Julian's POVI sat alone in my dimly lit room, my head in my hands, consumed by the weight of what had happened that night. The memory replayed in my mind like a cruel joke—my hands on the maidservant, the way Lily had walked in at the worst possible moment, the disgust in her eyes. I hadn't meant for it to happen. I hadn't even realized what I was doing until it was too late. But none of that mattered. What mattered was that I had betrayed Lily’s trust, and now she wouldn’t even listen to me. I wanted to believe that if I could just explain, if I could just tell her that it was a mistake, that it had meant nothing—maybe she would understand. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t true. Lily had always been unwavering in her beliefs, in her expectations. To her, betrayal was betrayal, and no amount of reasoning would change that. I sighed heavily, running my fingers through my hair. My entire life was about to collapse, and I felt powerless to stop it. A sudden noise startled me—a sh
Julian's POV I couldn't let her leave. The moment Lily walked out of my room, I knew I had to do something. If she left now, it would be over—there would be no coming back from this. So I followed her. My heartbeat pounded in my ears as I moved down the hallway, watching her slender figure disappear into our bedroom. Our bedroom. Would it even be ours anymore? No. I wouldn’t let that happen. I reached the doorway just as she stepped toward the closet, pulling out a suitcase with steady hands. “Lily,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. She didn’t look at me. I stepped inside and, without hesitation, turned and locked the door. Her shoulders tensed, but she didn’t turn around. “Unlock the door, Julian,” she said flatly, pulling out a few dresses and folding them neatly. “No,” I said firmly. “Not until you hear me out.” She let out a sharp breath and finally turned to face me. Her eyes—cold, distant—cut through me like a blade. “What do you want to sa
(Lily’s POV)My hands trembled as I placed my suitcase back in the closet, my mind still racing from the whirlwind of emotions that had just unfolded. Julian’s words still lingered in my ears, his desperate pleas, the raw emotion in his eyes when he begged me to stay. And I stayed. I had made my decision, and no matter how much doubt clawed at the edges of my mind, I knew I wasn’t going to walk away from my marriage. But there was one last battle to fight. My mother. Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the bedroom and made my way downstairs. The house was quiet now, almost as if it was holding its breath, waiting for the next storm.I found Monica in the living room, perched on the edge of the couch, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her foot tapping against the hardwood floor. She looked up the moment I entered, her eyes narrowing. "Is the car packed?" she asked, her voice clipped. I swallowed. "No, Mama. I’m not leaving." Silence. Then, she stood, her bod
(Elena’s POV)I sat on the edge of my bed, gripping my phone tightly, my heart pounding in frustration. The voices from downstairs had been impossible to ignore—heated words exchanged, accusations thrown like daggers, and then… the worst part. Lily had decided to stay. I clenched my jaw, a bitter taste settling in my mouth. How could she be so blind? After everything, after all the warnings, she was still choosing Julian. I had been *so* sure she would leave this time. That she would finally see the truth. But no. She had thrown away her last chance at freedom. I stood abruptly, pacing the room before pulling out my phone. There was only one person I needed to talk to right now. Gina. I quickly dialed her number, my fingers trembling with anger. She picked up on the second ring. "Elena? What’s wrong?" "It didn’t work," I hissed, my voice shaking. "She’s staying." There was silence on the other end before Gina let out an irritated sigh. "Are you serious?" "Monica
Elena's POVThe house was quiet, save for the rhythmic ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway. I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts spiraling with frustration. My fingers drummed against the mattress as I replayed the events of the evening in my mind. I had done my part—smiled when needed, picked the perfect dress, even helped her get ready like a good little assistant. But beneath the surface, I was boiling.Lily and Julian were gone. Off to their perfect date, laughing and holding hands as if nothing had happened. As if Monica hadn't fought for her, as if she hadn't nearly walked away from it all. It made my stomach twist. Just as I exhaled deeply, attempting to clear my thoughts, a sharp knock at the front door made me sit up. I froze.I frowned, pushing myself up. Who could it be? Lily and Julian had just left, and it was too late for visitors. Who could be here at this hour? Cautiously, I got up and padded toward the front door. My heart poun
Lily's POVThe moment Julian pulled up to the hotel, I knew this night was going to be different. The building itself was grand, with warm golden lights illuminating the entrance, and beyond it, I could see the soft shimmer of a lake reflecting the evening sky. The whole scene felt straight out of a dream, one I wasn’t quite ready to wake up from. Julian stepped out of the car first, moving quickly to open my door before I could do it myself. His hand reached for mine, warm and firm, and when I looked up at him, he was already smiling. "You look breathtaking," he said, his voice low, full of admiration. Heat rushed to my cheeks. I had spent extra time getting ready, slipping into a deep red dress that hugged my curves in all the right places, my hair cascading in soft waves down my shoulders. But hearing him say it like that made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. He reached behind him, and before I could ask what he was doing, he pulled out a bouquet of re
Lily's POVThe warm morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. I blinked, slowly waking up to the feeling of Julian’s arms wrapped securely around me. His steady breathing tickled the back of my neck, his warmth seeping into me like a cozy blanket. For a moment, I just lay there, letting everything sink in. The fight, the tears, the way he had begged me to stay. And now, this. The soft sheets, the scent of his cologne still lingering in the air, and the way my heart felt full again. I turned my head slightly, careful not to disturb him too much. His face was relaxed in sleep, a stark contrast to the desperation I had seen in his eyes just yesterday. A small smile tugged at my lips. He looked so peaceful, so different from the man who had locked my door and practically thrown himself at my mercy. I reached out and brushed my fingers lightly over his cheek. “Hey,” I whispered, even though I kind of didn’t want to wake him up. His eyelids f
Gina’s POVThe phone pressed against my ear, I paced the length of my office, my heels clicking against the marble floor. "Just stay put, Elena," I hissed, glancing toward the door. "I need time to figure out our next move. We can’t afford another slip-up." Elena sighed on the other end. "We should've taken care of her the moment she walked back into his life." I pinched the bridge of my nose. "I know that," I snapped. "But we need a smarter approach. Monica’s in the way, and Julian… he’s unpredictable when it comes to Lily. If we move too soon, we risk everything." A beat of silence stretched between us before Elena muttered, "Fine. But hurry up"The moment I hung up the call with Elena, I let out a sigh, tapping my nails against the desk. The wheels in my mind were already turning, formulating the next step. Julian, Lily, Monica—none of them would see what was coming. I would make sure of that. But just as I leaned back in my chair, I felt a presence behind me. My body tense
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