Deep inside, I'm feeling happy that we got locked here. This way I can spend some time with her."We are stuck here. What should we do?" Alina sighed. "Let's do something to keep ourselves occupied. Why don't you make a portrait of mine? This way you won't feel bored."That's a good idea." She picked up the brush and paint palette. I gave a nice pose and stayed still."How long do I have to stay like this?" I asked after being tired of sitting in the same pose for god knows how long."Almost done, and by the way, there was no need to become a statue like that. I can paint your face even without that. Your image is crystal clear in my mind. " She said. "Then why didn't you say that before? It was so hard to sit still like a statue." I complained. "It was fun seeing you that way." She giggled. Her smile made me smile, too."Is it done now?" I asked impatiently. "Yes, come and have a look." She said excitedly. I went by her side to take a look at the masterpiece she created. I must
Aroma of pancakes filled my nostrils. I think Barbara has prepared pancakes today. As I opened the door to go downstairs to eat, I saw Anton standing in front of the door with a tray."Why are you here?" I gave him a bitter look."I know you are mad at me. Please forgive me, Alina. See, I made these pancakes for you." He said. I giggled internally. I was never mad at him, I'm just teasing him a little. "What if your pancakes are just like your painting. I don't wanna end up in the hospital for food poisoning. " I said bluntly."Okay, if you don't wanna eat them. Sorry, I won't bother you again." His face fell a little. I felt bad. Maybe I'm doing too much now. He turned around to go away."Anton, listen." He turned towards me. I stepped a little closer and pecked his cheek. He froze in place with wide eyes. Before he could react, I took the tray from his hand and ran inside after shutting the door close. I giggled."Alina, open the door." He said from the other side. "No, I won't
We landed in the Bahamas. Anton said we would be using a speed boat to reach the private island. "All set for the adventure?" Anton asked. "I have never ride a speed boat before. " I said excitedly. "Trust me, it's gonna be fun." He smiled, and we settled in the boat."I'm nervous." I giggled. The engine started, and I was really looking forward to this amazing experience. As the boat started moving in speed, the cold breeze hit my face. "Woah, it's fabulous. " I jumped excitedly. "I told you it's great feeling. We are going to give a lot of water adventures to the island." He said. "Are you serious? This is gonna be my best trip ever." I said. The boat ride to the island was really amazing. Now I'm really very excited about the upcoming activities Anton mentioned. We reached the island. Anton has a beautiful beach Villa there."Wow, Anton, this villa is wo beautiful." I was mesmerized by the beauty. It's decorated with vines and fountains. The wooden villa is looking so coz
"Are you done touching my chest." Sleep left Alina's eyes as soon as she heard these words. She got up and sat straight with wide eyes. She couldn't look into his eyes because of embarrassment. She herself crossed the boundary she set."Someone said something about bot crossing the border. " Anton said with the hint of mockery in it."I was asleep, I didn't realize." Alina said."You said something about punishment. Didn't you ." He smirked while looking at her flustered face.'So, you want to go leave the room as punishment. " She said while getting up from the bed to go out.Anton held her wrist and pulled her back. She fell down on the bed, and he hovered over her."I never asked you to leave the room." He said. "But I said I'll throw you out of the room as the punishment if you cross the border." She said while avoiding eye contact as the closeness between them was making her feel shy.Anton places his index finger under her chin and makes her look at him."That's what you said,
We are going for scuba diving. I never did it before, so I'm hella nervous. Anton is gonna be by my side, so I guess I'll be fine."Are you ready?" Anton asked me, and I nodded. Right now, we are on a boat. A little far from the island. We wore our wet suits. He helped me with the fins. We carried the air filled tank on our back. We got fully equipped. "Put the snorkel in your mouth, and we are all set to dive in." He said. I put the snorkel in my mouth, and he did the same. I gave him a thumbs up.We held hands and jumped into the water together. I kept my eyes shut as we entered in water. He tapped my shoulder, and I opened my eyes. He motioned me to follow him. He was diving deep inside the water, and I followed him. I held his hand, I was feeling scared that I might get lost inside the water. I know I'm being silly.Anton pointed a finger towards a group of sea horses. I wanted to touch them so badly, but it's not safe for them.There were many fishes like princess parrotfish,
"Anton, company is in a big mess." Alina panicked after receiving a call from her assistant."What happened?" Anton asked. "Someone has disclosed our company secrets, and our rival is taking advantage of it. Our clients are tilted towards rival companies. " She explained. "What? Who could have done this?" Anton growled. "I doubt it's Lucas and Natasha. They were the one working in the company previously. Lucas knows all the inside information as he was CEO. " Alina said ."I also have suspicion on him. They must have known that we are not in the city, so they are taking advantage of it." He said ."We should go back." She said. "I'll get the jet ready. Go and pack your stuff." Anton walked out of the room and made a call with his pilot. "You guys are leaving already?" Beatrice asked when she saw Alina packing the stuff."Aunt, there is some emergency in the company. We need to go." Alina replied and continued packing her clothes."Is everything alright, dear? what happened?" Beat
"We are not able to find Natasha and Lucas. They must have known that we are coming after them." Alina said. "You don't have to worry about it. In whatever rat hole they are hiding, I'll drag them out of there. I know how to lure them." Anton said. "Am I a part of your plan, or are you gonna do everything on your own?" She raised her brow."Let's hold an exhibition at your art gallery. We will invite all the prominent businessmen in the exhibition. " Anton told her."What exactly are you going to do in exhibition?" Alina asked as she couldn't figure out his plan."We are going to invite all the businessmen of the city in the exhibition . We have to spread rumors that you are going to get a huge investment. They hate you, and they would probably try to ruin it for you. They have lost their everything because of you so they won't let you gain benefits. " Anton explained. "That's a good idea. That way, they will come out of hiding so we can keep an eye on them." She said. "Now you ne
"Anton, have they arrived?" Alina asked about Lucas and Natasha. "No, they are not here yet. But I'm sure they would definitely come. They would try to do something bad to you, but don't get intimidated by it. " Anton said. They are currently in the exhibition in Alina's Golden Leaf Art Gallery. They are waiting for the arrival of the troublemaker. "Miss Martin, your painting is just breathtaking. Most of your works are mesmerising. It's so hard to take my eyes off." Rupert Antonov said. He is the CEO of Antonov Housing and Anton's high school classmate. "Thank you so much for the appreciation, Mr Antonov . And please call me Alina." Alina smiled."Then it's Rupert for you, Alina." He replied. "Rupert, it's been a long time, buddy." Anton hugged him."Indeed. Thanks for inviting me, though. " Rupert said. "Thanks for coming at such short notice. And I'm glad that you are helping us in handling Lucas." Anton said. "Anything for you, buddy. You don't have to thank me. Just find m
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