They stood like that for some time, swaying each other in each other's embracing arms. But their peace was broken by the fast, small footsteps."Mommy! Daddy!" Saben exploded into the living room, his face aglow with excitement. "Are we gonna have cake today? Nana Teresa said you're getting married right now!"Sabrina and Benedict pulled themselves apart, laughing. Sabrina dropped to her knees to be at Saben's eye-level, her fingers cradling the small face. "Not today, sweetheart," she said softly. "But soon. Very soon.""How soon?" he asked, furrowing his brow with a seriousness that a child alone could possess.Benedict crouched next to Sabrina, ruffling Saben’s hair. “We’ll make sure you’re the first to know, okay? And yes, there will be lots of cake.”“Chocolate?” Saben asked hopefully.“Chocolate,” Benedict promised with a smile.Feeling satisfied with that, Saben threw his arms around both of them squeezing tight. "I love you, Mommy and Daddy."We love you too, dear," Sabrina re
Sabrina and Benedict had sent this. Photos and newspaper clippings covered the dimly lit room. In her mind, Clara was a whirlwind of anger and mad desire. Her lips curled into a sneer as she regarded the happy family in a tabloid cover photo. The headline read: "Thompson and Auburn Reunited: A New Beginning."Her fingers closed tighter to the edge of the paper; it crumpled up in her hand. "They think they've won," she was saying to herself with a venomous tone of voice. “But I’m not done with them. Not by a long shot.”Clara's obsession had consumed her, festering into something far darker. She started mapping out a new plan that would shatter Benedict and Sabrina's world permanently. "If I can't have my happiness, neither will they," she whispered, her eyes gleaming with malice.Clara's phone buzzed again, the insistent vibration echoing through the silent, shadowy room. She scowled, her patience wearing thin. Reaching out to grab the device, she stared at the screen, her lips curlin
A single shot boomed, hitting her in the shoulder and slamming her down on the floor. Agents surged in, pinioning her hands behind her, removing the detonator and turning the thing off.“Clara Hemp, you’re under arrest for conspiracy, attempted murder, and terrorism,” Agent Morris said, his voice cold.Clara cackled through the pain, her bloodstained teeth bared in a grotesque smile. “You think this is over?” she rasped. “You think you’ve won? They’ll never be happy. NEVER!”Morris knelt beside her, his expression unyielding. “You’ve lost, Clara. It’s over.”The next morning, Benedict and Sabrina sat in their living room, the tension thick in the air as they waited for an update. When Benedict's phone buzzed, he answered immediately.Agent Morris's voice was steady on the other end. "Mr. Thompson, Clara Hemp has been apprehended. She won't be a threat to your family anymore."Benedict let out a long breath, his hand squeezing Sabrina's. "Thank you, Agent Morris. Truly."As he hung up,
For Benedict and Sabrina, all the roads had opened to endless possibilities of love, resilience, and the profound bond that could have been forged through battles both inside and out. Holding their hands tightly against each other, they boldly embarked into that bright light ahead, leaving the haunting shadows of Clara Hemp behind for good, ready for whatever followed next.As they drove through the beautiful Californian landscape, the weight of the confrontation slowly began to lift. Sabrina gazed out of the window, the golden fields stretching endlessly, mirroring the possibilities that lay ahead of them."Benedict," she began softly, turning to look at him. "Do you ever think about what would have happened if Clara hadn't come into our lives?"He caught her eye for just a second, then focused back on the road ahead, his hand tightly gripping the steering wheel without being overly so. "I've thought about it more times than I can count," he said finally. "But every time, I come to t
It had been seven days since things had taken a turning point in the lives of Benedict and Sabrina, and she was finally getting ready to rejoice in their new love and her promise with him. The engagement ball was not an ordinary ballroom affair but represented all that they fought for—family, love, and resilience. And as evening fell, there was no sign that this would be one forgettable night.The place was an exquisite mansion located right in the middle of California. The huge ballroom glistened with class, adorned with soft ivory and gold drapes. The crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and the soft warm, golden glow fell across the guests. Fresh roses and orchids were spread throughout, which matched the fresh greenery and elegant floral arrangements throughout the room. Everything was planned to the last minute because this was going to be one of the most important moments for Benedict and Sabrina.With people arriving, laughter and excitement filled the air. Sabrina and Be
The evening's music dwindled into silence, and it was time to let the guests take their leave, so Benedict and Sabrina remained by the grand entrance of the estate, waving everyone off. Hugs and words of warmth and congratulations sent waves of pure gratitude and exuberance within them. Saben, snug in Teresa's arms, was fast asleep, his little hand holding onto the lapel of her dress.The laughter and light of the evening had tired him out, but the soft smile on his face said volumes about his happiness, even in dreams. Penelope gave Sabrina one last playful nudge before heading off. “Don’t forget, Sab. I need all the wedding details first. Don’t you dare plan it without me!” Sabrina laughed, pulling her friend into a warm hug. “You’ll be the first to know, I promise. Thank you for everything, Pen.” When the car carrying Wendy Taylor and Leila Auburn arrived, both women extended their hands to Sabrina. Under the heavy chandeliers of the estate, Wendy's eyes sparkled as she kissed Sabri
She watched as Benedict slowly pulled down the cups of her bra, exposing her bare chest to him. His fingers slowly danced over her nipples in a taunting manner. she moaned softly, as he took a nipple into his mouth, sucking roughly while toying with her other breast.-nagend sa a casanova bedscene. "Benedict," she whimpered as he bit down. He pulled his mouth from her breast, making a popping sound, cocking his eyebrow at her. Hi moved his hands, slowly stroking her hips while teasing the waste bans of her stockings. "Yes, princess?" She writhed under his gaze, "Please touch me," I begged. He smiled, and began slowly to pull her stockings down."I think I said earlier that I am in charge of things here," he said as he pulled them off her legs, looking at her body as if he hadn't eaten for years. And suddenly, he has wrapped his hands around her thighs and spread them apart, leaning down and peppering her legs with soft kisses; the polar opposite of what was to come. Then he slowly made
He pulled her panties down, then got into position with himself at her entrance. He looked up to see that she was prepared, then slid inside. She gasped under the pressure as she arched her back up and he fell onto her breast with his mouth.He started pumping himself into her, and with every movement, she panted. She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding onto him tight as his thrusts made her hips move further up on the mattress."Benedict," Sabrina moaned out. "Benedict please, I'm so close."He pulled his mouth from her breast, shaking his head as he pushed her hair back. "No angel. You don't get to cum until I say you can."She whined as a response, desperate for a release as he continued to pound into her. Despite her current state, Benedict grabbed her legs, wrapping them around his hips so he could fuck her deeper. She screamed with each thump, raising her hand and pressing it on his biceps as I pushed my hand on the curves. She burst into laughter to lighten up as he cont
There was an awe stricken silence that swept over the room.Sabrina's breathing, too, had ceased. "What?"Eliana's mouth was dry. "He planted the bomb at the convention. And when that didn't work, he tried to kill me. If not for Nathaniel and Damian." she broke off her voice,".I would not be alive."Benedict's expression turned cold. "That abomination."Saben wasn't swallowing it, however. He was cold with anger. "And we're doing this on his word? He's a Harper. His father attempted to kill you. And now we're going to accept his word that he defected from his father?"Nathaniel's voice cut across him, hard but controlled. "I'm not my father."Saben snarled, advancing as if to hit him. "You carry his name, don't you?"Before this was allowed to go further, a third individual appeared in the room.Tap of cane on marble floors.Wendy Taylor.Leslie Auburn, Sabrina's mother, behind her. The two women who managed the families entered the room, their white faces contorted with horror and a
His own son—his own blood and flesh—had betrayed him.The treachery blazed hotter than the fires receding in the horizon."Shut up, Nathaniel," William snarled, striking his fist into the metal belly of the airplane.Seated across from him was one of his most dependable men, Marcus Steele, wiping blood from his mangled lip. "Sir, we should rethink. The Thompson family is not going away. They have money, they have connections—William's glare was toxic. "I don't care what they've got." Dead, deadly tone. "Eliana Thompson stole everything from us. And now my own son has the decency to be standing with her?"He spun on his pilot. "Faster. We have to get out of the city before the authorities surround it."Marcus hesitated before continuing. "Sir… Nathaniel can still be of some use. Maybe we could—"William pulled Marcus by the collar, dragging him towards him, inches from Marcus's face, his breath smelling of rage. "Nathaniel is dead to me. Hear me? DEAD."Marcus gulped hard, wide-eyed,
The centuries' weight—of blood and greed and war—hung heavily in the air.William chuckled, spinning the glass of whiskey in his hands. "You think you're superior to me? Different?"He approached closer, his voice as icy as cold water. "You bear my blood. You can fight it all you can, but you'll never be anything else but my son."Nathaniel's jaw snapped shut. "Then I'll spend the remainder of eternity denying you."William's eyes blazed with something—disappointment? No, anger.He slapped the whiskey glass on the table, and it broke. The sound echoed through the big room. "Then you leave me no choice."Nathaniel stood up. "What do you mean?His father's face hardened, his own face hard and unyielding. "You want to be allied with the Thompsons? You can. But listen to this, Nathaniel… from this moment on, you are not my son."The words cut deeper than a knife.Nathaniel's breath was trapped, but he strained himself up. "Then that makes two of us."For the first time in his life, he did
The drive back to the Thompson estate was tense. Eliana was in the backseat, her thoughts racing with Nathaniel's threat."There's another attack coming. Tonight."Damian was beside her, his face a mask as he checked his gun twice. The atmosphere was tense, heavy.Eliana addressed him. "Do you think he meant it?"Damian didn't look up. "Does it matter?"She frowned. "Of course, it matters."."No, Eliana." He finally met her gaze, his tone tough but soft. "The thing is, we have to assume he's lying. Because if he is, and we don't act, people die."She didn't appreciate that he was right.Eliana breathed in, smoothing out her hair. "If his father is involved, he won't stop until he gets what he is after."Damian leaned into the seat. "Then we don't let him have his way."His determination made her heart pound.For once, she wasn't alone in having to cope with this.Benedict Thompson stood in the security room, watching the live feed of the grounds of the estate. His jaw was clenched as
Nathaniel Harper did not look back when he left his father. Each step he made felt heavier, as though the burden of his family's transgressions was finally coming to catch up with him.He had spent his entire life attempting to validate himself before William Harper. Attempting to meet the standards of a man who regarded emotions as frailty, ethics as folly, and strength as the only concept worthy of consideration.Benedict Thompson stood before the fireplace, his fists gripping behind his back. The instant he discovered about the altercation at the commercial convention, he instructed for heightened security on the estate.He wouldn't let them have another attack.Sabrina sat facing him, her face set. "Are you certain about this, Benedict? Provoking them could create a greater problem."Benedict took a hard breath. "And doing nothing will leave us target practice. I won't sit idly by for that to happen."Wendy Taylor, Eliana's great-grandmother, struck her cane on the floor. "He's co
Damian took position beside her, his presence unbending. His hand was resting uncomfortably close to his gun, and Eliana knew that if she even moved her finger, he'd kill this man dead.But she was not going to let William have the pleasure of watching her lose control.She smirked. “That’s funny, Mr. Harper. Because from where I’m standing, you’ve already lost.”A muscle clenched in William's jaw. "You really believe that, don't you Eliana?""I don't believe. I know Mr.Harper." Eliana crossed her arms, her tone icy. "Your son is losing hold of his own conscience. Your empire is disintegrating. And soon enough, everyone will see you for what you actually are—a desperate old man holding on to whatever power he can still command."The room hung in silence. Everyone stared.Nathaniel sighed beside his father. He wasn't with William, definitely. He wasn't going to get himself caught up in things, though.William smiled, low and threatening. "Always had a quick mind, Miss Thompson. Too bad
The following day,The grand ballroom of Tokyo International Business Convention hummed with marble floors. CEOs, industry leaders, and investors walked around the room, sipping champagne glasses and making high-stakes business deals. Golden lights of chandeliers reflected against shiny marble floors, with a power and richness.Eliana Thompson pushed through the throng, demanding the notice of all present. She dressed in simple but elegant black that complemented her toughness, but under the coarse exterior smoldered fire. She did not come to make deals—she came to fight.She was not looking for this meeting.Nathaniel Harper stood in the middle of the room, talking to foreign investors. Wearing a well-fitted blue suit, he showed careless charm, his trademark smirk etched on his face as he shook hands with foreign investors.Eliana's fists clenched. Her own heart thudded in her ears as she stepped between them.Nathaniel hardly had time to react when she strode up to him, eyes blazing
Nathaniel closed his jaws. The words stung, betraying pain he had struggled to keep hidden all these years."Grandpa Paul suicided because he wanted to, Dad," he stated stubbornly but his voice did tremble with emotion. "Yes, the Thompsons were in the wrong, but both of them weren't he perfect. He himself well knew what he was letting himself in for when he fought it out with them.".William's eyes went black. "Don't you ever apologize to them! We were ruined by Benedict Thompson and his family! They sullied our name, they robbed us of all we had, and you—my own son—are here questioning me?Nathaniel balled his fists in his hand. "I'm asking you because I don't wish to be like you." His chest strained to fill the air for the effort of his words. "I don't want blood on my hands. And I sure as hell don't want to begin where a war should have ended after Grandpa Paul.".William's laugh was brutal and not amusing. "You do believe in peace? You actually think they're going to forgive and f
Wendy's head nodded in confirmation. "Exactly so. We don't have to spill blood to kill him—just cut him, in pieces."Benedict ran his hands through his face, the frustration percolating just beneath his placid surface. "This is risky. You all realize that, don't you? Once we go down this path, we can't turn back."Eliana remained steadfast, despite the burden of the impending war. "We crossed that line when they tried to kill me and Saben."Silence filled the room.Wendy breathed deep, holding on to her cane. "Then it's settled. We fight."Silence filled the room.Wendy breathed deep, holding on to her cane. "Then it's settled. We fight."Sabrina swallowed, holding Benedict's arm and she spoke again. "I just do not want to lose any of you."He softly said; in that instant she knew exactly what he meant. "I understand that feeling so well. I know the tears of this place will chase us out someday, but if it has happened, why should we let everything go while crying?"Eliana moved toward