Bella awoke to the light filtering through the penthouse windows, casting a warm glow across the spacious room. The absence of Reid beside her felt strange. After a quick shower, she ventured out, following the aroma of breakfast, to the kitchen, where instead of Reid she encountered a middle-aged woman preparing the morning meal."Good morning, Mrs. Carter! I hope I didn’t disturb your rest," the woman greeted her with a welcoming smile."Good morning," Bella replied, a bit confused by the new person, and still adjusting to being addressed as "Mrs. Carter." She felt a mix of appreciation for the smile and a subtle hint of being out of place.The woman continued, "My name is Maria, and I'm here to take care of the penthouse, groceries, and occasionally cook. Let me know what you'd like for breakfast.""Thank you, but I’m fine for now. I'll let you know," Bella replied, feeling a touch overwhelmed by the sudden presence of the household staff.As she glanced around the penthouse, the s
Bella and Lily settled comfortably on the plush couch, each cradling a cup of steaming tea in their hands. The cozy ambiance of Lily's apartment provided the perfect backdrop for their long-awaited reunion. Lily, her eyes shining with curiosity, couldn't wait to catch up on Bella's life."So spill the tea, Bella. How's life treating you? How was the honeymoon?" Lily asked with an eager smile, her eyes gleaming.Bella chuckled, taking a sip of her tea. "Life is... different. The honeymoon was a whirlwind. As you already know, Reid whisked me away to Morocco, and it was like a dream. But, you know, reality kicks in eventually."Lily nodded knowingly. "And where are you two lovebirds nesting in California?"Bella's eyes sparkled as she shared, "We're crashing in one of Reid's penthouses for now. It's extravagant, to say the least."Lily leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. "Extravagant? You mean over-the-top billionaire style?"Bella laughed. "Exactly that. I never thought I'd live like
The stalker's return had shattered the fragile peace they had found, and the ominous promise of "soon" hung in the air like a dark cloud.The room remained in suspense, the fear palpable, and the unknown lurking in the shadows. The reunion that started with laughter and shared tales had taken an unexpected turn, plunging Bella and Lily into a sinister mystery that threatened to unravel the newfound happiness in Bella's life.The unexpected arrival of ominous flowers had thrust Bella into a state of distress, her breath catching in her throat, and her body trembling uncontrollably. Lily, quick to react, guided her to the couch and rushed to fetch a glass of water, her own hands shaking with concern. Bella's hyperventilation escalated, and Lily, realizing she needed immediate help, tried calling Reid, only to be met with the disheartening sound of unanswered rings.Desperation gripped Lily as she remembered Aaron, the newly appointed bodyguard. She darted to the door, her fingers trembl
Reid dashed through the corridors of South California Hospital, guided by a security personnel who quickly led him to the section where Bella was being treated. Lily, visibly stressed, stood by Aaron, the appointed bodyguard, as they waited outside the room.Reid rushed to them, his heart pounding with worry. "How is she?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.Lily turned to him, her eyes filled with apprehension. "She's still with the doctor. No updates yet."Just as Reid was about to approach someone for information, a doctor emerged from Bella's room. He approached them and inquired about Bella's family. Reid spoke up immediately, stating that he was her husband.The doctor proceeded to deliver the news. "At the moment, Mrs. Carter is resting. The stress from the panic attack caused some bleeding, but the baby is safe. However, she should avoid any further stress," the doctor explained.Reid nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Can I see her?" he asked, his voice
The party preparations were in full and Bella was supported by the party planner and her friend Lily.Bella flipped through the list, scanning the names with a raised brow. "Look, Lily, your 'charming prince' is on the list." She pointed at Kade's name with a smirk.Lily chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Please, Bella, stop teasing me."They continued sorting through the names until Lily's expression turned serious. "Hey, what about your parents? Are you inviting them?"Bella hesitated, her features reflecting a mix of conflicted emotions. "I wasn't planning to, but... their absence might stir up gossip in our circle."Lily understood the dilemma. "Yeah, it could become a topic for the press. Besides, your dad and Reid were close."Bella sighed, typing her parents' names onto the list reluctantly. "It's complicated. I don't want to see them, but it's still a social convention. They're my parents in the eyes of society."Lily nodded in understanding. "I get it. It's tricky."They shared a l
Kade reached out, running his fingers along Lily’s arm, sending a jolt of sensation coursing through her veins, while kissing her softly.She felt an intoxicating blend of excitement and apprehension, the magnetic pull resonating between them undeniable. The tension in the air grew thicker, palpable, wrapping around them like a silken cocoon.The scent of lust filled the air, and their bodies swayed like trees in a tempestuous windstorm. A potent cocktail of anticipation and arousal bubbled within them, threatening to burst forth like lava from a dormant volcano.He gazed at her, his heart hammering in his chest. "I want you, Lily," he growled, his voice rough with desire. "I want you now."She sighed, her body arching toward him, her breasts pressing against his chest. "Then take me, Kade," she gasped, her fingers tangling in his hair. "Fuck me hard."His breath hitched, his heart pounding wildly in his chest. "God, yes," he groaned, his voice rumbling with raw hunger. "I want to fuc
The clock in Kade's opulent mansion seemed to tick louder in the deafening silence of his thoughts. He walked through the dimly lit corridors, his steps echoing off the marbled floors. The house, usually a haven of solitude, felt unsettling tonight.He had just returned to his home from Miami and, as he entered the expansive living room, he poured himself a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid swirling in the crystal tumbler. He took a sip, the fiery liquid doing little to quench the burning turmoil within him. Kade's mind was a battleground of conflicting emotions.He walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city lights below. Leaning against the cold glass, he stared into the night, replaying the events of the evening in his mind like an incessant loop.Kade couldn't shake off the feeling of longing that gripped him when he saw Lily. The playful banter, the shared laughter—it was like a resurgence of something he'd thought he'd buried deep within. An
Instead of deciding, Kade remained in the shadows, wrestling with the complexities of his feelings. He watched as the lights in Lily's apartment flickered to life, a mere glimpse of warmth in the sea of darkness surrounding him.The city hummed with the residual energy of the New Year's celebration, but at that moment, Kade felt an unsettling stillness. The conflict within him mirrored the quietude of the night.As the tension reached its peak, Kade made an impulsive choice—he entered his car and told his driver to drive back, blending into the rhythm of the city's nocturnal symphony. The car glided away from Lily's apartment building, leaving the unresolved tension lingering in the air.The night held its secrets, and Kade found himself navigating the maze of emotions, unsure of where the path would lead. The unresolved chapter with Lily lingered like a specter, an enigma he couldn't escape.With the echo of fireworks still fading in the distance, Kade’s care drove into the city's la
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