin.Today felt different — brighter, softer, like something beautiful was waiting just around the corner. Sheila had planned a surprise baby shower for her, carefully stitching joy and love into every detail. What Sheila didn’t know was that Amaliah had already found out… and she was quietly, deeply moved.Her hand rested on the swell of her belly, feeling the gentle rhythm of the two little lives growing inside her. They were her miracles — unexpected, overwhelming, and loved more than words could hold. And Caesar… he had been there through every moment, steady and unwav
Caesar had just climbed out of the pool, water still dripping from his frame, when one of the maids approached to announce his mother's arrival. Surprised—but genuinely delighted—he grabbed a towel, dried off quickly, and darted into the house.Taking the stairs two at a time, he changed clothes in record time and was racing downstairs like an excited child. Barely five minutes had passed when he burst into the living room.His mother was just setting her teacup down on its saucer when he entered. Her face lit up with a warm smile as she rose gracefully to her feet, opening her arms. He didn’t hesitate—he pulled her into a tight embrace."How are you doing, darling?" she asked, pressing soft kisses to his cheeks."I'm good, Mom. This is a pleasant surprise," he replied, settling beside her on the sofa. "But I’m happy to see you.""Well, it’s been a while since you left the hospital," Charlotte said. "We’ve only talked over the phone. I happened to be in the area and thought I’d drop b
Amaliah sat stiffly behind the glass, her fingers curled tightly around the pendant Caesar had given her, clutching it like a talisman. Two weeks had passed since the first trial, and Rafael had been requesting to see her ever since. Both Caesar and Sheila had warned her against it, urging her not to go. But her mother’s voice echoed in her head—“Just see him one last time.”Caesar had postponed an important meeting just to drive her to the correctional facility. He was waiting outside, unwilling to let her face this alone. Knowing he was nearby gave her the strength to remain seated as the door buzzed open and Rafael was led in, handcuffed and flanked by an officer.He sat across from her, the cold metal chair screeching as he pulled it out. For a moment, he simply stared at her before reaching for the phone mounted beside the glass. Amaliah hesitated, then mirrored his action, pressing the receiver to her ear."I'm here. What could you possibly have to say that hasn’t already been