Emeraude and Cassian lay on the bedroom carpet, covered by a sheet. Silence hung in the air for a while until he finally broke it."We need to talk," he said, while Emeraude's body was exhausted from what they had just done."About what?" she asked, looking at him."The twins," Cassian replied, sitting up and leaning against the bed."If you're going to blame me..." Emeraude began, but he interrupted."Do you want to hear me out first?" he asked, and she sighed deeply. Cassian always complicated things."Let's establish an agreement between us. I don't think it's fair for you to be alone with two children in this house, so I thought: one stays with me, and the other with you," he explained. Emeraude stared at him, confused."I don't think it's right to separate them, and I believe I can handle both without any issues," she said, not liking the idea."Think, Emeraude," he scoffed. "If it's challenging to take care of one, imagine two.""I don't want to separate them," she replied, roll
The day had been a challenge for Emeraude. She had been feeling unwell since the morning, unable to keep any food in her stomach. Her throat burned, and even water became difficult to swallow. Despite the discomfort, she finished her makeup, opting for something subtle. She dressed in an elegant black dress, not too clingy but still outlining her figure. Observant onlookers might notice the small silhouette on her belly.After putting on a pair of black heels from the shoe rack, Emeraude let her hair down, allowing the wavy ends to fall freely. Now ready, she grabbed her purse and headed to the living room."I'm ready," she announced as she approached the couch where Cassian was seated. He wore a black suit with a slightly open white shirt, no tie, and his hair sported a tousled style."Nice," commented Cassian, examining her. "It's simple.""Thank you," Emeraude said with a shy smile.Handing her a small box, Cassian took a ring from his pocket and put another on his own finger. "To
Emeraude diverted her gaze from the paper, contemplating the drawings that emerged beneath her strokes. She was determined to do more than just rest during her pregnancy. The idea of opening a clothing store took shape in her mind, nurturing her passion for fashion and design.Cassian St. Clair, though a visual spectacle, did not exhibit inner beauty. He was a man laden with unfavorable adjectives: arrogant, boring, irritating, egocentric, and bossy, among others. Emeraude, on the other hand, channeled her creative energy, sitting on the floor, sketching clothes flowing from her mind."Lying down all day is not cool," she thought to herself, realizing how inactivity made her feel heavier. The act of creating, sketching ideas, and conceiving styles seemed to bring her renewed joy.The vision of a future business began to take shape, and Emeraude decided to take action. She reached for her phone, hidden under the covers, and dialed a number. Anxiety grew as she waited for the response o
Emeraude woke up abruptly with abrupt shakes, deprived of any morning gentleness. She grumbled in displeasure, but the shakes didn't stop. Upon opening her eyes, she found Cassian, already dressed in an elegant suit, casting impatient glances at her."It's been almost two hours since I've been calling you," he shouted, adjusting his tie. "Aren't you coming with me today?" Still groggy, Emeraude sat up in bed."You leave so early," she commented, getting up all at once but feeling a momentary dizziness that made her retreat to the bed. Cassian raised an eyebrow at her expression."I'll get ready," announced Emeraude, now more composed. In her room, she headed to the bathroom, going through her morning hygiene routine and taking a quick shower, as Cassian was already ready, probably having breakfast. Emeraude, wrapped in a towel, chose a white dress that outlined her bust and had a flared skirt with an exposed back. She put on flat shoes, applied light makeup, and grabbed a brown bag, c
A few weeks had passed since Cassian St. Clair delved deeply into his projects, exhausted and longing for a well-deserved rest. The phone rang, announcing Chloe's voice on the other end."Mr. St. Clair, Mr. Thaddeus St. Clair is calling you in his office," Chloe informed."Let him know I'm on my way," replied Cassian, rising from his chair and ending the call. Thoughts of vacation echoed in his mind as he headed to the elevator, towards the top floor where his father's office was located.The elevator doors opened, and Cassian crossed the reception without identifying himself to his father's secretary. Two knocks on the door, and he entered the spacious office."Take a seat," Thaddeus said without looking at Cassian, who settled into the chair. "What did you want to talk about? Can I leave after we're done here?""It's only 2 PM," Thaddeus observed, collecting some papers. "How are things with Emeraude?""Normal as always. Tomorrow, she has a check-up, and the doctor said we can find
The last two days have been a real rush for Emeraude. Leaving home in the morning and returning at night, running from one place to another, chasing the final details for her store. Exhaustion was evident, and doing all this with two children in her belly certainly tired anyone.Her mother had called, announcing that she would come with her father. Emeraude was happy and sad at the same time. Sad because of the lie they believed to be true, a charade that had been suffocating her for the past few months. Not that she didn't like Cassian; she did, but not with a passionate love. Over this time together, they got to know each other better, discovering things that neither knew, and that was interesting. Cassian was becoming a friend, caring, helping, and sometimes reprimanding, like now."Emeraude, you're not going," he said, and she huffed, crossing her arms, sitting on the sofa."I need to," she repeated for the tenth time, but he seemed indifferent."Tonight is the opening. I'm sure B
FLASHBACK...Emeraude's father approached Cassian while he leaned against the car, waiting with him. A conversation was necessary, and Cassian was sure her father wasn't thrilled about the birthday party."Cassian, what are you doing here?" her father said as he stood in front of him. "Did Emeraude invite you?""I wanted to talk to you first," Cassian said, and the father nodded, giving him a stern look. "But not here.""There's a café nearby," the father suggested, and Cassian nodded, opening the car door. They both got in, and Cassian started the car, heading to the mentioned café.The journey unfolded in silence. Cassian tried to think of things that would make him appear like a great son-in-law, but his mind was blank. So many qualities, and none seemed to fit. He parked the car in front of the café, and they got out. The father chose a table in the corner, and a waitress came to take their orders, but neither of them ordered anything."What do you want to talk about?" the father
Emeraude awoke, eager to share breakfast with her parents, whom she deeply missed. After freshening up in the bathroom, her cellphone signaled a response from her mother, bringing a smile to her face. A quick shower, followed by the choice of shorts and a loose tank top that revealed her pregnant belly, preceded slipping on comfortable ballet flats.Heading towards Cassian's room, she noticed his absence, deducing he had already left. She grabbed the car keys, locked the apartment, and smoothly made her way to the hotel where her parents were staying. At the reception, they awaited her with packed bags."Daughter," her mother said, embracing her. Emeraude expressed the desire for them to stay longer, but they promised to return after their trip. Her father, changing the tone of the conversation, speculated about the baby's gender. The discussion shifted to her father's wish to teach his future grandchild to hunt.After loading the suitcases into the car, she suggested taking them to t
Emeraude overflowed with happiness upon receiving the news of her daughter's imminent wedding. Aurora, facing the mirror, reflected the emotion in her misty eyes, echoing her mother's joy."My little one is getting married today," declared Emeraude, moved. "And she's gifting me with great joy."With a radiant smile, Aurora shared her excitement: "Iuri still doesn't know, Mom. At first, I was terrified, but now I'm so happy."The exchange of intimate words was interrupted by Amora's playful banter, adding humor to the atmosphere. "I always wanted nephews, glad I didn't have to ask," she teased, eliciting laughter from both.The wedding unfolded like a dream for Aurora, with every detail delicately crafted. Despite Cassian's initial hesitations, the proud father, the ceremony symbolized unconditional love for his daughter.During the reception, Aurora announced her pregnancy, eliciting a mix of surprise and joy among the guests. Cassian, nearly choking on the news, was promptly supporte
Emeraude and Cassian were immersed in the sweet bubble of their honeymoon, where each destination seemed more magical than the last. Their worldwide tour led them to exciting adventures, romantic moments, and surprising discoveries.Destination 2: MaldivesThey spent their days diving into crystal-clear waters, exploring coral reefs, and enjoying candlelit dinners on the beach. At night, the sky filled with stars, and Emeraude and Cassian lay on the soft sand, lost in conversations about the future and the dreams they shared.Destination 3: Florence, ItalyFlorence welcomed them with its cobblestone streets and the scent of fresh coffee in the air. Emeraude and Cassian explored museums filled with Renaissance masterpieces and savored gelatos in quaint squares."It's like we're living in a painting," said Emeraude, admiring the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.Cassian agreed, enveloping her in his arms. "And I would choose to live every moment by your side."They walked hand in hand
Cassian and Emeraude strolled through the narrow streets of Paris, their hands intertwined and their hearts filled with love and admiration. The summer sun painted the city in golden hues, reflecting off the ancient facades of buildings and the calm waters of the Seine. Paris seemed to have been created especially for them in that moment, a perfect backdrop for their honeymoon.They wandered through the alleys of the Latin Quarter, where the scent of fresh coffee and newly baked croissants wafted through the air. Cassian led Emeraude to a charming little café, where they settled at an outdoor table. The waiter, with a friendly smile, greeted them in French, and Cassian responded with his own attempt at French, making Emeraude laugh softly.As they savored their croissants and coffee, they planned their activities for the day. Cassian suggested a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Emeraude eagerly agreed. She had always wanted to see up close that majestic masterpiece of Gothic archite
As Emeraude threw the bouquet, she turned to face the sea of women before her, somewhat confused about who had actually caught the bouquet."Oh my God!" exclaimed her mother, holding the bouquet. Emeraude observed her, unsure whether to laugh or feel happy."Looks like my mother-in-law is next in line to get married," Cassian joked quietly, laughing. "YEAH WOOHOO!" he shouted, clapping.Emeraude walked over to her mother, who was already composed among the women again. Her smile was so radiant that Emeraude couldn't help but smile too. It was comforting to see her mother happy; she knew how much she missed her father and deserved to find happiness again."Congratulations!" Emeraude hugged her mother, who returned the gesture warmly."I'm still surprised, I think you did this on purpose!" her mother joked, making Emeraude laugh."Of course not, Mom," Emeraude replied, still smiling."She should have thrown it to me, Auntie," commented Bree, smiling. She hugged Emeraude's mother and whi
Emeraude woke up to her mother's firm voice calling her. Opening her eyes, she sat up in bed, feeling a bit dizzy from the sudden movement. Looking around, she noticed she was alone in bed, with her mother standing at the door, watching her closely."I can't believe you're still sleeping!" her mother scolded, hands on her hips. "You should have been at the salon already, Emeraude.""What time is it?" Emeraude asked, getting up slowly this time."Almost 10 o'clock. You have 30 minutes," the young lady replied, leaving and closing the door behind her.Emeraude took a deep breath and grabbed her phone, feeling tempted to call Cassian, but she knew he would be busy. She headed to the bathroom and soon began to undress to take a shower. As the water cascaded over her, her thoughts wandered to the previous night, when she had a small gathering with the women at her apartment. She had decided not to have a bachelorette party; she was happy with the direction her life was taking now. After fi
SIX MONTHS LATERCassian was impatient with that meeting that seemed to have no end. Léon kept talking about the projects and profits they were generating, something Cassian already knew very well."I'd prefer to wait a bit and analyze the proposals," he interrupted, trying to end the discussion.Margot smiled proudly. "As always.""Can we wrap this up?" he asked, adjusting himself in his chair.Everyone agreed, and Cassian concluded the meeting. He left the folders for Chloe to organize and left, exchanging some cordial words with those present before heading to the elevator."Who would've thought that boy who used to hit on me will get married tomorrow," Margot commented as they waited for the elevator."You didn't want me, so I found someone else," Cassian joked, receiving a light slap."We're old enough to be your mothers," Margot replied, jokingly."I've heard that many times," Cassian agreed, stepping into the elevator."I'm proud of you; you've become a great man," Margot said,
Emeraude closed the bathroom door and locked it, hearing Cassian's laughter from the other side. The man's challenge was evident, and it had been three days since the incident with Amora's hair. She sat on the floor and closed her eyes, trying to calm her mind. She couldn't simply give in."Are you going to leave me here with a hard-on?" She heard Cassian's hoarse voice. "He misses you.""Cassian," she replied firmly, grateful for the firm tone of her own voice."My hand doesn't compare to your mouth, kitten, your tongue," he teased."Make the bed, I'm going to take a shower," Emeraude said, heading to the shower.She would be ignorant if she claimed that her body didn't react to every malicious phrase he uttered or when he called or texted whispering. He was indeed undermining her sanity. At night, when it was time to sleep, he made a point of rubbing his erection against her. She was almost moving to the guest room; the temptation was too much.Emeraude just wanted him to admit that
Emeraude completed her morning routine while Cassian remained in bed, uninterested. Today, Amora wouldn't go to school because Emeraude discovered, upon checking her schedule, that it was suspended for a day."Cassian, you're going to be late," she said, approaching and pulling his covers."I'm not going today," he murmured hoarsely, curling up even more."In that case, you'll stay with Amora. I was going to leave her with Charlotte," explained Emeraude, receiving only a sleepy agreement. "Sara is coming to tidy up here today. Get dressed before leaving the room.""Love you, bye," Cassian bid farewell, covering his head, while Emeraude laughed and shook her head."Love you too," she replied, grabbing her bag and car keys. She headed to Amora's room and found her sleeping, while Aurora was in the kitchen having her breakfast."Are you almost done, sweetheart?" Emeraude asked, pouring some juice into a glass."Yes, Mom," Aurora replied, smiling. "Why can't I stay?""Because you have a r
A week had passed since Emeraude and Cassian embarked on a more serious relationship. In Emeraude's store, during a fleeting moment of intimacy, things spiraled out of control.With her back pressed against the wall, Emeraude was taken aback by the urgency of Cassian's kiss."Cassian," Emeraude murmured, trying to contain the growing desire within her. However, her body seemed to have a will of its own.Cassian's hand wrapped around Emeraude's leg, pulling her to him, wrapping her around his waist. A moan escaped Emeraude's lips as she felt Cassian's hardness against her thigh."Please, stop," Emeraude pleaded, trying to pull away, but the desire was overwhelming. Yet, Emeraude's consciousness awakened when she noticed the presence of the security camera in the room."Camera," Emeraude managed to say between moans, as Cassian penetrated her with his fingers and kissed her neck.Confused, Cassian looked around and saw the camera. With determination, he reached for it and destroyed it,