"Why do you look so sad?" Sinjin asked Eds as Williams loaded his suitcase into the trunk of the car. "I'll be back before you know it.""I know," Eds replied, nodding. "I just... I'm going to miss you, that's all.""Really?" Sinjin looked at her, surprised."Of course." Eds frowned, puzzled by his surprise. "I know it's only two weeks, but it'll feel like an eternity to me."Sinjin smiled softly. "I'm so glad to hear that because I'm going to miss you and the boys like crazy. If I could, I'd take you with me.""Maybe next time," she said, her tone hopeful."You promise?" Sinjin asked, holding up his pinky."I promise." Eds chuckled, linking her pinky with his and sealing the pact."Awesome," he grinned, leaning over to peck her cheek."Sometimes, you act like a nine-year-old," Eds teased, shaking her head."We never really grow up, you know," he replied with a wink."Okay, go on before I beg you to stay." She said, opening the back door for him. "Call me when you land, okay?""Sure t
Kyle shut the door behind the psychologist and leaned against it, releasing a sigh of relief. He then walked into the living room, quietly settling on the sofa across from his sons. For several minutes, he remained silent.As he looked at them, he couldn't help but notice how little they resembled him. They had Eds' eyes, her delicate button nose, and her striking jet-black hair. If they let their hair grow longer, they could almost be mistaken for girls. His sons weren’t just handsome; they were truly beautiful. He felt grateful to finally be part of their lives.He wanted to ask them about their session with the psychologist but hesitated. Something told him they wouldn't appreciate the question, so he held back, choosing instead to trust that whatever was said had been positive about their new situation."So, um... is there anything you'd like to eat?" Kyle asked them, hesitantly."We've already eaten," Troy replied.Kyle raised an eyebrow. "What did you have?""Food," Tristan said
A week later Tristan and Troy were playing soccer in front of the house when Emma's red Audi R8 Spyder zoomed up the driveway, stopping right in front of them. The car door swung open, and Emma stepped out, closing it behind her. Without so much as a glance at the boys, she strode directly into the house.The boys knew Emma had purposely parked in front of the house to stop their game. They didn't like her, and she didn't like them either, but they respected her because she was Sinjin's sister."How are we supposed to play now?" Troy asked, frustration evident in his voice. "We'll just play around the car. It'll be fun," Tristan replied with a mischievous grin. Troy nodded in agreement. "Okay." As they continued their game, they moved farther away from the car. But in a sudden misstep, Tristan accidentally kicked the ball towards the car’s windshield. The glass shattered with a loud crack. Troy gasped, covering his mouth as his eyes widened in horror. "Oh no!" "What do I do
"Adella, there's something I've been meaning to ask you," Sinjin called out as she turned to leave his office. She spun around, curious. "Yes, sir? You can ask me anything."Sinjin hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Your outfits... over the past few weeks," he started, searching for the right words, "have been, well... inappropriate, to say the least. Is there someone here you're trying to impress?"Adella felt her pulse quicken. So he had noticed. She'd been waiting for this moment, though she was careful to hide her satisfaction. "No, sir," she replied, her voice steady despite the lie. "I'm not trying to impress anyone."Sinjin raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Really? Then why the skimpy clothing?"Adella glanced down, suddenly self-conscious of her short skirt and the extra buttons on her blouse that she'd undone before entering his office. "Skimpy?" she repeated in a tiny voice, her face warming with embarrassment."Yes," Sinjin confirmed with a sigh. "I've tried not to
After Sinjin and Eds finished brushing, Sinjin said, "We haven't gone on a date since we got married. I’d like to take you out tomorrow night. What do you think?"Eds replied, "Let’s go to that beachfront restaurant on Lanikai Beach.""Okay, it’s a date," Sinjin grinned. "I’ll pick you up at six.""How about I pick you up at six instead?" Eds suggested with a smile.Sinjin raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Really? That’s a first." He muttered."And I’m going to pay for our meal," she added."In that case, I’m going to order a five-course meal," Sinjin said. "Are you sure about paying? That place is pretty expensive.""Thanks to my brilliant husband, I’ve made quite a bit of money these past few months. I’m not a millionaire yet, but I’m getting there," Eds said, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I can cover our meal without it affecting my account.""I see," Sinjin said, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. "Do we really have to wait until August? I’m not a fan of
"Blaine Piers? The actor who owns 300 hectares of land at Twin Oaks Ranch in Sequoia Springs?" Adella asked, her eyes widening in shock."That's the one," Sinjin confirmed. "He doesn't want the ranch interfering with his celebrity lifestyle. I've heard he's been trying to sell it, but no one's been interested.""Are you planning to become a rancher?" Adella asked, surprised. "Sequoia Springs is three hundred miles from Elderstone.""I hear livestock farming can be a lucrative business," Sinjin remarked. "How do you think Blaine Piers Sr. made his fortune?""Um... I'll call his assistant and ask," Adella said, quickly typing it into her iPad. "Is there anything else, sir?""Ah, you're free to leave by six. I’m going on a date with my wife—she's picking me up," Sinjin said with a grin."Alright, sir," Adella nodded before turning and walking out of the office.~~~~~~At five-thirty, Sinjin's meeting with the executives of Mega Mind Studios, the parent company of Midas Corporation, was d
"God help her if she’s not dressed yet," he muttered angrily, throwing open the door to his office.She sat in his chair, facing the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a sweeping view of the city's skyline. Her casual demeanor infuriated him, and in a surge of anger, he stormed over, roughly grabbing her by the arm and yanking her to her feet. "You're hurting me!" she cried out in pain."No, this is nothing compared to what I should actually be doing to you," Sinjin snarled, his grip tightening. "What the hell is wrong with you?!""You're what's wrong with me!" she shot back, her voice sharp with frustration. "You just couldn't resist marrying that woman, could you?""Excuse me?" Sinjin hissed, his tone dangerously low."I wasn't joking when I said I want you," she said boldly, placing a hand on his chest. "You could do so much better than someone like Edselyn Moore."Sinjin released her as though her touch had scalded him. "You're lucky you're a woman, Adella," he growled. "Other
Sinjin knew Eds hadn't come home before he even stepped through the door, and a sinking feeling settled in his stomach. The house was eerily quiet for a Friday, as the boys were spending the weekend with Kyle."Welcome home, sir," Mrs. Bale greeted him in the hallway, stepping forward to take his coat and laptop bag."Is my wife home?" Sinjin asked, a trace of hope in his voice."She's not back yet, sir," Mrs. Bale replied politely. "You mentioned I shouldn't prepare dinner tonight. Should I still go ahead with that?"Sinjin sighed, shaking his head. "No, that hasn't changed. I'll just give her a call and check on her. She's probably still at work." He answered."Very well, sir." Mrs. Bale nodded and left him.Sinjin pulled his phone from his jacket pocket, unlocked it, and dialed Eds' number, holding the phone to his ear as it began to ring. Eds usually answered on the first ring, but this time, the call went to voicemail. With a deep sigh, he tried Sande's number. She answered after
Two weeks later Sinjin stepped out of his car and shut the door, glancing at his father's house with a shake of his head before rounding the vehicle and making his way inside. The butler, Fred, had passed away months ago, and they hadn’t bothered to hire a replacement.Kyle had died in a car accident while fleeing from the police, and Lucas was arrested at the airport just as he was about to escape the country. Taron, his boss, along with the entire gang, had been sent to prison. Mallucia had found a wealthy French man to latch onto, and Sinjin ensured that Adella paid for hurting Eds by exiling her to Africa.He and Eds named their boys Emilio and Emeliano, and their daughters Annabelle and Phoebe.Striding down the hallway, he opened the door to the living room and stepped inside, shutting it behind him. His parents and sister were seated, watching his press conference, and he was relieved to find them all together.“Sinjin!” Camilla gasped, rising to her feet. “Oh, my baby!” She
Sande blinked once, twice, and then a third time, staring at Sinjin in disbelief. The man in front of her had blue eyes and dark hair, resembling her best friend's husband, yet Sande was uncertain if she was hallucinating."Dad?" the boys chorused, shock evident on their faces. An audience had gathered, all equally astonished at the sight of a supposedly dead man alive."Hi, boys. Missed me?" Sinjin grinned."Dad!" they exclaimed, rushing to hug him before Sande could intervene. They burst into tears as he enveloped them in his arms.Onlookers recorded the miraculous scene, still struggling to comprehend what they were witnessing. Sande approached Sinjin, stopping a few feet away. She noticed the faded bruises on his face and a small scar near his hairline that hadn't been there months ago."You're Sinjin Santillan?" she asked, needing confirmation."Hey, short stuff. You look good," he replied. "Married life suits you.""What's my middle name?" she pressed."Phoebe," Sinjin answered
Two weeks later Eds was sitting in the family room, watching TV with her boys, when Mrs. Bale entered to announce Camilla's arrival. She quickly instructed the boys to go upstairs, and they hurried off just as Camilla walked in with Emma by her side.Eds knew they were angry at her for refusing to attend Sinjin’s funeral, but she didn’t care. What bothered her more was the smug smile plastered on Emma’s face, leaving her uneasy as to why Emma looked so pleased."Hello," Eds greeted awkwardly. "Please, have a seat. Can I get you anything?""There’s no need for that," Camilla said coldly. "I’m here to take possession of my son’s house. I want you and your boys out of here in the next two hours."Eds stared at her in shock. "Excuse me? What right do you think you have to do that? This is my husband’s house, and you can’t just throw us out.""You insolent brat," Camilla hissed. "Your husband? Did you ever love my son, or were you just pretending all along?""I don’t need to prove my love
"Mrs. Santillan, are you alright?" Dr. Carmichael inquired, her brows knitting together with concern as Eds stared back at her, silent and unmoving."I can't be pregnant," Eds blurted out suddenly, her voice tinged with panic. "I can't be pregnant."Dr. Carmichael hesitated. "I thought... it might be good news for you, considering... after your husband's passing."Eds’ eyes narrowed. "If you were in my shoes, would you be happy?""Maybe... just a little," Dr. Carmichael admitted softly. "A part of me would find comfort, knowing his baby was growing inside me. Whether boy or girl, I’d have something of him to hold onto." She paused, her voice turning solemn. "I understand, Mrs. Santillan. I lost my husband and unborn daughter on the same day. There were moments I didn’t want to go on."Eds looked at her with surprise. "How did you manage?""With the help of my friends and family, I found my way back. I returned to being a doctor, and though the pain never fully goes away, it gets bett
A month later Breaking News: Global Shockwaves as Sinjin Santillan's Jet Crashes into Ocean: Tragic Incident Stuns the WorldAnchor: "Good evening. This is Starline News, and I'm Jayce Hammond. Our top story tonight: 'Global Shockwaves as Sinjin Santillan's Jet Crashes into Ocean: Tragic Incident Stuns the World.' We now go live to June Littleton for the latest updates."June Littleton: "Thank you, Jayce. I'm June Littleton reporting for Starline News. In a devastating turn of events today, the world has been left in shock following the crash of a private jet owned by the renowned entrepreneur Sinjin Santillan. The aircraft, en route from Los Angeles to Tokyo, went down in the ocean under still-unknown circumstances, sending shockwaves across the globe.June Littleton: "Santillan, widely known for his influential role in various industries, was on board the jet when the incident occurred. Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control shortly befo
Kyle's eyes widened when he checked the intercom and saw Simon standing alone at the door. His heart sank slightly, as the boys weren't with him. He hurriedly unlocked the door and stepped into the hallway."Where are the boys?" Kyle demanded, his voice edged with irritation. "It's my turn to have them."Simon stood firm, holding up an envelope. "The boys are sick. Mrs. Santillan sent me to give you this."Kyle snatched the envelope, ripping it open. His brow furrowed as he unfolded the paper—a court-issued restraining order. His blood boiled."What the hell is this?!" Kyle spat, thrusting the paper toward Simon. "She can’t stop me from seeing my sons!"At that moment, the elevator doors slid open, revealing Sinjin. He strolled toward them, catching the tail end of Kyle’s outburst."Maybe she can’t stop you," Sinjin remarked coolly, bending to pick up the discarded paper. "But the court can. And it just did."Kyle's face reddened, his fists clenched. "You bastard! This was your plan a
Tristan unbuttoned his shirt and slid it off his shoulders, his eyes dropping when he noticed the horrified expression on Eds' face. To his surprise, instead of recoiling, she grabbed his hand, pulling him to his feet and dragging both him and his brother out of the room."Sinjin!" Eds called urgently as she hurried down the stairs. "Sinjin!"Sinjin emerged from his home office, his curiosity piqued by the alarm in Eds' voice. His eyes widened in shock as he noticed the bruises marking the boys' bodies, who were beside her, trailing closely."What on earth... How did this happen?" Sinjin crouched down, his voice filled with concern. "Who did this to you?" he asked the boys."No one," they replied in unison."That's all they keep telling me," Eds said, frustration lacing her words. "I called Kyle, and he said Troy was being bullied at school, but I didn’t believe him. Then I told Tristan to take off his shirt, and look! Their bruises are identical." She gestured at the boys as she expl
Over the following weeks, Kyle made every effort to get the boys to call him "dad," but they stubbornly stuck to using his name, which frustrated him. His attempt to eliminate Sinjin had failed, and each time he passed by Eds' shop, he was irritated by the sight of her laughing with Sinjin.What truly set him off was seeing them dancing and singing together in her shop, with customers cheering them on and recording the moment to post online. The video quickly went viral, amassing ten million views in just 24 hours.It was the same video that Troy and Tristan were watching on their phones, the volume loud and disruptive, while Kyle tried to concentrate on work. It grated on his nerves."Turn it off," he demanded."What?" Tristan asked, confused."I said, turn the damn thing off!" Kyle snapped."We're watching it," Troy responded, his tone defiant.Kyle shot up from his seat at the kitchen counter, marched over to the boys in the living room, and ripped the phones from their hands, hurl
A week later Kyle walked into Haven's Brew and Bakery during his lunch break and was pleased to find it empty. He had noticed that the busiest times were in the morning and occasionally when school let out, so he made it a point to come during lunch when Eds was usually free.He spotted Madison behind the display case, placing a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies and muffins, and greeted her with a smile."Hi," he said."Hi, Kyle," Madison replied. "Here to see the boss?""Yeah. Is she in?" Kyle asked.Just then, a squeal from Eds' office caught his attention. He was about to rush behind the counter to check what was wrong when Eds burst out of the office, laughing and trying to evade someone."No, stop!" she called out, still laughing.Kyle was puzzled about who she was with, but his confusion turned to shock when he saw Sinjin approaching with his hands raised in a peace gesture. Kyle couldn't believe his eyes—a blind man walking as if he could see."Santillan?" Kyle called out,