(Kendall's POV)Surrounded by stacks of documents and papers strewn haphazardly across the table, I sat in my office. My mind, however, was far from the chaos before me. Lost in my thoughts, I found myself revisiting the memory I had buried deep down for years.I had been in a vulnerable and dangerous situation. I had wandered away carelessly when I went for a picnic with my parents.Three despicable men cornered me in a dimly lit alley, their intentions clear and menacing. Just when hope seemed lost, a young man appeared out of nowhere, his presence commanding and filled with an air of determination. With a single swift motion, he fought off the three guys of almost the same age as he was, saving me from the horrors that could have befallen me that day.I wasn't able to see his face clearly. I was still shaken by the trauma, but I did remember seeing a not-too-conspicuous tattoo on the upper part of his right arm. It was the same design Stephen had on him and was in the same positi
(Antonio's POV)I sat alone in my office as the sharp glow of the white bulb hanging on the ceiling cast a warm hue inside the office. To contribute to the ambiance in the atmosphere, a piece of slow music was playing in the background.With a furrow on my face, I clicked on the new pages of plans outlined on my laptop; studying them meticulously like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle I needed to conjoin so as not to miss a deadline.On the headings and the footers of each page had Stephen's name, a symbol of his success, and my envy. For a long time ago, I harbored in my heart a truckload of envy toward Stephen from the moment he was born.I had put in so much commitment and work toward the company, and for what? His parents just handed everything to him, leaving just a little percentage of the shares for me. Thank God, I got my pound of flesh by arranging their death.I had dedicated countless hours to this company. I had poured my sweat, my intellect, and my soul into every project, and ev
(Antonio's POV)"Why have you not been picking up my calls?" Jessica asked, her hands at Akimbo and her face wearing a frown."Won't you let me in? Or do you want us to begin to discuss that here?" I replied, looking around making sure I wasn't followed.On my way out of the work premises, I called my secretary to inform Stephen or anyone who asked that I stepped out to have an important meeting with one of our suppliers.Jessica had always been a difficult person, still standing by the door, I pushed her slightly with my shoulders and allowed myself in."So, why have you not been answering my calls?" she asked again, her eyes firing triggers at me."Of course, you do not expect me to answer every call of yours, Jessie. You know I am always with Stephen most of the time and thank God, you also know him too well. He is smart and can be pushy till he gets an answer," I explained, raising my voice in anger."So, what?" she retorted, "You could have found a way to call."I met Jessica at
(Stephen's POV)I stood beside the window, staring at the beautiful evening rays of the sun that began to set. My hands formed into fists. I was trying to hold down the anger that burned within me.We had just lost a major contract, and I needed answers. I went to his office immediately after I got back from a meeting and didn't find him sitting."Where have you been?" I immediately blasted at Antonio when he entered the study room.The expression on his face told him he was seemingly unaware of the gravity of the situation."Antonio," I began, my tone firm and direct, filled with anger. "I've been looking for you everywhere. Where have you been?"Antonio gazed directly at me, a hint of surprise crossing his face as he tried to know what the problem was."Oh, Esteban," he replied casually, his tone lacking the urgency that the situation demanded. "Did the secretary not tell you? I went out to have a meeting with some of our suppliers. Is there a problem? What is wrong?"I could not he
(Frederick's POV)Taking a walk around the mansion I hijacked from Kendall. I was worried how life was turning for me. Not even the cool breeze that warms the atmosphere could warm my heart.My company, the product of years of hard work and dedication staggered on the ridge of bankruptcy - that I feared the most.The bills piled up; the investors grew restless, and I feared that all my efforts would be reduced to memories within the blink of an eye.Lost in the thoughts of how to blackmail Kendall more, my phone began to ring and I shoved my hands into my pocket to bring it out. It was my secretary. Wondering why she was calling me at this hour, I clicked the green icon."Sir, there is an important email that just arrived. You need to see this," she said with a tinge of excitement evident in her voice.Her voice pierced the silence of my thoughts. Her urgent tone filled me with curiosity. What was going on with her?Without a second thought, I dashed toward the house, climbed up the s
(Antonio's POV)I stared out of the window into the already bustling city.It was 7:30 and the early morning breeze was whirling across the city already. Sounds of vehicles and buses trying to meet up with the morning rush echoed through the waves, reaching my ears."Sir, here's the coffee you ordered," the cafeteria attendant called out, breaking my straying mind back."Oh okay, thank you. How much is it? I asked, putting my hands into my pocket and trying to get out my wallet."It's free sir, we give out our first twenty cups as bonuses, sir," she replied with a smile."Wow! Thank you," I responded just before dropping a hundred-dollar tip and exiting the coffee shop.As I walked to my car, the aroma wafted up to greet my senses and I noticed the morning rays streamed in, casting a warm glow on the bustling city below.Tall buildings which almost reached the heavens, their glass front view reflecting the golden hues of dawn. It was a sight that never failed to captivate me.Standing
(Kendall's POV)"Bye mum," the girls chorused, waving their hands as they strolled toward the entrance of their school building and disappeared behind the school walls.My smile was weary, I couldn't bring myself to smile heartily back at the girls. Thoughts of the possibility that they could be taken away from me at any time broke my heart into pieces.Exhaling deeply, I turned my gaze away from the girls."Ma, are you ready to go now?" the driver asked, breaking the minute silence that filled the vehicle."Oh! Yes, we can.l," I replied, bringing my consciousness back to the present moment.He zoomed off and in a few minutes, we got to the company.Getting down from the vehicle, my eyes were still weak and drowsy, I barely had enough sleep, and the nightmares about Frederick taking my girls haunted me through the nights. I was restless and bittered."Mummy, why are your eyes looking sad?" Flora's voice sounded again like an alarm in my ears as I walked toward the elevator. For the f
(Kendall's POV)My heart rate increased greatly as my eyes met with Stephen's. His look was so intense and sharp, cutting through me, locking onto my trembling form.I knew I couldn't let my expression betray the turmoil within, so I let out a soft smile."Oh… okay, I will get back to you.," I gushed, my voice sounding sharp, trying to hide my emotions. I quickly ended the call, hoping he hadn't heard any of the words Frederick was speaking on the other end of the phone.I was so focused and occupied by the call that I didn't hear Stephen's footsteps as he walked into my office. Not until the smell of his cologne wafted into my nostrils, did I notice that he was in my office.Stephen's eyes narrowed, suspicion clouding his face. " Who was that, Ken?" he asked, his tone laced with a mix of curiosity and concern.I fought to steady my voice, weaving a web of lies to conceal the truth. "Oh, it was just one of all those random people who just call trying to get a job or trying to find out
(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