Connor burst into the room, his laughter infectious. “Mom! Can we have a picnic in the backyard later?”
Celine smiled, her heart swelling at his enthusiasm. “Absolutely! We’ll make it special.”
Franco appeared in the doorway, a soft smile on his face. “I can help with the picnic,” he said, stepping into the kitchen. The warmth between them had been growing, and she could feel the connection rekindling after all they had endured.
As they prepared for their little picnic, Celine felt a flutter of anticipation. She caught Franco glancing at her, his eyes filled with admiration. The memories of their past—the hurt, the struggles—began to fade, replaced by a shared understanding and a desire to move forward together.
Once they were outside, they spread out a blanket beneath the shade of a large oak tree. The afternoon was bright, and the world felt vibrant around them. Celine watched as Connor played,
As I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, a feeling of loneliness and emptiness envelops me. My husband Franco is away on a business trip, leaving me alone in our large bed. Despite his previous absences, this time feels different. It has been a year since our wedding, and our relationship has changed. I never expected things to take a turn for the worse after his grandfather's death.Despite my attempts to be understanding and give him space, it seemed like he had completely shut me out.Reaching for my phone on the nightstand, I scrolled through my contacts until I found his name. With a heavy heart, I dialed his number and waited for him to pick up."Hello?" His voice sounded gruff, and I could sense his irritation."Hey Franco, it's me, Celine," I replied, trying to sound cheerful."What do you want?" he snapped.My heart sank as his words hit me hard. I knew he was busy with work, but I had hoped he would be happy to hear from me. Ignoring his rude tone, I continued with what I ha
"Why?" I inquired, my voice quivering with intense emotion. He gazed at me with icy, calculating eyes and responded, "Celine, I must admit that my sole motive for marrying you was to secure my inheritance. There was nothing else beyond that."I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Our marriage was only for his inheritance? How could he say that? I thought back to the day we got married. It was a beautiful ceremony, surrounded by everyone. I remember the look of love in Franco's eyes as he said his vows. Or was it all just an act?“Franco, I don't understand. If this was all just for your inheritance, then why did you marry me if you can marry another woman?” I asked, my voice shaking with anger and hurt.“Because my grandfather wanted me to,' he replied coldly.“He wanted me to marry you because you're his favorite maid's daughter. But now that he's gone, I have no reason to stay in this worthless marriage.”I couldn’t breathe to think that he never truly loved me and only married me
The words escaped my lips weakly, "Am I pregnant?"My heart shattered, and it felt as if my entire world had crumbled around me. I had been a loyal wife to Franco, enduring the mistreatment from his family, only to be discarded like a worthless object. And now, here I was, alone in a hotel room, feeling ill and possibly carrying his child. It was all too overwhelming to bear. But amidst the chaos, I knew I had to confirm it.The following morning, I scheduled an appointment with a doctor to undergo a pregnancy test.My mind was a whirlwind of emotions. I couldn't help but reflect on how my life had reached this point.Here I was, sitting alone in a doctor's office, possibly pregnant with a man who had used me for his own selfish desires.As I anxiously awaited the results, my heart raced in my chest. I couldn't even bring myself to look at the test once it was done. I simply handed it over to the doctor and waited for her to deliver the news. And when those two words escaped her lips,
As I slowly regained consciousness, I discovered myself in a hospital bed surrounded by sterile white walls and the scent of disinfectant. My head throbbed and my body felt feeble. Briefly, I couldn't recall how I ended up in this place. However, my best friend, Irene, appeared by my side with a concerned expression on her face, uttering with relief, "Celine, thank goodness you're awake."Bewildered, I inquired, "What happened?""You collapsed in your apartment, and I discovered you unconscious on the floor. I immediately called for an ambulance, and they brought you here," she explained.My heart raced as I struggled to recollect the events leading up to my loss of consciousness. Then, it struck me. The stress, the exhaustion, the relentless work pressure. I had been pushing myself beyond my limits, and it had finally taken a toll on my body."Irene, what about my baby? Is he alright?" I asked, my voice trembling with fear.Irene's face transformed into a combination of sadness and c
5 years laterStanding on this stage, receiving the prestigious award for being the most accomplished and influential woman globally, I cannot help but contemplate the path that led me here. It has been an arduous and demanding journey, but one that has been immensely rewarding.“Welcome everyone to our annual awardees night! I am thrilled to be here as the CEO of CLN skin care company. My name is Celine Winston, and I have had the privilege of leading this incredible company for the past five years. Throughout my journey, I have overcome obstacles and surpassed expectations to be where I am today. Tonight, let's celebrate our victory together!”I remembered Half a decade ago, I took a leap of faith and embarked on the venture of establishing my own skincare company, CLN skincare. Back then, little did I know that it would evolve into the most sought-after and popular brand across the globe.Stepping off the stage, I was greeted by the applause of the audience. There, I saw my little
"Franco?" I exclaimed, recalling my husband's name.Connor nodded and smiled in affirmation. I swallowed hard and turned to Martha, who unexpectedly began praising the man as if he were the most admirable person in the world."Yes, madam. He is incredibly handsome and masculine. He looks like a Hollywood actor," Martha gushed about the stranger."What on earth are you saying, Martha? Seriously? How dare you share that with me?" I scowled at her.Martha quickly covered her lips, clearly ashamed of her words. She looked down and apologized, "I'm sorry, madam. I couldn't help but admire him.""I don't care about him. Just do your job!" I raised my voice, expressing my frustration."And I don't want that to happen again. Do you understand?!" I asked her firmly, raising my eyebrow.Martha nodded, and as I turned back to Connor, I was taken aback by his teary eyes. I immediately embraced him, gently stroking his back."What's wrong, baby?" I asked, filled with concern."Mom, please don't be
FRANCO'S POVWhile driving home after a grueling day, the silence was shattered by the insistent ringing of my phone. Glancing at the caller ID, I let out a sigh. It was Liana, my secretary."Hello, Liana. What's the reason for your call?" I inquired."Sir, I'm afraid there's an emergency meeting called by the financial department," she responded, her voice filled with concern and urgency. "They've requested your immediate presence.""What?!" I furrowed my brows."Sales have plummeted by 30% this month, sir. There have been sudden losses of money," Liana explained.My mind raced as I contemplated the company's dismal performance. Sales had taken a significant hit, and the board was growing increasingly restless. It felt as though everything I worked turned to dust."I'm on my way," I declared, my voice heavy with a mix of dread and determination.After ending the call and getting lost in my thoughts for a moment, I failed to notice a young boy crossing the street in the distance. The
CELINE POVMy heart skipped a beat as I froze in my seat. The name repeated several times through my mind, a familiar echo from a past I had long tried to bury.A young man, his face etched with annoyance, emerged from the inner sanctum. “F*ck. I knew it he will not let me lend even a single penny!” he barked into the phone.“That guy is so selfish!”As he hung up the phone, I couldn't help but notice the name that he had repeated over and over again: Franco.A wave of irritation washed over me. Why did the universe insist on throwing that name in my face? It was like a constant reminder of a chapter in my life that I had desperately tried to close.“That name is a kind of b*llshit!” Irene glanced at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of amusement and concern. “Celine, you seem so affected to him,”“No I’m not. Today I hear that name too many t
Connor burst into the room, his laughter infectious. “Mom! Can we have a picnic in the backyard later?”Celine smiled, her heart swelling at his enthusiasm. “Absolutely! We’ll make it special.”Franco appeared in the doorway, a soft smile on his face. “I can help with the picnic,” he said, stepping into the kitchen. The warmth between them had been growing, and she could feel the connection rekindling after all they had endured.As they prepared for their little picnic, Celine felt a flutter of anticipation. She caught Franco glancing at her, his eyes filled with admiration. The memories of their past—the hurt, the struggles—began to fade, replaced by a shared understanding and a desire to move forward together.Once they were outside, they spread out a blanket beneath the shade of a large oak tree. The afternoon was bright, and the world felt vibrant around them. Celine watched as Connor played,
The sun peeked through the curtains of Celine's small living room, casting a warm glow over the room. It had been a week since they had escaped the warehouse, and the world felt a little brighter. The shadows of Harvey and his men still loomed large, but justice had been served. Harvey was behind bars, facing serious charges, and Celine felt a weight lift from her shoulders.As she watched Connor play with his toys, Celine couldn’t help but smile. He was starting to heal, laughter returning to his voice. Franco had been a steady presence since their ordeal, never leaving their side, supporting them both as they adjusted to a new sense of normalcy.“Can I help you with anything?” Franco asked, entering the room with a freshly brewed cup of coffee for Celine. His gaze was steady and sincere, filled with the determination to mend the fractures in their relationship.“Just keeping an eye on him,” Celine replied, motioning to Connor, who
The adrenaline from their escape quickly faded as Celine, Franco, and Connor found themselves stumbling through the dark woods. Each crunch of leaves beneath their feet felt like a reminder of the danger still lurking behind them. They needed to find safety, but every shadow seemed to whisper of Harvey’s reach.“Are we far enough?” Connor’s small voice broke the tense silence, his eyes wide with fear.Celine glanced back, her heart heavy. “We need to keep moving, sweetheart,” she said, her voice steadier than she felt. “We can’t stop until we’re sure we’re safe.”Franco led the way, his expression grim. “We should find a place to hide,” he suggested, scanning their surroundings. “If Harvey’s men are still after us, we need to stay off the main paths.”Just as they pushed deeper into the trees, a chilling sound echoed through the night—a distant shout that
Celine's world spun as she fought against the hands gripping her arms, but she was outnumbered. The chaos of the struggle turned into a blur, voices merging into a cacophony of shouts and grunts. Connor’s terrified face was imprinted in her mind as she was dragged away from him, but there was no time to think; they were all in danger.“Franco!” she cried, her voice strained as she was pulled further away. Despair flooded her as she caught a glimpse of him grappling with one of Harvey's men. The chaos twisted in her gut as she was shoved into a waiting van, the cold metal biting into her skin.Franco’s eyes met hers for just a moment, a fierce determination in his gaze. “Celine! Connor!” he shouted, but another man lunged at him, blocking his way. The last thing she saw was his struggle as the van doors slammed shut.The van jostled as it sped away, the sound of tires crunching on gravel filling the air. Celine sat in the darkn
Celine’s heart raced as she and Connor dashed deeper into the woods, the shadows closing in around them. Each step felt like a lifeline, but the distant shouts of Harvey’s men echoed through the trees, a haunting reminder of the danger that lurked behind them.“Mom, I’m so tired!” Connor panted, his little legs struggling to keep up.“I know, sweetheart. Just a little further,” she urged, fighting to keep her own panic at bay. They needed to find a safe place to hide. Her mind raced through options, each one fraught with uncertainty.As they rounded a thick cluster of trees, Celine suddenly spotted an old hollowed-out log. “There!” she whispered, pointing it out to Connor. “Get inside!”He climbed in quickly, and she crouched beside him, holding her breath as she listened for the sounds of their pursuers. The shouts grew louder, closer, and she felt the weight of dread settle over her.
The sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple as Celine, Franco, and Connor settled into their makeshift hideout. Laughter and lighthearted chatter filled the air, pushing aside the worries that had weighed on them for so long. Celine felt a warmth in her chest, a sense of belonging that had been missing for too long.But as the shadows grew longer, a heavy tension settled over the clearing. Celine’s instincts kicked in, her earlier happiness slipping away. She glanced at Franco, who seemed to feel it too; his smile faded as he scanned the woods around them.“Let’s head back,” he suggested, his voice low. “It’s getting dark, and we don’t want to be out here when we can’t see.”“Can we play for a little longer?” Connor pleaded, his eyes bright with excitement.“Just for a few minutes,” Celine said, hoping to ease her son’s disappoin
The sun peeked through the gaps in the wooden slats of the cabin, casting warm stripes of light across the room. Celine stirred awake, the comforting weight of Connor’s small body pressed against her side. Franco was still asleep in the chair nearby, his face softened in repose. For a moment, Celine simply watched them, her heart swelling with a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. The memories of their past—the pain, the distance—haunted her, but the warmth of the present was undeniable. They were together, fighting for their family. As she shifted, Connor stirred, blinking sleepily up at her. “Morning, Mom,” he mumbled, rubbing his eyes. “Morning, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?” He nodded, stretching like a cat. “Can we play again today?”Celine smiled, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. “Of course. Maybe we can explore the area a bit. There’s a whole forest out there.”“Can we find a secret fort?” he asked, eyes bright with excitement.“Definitely,” she replied, her hea
The car bumped along the rough dirt road, the trees closing in around them like a protective barrier against the world. Celine glanced at Franco, who sat in the front passenger seat, his jaw set and eyes alert. She felt an unspoken connection between them growing stronger amidst the chaos, a tether forged in the fire of their shared struggle.“Are we almost there?” Connor asked from the backseat, his voice a mix of exhaustion and anxiety.“Just a few more minutes, buddy,” Franco replied, turning slightly to give their son a reassuring smile. Celine noted the warmth in Franco's eyes, a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.“Can we play a game when we get there?” Connor asked, attempting to lift the mood.Celine couldn’t help but smile, her heart swelling with affection. “Absolutely. What do you want to play?”“I want to play hide and seek!” Connor exclaimed, a bright spark lighting up his face.Franco chuckled softly, glancing back at Celine with a hint of pride. “I think we can manage th
The truck rumbled down the uneven logging road, its headlights cutting through the darkness like a beacon of hope. Celine sat beside Connor, her heart still racing as the trees blurred past. The sound of the engine filled the silence, but her mind was a whirlpool of anxiety.“Are we almost there?” Connor asked, his voice small and tired.“Just a little longer,” Celine replied, forcing a smile. She glanced at Franco, who was focused on the road, brow furrowed with concentration. “Keep an eye out for any signs,” Elias said, scanning the sides of the road. “We need to find a place to lay low.”They drove in tense silence, the weight of their situation pressing heavily on all of them. Celine felt the pulse of fear in her veins, a constant reminder that they were being hunted. Suddenly, Franco slowed the truck as they approached a clearing. “There’s the town,” he said, pointing to a cluster of dim lights in the distance. “We should park a little ways out and approach on foot.”“Good idea