Melanie straightened her lilac dress that hung to her curves and headed for Hardin's office straight from the hospital. She had to give him this chance to do right, for their baby's sake if not her own.
As she was trying to talk to the secretary, Natalia appeared from nowhere. Great, her witch sister was all she needed to have a mental breakdown. "Well well, if it isn't the miserable ex. Causing trouble as usual, I see." She paused and glared at the secretary. “Didn’t I tell you she isn’t allowed into the premises?” Melanie held her head high. "I need to see Hardin. It's urgent." Natalia scoffed. "Well tough luck, he's in an all day meeting. Come back with an appointment, maybe in a few months I'll squeeze you in.Or how about you come back….never?" "Are you serious? This can't wait. Please, it's about..." Melanie trailed off, unwilling to give anything away to this snake yet. Natalia sauntered closer until they were nose to nose. "You'll tell me whatever it is, darling. Hardin's in an important meeting and his phone is with me right now.." She waved Hardin's phone tauntingly. Melanie took a deep breath and declared firmly. "I'm pregnant. And the baby is Hardin's." Immediately Natalia's cruel smile dropped away, replaced with open shock. "That's a lie!" she snapped angrily. Calmly, Melanie pulled out the test results from her bag. "12 weeks, clear as day. Now please step aside, I need to speak with Hardin." Natalia scanned the papers, face contorting into a mask of hatred and jealousy. "If you know what's good for you, you'll get that bastard baby aborted," she spat angrily. "You don't tell me what to do with my child," Melanie retorted coolly, hand protectively over her stomach. “I would wait in the lobby till whenever he gets out of his meeting,” “I am going to have security remove you,” Natalia threatened. “I am not leaving till I tell Hardin about his baby,” And with that, Melanie walked away and settled in the lobby with her legs crossed. Natalia glared at the secretary and then stormed off, seething in anger. Alone in her office, she began to pace erratically. This could not happen - she refused to let that tramp steal Hardin away, not when she was so close to locking him down herself. An idea formed in her head amidst her panic and she placed a hasty call. "I have a job for you boys," she hissed into the phone. "Get over here now and do not fail me." She gave them brief instructions in an icy tone before she hung up. Hardin would be hers, and that insufferable Melanie would no longer ruin her plans. One way or another, she would ensure there was no baby... Natalia sat at her desk, several minutes later looking through the security cameras on the computer.She watched as the boys she had ordered picked the lock of Melanie’s car and got inside carefully to mess with it as they had been instructed. When they were done with the job,Natalia hit delete, wiping away any trace of their dirty job. Perfect. Now for the finishing touch... She buzzed her secretary. "Send security down to escort Melanie off the premises, and make sure she doesn't come back." She walked back there to ensure she saw the scene herself.Within minutes, burly guards hauled a dazed Melanie from the lobby. "Please, I just need to see Hardin!" She begged weakly. Hardin strode in then, fury contorting his normally handsome face. "What is the meaning of this disturbance?" He roared. Natalia sidled up to him. "I'm so embarrassed she's creating such a scene. You'd think she'd have the decency to leave us in peace." "Hardin, please, I just need a chance to talk to you!." Melanie yelled but Natalia was quick to interrupt. "Can you believe her audacity? I'm simply disgusted by her presence," As the guards finally dragged Melanie out, Hardin turned on Natalia. "I thought I made it clear she isn't to set foot here again. What does she want this time?" Natalia fluttered her eyelashes innocently. "I have no idea darling, she's just trying to cause trouble as usual.Please baby, don’t let this ruin your mood. It’s taken care of now,” Melanie sat crying in her car after being kicked out of Hardin's office yet again. It was just too painful seeing him with that witch Natalia after everything they did. He didn’t even give her a chance to explain herself. She started the engine to drive back to her cheap motel, if you could even call it that. Now what was she even going to do? Her mind raced with a million questions and no answers. She gripped the steering wheel tighter, trying to hold back another wave of tears. That was when she noticed something wasn't right. The car was making a strange whirring noise and vibrating underneath her. She pushed down on the brake but nothing happened. Her eyes widened in panic as she realized the brakes had completely failed. "No no no!" she cried, pumping the brakes frantically to no avail. The car was starting to get out of control and she barely managed to swerve around an oncoming truck. She tried to shift gears to slow down but it was too late. Up ahead, there was a large tree at the side of the road. In a split second, everything seemed to happen in slow motion. There was a deafening crunch of metal as her car collided with the thick trunk. Her body lunged forward violently, smashing into the steering wheel hard before slumping back into her seat. The last thing Melanie remembered before darkness took her was a warm trickle of blood running into her left eye and glass shattering around her.The accident had drawn onlookers to the crash site quickly. At that moment, Luca Marchesi slowed his jeep to a stop where there was a small gathering forming. He climbed out, concerned about what all the commotion was for.Normally, he would have zoomed past because he had a meeting to be at in half an hour but his instincts told him to stop. Pushing through the people, Luca's breath caught in his throat at the sight before him. It was the woman from the bar, the one he hadn't been able to get out of his head since their brief dance together only days ago. Except this time she was injured and bleeding, looking almost lifeless. His mind raced as he took in the smoking wreckage of her vehicle. Acting fast, Luca scooped Melanie up in his arms. Her skin was cold and clammy. "Someone, fucking call an ambulance!" he shouted at the onlookers who were still just standing there gawking. These people! They rather stand there and point rather than do a damn thing. Rushing back to his jeep, he gently laid Melanie across the backseat and peeled out, speeding towards the hospital. "I need help!" He yelled, jumping out and lifting Melanie into his arms once more the minute he reached the emergency entrance. Medical staff hurried over with a stretcher, taking her from him. "She was in a car accident, please help her," he said a little out of breath. “We’d take it from here Sir Luca,” one of the nurses said. ****** Melanie nibbled at the tasteless hospital food. Her head was bandaged and her mind a little bit restless. She had woken up in a hospital twice the same week. What a bummer. Just then the doctor entered with a gentle smile. “Good news - your twins are healthy and developing well. You were incredibly lucky you were brought here so quickly.” Twins. Plural. She must have misheard, mouth dropping open slightly. "I'm...sorry, did you say twins?" He nodded, smiling. "Congratulations, Melanie. You're carrying twins." How was she going to support not one but two babies? "Are you sure?" She asked in disbelief. The doctor nodded. "The tests don't lie. You're having twins. Both babies look healthy so far." He studied her carefully. "This must come as a shock. Do you want me to call anyone - a partner, family?" Melanie sighed deeply. "There's no one." She said sadly. "I don't have a husband or family. It's just me now." "I'm sorry to hear that." The doctor said gently. “Well, all your medical bills have generously been covered.” Melanie’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. “Who on earth...” The doctor handed her a glossy business card. "Luca Marchesi. Does that name mean anything to you?" She took the card and stared at it with awe, examining the black and white design. The name meant nothing. But then she saw the website printed at the bottom - Marchesi Industries, one of the largest private technology companies in the country. "Why would someone like him pay for my bills?" She asked in disbelief. "I'm not sure." The doctor admitted. "But he is responsible for saving your life. He brought you here,himself." “But wait.. where is he? I have to thank him!” “He only stated he had to rush off for work overseas,” the doctor replied. Before she could ask more, the doctor was checking his watch. "I'm afraid I have to run, surgery scheduled. But please don't hesitate if you need anything at all." "Thank you, doctor." Melanie said faintly. He smiled and left, gently closing the door behind him. Luca Marchesi...where had she heard that name before? Pulling up her browser, Melanie typed his name into the search bar with shaky fingers. Photos and information poured onto the screen - Luca Marchesi, Italian billionaire real estate mogul and philanthropist, recently named one of the 100 Most Influential People by various publications. His global corporation covered industries from technology to real estate and he was one of the most richest men in the country. She scrolled through pictures of him and then suddenly, she gasped. It was him - the handsome stranger she almost had a freaking one night stand with!Back at Marshall Corp. The secretary, Gina, had put off a particular conversation with Hardin for weeks but knew she couldn't delay it any longer. Her stomach was in knots just thinking about breaking the news to him. Hardin was an intimidating boss, always stern and unrelenting in his demands. Gina feared how he would react to what she had to say. She heard the elevator ding, signaling Hardin's arrival on their floor. His long strides could be heard down the hall as he approached his office. Gina slowly got up from her desk and walked over to meet him. "Good evening, Mr. Greene. Do you have a minute? There's something I need to discuss with you," Gina said, trying to keep her voice even. Hardin glanced at her impatiently as he unlocked his office door. "Make it quick, Gina. I have a lot of work to get through tonight." She hesitantly followed him into his spacious office. Hardin tossed his briefcase onto the leather couch and turned to face her, crossing his arms expectantly.
FIVE YEARS LATERDUBLIN, IRELAND.Sophie twirled around in front of the small mirror hanging on the wall of their bedroom, checking her pink sundress and white bow tied around her long brown hair for what seemed like the hundredth time that morning. "Don't I look like the prettiest princess, Mommy?” she asked excitedly, turning to face Melanie who was folding clothes and putting them into their suitcases. "You look gorgeous as always sweetpea," Melanie smiled at her daughter. Sophie beamed and did another twirl, the skirt of her dress flaring out around her. From the bed, her twin brother Matthew scoffed in response. At nearly five years old, his slim frame already showed signs of future height. "You look silly is what," he teased. Sophie turned to stick her tongue out at him, hands on her hips."I’m not! Take it back, Mattie poo!" Her foot stamped petulantly against the expensive carpet.Melanie heard Matt sigh loudly. She looked over to see him walking over to peer into the smal
Melanie wanted to surprise her husband on his birthday, but he gave her a surprise instead. And boy, was it a nasty one. It had been three draining days in Tokyo for a business trip, but all she could think about was surprising her husband, Hardin, for his 29th birthday that weekend. She tapped her foot impatiently in line, and a fluttery feeling rose in her stomach as she exited customs at SeaTac. She couldn’t wait to see the look on Hardin’s face! After retrieving her bags, she hurried to the waiting car. She was more than excited when it finally pulled up in front of the mansion. She spun the keys around her finger as she walked up the steps to her front door, an eager smile on her face. Balancing the gift bags and boxes in one arm, she quietly unlocked the door, planning to sneak up on Hardin. The house greeted her in silence. The lights were off, and her heels clicked loudly against the hardwood floor as she made her way down the hall, her gift bags swinging. "Hardin? I'
He reached out and grabbed the pen, shoving it in her limp fingers. Melanie held the pen, hesitating as she hovered over the line. Part of her wanted to resist, to not make it so easy for Hardin after his betrayal. But deep down, she knew prolonging things would only cause more pain. "You don't deserve to be celebrated, Hardin. You're nothing but a liar and a cheat," she spat out. She scrawled her name quickly in the vacant lines before she lost her nerve, throwing the pen down in disgust. Natalia clapped her hands with glee. "Oh wonderful! Let's go celebrate your freedom and also continue your birthday celebration, babe." Melanie struggled to tear her eyes away from Hardin as his lips met Natalia’s in a passionate kiss. Once they left, she ran a bath and sank into the scalding water, sobbing violently. She had loved this man with all of her heart, even before he married her. Was their entire marriage a whole lie? The next morning, Melanie woke with a pounding headache, her
Melanie let out a long sigh as she trudged through the front door of her too-big, empty mansion. She had to figure out some other way to hire a good lawyer.As she headed to the kitchen, she could hear hushed whispers from the maids. "I heard Master Hardin leave Miss Melanie for that tramp sister of hers. I never would've guessed he had it in him." Another maid was added. "That Miss Natalia looks like trouble. Mark my words; she'll break his heart too in time." That's when the cruelest one chimed in. "If you ask me, Miss Melanie was too boring and goody-goody. Master Hardin always liked the wild ones more. About time she got what was coming." Melanie froze, blinking back angry tears. At that moment, one of the maids glanced up and fell silent, spotting her. She nudged the other two, and they quickly straightened. “Welcome back home, Miss Melanie!” The one who had been badmouthing her was the first to ask, "Good evening, Miss. Can I get you anything?" Melanie shook her head,
Melanie stared at Natalia in disbelief. "You can't be serious. I will never be your maid." Natalia laughed coldly. "Why? Because you think you're above it? Please. Do not forget where you came from." She stepped even closer, gaze raking over Melanie calculatingly. "Or have you forgotten? Your mother was a simple maid when my father picked her up, wasn't she?" Anger flooded Melanie at the jab at her late mother. "My mother worked hard as a waitress - it was honest work providing for me. Besides, your father is my father too."Natalia waved her hand dismissively. "Waitress, maid, potato, potahto, it's all the same." Melanie turned helplessly to Hardin. "Please, tell me you won't allow this."Hardin watched her impassively, his hazel eyes showing nothing. "Our marriage is dissolved, Melanie. You have no right to be here anymore.""How can you be so cold?" she whispered in despair. “I do not know you to be a troublemaker Melanie,” he looked at her coldly. “You have to leave right no