âWelcome home, Mommy!âThe childrenâs 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 wasnât something Anastasia could easily ignore, but for the first time, she found herself truly understanding Reginaâs reasons and doings. Regina had chosen to leave on her terms, and in doing so, she had finally earned Anastasiaâs respect. Reginaâs 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 Spencersâ house. The thought of her returning to that place sent an uneasy chill through her. But Damien had reassured her. âSheâll be safe,â he had promised. âRegina isnât as
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, âHow are you feeling, Anna?âAnastasia let out a slow sigh before a small, thoughtful smile curved her lips. âYou 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.â She paused, inhaling deeply. âBut 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 andâby some twisted manipulationâmake you my husband as well.âHe chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. âI still canât believe you pulled that off.â Then, after a beat, he asked, âCan I ask you something?âShe nodded, turning her gaze toward him.âWhy did you propose marriage to me?â His expressio
âMrs. Spencer, Miss Spencer is back.âClaireâs 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, âWhich one?âThe housekeeper hesitated only briefly before answering, âMiss Regina.âClaireâs 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, âWhere is she?âThe housekeeper shifted uneasily. âShe arrived with luggage. She went straight to her room. We did not ask any questions, butâĶ it seems she is here to stay.âClaire leaned back into her chair, pressing her fingers together in thought. âGet her whatever she needs. Make sure she is comfortable.â Then, after a calculated pause, she added, âAnd keep an eye on her.âShe had anticipated something like this. The dru
The grand mansion stood far away from the crowded city. Tonight, it was bustling under the warm glow of chandeliers and the murmur of conversations as a party for a business launch was going on in full swing. The focal point of the evening was a woman dressed in a long, elegant black dress holding a glass of champagne, possessing the grace of royalty. Her name was Regina Spencer and she was no less than a royal princess. Regina moved through the crowd with sophistication and a flawless smile that could ease anyone while her foxy eyes were on every opportunity laid around her. The mansion's luxurious ballroom was adorned with priceless art and rare decorations and showcased the power and wealth her family wielded. It apprehended and awed every guest. Outside, the beautifully mowed gardens were sparkling under the moonlight and some people were chatting there. The Spencer House was always a talk among the guests as they don't seem to get enough of its beauty. "Regina, I saw what you
Anastasia stared at the boy standing in front of her who was begging her to change her mind. Little did he know that no persuasion would ever change her resolve."Anna, please give us a chance," Damien begged, holding her hand with utmost sincerity. His eyes which were usually so confident mirrored desperation at this time. "Anna, I love you," Damien whispered. "Please, let's not break up?"Anastasia pulled her hands from his grip and turned away, her gaze fixed on the busy cityscape from the terrace of the building where Damien had brought her. He had flown from New York to London just to see her. They had broken up two months ago when she left New York, and she hadn't expected him to come here to plead for another chance.She closed her eyes as tears threatened to spill. No, she couldn't be weak now. She had to stay strong. They simply couldn't be together. A sob rose in her throat, but she bit down hard on her lip to distract her emotional pain from the sharp physical pain. He cou
When Anastasia finally arrived home, she found her mother waiting in the living room. It was late and the sight of her daughter, clearly drunk and accompanied by Adeline and a young man, made Fiona's eyes narrow with concern."Miss Fiona, this is my brother, Austin," Adeline quickly introduced as she sensed the tension."What happened to her?" Fiona asked, her worry evident in her tone and expression."Iâm not sure," Adeline replied, glancing at Anastasia with concern. "She said she had to meet someone, and when she returned, she was very sad. I tried asking her what happened but she didnât say anything."Austin scowled, impatience lacing his voice. "Why don't you just tell her that Anna went to meet that boy?"Fiona's expression hardened at the mention of "that boy."Austin continued, "A woman also came to meet her at a cafÃĐ."Fiona's heart sank as she pieced together what must have happened. Someone from New York had come to see her daughter, someone from the life she had tried so h
A year ago, Anna had everythingâa family, a perfect life, and a loving boyfriend. But one fateful night, everything shattered into pieces and she became all alone in this world with nobody to run to. She was born into a powerful and wealthy family as her father owned one of the largest conglomerates in the USA. She recalled a time when her parents were madly in love with each other. However, things took a turn when she was ten. Her mother left home after a heated argument with her father. After that, her mother never returned. That day she not only lost her mother but also her father. Anastasiaâs life turned into a battleground of legal battleâ choosing which parent to stay with. However, nobody had much of a choice when the person was one of the most powerful people in the country. Her mother couldn't win the custody case and she had to stay with her father, which meant she would never see her mother again. When Anna was eleven, her father introduced her to his new wife. Accepti
Damien stood with his back against the sleek-black car with his arms crossed and exuding an air of impatience and elegance. Behind him, his secretary Jack was a bundle of nerves who had beads of sweat trickling down his face. They had been waiting outside the civil affairs bureau for over half an hour and the tension in the air was thick around then. Jack gulped nervously while casting anxious glances between his boss and the entrance, and silently praying that the mysterious woman Damien was set to marry today would appear soon. If she didnât, Jack knew all too well the kind of storm that would follow. To mess up with Damien Callahan was no less messing with the devil himself. Jack still couldnât wrap his head around the fact that just days before, Damien had been on the verge of finalizing his engagement to Miss Regina Spencer, a woman with great family ties and social standing. How on earth had he decided to leave her for this mystery womanâsomeone who might not even have the s
âMrs. Spencer, Miss Spencer is back.âClaireâs 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, âWhich one?âThe housekeeper hesitated only briefly before answering, âMiss Regina.âClaireâs 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, âWhere is she?âThe housekeeper shifted uneasily. âShe arrived with luggage. She went straight to her room. We did not ask any questions, butâĶ it seems she is here to stay.âClaire leaned back into her chair, pressing her fingers together in thought. âGet her whatever she needs. Make sure she is comfortable.â Then, after a calculated pause, she added, âAnd keep an eye on her.âShe 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, âHow are you feeling, Anna?âAnastasia let out a slow sigh before a small, thoughtful smile curved her lips. âYou 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.â She paused, inhaling deeply. âBut 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 andâby some twisted manipulationâmake you my husband as well.âHe chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. âI still canât believe you pulled that off.â Then, after a beat, he asked, âCan I ask you something?âShe nodded, turning her gaze toward him.âWhy did you propose marriage to me?â His expressio
âWelcome home, Mommy!âThe childrenâs 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 wasnât something Anastasia could easily ignore, but for the first time, she found herself truly understanding Reginaâs reasons and doings. Regina had chosen to leave on her terms, and in doing so, she had finally earned Anastasiaâs respect. Reginaâs 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 Spencersâ house. The thought of her returning to that place sent an uneasy chill through her. But Damien had reassured her. âSheâll be safe,â he had promised. âRegina isnât 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 didnât hesitate. âYou stupid girl,â he muttered, his voice thick with frustration and desperation. âWhat the hell are you doing? Come back.âRegina let out a breathless laugh. One that was laced with the sound of silent tears. âNo, Damien,â she whispered, her voice breaking. âYou lost your chance.â A heavy pause. âDonât make this harder for me.âDamien closed his eyes, pressing his forehead against his hand as he struggled to keep his emotions in check. âRegina, where are you?â he asked, almost pleading.âIâm going back to my house,â she said, her voice flat. âTo the Spencersâ house.âHis heart lurched. âDonât go there,â he almost yelled, gripping the phone tighter. âRegina, donât go back to that place! Justâjust come back to me instead!âBut she wasnât listening. Or maybe she couldnât. 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. "SheâĶ 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. âMama!âAdeline 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.âWhatâs gotten into you, little devil?â Adeline chuckled, reaching out to steady him. âWhy are you so naughty tonight?âBut Rioâs wide eyes remained locked on a single spot and his excitement grew by the second.Curious, Asher turned to follow his brotherâs 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.âMommy!â he cried, throwing himself straight into Anastasiaâs 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.âGo inside,â she told him softly.His jaw tightened. âWhy do you have to leave?â His voice was low, almost pleading. He didnât 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. âDamien, go home.â Her touch was warm but there was finality in her tone. âI know you could tell Regina you are away on a business trip or come up with some excuseâĶ but I donât 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.â She paused, letting the words sink in. âRight now, she needs you more than I do.âDamien 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. âAnd when I woke up the next morning, he was gone. I still didnât 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, youâll have to find me.âRegina held her breath. âDid he?âAdeline exhaled, shaking her head. âNo.âRegina frowned.âLong story short,â Adeline continued, âI found out I was pregnant. When we finally met again, he was shockedâĶ disgusted with himselfâĶ beaten half to death by my familyââ She smirked. âAnd 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.âRegina stared at her, almost in disbelief. âYou forgave him? Just like that?âAdelineâs smile softened. âYou see, ReginaâĶ 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 Iâm a saint, but b
Adeline had just returned to the table when she heard Reginaâs soft and pensive voice.âHey, AdelineâĶ Have you ever been in love?âAdeline 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 couldnât quite decipher. Something had shifted in her.âYes,â Adeline answered with a small smile.Regina looked at her intently. âWas your love successful?âA nostalgic warmth flickered across Adelineâs face. âI struggled for almost a decade,â she admitted, âbut it succeeded in the end.âRegina blinked, intrigued. âReally? Would you like to share it with me?âAdeline chuckled. âAs you know, Iâm a model, right?âRegina nodded. âI have heard your name.âAdeline rolled her eyes dramatically. âGirl, I have over fifty million followers, and you have just heard about me? You humble me real quick.âRegina let out a small laugh, and Adeline smirked before continuing.âAnyway, I was still in college and moving