AVA'S POV The first night of our trip, Damian had planned a candlelight dinner for us on the beach. As we walked towards the table, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. The atmosphere was romantic, with the soft glow of candles casting a warm light over everything. "This is amazing," I said, looking around in wonder. Damian smiled at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm glad you like it," he said, pulling out my chair for me. As we ate, we talked about our hopes and dreams for the future. Damian told me about his plans to start his own business, and I listened with rapt attention, admiring his ambition and drive. "That's incredible," I said, taking a sip of wine. "I have no doubt that you'll be successful." Damian grinned, looking pleased. "Thanks, babe. I really appreciate your support." I smiled back at him, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. This was where I belonged, with this man who loved and supported me in everything I did. As we finished ou
AVA'S POV The next day; "We should do this more often," Damian said, swimming over to me with a smile on his face. I nodded, feeling the cool water ripple around me. "Yeah, it's so refreshing." "I'm glad you're having a good time," he said, reaching out to take my hand. "I am. I'm having a great time with you." Damian's eyes sparkled in the sunlight. "You make me so happy, you know that?" I blushed, feeling a warm sensation spread through my body. "You make me happy too. I'm so grateful to have you in my life." We continued to swim around, splashing each other and laughing. Damian seemed so carefree and happy, and it was contagious. After a while, we swam to the edge of the pool and sat down on the steps. "I have to be honest with you," Damian said, looking at me seriously. My heart skipped a beat. "What is it?" "I know I haven't always been the best version of myself. But being with you has changed me. You make me want to be a better person." I felt a lump form in my t
ETHAN'S POV As I watched Mia and the child she claimed to be our son, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. I started monitoring her every move, hoping to find some evidence that would prove that the child wasn't mine.One day, as we were sitting in the living room, I decided to act distant towards the child. Mia looked at me with concern. "What's wrong?" she asked.I shrugged my shoulders. "Nothing. I'm just tired."Mia looked at me suspiciously, but didn't say anything. I continued to act distant towards the child, hoping to provoke a reaction from Mia.However, nothing seemed to be working. Mia remained calm and collected. I knew I needed more concrete proof, so I arranged for a DNA test.One evening, I came back from work and found Mia in the kitchen making dinner. I decided to broach the subject over dinner. "Mia, I need to talk to you about something very important," I said, trying to keep my voice calm and steady.Mia looked up at me, her eyes narrowing susp
"What brings you here?" my mother inquired, attempting to mask her apprehension."Cease this charade and tell me what you are plotting," I demanded, my gaze fixated on Mia.Mia's lips curled into a sly grin as she regarded me with an air of condescension. "Oh, Ethan, my dear, what a delightful surprise! I had no idea you would be gracing us with your presence.""Enough with the pleasantries," I retorted, my voice quivering with rage. "Explain yourself, woman!"My mother's attempts at pacifying me fell on deaf ears as I bellowed, demanding to know the truth. Why were they conspiring against me? What had transpired between them? And what payment did Mia speak of?My mother's voice was lost in the tempest of my fury. I would not be placated until I had answers. I cut her off, adamant that Mia would elucidate the situation.Mia hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting between my mother and me, before finally speaking. "Sweetheart, calm down. Your mother and I were merely conversing like a
ETHAN'S POV AsI stepped into the family house, my father was already waiting for me in the living room. Without uttering a word, he opened his arms and enveloped me into a tight embrace. I felt the weight of the world lifting off my shoulders as I finally let myself break down in his arms. It was the first time in my life that I had ever surrendered to my emotions like this, but my father held me strong and steady. "Don't worry, it's all going to be okay," he said soothingly, as he patted my back and rubbed it with gentle strokes. "I know things have been tough for you lately, but you must be strong." I sniffled and wiped my tears as I pulled away from his embrace, feeling a sense of comfort in his words. "I'm trying, dad," I said, my voice shaky with emotion. "It's just been so hard lately." "I know it has," he replied, his eyes filled with empathy. "But you're not alone. You have us, your family, and we're here for you no matter what." I smiled weakly at him, feeling grateful fo
It had only been two weeks since Damian and I returned from our vacation when I started feeling unwell. I woke up every morning with a fever, fatigue, and a constant feeling of tiredness. I couldn't concentrate on my new business, and I was always sleeping. I even started throwing up one evening when my best friend Amelia came over from work. "What's going on, girl?" Amelia asked, looking at me with concern."I don't know, Amelia. I feel so sick," I replied, feeling a wave of nausea wash over me.Amelia frowned and put a hand on my forehead to check my temperature. "You feel pretty warm. You should see a doctor."I nodded in agreement. "I think you're right. I'll make an appointment tomorrow."The next day, I went to the doctor's office and had some tests done. The doctor confirmed my worst fear - I was pregnant.I couldn't believe it. How could this have happened? Damian and I had been so careful. I sat in the doctor's office, feeling numb. The doctor tried to reassure me, but I cou
Amelia quickly rushed home after work and found me in a pool of tears. I had just told her that Damian had denied the baby, and she was just as shocked as I was. "I can't believe he denied the baby. Damian didn't seem like someone who would do that. He had always been so caring and loving towards me. What could be the problem?" "I don't know, but we'll get through this together. It's not the end of the world." Amelia said reassuringly. She helped me heat up some water for a bath and served me dinner, pleading with me to eat. But I just couldn't bring myself to do it. "I don't know how he could do this to me. I thought he was my forever." I said tears streaming down my eyes. I tried calling him several times, but he didn't pick up. The more I tried, the more I cried. "Don't worry. I'll take care of you. I'll even take a day off from work to be here for you." She said giving me a big hug. Her words were a saving grace for me, and I felt grateful for her presence. Despite my sadnes
Ethan's pov As I made my way towards the hospital's parking lot, my mind was consumed by thoughts of Ava's incomprehensible decision to sleep with Damien, her ex-lover who had caused her immense pain in the past. Though we had ended our relationship, my love for her still burned fiercely, and I yearned for the opportunity to mend our fractured bond. The news of her involvement with Damien filled me with a profound sadness, yet an unsettling tinge of jealousy crept in. I patiently awaited Ava's full recovery, knowing that I had to share the heartbreaking truth with her: the doctor had informed me that she had lost the pregnancy due to complications arising from stress. While this news should have evoked sympathy and compassion, an inexplicable surge of excitement pulsed through me, despite its lack of jubilance. I yearned to reclaim my beloved, ready to do whatever it took to win her back, for she was the woman I desperately needed by my side. 46 minutes later; As I made my way t
I awoke on a bright and sunny morning, the familiar warmth of the sun streaming through the curtains and filling the room with a golden glow. As I stretched and yawned, my eyes were drawn to a beautifully wrapped box sitting on the coffee table in the living room. Printed on the box were the words, "Best Mum in the World." A surge of joy and anticipation coursed through me, and I couldn't help but smile. I knew immediately that this thoughtful surprise could only be the work of my children. Over the years, they had always found creative ways to express their love for me. But this time, something felt different. There was an air of mystery and excitement, as if they had gone above and beyond to make this moment truly unforgettable.With trembling hands, I carefully untied the satin ribbon that adorned the box. The paper crackled as I removed the lid, revealing a burst of vibrant colors within. My heart skipped a beat as tears of happiness welled up in my eyes. There, nestled among del
After the joyous celebration of my last son Alex's wedding, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. As I watched my husband's company flourish under the capable hands of his children, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming surge of pride. Ariella, my only daughter, was successfully running my eatery, and her dedication and passion shone through in every aspect. However, amidst this contentment, a thought nagged at my mind - we had not been giving Ethan's foundation the attention it deserved. My ex-husband had poured his heart and soul into that foundation, and I couldn't bear the thought of his legacy fading away. Determined to make a change, I decided to gather my children for a meeting, where we would discuss ways to boost the foundation's reach and impact, continuing my late husband's incredible work.I contacted each of my children, and with excitement in their voices, they agreed to meet. Arielle, my firstborn, was particularly thrilled about the news. His eyes sparkled with enthus
The wedding preparations had finally come to an end, and the eagerly awaited day was fast approaching. With all the tasks completed, it was now time for both Alex and Emily to take a well-deserved break. The entire family was brimming with excitement, especially my other children, Arielle and Ariella, as they were thrilled that their younger brother was about to tie the knot. On this particular day, Emily, elegant as always, was by my side throughout the day. She had been a pillar of support, ensuring my happiness and well-being. Her presence brought me comfort, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. While I was thrilled for Alex and the beginning of his own family, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness, knowing that he wouldn't be around as often as before. As I sat in the living room, Emily sat beside me, engaging in lively conversations. Her infectious laughter filled the air, and I couldn't help but chuckle along with her. "Can you believe it, Mrs. Johnson?" she e
The sharp, electronic trill of my phone jarred me from my reverie, a harsh contrast to the soft melancholy of the memories I had been lost in. Blinking away the fog of nostalgia, I reached for the phone on the bedside table, my heart jolting as I recognized the caller ID: Alex, my youngest."Mom!" Alex's voice boomed, crackling with unrestrained excitement. "Emily and I... we're getting married in three months!"His announcement pierced the veil of my sorrow, sparking a surge of joy that rippled through my veins. The thought of my children finding their own paths, shaping their own futures, was enough to wash away the heaviness that had clung to me."No way, Alex! Are you serious?" I squealed into the phone, my heart pounding with excitement. "That's wonderful news!"Over the following weeks, I threw myself into arranging a family gathering, my heart brimming with anticipation. As the day approached, I envisioned my home filled with laughter and love, a sanctuary for our family reunio
Ava's povI lay in my bed, the weight of fatigue and exhaustion pressing heavily upon my weary body. My eyes, once bright and lively, now rolled idly from left to right and back again, as if searching for something that was forever lost. Loneliness enveloped my mind like a thick fog, suffocating my thoughts and leaving me yearning for the touch and presence of the one I held dearest: Ethan.In the depths of my reminiscence, I found solace and sorrow intermingling as I traveled back to the times we shared, when Ethan was still among the living. Oh, how vivid those memories were! They danced before me like ethereal specters, teasing my senses with their ephemeral existence. I recalled the warmth of his hand clasped tightly in mine, his fingers interlacing with mine as if to symbolize the unbreakable bond we shared. In those moments, he was my protector, my confidant, and my champion. His voice, soft and soothing, resonated in my ears as he whispered promises of eternal love, vowing tha
As they settled into bed, the room bathed in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains, Alex pulled Emily close, their bodies entwined as if they were two halves of a perfect whole. The weight of the day's worries seemed to melt away as they sought comfort in the warmth of their embrace. Their fingertips traced gentle patterns along each other's skin, sending shivers of pleasure through their bodies. Alex's touch was tender, filled with a profound love that had blossomed between them. Emily's heart swelled with gratitude for this person who had become her rock, her confidant, and her greatest supporter. Their whispered words of love filled the air, mingling with the soft, rhythmic sound of their breathing. "I love you," Alex murmured against Emily's ear, the words a gentle caress that sent a rush of warmth through her veins. "I love you too," she replied, her voice filled with a tenderness that only he could evoke. They spoke of their hopes and dreams, their fears an
The moon cast a romantic glow upon the rooftop terrace as Alex gathered his courage, his heart pounding in his chest. He locked eyes with Emily, her gaze filled with anticipation. They had spent the evening baring their souls, revealing their deepest fears and dreams to one another. Now, a weight had been lifted, and Alex knew it was time to take the next step. Taking a deep breath, Alex mustered up his resolve and spoke, his voice quivering with nervous excitement. "I have something important to ask you, Emily," he began, his eyes never leaving hers. Emily's curiosity sparked, her eyes widening as she leaned forward, eager to hear his words. "What is it, Alex?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation. With his heart racing, Alex reached into his pocket, his fingers brushing against the plush velvet box that held the engagement ring. He withdrew it, revealing the sparkling diamond nestled within. "Emily, you have changed my life in ways I never thought possible," he said, a
The wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the scent of blossoming flowers and the promise of spring. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow across the quiet suburban neighborhood, Alex's heart pounded with nervous excitement. He clutched the bouquet of roses tightly in his hand, their velvety petals a stark contrast to the turmoil that churned within him.Alex had spent days meticulously planning this moment. He knew he had to do something grand, something that would sweep Emily off her feet and reaffirm his undying love for her. And so, he had purchased an expensive ring, a symbol of commitment and devotion.Taking a deep breath, Alex approached Emily's house, his footsteps echoing on the cobblestone path. He inserted the key into the lock, the familiar click resonating through the quiet night. With a trembling hand, he pushed open the door, anticipation bubbling in his chest.But as he stepped inside, his heart plummeted to the depths of despair. Th
In the quiet serenity of dawn, the world was beginning to stir. The sun, a bright orb of flaming orange, rose with an ethereal grace, casting its radiant smile through the nursery's gauzy curtains. The delicate patterns in the fabric created a playful tableau of dancing shadows on the walls, a gentle spectacle that signaled the start of a new day.And in the heart of this gentle spectacle was Ariella, an epitome of grace and love. Her heart pounded to a rhythmic lullaby, a testament to her newfound role as a mother. Her eyes, soft with affection, fell on the crib that held her most precious treasure - Sophia. "Mornin', sunshine," she cooed softly, her voice like the gentle rustling of leaves. Her fingers danced over Sophia's chubby cheeks, her touch as light as a butterfly's kiss. Sophia stirred, her little body stretching in response to the morning light. Her hazel eyes fluttered open, the world reflected in their innocent gaze. Her lips, pink and plump, curved into a gummy grin as