It was a special day for Anastasia and Damien.For the past few days, the couple has been discussing adoption, a decision that feels monumental to both of them. Today, they have taken the first big step by visiting an orphanage. The thought of becoming parents for the first time has made them both nervous and excited. They have spent countless hours talking it over with friends and family, weighing the decision carefully before finally moving forward.“Mr. and Mrs. Callahan, we currently have 50 children in our orphanage,” the manager explained warmly as he led them through the hallways.The place was bustling with life, filled with laughter and the curious eyes of children. Anastasia and Damien took their time talking to many of them. Each child had a unique personality, and their innocent charm brought smiles to the couple's faces.But as much as Anastasia wanted to feel an immediate connection, something inside her told her to wait. None of the children she met so far felt like her
Many times, blood does not define relationships. Anastasia understood this better than anyone, and now Damien was living this truth as well.When Asher and Ashton were brought to their new home, they were awestruck. It took them an entire month to come to terms with the reality of their new life. Accepting Anastasia and Damien as their parents wasn’t easy, but all four of them were working hard to build a family together.It was the weekend. The boys had recently been enrolled in a new school and adjusting to the fast-paced curriculum of an international private school had been challenging for them. However, their parents were fully committed to helping them succeed.Despite it being a holiday, Damien woke the kids up early.Asher, the older of the two, groaned. “Do I really have to get up?”Though he was respectful to Anastasia and Damien, Asher had a frosty demeanour—his coldness rivalled that of Antarctica.“Yes, you do,” Damien said firmly. “We agreed that today you would learn ho
As Mrs. Luna served Asher’s breakfast, it was noticeably different from everyone else’s. Since Asher loved animals so much that he couldn’t bear the thought of eating meat, the family wholeheartedly respected his choice and ensured he was only served vegetarian meals.“Jellybean, your dad told me about your plans for the day. Are you excited?” Anastasia asked with a warm smile.“Yeah,” Asher replied, though his tone carried a mix of emotions. Glancing at his younger brother, he added, “Maxey isn’t learning to ride a bicycle?”“Nope!” Ashton grinned cheekily. “I asked Mommy if I could skip it, and she said yes.”Asher turned toward Damien with a frown. “That’s not fair!”Damien shrugged with a smirk. “Sorry, buddy. He pulled the Mommy card today, and you know how it is, she is the boss.”Asher rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed.Anastasia leaned in, her tone encouraging. “I know by the end of the day, you will be riding like a pro. We are all rooting for you.”Breakfast was casual an
Damien and Anastasia lay tangled under the sheet as the afterglow of their passionate love-making session still lingered. He pressed a gentle kiss to the smooth curve of her shoulder and a quiet hum of satisfaction left her lips in response.“Who knew that kids making love would be such an adventure,” Anastasia murmured, her voice filled with exhaustion.Damien chuckled. “I hope for a decade none of them discover sex.”Anastasia rolled her eyes. “Come on, let’s not forget about us. We started pretty early. Thank God our parents never knew.”Damien’s grin was mischievous as he pulled her in for a slow kiss. “I missed you all day,” he whispered. Anastasia smirked, “Oh yeah? I heard the laughter downstairs. I know you were having fun with the boys. Did you even have the chance to miss me?”It warmed her heart to no end that their lives had changed for the better and now it was filled with so much love. This was the family that she never knew she needed. But now that she had it, everythi
Abel’s voice over the call was filled with concern. “Hey, Anastasia. Can you please check on Regina for me? I’m out of state for a meeting. She is not answering my calls, and my housekeeper is on leave.”There was a pause before he added, almost apologetically, “I know it is asking a lot, but I’m really getting stressed about her.”Anastasia’s tone was calm and reassuring. “It is not a big deal, Abel. I will go check on her.”“Thank you. I really appreciate it. I have to get back. I called you in the middle of a meeting,” he said hurriedly before ending the call.Anastasia smiled softly after hanging up. Lately, Abel had become incredibly attentive and caring toward Regina. With her due date approaching, it was natural for him to worry, especially when she didn’t pick up the phone. She admired how much effort he was putting into making sure Regina felt supported.“Maxey,” Anastasia called out, intending to get her youngest to join her.Instead of Ashton, Asher appeared in the doorway
Regina couldn’t make sense of what was happening. How could it be Fiona? She had been living here for months and hadn’t even recognized her own mother.“Regina!” Anastasia screamed as Regina stumbled against a table and fell to the ground.Both Anastasia and Fiona rushed to her side, helping her to the sofa.“Are you okay?” Anastasia asked, panic evident in her voice.Dazed, Regina nodded.“You hit the table so hard! And you are heavily pregnant. I’m not taking any chances,” Anastasia said, her fear mounting.“Anna, I’m fine,” Regina reassured her.But Anastasia didn’t listen. She quickly called Damien. “Please come to Regina and Abel’s place right away. And increase security around our house.”“Is everything alright?” Damien asked, his concern clear.“Damien, my mom is alive. She is here with me. I need you to come over and make sure she is safe while I look after Regina,” Anastasia said, her voice trembling. “Please, hurry.”When Damien arrived, he was stunned to see Fiona. Anastasi
On Adeline’s side, Damien called her to come to his place immediately with her son. She was already en route when Ronan sent her an SOS with his location. Her brows furrowed at the odd message, but her heart pounded with unease. When she tried calling him, his phone was switched off.Dropping Rio off at Damien’s place, Adeline wasted no time. With her security team in tow, she headed to the location Ronan had sent. It was a private property on the outskirts of New York. The urgency of the situation made her call Delilah to arrange for a chopper to get her there faster.As they landed, her bodyguards secured the perimeter and began a thorough search of the property. Room by room, they swept through until Adeline finally found Ronan.He was lying on a bed. His body filled with discomfort as a naked woman attempted to climb on him. He was intoxicated but was still trying to push her away. Adeline’s blood boiled at the sight, but she forced herself to keep her calm.“Record this,” she or
Anna made sure all the exits around the hospital were blocked. She was determined to stop anyone from escaping, especially since she was certain the kidnapper hadn’t left and the missing baby was still inside the building.She didn’t waste any time and searched every corner of the hospital. She checked rooms, hallways, and storage areas, leaving nothing untouched. The guards were also running around, doing their best to find the child, but no one seemed to have any luck.As Anna moved through the hospital, she noticed a nurse heading toward the terrace, holding a cigarette packet. The nurse tried to open the door but found it locked.“That’s strange,” the nurse muttered. “Why is the terrace door locked? It’s never locked.”Anna’s instincts kicked in. Something felt off. She walked up to the door and tried opening it herself, but it wouldn’t budge. The lock was solid and the door wouldn’t move. Without hesitation, she decided to break it open.She hurried downstairs to find something h
“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