Gradually, Sabrina began to discover another Benedict. He had come off of that workaholic, snobbish man she was acquainted with earlier. He proved to be patient, attentive, and truly committed to amends. Whether helping Saben build a treehouse in the backyard or volunteering to cook family dinners – much though his culinary skills left many things to be desired - actions were louder than words for Benedict.One evening, as Benedict tucked Saben into bed, Sabrina stood by the door, quietly observing. Saben had his giggles as Benedict attempted to read him the bedtime story in funny voices, his deep baritone an amusing contrast for the whimsical characters."Goodnight, Daddy.""Goodnight, champ," replied Benedict, leaning forward to kiss his forehead.And then Benedict turned and met Sabrina's gaze. Some things said no word. But in the expression exchanged, forgiveness did not shine. Still, there was some sort of acknowledgment made here—a tiny baby step toward mutual comprehension.Ben
Benedict's icy glare felt like a winter storm, chilling Sabrina to her core. Her heart raced with a mix of fear and heartbreak as she faced him. He was Benedict Thompson, the only heir to the Thompson estates, a man known more for his wild ways than for his business brilliance. At a young age, he became a billionaire and led BMX Estates, a huge architectural firm. Now, he paced angrily in his family’s luxurious living room, each step echoing the thick tension in the air.“Last night, you seduced me,” he spat, his voice sharp and filled with anger. “What trick did you use to make my mother force me into this marriage?”Sabrina welled up with tears, trying to find the right words. She had never seen him like this; in pain and disbelief."I... I didn’t trick you," she stammered, her voice trembling. "I've liked you since we were kids. That’s all."His harsh laugh cut through her, deepening his rage. “You think I would believe that? The wedding, everything—it’s just a trap, isn’t it?”“I’
The next day came, though her feelings had been utterly smashed the night before, the wedding preparations continued on. Sabrina hardly recognised who peered back at her as she sat in the bride's suite: white, pale, tear-rimmed eyes, but still, a beautiful silken cloth hugged her body, soft curls framed her face.Her mother, Leila, entered and sat beside her. Her face etched with despair."Sabrina dear," she whispered softly, "do you really want to do this? You don't have to do this."Sabrina shook her head. New tears formed in her eyes. "Mom, what am I suppose to do?" she whispered in a barely audible voice, her voice barely above a whisper, quivering with uncertainty. "I love him, but he…. He hates me."The burden of her heart pressure weighed upon her chest so heavily that it became unbearable to breathe. She felt lost and scared, like standing at a crossroads with no signs guiding her.Then her eyes questioned her mother to seek solace as well as find answers that seemed really too
Locked with fury in her eyes, Teresa gripped Benedict's arm tightly with her fingernails digging deep into his skin. He was in the middle of an idle conversation with his friends, and the force of his mother's yank thrust him back into harsh reality. The smile dropped off his face, replaced by irritation."Turn around now and go back to Sabrina!" Teresa hissed to his face, her voice low but full of a venom that brought him up short. "This is your wedding! You're supposed to be with your wife, not out here screwing like some irresponsible idiot! Do you have any idea how embarrassing this is? How much shame you're bringing to our family?fix this Now!"She snapped her eyes to his with a warning so sharp he felt a jolt of anger-cum-tethers him to the moment. She wasn't letting this slide past. She gave one last withering glare to ensure the point had been wholly impressed, then turned and stormed off, heels clicking impatiently on the marble floor.Benedict clenched his teeth, pinioned and
As the applause subsided and guests resumed their own conversations, Benedict didn't hesitate to pull Sabrina aside. The phony smile he'd donned during their dance was gone within an instant, exchanged for a look of icy indifference. They stepped out of the ballroom, away from the crowd, and into a quiet corner of the reception hall. No warning, of course-just leaned and caught her by the arm, his fingers digging into her skin as he turned her to face him."You succeeded," Benedict spat, voice low but full of venom. "You managed to marry me, but don't for one second believe you'll ever have my heart.".She felt her eyes grow wide with the bitterness in his tone. Now she knew that he did not love her. But this was different-he said it all. On their wedding day, too. A sick feeling was in her belly as tears threatened to well up inside her once again. She bit down hard on her lip and kept them from falling."I don't love you," he continued, his eyes dark and unfeeling. "And I will never
Sabrina stood as a statue in the dim lit hall, her heart a racing and tears flowing ceaselessly down her cheeks. His curt words kept ringing in her ear; each syllable in his speech a burning hole reminding her of the schism between them. She slapped her hands on her chest, trying to hold herself inside."I will never have his heart," she whispered to herself, feeling the weight of his rejection settle heavily on her shoulders. "What did I expect? That love would conquer all?"That reality struck her like a chilly wave. The man with whom she had wished to spend all of life had just crushed all those hopes into pieces with a few brutal words. Wiping away tears, she heard the approach of footsteps.It was Teresa-the mother-in-law-whose expression seemed both full of concern and disappointment. "Sabrina? Okay?"Sabrina smiled, though it felt like shards of glass were lodged in her throat. "I'm fine, just. tired."Teresa narrowed her eyes. She didn't believe it. "You don't look fine. Where
And so she'd walked away, his words stabbing her ears as they struck home."You think you can just waltz in here and play like you're good enough to have my love? You'll never have it, Sabrina," he had sneered, the disgust spewing from him like acid that cut into her heart. Every step was hard as she moved through the grand house now that had become a cage of gilded bars and memories bitter with the poison of anger.She was lost in this world he created, full of resentment and anger. "Why even bother?" he had shouted at her, his face distorted in rage as she tried to reach out to him. "You're just a reminder of everything I hate about my life!"Yet still, she gave in . Deep down, there was still some love from her side of his body that seemed mutually less, but still true love between two souls. She had still not given up. Still catching for breath, "I'm not giving up on you," she could still stare at tear-stained mascara and tears, and hurt etched upon her face staring back from the
Morning sun spilled into the expansive dining room as Sabrina set the table for breakfast that took her hours to prepare. She had cooked all his favorites: scrambled eggs with chives, perfectly crispy bacon, and freshly squeezed orange juice. It was her silent way of showing Benedict she cared, despite the poison he threw her way every chance he got. She longed to bridge the distance separating them, compel him to look past his revulsion at her. Stepping back from the stove and the last plate, Benedict had entered the room; and certainly, his face showed no softer countenance for traversing it. He darted his look across the table; and then faced about and settled back in the chair with an irreverent huff of discontent. "This is all you had ready? " he snapped, pushing the plate aside as if it were insulting. "A good breakfast, and this is the best you could do?" Sabrina pulled up a small, tight smile. She clung to the side of the chair she leaned on to balance herself. "I — I prepared
Gradually, Sabrina began to discover another Benedict. He had come off of that workaholic, snobbish man she was acquainted with earlier. He proved to be patient, attentive, and truly committed to amends. Whether helping Saben build a treehouse in the backyard or volunteering to cook family dinners – much though his culinary skills left many things to be desired - actions were louder than words for Benedict.One evening, as Benedict tucked Saben into bed, Sabrina stood by the door, quietly observing. Saben had his giggles as Benedict attempted to read him the bedtime story in funny voices, his deep baritone an amusing contrast for the whimsical characters."Goodnight, Daddy.""Goodnight, champ," replied Benedict, leaning forward to kiss his forehead.And then Benedict turned and met Sabrina's gaze. Some things said no word. But in the expression exchanged, forgiveness did not shine. Still, there was some sort of acknowledgment made here—a tiny baby step toward mutual comprehension.Ben
From then on, Benedict accepted fatherhood with a vengeance in him. He set out and, for the first time ever in his life, chose to be in Saben's life. The same corporate head who used to pride himself on contracts signed, profits generated, and profits accounted for now stood beside those he had never meant for anything.Each morning, Benedict made it a point to drive to the Taylor mansion to have breakfast with Saben. The first time he arrived, the boy’s face lit up with pure delight. “You’re here, Daddy!” Saben exclaimed, running into Benedict’s arms. It was a moment Benedict would never forget—the simple yet profound joy of his son’s embrace.Benedict started planning his days around Saben, such that he was there for every milestone that occurred. Whether it was school events or homework, he was also there to cheer him through soccer practice.“Daddy, look!” Saben called one afternoon, holding up a drawing he had made of their family. It was a colorful crayon illustration of Saben,
Benedict's jaw clenched in place. He seemed to be flashing a fleeting guilt across his face. "Because I see it now. I see what I lost. I see what I could've had if I had been the man she needed me to be back then. I'm not asking for forgiveness, Mrs. Taylor—I know I don't deserve it yet. But I'm asking for a chance. A chance to earn back their trust."Wendy's eyes softened ever so slightly, but her voice remained firm. "This isn't about earning trust, Benedict. It's about proving you're worth the pain they've endured. If you falter, if you let them down again, it won't just break their hearts-it will destroy them. Can you carry that burden?"Benedict straightened, his resolve hardening. "I can. I will.Wendy’s silence returned, but this time, there was a flicker of approval in her eyes. “We shall see,” she murmured, her voice thoughtful. “You’ve taken the first step, but there are many more ahead.”As they left the study, the tension eased slightly. In the living room, Sabrina sat on
As Benedict stood there, his eyes remained fixed on Saben, so did Sabrina's voice break the silence. "This is Saben, Benedict," she said. "Your son."There, in the air, hung such heavy and powerful words that shook Benedict's core. His breath hitched; he took a step closer; his eyes never left Saben."Saben …" he whispered, in awe and regret.Saben looked at him curiously, clutching his drawing. "You my daddy?" he said, his innocent voice penetrating Benedict's heart.Benedict knelt before him, the tears building in his eyes. "Yes, Saben," he said, trying to sound steady. "I am your daddy."Saben's lips curled into a small smile. "Mommy said you're a good man.Benedict looked at Sabrina, his eyes full of thanks and tears. "I am trying to be," he whispered, turning back to Saben. "I promise I will never leave you again."Teresa came forward, her face wet with tears. "Is this my grandchild?" she asked, her voice shaking.Sabrina nodded, letting her own tears fall unreservedly now. "Yes,
Clara fumed furiously as she paced around her fancy penthouse, her phone clutched tightly to her ear. It was after the press conference was over, and Benedict's words echoed in her brain like a cruel reminder of her defeat. She thought that by spreading lies against Sabrina, she would destroy her and get ahead in Benedict's life, but little did she know that the man would do the unthinkable to her—he would publicly declare to the world that he stood with Sabrina and his child. Her hands were shaking with anger as she dialed Benedict's number.She needed to see him, make him see reason. This could not be the end. "Clara," he said, his voice level, as if he were already tired of this conversation. "You think you can just go ahead and declare to the world that Sabrina and you have a child together, and that is going to be all right?" Clara's voice was acid sharp, laced with venom."You embarrassed me. You broke me!" Benedict let out a heavy sigh. "Clara, it needs to stop now. I am not do
The day of the press conference arrived, and Benedict stood before the flashing cameras, his face a mixture of determination and frustration. He knew this wasn’t just about clearing his name—it was about protecting Sabrina, their son Saben, and the family he had let fall apart for far too long. The room was crammed full of reporters, with their microphones extended toward him, like vultures waiting to snatch the first drop of blood. Benedict cast a glance in the direction of his PR team, who were nodding as if every thing was in place. Benedict cleared his throat and advanced toward the podium, his deep voice cutting across the noise."Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for being here," Benedict started, his voice low but firm. "I've called this press conference to address the recent allegations surrounding my family, specifically regarding my relationship with Sabrina Auburn and the child we have together, Saben."The murmurs in the room went louder, but Benedict kept his hand up, s
Wendy settled back into her chair, the weight of that decision settling in her chest like a quiet storm. She had built her empire over years of ruthless precision and now, for the first time in years, she was directing that power at someone who had dared hurt her family.Her fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest as she thought of Clara's position. A famous reporter, who had once been involved with Benedict, using her influence to undermine Sabrina and sabotage everything she had worked for. It was bold, reckless, and most of all, unforgivable.Leila sat nearby, looking at her mother with a mix of admiration and concern. "Do you really think Clara will back down when she finds out about the investigation?Wendy's lips curled into a tight smile. "Clara's played in the big leagues too long. She thinks she can twist the truth to her advantage. But she's forgotten one thing: I built my empire on truths buried deep, and I have no problem digging up the truth about her. The world will s
Sabrina took a deep breath, trying to push away the weight of the chaos outside these walls. She stepped further into the room, her presence immediately catching Saben's attention."Mommy!" Saben called out, his face lighting up even more as he slid off the stool and ran toward her.Sabrina squatted down, pinning him to her as she hugged him close. "Hi, baby. How did you do for Grandma and Great-Grandma?"Saben was bobbing his head and nodding furiously; curls were bouncing all over his face. "We baked cookies! And Grandma Wendy let me sprinkle them at the top!""Well, now?" Sabrina asked with a warm, chuckling laugh, looking up at Wendy.Wendy stood up elegantly, smoothing the front of her blouse. "He's just the little helper. What a bright, happy boy you have there, Sabrina. Just like your daddy was when he was a boy."Leila comes over and puts a gentle touch on Sabrina's shoulder. "You look so tired, sweetheart. Okay?Sabrina hesitated, her smile faltering. For a moment, she though
"Sabrina," Benedict said, his voice softening. "Please. I deserve to know the truth.If he is my son…I want to be part of his life." Sabrina's eyes welled with tears as she finally gazed at him, her guard breaking down. "Why now, Benedict? Why you care after all these years? You have made it obvious that you don't want the family thing with me long ago." His face contorted with regret."I was a fool, Sabrina. I didn't know what I had until it was gone. And if Saben is my son, I need to make things right—for him, and for you." Silence hung between them as Sabrina wrestled with her emotions. Finally, she took a deep breath, her voice trembling. "Yes," she admitted, her words barely above a whisper."Saben is your son." He just gasped. There was a mixture of shock and relief on his face as he ran his fingers through his hair, gasping hard as he tried to draw in her words. "My son." Benedict said almost to himself. Sabrina wiped at a tear on her cheek. Her voice was steady, but the storm i