SOPHIA I walked out of Caleb’s company with a plan in mind. Stopping by the police station, I squared my shoulders and walked up to the officer at the front desk. My heart pounded, but my face remained calm. Controlled. “I want to file a report,” I said. The officer raised an eyebrow. “What kind of report?” I took a deep breath. “I’m separated from my husband. He was physically abusive, and I need to retrieve my belongings from his house, but I’m afraid he might attack me if I go there.” The officer studied me for a moment, then his eyes widened in recognition. “Aren’t you the woman everyone’s talking about? The one who’s gone viral for living with another man while still pregnant with her husband’s child?” A bitter laugh threatened to escape my lips, but I held it back. Instead, I pulled out my phone, scrolling until I found a video. I turned the screen toward him—the clip of Victor and Isabella harassing me at the restaurant. “Watch this,” I said. The officer f
VICTOR Sophia was finally here. Standing in my house, right in front of me. I told myself that now that she had come back, I couldn’t...I wouldn’t...let her go. But then, I saw the look in her eyes. Cold. Unyielding. She didn’t hesitate. She didn’t flinch. I barely recognized her. She was no longer the wife who once looked at me with love. She looked at me as if I were a stranger. A monster. My stomach twisted, my eyes darting to the door. She said there were police officers outside. But when I arrived… I hadn’t seen anyone. I clenched my jaw. She was bluffing. She had to be. Taking a deep breath, I did the only thing I could think of. I blocked her path. And then, I dropped to my knees. “Sophia, please.” Her eyes barely flickered. “Give me a second chance,” I begged, my voice cracking. “I love you. I swear I do. You’re all I think about.” Her lips pressed into a thin line. “Every night, when I close my eyes, I see your face. I see our child.”
CALEB My phone rang, a sharp trill that cut through the rare quiet of the house. I almost ignored it, but the name flashing on the screen.....Marcus....kept my thumb hovering over the 'decline' button. I took a breath and answered. “Have you seen it?” His voice was a mix of concern and something else.....judgment, maybe. “Seen what?” I rubbed at my temple, already feeling the headache crawling in. “Social media, Caleb. People are talking. About you and the woman Sophia.” My jaw clenched. I could hear others in the background, their murmurs not quite muffled. They were all listening, ready to chime in. “And what are they saying?” “That you're destroying your reputation. Your business. That associating with Sophia is the worst mistake you've ever made.” His words hit hard, but I I wasn’t about to let them affect me. “Listen, man, this is bad for you. You need to cut ties before it’s too late.” “I’ve got this under control.” My voice was calm. Don't trouble yourself unnece
SOPHIA I couldn’t breathe. My mind was racing, and the room felt like it was closing in on me. Caleb turned his face away, refusing to meet my eyes. His mother’s words still echoed in my ears, and I needed the truth. My hands trembled as I reached for Caleb's. "Please tell me, Caleb," I begged. "What is your mom saying about the Sinclair Hotel? Did I... did I really spend the night with you?" He sighed, a long and heavy sound that filled the silence between us. "Sophia, I’m so sorry. That was what I planned to tell you on the night of our wedding. I just... I didn’t know how." His words hit me. I pulled my hand away, wrapping my arms around myself as if I could hold myself together. "Tell me everything," I demanded. "The truth is... I wasn’t confident enough to tell you because I realized that, that night, you had been drugged." I shot to my feet, pacing the room. My mind scrambled to piece together the fragments of that night. The blue jacket. unfamiliar smell. Victor’s s
SOPHIA "She is lying," Melody's voice sliced through the air, sharp and accusing. Her words fell like stones, each one intended to crush the fragile hope blooming in my chest. "Do not let her fool you with her words, Caleb. All this while, she has been saying that it was her husband's baby. And now, because of everything that is happening, because she knows that Mom will never allow you to marry her, she is lying that the baby is yours." Melody's voice rose, each syllable dripping with disdain. "Sophia, can't you have any shame? How much more desperate can you be? If this pregnancy belongs to Caleb, why would your husband be so sure that the baby is his?" I turned slowly, meeting Melody's glare with a soft smile. Her fury washed over me, but I remained unmoved. "No matter what you say to me, I just can't get upset right now because I think I'm the happiest person in the world." Her lips tightened, and I saw the moment my calm unraveled her. I shifted my gaze back to Caleb, w
SOPHIA "Are you really telling the truth?" Caleb’s mom asked from behind. She came closer, her steps soft but deliberate, and stood beside me. Her hands found my shoulders, gently turning me to face her. Her eyes, a mirror of Caleb’s, searched mine, a mix of hope and fear swirling within them. "Listen, Sophia, I know that our relationship is pretty rough right now," she said, her voice trembling slightly, "but please don’t give me false hope." "I would never lie about something like this," I assured her. "Besides, this is my second month. In just a few months, we can get a DNA test done, right? It’s not like I can lie about this. You can find out anytime soon. So why would I lie about it? Why would I want to deceive Caleb, the man who is like an angel to me?" Her lips parted, a soft breath escaping. "So you are saying this is really my grandchild?" I nodded, another tear slipping down my cheek. "Yes. And thank you so much. If you didn’t blurt it out now.....I guess Caleb would h
SOPHIA The late afternoon sun bathed the garden in golden hues, casting soft shadows across the manicured lawn. I sat on the bench, watching as one of Caleb’s maids watered the flowers, her movements rhythmic and unhurried. The scent of freshly bloomed roses filled the air, but my mind was elsewhere. I found myself drifting back to the night at the hotel, replaying each moment as though I were watching a treasured scene from a movie. The warmth of his hands. The way his breath tickled my skin. His deep voice whispering words meant only for me. A slow smile tugged at my lips, my chest fluttering with the memory of it all. I was happy—truly, deeply happy—because it had been Caleb. "You have a beautiful smile," the maid’s voice broke through my thoughts, drawing me back to reality. "It’s been a while since I’ve seen you look this happy." I chuckled, my cheeks warming slightly as I glanced at her. "That’s because I am," I admitted, my voice light. As I spoke, something i
SOPHIA I scoffed, shaking my head. "Interesting. Well, the surprise on your face right now is priceless," I said, watching Isabella’s smug expression falter for a second. "But listen to me, Isabella. You will not always get what you want....that’s a fact." I stepped forward slightly, lowering my voice. "And oh, despite all your plotting, did the title of Mrs. Sinclair finally belong to you?" She gritted her teeth, but she forced a smirk. "It's just a matter of time." I crossed my arms, unimpressed. She tilted her head, her eyes glinting with something dark. "Do you remember when Victor came into that burning building? All I had to do was pretend to faint, and he left you there to burn while he rushed me out. That should tell you how much influence I have over him....more than you ever will." I clenched my fists at her words, my hatred toward Victor doubling instantly. She continued, her voice taunting. "Victor may be upset now, or pretending to be, but it’s only temporar
MONTHS LATER The early morning sun filtered through the cream-colored curtains of Sophia and Caleb’s bedroom, casting a soft golden glow over the room. It was quiet, peaceful—too peaceful for what was about to happen. Sophia stirred in bed, her brows furrowed slightly as a sharp wave of discomfort ran through her lower back. She shifted, thinking it was just the usual pregnancy ache she’d been dealing with for weeks now. But then, a second wave came... stronger, more distinct, and she gasped, her hand flying to her belly. “Caleb…” she whispered, a mixture of nervousness and urgency in her voice. He stirred beside her, his eyes opening in slow confusion. “Soph? You okay?” “I think…” she breathed, pausing as another contraction hit, this one more intense than the last. “I think the baby’s coming.” That was all Caleb needed to hear. He jumped out of bed in a flash, suddenly wide awake, his mind scrambling to recall everything they had planned. He rushed to grab the hospital
The day finally came for Ezekiel and Irene's wedding.. The venue was a grand, open-air estate draped in soft white fabrics and adorned with cascading flowers in shades of blush, ivory, and gold. A warm breeze carried the scent of fresh roses through the air, while violins played gently in the background. The crowd was large, filled with dignitaries, friends, family, and loved ones who had gathered to celebrate the long-awaited union. Irene looked breathtaking in a flowing, pearl-white gown that hugged her frame perfectly, her veil trailing behind her like a waterfall of lace. Ezekiel stood at the altar, his face a mixture of nervousness and joy, dressed in an impeccably tailored tuxedo. Alina sat in the second row beside Zander, her fingers laced through his as they both watched the ceremony unfold. She wore a pale pink dress that shimmered softly in the light, her hair pinned in soft curls. A few people from Zander’s family had shown up too....his mother, glowing with pride, and
After Zander and Alina left Ezekiel, Irene went back home with him, and for the first time in days, she felt true relief. Finally, the storm had calmed. Ezekiel had taken the first step, and even though it wasn’t a full embrace, it was a beginning. That was all she had ever wanted. Later that day, after they returned home, Alina and Zander were greeted by a surprise—Zander’s grandfather was waiting for them in the grand living room. He sat on his usual armchair, a newspaper resting on the table beside him and a cup of untouched tea growing cold. What surprised Alina most was the soft expression on the old man’s face. “Alina,” he called gently, waving her over. “Come sit.” She glanced at Zander, who gave her a reassuring nod. Alina walked over, heart steady but expectant. Zander’s grandfather had barely spoken a kind word to her since she’d entered the mansion. But ever since the incident with Anna—the exposed plot, the video, the fall down the stairs—his demeanor had changed. Hi
Zander’s grandfather was seething when he was away from Alina and Zander. His cane trembled in his grip as his voice echoed through the room. “How dare she?” he thundered. “How could Anna try to harm Zander’s mother like that? In our home!” The anger in his voice silenced the whispers around him. Everyone, still stunned from the video Alina had shown, stood quietly as the weight of Anna’s betrayal settled over them. Zander’s mother turned toward Alina, her eyes glossy with emotion. She reached out and pulled her into a hug, her voice soft but full of gratitude. “You saved me,” she whispered. “I don’t even want to think about what could have happened if Anna had succeeded. Thank you, Alina.” Before Alina could respond, Zander stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her from behind, drawing her into his chest. “You saved my mom,” he murmured, pressing a light kiss to the top of her head.After a while, Zander's grandfather called for Alina and Zander's mother to see him.
The scent of disinfectant filled the private hospital room where Anna lay on the bed, her head bandaged, her arm in a sling. Seated beside her was Daniel’s mother, her lips twisted in frustration as she leaned closer to Anna. "This is not how it was supposed to go," she hissed under her breath. “Your foolish stunt only made things worse. And that stupid son of mine—Daniel let Zander record his confession. Now, not only does Zander have the upper hand, but we’re both walking on thin ice.” Anna groaned and sat up slightly, wincing at the pain in her ribs. “Stop blaming me. Grandfather would never turn on me. I’m the one he loves most. I’m the only one who’s always been by his side.” “Love or not,” Daniel’s mother said with narrowed eyes, “you’re lying here, and that woman....Alina...is still walking around like a queen.” Anna’s expression twisted with pain and jealousy. “What hurts the most is that Zander hasn’t even visited me. Not once. I did everything for him. All I wanted w
When Zander and Alina returned home, Zander didn’t let her walk. He cradled her gently in his arms and was carrying her toward their bedroom when a sharp voice interrupted their peaceful moment. “Zander, put her down and explain yourself right now!” Standing in the hallway was Daniel’s mother, her face twisted with fury. Beside her stood their grandfather, stone-faced and silent, while Daniel trailed behind them, his face swollen and wrapped in white gauze from the bruises Zander had given him the night before. Zander stopped, but he didn’t set Alina down. He kept his arms firmly around her as his gaze met Daniel’s mother’s accusing eyes. “This is unacceptable!” she spat. “How dare you beat up my son for your characterless wife? What sort of example are you trying to set in this family?” Their grandfather stepped forward, his cane tapping the tiled floor. “We demand an explanation, Zander,” he said in a deep, gruff voice. “You’ve become reckless...beating family, creating sc
Despite her doubts and the warning that her brother would never approve, Alina gave a quiet nod and agreed. There was a strange sense of calm in her decision now. “Honestly,” she said softly, “being married to you feels a lot better than going back and letting my brother choose someone else for me again.” Zander didn’t say anything immediately, but the softness in his eyes said everything. A few seconds later, Alina added, “Still, I want to see him. Ezekiel knows the truth about Matt now, and I think I owe it to both of us to try one more time to talk to him.” Zander reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “That’s not a problem,” he said, his tone gentle. “I’ll take you to see him. I just hope he keeps his hands to himself this time. If he ever lays a finger on you again…” Alina smiled faintly and touched his chest. “He won’t. Not now.” Zander nodded, then leaned back slightly and glanced at her. “Can I make a suggestion?” “Sure.” “I was thinking,” he
The sound of running water had faded, and a hush fell over the room as Zander stepped out of the bathroom. Steam followed him, curling like mist around the sharp angles of his body. He wore nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, his dark hair damp and clinging to his forehead. The tension that had gripped him earlier had dissolved beneath the warm shower, leaving him quieter, calmer—but no less conflicted. Alina, seated on the edge of the bed, looked up as he entered. Her gaze locked on him, her lips parting slightly in surprise at the sight of him. There was a long pause, a silence that crackled between them, filled with all the things neither had said. Zander reached for the towel around his neck, rubbing it through his hair, and then paused. His eyes met hers, and he spoke in a voice that was low but steady. “I never doubted you,” he said. Alina blinked, unsure of what he meant. “Earlier, when I asked if what that idiot said was true,” he continued, his tone soften
Once they entered their bedroom, Alina didn’t waste a second. She pushed Zander gently onto the bed and climbed onto his lap, cupping his face as she captured his lips in a deep, lingering kiss. Her actions were bold, deliberate, and had one very specific goal. Just as their kiss deepened and Zander’s arms found their way around her waist, the door creaked open behind them. Anna stood in the doorway, frozen, eyes wide with horror. A second later, her face crumpled, and she turned and ran away, sobbing. Alina pulled back slowly and rolled off Zander, a sly smile curving her lips as she lay beside him. Zander looked at her, slightly breathless. “What was that smile for?” Alina sat up and brushed her fingers through her hair, still smirking. “Well, she came to my face and warned me earlier tonight. I just thought I’d return the favor... in a way she won’t forget.” Zander blinked at her. “So this was for Anna?” “Partly,” she replied calmly. “Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it. B