{Peter’s POV}“Something tells me that she is Martha,” Rachel’s voice rang out from the living room just as I stepped inside.She immediately sprang up from her seat, rushing toward me, her excitement barely contained. The way she had said Martha’s name made my chest tighten with unease.My mother sat on the three-seater couch, scrolling through her phone with a level of seriousness that only fueled my suspicion.“Honey, you won’t believe this if I tell you,” Rachel exclaimed, her face lighting up as she met me halfway across the room.I sighed, already exhausted from the day, and rubbed a hand over my jaw. “What is it?” My tone was flat, but I couldn’t help the flicker of curiosity in my voice.For days, Rachel had been relentless about Martha, accusing her of being behind the termination of our contract with the Evans. She was convinced it was some elaborate revenge plot. I had laughed it off every time, finding the whole idea ridiculous.Martha Stewart, the fat, timid woman I once
{Martha's POV}I stood up from the bed, raising a hand to block the sunlight peeking through the slightly open curtains. As usual, Nathan wasn’t in the room, I assumed he was already up and getting ready for work.Walking over to the bathroom, I freshened up, changed into a fresh pair of light brown overalls, and headed downstairs.By the time I reached the kitchen, I found Carolina sitting on the counter, her eyes glued to her phone while she absentmindedly nibbled on a carrot.“Good morning, ma’am,” she greeted as I walked past her toward the refrigerator to grab a bottle of chilled water.“Morning, Carolina,” I replied, taking a seat across from her at the counter. Twisting open the bottle, I took a sip, then rested my hand on the counter, watching as she typed furiously on her phone before suddenly looking up at me.“You won’t believe this,” she blurted, her eyes widening to the size of baseballs. “The Hendersons are hosting an event to honor the death of the Stewart family. And g
{Martha’s POV}Mrs. Henderson gave me a sweet smile, the kind that hinted she knew something I didn’t. She removed her summer hat and placed it beside her, then leaned back in her seat.“You know, Martha, after all these years, I thought you’d be smart enough to come out of your shell.”I blinked, trying to decipher her words. It was clear she was playing the same game Rachel had attempted earlier, using carefully chosen words to push me to the edge, to make me lose control of my anger and spill the truth. But I refused to give her the satisfaction. Instead, I remained composed, pretending not to understand where she was heading.“What are you talking about, Mrs. Henderson?” I asked, arching an eyebrow.She paused for a moment, adjusting her posture on the lounge chair before speaking again. “I had a little conversation with Nathan yesterday. About you.” She tilted her head slightly, gauging my reaction. “I was very concerned, you see. I wanted to know more about you.”A chill crept u
{Martha's POV}I sat on the couch, legs crossed, staring at the TV screen. After the shopping trip and the disaster Rachel tried to create at the mall, I just couldn't shake the thought of how much the Hendersons had been on my neck these past few days. The fact that they were so close to uncovering the identity I had refused to accept put me more on edge than I had anticipated.I tried distracting myself with a rom-com, but instead, I found myself picking up my phone and scrolling through old pictures, pictures of me, the version they once called fat. It felt like I was staring at a stranger, as if the woman in those photos wasn’t the same person holding the phone.As I flicked through the images, I reached one of my parents. My mother stood beside my father, her golden-brown hair styled in neat, shoulder-length curls. I was between them, sharing the same hair color as my mother.A sharp sting pierced my chest. If only I had known they would never come back, I would have stopped them
{Martha’s POV}I didn’t immediately answer Peter’s question, deliberating whether my response might ruin my plans tonight. But after a moment, I made up my mind about two things, if I told him it was his wife who had made the claim, it would only make him more concerned, and maybe even confront her. And if I explained the reason behind her words, it would only make him feel sorry for me.So, either way, it was a win-win for me.I sighed deeply, feigning hesitation before telling him everything. A long silence stretched between us before he finally spoke.“I’m sorry that Rachel did that to you,” Peter apologized, casting a brief glance in my direction, his voice laced with sympathy, before focusing back on the road. “I guess Rachel took her claim too far, but that shouldn’t stop you from coming if you want.”Well, that wasn’t the reaction I expected. But I mustered a small smile.“I don’t think I want to be there, and I’m sure she doesn’t want me there either.”“It’s not about what she
{Martha's POV} “Why not?” He gestured toward the lake, the water looking almost black under the night sky. “It’s peaceful, secluded. No one’s watching.” I hesitated. Swimming in a lake at night with Peter? The idea itself made my skin crawl, but at the same time… there was something enticing about it. The cool water, the freedom of it. For once, not thinking, just feeling. Still, I crossed my arms. “I didn’t bring a swimsuit.” Peter smirked. “So?” I rolled my eyes, already regretting my decision before I even made it. But then, without another word, Peter tugged off his shirt, revealing the sharp planes of his torso. The moonlight highlighted the defined lines of his muscles, and for a second, I was caught off guard, not because I was attracted to him, but because it reminded me of how different he was from Nathan. Where Nathan’s presence felt safe, Peter’s felt unpredictable. Dangerous. Before I could overthink it, Peter waded into the water, shivering as the cold lapped
{Martha's POV}I barely made it to the front porch before my legs felt like they were going to give out beneath me. I wanted to disappear, to pretend this night never happened.Taking a deep breath, I forced myself inside, letting the warmth of the house wrap around me.And that’s when I saw him.Nathan was in the kitchen, casually leaning against the counter as he ate. The soft glow from the kitchen lights cast gentle shadows on his face, highlighting his strong jawline and the quiet ease in his expression.The moment he looked up and saw me, his brows furrowed slightly.“You’re soaking wet,” he said, setting his fork down. “Where have you been?”For a brief second, my throat went dry.But then, as if on autopilot, the lie slipped from my lips effortlessly.“I went to the park,” I said, walking toward him. “Needed some fresh air and… ended up going for a swim.”Nathan’s gaze lingered on me for a moment, his blue-gray eyes studying me as if he wasn’t entirely convinced. But then he no
{Martha's POV}His touch was like a million tiny shocks, not just any kind of touch, but the kind that sent fire quenching my coldness, making me feel warmth in a way I hadn’t in so long.Nathan slowly spread my thighs, positioning himself between them as he tugged my trousers down along with him. I was left in only my panties as he adjusted me, placing a pillow beneath my head. His fingers traced along the waistband of my underwear, sending shivers across my skin as he slowly trailed his fingers up my torso.He pressed soft kisses against my skin, lingering for a moment, but then, almost as if he was resisting himself, he stopped. Without a word, he climbed off the bed, leaving me with the aftermath of being abandoned in the heat of the moment. My eyes fluttered open, watching as he disappeared into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.That was strange, I couldn't hold myself back. Something wasn’t right.I pried myself from the bed, hesitating as I stood in front of the bathr
{Martha's POV}"Good morning, my queen," Nathan whispered against my ear, his lips brushing my cheek in a feather-light kiss. His voice, deep and husky with sleep, sent a shiver down my spine. I stirred, my lashes fluttering open to meet the soft glow of the morning sun filtering through the curtains."Morning, my love," I murmured sleepily, turning onto my side to face him. A slow smile spread across my lips as he cupped my cheek, his warmth seeping into my skin. He leaned in, pressing a gentle peck to my forehead before pushing himself up from the bed.I stretched, my arms reaching over my head as a deep sigh escaped my lips. For the first time in seven years, I felt truly free, as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. No more battles, no more struggles, I had finally reclaimed what was rightfully mine. And best of all, I was engaged to the most loving, handsome man in the world. Everything was exactly as I had dreamed.Nathan stood by the window, the golden sunlight castin
{Martha's POV}“Thank you, Michael,” Nathan said as he exchanged a handshake with him.I sat there, unmoving, as if I had been glued to my seat. The courtroom was nearly empty now, people filing out in hushed murmurs. I had won. I had fought for justice and reclaimed what was taken from me. But instead of triumph, a hollow ache settled deep within my chest. What I truly longed for, what would have made this victory complete, was seeing my beloved parents again.The bitter truth cut through me like a blade. I had allowed the man who planned their deaths into my life. I had loved him. I had let him and his family treat me like nothing. And now, even though justice had been served, my heart still bled.“Come on,” Carolina’s voice broke through my haze as she positioned herself behind me. “You won the case, Martha. Peter Henderson is finally going to pay for everything he took from you.”I turned to her and forced a thin-lipped smile. “Yes, I won,” I murmured, my voice distant, detached.
{Martha's POV}The blaring sound of my phone shattered the peaceful silence of the early morning. I groaned, rolling over and burying my face into the warmth of Nathan’s chest, hoping the caller would give up. But the ringing persisted, shrill and unrelenting.Nathan stirred beside me, his arm tightening around my waist as he let out a soft sigh. “My love,” he murmured sleepily, pressing a gentle kiss to my temple. “Your phone.”I groaned again, reluctantly stretching my hand toward the nightstand. Without glancing at the caller ID, I grabbed the phone and pressed it against my ear.“Hello?” I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep.“Good morning, Martha.”The familiar voice sent a jolt through my body, instantly dispelling the last traces of drowsiness. My breath caught in my throat. Peter.I sat up abruptly, the sheets pooling around my waist as my pulse quickened. After the incident at the Henderson's mansion and the call to court. Peter and I had never spoke to each other, at some poi
{Martha’s POV}“Come on, let me take you to the room so you can rest,” Nathan said as we pulled away from the hug.I let out a deep sigh, exhaustion settling in as he stood and took my hand. His touch was warm, reassuring, the kind of steady presence I needed right now.“Don’t let this bother you,” he murmured as we made our way toward the stairs. “I’ll talk to Michael about it. While you rest, he and I will continue the investigation.”I squeezed his hand, my voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you so much.”Nathan glanced down at me, his expression firm with certainty. “Peter will get what he deserves, my love. I promise you.”His words carried so much conviction that, for a moment, I almost believed justice was inevitable.When we reached the bedroom, I settled onto the bed, the soft mattress cradling my tired body. Nathan lay beside me, pulling me close until my head rested against his chest. His steady heartbeat beneath my ear was soothing, grounding me in a way nothing else cou
{Martha’s POV}I took a deep breath as my body sank into the plush cushions of the living room couch. A wave of relief washed over me, the familiar scent of home wrapping around me like a warm embrace.I had missed this place, the way the soft glow of the chandelier made everything feel safe, the quiet hum of the city outside the windows, the warmth that lived in these walls. And I also had missed staying in the same roof with Nathan. “I’ll tell Carolina to prepare tea for you,” Nathan murmured, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on my cheek. His lips were warm, lingering for just a moment before he straightened and made his way to the kitchen.I watched him disappear around the corner, my heart aching in a way I couldn’t quite describe.Leaning my head against the armrest, I let my eyes flutter shut, allowing the exhaustion to settle. But just as I began to relax, the vibration of my phone in my pocket snapped me back to reality.I frowned, fishing it out and glancing at the screen.
{Martha's POV}I sat on the couch, gripping the hem of my sweater tightly, trying to suppress the weakness coursing through my body. My limbs felt heavy, exhaustion tugging at me, and the urge to go back to bed was almost unbearable.Nathan's eyes were fixed on me, concern evident in his gaze. “What’s wrong?” he asked after a moment, his voice softer than I expected.I hesitated, shifting slightly under his scrutiny. This Nathan, this gentle, caring version of him, was different from the man who had once pushed me away, convinced that I had no place in his life. The change in him was undeniable.Before I could answer, he stood and crossed the small distance between us. When he reached me, he took my hand in his, his grip warm and reassuring. A shiver ran through me, not from the cold, but from the comforting heat of his touch.His thumb brushed against my knuckles before he reached up, resting his palm lightly against my forehead. His touch was tender, his fingers lingering as if he c
{Nathan’s POV}I buried my face in my palm, my elbow resting on the polished surface of my desk. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get Martha out of my mind.Everyday that passes I felt like seeing her and wanting her by my side, but I felt too broken to even muster the courage to go and see her. “What's wrong with me?" I asked myself as I close my eyes. When I sent her away, I thought I was doing the right thing. I convinced myself that keeping my distance would make things easier, that maybe it would ease the pain of betrayal I felt. But now? Now, all I wanted was to have her back.A frustrated sigh escaped me as I leaned back in my chair.After talking to Michael, I found out that Martha had taken Peter to court over her stolen inheritance. She had been fighting this battle alone, and I wasn’t there for her. The guilt gnawed at me, heavy and unrelenting. I should have been by her side. I should have protected her.I reached for the bottle of water on my desk, twisting the ca
{Martha’s POV}I sat curled up on the couch, a warm blanket draped over me, sipping my tea in slow, deliberate sips. The heat spread through my chest, soothing but not entirely taking away the discomfort that had settled deep in my body.I had barely slept last night. My stomach churned with nausea, and an aching fatigue clung to my bones, making every movement feel like a struggle.At first, I brushed it off as the early symptoms of pregnancy, morning sickness, fatigue, maybe a little dizziness. It was normal, right? But as the hours dragged on, my body felt heavier, and a dull pain gnawed at my head, making it impossible to ignore.I closed my eyes, taking deep breaths in an attempt to ease the discomfort, but it didn’t help. Then, a sharp pain twisted in my stomach.I gasped, pressing a hand to my abdomen, my breath hitching. A wave of heat rushed over me, followed by an unbearable chill. My skin felt clammy, my hands trembling as I reached for my phone.This wasn’t normal. Somethi
{Martha's POV}"Objection, my Lord," the man who had arrived earlier with Peter stood up, his sharp gaze locking onto mine. "She claims that Peter tricked her into signing divorce papers and orchestrated her supposed death, but we have video footage showing her jumping into the river of her own accord. Not only that, but it has been seven years since the incident, and she never came forward to stake her claim until now."A hush fell over the courtroom. My breath caught in my throat.I turned to Michael, searching for reassurance, but his expression had darkened. He clenched his jaw, clearly frustrated, but he remained silent, waiting for the judge’s response.The judge adjusted his glasses, considering the statement. "Do you have this footage with you now?"Peter's lawyer nodded confidently, gesturing to an assistant who walked up to the judge with a flash drive. "Yes, my Lord. If permitted, we can play it right here."I clenched my fists beneath the table. Rachel, sitting beside Pete