Lily's laughter echoed in the room, a nervous response to what she believed was an awful joke. She looked at Kade, waiting for him to burst into laughter and say, "Gotcha!" But his expression remained stern, void of any amusement."This isn't funny, Kade," she finally managed to say, her laughter fading.Kade's gaze held firm as he spoke, "It's not a joke, Lily. I'm serious."Her eyes widened, disbelief painted across her face. "Why? What's happening? Did something go wrong?" Lily questioned, her mind racing through possible explanations.Kade took a deep breath, his eyes avoiding hers for a moment before meeting them again. "I've realized I'm not the relationship type. It was just a phase for me," he explained, his words cutting through the air and piercing Lily's heart.Her laughter turned into silent tears as she pleaded, "But... I thought we were happy together. What changed?"Kade's tone remained detached as he said, "People change, Lily. Feelings change. It's better for both of
The door creaked open, and Bella wearily stepped into the cozy haven she shared with Reid and little Asher. She could hear the faint sounds of playful giggles, indicating that her husband was already home, engaging in one of their usual evening routines.As she entered the living room, she found Reid on the floor, surrounded by toys, immersed in the world of make-believe with their son. Bella couldn't help but smile at the heartwarming scene. She approached Reid, who looked up and greeted her with a quick kiss."Long day?" Reid inquired; his eyes filled with concern as he noticed the weariness etched on Bella's face. "You don't look okay."Bella sighed, the weight of Lily's pain heavy on her shoulders. "I was with Lily. Kade broke up with her."Reid's expression shifted from joy to disbelief. "What? That's insane. I saw Kade a few weeks ago, and he was asking me about jewellers, looking discreetly for engagement rings. He seemed so happy, Bella. What happened to change this?"Bella no
The somber news of Kade's father's passing hung heavily in the air, casting a shadow over all of them. Lily's mind raced with memories of the vibrant man she had met only weeks ago. How could someone full of life suddenly be gone?Bella, too, was visibly shaken. She closed her laptop, a forgotten task in the face of this unexpected revelation. The room echoed with a profound silence, broken only by the distant sounds of the city filtering through the closed windows.Lily, breaking the quietude, asked what lingered on everyone's minds, "But how did it happen? I mean, just a few weeks ago, he was... happy, full of energy."Reid sighed, the weight of the situation evident in the lines etched on his face. "I don't have all the details, Lily. I found out through a business contact, and after that I read the official communication from their corporate PR, and I reached out to offer condolences. They're handling it privately for now."Lily nodded, a deep frown creasing her forehead. The news
Kade remained frozen in his seat, his head slightly tilted as he looked through his shades at Lily. The weight of the moment hung heavily in the air, creating an atmosphere thick with tension and discomfort. The limo's interior seemed to amplify the quiet, allowing every passing second to drag on with excruciating slowness.Lily, dripping with anticipation and nerves, desperately awaited any response from Kade.“I am so sorry to hear about your father. I know you two were close, and it came so sudden.” she added.The silence persisted, and it became increasingly apparent that Kade was unresponsive, a stoic figure lost in his own thoughts.The limo's atmosphere grew thick with tension as Lily's attempt to comfort Kade met a wall of silence. The uncomfortable quiet lingered, each passing moment amplifying the weight of the situation.Feeling a knot tighten in her stomach, Lily pressed on, expressing sympathy for his loss and offering words of comfort. However, her well-intentioned words
Reid left the comforting scene in the living room and retreated to his home office, closing the door behind him. The weight of the situation lingered, but duty called. He busied himself with work, his mind preoccupied with the unexpected turn of events involving Kade.Meanwhile, Kade, still seated in the dimly lit limousine, stared at the sonogram picture Lily had left behind. The gravity of the revelation settled on him like a heavy fog. He whispered to himself, "A daughter." Emotions he hadn't anticipated flooded through him, leaving him emotionally drained. His hands were shaking, and his heart was breaking. His eyes were full of tears, and he never knew that he could feel such an agony.After a while, Kade gathered himself and dialed Reid's number. "Did she reach safely?" he began, his voice laced with exhaustion."Kade, what the hell is going on?" he heard his friend Reid from the other side of the line.“Can we meet?” there was a pleading note in his tone. "But don't tell anyone
After several moments of silence, as Kade calmed down, both him and Reid were sitting on the couch. Kade took a sip of his whiskey, the amber liquid burning as it slid down his throat. The weight of the revelation pressed upon him, but Reid's words resonated in the room. He looked at Reid, his eyes reflecting a mix of despair and realization."I missed this, Reid. I really missed it," Kade confessed, his voice heavy with nostalgia. "I miss the old times when we were all together, laughing, eating, drinking."Reid locked eyes with Kade, determination etched on his face. "You don't need to miss it, Kade. Don't let this disease run your life. Live your life, for as long as it lasts. Give Lily the option to choose, to make her own decision. Have you thought about how she would react if the treatments were not successful? She might believe that you thought so little of her that you chose to face this by yourself, or she'll be eaten by guilt. And what will she tell your daughter? That her f
The tension in the room was palpable as Kade stepped through the doorway, his expression strained and eyes avoiding direct contact with anyone. Reid acknowledged him with a subtle nod, and Kade, with a forced attempt at casualness, greeted Bella, "Hi, Bella," before turning his attention to Lily. "Hi, Lily."Lily stood frozen, shock etched across her face at the unexpected presence of Kade. Her gaze bore into him, a mixture of disbelief and hurt. The room became a battleground of unspoken emotions, heavy with the weight of unaddressed issues. He stepped in the room and took a seat at the table.As the aroma of breakfast wafted through the air, the table set for four seemed to stretch into an endless expanse of discomfort. Only Reid and Bella began to eat, the clinking of utensils against plates echoing awkwardly in the strained atmosphere. Kade sat rigidly, his discomfort palpable, while Lily continued to stare at him, her gaze an unrelenting scrutiny.Breaking the silence, Bella clea
As Lily stirred, she found herself in Kade's arms, the warmth of their shared slumber still lingering. Disoriented, she blinked and glanced around the room, the events of the previous hours flooding back to her in fragments. The confessions, the pain, and the embrace that followed.Despite the emotional turmoil, Lily realized that she had slept more soundly than she had in a long time. The weight of her exhaustion had been lifted, and for the first time in weeks, she felt a sense of peace. However, as she tried to shift in Kade's embrace, the soreness in her heart mirrored the ache in her body.She carefully extricated herself from the bed, tiptoeing across the room to the kitchen area. The scent of coffee lingered in the air, and as Lily entered, she found Bella and Reid engaged in quiet conversation.Seeing Lily, Bella broke into a warm smile. "Hello, sleepyhead. How are you feeling?"Lily managed a small smile, though a trace of uncertainty lingered in her eyes. "I don't know. It's
The rhythmic knocking on the washroom door startled Bella from her thoughts. Reid's voice echoed through the door, urging her to hurry up as they were running late for the gala. A sense of urgency permeated the air, and Bella, still seated on the toilet, took a deep breath to compose herself."I'll be out in a minute," she replied, her voice managing to sound casual despite the whirlwind of emotions within her.Bella carefully concealed the positive pregnancy test, sliding it back into its box. She stowed the box away in her cosmetics drawer, a hidden corner where the secret could remain undisturbed. As she washed her hands, she couldn't help stealing a glance at the test hidden among her beauty products.Her heart raced, caught between excitement and trepidation. The magnitude of the revelation hung in the air, but she made a conscious decision to keep it to herself for now. Tonight was about Reid and the meaningful event he had organized – a fundraiser for homeless children, a cause
The scent of home was a welcome change for Kade as he stepped through the familiar threshold, his steps accompanied by the soft click-clack of his crutches. Lily, ever the efficient coordinator, had managed to synchronize the return from the hospital with a semblance of normalcy for Kade.In the midst of this orchestrated chaos, the doorbell chimed. Bella, with her young son Asher in tow, entered with a warm smile. Lily greeted them with a tired but genuine smile, a mix of exhaustion and relief etched on her face."How are you holding up, Lily?" Bella inquired, her eyes reflecting genuine concern.Lily, momentarily caught off guard, felt a lump forming in her throat. "Honestly, Bella, I feel like a whale. I'm huge, can't bend properly, and every step feels like a marathon."Bella chuckled, her hand patting Lily's gently. "Oh, sweetheart, it's the hormones talking. You're growing a tiny miracle inside you. And trust me, every discomfort will be forgotten once you hold your little angel
During the court break, the courthouse corridor echoed with the click-clack of heels as Mrs. Anderson approached Lily with a cold determination. Lily, standing alone on a bench, felt the weight of the impending confrontation. Mrs. Anderson wasted no time in launching her verbal assault."Let me make one thing clear," Mrs. Anderson sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "You are not fit for my son. A young, pregnant woman managing his affairs? Ludicrous! It's a testament to his weakened state that he entrusted you with anything."Lily, though stung by the words, maintained her composure. Before she could respond, Reid came next to her, his imposing presence a stark contrast to Mrs. Anderson's calculated aggression."Mrs. Anderson, I suggest you choose your words carefully," Reid asserted, his voice steady and unwavering. "Dragging a pregnant woman into court and questioning her suitability is not only distasteful but a clear disregard for Kade's wishes. You should be ashamed."Mrs.
The hospital room echoed with the soft beeping of machines, creating a rhythmic backdrop to the heavy silence that filled the air. Lily sat by Kade's bedside, her gaze fixed on his face, etched with the weariness of battles fought within. The once vibrant man lay before her, a mere whisper of his former self.Her heart ached at the sight, the pain palpable as she watched him sleep. The lines of worry on his forehead were etched deeply, mirroring the turmoil within. Lily, torn between the desire to shield him from more distress and the need to be honest, chose to keep the knowledge of his mother's legal actions hidden for now. She believed Kade's focus should remain on healing, not on the tumult outside the sterile walls of the hospital.Days melded into nights, and Lily became a constant presence by Kade's side. She held his hand, whispering words of encouragement, and reminding him of the love that surrounded him. Each moment spent with him was a silent vow—a promise to weather the s
Morning light filtered through the hospital window, casting a subdued glow across the room where Lily sat, clutching Kade's hand. His slumber persisted, a fragile peace settling over the stillness of the hospital room. Bella and Reid walked in, their faces reflecting a mix of concern and support.Lily looked up, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Thanks for coming, you two."Bella embraced Lily gently. "How's he doing?"Lily sighed, her eyes never leaving Kade's sleeping form. "The doctor says he's stable, but he's not waking up. I just want him to open his eyes, you know?"Reid placed a reassuring hand on Lily's shoulder. "He's a fighter, Lily. He'll pull through."As the trio shared a moment of solidarity, the hospital room's door swung open abruptly. Ex-Mrs. Wilson, accompanied by a unknown doctor, barged in with a sense of entitlement that irked Lily. The doctor, seemingly unfamiliar with the situation, glanced nervously between the two women.His mother's voice dripped with cond
The morning sun bathed the room in a soft glow as the lawyers arrived at Kade and Lily's home. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of anticipation and tension as they gathered in the living room. Lily sat on the couch, her discomfort evident, while Kade stood by the fireplace, ready to lay the groundwork for the legal proceedings.The senior lawyer, a man with a stern demeanor and a meticulous approach, cleared his throat. "Mr. Wilson, before we proceed, may I suggest we discuss some matters in private?"Kade, unwavering in his decision, looked at Lily and then back at the lawyer. "Whatever you need to say, you can say it in front of my wife."The lawyer hesitated, exchanging a glance with his junior colleague. "Mr. Wilson, it's not wise to give full control to your spouse for your entire estate and businesses. It could complicate matters in the future, especially when you have just got married."Kade's jaw tightened, his tone resolute. "I understand your concern, but I want this to
The azure sky above held no hint of the turmoil that lay ahead as Kade and Lily made their way to the hospital the next day. They walked hand in hand, their steps echoing a shared determination to face the challenges that awaited them.Entering the sterile environment of the hospital, the scent of antiseptic and the rhythmic hum of medical machinery enveloped them. Kade, donning a hospital gown, offered a brave smile to Lily as they navigated the familiar halls. The journey ahead was daunting, but their united front served as a shield against the looming uncertainty.In the consultation room, they sat across from a team of doctors who presented the intricate details of Kade's treatment plan. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on the room, and as the doctors explained the first phases of the treatment, Lily's grip on Kade's hand tightened.The lead oncologist, Dr. Lawson, a seasoned professional with a compassionate demeanor, glanced at Kade. "Mr. Wilson, we understand the de
The sun rose over the tranquil beach, casting a warm glow on the cottage where Kade and Lily were enjoying the first morning of their honeymoon. The gentle murmur of the ocean waves served as a soothing melody, creating a backdrop for the idyllic scene.As Kade awoke, he found Lily already admiring the sunrise from the small balcony. Her silhouette against the golden hues of the sky made for a breathtaking sight. He approached her quietly, wrapping his arms around her waist."Good morning, Mrs. Wilson," Kade murmured, his lips brushing against her ear.Lily leaned back into his embrace, sighing contentedly. "Good morning, Mr. Wilson. This view is incredible."Kade placed a gentle kiss on her temple. "Not as incredible as you, my love."Their honeymoon days unfolded in a series of blissful moments. They explored the quaint town nearby, strolling hand in hand through cobblestone streets and discovering hidden gems. The local cuisine became a delightful adventure for their taste buds, an
The days that followed the heartfelt proposal were a whirlwind of excitement, anticipation, and a dash of chaos. Lily moved into Kade's new villa, the air filled with the scent of fresh beginnings. Their reunion sparked a renewed energy, a commitment to rebuilding their lives together.Kade, determined to solidify their future, wasted no time expressing his desire to marry Lily at the earliest possible. The words hung in the air, and Lily, a mix of surprise and joy on her face, couldn't help but ask, "What do you mean by 'the earliest possible,' Kade?"A mischievous glint flickered in Kade's eyes as he responded, "Well, you have precisely three weeks to find the perfect dress."Lily's eyes widened in playful disbelief. "Three weeks? Kade, are you serious?"Kade chuckled, his gaze sincere. "Absolutely serious, Lily. We've wasted enough time apart. It's time to make things official."Lily, swept up in the whirlwind romance, couldn't suppress a smile. "You do realize that planning a wedd