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 42: Secret and motiveChelsea spent the morning immersed in her kitchen duties, her hands working methodically as her mind wandered to the surprise Liam had planned the previous night. She had managed to maintain composure during their outing, but his intentions toward her lingered heavily in her thoughts. Reese had been ecstatic about the evening, teasing Chelsea relentlessly when she returned home, but Chelsea still struggled to interpret Liam’s feelings and her own.By mid-afternoon, the bustling energy in the kitchen was palpable. Staff moved about swiftly, prepping for the week’s events, and Chelsea tried to focus on her responsibilities. She was stirring a sauce when the head chef entered with a phone in hand.“Chelsea,” he called out. “Liam wants to speak with you. It’s urgent.”She quickly wiped her hands and followed him to the staff phone in the corner. Taking a deep breath, she picked it up.“Hello?”“Chelsea,” Liam’s deep voice came through the line, calm but firm.
Chapter 43: Dinner to remember Dinner at Liam’s mother’s house was a grand affair. The dining room, bathed in warm golden light, was adorned with elegant centerpieces and fine china. Chelsea sat quietly, feeling both out of place and curious. Despite the opulence, there was a warmth in the air, largely thanks to Liam’s mother, whose kind smile eased some of Chelsea’s nerves.As the courses were served, Liam’s mother set down her glass of wine and fixed her gaze on him. “Liam,” she began with a touch of curiosity, “are you and Chelsea seeing each other?”Chelsea’s breath hitched, her heart pounding as she glanced at Liam. He remained calm, meeting his mother’s gaze without flinching.“We’re taking things slowly,” he replied evenly, a small smile playing on his lips.Liam’s mother gave an approving nod, her eyes twinkling. “That’s good to hear. Relationships built on a steady foundation often last the longest.” She turned to Chelsea with a warm smile. “And how are you finding things he
Chapter 44: Dinner AftermathThe drive back from Liam’s mother’s house was steeped in a contemplative silence. The warmth of the evening still lingered, the golden glow of the sunset casting long shadows across the road. Chelsea stared out of the window, her mind replaying the events of dinner—the way his mother and grandmother had treated her, the subtle undertones of their questions, and most importantly, the quiet strength of Liam’s presence beside her.“Are you alright?” Liam asked, his voice breaking through her thoughts.Chelsea turned to him, offering a small smile. “I’m fine. Just thinking.”He nodded but didn’t press further. She appreciated that about him—his ability to give her space without making her feel abandoned. The rest of the ride passed in a comfortable quiet, each lost in their own thoughts.When Liam pulled up outside her house, he stepped out to open her door, a gesture she’d grown accustomed to but still found endearing.“Thank you for tonight,” she said as she
Chapter 45: A planned surprise Liam leaned back in his chair, tapping a pen against the polished surface of his desk. The idea had been forming in his mind for days, and now he was ready to set things in motion. He pressed the intercom button and summoned Valerie, his personal assistant.Within minutes, Valerie entered the office, her clipboard in hand, ready to take notes.“You called, sir?” she asked.“Yes, Valerie. I need you to book a reservation at the most exclusive restaurant in town,” Liam said, his tone decisive. “Make sure it’s for tomorrow evening.”Valerie nodded, scribbling on her notepad. “Of course, sir. Anything else?”“Yes,” Liam continued, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “I want you to shop for a very sexy dress—something bold but classy. Include lingerie, a swimsuit, and whatever other girly things you think might complement the outfit. Don’t hold back on the price.”Valerie’s eyebrows shot up slightly, but she maintained her professionalism. “Understood. I’ll h
Chapter 46: Dawn of a new startThe sterile atmosphere of the hospital hung thick in the air as Adams, Sandra, and his mother waited outside the operating room. The rhythmic tick of the clock on the wall seemed louder with every passing second, amplifying the tension. Sandra sat beside Adams, clutching his hand tightly, while his mother paced back and forth, her expression unreadable but clearly troubled.Suddenly, the sound of approaching heels echoed down the hallway. A well-dressed woman in her early forties, carrying a sleek leather briefcase, walked toward them. Her presence was commanding, her gaze sharp and unwavering."Good evening," she began, her voice professional but tinged with urgency. "I’m Vera Morris, the legal representative of Mr. Maxwell—the patient currently in surgery. I’ve been trying to reach you."Adams stood, his brows furrowing. “You’re my father’s lawyer?”“Yes,” Vera replied, glancing at his mother briefly before turning back to him. “I need to inform you o
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