Hey guys.........how you all doing?
Damien arrived at an abandoned property on the outskirts of town. The place looked abandoned, the kind of place one would pass without a second glance. He walked up to the door and rang the bell. Once. Twice. Ten times. Finally, the door creaked open, revealing a dishevelled Ronan. “You look like shit,” Damien said, tossing a bottle of whiskey to him. Ronan caught it instinctively and rasped, “What are you doing here?” “Came to find you, asshole,” Damien replied, brushing past him to step inside. Oh, the inside of the house was not as bad as the inside. Someone had made it livable. Ronan, too exhausted to argue, stared at the bottle in his hands. “Are you gonna drink this?” Damien rolled his eyes. “Anna would kill me first before diabetes would kill me, if I did drink it.” Ronan chuckled dryly and asked, “Why are you so scared of your girlfriend?” Damien smirked. “Actually, she is my wife.” Ronan blinked, his momentary exhaustion was replaced by shock. “What… when? How
Damien studied him for a moment before speaking. “I’m going to ask you something, and I need you to be honest with me. Can you do that?” Ronan opened his eyes, hesitant, but eventually nodded. “Do you love Regina? Not as a friend, but as a romantic partner?” Damien’s tone was firm and curious. “What?” Ronan looked startled. “Be honest, Ronan.” Ronan was quick to respond, his voice firm and sincere. “I don’t! I don’t see her that way at all. She is like the sister I never had. A little sister. I love her a lot, but not romantically.” He paused, his voice softening. “But she means the world to me. She has been there for me through everything, good and bad. She is someone I share my heart and soul with. Damien, I don’t love her as a romantic partner, but she is still my soulmate. I know it sounds strange, but it’s the truth.” Damien tilted his head while being intrigued. “If you marry someone in the future, how will you fit Regina into that dynamic?” Ronan met his gaze whi
“Did you do something?” Anastasia asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she observed Abel. She was currently in Damien’s office where she was planning to surprise him after her long day at work. She hadn’t expected to find out he was away for an important meeting and wouldn’t return until the evening. Since she was too tired to head home immediately, she decided to rest in his office and wait for him. But she hadn’t anticipated Abel walking in and looking like he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. He looked so miserable that she could not ignore him. Abel froze momentarily at her question before attempting to brush it off. “Why would you think I did something?”He tried to appear casual but the misery on his face betrayed him. His usual funny and naighty demeanor was nowhere to be found.Anastasia tilted her head as a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Hmm. Let me think…” she mused dramatically before adding, “Maybe because you reek of guilt. It is written all over y
Damien sat in a café, checking his watch. He had been waiting for half an hour when the door finally opened. A tall, striking woman walked in and as soon as she saw him, her face lit up. She walked over and hugged him.“How are you, Damien?” she asked with a confident smile. The woman was stunning, strong and intimidating with an air of mystery. She wore a dress with a low back, showing off a large phoenix tattoo. The tattoo gave her an untouchable aura, like she had risen from something difficult, carrying a story only she knew, a story which with hints of sadness.“I’m doing well, Gia,” Damien replied. “And you?”Giovanna laughed lightly as her tone was calm. “What could possibly happen to me?”“Right…” Damien said. Then he asked, “How is Gideon?”The mention of the boy made her expression soften instantly. “Gideon is doing great,” she said, a warm smile appearing on her face.Damien nodded, relieved. He thought back to her past about the struggles she had endured. Ten years ago,
“Miss!”“We found the location!”Regina stood at the beach, her gaze fixed on the horizon as the words she had been waiting for finally reached her ears. For the past week, she had tasked people with keeping an eye on her mother. Although she was angry with her, it didn’t mean she hated her. Her frustration stemmed from her mother’s constant interference in her life, not from a lack of love.What troubled her even more was the mystery of where her mother was getting those sketches. At first, she suspected her teacher might be helping, but over time, she began to notice inconsistencies. The designs clearly weren’t her teacher’s work. Regina vividly recalled the day her teacher subtly hinted that someone else was behind the designs.The scandal that followed unearthed even more questions. While critics tore her apart for copying, a few respected figures in the industry made a startling observation like her work bore an uncanny resemblance to the designs of the legendary Faye. But how co
The person kept muttering, “Mum… Mum…” in a frail and broken voice.“Should we kill it?” the man asked, his face twisting in disgust. “This…thing is too revolting to even look at.”Regina’s expression hardened as she shook her head. “No. Take it with us. Make sure there is no trace we were ever here.”“This person…” the man hesitated. “It will be a liability. If anyone finds out—”Regina’s lips curled into a sly smile. “Actually, I’m looking forward to this kind of trouble.”Once they were outside, the person was bundled in layers of cloth to keep her hidden. Regina pulled out her phone and made a call. “Ronan, it’s Regina. I need your help.”A week later...Regina stood in a big bouse, facing the person who had helped her when she needed it the most as her expression full of gratitude. “Thank you so much for everything,” she said softly.The woman smiled warmly. “Come on, Regina. I like you. Of course, I would help.”Regina’s eyes softened. “Even with the risks, you still stepped in.
After Crystal left, Regina turned to Giovanni. “How do you know the Hawthorne family?”Giovanni leaned back, his tone casual and warm. “Crystal’s mother-in-law is the sister of Gideon’s grandmother. The two families are very close. They adore Gideon, so I ended up getting close to them, too.” He paused, then added, “Don’t worry about the patient. The Hawthornes have the best doctors. She will be as good as new.”Meanwhile, Limpy limped toward Claire, his face pale as he delivered the news. “Madam, the place was blasted.”He was so scared of Claire while delivering this news. He would not be shocked if she killed him. Fiona was her ace and now she lost it. She would die with grief and rage. “What do you mean?” Claire’s voice was sharp with confusion. She was not ready to accept the truth. Limpy stuttered, visibly shaken. “There was a fight between two families... our place, along with many others, was blown up. There is nothing left.”Claire’s eyes narrowed as she grabbed Limpy by the
One day, while Regina was on a call with Giovanni, she abruptly excused herself and ran to the washroom.Giovanni’s voice came through, concerned. “Are you okay?”Regina’s voice was faint when she replied, “Just feeling nauseous lately.”“Maybe you are not adjusting to the climate in Italy?” Giovanni suggested. Two months ago, Regina moved to Italy with never to return. Regina shrugged, her voice tinged with frustration. “I don’t know. I have been having terrible acidity although I gave up alcohol.” Since that night, she swore never to touch alcohol again. Plus, she had refused to touch alcohol after that night. She was so embarrsed about that night that she did not even want to talk about it. Giovanni hummed thoughtfully. “When do you plan to return to New York?”Regina’s face stiffened at the question.“It has been two months, Regina,” Giovanni continued gently. “The scandal has been buried. I’m really sorry you had to suffer because of the Arnello family. That vile woman, Eleano
“Mrs. Spencer, Miss Spencer is back.”Claire’s sharp gaze flickered toward the housekeeper, her fingers stilling over the rim of her teacup. The words sent a ripple through her carefully composed demeanour, but she did not let it show.She set her cup down with measured grace and asked, “Which one?”The housekeeper hesitated only briefly before answering, “Miss Regina.”Claire’s lips parted slightly, a glimmer of intrigue flashing in her eyes. She let the silence stretch, allowing herself a moment to absorb the unexpected news. Regina was back.Finally, she asked, “Where is she?”The housekeeper shifted uneasily. “She arrived with luggage. She went straight to her room. We did not ask any questions, but… it seems she is here to stay.”Claire leaned back into her chair, pressing her fingers together in thought. “Get her whatever she needs. Make sure she is comfortable.” Then, after a calculated pause, she added, “And keep an eye on her.”She had anticipated something like this. The dru
As they strolled through the garden, the evening air carried the faint scent of blooming flowers and the soft rustling of leaves. Damien glanced at Anastasia, his fingers brushing against hers lightly before he asked, “How are you feeling, Anna?”Anastasia let out a slow sigh before a small, thoughtful smile curved her lips. “You know, when I first returned to New York, I was consumed by my desire for revenge. I wanted to burn everything to the ground. I wanted to kill Claire. And I still do.” She paused, inhaling deeply. “But not at the cost of myself. Somewhere along the way, I realized just how beautiful my life is. I found my courage, Damien. I finally found the strength to come to you and—by some twisted manipulation—make you my husband as well.”He chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. “I still can’t believe you pulled that off.” Then, after a beat, he asked, “Can I ask you something?”She nodded, turning her gaze toward him.“Why did you propose marriage to me?” His expressio
“Welcome home, Mommy!”The children’s voices rang with excitement as they ran to embrace Anastasia with their little arms wrapped tightly around her. It was a simple moment filled with warmth, laughter, and an overwhelming sense of belonging. The family of four was whole again.Nevertheless, even as joy swelled in her heart, a shadow of bitterness lingered behind. Regina was gone. The sting of her departure wasn’t something Anastasia could easily ignore, but for the first time, she found herself truly understanding Regina’s reasons and doings. Regina had chosen to leave on her terms, and in doing so, she had finally earned Anastasia’s respect. Regina’s love for Damien had always been complicated, but at least now, there was honesty in it.What unsettled Anastasia more was that Regina had chosen to go back to the Spencers’ house. The thought of her returning to that place sent an uneasy chill through her. But Damien had reassured her. “She’ll be safe,” he had promised. “Regina isn’t as
As the letter slipped from his trembling fingers, Damien snatched his phone and dialled her number, his heart pounding in his chest.The moment she answered, he didn’t hesitate. “You stupid girl,” he muttered, his voice thick with frustration and desperation. “What the hell are you doing? Come back.”Regina let out a breathless laugh. One that was laced with the sound of silent tears. “No, Damien,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “You lost your chance.” A heavy pause. “Don’t make this harder for me.”Damien closed his eyes, pressing his forehead against his hand as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. “Regina, where are you?” he asked, almost pleading.“I’m going back to my house,” she said, her voice flat. “To the Spencers’ house.”His heart lurched. “Don’t go there,” he almost yelled, gripping the phone tighter. “Regina, don’t go back to that place! Just—just come back to me instead!”But she wasn’t listening. Or maybe she couldn’t. Instead, her voice took on an eerie calm
When Damien woke up, a sense of unease settled over him. Something felt off as if something was missing. Huh, what was this feeling? Anna was finally safe but why was his heart tensed? Before he could fully grasp the feeling, Mrs. Luna entered the room hastily, holding a neatly folded envelope. Her expression was desperate and full of fear. "Mr. Callahan," she said softly. "Miss Spencer left this morning. She asked me to give you this letter."Damien frowned, confusion knitting his brows. "She… left?" he repeated, his voice laced with disbelief. Where did she leave? He saw her last night and she looked fine. Where did she just go? Mrs. Luna merely nodded before stepping back, leaving him alone with the letter.With a deep breath, Damien unfolded the paper as his eyes scanned the words written in her familiar handwriting.Hi Damien,By the time you read this, I will be gone.Not from your life. Not entirely. But from this home, from your family, from the future I once dreamt of with
Rio, seemingly sensing the emotional shift, banged his tiny fists on his high chair. “Mama!”Adeline laughed through her sniffles, reaching out to ruffle his curls. And just like that, the warmth of home wrapped around her again.Suddenly, Rio let out an excited squeal as his chubby hands flailed wildly as he bounced in his high chair. His little body practically vibrated with enthusiasm as he made incoherent noises, pointing toward the entrance.“What’s gotten into you, little devil?” Adeline chuckled, reaching out to steady him. “Why are you so naughty tonight?”But Rio’s wide eyes remained locked on a single spot and his excitement grew by the second.Curious, Asher turned to follow his brother’s gaze. The moment he registered who was stepping inside, his fork clattered onto his plate. Without a second thought, he launched himself forward, his feet pounding against the floor at lightning speed.“Mommy!” he cried, throwing himself straight into Anastasia’s arms.Anastasia barely had
When Damien pulled up to his place, the night air carried a solemn stillness. He turned to Anastasia as he was reluctant to leave.“Go inside,” she told him softly.His jaw tightened. “Why do you have to leave?” His voice was low, almost pleading. He didn’t want to be apart from her, not now, not ever. Being with her made everything feel right, and the thought of stepping into that house without her felt unbearably empty.Anastasia sighed, cupping his cheek gently. “Damien, go home.” Her touch was warm but there was finality in her tone. “I know you could tell Regina you are away on a business trip or come up with some excuse… but I don’t feel right about it. She is sick, Damien. She is all alone, away from her family. And in her mind, you are the only one she has.” She paused, letting the words sink in. “Right now, she needs you more than I do.”Damien clenched his fists, torn between obligation and desire. He wanted to be with Anastasia, to hold her, to lose himself in her warmth,
Adeline sighed dramatically. “And when I woke up the next morning, he was gone. I still didn’t know what he looked like. But I knew it was him. So, I texted him. I said, I know it was you. Then, I deleted all my social media. I told him, If you want me, you’ll have to find me.”Regina held her breath. “Did he?”Adeline exhaled, shaking her head. “No.”Regina frowned.“Long story short,” Adeline continued, “I found out I was pregnant. When we finally met again, he was shocked… disgusted with himself… beaten half to death by my family—” She smirked. “And that was just the beginning. After so many dramatic twists and turns, we found our way back to each other. Now, we are living our happily ever after.”Regina stared at her, almost in disbelief. “You forgave him? Just like that?”Adeline’s smile softened. “You see, Regina… I hated him when I was going through pregnancy alone. The only person who stood by me was my best friend. But in the end, I forgave him. Not because I’m a saint, but b
Adeline had just returned to the table when she heard Regina’s soft and pensive voice.“Hey, Adeline… Have you ever been in love?”Adeline raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden question. Regina had been oddly quiet since she sat back down, her eyes distant, lost in thoughts Adeline couldn’t quite decipher. Something had shifted in her.“Yes,” Adeline answered with a small smile.Regina looked at her intently. “Was your love successful?”A nostalgic warmth flickered across Adeline’s face. “I struggled for almost a decade,” she admitted, “but it succeeded in the end.”Regina blinked, intrigued. “Really? Would you like to share it with me?”Adeline chuckled. “As you know, I’m a model, right?”Regina nodded. “I have heard your name.”Adeline rolled her eyes dramatically. “Girl, I have over fifty million followers, and you have just heard about me? You humble me real quick.”Regina let out a small laugh, and Adeline smirked before continuing.“Anyway, I was still in college and moving