(Stephen's POV)"How do I look?" I asked Antonio as I checked myself out in front of the large mirror. Antonio gave me a lopsided grin and his lips twitched, clapping his hands together in awe."Wow! You look spectacular," he complimented and I smiled at the mirror. He leaned forward to straighten my white shirt and blue pants. "Thank you, Antonio.""You look like a groom on his wedding day," he added as three knocks landed on the metallic door."Check who is at the door." He darted to the entrance, clicked the door open as he twisted the knob, and turned his neck 180° back to me."They are your dressing maids.""Let them in," I ordered and he ushered two sexy figures cladded in bikinis and red high heels into the room.They sashayed magnificently toward me as one of them who was holding my tuxedo tilted her body closer to mine and gave me a light kiss on the lips. The second maid leaned closer to me and pecked my forehead also. I did not reciprocate much. I only cupped their small b
(Kendall's POV)I was applying a lotion on Laura's body when a message from an unknown number popped up in my phone's notification bar. 'That could be from that woman beater.' I thought as I opened the message.My heart almost skipped a bit when I found out that the sender - who I had thought would be - did not send his address but was requesting my address instead. As I read further, my body became calm when I saw "From Antonio, The Personal Assistant of Stephen DeLaCruz".I turned to Gabriella who was preparing tea for us in the demarcated kitchen. "Mum, I just received a message from his P. A and he is requesting our address. Do you advise that I forward it to him?""Who is that mummy?" Laura asked as she put on her panties herself."Why do you sound like you are shy and afraid, Ken?""No, it's just that-" I stammered.She stopped stirring the tea and fixed her eyes on me. "You are being scared, daughter. No tengas miedo. No one would cause you any harm as long as I am here and I
(Stephen's POV)Staying in prison for more than two days was not what I had expected. I was so furious when the Mexican Policeman said the reason for my arrest was connected to me beating Kendall.They claimed they'd sentence me to court the following day and the government would take over everything I inherited from my dad.Two days ago, when the policemen placed the handcuffs on my wrists and pushed me into their vehicles, I thought Antonio would do something to bail me out instantly. However, I was shocked when the clock hanging above the celda gate read fifty hours. What was taking Antonio too long to bail me out or bribe the policemen?The fury overwhelmed me and I vowed to deal with him whenever I was out. Taking a bitter nap on the bug-infested bed that was in the cell, I was awoken by the clanging sound of metals. I stretched myself cladded in the baggy orange trouser and t-shirt that the Mexican government bestowed on me.The middle-aged prison officer who looked as though h
(Kendall’s POV)“Please Kendall, you are the only one that can save us from losing our fortunes and humiliation,” he pleaded for mercy and was about to go on his knees,As he was about to reach the ground, I clutched his shoulder and pulled him up. It was not right in the Mexican tradition and culture to let someone who was older than you to bow for you when they needed your assistance on something. Gabriella taught me all that when I arrived in Mexico.Then I thought about it, if anything happened to Stephen, surely it would affect me too. Who would want to marry someone with three kids already? Who would employ me without submitting my credentials and qualifications? Even if I intended to become a slut, how would I give my kids quality lives and give them great attention?“Perhaps you have been thinking that Esteban will not be a responsible father to your kids, so I want you to put your mind at rest. He is someone who loves kids and he really wants to have one.“I promise you that h
(Kendall's POV)After Antonio insisted that Gabriella and Laura stayed in the mansion till we came back from the police station, I vehemently declined and when he offered to take them home himself, I accepted and thanked him a lot for the kind gestures.Throughout the journey back home, Gabriella's eyeballs were asking a lot of questions and I was not in a good shape to answer or give her a befitting reply. I kept pondering about so many things happening as I sat beside her near the window. How could I bring myself to tell her that the person I was about to marry was arrested for violence and was in police custody?As Antonio drove at an average speed and accelerated with caution at intervals, I almost shoved my head out of the window as Gabriela placed her right on my folded palms. She could feel the anxiety that burned through me and she wanted me to be comfortable.Then, I started to think about Stephen and everything his P. A told me hours ago. One should not really judge a book b
(Kendall's POV)I was about to search for Antonio when he appeared behind me and snapped his fingers in front of my eyeballs. I was taken back and I almost collapsed onto my knees when he swiftly pulled me up.I clutched my heart and gasped for breath. "Where have you been, sir? I was about to look everywhere for you," I managed to ask."You can just call me, Antonio. Calling me sir here and there makes me feel like I am an old person when I am just forty," he cracked the joke and both of us burst into a peal of laughter."Alright, Antonio," I chuckled."Wow! That is it... Even you see that the name sounds sweeter in your mouth," he teased."Thank you." I didn't even know why I was thanking him."Well, I went to use the public toilet situated beside the corner over there," he said and I thought of telling him about the lady I had seen earlier."Antonio, there is something I want to tell you about?" I told him and he furrowed his eyebrows, paying attention to me."What is that about? Wh
(Stephen's POV)Getting home in fury only to discover my dressing maids plus some others were gone because of a text from an anonymous person added to my rage. I paced around the room and came to a standstill in front of the big mirror, reiterating the questions that have been resident in my head since I got back hours ago."What is all this happening to me now?""Why was Kendall with Antonio at the station looking all weak also?"Thinking about what Kendall did to me, my anger reignited and I banged my fists on the dressing table. My head was fucked up and I wished Antonio was here to answer all of my questions. Was Kendall, not the person who informed the police of the ordeal? Was she at the station to see the anguish on my face?Perhaps she had thought there would be one on my face. I scoffed and muttered silently, smiling mischievously at the mirror. If that was what she was thinking, then she failed! I would not give her an easy way out.Then my mind drifted back to the anonymou
(Jessica's POV)After Stephen found out about my secret ordeals with other men, he called off the engagement. I could still remember the brokenness and anger painted all over his face that sunny afternoon. His personal assistant never did like me, for him I was with Stephen because of his money.He had constantly bugged Stephen with talks about how insincere and mischievous I looked. I got to find out all this through the front desk secretary who at times was annoyingly trying to gain favor with me."How could you?" Stephen said while throwing a brown envelope at me as he stormed into the bedroom."You are back too early. Is everything okay?" Or didn't you leave for work?" I asked confusedly.Still with rage in his eyes and pointing towards the brown envelope now on the floor. "So this is the urgent thing you had to attend to during the weekend?"Still confused.Pick up the damn envelope! He hurled angrily.Pulling out the content of the envelope, I was shocked by the bone marrow. "How
(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