{Martha’s POV}“We’ll take the pork ribs, shrimp quesadilla, and clam chowder,” I told the waiter, as we settled in a luxurious diner, scanning through the menu once more I glanced at Mrs. Evans and Nathan for their approval or addition."Add meatloaf to that," Mrs. Evans chuckled. "My son loves meatloaf."The waiter gave a polite nod, scribbling the order down before turning away. As soon as he was gone, Nathan leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms slightly as he let out a tired sigh."Thanks for this," he said, flashing a grateful smile. "I feel like I’ve been locked in the surgery room for weeks. This is my perfect escape from the stress.”I smirked, resting my elbows on the round glass table as I met his gaze. “Oh, this is just the tip of the iceberg. I promise to make your birthday unforgettable.”Mrs. Evans clapped her hands together, her face lighting up. “That’s exactly what I like to hear! My son is getting older, and every man needs a woman like you, Martha. You’re k
{Martha’s POV}Carolina chuckled as she picked up the fruit basket from the table, tossing an apple into the air before catching it effortlessly. “I’m just imagining the look on Rachel’s face when you forced her to sign that restraining order,” she said with a smirk. “All the color in that pretense of a face must have disappeared.”A small smile tugged at my lips, but I didn’t quite laugh. Instead, I leaned against the cool marble counter, pressing my palm against the smooth surface. “It was more than that,” I murmured, exhaling as the memory pricked at my thoughts. It should have been a flawless plan, a clean victory. But no. It was tainted.Because I had kissed Peter Henderson.Carolina, ever perceptive, caught the shift in my tone and leaned closer, eyes gleaming with curiosity. “If it was, then why aren’t you celebrating?” she asked, her voice laced with excitement. Then, as if something clicked in her mind, her mouth fell open. “Wait… is there more to it? Did she, oh my God.” Her
{Martha’s POV}The moment I stepped out of the kitchen, I immediately regretted it. My initial plan was to walk up the stairs straight to my room, but I didn't know Rachel words would get to me or made me rooted to the spot. “I’ve been planning something remarkable,” she said, her tone dripping with fake enthusiasm as she sat opposite Mrs. Evans, one leg crossed over the other. Her blonde hair was perfectly curled, and she wore a smug expression, clearly pleased with herself.I rolled my eyes. Since I had been living in the Evans mansion for three years, this was the first time Rachel had ever shown an interest in Nathan’s birthday. And I knew exactly why, this wasn’t about Nathan. It was about me. She wanted to get under my skin.I ignored her, continuing up the stairs, but I could see the exhaustion in Mrs. Evans’ eyes as she tried to keep up with Rachel’s endless chatter.“First, we’ll start with a surprise party early in the morning,” Rachel continued, her voice practically buzzi
{Martha’s POV}I rolled over in bed, sighing softly as I nestled closer to Nathan, resting my head against his chest. His steady heartbeat drummed against my ear, a soothing rhythm that always made me feel safe. The faint scent of his cologne, rich, woody, and unmistakably him, filled my senses, wrapping around me like a warm embrace.Nathan stirred slightly, his arm tightening around me, his fingers brushing tenderly through my hair.I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of his skin seep into mine.Being with Nathan for the past seven years had taught me what true love should feel like. Safe, passionate, unwavering. If I ever claimed I didn’t love the way he made me feel, I’d be the biggest liar.My mind drifted to a few hours ago, to the way he had looked at me while we were in the pool, the unspoken desire in his eyes, the way his hands traced over my skin before he kissed me. Just the memory sent a shiver down my spine, a soft tingling sensation blooming in my chest.A deep sense o
{Martha's POV}“This looks good on you,” I murmured, running my fingers over Nathan’s broad shoulders. The rich brown fabric of the suit I had chosen for him fit perfectly, accentuating his tall, muscular frame.Nathan glanced at himself in the mirror, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt before turning back to me with a smirk. “I won’t ever deny that your taste in clothes is impeccable.” His voice held a teasing lilt as he reached for my waist, pulling me closer.A blush crept up my cheeks as I looked into his blue-gray eyes, which held warmth and admiration. He leaned in, brushing his lips over mine in a soft, lingering kiss. My fingers tightened slightly on his shoulders, savoring the feeling of his lips against mine. When we pulled away, I whispered, “Happy birthday, honey.”Nathan’s gaze softened. “Thank you, love. But you know what the best gift is?”“What?” I asked, tilting my head.“You,” he murmured, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear before trailing his fingers down my arm.
{Martha’s POV}“If you don’t mind, I’d like to have a drink with you,” Peter said, his voice laced with that all-too-familiar arrogance. His smirk deepened as he shoved both hands into the pockets of his tailored black pants. “How about another glass of champagne?”I looked up, my gaze meeting his golden-brown eyes. They held me captive for a moment, drawing me in like a whisper of temptation I knew better than to listen to. I swallowed and quickly averted my gaze, tipping my glass back to empty the last drop of champagne. The slight burn at the back of my throat did little to ease the discomfort curling in my stomach.“I don’t think you being around me is a good idea, Peter,” I murmured, gripping the empty glass tighter.“Why not?” He shrugged, his eyes flickering briefly around the room as if to remind me that we were in a crowded party. “It’s Nathan's birthday celebration, Martha. I doubt anyone would think much of looking our direction.”I bit my lower lip, hesitating before final
{Martha's POV}"I'm sorry that your birthday didn't turn out the way you had expected," I murmured, guilt lacing my voice as I ran a warm towel through my damp hair. The faint hum of the hairdryer filled the room, but it wasn’t enough to drown out the lingering tension between us.Nathan, now dressed in a fitted brown shirt, turned away from the closet and walked toward the bed. His movements were slow, deliberate, a clear sign that he was still upset. "You don't have to apologize, Martha. It wasn't your fault." His voice was calm, but I could sense the frustration he was trying to suppress. "Well, today's gone anyway."I put the dryer down and turned to face him, determined to lighten his mood. "You still have tomorrow’s dinner to look forward to," I said with a small smile. "I know you're angry, but please don’t dwell on it too much."Nathan sighed heavily, rubbing a hand through his still-wet hair. His fingers combed through the strands in frustration, and his jaw clenched slightly
{Martha's POV}Peter exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. His frustration was evident, though he seemed more exhausted than angry. Rachel remained on her knees, her hands clasped together in a desperate plea. Her performance was almost laughable, overly dramatic, insincere, and utterly transparent."Please, Mrs. Evans," Peter finally spoke, his voice laced with resignation. "Forgive Rachel and don’t stop her from coming here. This is the only place she has… and Nathan is her only cousin."Mrs. Evans stood unmoved, her arms crossed over her chest, her icy gaze locked onto Rachel. "She should have thought of that before she ruined Nathan’s birthday by pushing Martha into the pool." Her voice was clipped, every word carrying weight. "She should have known better than to test Nathan’s patience when it comes to Martha."Rachel’s lips trembled, but before she could say anything, Peter shifted uncomfortably, glancing at me before turning back to Mrs. Evans. "I can assure you," h
{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