After Bella left and entered the building, Reid sat in his car, parked in front of the building, feeling a wave of emotions crashing over him. The night with Bella had been intense, awakening feelings he had long tried to suppress. He cursed himself for his weakness, for wanting someone like her, someone who could never fit into his world.As he replayed their passionate moments in his mind, he couldn't help but wonder what could have been. He recalled the way Bella had looked at him with longing and desire, and the taste of her lips that still lingered on his. He thought about her youthful exuberance, her honesty, and her bravery in the face of his harsh rejection.The night had been an awakening for him, a reminder that he was not immune to the desires of the heart. Reid was used to controlling every aspect of his life, and emotions were something he had learned to lock away. But Bella had broken through those defences, and he couldn't help but feel a profound sadness knowing that h
In the following weeks, Bella made a sincere effort to move on from Reid, especially after their last discussion. She focused on her studies, threw herself into her secret writing work, but she couldn’t carry on with the blind dates set up by Lily. During the day, she managed to keep herself busy and distracted, but every night, as she lay in her bed, Reid's memory haunted her.She couldn't escape the vivid recollections of their passionate encounter, the taste of his kisses, and the intoxicating sensation of his touch. Every detail of their forbidden trysts was etched into her mind, and as she lay in the darkness, the images would flood back.It was a bittersweet torment. The same moments that filled her with longing and desire also filled her with a profound sadness. She ached for the connection she had felt with Reid, the intensity of their attraction, and the deep longing that had been awakened in her heart.Her days became colourless, lacking the vibrancy she had known before. Th
As the days passed, Ella's desperation grew. The relentless secret admirer continued to send her the red roses and those cryptic cards bearing the single word, "Soon." Each time the delivery arrived; it sent shivers down her spine. What was meant to be a gesture of affection had now become a symbol of her unease and growing anxiety.The roses that once symbolized love and beauty were now a source of dread for her. She began to have troubling dreams where the red roses seemed to multiply, surrounding her and engulfing her in a sea of crimson. These nightmares left her restless, and she often awoke in the middle of the night, drenched in cold sweat.Desperate and fearing for her safety, Ella decided to report the disturbing situation to the local police. She hoped that they would take her concerns seriously, investigate the matter, and identify her secret admirer. But much to her dismay, they responded much like her mother, downplaying the situation and suggesting that it was just the i
Bella was growing increasingly impatient as she sat there, eager to hear the doctor's preliminary opinion. She had already been through so much, and the uncertainty of her condition was wearing on her. The doctor finally took a deep breath and began to share his thoughts with her."Bella, please keep in mind that these are just preliminary findings, and we'll need additional tests to confirm them. However, based on your symptoms and the initial results, I suspect you might be dealing with a hormonal imbalance, possibly affecting your thyroid or another gland in your endocrine system."Bella's heart sank as she absorbed this information. A hormonal imbalance? It was a relief to hear that it might not be something more severe, but it was still a lot to process. She knew that the next round of tests would provide more clarity, but in the meantime, she was left with a nagging worry."What could have caused a hormonal imbalance? And how can we treat it?""There are many potential causes fo
Bella and Lily arrived at the clinic, and Bella checked in at the reception desk. After a few minutes of nervous pacing in the waiting room, Bella's name was called, and she was summoned into the doctor's office. Lily stood behind, offering a reassuring smile as Bella entered the room.Inside, the doctor greeted Bella warmly and gestured for her to sit down. "How are you feeling today, Bella?" he asked, taking a seat across from her.Bella fidgeted in her chair, her anxiety growing by the second. "Well, Doctor, this morning wasn't great," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "I... I threw up again, probably from all the stress."The doctor nodded sympathetically. "I understand, Bella. Waiting for test results can be incredibly stressful. But I have some news for you." He glanced at her charts before meeting her eyes. "Your test results have come in."Bella's heart raced, and she clenched her fists in her lap. "And? What do they say?"The doctor carefully examined Bella's chart
As Bella exited the doctor's office, she found Lily anxiously waiting in the clinic's waiting room. Seeing her best friend, Lily jumped to her feet and hurried over to Bella."Bella, are you okay? What did the doctor say?" Lily's concern was evident in her voice and the worry etched across her face.Bella managed a faint smile, her emotions still in turmoil. "I'll tell you everything, Lily, but let's head home first. I need to stop by the pharmacy to pick up a prescription."Lily nodded, taking Bella's hand in a show of support. She could sense that Bella was going through something significant, and she was determined to be there for her.The two friends made their way out of the clinic and toward the nearby pharmacy. The familiar streets blurred as Bella's mind raced. She was grateful for Lily's silent presence, which allowed her some space to collect her thoughts.Upon reaching the pharmacy, Bella picked up the prescription given by Dr. Maggie, containing prenatal vitamins. She clut
As the days passed, the reality of her pregnancy began to settle in for Bella. She had always been the responsible one, the girl who followed the rules and made her family proud. Now, she found herself facing a situation that seemed like the complete opposite of everything she had known.Bella's family was traditional and had always placed a strong emphasis on their social standing and reputation. Her parents were well-connected in their community, and maintaining a pristine image was of the utmost importance to them. Bella couldn't help but feel the weight of their expectations on her shoulders. She knew that her pregnancy would bring a great deal of shame to their family, and it terrified her.Lily had been her rock through this tumultuous time. Bella had confided in her best friend about her pregnancy, and Lily had been nothing but supportive. However, even with Lily's unwavering support, Bella couldn't shake her fears. They had spent countless hours talking and planning, and Bella
In the months following that fateful night with Bella, Reid had thrown himself into his work, burying the memory of their passionate encounter beneath piles of paperwork and endless business meetings. He had always prided himself on being a man in control, one who never let emotions or desires cloud his judgment. But Bella had shattered his carefully constructed façade, exposing a part of him he had tried to forget.The devil inside him whispered tempting thoughts in the dead of the night, urging him to reach out to her. To reclaim the fiery passion they had shared. But Reid knew better. He was a man with a dark history, tainted, a reputation for ruthlessness in the corporate world. He was no good to her, and their realities were worlds apart.Despite his efforts to move on, the company of other women had left him feeling empty and unsatisfied. Even the most beautiful and skilled of his usual companions couldn't ignite the same fiery passion that had sparked between him and Bella.And
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