(Stephen's POV)"The scalpel, please," the head surgeon, Surgeon Martins requested behind his mask as he stretched out his hands toward the nurse aide"Thank you."The operating room was a whirlwind of activity. The medical team was so focused and determined as they worked to save Kendall's life. Tubes, monitors, and machines surrounded her, each playing a vital role in the fight to keep her alive.I stood there, contrasting feelings of anxiety and hope coursing through my veins, as I watched the medical team tear up the area the bullet penetrated, trying to locate the bullet in her body.The doctors worked diligently, their conversations peppered with medical jargon that was beyond my understanding. But I didn't need to understand the details; all that mattered was that they were doing everything in their power to save her.As the surgery continued, my grip on her hand tightened, as if I could somehow transfer my strength and willpower to her. I focused on her face, whispering words
(Frederick's POV)Seated in the cold, sterile interrogation room alone. I gazed at nowhere with my cuffed hands placed on the center table. A policeman brought me here some minutes ago, leaving me here alone with my thoughts.How could I get myself out of here? Where was Anna too? Would I be able to go scot-free when I shot Kendall? Did she even survive it? Oh God!Different questions raced through my mind as I imagined what would happen to me now that I'd been arrested. If only I hadn't underestimated that witch and had envisaged her being wise by bringing the police along with her, I'd have gotten the money and been swimming in wealth with Anna by now.I was lost in thought and the rattling sound of keys I heard made me know that someone was at the door. I wondered who it was and what they'd do to me. Moreover, I wanted to ask someone if Kendall survived but no one answered.As the door clicked open, Stephen stormed in and slammed the door behind him, his face masked with a fury tha
(Stephen's POV)After the policemen soothed my anger, I got out of the interrogation and Jeff welcomed me with the news that my girls had been recovered but they needed to undergo certain checkups to be sure no part of their body was tampered with.He claimed they were afraid those cruel twats would have caused the girls some injuries and they were going to check that out.Hearing the news from him, I drove down to the hospital at once, my heart dancing with a mix of anxiety and relief. Within twelve minutes, I got to the hospital and I prayed silently.I wished Kendall would be awake to get the news that our children had been found. How excited she'd be. As I approached the reception, I filled in the necessary details and was directed to the ward where my triplets were receiving their full treatment.My heart shattered into pieces when I got into the room and I was not welcomed with the exciting energy I'd have received from the girls on a normal day. My precious babies lay on thei
(Stephen's POV)The warm water in the bathtub transformed into a sea of giggles and splashes as the triplets had just finished their bath, their wet hair clinging to their foreheads as they grinned cheerfully.Coming into the room this morning to find Gab preparing them for their morning bath, I had insisted on being the one to do that, and after much persuasion, I won."Okay, little mermaids, it is time to get out," I announced, grabbing their hooded towels from the nearby shelf. But as I reached for them, I realized I might need some backup."Hey, Gab," I called out casually, who had been by the side of the door all this while. I pleaded, "Could you lend me a hand with these three? They're slippery fish!"Gab laughed, joining me in the bathtub. "Sure thing, Stephen. I know too well, these three could be a handful," she uttered as she walked in. " Now, Let's get these little mermaids all dried up."I wrapped Laura and Clara in her towel, and Gab took care of Flora. Giggles continued
(Frederick's POV)"Hey, you! Get up!" the voice of the mean-faced policeman hushed me."Put your hands where we can see them," the second one ordered as he opened my cell with the key he held in his hands."What's going on?" I asked, confused as my heart pumped with adrenaline."Just be quiet!" the mean-faced police ordered as he poked my shoulder from behind.To avoid further trouble, I kept quiet as they led me back into the interrogation room.As the door swung open, I was amazed and a little delighted to see Anna. She sat on one of the chairs while a stern-faced man, although not wearing a uniform, sat at the other end.Anna's face was flushed red with embarrassment. I knew she was having a hard time coping with all this.The policeman pushed me to sit close to her. As we sat in the sterile interrogation room, the harsh overhead light cast a cold, unwavering glow over the entire room.The stern-faced man, whom I later learned his name to be Detective Anderson leaned against the ta
(Stephen's POV)I sat on the wooden armchair in the corridor, watching with a smile as the three energetic triplets huddled around a mess of colored paper, markers, and glue.They have been earnestly and excitedly working on the "get well soon" card for their mom since I broke the news that we were going to see her today, after days of not seeing their mother.With markers in hand and paper spread out before them, they poured their love into every stroke, hoping beyond hope that their efforts would reach her in some way."Let's make it colorful, just like Mom's smile," Laura, the leader of the project, said as she sketched a vibrant rainbow across the card."Yes, and we can put some hearts too," Flora, the calmest and sweetest of them all chimed in, her tiny fingers gripping a red marker.Claura, the most observant, added with a determined nod, "And don't forget the glitter! Mommy loves sparkly things."Laura and Flora nodded in agreement, their brows furrowed in concentration as they
Stephen's POVAs I hurriedly left the doctor's office where I couldn't find him, my heart raced up and down and my legs felt heavy with each step.How was this possible? Why was she not remembering me? Was this some sort of prank?"Doctor, something is going on. My wife just woke up and it seemed she does not remember me, the triplets, or even Gab," I whined as soon as I found the doctor in the hallway, my voice trembling as I spoke.The doctor sighed, a solemn expression on his face. "Put your mind at rest, Mr. Stephen. Let me run some tests first," he uttered as I followed him to Kendall's ward.As the doctor conducted tests and diagnosis, a heavy silence hung in the room.Gab had left with the girls immediately after the doctor came in.Finally, he cleared his throat and turned to me. "Based on the tests, it appears that your wife has experienced partial memory loss. The extent and timeline of recovery are uncertain. It's a delicate process, and we'll provide the necessary support
(Frederick's POV)I sat behind the well of the courtroom, hovering my eyes around as I floated in the turmoil of sad emotions with the depths of guilt and regret pressed down on me.All evidence was clearly against me, although there were no witnesses in the murder case. My notebook, the fingerprints, everything pointed to me.While I sank in my misery with sadness written all over my face, a few inches beside me, Anna also sat in the dock, her face void of any remorse. She looked ready for anything that came up as her arms crossed against each other.On the other end of the docks was a lady named Jessica and two young ladies I leaned were her spies both at Stephen's workplace and home. They had been orchestrating some evil plans toward Stephen and Kendall.I switched my eyes back to the jury. Their eyes bore into me, a mix of curiosity, judgment, and perhaps even a hint of pity. The courtroom felt suffocating as if the air itself was tainted by the terrible deeds I had committed."OR
(Stephen's POV) - A YEAR AFTERMy wife and I stood side by side in front of the full-length mirror, a flurry of excitement in the air. Tonight was a momentous occasion; the event we had been planning and looking forward to for weeks. The merging of our companies was a significant step forward, and this party was our chance to celebrate with colleagues, friends, and loved ones. I adjusted my tie, glancing at my reflection, my heart racing with anticipation and nerves. "How do I look?" I asked, half-jokingly.Kendall turned to me, a playful smile on her lips. "You clean up pretty well, I must admit."Chuckling, I gave her a mock bow. "And you, my dear, look stunning." And she did — her red silk gown cascading elegantly to the floor, a perfect match for the occasion.She blushed and turned back to the mirror, fussing with her hair. "I hope I'm not overdressed. Isn't this jewelry a little too much?"I stepped closer and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and a soft kiss on her neck
(Stephen's POV)A few months after our wedding took place, my wife rested her head on my thighs as I caressed her protruded belly while watching our favorite family show.The doctor said her due date was just two days from now according to the gynecologist, and I was doing my best to ensure she witnessed no pain.The show's opening scenes played out, and the triplets wriggled and giggled between us, seemingly just as eager to enjoy the film.Suddenly, a hushed gasp escaped Kendall's lips, her hand instinctively reaching for her belly. I felt her tense against me, and then it happened, a rush of warm liquid and soft pop. Panic surged through me as her water broke right there on the couch."Ken, are you okay?" I asked, trying to hide my alarm.She managed a weak smile, her breathing becoming uneven as her contractions started. "I think... think it's time."My heart raced as I scrambled to my feet. Gab sprang up immediately too.My eyes darted between my wife and the kids, who were now
(Kendall's POV)My eyes sprung open, welcomed by the warm greetings of my little darlings as I exited the dreamland.Each of them held a unique bouquet and my all-time favorite chocolate bars, their faces beaming with smiles, reflecting the love and excitement that filled the air.I rubbed off my eyes and sat upright. "Good morning, my babies. How was your night's rest?""It was nice," they chorused.What's the occasion, little angels?" I asked after seeing the boxes of pizzas and strawberries beside me too. "Are these all for mummy?""Yes, mummy, look! I picked these sunflowers for you because they're as bright and beautiful as you!" Laura replied, her voice clear and smart as always."And I brought these roses for you too, Mummy. I want you to always be happy." Claura gently added."And what do we have here?" I asked, my gaze turned to Flora."Wildflowers, Mom," she responded, smiling as she stretched it towards me. "We picked them from the garden."Taking the flowers from each of t
(Kendall's POV)I returned to our master bedroom after checking up on the girls, my body heavy with the weight of the pregnancy and I felt relieved that Gab was already taking care of their baths.Since we came back to Mexico, putting things in order has been my hobby and a way of releasing the stress that comes with additional lives in the belly. Moreover, this was like an exercise.After the room felt just right, I decided it was time for a bit of relaxation and the idea of a warm bath was too tempting to resist, given the ache in my back and the swelling of my feet.Slowly, I undressed and stepped into the soothing embrace of the bathwater. The gentle lap of water against the sides of the tub created a calming rhythm, and soon I stepped out of the bathtub, feeling rejuvenated.Wrapping myself in a soft towel, I moved back to the room and began applying fragrant body cream to my skin. Just as I was lost in the soothing sensation, the door creaked open. I turned, surprised to see St
(Stephen's POV)After Kendall finished hurling the words she couldn't say when she caught them together, we left and prepared ourselves back to Mexico.A few weeks after we flew back to Mexico, I stepped into the gym, and the soft glow of the overhead lights illuminated the sleek exercise equipment that lined the room. The rubber mat beneath my feet was cool to the touch as I climbed the treadmill. With a flick of a switch, the machine hummed to life and I adjusted the settings.As I started jogging, the steady rhythm of my footsteps matched the beat of my heart. The view outside the floor-to-ceiling windows revealed my tranquil garden, still shrouded in the morning mist.The gentle whirring of the elliptical machine in the corner called out to me. Transitioning smoothly, I moved to the machine, gripping the handles as I began to pedal. The low hum of the machine and the focused burn in my muscles created a serene sense of accomplishment.Sweat began to form on my brow as the minute
Kendall's POVI woke up to the sound of a familiar voice, a voice that had become a comforting presence in my life."Arise and shine, Mrs. De La Cruz."As I blinked my eyes open, I saw Stephen humming one of my favorite songs delightfully, a song he knew I loved as he placed a tray of food on the stool close to the bed. Awwwn!."Behold the queen of the empire. Mrs. De La Cruz is awake," he uttered dramatically.I watched as he approached, his eyes never leaving mine, his love and care palpable in every step he took.The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on his tousled hair and the gentle smile on his lips. The aroma of freshly cooked breakfast wafted through the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.With a gentle chuckle, he leaned over me, planting kisses all over my face as his fingers brushed against mine in a tender caress."What do we have here? You cooked?" I asked, surprised, butterflies dancing in my heart as I chuckled shyly."Just for t
(Kendall's POV)It's been over two weeks since I had been in the hospital and we're ready to leave as Gab folded my things into a packing bag. Staring out of the glass window, my heart leaped with joy that the gloomy days were over. The thought that I had forgotten who my triplets, Gab and even Stephen were caused a crack in my happy heart.I wondered why I'd be waking up uttering Fred's name. I hoped Stephen wasn't sad about it at present because I'd have flared up if he had to be in my shoes and he began to clamor Jessica's name.Also hearing the information about Antonio, I was devastated. Stephen held him in high esteem and I felt very annoyed knowing that he had ulterior motives for all he did. Very sad."Forget the past, Kendall, it's a new start now. Life has given you another chance. Don't contaminate it with the past." I cautioned myself as I rubbed my baby bump that was beginning to shoot out."Oh! You're set," the doctor voiced immediately as she entered the room, almost s
(Stephen's POV)What! I glared intensely with my mouth slightly opened as the prosecutor revealed that Antonio was in communication with Frederick and Antonio.Why didn't Jeff mention when he called me about the kids earlier?As I sat down, I wanted to yell out to the world, my heart sinking in betrayal. I suspired and managed to comport myself so as not to disturb the stillness of the courtroom."Why did you not tell me about the third party?" I growled at the prosecutor's attorney, who was smiling in victory at the way he handled the case immediately after the court session was over."I am sorry, Mr. De La Cruz. I found out, just a few minutes into the court session.""You still should have…"Just then, I was interrupted by the dinging notifications of my phone buzzing and it was from Jeff.My heart skipped a beat as I read the message. "Found him. Arrested. At the NYPD's 23rd Precinct. I will give you details when I see you."Adrenaline surged through my veins as I walked hurriedly
(Frederick's POV)I sat behind the well of the courtroom, hovering my eyes around as I floated in the turmoil of sad emotions with the depths of guilt and regret pressed down on me.All evidence was clearly against me, although there were no witnesses in the murder case. My notebook, the fingerprints, everything pointed to me.While I sank in my misery with sadness written all over my face, a few inches beside me, Anna also sat in the dock, her face void of any remorse. She looked ready for anything that came up as her arms crossed against each other.On the other end of the docks was a lady named Jessica and two young ladies I leaned were her spies both at Stephen's workplace and home. They had been orchestrating some evil plans toward Stephen and Kendall.I switched my eyes back to the jury. Their eyes bore into me, a mix of curiosity, judgment, and perhaps even a hint of pity. The courtroom felt suffocating as if the air itself was tainted by the terrible deeds I had committed."OR