Once again, the family was gathered in the living room; this time around, it was just Stephen, Jenny, Mrs. Gray, Laura and Anastasia. Well, she was the reason for the gathering, Stephen had brought her home and now his family wanted to know why.“There was an attack at her place, their house has been burnt down and so I have decided in order to keep her safe, she will stay here with us till she has the baby, and then we can both go our separate ways.” Stephen announced.“An attack? Hmm… and was the culprit caught?” Laura asked with a smile, “Because I happen to know a few people who would like to get rid of her.” She chuckled and glared at Jenny, who rolled her eyes back at her.Jenny was about to retort when Stephen cut in. “Exactly, which is why I want her to be close to us all, I doubt any harm will come to her under our protection.” He said.“You can't be serious, son! Why would you even bring this shameless woman into our house? She embarrassed us in front of the whole world, peo
As Anna pushed open the door to the kitchen, she was immediately struck by the sight before her. The first thing that caught her eyes was the expansive marble countertop that dominated the center of the room. Its polished surface gleamed in the soft light of the room, and it was adorned with an array of high-end appliances and kitchen gadgets.To the right of the countertop was a row of floor-to-ceiling cabinets, made of rich, dark wood that seemed to glow in the light. The cabinets were intricately carved and featured brushed metal handles that added a touch of elegance. Each cabinet door opened silently at the slightest touch, revealing shelves stocked with high-end cookware, exotic spices, and gourmet ingredients.To the left of the countertop was a large, stainless steel refrigerator that hummed quietly. The fridge was filled with fresh produce, organic meats, and artisan cheeses from around the world. Beside it, a matching stainless steel dishwasher was built into the cabinetry.
There is a knock on the door and Anna gets up from the bed immediately, she is surprised with how fast it had come as she had just sent the maid to help her get toiletries and bathing soap, she wasn’t able to find any in the bathroom which she believed was an mistake from the maid who had been sent to prepare the room.With a towel around her chest, she rushed to the door and opened it, only for a light scream to escape her lips in shock; well, it wasn’t the maid at the door, it was Mr. Stephen Gray standing out there.“Hey, I am sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” he apologized immediately, while trying to keep his eyes off her exposed skin to avoid making her feel awkward.Anna, closely holding the towel to her chest, sighed and shook her head, “No, it is fine, I was expecting someone else at the door so I was just a little taken aback to see you. Is everything alright?” she asked, trying to sound normal even though her legs were shaking and she could barely keep eye contact.“Oh…
Stephen sat in his large leather office chair, his fingers interlaced on his desk in front of him. The room was spacious and well-lit, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the city skyline. A stack of papers sat neatly organized on one side of his desk, a framed photograph of him and his fiancée on the other.But his mind was far from his work. Instead, it was consumed by thoughts of Anastasia. She was the only thing he could think about lately, ever since he found out she was pregnant. He knew his fiancée and mother would not be accepting of her, but he couldn't help feeling protective of her and their unborn child.As he sat lost in thought, his brow furrowed and his eyes distant. He wondered how Anastasia would cope with the disapproval of those closest to him. He also couldn't shake the memory of earlier that day when he had walked into her with a towel around her chest. He had always known she was beautiful, but at that moment, it was as if he was seeing her for the f
As the maid had directed, Anna walked down the hallway downstairs in search of Laura’s room. She doesn’t understand why someone would choose to live on the first floor when they had options available up the stairs. But she guessed it all comes down to choice.Following the maid’s direction, she found the room that had been described but still hesitated before knocking. If she was wrong and ended up on another person’s door, then this would be awkward. In fact, she might be bringing trouble for herself.There was a delay from the inside and a lazy groan before the door was opened, it was the right place, because standing before her was a drowsy looking Laura.“Hey,” Anna said with a smile.Laura stared at her for a few seconds like she wasn’t really there, or maybe she thought ‘if I act like I don’t see her, then she would go away’ funny! Either way, she snapped out of it very soon.“Hey… It is you… do you need something?” she asked sluggishly.Her breath stunk of alcohol but Anna didn
As Anna and Laura stepped into the garden, Anna signaled to the bodyguard following them to stay back while she proceeded into the beautiful space with Laura. Anna is immediately struck by the sheer beauty of the space around them. The garden is a haven of lush greenery and colorful blooms, filled with an array of plants and flowers that seem to burst with life.The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, from the delicate scent of roses to the heady aroma of lilies. The sound of chirping birds and buzzing insects fills the space, creating a symphony of natural sounds that soothes Anna’s soul.“So I see my brother already has his men stalking you. Is he scared that you are going to run with the baby?” Laura asked with a soft chuckle.Anna smiled. “Give him a break, it doesn’t seem to me that you like him much.” She replied and turned to Laura, but Laura didn’t give a response, she just sighed and looked away. “Anyway, he instructed that dude to watch my back whene
Anna was alone in her room worrying about Laura, she felt sad that her life was getting ruined at such a young age. Until now, Laura used to think that rich people had no problems, she thought that money was a solution to every problem, but now she realized that she was wrong. Even the rich cry!!“I would have to persuade her, I can't sit back and watch her ruin her life,” she muttered to herself.There is a knock on the door that disrupts her thoughts and she stands up immediately. She has no idea who it might be but she hoped it was Laura. Anna got up and walked to the door, she took a quick glance at the window and she could tell that it was evening already. It had been a really long and boring day for her.Anna opened the door and was surprised to see Stephen on the other end, she didn’t think he would be back from the office so early; it was still around five pm in the evening. Maybe it is because she was used to her father working late, but what she failed to take into account i
Anna stepped out of the mansion, her delicate hand grasping the railing of the front steps for support as she descended. She wore a stunning gown that hugged her curves, the fabric draping gracefully over her slender frame, and even with her little baby bump, she was still stunning in it. The dress was Stephen's gift to her, a gesture that had left her feeling elated and loved. She could tell that the attire had cost a lot but knowing that Stephen had bought it himself, specifically for her, meant more to her than the price at which it was bought.Anna felt like a goddess in it, like she could conquer the world with just a flick of her wrist. As she made her way down the steps, she couldn't help but notice how time seemed to stand still, as if the world had paused just to admire her beauty.She took a deep breath as she stepped out of the grand mansion, her heart racing with excitement and nerves. The cool night air caressed her skin, sending shivers down her spine as she felt the wei
The grand mansion was alive with a flurry of activity. Vibrant flowers were being arranged into elegant centerpieces, and soft candlelight was being strategically placed to create an enchanting ambiance. Stephen and Anna stood at the center of it all, their eyes reflecting a mixture of excitement and nervousness.Anna twirled a strand of her red hair as she stood before the mirror, her reflection adorned in a stunning wedding gown. Her heart raced with anticipation, the reality of the day finally sinking in. "You look amazing," Stephen whispered, catching Anna's eyes in the mirror. She turned around and blushed, surprised to see him, her smile radiant as she replied, "And you look incredibly handsome."Meanwhile, Laura darted around like a whirlwind, ensuring every detail was perfect. Her phone buzzed constantly with messages from vendors, and she managed the chaos with remarkable finesse."Anna, your bouquet is here!" Laura called out, appearing beside her with a stunning arrangemen
The early morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room. Anna shifted slightly, her head resting on Stephen's chest. As she stirred awake, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear filled her with a sense of contentment that she had never known before.Yet, amidst the warmth of the moment, a shadow of doubt crept into her mind. She couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had led them here. Her thoughts drifted to that fateful night when their paths had collided in the most unexpected and painful way.The memory of that night was a stark contrast to the love and happiness she now felt in Stephen's embrace. She remembered the fear, the helplessness, the trauma that had marked her. But she also remembered the subsequent moments, his apologies, his sincere attempts to make amends, and the gradual transformation of their relationship.Anna's fingers traced invisible patterns on Stephen's chest as sh
The Gray mansion was silent when the newly engaged couple arrived home, probably because everyone had gone to bed which was quite surprising. They weren’t even out that late, so why did everyone go to bed so early?Anna led the way to her room while Stephen followed behind. Of course, things were awkward again, and Anna was so nervous. He was coming to her room, probably because he hadn’t said goodnight and it would be ungentleman of him to leave her behind at the doorstep rather than walk her to her room, but the thought of that didn’t make her any less nervous.In the soft glow of the dimly lit bedroom, Stephen's arms encircled Anna's waist, pulling her close to him while her heart raced, she tried to distract herself by saying something, saying anything at all. Curiosity was the first to occupy her mind, her question hung in the air, laden with the weight of uncertainty. She looked up at him, her eyes searching his, seeking reassurance beyond words."Do you think your family will a
The evening air was crisp as Stephen and Anna stepped out of the car in front of the five-star restaurant. The gentle breeze rustled Anna's red gown, making her hair dance around her shoulders. Stephen looked at her, his eyes softening with admiration. "You look stunning," he said, his voice a mere whisper.Anna's cheeks flushed a faint pink, and she smiled shyly. "Thank you, Stephen. You clean up pretty well yourself."He chuckled, offering his arm for her to take. "Shall we?"They entered the restaurant, and their presence seemed to ignite the surroundings. The place was adorned with glittering lights and opulent decorations, casting a magical ambiance that perfectly matched the occasion. Stephen and Anna were led to a secluded VIP section, where a table awaited them adorned with fresh flowers and flickering candles.Anna's eyes widened in awe as she took in the romantic setup. "Wow, Stephen, this is incredible."He smiled warmly, pulling out the chair for her. "Only the best for yo
Stephen's office seemed to shrink around him as he paced back and forth, lost in thought. The events of the previous night played like a filmstrip in his mind, each frame vivid and charged with emotions he had long buried.The memory of their kiss, the taste of her lips against his, still lingered like a sweet melody in his senses. It was a kiss that had taken them both by surprise, breaking through the unspoken barriers that had kept them at a distance. He couldn't shake the feeling that it was a turning point, a door swinging open to reveal a world of possibilities.His mind drifted to the past, to all the flings and superficial relationships he had engaged in. He had been with many girls, but with none of them had he felt the way he did with Anna. It was more than just attraction, more than just the physical pull. There was a connection, a bond that he hadn't anticipated.The realization hit him like a thunderbolt. He had fallen in love with Anna. It was a feeling he hadn't acknowl
Laura's sleep-addled mind fought against the intrusion of consciousness as a gentle tap on her hand and the aroma of fresh coffee drifted into her senses. Slowly, she blinked her eyes open, squinting against the invading sunlight that filtered into the room through the newly opened windows.Anna's cheerful face greeted her, a smile lighting up her features as she bustled around the room. Laura groaned, her voice laced with mock protest. "Did you have to let all the sunshine in?"Amusement danced in Anna's eyes as she playfully retorted, "Well, I thought you might need a little motivation to get up."Laura grumbled something unintelligible but pushed herself to sit up, raking a hand through her disheveled hair as if to chase away the last remnants of sleep. She couldn't help but smile, though, at Anna's vibrant energy. Their shared laughter echoed in the room as Anna handed her a steaming mug of coffee, the warmth seeping into Laura's hands and soothing away the remnants of grogginess.
As the towel slipped from Anna's grasp, a gasp escaped her lips and her cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and vulnerability. Stephen's immediate apology was a lifeline in that moment, and she quickly scrambled to tie the towel back around her, her heart still racing.With her voice slightly shaky, Anna managed to reassure him that it was alright, even though her nerves were still tingling from the unexpected encounter. Her assumption that he had left seemed logical, but she was taken aback as he turned back to her."Sorry for freaking you out," Stephen said, averting his gaze. He was clearly embarrassed by the situation."It's... it's fine," Anna responded, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness. She was relieved that he wasn't looking at her while she regained her composure.Once she had the towel securely wrapped around her, she finally spoke up again. "I thought you had left," she said, trying to sound casual even though her heart was still racing.Stephen's gaze ret
In the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the window, Anna sat in her room, a serene atmosphere enveloping her as she observed the baby nestled in his cradle. His peaceful slumber seemed to cast a calming spell over the room, a contrast to the whirlwind of thoughts that swirled in Anna's mind.The day's events replayed in her thoughts like a vivid movie. The visit to her parents had been a mix of emotions – a reunion filled with warmth, love, and a tinge of nostalgia. She couldn't help but smile as she recalled the laughter that had echoed through the room, the stories exchanged, and the bond rekindled. Stephen's presence had been the bridge that had made it all possible, the gesture of care and generosity for her parents touching her deeply.Her mind wandered to the changes that Stephen had brought about in their lives. A new house, a newfound comfort, and the assurance that her parents were being looked after. His actions spoke volumes about his character, about the person
Stephen descended the staircase, his footsteps echoing softly through the grand foyer of the house. His gaze shifted to the sitting room, where he found his father engrossed in the news. With a quirked eyebrow, he approached, a hint of amusement playing on his lips. "Is that me on the news?" he asked with a wry grin, his tone laced with a mixture of curiosity and dry humor.His father's eyes shifted from the screen to Stephen, a knowing glint in his gaze. "Good timing," Mr. Jackson Gray replied, his voice tinged with a hint of fatherly amusement.Stephen took a seat beside his father, his eyes focusing on the television as the news report continued. The news anchor's voice flowed through the room, announcing, "Today, the billionaire son of the Gray family returns home to his city after a trip to Iceland with his alleged soon-to-be baby mama, and speculations have it that he has not only come back with her but with his first child."A barely audible chuckle escaped Stephen's lips. "All