(Jessica's POV)I dropped my room keys to the table as I returned to my house and slouched myself into the sofa before letting out a burst of hysterical laughter, ruffling my hair slightly with my hands.I was enjoying the game. "You have not seen anything yet, Stephen," I squealed, pointing at a small pocket picture we had together, which I still had in my possession.Still laughing, I lifted myself and strolled towards the refrigerator. I opened it and picked up a glass jug filled with freshly squeezed juice I had prepared before leaving the house.I took a glass cup that lay on the table and poured the orange juice inside it, filling it to the brim. Instantly, still holding the glass jug in my left hand, I gulped the whole content in the cup. I quickly refilled the cup before putting back the glass jug into the refrigerator.I walked dramatically back to the sofa like a child who was excited as she showed her new dress to her friends. I turned and picked up the pictures I had taken
(Kendall's POV)I could barely sleep, not because I was anxious or scared, but because the adrenaline released in my body due to the excitement I felt made me sleepless.I woke up to the beautiful view of the rising sun beneath the cotton curtain that hung on the window pane. Stephen was up already, I guess he was taking his usual early morning routine.I tossed the blanket off my body after I stretched my slender arms wide apart from each other, taking a deep breath as I stretched.Slowly, I lifted my body and strolled to the window. Drawing the curtains wide apart from each other, I allowed the sun's warm rays to flood the room.I stood by the window, gazing and enjoying the rhythmic dance of the flowers as the soft morning breeze twirled around it. I inhaled and exhaled deeply as I took in the early morning scent which was tranquil and filled with possibilities.The last few months have been tough. Stephen did not know how well to handle the anger that aroused in his body due to Je
(Stephen's POV)I arrived at the hotel at about some minutes past seven. The chauffeur had called to tell me that Ken had alighted in front of the hotel and should be in her hotel room by now."I hope she will love the dress I got as a surprise for her," I thought as I adjusted the collar of my sky-blue shirt before putting on my suit, which I held in my hands all along.The elegant restaurant was aglow with soft candlelight. The chandeliers emitting dim blue, green, and red lights at intervals added their own beauty to the VIP banquet section, casting a romantic ambiance over the room."I have a reservation for two at the VIP section, please," I voiced as I approached the reception."Mr. and Mrs. De La Cruz?" the receptionist answered."Yes," I replied, staring at my golden wristwatch."Okay, seen. Do have a beautiful evening sir," the receptionist added with a smile."Thank you, erm... Please can I get someone, like a guide, who would bring her over to the banquet? I do not want her
(Jessica's POV)"How can this be?!" I barked in my almost empty house as I paced back and forth, visibly frustrated.The room was dimly lit, casting a gloomy atmosphere. I was too irritated and vexed that I felt I should just break everything my eyes could find.I clutched my smartphone tightly as I fired triggers at the group picture of Stephen and Kendall I came across on Newstagram, celebrating their success on a deal.The news was all over the place, and the more I kept scrolling through my smartphone, the more furious I got when I saw that they were the next posts that were popping up.The De La Cruz company, led by Kendall as the Marketing director, had just sealed a great deal with the Japanese clients. Everyone knew how huge the project entails. The project deal was sought by other tech companies across the world."Do you think you have nine lives, Stephen?" I asked rhetorically, pointing at Stephen's image in the picture on my phone.I gritted my teeth as I moved my gaze from
(Kendall's POV)I woke up to the intensity of the early morning sun's rays piercing through the cotton curtains that hung on the window. I smiled as the thoughts of the previous night flickered through my mind.Stephen and I returned to the mansion at about four in the morning. I had insisted that we returned home before the girls woke up or dressed for school, as I wanted to be the one to dress them up myself since I didn't see or talk to them throughout yesterday after dropping them off at school.I stretched my arms towards my phone, whose alarm had been ringing in my ears, groggily rubbing my eyes as I tried to shake off the remnants of sleep.I picked up my phone and glanced at the time update at the top of the screen. I realized it was already 6:45 a.m.Although my eyes were heavy and my body needed more sleep, I rushed out of bed as I remembered that I wanted to be the one who would dress the girls for school this morning. I also want to meet their class teacher to know how wel
(Frederick's POV)The next morning, although I woke up with thunderous bangs in my head which I could not tell if they were the after effects of the alcohol I drank the previous night, or if they were because of the rage and jealousy I still felt towards Kendall.Determinedly, I lifted myself groggily from the bed and dashed to the bathroom.In a few minutes, I was down with clothing myself in a red checkered shirt and a black pants, and I headed out to catch up with Dr. Lydia, leaving Anna who was still asleep behind.As I sat in the doctor's reception office, I fidgeted with my hands, not out of anxiety but of anger."What's wrong with this damn doctor?" I growled as I moved my hands and allowed my gaze to fall on my Rolex wristwatch. It was already way past opening hours. Jeez!!Although my instincts about the girls being mine grew stronger with each passing tick of the clock, I still wanted to confirm from the doctor.Starting to get anxious, I could not sit anymore. I stood up an
(Kendall's POV)Sitting nervously on the edge of the armchair in the girls' room, I gazed intensely at the burns the effect of the spilled hot water had left on my hands. My eyes strayed beyond the windows into the abyss as my fingers fondled themselves tightly on my lap, and my face was painted with diverse emotions of pain, anger, and fear. My entire body was shaking. It wasn't an effect of the hot water, but rather the turmoil of emotions that rose within me. What does he even want? Why now? And how did he get my contact? He sure dared to call me after cheating, stealing, and then throwing me out of my own home—a home built with the tireless efforts of my parents. I growled as the anger within me overshadowed the fear that gripped me earlier when I heard his voice. As the door creaked open, Gab shuffled into the room, her gentle smile and warm eyes of concern instantly soothed my frayed nerves. Her hair which had some gray strands already due to her age was pulled back in a neat
(Kendall's POV)I stepped out of my black luxury car; I took a deep breath, relishing the cool evening breeze that enveloped me. It was three in the evening.I had decided to leave the house to clear my head a little, and to use the opportunity to get a few grocery items for the house and the girls.I smiled as I recalled my conversation with Gab before I slept off.Gabriella's words were always gentle and comforting. She was right though, no matter how hard I tried to ponder about it, I have to come clean with Stephen if I want the Frederick issue to be dealt with.I locked up the car, took a deep breath, and strolled confidently towards the entrance. The bustling atmosphere of the mall greeted me as shoppers hurriedly moved from one store to another.As I navigated through the crowded aisles, picking up fresh produce and gourmet ingredients, I could feel the weight of someone's eyes boring into my back. Ignoring the prying gaze, I continued my shopping, filling my cart with the ite
(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