The apartment buzzed with laughter and joy as Micheal took center stage, holding a deck of cards. Jack and Lily sat cross-legged on the floor with their friends, wide-eyed and eager to see what their father had in store.“Alright, who’s ready for some magic?” Micheal asked, grinning as he shuffled the cards with a showy flair.Yvonne fought so hard to keep her laughter in at the ridiculous costume Micheal was putting on.The children shouted, “We are!”With an exaggerated flick of his wrist, Micheal made the top card disappear, only to pull it out from behind Lily’s ear. She gasped, clapping her hands in amazement, while the rest of the children erupted in laughter.“Daddy! Do it again!” Jack demanded, bouncing on his knees.Micheal winked and launched into more tricks—turning handkerchiefs into flowers, making coins vanish and reappear, and even conjuring a stuffed animal that he presented to a delighted Lily.Meanwhile, Yvonne had enlisted Amy, Sandra, and the two bodyguards to perf
The birthday festivities carried on well into the night, the villa buzzing with laughter, games, and music. The sprawling garden was lit by paper lanterns swaying in the breeze, casting a soft glow over the grounds. Jack and Lily raced across the lawn with their friends, playing tag under the watchful gaze of Yvonne and Micheal. The villa was a wonderland of delights—flower-lined pathways, a small fountain, and a children’s playground nestled at the edge of the estate.Micheal had promised Yvonne a tour of their new home the next day, but the sheer beauty of the villa was already overwhelming for her. Every corner seemed to hold something special, and as she watched the children run through the gardens, her heart swelled with a mixture of joy and disbelief.The villa’s guests seemed reluctant to leave, especially the children, who had grown attached to the twins over the course of the evening. As parents arrived to began gathering their little ones, cries of protest filled the air.“I
The villa was quiet now, save for the soft murmur of conversation between Yvonne, Micheal, and Amy as they gathered near the front door. The night air was cool and crisp, and the sky was dotted with twinkling stars.“Thank you for today,” Amy said, wrapping Yvonne in a tight hug. “This was exactly what I needed—and I think your twins needed it, too.”Yvonne smiled, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for her friend. “You’re always welcome here, Amy. Anytime.”Micheal shook Mark’s hand and gave Amy a nod of appreciation. “We’ll have to do this again soon. The twins are already planning their next adventure with Aunt Amy.” Micheal said, finding himself easing more to people than usual. Amy laughed softly, glancing at the twins, who were now half-asleep on the couch, their heads resting on each other’s shoulders. “I think I’ve been adopted,” she said with a grin.Yvonne and Micheal chuckled, their hearts full as they stood together on the porch, watching their friends drive off into the n
The early morning light streamed through the gauzy curtains, casting a warm, golden hue across the room. Yvonne stirred slowly, the softness of the mattress cradling her body. For a moment, she lay still, the events of the previous day floating dreamily in her mind. She wasn’t in her old apartment, and she wasn’t alone. Her eyes fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was Micheal’s face mere inches from hers. His dark brown eyes glimmered with a quiet warmth, and his lips curved into a soft, contented smile. He was awake, lying on his side with one arm tucked under his head, watching her as if nothing else in the world existed. “Good morning,” he whispered, his voice low and tender. Yvonne’s lips twitched into a lazy smile. “Were you watching me sleep?” she teased, her voice husky from sleep. Micheal chuckled, brushing a stray curl from her cheek. “Guilty. But in my defense, you look beautiful when you sleep. I couldn’t resist.” Yvonne rolled her eyes playfully, but her heart
The morning sunlight bathed the villa in a soft glow as Micheal led Yvonne down the winding staircase. Their hands were clasped, fingers interwoven as they descended the grand steps. Yvonne’s eyes roamed over every inch of the house that would now become their permanent residence—a place where memories would be made, challenges faced, and love nurtured.Micheal glanced down at her, his lips quirking into a fond smile. "Ready for the grand tour?"Yvonne smiled back, excitement fluttering in her chest. “Lead the way.”Micheal guided Yvonne through the first floor, which opened into a spacious living room with high ceilings. The walls were painted in soft cream hues, adorned with framed artwork, and plush armchairs were arranged around a stone fireplace. A grand piano stood near a bay window, hinting at the possibility of cozy evenings filled with music.“This will be the main gathering room,” Micheal said as they paused by the window. “The kids can practice their piano lessons here. I k
“I will never make you regret taking this step with me, baby.” Micheal said, his happiness overflowing. Yvonne smiled at him. “I know.” She said and shut her eyes as he pressed his lips to her forehead. “I love you so much it's driving me insane.” He said against her skin before hugging her tightly.‘And I love you too, very much, I couldn't believe I am still capable of feeling this way’ Yvonne said in her mind but only hugged Micheal back.“Now let's take a look at the outside. You will love it.’Outside, Micheal guided her through the villa’s grounds, which stretched far beyond what Yvonne had imagined. They strolled through well-manicured gardens bursting with vibrant flowers, winding stone paths, and a small koi pond with colourful fish swimming lazily beneath the surface.“There’s a greenhouse too,” Micheal pointed out as they passed a glass structure filled with herbs and exotic plants. “The gardener told me he’d love your input if you have any favourite flowers or plants.”T
Micheal’s words hung in the air between them, and Yvonne stared at him, her heart racing with disbelief.“You met my father?” she whispered, her voice tinged with surprise and suspicion.Micheal gave a slow, affirming nod. Before she could fully process his admission, her mind spiraled into conclusions, and the words left her mouth in a rush.“So that’s why he came—because you threatened him?” she snapped, frustration bubbling to the surface. The thought that her father’s apology could have been coerced left her feeling raw. A part of her that was glad he felt sorry shattered.Micheal didn’t flinch at her accusation. Instead, he stepped closer and gently wrapped his arms around her. “Come here,” he murmured softly, holding her against his chest.His warmth, steady and grounding, fought against the storm of emotions swirling inside her. He guided her back into the building, where they sat together on the couch in the living room. Micheal tucked her against his side, rubbing soothing ci
It was a crisp, sunny afternoon as Yvonne stepped out of the car, smoothing the hem of her sleek, white dress. She adjusted the strap of her handbag over her shoulder and looked up at the towering Langston Enterprises building.This time, the place held a different meaning for her. Gone were the days of coming over with packed lunches for the ungrateful David, hoping to catch his attention between meetings. Now, she stood outside the same entrance as Mrs. Yvonne Langston—Micheal’s wife. There would be no guards turning her away, no whispers or sidelong glances mocking her presence.She inhaled deeply as the glass doors slid open, the click of her heels echoing on the polished marble floor.Yvonne was heading towards the reception desk when she saw a familiar figure glide into her path: Sammy, the woman David had left her for. Dressed in a tight red dress and a coat slung over one shoulder, Sammy’s gaze narrowed the instant she recognized Yvonne.Yvonne would have forgotten what Sammy