Stefani stood in the kitchen, placing her hands on her growing belly, a soft smile playing on her lips. The sun shone brightly through the window, waves of soft light dancing across the countertop. She watched as Marta, the maid, chopped vegetables efficiently and confidently.“Marta,” Stefani said, breaking the comfortable silence, “do you think you could teach me how to make a new dish today? I want to surprise Jacob when he comes home from work.”Marta looked up, her eyes crinkling with a warm smile. “Of course, Mrs. Stefani. What do you have in mind? Something special for Mr. Jacob?”Stefani nodded energetically, the excitement just bursting inside her. “Yes, something that will really make him smile. I want him to know how much I appreciate him.”Marta chuckled, then gently wiped her hands with an apron. “How about a classic beef stew? It’s warm and comforting—just what we need for this type of weather. I’m sure Mr. Jacob will like it.”Stefani nodded in complete agreement, and t
The next morning, Stefani sat alongside Jacob at the breakfast table. The soft morning light seeped through the curtains. They shared a serene moment filled with the scent of fresh coffee and toast. Stefani took a mouthful and smiled, enjoying how simple the morning routine had become with Jacob by her side.Just as she was about to take another bite, her phone rang. Stefani peered at the screen and saw that it was Shaina, Shaira's sister. A faint furrow creased her forehead as she received the call with some second thoughts."Shaina?" Stefani's voice was clear, but an edge of surprise betrayed her tone. Rarely did Shaina call her."Hello, Stefani," Shaina said once she answered, the tenor of her voice just a tad guarded. "I hope I am not disturbing you.""Not at all," Stefani said, laying her fork down. "Is everything all right?"Shaina let out a soft sigh on the other end. "I just wanted to inform you that Shaira is leaving New York. She thought best to get away for some time."Stef
Jacob paced outside the emergency room, peering through a small window that gave him a general view of Stefani lying in bed, her complexion pale, her face contorted in a wave of agony as she grasped her stomach. The imagery of her in this manner, weak and in pain, made his chest constrict, his heart heavy with helplessness. It had all happened so suddenly, she had been okay one minute and was doubled over in pain the next. He hated that he could do nothing for her at the moment but wait.Behind the glass, Stefani shifted uncomfortably, her hands pressing into her swollen belly. She was pregnant, and they had been so excited, but now… Jacob swallowed hard, fighting back the rising fear. What if something was wrong with the baby? What if something happened to Stefani?Jacob hadn't noticed Summer and Steven hurry into the waiting room. Summer was the first to speak; her voice was soft yet laced with concern."Jacob, what happened?" she asked as she glanced from him to the door behind him
Stefani sat in the waiting room of the Ob-gyn that was becoming so familiar, her hand resting gently on her already visible belly. She and Jacob had known about the pregnancy, yet with every visit to the doctor came a mix of excitement and nerves. Still, this visit felt different.It was after a recent hospital scare, where Stefani had been rushed in for sharp pains, the doctor noticed something strange on her ultrasound: a small shape they couldn't quite explain. They'd been told to follow up today, and the air was thick with anticipation.Jacob sat beside her, his knee bouncing restlessly. He hadn't said much, but Stefani knew he was just as anxious as she was. His protective side had only grown stronger since the pregnancy, and every minute waiting felt like an eternity."Mrs. Hansley, we're ready for you," called the nurse.Stefani and Jacob rose, the friction between them nearly palpable as they followed her back to the exam room. The routine was familiar now, the cool gel, the h
The evening air hung softly around them as Stefani lay her head down on the couch, her legs propped up on a pillow per doctor's orders. The weight of the news had settled in since their return from the clinic, a sweet, sobering burden. Jacob was busy with himself in the kitchen, but she could feel his attention on her even when he was not in the room.He had been quiet on his way home, lost in thought, but since he got inside, his actions spoke volumes of his care: tidied the house with purpose, brought her water, and was checking on her constantly. Jacob had always been attentive, given his jammed schedule managing the company, but today it was different. News about the twins heightened his protective instincts tenfold.Stefani gave a resigned sigh, turning slightly to take some pressure off her back. She knew that even while being so attentive to her, Jacob himself still faced everything going on: the excitement of twins, and the fears about everything that could go wrong with the he
The ensuing weeks were a gentle balancing act between rest and caution as Jacob fitted into the role of doting husband and meticulous caretaker. Doctors had placed Stefani on bed rest for most of her days, and Jacob struggled to find a balance in his responsibilities between the company and those new ones that called him home. Yet, no matter how busy he was, Jacob never failed to be there for her.One late afternoon, when the sun was already setting, Jacob came into the bedroom where Stefani sat propped up on a pile of pillows, a book in hand. He'd just returned from the office, which means his tie was now loose, and his shirt sleeves were now rolled up, but his expression went soft the instant he saw her."You're back," Stefani said, closing her book and smiling up at him.Jacob smiled back and set his briefcase by the door before he sauntered over to the bed and leaned down to kiss her forehead, holding the kiss a fraction longer than normal. "How are you feeling?" "Better, actuall
A few weeks flew by, and Stefani, along with Jacob, found themselves at the Ob-gyn for their next check-up. Life had actually fallen into a rhythm since the last visit when they found out about twins and the risks associated. Jacob was still coddling her, making sure she rested and ate right, avoided stress, even though he had his busy routine going on. His love and care comforted him at all times, but today the nerves were back. This appointment felt critical.By the time they finally left the house, the sun had just begun to rise. The cool morning air surged through the car as Jacob drove them across town to the clinic, his hand resting protectively on Stefani's thigh the entire time. For the most part, the drive was silent, with an unspoken tension between them, neither one of them daring to voice the fears lurking in their minds."Are you okay?" Jacob finally asked, looking over at her.Stefani looked over at him, giving a small smile. "Yeah, just… an
It was an afternoon of peace, and Stefani found herself lying in the sunlit room of the living area, feet propped up with a pillow, her fingers delicately running over her belly. The news from their last check-up was already calm and full of joy, but she still had this tinge that something was bothering Jacob's mind. He had been extra caring for the last few days, even more than usual.Jacob sat at his desk, in the corner of the room, his laptop open but forgotten. He had been working on something when his phone noisily buzzed, cutting through the silence of the house. Stefani looked up, watched as Jacob glanced down at the screen and let out a sigh before answering."Primo," he muttered under his breath, more to himself than to her.Stefani straightened up a little further, interested. Jacob rarely spoke about his twin brother, Primo, or any of his family, for that matter. To date, she had never even met them. All she knew was that old money like Jacob's, legac
The house was aglow with festive cheer. Warm lights twinkled on the Christmas tree, and the scent of cinnamon, pine, and freshly baked cookies filled the air. Stefani stood in the kitchen, putting the final touches on a tray of cupcakes. The sound of laughter and chatter echoed through the living room, where both sides of the family—hers and Jacob’s—had gathered for the holidays.This was exactly how she had always imagined it—a full house, filled with the people she loved most. The twins, Elara and Ethan, were playing with their new toys, their excitement bubbling over as they showed their grandparents everything Santa had brought. Stefani glanced over at them and smiled softly, feeling a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the fire crackling in the fireplace.It was Christmas, and in just a few days, it would be New Year’s Eve. A fresh start. Stefani couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed since the last holiday season. The ups and downs, the struggles, the tri
The warm sunlight streamed through the curtains as Stefani stretched, listening to the excited giggles from down the hall. Today was a special day, one she had been anticipating for weeks—Ethan and Elara's fifth birthday. Five years. Stefani could hardly believe how quickly time had flown. It felt like just yesterday she was cradling two tiny newborns in her arms, overwhelmed with love and exhaustion. Now, they were running around the house, full of energy and life, growing faster than she ever thought possible.The house buzzed with activity as Stefani got ready. Balloons lined the walls, colorful streamers were draped across the ceiling, and the smell of freshly baked cake filled the air. Today wasn’t just about celebrating the twins; it was also about celebrating how far their family had come—through sleepless nights, laughter-filled days, and moments that had tested them but ultimately brought them closer.“Mommy!” Elara’s voice echoed down the hallway, followed by the sound of li
Stefani’s heart fluttered with excitement as she paced the living room, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. She glanced at the clock for the hundredth time, mentally calculating the minutes left before Jacob was supposed to arrive. The house had been transformed into a celebration space, a labor of love that had taken weeks of planning and countless late nights spent coordinating with friends and family. The air was thick with anticipation, and the only thing left to do was wait for the guest of honor to walk through the door.Jacob had reached a major milestone in his career—winning a prestigious award for excellence in business management, something that had been his goal for years. It was a recognition of his hard work, long hours, and dedication, but more than that, it was a symbol of how far he had come. Stefani had watched him pour his heart and soul into his work, even though he once lost sight of their family.So, when she heard about the award, Stefani knew she had to cel
The sun was just starting to rise, casting a golden glow over the city, but Stefani had been up for hours. Her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nerves as she stood in front of the mirror, brushing her hair and making final adjustments to her outfit. Today was the day. After years of dreaming, planning, and putting it off for her family, she was about to open her very own bakery.Stefani had always loved baking. It was more than a hobby for her; it was a passion, a way to express her creativity and share joy with others. From the time she was little, she would spend hours in the kitchen, covered in flour and experimenting with different flavors. But as life moved forward—marriage, children, and all the responsibilities that came with them—her dream of opening her own bakery had taken a back seat.Until now.Jacob had been her biggest supporter, urging her to follow her heart and make this dream a reality. He’d helped her find the perfect location for the bakery—a charming l
The school auditorium buzzed with excitement, filled with the soft murmur of parents, teachers, and children waiting for the talent show to begin. Stefani sat beside Jacob in the front row, her heart racing with a mix of pride and anticipation. She held Jacob’s hand tightly, glancing at the small stage where, in just a few moments, Ethan and Elara would perform in their first-ever talent show.The twins, now five years old, had been practicing for weeks. Every day after school, Stefani and Jacob would find them in the living room, dancing, singing, and occasionally arguing over who got to lead. It had been a rollercoaster of giggles, minor frustrations, and endless rehearsals. Now, the big day had finally arrived.Stefani shifted in her seat, excitement bubbling in her chest as she watched the children backstage. "I can't believe our babies are up there," she whispered to Jacob, her voice filled with awe. "It feels like just yesterday they were learning to walk."Jacob smiled, squeezi
The gentle breeze rolled off the sea, carrying with it the salty freshness of the ocean. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the pristine sands of the island they had just arrived on. It felt surreal to Stefani—the beauty of the place, the laughter of her children echoing in the air as Ethan and Elara chased each other down the shore. This island was nothing like anywhere they had been before, and for the first time in a long while, Stefani felt the worries of everyday life slip away.Jacob stood beside her, his eyes locked on the twins with a soft smile tugging at his lips. “It’s beautiful here, isn’t it?” he asked, his voice warm.Stefani nodded, her fingers lacing through his as she leaned into him. “It’s perfect,” she whispered. “I can’t believe we’re actually here. No work, no stress—just us.”He glanced down at her, something unreadable in his expression. “That’s exactly what I wanted, Stef. Just us. We’ve been through a lot, and I thought we could use so
It was a Wednesday afternoon when Stefani sat by the window, staring out at the garden while Elara and Ethan played outside. Their laughter echoed through the yard, but Stefani couldn’t find it in herself to join in. Her mind was miles away, consumed by the growing distance between her and Jacob.Days had turned into weeks since their last conversation about his workaholic tendencies, and though Jacob had apologized and promised to do better, nothing had changed. He was still coming home late, still missing family dinners, and still buried in projects that seemed more important than their family.The door opened, and Jacob walked in, looking as exhausted as ever. His tie hung loosely around his neck, and his shirt was wrinkled from a long day at the office. He glanced at Stefani, his eyes filled with that same apologetic look she had grown used to."Hey," he greeted her, dropping his briefcase by the door. "Sorry I'm late again. The meeting ran longer than expected."Stefani sighed, h
Stefani sat at the dinner table, her eyes tracing the empty seat across from her. The warm glow from the chandelier above felt dim compared to the brightness that used to fill their family meals. It wasn’t the first night Jacob had missed dinner, but it felt like the hundredth. His absence weighed heavily on her heart, an unspoken distance growing between them.Elara and Ethan, now five, chatted animatedly as they poked at their food, their little voices filling the silence Jacob had left behind. Stefani tried to focus on their laughter, their joy, but her mind kept drifting back to the clock on the wall, ticking louder and louder with every passing second. Each tick felt like a reminder that Jacob was missing yet another evening with his family.“Mommy, when is Daddy coming home?” Ethan’s soft voice cut through her thoughts. His big brown eyes were filled with innocent hope, the kind that still believed his father would walk through the door at any moment.Stefani’s heart clenched. S
Stefani sat by the window in their bedroom, watching the sunset as the soft orange hues danced across the horizon. The house was unusually quiet, save for the distant laughter of their children playing in the living room with their grandparents. She sighed, clutching her phone as her thumb hovered over Jacob’s contact.It had only been a few hours since she last saw him. He had left early in the morning for a meeting, and now the day was fading into night, with no sign of him returning. She knew Jacob loved her deeply, and she had no reason to doubt his loyalty. But still, the whisper of insecurities crawled into her mind ever since Olivia started working in his office.Despite Jacob’s reassurances and the fact that Olivia no longer bothered him, Stefani couldn't help but feel unsettled. She had always been confident in their relationship, but lately, small things seemed to gnaw at her sense of security. The little voice in her head was louder than usual.What if Olivia is still aroun