Alina rested on the couch, a blanket draped over her legs and her hand resting on her rounded belly. At seven months pregnant, her baby bump was unmistakable, and it was a joy to see how much it had become a part of the family’s daily life. From Anton’s frequent hand resting over her belly to Linton’s fascination with “talking” to his baby sibling, the whole house seemed to radiate warmth and anticipation. Linton, bursting with excitement, had clambered up onto the couch beside her, his small hands gingerly placed over her belly as if holding a fragile treasure. He leaned in close, his expression serious as he started whispering to the baby. “Hi, baby sis,” Linton said, his voice soft but filled with excitement. “It’s me, Linton, your big brother! I can’t wait to meet you, and I’m gonna teach you everything I know. We’re gonna play so many games, and I’ll teach you how to draw dinosaurs and superheroes. And… and I’ll share my toys, too!” Alina chuckled, resting her hand over his.
The doorbell rang, and Alina smiled, knowing exactly who it was. A few moments later, Linton’s excited voice echoed through the hall as he raced toward the door to greet his best friend, Gabriel. “Gabriel!” Linton yelled, throwing the door open and giving his friend a high-five. Gabriel grinned as he stepped inside, holding a little gift bag in his hand. “Hey, Linton! Hi, Aunt Alina!” Gabriel greeted, his eyes wide with excitement as he approached her. “How’s the baby?” Alina chuckled, patting her belly. “Getting bigger every day, Gabriel. And she’s quite active today.” Linton immediately perched himself beside his mom, his eyes sparkling with interest. “Can I talk to her again, Mommy?” he asked with a shy smile. “Of course, sweetheart.” She smoothed down her shirt and leaned back so the boys could get closer. Gabriel scooted onto the couch beside Alina, looking both curious and excited. He handed her the little gift bag, inside of which was a small stuffed bunny with floppy ea
The villa was a picture-perfect scene of Christmas cheer. Twinkling lights adorned the exterior, casting a warm glow over the snow-dusted garden, while a large Christmas tree stood proudly in the living room, its ornaments glinting in the soft light. The scent of fresh pine and cinnamon filled the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of friends and family. Alina held her one-month-old daughter close, cradling the tiny bundle in her arms as guests arrived. She smiled, watching as Linton and Gabriel practically hovered around her, peering down at the baby with wide-eyed wonder. “Is she really my sister?Sometimes it feels like a dream mommy.” Linton asked for the tenth time, his voice filled with awe. Alina chuckled softly. “Yes, sweetheart. She’s really your sister. You got exactly what you asked Santa for last Christmas.” Linton beamed, reaching out a cautious hand to touch his sister’s tiny fingers. “Hi, baby sister,” he whispered. “ I’ll always protect you.” Gabriel,
"Traces of poison were found in the cookies you ate. " My gynaecologist Rihana's words kept revolving in my mind.“What did she say?” Natalie asked when I walked out of the cabin.“I got poisoned through the cookies.” I said in a low voice.“How is it possible? Natasha baked those cookies right?” She had a frown on her face.“It's hard to believe that my own best friend did such a terrible thing to me.” I am feeling ashamed to call her my friend. “Did you talk to Lucas about this?” She asked.I shook my head, “ I haven't told him anything yet.”“God knows how he will react to the fact that his friend tried to poison his wife and harm their baby.” She has concern written over her face. “Can you drop me home?” I asked and she nodded. Whole ride home was silent. I couldn't form any words and I'm glad Natalie didn't asked more questions. As I was walking inside I could see clothes on the floor. As I saw a pair of bra and panties lying at the door of my bedroom, I was afraid to move a
"Open your eyes my child." I heard a female voice. As I opened my eyes and looked around, it was some unknown place. And then I remembered about my baby. As I looked down on my belly, my baby bump was gone. "My baby! Where is my baby? Why am I here? What place is it.?" I asked the lady. I couldn't hold my tears at the thought of losing my baby. "You and your baby have died. This is the world of souls. " That lady said. "Died? What nonsense are you saying? My baby can't die. Who are you? Why are you saying ridiculous stuff?" I shouted at her. "She is your mother, my princess. '' a voice came from behind. I need not turn around to tell who it is. I've been dying to hear this voice again. "Dad," I whispered as fresh tears formed in my eyes. I ran to him and hugged him tightly as if my life depends on that hug. "I missed you so much dad. Why did you leave me? You know after you left Lucas and Natasha, they killed your grandchild . I couldn't protect my baby. I couldn't protect you.
"Why are you here, Anton?" I asked angrily. "Ouch, that's not the way to thank someone. " he said sarcastically. "Just cut the crap already. Why are you back now?" I asked again. "That's definitely not how my Alina was 4 years ago." He said."I'm not yours. And this is how I am now. All thanks to back to back betrayals from people I trusted. " I glared at him."I don't understand why you are being cold to me. " He asked. I could see hurt in his eyes.'Don't melt Alina. Don't forget what he did 4 years ago. He is just like Lucas and Natasha. ' My conscience told me."Because I hate you, Anton Rodriguez. I don't need your help. I'll manage on my own. Just get lost." I shouted at him.I held Natalie's hand and took her with me to the car. We drove home .My mind is so disturbed after meeting Anton again. In the other future, I never met him again , so why is he here now? Is it because I canceled the wedding and changed the fate?"What was that for? Why did you talk to him that way? Y
"As you all know, after the betrayal by my so-called fiance, I can't trust anyone. My father worked so hard to build this empire. I can't let it fall into the wrong hands. So from now onwards, I'm going to handle the business on my own." I said, and everyone nodded in understanding."We are glad that you finally decided to follow your father's step," one of the shareholders said.I heard the door open, and someone walked in," Sorry for being late, I hope I didn't miss anything important. " I was shocked to see him."What are you doing here, Mr Rodriguez?" I asked through gritted teeth. He is the last person I would expect to be here."To attend the meeting, obviously," he said amusingly. "Excuse me?" I raised my brows at him."You are excused, Miss Martin. I'm also a shareholder of your company. I've purchased 20% of the shares, so I've every right to be in this meeting,"he announced to my utter shock. "So, let's continue," he said and settled on an empty chair.The whole meeting wa
“Sir, we saw Alina entering Lucas's mansion secretly.” My bodyguard informed me. I sent a team of my men to keep an eye on Alina to make sure she is safe, she is so stubborn that she won't ask my help.“Okay, I'll be there and make sure that she is safe.” I told him.“Zack, get the car ready. We are going to Lucas's place.” I ordered my assistant.“Yes, sir.”Zack drove us to his mansion.“Zack, I'm going inside and you stay here I'll call you if I need you inside.” I said and entered the mansion through the back door. ‘ I hope you are safe Alina.’I was searching around to find her. And finally my eyes landed on her. She was hiding behind a pillar and eavesdropping on the conversation between Natasha and Lucas. Before I could reach her, she suddenly jumped and her phone fell. It created a sound that got their attention. Before they could see her, I dragged her by her arm.“Zack, we are coming. Get the car ready.”I instructed Zack over the call.As we were out of the mansion, she
The villa was a picture-perfect scene of Christmas cheer. Twinkling lights adorned the exterior, casting a warm glow over the snow-dusted garden, while a large Christmas tree stood proudly in the living room, its ornaments glinting in the soft light. The scent of fresh pine and cinnamon filled the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of friends and family. Alina held her one-month-old daughter close, cradling the tiny bundle in her arms as guests arrived. She smiled, watching as Linton and Gabriel practically hovered around her, peering down at the baby with wide-eyed wonder. “Is she really my sister?Sometimes it feels like a dream mommy.” Linton asked for the tenth time, his voice filled with awe. Alina chuckled softly. “Yes, sweetheart. She’s really your sister. You got exactly what you asked Santa for last Christmas.” Linton beamed, reaching out a cautious hand to touch his sister’s tiny fingers. “Hi, baby sister,” he whispered. “ I’ll always protect you.” Gabriel,
The doorbell rang, and Alina smiled, knowing exactly who it was. A few moments later, Linton’s excited voice echoed through the hall as he raced toward the door to greet his best friend, Gabriel. “Gabriel!” Linton yelled, throwing the door open and giving his friend a high-five. Gabriel grinned as he stepped inside, holding a little gift bag in his hand. “Hey, Linton! Hi, Aunt Alina!” Gabriel greeted, his eyes wide with excitement as he approached her. “How’s the baby?” Alina chuckled, patting her belly. “Getting bigger every day, Gabriel. And she’s quite active today.” Linton immediately perched himself beside his mom, his eyes sparkling with interest. “Can I talk to her again, Mommy?” he asked with a shy smile. “Of course, sweetheart.” She smoothed down her shirt and leaned back so the boys could get closer. Gabriel scooted onto the couch beside Alina, looking both curious and excited. He handed her the little gift bag, inside of which was a small stuffed bunny with floppy ea
Alina rested on the couch, a blanket draped over her legs and her hand resting on her rounded belly. At seven months pregnant, her baby bump was unmistakable, and it was a joy to see how much it had become a part of the family’s daily life. From Anton’s frequent hand resting over her belly to Linton’s fascination with “talking” to his baby sibling, the whole house seemed to radiate warmth and anticipation. Linton, bursting with excitement, had clambered up onto the couch beside her, his small hands gingerly placed over her belly as if holding a fragile treasure. He leaned in close, his expression serious as he started whispering to the baby. “Hi, baby sis,” Linton said, his voice soft but filled with excitement. “It’s me, Linton, your big brother! I can’t wait to meet you, and I’m gonna teach you everything I know. We’re gonna play so many games, and I’ll teach you how to draw dinosaurs and superheroes. And… and I’ll share my toys, too!” Alina chuckled, resting her hand over his.
Alina gently ruffled Linton’s hair, nudging him awake. Anton was already up, sipping his coffee in the kitchen, as she whispered to their son, "Wake up, Linton. I have a surprise for you today." Linton’s eyes fluttered open, and he rubbed them with his small fists, his face brightening instantly at the word “surprise.” “A surprise? Where are we going, Mommy?” Alina smiled. “You’ll see soon enough. Go get dressed, and we’ll be on our way.” As Linton scrambled out of bed and rushed to get ready, Alina made her way to the kitchen. She kissed Anton on the cheek, feeling a surge of excitement about the secret she was about to share. She had been working on a special painting for weeks, pouring her heart into every brushstroke, and today, she would finally reveal it. “Where are we off to this morning?” Anton asked, raising an eyebrow with curiosity as he sipped his coffee. “Just a little outing to the gallery. I have something special to show you both,” Alina replied, her eyes twin
Alina and Anton pulled into the driveway of David and Isabella’s home. Their hearts were light, filled with the warmth of their recent trip to Paris and the excitement of reuniting with their little one. As they stepped out of the car, Linton’s energy was palpable; he bounced on his feet, his eyes sparkling with anticipation as he saw his parents getting down the car. "Mom-dad I missed you so much." Linton hugged their legs. Anton picked him up in his arms. “Are we ready to see Gabriel?” Anton asked, ruffling Linton’s hair. “Yes! I want to show him the new toys you brought!” Linton exclaimed, practically dragging his parents toward the front door. Alina chuckled at her son’s enthusiasm. “Hold on, buddy. Let’s not rush too much. We’ve got to make sure we greet everyone first.” They rang the doorbell, and moments later, David swung the door open, a wide grin lighting up his face. “Welcome back, you guys! We missed you! Literally ever since Linton got to know you are coming he h
Steam filled the bathroom, the warm mist clinging to the glass walls of the shower as water falling softly. Alina leaned against the cool tiles, her body relaxing under the hot spray. She felt a gentle touch at her waist, and without opening her eyes, she knew it was Anton. "Mind if I join you?" his deep voice rumbled softly in her ear, a smile evident in his tone. Alina smiled and turned slightly, glancing over her shoulder. "Of course sweetheart. You never need permission." Anton chuckled, stepping closer, his hands slowly trailing up her arms, pulling her back against his chest. The heat of his body mixed with the warmth of the water, enveloping her in comfort and safety. "I thought I’d be polite today so I was asking for permission," he teased, his lips brushing against the side of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. Alina leaned her head back, resting it against his shoulder. "You? Polite?" she teased back, the warmth of his breath tickling her skin. "Hey, I c
David's house was alive with the sounds of giggles and shuffling papers as Linton and Gabriel sat side by side at the large wooden dining table, their books spread out before them. “Got it!” Gabriel declared triumphantly, holding up his math workbook. Linton, still scribbling away on his own page, glanced at him with a smirk. “You think you’re fast, huh? Let me check that.” He leaned over, playfully scrutinizing Gabriel’s work. “Hmm... looks right, but I bet I can finish mine faster.” “Oh, it’s on!” Gabriel grinned, and they both dove back into their homework with renewed energy. Isabella stood at the kitchen counter, watching the boys with a fond smile. She was whipping up pancake batter for their afternoon snack, the aroma of freshly made batter already filling the air. The kitchen was warm and inviting. She glanced over her shoulder at David, who was reading on the couch, occasionally glancing up to chuckle at the boys' competitive banter. “I love how determined they are,
The next day, Paris greeted us with a warm breeze and a clear blue sky.Anton was already up, sipping on his coffee by the window as he admired the view. I walked over to him, still in my pajamas, and leaned against his arm, taking in the sight of the Eiffel Tower standing tall in the distance. “We’re really doing this, huh?” I asked, smiling as I looked up at him. Anton grinned, setting his cup down on the table. “Absolutely. Are you ready for a day of cliches and tourist photos?” I laughed, nodding. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” An hour later, we were standing at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, and despite the crowds around us, I couldn’t help but feel the excitement bubbling up inside. Anton had his camera ready, capturing moments before we even started climbing. Every few steps, he’d stop, turn to me with that teasing smile, and snap a picture—of me laughing, of us together, of the view. "Okay, one more,” Anton said, holding up his phone, getting us both into the fram
Anton’s hand brushed softly against the small of my back as we entered the suite, his touch lingering just a little longer than necessary. I looked around, taking in the breathtaking view from the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city of Paris. The Eiffel Tower sparkled in the distance. Everything about this place felt perfect—luxurious and romantic. The door clicked shut behind us, and the sound echoed in the quiet, intimate space. I placed my purse on the plush chair near the window and took a deep breath, letting the atmosphere of the city sink in. “We’re really here,” I said softly, more to myself than to Anton. Anton chuckled behind me, his arms sliding around my waist. “We are. No distractions. No meetings. Just you, me, and Paris.” I leaned back against him, closing my eyes and enjoying the warmth of his embrace. For the first time in what felt like forever, we had no obligations pulling us in different directions. Just us. I turned in his arms, looking up a