{Martha's POV} “Taffy Diner,” I told Cherie as she maneuvered the car out of the parking lot and onto the driveway. “Okay, ma’am,” Cherie replied with a brief smile, her eyes focused on the road ahead. I clasped my hands tightly, then released them, placing one gently over my chest. My heart was thumping erratically, and I couldn’t shake the nervous tension creeping through me. Why was I feeling this way? Why was I nervous about dining with Peter? I shouldn’t be doing this—not after everything he did to me three years ago. Why am I doing this again? The question churned in my mind as the car slowed to a stop. Cherie glanced at me through the rearview mirror, concern flickering in her gaze. “Ma’am, we’re at the diner,” she said gently. “Do you want me to go inside with you?” I shook my head, plastering on a small, reassuring smile. “No, stay in the car. I’ll be back in a bit. It shouldn’t take too long.” Grabbing my purse, I stepped out of the car, taking a steady bre
{Martha’s POV}“How are you feeling this morning, my love?” Nathan whispered softly in my ear, his voice warm and comforting. I turned toward him on the bed, his arms pulling me into a soothing embrace.I rested my head against his chest, inhaling the scent of his cologne, a rich blend of olive and winter. I loved that scent, it always made me feel safe and I've gotten accustomed to it over the years. For a while, we stayed like that, enveloped in the quiet moment until my phone began blaring on the nightstand.Reluctantly, I pulled away from Nathan’s arms, his body shifting as he propped himself up on the bed. Stretching, I reached for my phone, fumbling slightly before finally grabbing it. Without checking the caller ID, I pressed it to my ear.“Hello? Martha speaking,” I said groggily.A familiar, smooth voice responded. “How are you, Martha?”I frowned, struggling to place the voice. “Who’s this?” I asked, turning to glance at Nathan, who mirrored my confusion.“You still can’t re
{Martha's POV}“How lovely to see you too. What brings you here so early?” I asked, padding into the living room. My steps were soft against the marble-tiled floor, the faint chill waking me up further. I crossed my arms loosely over my chest as I moved toward the couch opposite hers and sank into it, brushing a hand through my unkempt hair. My gaze locked on Rachel, curiosity bubbling beneath my calm exterior.Rachel leaned back against the couch, crossing one leg over the other as if she owned the room. A small, amused smile played on her lips. “Oh, come on. You act like it’s so strange for me to show up.”I arched an eyebrow. “It kind of is, considering you didn’t mention you were coming.” My tone was sharper than intended, and I instantly regretted it. Clearing my throat, I added more gently, “I mean... I wasn’t expecting you.”Rachel’s eyes flicked toward Carolina, who was standing nearby with the remote still in her hand. Rachel’s smirk deepened as she turned back to me. “Ah, so
{Martha's POV}“Are you Martha Stewart?”I blinked, staring at Rachel as though she had lost her mind. Her question was strange, and though it was supposed to make me feel uneasy, I found it more ridiculous than alarming.“What?” I asked with a scoff, stepping closer to her. “Are you confusing me with someone else? First, you came here accusing me, and now you’re trying to connect me to the Stewart family?”She looked at me, confusion flickering in her eyes. Slowly, she took a step back, her expression softening for a moment before it turned firm again. “Quit the act, Martha. You know exactly what I’m talking about—” she said with an eyes roll. “I know you're her and you're just pretending.”I nearly laughed, but the familiar sting of old wounds kept my amusement in check. Pain from years ago resurfaced, the memory of Rachel mocking me, telling me I’d never be good enough to be part of the Hendersons because I was overweight.“I won’t tolerate another insult from you, Rachel,” I warne
{Nathan's POV}I watched as her body hit the water, her arms flailing and splashing waves around her as she desperately tried to stay afloat. Her movements were frantic, her breaths quick and shallow.“Nathan! I... I can't swim!” she called with slight laugh but quickly faded as her voice tinged with panic. She lifted her head above the water to catch a breath. “Why did you do that?”A smile tugged at my lips despite her distress. I had expected this reaction, though seeing her panic twisted something inside me. Without hesitation, I dived into the pool, the cool water wrapping around me as I made my way toward her.“I’m here,” I said, pulling her close as soon as I reached her. My arms circled her from behind, holding her securely. “You’re safe. I’ve got you.”Her body tensed in my arms, her breathing still uneven. “Nathan, I told you I can’t swim,” she said, her voice trembling.“I know,” I replied gently. “That’s why I’m here to teach you how to. You just have to trust me, okay?”H
{Martha's POV}I walked towards the elevator in haste, my gaze drifting to the watch on my wrist. I was late, so fucking late, for the meeting I had set to finalize the investment deal.Cherie walked in haste to meet up with me, her brows furrowed and her lips slightly parted as though she wanted to speak but she didn'speak, anything.I could feel her tension, matching my own, though neither of us was to blame for our tardiness. How could we have predicted the car would break down in the middle of the highway? The wait for help had taken longer than expected, and now, here we were.The elevator door slid closed, and I took a relaxing breath, brushing my hand against my hair. As I waited patiently, staring at the metallic door, my thoughts ran an extra mile.This wasn't good, and the fact that it would leave a bad reputation in the minds of the investors didn't make things easier for me.The moment the door slid open, I rushed out again, walking down the hallway towards the conference
{Nathan's POV}"Mrs. Carlos, how are you feeling today?" I asked, as I walked into the ward and made my way towards the patient bed side. She raised her hand slightly, as if to get a better view of my face, though her expression was hard to read with the bandages wrapped around most of her face. Only her eyes, nostrils, and mouth were visible. It had been three days since her facelift and rhinoplasty surgery. I knew the recovery process was painful, healing could take weeks, but she was pushing through."I'm fine," she murmured, her voice muffled by the bandages. "Feeling like a sixteen-year-old already." She managed a small, thumbs-up at me.I chuckled. "Of course, Mrs. Carlos. You’ll be breaking the internet with your new look in no time." Moving closer, I carefully inspected the bandages. "I hope the pain isn’t too bad anymore?"She shifted her hand to rest gently on the pillow, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. "Just a little fuzzy. It’s nothing compared to when the anesthesia wore
I knelt on the cold, marble-tiled floor, my knees screaming in protest as I scrubbed with what little strength I had left. Sharp, searing pain shot through my arms and legs, a cruel reminder of how long I had been at this, not just today, but every single day since I married Peter Henderson.This was my life now. Cleaning, scrubbing, cooking, endless chores that Peter insisted were for my own good.“You need this,” he’d said with that charming smile of his, shortly after firing all the maids. “It’ll help you lose weight and stay active.”I had believed him. What choice did I have?I paused, panting like I’d just run a marathon. My chest heaved, my body trembling, begging me to stop, to rest. But I didn’t. I couldn’t.How long can I keep doing this? The thought gnawed at me as I wiped sweat from my forehead. Slowly, I stood, wincing as pain lanced through my knees like needles piercing bone. Swallowing the groan rising in my throat, I forced myself upright and surveyed the space I had
{Nathan's POV}"Mrs. Carlos, how are you feeling today?" I asked, as I walked into the ward and made my way towards the patient bed side. She raised her hand slightly, as if to get a better view of my face, though her expression was hard to read with the bandages wrapped around most of her face. Only her eyes, nostrils, and mouth were visible. It had been three days since her facelift and rhinoplasty surgery. I knew the recovery process was painful, healing could take weeks, but she was pushing through."I'm fine," she murmured, her voice muffled by the bandages. "Feeling like a sixteen-year-old already." She managed a small, thumbs-up at me.I chuckled. "Of course, Mrs. Carlos. You’ll be breaking the internet with your new look in no time." Moving closer, I carefully inspected the bandages. "I hope the pain isn’t too bad anymore?"She shifted her hand to rest gently on the pillow, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. "Just a little fuzzy. It’s nothing compared to when the anesthesia wore
{Martha's POV}I walked towards the elevator in haste, my gaze drifting to the watch on my wrist. I was late, so fucking late, for the meeting I had set to finalize the investment deal.Cherie walked in haste to meet up with me, her brows furrowed and her lips slightly parted as though she wanted to speak but she didn'speak, anything.I could feel her tension, matching my own, though neither of us was to blame for our tardiness. How could we have predicted the car would break down in the middle of the highway? The wait for help had taken longer than expected, and now, here we were.The elevator door slid closed, and I took a relaxing breath, brushing my hand against my hair. As I waited patiently, staring at the metallic door, my thoughts ran an extra mile.This wasn't good, and the fact that it would leave a bad reputation in the minds of the investors didn't make things easier for me.The moment the door slid open, I rushed out again, walking down the hallway towards the conference
{Nathan's POV}I watched as her body hit the water, her arms flailing and splashing waves around her as she desperately tried to stay afloat. Her movements were frantic, her breaths quick and shallow.“Nathan! I... I can't swim!” she called with slight laugh but quickly faded as her voice tinged with panic. She lifted her head above the water to catch a breath. “Why did you do that?”A smile tugged at my lips despite her distress. I had expected this reaction, though seeing her panic twisted something inside me. Without hesitation, I dived into the pool, the cool water wrapping around me as I made my way toward her.“I’m here,” I said, pulling her close as soon as I reached her. My arms circled her from behind, holding her securely. “You’re safe. I’ve got you.”Her body tensed in my arms, her breathing still uneven. “Nathan, I told you I can’t swim,” she said, her voice trembling.“I know,” I replied gently. “That’s why I’m here to teach you how to. You just have to trust me, okay?”H
{Martha's POV}“Are you Martha Stewart?”I blinked, staring at Rachel as though she had lost her mind. Her question was strange, and though it was supposed to make me feel uneasy, I found it more ridiculous than alarming.“What?” I asked with a scoff, stepping closer to her. “Are you confusing me with someone else? First, you came here accusing me, and now you’re trying to connect me to the Stewart family?”She looked at me, confusion flickering in her eyes. Slowly, she took a step back, her expression softening for a moment before it turned firm again. “Quit the act, Martha. You know exactly what I’m talking about—” she said with an eyes roll. “I know you're her and you're just pretending.”I nearly laughed, but the familiar sting of old wounds kept my amusement in check. Pain from years ago resurfaced, the memory of Rachel mocking me, telling me I’d never be good enough to be part of the Hendersons because I was overweight.“I won’t tolerate another insult from you, Rachel,” I warne
{Martha's POV}“How lovely to see you too. What brings you here so early?” I asked, padding into the living room. My steps were soft against the marble-tiled floor, the faint chill waking me up further. I crossed my arms loosely over my chest as I moved toward the couch opposite hers and sank into it, brushing a hand through my unkempt hair. My gaze locked on Rachel, curiosity bubbling beneath my calm exterior.Rachel leaned back against the couch, crossing one leg over the other as if she owned the room. A small, amused smile played on her lips. “Oh, come on. You act like it’s so strange for me to show up.”I arched an eyebrow. “It kind of is, considering you didn’t mention you were coming.” My tone was sharper than intended, and I instantly regretted it. Clearing my throat, I added more gently, “I mean... I wasn’t expecting you.”Rachel’s eyes flicked toward Carolina, who was standing nearby with the remote still in her hand. Rachel’s smirk deepened as she turned back to me. “Ah, so
{Martha’s POV}“How are you feeling this morning, my love?” Nathan whispered softly in my ear, his voice warm and comforting. I turned toward him on the bed, his arms pulling me into a soothing embrace.I rested my head against his chest, inhaling the scent of his cologne, a rich blend of olive and winter. I loved that scent, it always made me feel safe and I've gotten accustomed to it over the years. For a while, we stayed like that, enveloped in the quiet moment until my phone began blaring on the nightstand.Reluctantly, I pulled away from Nathan’s arms, his body shifting as he propped himself up on the bed. Stretching, I reached for my phone, fumbling slightly before finally grabbing it. Without checking the caller ID, I pressed it to my ear.“Hello? Martha speaking,” I said groggily.A familiar, smooth voice responded. “How are you, Martha?”I frowned, struggling to place the voice. “Who’s this?” I asked, turning to glance at Nathan, who mirrored my confusion.“You still can’t re
{Martha's POV} “Taffy Diner,” I told Cherie as she maneuvered the car out of the parking lot and onto the driveway. “Okay, ma’am,” Cherie replied with a brief smile, her eyes focused on the road ahead. I clasped my hands tightly, then released them, placing one gently over my chest. My heart was thumping erratically, and I couldn’t shake the nervous tension creeping through me. Why was I feeling this way? Why was I nervous about dining with Peter? I shouldn’t be doing this—not after everything he did to me three years ago. Why am I doing this again? The question churned in my mind as the car slowed to a stop. Cherie glanced at me through the rearview mirror, concern flickering in her gaze. “Ma’am, we’re at the diner,” she said gently. “Do you want me to go inside with you?” I shook my head, plastering on a small, reassuring smile. “No, stay in the car. I’ll be back in a bit. It shouldn’t take too long.” Grabbing my purse, I stepped out of the car, taking a steady bre
{Martha's Pov}“Thank you for choosing to invest in Evans Company. I truly appreciate your interest,” I said, standing near the whiteboard at the front of the long table. The investors sat on either side, their eyes fixed on me.At the front row sat Peter, his gaze lingering far too long. I ignored him, focusing on the others.“I’ve reviewed the product and analyzed the potential impact of your investment once again. I can confidently guarantee double your return if everything goes as planned,” I continued, gesturing toward the board displaying the chart of projected profits.“How can we be sure it will yield the profit you’ve mentioned?” one of the men to my right asked.“It will definitely be profitable,” I replied with confidence. “I’ve analyzed the sales data and profit margins extensively, and the results show a strong guarantee of success.”The meeting lasted longer than expected. By the end, Peter surprised everyone by offering to pay more than anticipated. He was even willing
{Martha's Pov}"You've got to be kidding me!" Carolina almost screamed when I told her about Peter asking me out on a date. "Wait, you're serious?"I nodded, letting out a sharp sigh. "I know Peter Henderson has been flirting with me lately, but I didn’t think he’d go as far as asking me out.""And what did you say?" Carolina asked, her piercing gaze locked on me as she walked to the other side of the kitchen. She picked up two plates and placed them side by side on the table."I told him I can’t, and that he should stay within his limits." I stood and walked to the fridge, pulling out a bottle of water. Scraping off the lid, I poured myself a glass."That’s not bad, but I think you should," Carolina said. I nearly choked on the water but managed to swallow it down forcefully. “Peter actually thinks he is smart but you can prove to him that you're smarter.“She moved to the other side of the kitchen and returned with a glass jar of orange juice, carefully placing it on the table."Wha