Lily's POVAs I screamed out for help in my dream, my eyes flew open. I looked around the room in panic, the environment looking strange to me.I rose quietly from the floor and headed into the bathroom. As I removed my clothes, I turned on the shower faucet and allowed the warm water to pour on me.It was both refreshing and soothing. I remained there for a long time, wondering about the relevance of this dream I just had.When I finally came out of the bathroom, I slid into a loose fitting gown and lay down quietly on the bed. I don't know how long I remained in that position, but I soon drifted off to sleep. I was a bit subconscious when Julian came into my room and sat by my bedside.“Hey Baby. You look so tired. I wish there was anything I could do to help you out of this situation.” He took my hand in his, caressing my fingers.I was wide awake but I shut my eyes so that he would think I'm still sleeping. If only he would let go of my hand and go away. His presence makes me ups
Julian's POVIt's been three days since Lily returned from the hospital. She has been avoiding me for reasons known best to her. She has refused to leave her room nor interact with anyone.All she does each day is to lock herself up inside, sleeping and crying. She barely eats nor accepts any gestures from anyone. I was beginning to get worried about her because this is totally different from the Lily I got married to.I called the doctor to inform her of Lily's condition this past days.“Hello, Sir Julian. How is your wife, Lily doing?” The doctor asked.“Not good. I don't understand my wife at longer ever since she returned. She has been avoiding me as though I'm to blame for the incident that occured.” I said.“Have you tried speaking to her and know why she is avoiding you?” She asked.“She has refused to speak to anyone. Not even me. She locks herself inside her room most of the time. I'm really worried. Is this how she'll heal?” I scratched my head in utmost confusion.“I can't
Julian's POVLily sprag up, like one who was stung by an ant.“Excuse me? What the fuck do you mean by ‘all you do is sleep’?” She asked, anger creeping into her voice.Great. We are finally going to have this conversation.“Is that not what you do? You lie on bed, sleep, eat, bathe, rinse and repeat for three straight days now. How long do you plan to continue like this?” I insisted.“What else do you want me to be doing?” “You're not the first to loose a child. Your stepsister suffered a miscarriage too, remember? And the funniest part is that you orchestrated it. She was still strong enough to return from the hospital and keep living. But you…Oh my goodness.”“So you're comparing me to Gina now? Isn't it? Her body is different from mine in so many ways. Besides, why must you almost rub it on my face that I caused her miscarriage?”she asked.“Did you not?” I intercepted.“Julian, you're unbelievable. I didn't expect this from you.” she said, shaking her head.“Find something and ma
Gina's POVWhen I ended the call with Elena, I began to make preparations for my next plans. At first, I have to go to the clinic this time.I changed from my casual shirts into a long black gown and slid into my sandals.“Going somewhere? A date perhaps?” Alex asked, suddenly popping up at the door.“A date? Dressed like this? You amuse me often. Well, yeah, I have something that I need to attend to. It's quite urgent.” I said, picking my black handbag and sunglasses.“You need me to drive you to this important place?” Alex asked, coming closer to adjust my collar which I didn't remember to do.“No, I'll just take a cab.” I said. Alex wound his arms around my waist, running his hands towards the upper part of my body.“Honey, now is not the right time.” I said, expressing discomfort when he began to fondle with my boobs.“There is never a wrong time for some quick romance.” He said, kissing my neck.“Alex, please allow me to go. I'm running late. Don't worry, when I return, we'll hav
Elena's POV(That same evening)Since Monica came, she has been in the guest room with Lily. I brew a cup of coffee and was about to carry it into the room.I knocked, waiting for a response when Monica's harsh voice rang out, “who is it?” “It’s Elena. I have a cup of coffee for my lady.” She opened the door and I came inside. Lily looked worse than before. Her hair was unkept, her eyes puffy and red with dark circles beneath. Her face looked swollen and her cheekbones were so visible.“Here you go Ma'am.” She carried the saucer with shaky hands, barely taking a sip. Her hands were shaking so bad that before I could take the cup back from her hand, it fell and squashed on the floor.“What is wrong with you? You clumsy oaf! You can't even hold a cup well, do you want the shards to injure her?” Monica shouted, spanking my butt.I glared at her with anger before removing my face.“It wasn't my fault, Ma'am. I had wanted to…” I was still trying to explain but she interrupted me, almos
Elena's POV“So, Lily, what do you think led to your miscarriage? We need to get to the root of this so that it won't occur again. We also need to know if we must get rid of some people.” She said, not looking in my direction but something told me that she was referring to me.“You asked me not to involve myself with your conversation, remember? I choose to remain silent.” Lily said defiantly.Monica bent her head for a while, using her hand to ease out the wrinkles on her face.“You're just difficult, Lily.” Monica muttered.“Elena, you can go now. In the future, I'll still ask further questions. Mind you, I'm watching your every moves, even when you think I'm not.” She said to me, dismissively.“Okay, thank you Ma'am.” I got up from the stool and left quietly, still feeling Monica's gaze behind me.As I got back to my room, I began to ponder on the fast and easy way to handle this situation. I really need to speak to Gina about this. There is never a convenient time in this house
Elena's POV My heart was drumming relentlessly. They can't be suspecting me now, it's too early. Not when I haven't dealt with Monica or even Julian yet.“If she is still alive, why then have we not heard from her ever since? You know Gina, she always loves to show herself.” Lily said.“I have speculations. I'm not sure yet, but when I am, I'll tell you of my findings. For now, we need to go to the hospital for confirmation.” Monica reaffirmed.“Alright, let me get dressed. We have less than an hour left.” Lily said, I could hear her footsteps as she headed to the bathroom.“What hospital is that again? Where you were admitted?” Monica asked.“Johnson's Hospital at Fifth Avenue. The driver knows the place anyways, he'll just drive us to that place.” Lily answered.That was all I needed. I tiptoed back to my room and picked up my phone to inform Gina.“Hello Ma'am.” I whispered, my voice laced with urgency.“What's wrong again this time?” Gina asked.“Change of plans. They're heading
Gina's POVHer fingers moved across the keyboard, and I watched as the screen lit up with a series of files and records. The process felt agonizingly slow, each click dragging out my impatience. "Hurry," I muttered under my breath, my irritation bubbling to the surface. I glanced at my wristwatch and saw that it was less than thirty minutes to 3pm. Lily and Monica would soon be here. I'm sure they're probably on the way by now.Dr. Lane shot me a brief look but said nothing, continuing her search. Finally, she found what she was looking for and pulled up Lily’s file. "Here it is," she said, pointing to the screen. "Lily Brookes. She came in a few days ago after experiencing a miscarriage." I leaned in, my eyes scanning the details displayed on the monitor. My heart skipped a beat as I reached the section about the cause. "We determined that her miscarriage was caused by poisoning," Dr. Lane continued, her voice clinical. "We found trace amounts of a toxic substance in her bl
Five years later, the estate is no longer just a retreat. It’s a sanctuary—a living, breathing testament to the resilience of love, family, and legacy. As I stand by the grand oak tree in the heart of Seraphina’s Garden, I can hear the laughter of children echoing through the estate. My daughter is among them, her golden curls bouncing with every step as she runs around with her friends, her infectious giggle carrying on the breeze.Seraphina. The little girl who was born during a storm and who now, in the light of day, flourishes as a beacon of joy and hope. She’s everything I ever dreamed of and more. Every day, she reminds me of the strength I had when I thought I had none. And every day, she teaches me that the future is always worth fighting for.I watch as Alex kneels on the grass, helping her with the butterfly she’s carefully cupping in her hands, showing her how to let it go, how to trust the world outside. His love for her is something more than I ever imagined. A father’s l
Gina's POV There’s something sacred about peace—not just the absence of chaos, but the quiet fullness of a life hard-earned. I used to wonder if I would ever know such a feeling. Now, sitting in the sun-drenched solarium with my daughter giggling in my lap and Alex stretched beside us on the chaise, I know I’ve found it.I’ve found home.And it didn’t come wrapped in the perfect package or with a roadmap. It came in storms and secrets, in compromise and conflict, in tear-streaked nights and breathtaking mornings. It came in the arms of a man I never expected to love. And in the eyes of a child who showed me how to live without fear again.That’s why I decided to write it all down.My story.Our story.At first, it started as therapy. I needed a way to untangle the knots left behind by everything that had happened—the contract marriage, Victor’s threats, the courtroom battles, Evelyn’s truth, and the secrets buried deep within the Saxton legacy. But the more I wrote, the more I realiz
Gina's POV We named her Seraphina.The moment I held her in my arms, I knew there was no other name that could ever fit. She was born from fire and softness, from struggle and grace. And as she blinked up at me with those curious hazel eyes, so much like mine yet startlingly like Alex’s, I felt my heart permanently tether to hers.“Seraphina,” I whispered against her soft cheek, brushing a kiss there. “You’re going to change everything.”****Weeks passed in a blur of midnight feedings, lullabies hummed through tired lips, and soft coos that echoed down the estate’s halls. Alex and I were exhausted, but blissfully so. Our world had narrowed to a singular, perfect focus—her.The estate, once a symbol of looming uncertainty and painful inheritance, had become our sanctuary. But I didn’t want it to be just ours. My grandfather’s name had been dragged through courtrooms and sullied by lies. I wanted something different—a legacy rooted in healing, not conflict.That’s how the idea for the
Gina's POV The nursery smelled like fresh paint and baby powder, soft sunlight streaming through the white lace curtains that fluttered slightly in the breeze. I sat on the rocking chair near the window, my hand resting over my growing belly, which had become more prominent with each passing week. I was just seven months along, and though I felt constantly tired and achy, I also felt an overwhelming sense of love swelling inside me—more than I thought was humanly possible.Alex had just left for a quick meeting with our lawyer to finalize some estate documents. Evelyn was downstairs preparing her herbal tea mix that she claimed would "bring me peace of mind and smooth sleep," and Lana was folding tiny baby clothes in the corner of the room. It was a quiet morning. Too quiet.I shifted in my seat, rubbing my belly as a sharp ache shot up my spine. I winced but brushed it off. Pregnancy was full of strange sensations—this had to be just one of them. But a few minutes later, the ache r
Gina's POV The courtroom was colder than I remembered, its marble walls echoing the low murmurs of conversation, the clicking of heels, the scratching of pens. I wasn’t physically there—I was still confined to my bed—but through the live stream set up on my bedside table, I watched everything unfold.Alex sat at the front beside our lawyer, composed and confident in his tailored navy suit. Beside him, Evelyn, dignified in a modest beige dress, clutched a worn leather folder tightly in her lap. Her hands trembled slightly, but her eyes held the strength of someone ready to face the ghosts of her past.I pulled the blanket tighter around me, my heart pounding. This was it.“Court is now in session,” the bailiff announced.I gripped the edge of my blanket. This wasn’t just about reclaiming the estate anymore. It was about reclaiming the truth—our family’s truth. It was about protecting our baby’s future from a man who had threatened everything we held dear.Victor sat across the room, a
Gina's POV The room was silent except for the steady ticking of the antique grandfather clock that stood tall near the window. I lay in bed, propped up with an array of soft pillows, my hands gently resting on my growing belly. The sun had barely risen, but I hadn’t slept. My mind buzzed with anxiety, thoughts turning in endless circles.Alex had been pacing the hallway since dawn, talking to lawyers and strategists, his voice hushed but urgent. I could feel the weight of our reality pressing down harder with each passing day. The threat Victor posed wasn’t just legal anymore—it was dangerous, personal. And with each letter from Evelyn, each scrap of evidence we uncovered, the stakes only grew.I had never imagined a world where my family’s legacy could turn into a battlefield, or where protecting my unborn child would mean playing dangerous games of deception and strategy.When Alex finally stepped into the bedroom, his face was pale but determined. His suit was pressed, his tie per
Gina’s POV The morning sunlight filtered gently through the gauzy curtains, wrapping the living room in a soft golden glow. The sound of waves crashing against the distant shoreline was like a lullaby to my anxious heart, and for the first time in days, I allowed myself to relax. I stretched slightly on the couch, my swollen belly cradled by pillows, and let my eyes drift lazily across the pages of the book I was reading.Lana sat just behind me, carefully running a wide-tooth comb through my tangled hair. She was gentle—always had been. Her hands worked through the knots in slow, practiced strokes, humming quietly as she did so. It reminded me of childhood days, when my mother would brush my hair and talk softly about her dreams and regrets. It brought a strange sense of comfort, even amidst the chaos of recent events.“Lana,” I murmured, closing my book and glancing over my shoulder, “would you mind getting me a glass of water?”“Of course,” she replied warmly, setting the comb dow
Alex's POV The courthouse smelled of polished wood, nerves, and freshly brewed coffee. A place where truth was supposed to hold weight—but truth, I’ve learned, is fragile in the face of men like Victor Wells.The judge’s voice echoed in the courtroom as the proceedings began, stern and unwavering. I sat at the front bench beside our attorney, Mr. Langdon, a seasoned man with sharp eyes and a mind like steel. Beside Victor, his legal team looked smug—too smug for someone who hadn’t even seen the real documentation yet.Gina should’ve been here with me. She would’ve sat tall and poised, even in fear. But the doctor’s orders had been clear: strict bed rest. No exceptions. Not when her life and our baby’s were on the line.Just the thought of her curled up at home in bed while this circus played out made my jaw tighten. I was here not just as a husband—but as her voice, her shield, her sword.Victor looked every bit the conman he was, wrapped in a tailored gray suit and arrogance. He sat
Gina's POV “He claims to be Martin’s son,” Evelyn said. “My grandson. Your cousin, Gina.”The room tilted slightly.“Claims? You're not sure?” Alex asked, cutting in.“That’s why he’s claiming the estate,” I said slowly. “Because he believes it’s rightfully his.”“Yes. But he doesn’t know the full truth. He doesn’t know what Wilson planned. And he certainly doesn’t know that I kept every letter. Every piece of proof.”“And yes, I'm not sure”, Evelyn continued, throwing us into further confusion.My son, Martin, never told me about his son. I know he had a child some years back but I never met him. Surprisingly, this Victor Wells, has the resemblance of Martin. I suggest you carry out a DNA test to be sure if he's from our lineage. That will give you all the answers that you need, because if he isn't, a court case wouldn't be necessary.’She slid a box across the table toward me. “It’s all here. Letters, photographs, even legal documents Wilson sent me but never filed. They’ll be enou