Chapter 34Chelsea arrived home, the file weighing heavily in her hand as she closed the door behind her. She glanced at Reese, who was waiting in the living room, visibly curious about what Chelsea might have uncovered. Chelsea felt a mixture of apprehension and determination as she sat down and pulled the papers out again, her fingers brushing over a small, folded document tucked between the larger pages."What's that?" Reese asked, leaning forward.Chelsea opened it slowly, her eyes scanning the words at the top of the page: Pregnancy Result. Her breath caught as she registered the name printed on it—Aria. Aria was pregnant, and it looked like she'd intended for Chelsea to find this.“This… this can’t be real,” Chelsea murmured, disbelief mingling with a sense of betrayal.Reese snatched the paper from her, her expression darkening as she read it over. “She’s really pregnant? Does Liam know?”Chelsea shook her head. “I don’t think he does. But why would she go through all this trou
CHAPTER 35: MEANT TO KNOW EVERYTHING The next day dawned gray and chilly, a reflection of the mood hanging over Chelsea. She was still processing what she had learned about Aria’s pregnancy, and her thoughts churned as she went about her routine. The morning had barely begun, but the weight of what she had discovered felt overwhelming.At work, Chelsea focused on her tasks, hoping they would distract her. But her mind kept circling back to Liam, to his reaction, and to her own conflicted feelings. When she arrived at his office later that morning, the tension in the air was almost tangible. Liam was sitting at his desk, his expression unreadable, yet there was an unmistakable resolve in his eyes. Chelsea felt a pang of sympathy—whatever he was dealing with was clearly just as challenging for him.“Chelsea, come in,” he said, his voice steady. She stepped inside, shutting the door quietly behind her. “Thank you for bringing me that document yesterday. I appreciate it.”Chelsea nodded,
Chapter 36:A kiss of warmthIn the bustling kitchen, the clatter of pots and pans filled the air as the head chef gathered everyone around for a meeting about the upcoming gala. It was a high-profile event, and each of them was expected to be on their A-game. Chelsea listened intently, though her thoughts drifted to Liam more than she liked to admit.“All right, everyone,” the head chef announced, commanding their full attention. “Tomorrow’s gala is an important event. We need to make sure everything runs smoothly. Each of you will have specific tasks, and I don’t want any surprises. Understood?”A murmur of agreement rippled through the staff, but as the head chef continued his briefing, the phone rang, piercing through the noise.The head chef glanced at the phone, then picked it up. “Yes, Head Chef speaking,” he said briskly. His eyebrows shot up in surprise before he lowered the phone and looked directly at Chelsea. “Chelsea, Mr. Liam wants to speak with you.”Chelsea’s heart skip
Chapter 37: A Decision to make.The following morning arrived with an air of anticipation, the gala looming ever closer. Chelsea spent the early hours at work, attempting to avoid Liam’s gaze and focus on her responsibilities, though her thoughts kept drifting to the red dress waiting for her at home.By mid-morning, the kitchen was abuzz with activity. The head chef moved through the room, issuing orders as the staff prepared ingredients and practiced recipes for the gala menu.“Focus, people! This event will define us. If one plate leaves the kitchen looking less than perfect, it’s on you!” he barked, his tone both motivational and intimidating.Chelsea kept her head down, concentrating on her assigned task of arranging appetizer trays. Despite her efforts, whispers filled the air whenever she passed by. The rumors about her connection with Liam had clearly spread among the staff, making her an unintended centerpiece of gossip.“Chelsea,” the head chef’s voice broke through her thou
Chapter 38: The night of the gala The morning of the gala arrived, bringing a whirlwind of activity at the estate. Staff bustled about, ensuring everything was perfect for the evening’s event. The kitchen was a hive of movement, trays of hors d'oeuvres being prepared, while waitstaff rehearsed their routines. The air was filled with a mix of excitement and tension.Chelsea stood at the window of her modest apartment, staring at the red dress hanging from her closet. The matching silver heels and jewelry sparkled under the morning light, a stark reminder of Liam's intentions. Her heart raced at the thought of being his date, a mix of exhilaration and apprehension coursing through her.Reese walked in, holding two mugs of coffee. “Still staring at it?” she asked, handing one mug to Chelsea.Chelsea sighed, taking the coffee. “I don’t know if I can do this, Reese. It feels so… overwhelming.”Reese plopped onto the bed, smirking. “Overwhelming or exciting? Come on, Chelsea, this isn’t ju
Chapter 39: A Step Towards ResponsibilityLiam adjusted his tie as he entered the café where he was meeting Aria. The afternoon sunlight poured through the large windows, illuminating her as she sat at a table near the corner. She greeted him with a warm smile, her hands resting delicately on the table."Liam," she said sweetly, standing up as he approached.“Aria,” he replied, his tone even but guarded. He took a seat opposite her and folded his hands on the table.Aria tilted her head, studying him. “You look tense. Is something wrong?”Liam let out a controlled sigh. “I’ve been thinking. If you’re carrying my child, then we need to ensure everything is handled properly. I want to meet your doctor and get you registered at a hospital where you’ll receive the best care.”Her expression faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. “That’s very thoughtful of you, Liam. I’ve already been seeing a good doctor, but if you insist, I’ll set up an appointment for us to visit together.”
Chapter 40: A New PerspectiveChelsea paced the living room, her mind racing after Liam's visit. The rose sat in a vase on the coffee table, a quiet reminder of the whirlwind of emotions she was experiencing. She turned at the sound of the door opening. Reese walked in, her face lit up with an unmistakable grin.“Spill it,” Reese said, dropping her bag and heading straight for the couch.“What are you talking about?” Chelsea asked, feigning ignorance.Reese crossed her arms and gave Chelsea a knowing look. “Don’t play dumb. I was standing outside. I heard everything.”Chelsea’s cheeks flushed. “You were eavesdropping?”“Of course I was!” Reese admitted unapologetically. “How could I not? Liam Southwick, the man every woman in this city would kill to be with, just confessed his feelings for you! And you’re acting like it’s no big deal?”Chelsea shook her head, sighing. “It’s not that simple, Reese. There’s Aria. She’s pregnant with his child. How can I possibly—”Reese held up a hand,
Chapter 41: At the edge Chelsea sat on the edge of the couch, her thoughts jumbled. Liam’s visit lingered in her mind, particularly his piercing gaze and the way he said her name.“You’ve been pacing for ten minutes,” Reese quipped from the kitchen doorway.Chelsea turned, startled. “I’m not pacing.”“Oh, sure,” Reese replied, grinning as she walked in. “You’re just… strategically walking in circles.”Chelsea sighed and sat down. “What do you want, Reese?”“I want to know why you haven’t said yes to Liam yet.”Chelsea groaned. “It’s not that simple.”Reese sat beside her, an exaggerated sigh escaping her lips. “Girl, it is that simple. The man likes you. You like him. End of story.”“It’s not a fairytale,” Chelsea muttered, brushing her hands against her jeans.“Fairytales are overrated,” Reese said with a wink. “But starting over? That’s worth it. Think of this as your clean slate.”Chelsea frowned, unsure of what to say.Reese leaned closer, her voice softening. “You deserve to be
Chapter 75: Unraveling SecretsAdams sat in his office, his fingers drumming impatiently against the wooden desk. His mind was already occupied with the ongoing company projects when the door swung open. His mother, Olivia Hudson, walked in, her expression unreadable.He leaned back in his chair, watching her as she gracefully took a seat across from him. "To what do I owe this surprise visit, Mother?"Marina folded her arms, her gaze sharp. "I wanted to talk to you about your father’s health."Adams’ fingers stopped moving. He straightened slightly. "His health?"She nodded. "I traced his calls—every single one of them. Ever since you found out he was dying, I became curious."His eyes narrowed. "How long have you known?""A few years," Marina admitted, her voice calm but firm. "Two years before your marriage, to be precise."Adams clenched his jaw, his mind working through the implications. "And who did you trace the calls to?"His mother took a deep breath before speaking. "Liam’s
Chapter 74: Unfamiliar Faces and Unspoken TensionsChelsea sighed as she unlocked the front door to her apartment, exhaustion weighing down her shoulders. It had been a long day at work, and while she had expected to see Liam at the office, he hadn’t shown up. She knew why,he needed time to process what his mother had told him about his father.Dropping her bag onto the couch, she kicked off her heels and stretched, rolling the tension from her shoulders. The silence in the apartment felt strange. Usually, Reese was home by now, but the place was eerily empty.Where could she be?Shrugging, Chelsea made her way to the bedroom to freshen up. She changed into comfortable lounge wear, tying her hair up in a messy bun before heading to the kitchen. As she started gathering ingredients for dinner, the distant hum of an approaching car caught her attention.She hesitated, then walked toward the window, peeking through the curtains. A sleek black car had pulled up outside, and stepping out o
Chapter 73: The Truth Behind the MaskKim stood behind Reese, fastening the last button on her dress as she scrutinized her reflection in the mirror."Are you sure about this?" Kim asked, her voice laced with concern. "Going to meet him alone might not be the best idea. What if he’s dangerous?"Reese let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "Kim, I need to do this. I need to know what happened to Jeremy how he survived all these years and why he never reached out."Kim sighed, crossing her arms. "And what if his family doesn’t even know he’s alive?""Then I’ll find out the truth," Reese said firmly. She turned to face Kim. "I totally understand your concern, but I have to give this a shot. If there's even the slightest chance that I can get answers, I have to take it."Kim studied her for a moment before nodding. "Alright, but be careful. If anything feels off, call me immediately."Reese smiled. "I promise."A few minutes later, she was stepping into her car, gripping the steering w
Chapter 72: A Shocking RevelationLiam arrived at his mother’s estate, the familiar grand mansion standing tall against the morning sky. He hadn’t been here in months, avoiding unnecessary family drama as much as possible. However, after last night’s call, he knew he couldn’t ignore his mother forever.As he stepped inside, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm croissants filled the air. His mother, Eleanor, sat at the dining table, gracefully sipping her tea, while his grandmother, Beatrice, flipped through a newspaper.Eleanor looked up and smiled. “Liam, you came.”He sighed, taking a seat. “You asked me to.”“Join us for breakfast,” she said, pushing a plate of food toward him.Liam hesitated for a moment but eventually picked up his fork. He wasn’t particularly hungry, but if this was a way to get the conversation going, so be it.His grandmother eyed him over her glasses. “You look tired.”“I’m fine,” he muttered.Eleanor set her cup down, looking at him intently. “Liam, I
Chapter 71: A Taste of HurtThe next morning, Reese stretched as she got out of bed, reaching for her phone. She scrolled through her notifications and saw a text from Chelsea that had been sent late last night.Chelsea: Hey, Reese. Just wanted to let you know I’ll be spending the night at Liam’s place. Don’t wait up for me.Reese sighed, placing her phone on the nightstand. She wasn’t surprised things had been heating up between Chelsea and Liam, but something about the entire situation felt… off. Shaking the thought away, she decided to focus on something else.She picked up her phone again and dialed Kim. As soon as she answered, Reese said, “Come over. We’re going to find out who Gerald Hudson really is.”Kim hesitated for a second. “Are you sure about this? What if it’s dangerous?”Reese smirked. “That’s why you’re coming with me.”After hanging up, she moved to the kitchen, brewing herself a strong cup of coffee. She made herself a light breakfast but barely ate, her mind occupi
Chapter 70: A promise of love Charles arrived within minutes, his face dark with anger as he stepped into the penthouse. Aria, who had been standing frozen after Liam’s harsh words, turned toward her father in shock.“Dad?” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.Charles gave her a once-over before turning his gaze to Liam. “What the hell is going on here?”Liam stood his ground, arms crossed over his chest. “You’re here to take your daughter home.”Aria’s shock morphed into rage as she turned back to Liam. “You’re really throwing me out like this? After everything? I should be here, well taken care of, but instead, you’re treating me like I mean nothing to you?”Liam’s expression didn’t waver. “That’s because you don’t mean anything to me, Aria.”She gasped, her eyes filling with tears. “You don’t mean that…”“I do,” Liam replied coldly. “And you shouldn’t bother coming back here because I’ll make sure the guards know you’re no longer welcome.”Aria clenched her fists. “You
Chapter 69: A Distasteful SurpriseKim walked into Reese’s office with a stack of printed papers and placed them on the table. Reese, who had been staring at her computer screen in deep thought, glanced up and reached for the documents.“I did a deep search for the name Gerald Hudson,” Kim began. “But I found nothing. No records, no background, nothing that could link him to any existing family. The only thing that came close was a Hudson family that used to live in France.”Reese frowned as she skimmed through the documents. “Hudson family?”Kim nodded. “Yeah, but their only son supposedly died in a car accident twenty years ago.”Reese’s heart skipped a beat. She immediately dropped the papers and looked at Kim with a sharp intensity. “The Hudsons… I know that family. They were friends with my parents.”Kim blinked in surprise. “You do?”“Yes,” Reese said firmly. “I even knew their son—the one who supposedly died. His name was Jeremy. Except… if this Gerald Hudson is linked to them,
Chapter 68: Getting Fed UpAria lay in her hospital bed, her fingers clutching the blanket in frustration. The walls of the hospital room felt suffocating, and she was sick of lying here, feeling weak and helpless. Her father, Charles, sat beside her, his face full of concern.“Aria,” he said gently, “you just lost a child. You shouldn’t be stressing yourself over anything right now. You need to rest.”Aria’s eyes burned with anger. “I don’t have time to rest, Dad. If I don’t act fast, Chelsea will take Liam away from me, and I can’t let that happen.”Charles sighed. “Liam is still around, isn’t he? He’s been checking up on you.”She scoffed. “That means nothing. He’s only here out of obligation, not love. I need to make sure I have him in my hold. I need to remind him why he belongs with me.”Charles frowned. “Aria, listen to me. You need to recover first. Rushing into anything will only make things worse.”“I don’t care,” she snapped. “I won’t sit back and let that girl take what’s
Chapter 67: The best presentation The next morning, Chelsea dressed up quickly, adjusting her dress before stepping out of her bedroom. Today was another busy day at culinary school, and she was determined to make the most of it.As she walked toward the kitchen, she was surprised to find Reese already there, setting the table. The delicious aroma of eggs and toast filled the air.“Morning,” Chelsea greeted, raising an eyebrow. “You’re up early.”Reese flashed her a small smile. “I thought I’d make breakfast before we both head out. Figured we could use a good meal before the day starts.”Chelsea chuckled and took a seat at the counter. “That’s sweet. I could get used to this.”Reese poured her a glass of juice before sitting down across from her. “Actually, I’ve been thinking about something… and I’d love to talk to you about it.”Chelsea raised an eyebrow. “I’m all ears. What’s up?”Reese hesitated for a moment, tapping her fingers on the table. “So, last night, I was scrolling thr