Steven’s Point of ViewStepping into her room, a sense of tranquility washed over me. There she lay, blissfully asleep on the bed, and upon closer inspection, it was quite clear that her stomach was beginning to swell. The fact that she was carrying a child would be immediately apparent to everyone who saw her.'How could I not notice it?'I was taking a step closer to her when I took a glance at the childlike expression on her face— such an innocent person. My hands were clenching as I pondered the possibility of another person testing her out and wanting her to die.After pulling the chair up close to her bed, I sat down. I grabbed one of her palms in my hand and kissed it, but it did not stop the rage from bubbling up inside of me and ridiculing my chest. I could not maintain my silence so long as she would be continued to be victimized in many possibilities. It was my worst fear that the next time anything like this takes place, not only would my children's life be taken, but als
Steven’s Point of View"Good news?"I took her hand and gave it a little squeeze as her expression was clearly one of confusion. "The baby…""The baby…?" She heaved a sigh, and after a little pause, tears began to fill up in the corner of her eyes as she asked, "What happened to my baby? Did anything bad happen to it?” She started acting hysterical."No, wife. Don’t think like that.”“Then, what?”“It turns out that it is not only a baby but a twin.”As soon as I let go of those words, the inexplicable mix of emotions were evident in her eyes. There were hints of joy in her, along with astonishment and a little bit of terror, all of which I believed were a result of the accident that she suffered earlier yesterday.“H-how—”We were interrupted when the door suddenly opened. Then, the doctor rushed in with her examination tools.As the doctor assessed both of us, I clung tightly to Summer's hand. Despite the test results yesterday indicating that everything was fine, my mind couldn't s
Summer’s Point of View"What?!"I winced at Harvey's deafening shriek as Steven presented him with the twins. However, an unreadable expression remained etched on Steven's face, like he was barely stopping himself from lashing out against Harvey. I knew that asking him to tend to the twins had been a mistake; Harvey had already been enmeshed in something else before we asked him.Well, Steven and I would go on a date. And they were the only people we could trust when it comes to our kids."Dada… dada…"I was about to join in their conversation when Zack suddenly hugged Harvey on the leg, and Steven quickly gave Betsy to Celine."How can you both go on a dates if you don't know how to take care children? It is only one day, not a whole year, so don't be exaggerated," Steven said and quickly pulled me away so I could no longer hear Harvey's scream and shout.Harvey, on the other hand, wanted to chase us, but Zack was holding his legs together so he couldn't do it.“You! If you can't tak
Summer's Point of ViewWe journey through life with no guarantee of the destination. Some lack a plan or direction, while others have already met their goals. We may become lost and disorientated at times, but we must always strive to move forward. There will be hardships and tough roads along the way, yet when we persevere and find our way out, all of our strength will be validated.My arms embraced Steven tightly as we gazed out at the horizon. It was hard to believe that I had finally reached this destination — no more roads ahead, just a place where I could truly belong. As I stood there, looking around with wonder in my eyes, I knew that this was it; I was exactly where I needed to be.I breath in the refreshing air and exhale a sigh. "Life is awe inspiring," I proclaim to the sky above us. "Sometimes it will take you off course, and when you feel lost, someone will come along to help guide you back."He hugged back to me and kissed my forehead. "Just like me."His words stirred
PROLOGUE AND BLURB "How could you do this to me, mom?! Why does it have to be him? And why so soon?" I sobbed, my voice trembling with anger and disbelief. My mother sat calmly in her usual spot on the balcony, stitching clothes for the upcoming winter season. I couldn't understand why she was so focused on her mundane task while my world was falling apart. Her silence was unnerving as she focused on the cloth fabric and ignored me. As a result, I turned to my father, who was sitting beside her engrossed in his book, then, I shrieked, "Dad! How can you expect me to marry that man? Do something about it! It's ludicrous to think I would agree to marry someone whose family we don't even know and who you brought into our home out of the kindness of your heart--" "That is enough, Stefani Carter!" Summer Carter, my cold-hearted mother, thundered, making her point clear. "You can beg all you want, but you can't escape this marriage. You will marry him, whether you like it or not!" My mot
Stefani’s Point of View"Damn it! You don't get to dictate my life choices! You're just—""I'm your husband," he coldly interjected, pulled me back, and pushed me to the bed. "You're a married woman now, not some teenager. If you want to go out, do it while it's still daylight, not when it's already dark.""You can't control what I want to do with my life, Jacob Hansley!" I stood up from the bed once again, ready to confront him.But before I could make a move, he firmly grasped my arm and gave me a dangerous look. His eyes scanned me from head to toe, an anger passed though his eyes. "You're going out dressed like that?"I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his judgment on my outfit. I was wearing a white backless top and a knee-length skirt, nothing too revealing. Checking that there was nothing wrong with my choice of clothing, I met his intense gaze with a sneer. "And what's wrong with what I'm wearing?"He stared at me in disbelief, then slowly released his grip on my arm. Jus
Piolo Fitz, Stefani's ex-boyfriend was taken aback when he laid eyes on her, but her shock surpassed his own. Of all the places, this was the last one on her list where she expected to see him. After all, he had been a nerd during their college and high school days."Stefani..." Piolo called out, his voice trembling with nervousness. He was now completely transformed from his previous self. His eyeglasses had been replaced with brown contact lenses, his once neatly hair now styled into messy brown color, and his shy demeanor had been replaced with newfound confidence due to these changes."Paolo?" Stefani asked, seeking confirmation. "Is that really you?"His face turned red as she grabbed his shoulder and examined him closely. Behind this confident man, there was still a trace of the once nerdy boy who had fallen in love with this playful girl. However, he quickly adjusted his demeanor upon realizing this. To match her nature, he knew he had to change based on her preferences."Yea
"Mom, please! I can't live with that man. He is arrogant and tyrant. He doesn't allow me to do anything and it's suffocating me! I went to the bar a few days ago, but guess what he did?" Stefani complained."What?" Summer replied lazily, her focus on the clothes she was sewing, not even bothering to look at her daughter."He dragged me out of the bar and forced me to go home, and then he hired a bunch of bodyguards to watch over me and report everything I do. Didn't you see them?" Stefani pleaded, kneeling in front of her mother, looking pitiful. "Please, I don't want him. Let me divorce him. I can't take it anymore. He is so cruel—""Cruel?" Summer set the cloth down on her lap and looked down at her. "I know Jacob, and I know he wouldn't do that to you."Summer was well aware that despite Stefani's hatred towards Jacob, he would never mistreat her. Although he was reserved and distant, when it came to her children, he acted as a protective older brother. Therefore, she found it hard
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