I feel so bad for Fiona Watson? Btw how was the twist?
"Ah!""Anna?" Damien woke with Anastasia's distressed scream. She was drenched in sweat while crying out in her sleep as if she was trapped in a nightmare. Gently, he tried to wake her by whispering her name, but she was lost somewhere deep and her unstoppable cries breaking his heart.It was as if she was caged in a place where he could touch her, feel her but he could not make his voice enter her ears. She clung to him unconsciously while her voice was trembling, she was just calling for one person, "Mom! Don’t go!" Damien held her close in his embrace warm and to make her feel that she was protected, hoping she could feel his presence and find some sense of safety in his warmth. He stroked her hair softly, murmured soothing words while he was feeling utterly helpless as he waited for the nightmare to fade. His wife was so much in pain that it was unbearable for him to see her like this. After half an hour, her breathing slowed and she finally fell into a peaceful sleep. When she
At that moment, Anastasia returned with a big smile and placed a fruit plate in front of Damien and Adeline. “I peeled and cut these myself. I want you both to finish it!”They groaned in unison, “Okay.”Why was this woman always obsessed with feeding them healthy food all the time? She never let them eat anything from out but twice or thrice a week, she would be found stuffing burgers. Then, she would give a sheepish smile and say she needed them for her emotional wellbeing. Anastasia giggled, “I want my godchild to come out healthy and rosy.”Adeline rolled her eyes. “I swear I have gained at least ten pounds since staying here for two weeks! And it is not all pregnancy weight.”Anastasia looked around playfully and said, “Husband, is there a third person here? Because I can’t see anyone else.”Damien chuckled, feeding her a slice of apple. “No, just us. But don’t try to avoid your own share. Take care of your health, too.”Anastasia pouted. “Why should I worry about my health? Don’
Anastasia was focused on her workstation in her father’s office as she was immersed in the details of the hotel design. The architecture had finally been approved, the investors were on board, and the selection of companies for the project was finalized. She had decisively removed all partners loyal to Armanis from the list and opted instead for neutral firms like the Callahans and others. When she presented her choices to Harold, he nodded in approval without any hitch which was surprising to her. With the official work complete, the construction in Noorstan was set to begin, and Anastasia confidently estimated the hotel would be ready in three to six months. As she wrapped up her tasks, she realized it was lunchtime. To her surprise, her father was in the office and busy with his own work. He usually liked to work from home and rarely come here. Harold glanced over at his daughter, noting how focusedly she stared at her screen. He cleared his throat, hoping to catch her attentio
“Anna!” Adeline protested as her voice was muffled as she curled deeper into the couch. “I don’t wanna go.”Anastasia sighed, hands on her hips. “Why not? You haven’t left this house in a month!”Adeline mumbled, “I did. I went to meet Austin.”A week ago, Adeline had finally come clean to Austin about her pregnancy. His reaction wasn’t terrible, but he looked more terrified than she felt. In the end, he insisted that she stay with him. But Adeline held her ground as she had refused to leave Anastasia’s place just yet. They compromised that she could stay with Anastasia until she felt ready to move in with him. At least she hzd have someone looking out for her.“Addy, staying cooped up is not good for your mental health,” Anastasia coaxed. “All day, you are either here or in the kitchen.”Adeline pouted. “I’m learning to cook from Mrs. Luna, and she is teaching me about baby care.”Anastasia smiled softly. “That is great, but you are doing nothing just for you. Your life doesn’t have
Meanwhile, the waitress hurried over to the manager, her face flushed with worry. “Summer, I’m so sorry! I really messed up. I accidentally spilled hot coffee on a guest!”Summer was a beautiful and gentle looking woman in her late forties with a warm but had a kind presence and she looked at Lily with genuine concern. “Take a deep breath, Lily. Just make sure she is okay and offer any help she needs. Accidents happen all the time.”Lily’s hands twisted nervously. She said while catching breath, “I don’t think she is badly burned and she poured ice water over herself immediately and rushed into the restroom. But what if she is scalded?”Summer nodded thoughtfully. She said, “We shouldn’t take any chances. I will call my friend Eliza. She is a doctor and happens to be babysitting my daughter. Let us also grab the first aid kit, just in case.”Just then, a tall, middle-aged man with a strong and attractive presence walked over. He gave Summer a gentle look as he noticed the frown on her
Anastasia rushed in, her eyes wide with concern. “Addy, are you okay?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.Adeline was too drained to respond managed a small sleepy nod from where she rested. Eliza, the doctor, stepped in to reassure her. “Hello, Miss. I’m a doctor. Your friend is fine. She is just very worn out from all the vomiting. We have given her a drink with electrolytes to help her regain her strength. A little nap and she will be back to herself.”Anastasia exhaled as she visibly was relieved, though her concern lingered about her bestfriend. She said, “She is pregnant, and sometimes the nausea gets really intense. Once she starts, she just can’t stop until her stomach is completely empty. Are you sure she will be okay?”Eliza nodded, her tone calm and confident. “Absolutely. With some rest, she will feel much better.”Finally, Anastasia could breathe. She was feeling so guilty for bringing Adeline here. If she was not stubborn enough to take Adeline out, this would not
They held each other’s gaze for a long moment. Finally, Darcy gave an awkward smile, breaking the silence.“You have not changed at all,” he said with a faint sigh. “It feels like I just stepped back ten years.”Anastasia returned his smile warmly. “It is good to see you, Mr. Callahan.”Summer was watching the exchange with a frown and looked between them. “Darcy, do you know her?”Due to their past, she was very careful about the people who would try to come closer to people. Today was a coincidence, was it or not? She was usually a kind woman but her husband was her bottomline. Darcy chuckled, nodding. He knew what was going through his wife’s head at the moment anf said, “Yes, my dear wife. This is Anastasia Spencer. Remember Fiona? My old friend? Well, Anastasia here is her daughter.”Summer’s eyes lit up as the connection came together. Oh, she knew Fiona. She liked FIona a lot. That woman was a quirky and an interesting woman. “Oh! Didn’t Fiona’s daughter used to date…” She t
At that moment, Summer gave her husband’s shoulder a reassuring pat and signaled Eliza to join her in the kitchen while giving Darcy and Anastasia a little space to catch up. As the two women left, Darcy and Anastasia continued their conversation, sharing updates and memories. As Summer and Eliza worked quietly in the kitchen, they exchanged knowing glances as they listened to the soft murmur of Darcy and Anastasia’s conversation from the other room.Eliza sighed. “Who would have thought Darcy would meet his daughter-in-law by chance like this?”Summer nodded thoughtfully. “He misses his family more than he lets on. He can’t see Damien, but at least through her, he can get some peace of mind.”Eliza shook her head, her tone somber. “It is tragic. Darcy left an unhappy marriage, and now his family uses that against him. To hold such a grudge, it is just cruel. Everyone has a chance to have a happy life. He waited for eighteen years for his son. Carolyn did not even love him yet he st
“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