Elena's hand paused over her notepad, and she looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing her usually even face. "Find…Sabrina?" she repeated, her tone careful."Yes," Benedict said, his voice firmer than before. "It's time I confronted what I've done—what I've lost." He paused, collecting his thoughts. "She deserves to know what's going on here. And…she deserves an apology."Elena scrutinized him; she could feel the weight in his voice. It was a different Benedict - one she hardly ever saw - shedding off armor."Understood, Mr. Thompson," Elena said softly. "I'll make contact with all contacts that might be able to help us find her. Do you have any idea where she might be?"He shook his head slowly, frustration chafing at regret. "Not exactly. Last I knew, she'd gone to stay with her mother. But I don't even know if she stayed there. I pushed her away so completely."His voice thickened, and he looked away, jaw clenched. "But if anyone can find her, it's you, Elena."Elena nodded, feel
Wendy returned to Texas with a heavy heart after an intense meeting with Sabrina's husband. She didn't tell Sabrina what transpired during her encounter with Benedict Thompson, and remained silent, carrying a heavy heart in unspoken words.Before meeting Sabrina and her daughter-in-law, Leila, Wendy already knew that Benedict was married to her lovely granddaughter. Assailed with a mix of anxiety and resolve, she was burning to know the actual reason for the shards that had broken Sabrina's heart. Who was the reason for her granddaughter's sorrow? This weighed a lot within her, fueling up the desperate endeavor for answers.Wendy Taylor sat silently inside her private jet, the mumble of the engines not really audible as she gazed into the windowpane at the spread metropolis below. Her thoughts were a million miles away, not on the flight she was on but on the memories of her granddaughter, Sabrina. Years had passed since Benedict Thompson had broken Sabrina's heart, the man who had on
She sat listening to him with an intent expression, her eyes holding onto Leila as she weighed carefully each word. "Benedict Thompson." The name hovered between them like a shadow, a reminder of a past long buried but never fully forgotten. More, much more, than she was letting on, Leila thought, but Wendy knew better how to read the lines in between. She heard the reluctance in Leila's voice, the unwillingness to revisit wounds that had, in many ways, never healed.Wendy curled her hands over her knees, fingers locking together noiselessly as she contemplated the man who had once broken Sabrina's heart. She felt his pain, that unuttered grief, which fed a burning curiosity that seemed to grow more fervent with every lie she heard about Sabrina and Benedict. "Complicated," Wendy said softly, as if testing the word on her tongue. "Complicated is never just a simple answer, Leila." She leaned forward slightly, her eyes sharpened. "Tell me, what kind of man is he? Really, is he that w
Wendy stood in the stillness, her own weight settling upon her like a heavy fog. The room seemed colder now, and the echo of Leila's footsteps retreating past carried away even the sound of her desire. Wendy was left alone with her thoughts and Sabrina's heart.She didn't want Sabrina to suffer, didn't want this girl of hers to face one more drop of the poison that a world of hurt could be, how often it tore at the people they loved. But nothing like this had ever pushed her to intervene before. Certainly not since the past and the man responsible for hurting Sabrina were no longer the reasons. No, this was about the future.She truly believed that whatever was to happen in this moment would decide the rest of life for Sabrina for years to come, and she couldn't afford to let her granddaughter face another heartbreak. She cried for her hopelessness, knowing that what was going to be would be only torture if Sabrina's happiness was not handled with care.When emotions run so high, talk
At the tail end of the meeting, Wendy rose from her seat to extend a stiff but appropriately calm smile towards Benedict, covering both layers of thought. She had sown the seed of redemption within him, but it was for Benedict to determine whether he would take the change or continue on the road of destruction. With thanks and an exit out of the room, Wendy stayed seated and watched him leave while her brain whirred on with calculations of what might come next. He remained aloof. Benedict was no slacker when it came to business sense, and he instinctively knew who someone was, but she knew that was as much as he did. Wendy had determined she was not going to reveal she was Sabrina's grandmother - not yet, at any rate. There was weight to that, and a delicate balance to be struck. She knew that once Benedict learned the truth about her association with Sabrina, everything would change. Would he see it as a manipulation of sorts? Would he be driven to prove himself to her, or would he
Sabrina had been so focused and determined in entering the new chapter of her life. The pregnancy news was a surprise, but it gave her clarity she never had. She knew whatever awaited her regarding the future and no matter how tough it was, she would face it straight in the face, more so because she was about to chase her biggest dream - she became a fashion designer.She's always been passionate about design, but creating something entirely her own—building a brand from the ground up—is now at the top of her mind. Months of sketching designs, curating ideas, and looking for the best materials have resulted in something she believes is now closer to reality. Part of her wanted to prove it to herself as well as to those around her that she was capable of so much more than just being Benedict Thompson's wife. She wanted something of her own and to create something lasting—something meaningful, separate from her past.Wendy, the always protectively and supportively gentle grandmother,
This was the start.The coming months would be grueling, with long hours that would push through till the wee hours of the morning, as well as numerous lessons learned in the world of fashion design. Sabrina was well aware that it wouldn't be an easy journey, but she was prepared. She envisioned something that was more than just creating beautiful garments, but something that could stand for something much deeper. Her designs would represent strength, grit, and the loveliness born from the toughest of life's moments.Leila, ever the rock by her side, smiled softly as she watched Sabrina absorb all that Paris had to offer. There was something about this city that made everything feel possible, and Leila knew that her daughter-in-law would thrive here. Determination had always been the hallmark of Sabrina's life, and now it would lead her toward something even greater, within this city of dreams.But Wendy felt it too. She had seen her granddaughter suffer, her pain and doubt, but now
As Sabrina emerged from the conference room, she could barely hold herself in. Her heart pounded within her chest as she scanned the hall for Wendy and Leila. The meeting had gone better than she had dared hope for—she was officially accepted into one of Paris's most prestigious fashion schools. Her dream, once a far-off spark, was now almost within reach.She glanced in just beyond, holding her breath. Wendy's face alight as she caught sight of Sabrina coming into view; Leila leaped forward, her eyes raking Sabrina's face for the answer."Okay?" she ventured, her voice full of anticipating question. "How was it?"Sabrina took a deep breath. A large, shimmering smile burst forth on her face. "I got in mom," she said, her voice quivering with emotion. "They loved my designs. They said… they said I have potential."Wendy beamed, pulling Sabrina into a tight hug. "Of course you do, dear," she whispered. "I've always known you had it in you."Leila's eyes sparkled with pride as she reached
One evening, when the setting sun painted the sky with soft hues of orange and pink, Benedict realized it was time to do something more to prove himself to Sabrina. Though he had been patient in giving her space, as she needed it, he felt the load of time. He wanted her to know that this was not a joke; he had serious intentions about them-that is, rebuilding their family. He fussed in front of the mirror over the knotting of his tie. Tonight had to be flawless; tonight was only one stop on the journey for that future he was setting to build with her.He took a deep breath and checked his time; his message was sent-simple as could be: "Would you go on a date with me? A real one this time. Just the two of us. I'll take care of everything. Sabrina’s response came a few minutes later: “Okay, Benedict. I’ll be there.” The thrill of anticipation coursed through him. It wasn’t just another dinner or a casual outing. This was his chance to show her that he was committed to more than just bei
"Everyone has a breaking point," she said to herself, a fierce determination in her voice. "And I’ll find theirs. With a steadying breath, she reached for her phone and dialed a number she hadn’t called in years.When someone finally picked up, she spoke in a chilling, calculated tone. "I need your help," she said. "It's personal, and I'm willing to pay—no questions asked." Then, there was a silence before the voice responded with, "What are you looking for?" Clara's obsession had finally peaked and had reached its dangerous point where all the calculated moves were going into desperation. She was storming around her apartment, with her anger barely under control. Her fingers tapped out on her phone as she scrolled through contacts with fury. "I need someone ruthless," she whispered to herself, narrowing her eyes at the number. Dialing fast, she tapped her foot impatiently. When the line clicked, a gruff voice answered, "Who is this?""It's Clara Hemp," she said coldly. "I have a job f
That evening, as they went back in the house, Benedict extended his hand toward Sabrina. She was hesitant for that moment, between uncertainty and hope, and then let her fingers intertwine with his. But warmth of his touch sent down shivers on her spine, reviving long buried feelings. The house was silent, the only sounds coming from the refrigerator humming in the kitchen and the gentle patter of Saben playing with his toys in the living room. Benedict looked into Sabrina's eyes; they were filled with warmth. "Thanks for trusting me today," he whispered softly."I know it's not easy."Sabrina sat there in silence, feeling the full weight of his words. She just looked at their joined hands and felt this nostalgic feeling. She was reminiscing about the early days when they were together and their relationship so carefree and easygoing. It included all of the laughter and whispering promises but how he looked at her as if she was the world. "Benedict," she started, her voice breaking."I
But even as regret flickered in her heart, Clara's pride refused to let her admit defeat. Every failure only fueled her desperation, and her obsession with Benedict and Sabrina grew darker. If she couldn't have Benedict, then she would ensure he couldn't be happy with Sabrina. She planned something ugly in her mind to spoil the fragile peace. Her hatred was a clouding judgment that she convinced herself that she had nothing left to lose.Sabrina and Saben became the obstacles on her path to vengeance, and she intended to remove them. Week after week passed since Clara stalked Sabrina, Benedict, and Saben, watching their daily habits through school drop-offs, a family outing, seeing him chuckle with Saben and hold Sabrina's hand. The sight alone inflamed her blood with those moments. It wasn't envy; it was something within herself-a sore that she could never seem to let heal. One evening, Clara sat in her dimly lit apartment, pouring over photos she had secretly taken. Images of the ha
As Clara stormed out, defeated, Sabrina turned to Benedict. She saw, for the first time, not the man who had hurt her but the man who had grown-a man who was willing to fight, to change, and to put his family above everything else. His transformation was undeniable, and in his eyes, she saw sincerity and regret mingled with hope. For a moment, the weight of their shared past pressed down on her chest, but alongside it came a newfound lightness. She didn't fully trust him yet, but she couldn't deny the shift in her heart.The walls she had built so carefully were beginning to crumble—not in an explosion of emotion, but in slow, deliberate cracks that allowed just enough room for forgiveness to seep through. He looked into her, his expression relaxing. "Sabrina," he murmured softly, coming closer. "Thank you for sticking up for me out there. I know that was no easy feat." "Yes,Sabrina." she said in barely audible tones, her voice strained with emotion. "But it wasn't just about you. It
The lies were vicious but gained currency quickly; soon an onslaught by trolls online threatened Sabrina's character. Sabrina wanted to and tried to tune out some of the comments, not easy. One evening, tearing through her phone, it brought tears to her eyes; Benedict found her in the living room tightly clutching her device: "Don't read that crap," he took the phone from her face. "None of that is ever true." "I know," Sabrina whispered, her voice trembling. "But it still hurts.". Benedict pulled her into his arms, holding her close. “We’ll get through this, Sabrina. Together.”Despite Clara’s relentless efforts, Benedict and Sabrina refused to crumble under the weight of her schemes. Each attack only solidified their resolve to protect their family. Late-night conversations, whispered promises, and shared moments with Saben began to fill the cracks in their fractured relationship. Benedict was no longer the man Sabrina had known once. He had transformed into a devoted father and man
Clara paced in her dimly lit apartment, her manicured nails tapping rhythmically against the glass of wine in her hand. Her world was crumbling; her reputation lay in shambles and the career she had fought so hard for was now in ruin.The press conference held by Benedict absolved Sabrina from all accusations and portrayed Clara as a liar. It was simply humiliating. “This isn’t over,” Clara hissed to herself, her lips curling into a bitter smile.“Sabrina might think she’s won, but I’ll make her pay. I’ll make them all pay.” She retrieved her phone and started frittering through social media, where anger gave fingers to tremble as there would be pictures of Benedict with Sabrina and Saben in the park. And they looked happy, glowing, as if nothing ever could touch their perfect family. It was sick."They'll regret this," Clara murmured, her voice venomous. She opened a new folder on her laptop titled Justice and began gathering information. Photos, old messages, any scrap of detail she
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,