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
Meanwhile, Benedict sat in his office, the faint lights of the city casting shadows on the massive heaps of papers on his desk. The room was silent, except for the tick-tock of the clock, each tick singing of the growing pressure mounting against him. The company was at the point of impending doom - once a blooming empire now teetering on the point of collapse. Investors were pulling out, and employees were on their toes. But he had become so caught up in his work and in pride that he hadn't seen this coming.He sank back into his chair, the weight of fatigue pressing down on him like a stone. Still, it wasn't all this-all the chaos and the meetings, nights, and stress-that hollowed him out. It was an absence he hadn't acknowledged before, one that seemed to creep in during the quiet moments.Sabrina.And this memory of her name was like a knife cutting through him as he recalled, in vivid memory, the smooth contours of her face, the gentle smile she habitually wore, the way she would
Sabrina's days in Paris had blurred into one another, with classes, sketches, fabric swatches, and runway rehearsals consuming every waking moment. She was awakened each morning by early rising and deep breaths as the external city outside her window slowly came to life. She was not unaware of what she was up against—it was more than a career to which she was joining. This was her chance at building a future, for herself and for her unborn child.Despite the constant fatigue that came with being pregnant, Sabrina never lost her will to draw. Every design she made was a gesture of love — not only for the unborn baby but also for that which she would be crafting for the future. She learned to balance her dreams with her physical limitations, leaving her feeling exhausted yet pushing herself forward while still needing a lot of rest when necessary.There were days when the exhaustion threatened to consume her. She spent long hours sitting at her desk, going over and perfecting her design
Each passing day, Sabrina's reputation as a designer continued to grow. She threw herself into every project, creativity flowing through her with a fierceness that stunned her professors and peers alike. Her passion for fashion was undeniable, and with each passing week and growing baby bump, the fire inside her to create something that would make her and her child proud had grown just as fervently.There were moments when she couldn't handle it at all-when the countless hours spent in studio sessions and the burden of carrying a child became unbearable.. But every time, she'd think of what Leila said, of the promise she had made to herself and to her baby, and somehow, that's enough to keep her going.As time went by, Sabrina's designs started to stir the waters in the fashion world. Her name started to get whispered with other established names of the best up-and-coming designers in Paris. Rave reviews coupled with subsequent competition entry to make her more stable in the world of
Pregnant or not, Sabrina always joins her university's competitions. She never lets go of an opportunity to compete. Her hands lay gently on her baby bump under the soft lighting from her studio's single overhead lamp. Rain was drumming against the window in a soothing rhythm as she thought. In front of her lay a mannequin draped in the beginnings of her latest design - a gown which would be inspired by her journey. The fabric rippled like waves across the ocean she had crossed to start this new chapter in Paris. She smiled faintly, brushing her fingertips along the intricate stitching. "We did this," she murmured to her unborn child. "Every stitch, every sketch - it's for us." The baby responded with a soft flutter, and Sabrina laughed out in that quiet joy filling her. It was her sanctuary now, a place where creativity could breathe and dreams take shape. It's everything she wanted but never knew she needed-the simplicity, the focus of it-and yet, far removed from the life left beh
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,