———————————————————————As Mateo opened the door, she saw Lucian standing there, his presence striking and unexpected. Her heart sank immediately, a wave of anxiety washing over her. Lucian, her husband’s stepbrother, stood tall and imposing, his piercing eyes scanning the room before settling on her. His face was a mask of unreadable emotion, but his eyes held a sharp intensity that made her stomach churn. "Hello," he said, his voice smooth but with an edge that sent chills down her spine.She felt her heart beating faster, each thump resonating in her ears. Nervousness gripped her, making her feel small and vulnerable under his gaze. Mateo, sensing her discomfort, stepped closer to her, his hand brushing against her arm in a silent gesture of support.Lucian stepped inside, his movements deliberate and confident. His eyes never left her, making her feel exposed. She could barely breathe, her mind racing with memories of their last encounter and the tension that always seemed to
————————————————————————She lay on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, her thoughts a tangled mess of fear and uncertainty. The dim light from the bedside lamp cast soft shadows around the room, creating an intimate yet confining atmosphere. She could hear the faint hum of traffic outside, a distant reminder of the world beyond these walls.Her mind raced, replaying the day's events over and over. Lucian's arrival, the news of Dominic coming to London—it all felt like a pressure cooker ready to explode.She wondered about her family, the people she left behind, and if she would ever see them again. The ache of homesickness tugged at her heart, mingling with the anxiety of potentially facing Dominic once more.If she managed to get here, her passport must be somewhere in the apartment, probably with Mateo. The thought of him keeping it hidden made her feel trapped, like a bird in a gilded cage. She needed to find it, needed to have an escape plan ready before things got even worse.Ro
———————————————————————————————....As Evelyn stepped into the hallway, her heart racing, she nearly collided with a delivery guy standing in front of the apartment door. He looked up, surprise flickering in his eyes. "Excuse me, I'm looking for Mateo—"She cut him off quickly, her voice calm but firm. "Sorry, no one by that name lives here." Without giving him a chance to respond, she brushed past him and hurried towards the elevator.Once inside, she jabbed the button for the ground floor, her pulse thudding in her ears. The elevator doors closed slowly, the seconds stretching out interminably. She glanced at her reflection in the mirrored walls, her hoodie pulled up, casting her face in shadow. She looked like a stranger to herself, a ghost moving through the building.When the elevator finally reached the ground floor, she stepped out into the lobby, the cool air hitting her like a splash of water. She didn’t pause to catch her breath, didn’t allow herself to look back. H
—————————————————————————————Mateo stormed through the apartment, his frustration palpable as he flung open drawers and cupboards, desperately searching for any sign of Evelyn. His mind raced with worry and anger. "Damn it, Evelyn!" he muttered under his breath, his fists clenching at his sides. "Why did you run?"The door to the apartment swung open, and Lucian stepped inside, his eyes immediately narrowing at the chaotic scene. "What's going on here?" he demanded, his voice cold and sharp.Mateo spun around, his face flushed with a mix of rage and anxiety. "Evelyn's gone," he snapped. "She ran away. I can't find her anywhere."Lucian's expression darkened, and he took a step forward, his presence intimidating. "How could you let this happen?" he shouted, his voice echoing off the walls. "You were supposed to keep an eye on her, Mateo! You knew how important this was!"Mateo's frustration boiled over, and he shouted back, "Don't you think I know that? I've been looking f
Mateo and Alex sped through the streets of London, the tension between them thick and unspoken. Dominic’s jaw was set, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, while Alex silently prepared for what was to come. The car skidded to a halt in front of Mateo’s apartment building, and without a word, they exited the vehicle, their footsteps echoing ominously in the quiet night.Dominic’s fist pounded on the apartment door, the sound reverberating through the hallway. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing a surprised and wary Mateo. Before he could react, Alex surged forward, pinning Mateo against the wall with a force that knocked the breath out of him.“What the—” Mateo gasped, struggling against Alex’s iron grip.Dominic pushed past them, his eyes scanning the apartment. “Evelyn!” he shouted, his voice bouncing off the walls. “Evelyn, where are you?”Mateo, his face twisted in pain and defiance, spat out, “She’s not here!”Dominic’s eyes darkened, and he turned back to Mateo, fur
————————————————————Dominic sat in his office, the weight of the past days pressing heavily on his shoulders. The early morning light seeped through the blinds, casting long shadows across the room. He hadn’t slept much, his mind consumed by thoughts of Evelyn and the desperate need to find her.The door creaked open, and Alex stepped inside, his expression a mix of urgency and relief. “Dominic, we’ve got something,” he said, holding a stack of printed images. “The building’s security cameras caught Evelyn running out. She crashed into a car.”Dominic’s heart sank as he took the photos from Alex’s hand. His eyes scanned the images, his breath catching in his throat when he saw her. Evelyn, in a hoodie, looking frantic as she sprinted out of the building. The next frame showed her colliding with a car, the driver’s shocked expression clear even in the grainy footage.Seeing her so vulnerable, so desperate, twisted his heart in ways he hadn’t expected.“Evelyn…” he whispered, his
—————————————————————————Dominic's office was a quiet sanctuary, the soft hum of the city outside providing a distant backdrop. He was deep in thought, staring at the papers on his desk, when his phone rang. Seeing Evelyn's father's name flash on the screen, he quickly answered."Hello?""Dominic, it's me," Evelyn's father said, his voice filled with a mix of relief and concern. "I just got off the phone with Evelyn."Dominic sat up straight, his heart racing. "Evelyn? Is she alright? Where is she?""She's in a café somewhere. She sounded a bit lost and said she had nowhere to go. We talked for a while, and I tried to reassure her. She’s safe but clearly needs help."Dominic exhaled, relief flooding through him. "Thank God she's okay. Did she say which café?""No, she didn't mention a name. Just that she was in a café."Dominic's mind was already racing with possibilities. "Alright, thank you for letting me know. I'll handle it from here and don’t worry. I wont return till i fi
—————————————————————————Jack led Evelyn up the narrow staircase to his small apartment, the old wooden steps creaking beneath their feet. As they reached the door, he glanced back at her with a reassuring smile before opening it. The warm, inviting scent of home-cooked food greeted them.Evelyn stepped inside, taking in the modest but cozy space. The apartment was small, but it radiated a sense of warmth and care. She noticed a young girl, no older than ten, sitting on the couch with a book in her lap. The girl looked up, her eyes wide with curiosity."Hi there," Evelyn said, smiling gently.Jack introduced them. "Evelyn, this is my sister, Sia. Sia, this is Evelyn. She's going to stay with us for a bit."Sia hopped off the couch and came over, her face lighting up with a welcoming grin. "Hi, Evelyn! It's nice to meet you.""Nice to meet you too, Sia," Evelyn replied, her heart warming at the girl's enthusiasm."Come on in and make yourself at home," Jack said, guiding Evelyn
Life had finally begun to settle into a comforting routine. Lilah and Alex were flourishing in their newlywed bliss, Kylie and Caleb were happier than ever, and Dylan and Kacy had started dating, their relationship blossoming. Even Sam and Jack, who had always had a bit of tension between them, were found kissing, much to everyone’s surprise. Sia and Ethan had an undeniable connection but stubbornly refused to admit it.Evelyn and Dominic, too, were finding their rhythm again. Their lives had been filled with chaos and fear, but now, with their twins Dante and Dimitri, they were experiencing a calm, loving domesticity.Evelyn lay in bed, the soft light filtering through the curtains casting a warm glow on her and the twins. She was naked, holding Dante close while Dimitri snuggled on her other side. The boys were content, their tiny hands gripping her fingers.Dominic stood at the door, leaning against the frame with a smile on his face. He watched his wife and sons, his heart swell
Evelyn’s heart raced as she sent the text to Kaia, proposing a meeting. The reply came quickly: a simple agreement to meet at an abandoned building on the outskirts of the city. It was a trap, she knew, but one they had meticulously planned for. This had to end once and for all.In the living room, the atmosphere was tense but resolute. Dominic pulled Evelyn into a protective embrace, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. “We’re going to end this tonight,”he whispered, his voice filled with determination and love. “Stay safe, okay?”Evelyn nodded, her resolve matching his. They moved to the nursery, where their twins slept peacefully. Evelyn and Dominic each kissed their sons, lingering for a moment, drawing strength from their innocence.“Mommy and Daddy will be back soon,” she whispered, her voice cracking slightly with emotion.Stepping outside, they were joined by Alex, Caleb, Jack, and Sam. Sam gave Evelyn a reassuring smile, his presence a comforting reminder of their str
Evelyn gently lowered Dante and Dimitri into the warm bath, her movements careful and tender. She watched as their tiny bodies relaxed in the water, their innocent eyes looking up at her with trust and love. But her heart was heavy, the threat looming over her family weighing down on her.Tears began to fall silently from her eyes, mixing with the bathwater. The fear of someone targeting her precious twins consumed her thoughts. She was so lost in her worries that she didn't notice Dominic enter the bathroom.He moved quietly behind her, wrapping his strong arms around her waist. Startled, Evelyn gasped, but his familiar embrace quickly calmed her. She turned her head slightly to look up at him, her tear-streaked face filled with anguish.Dominic pressed a gentle kiss to her temple. "I promise you, Evelyn, I will protect our family at any cost. No one will harm our boys."His words were a balm to her troubled heart. She nodded, a small, grateful smile forming on her lips. "Thank
Evelyn sat comfortably in the bedroom, the soft pastel walls creating a soothing atmosphere. She gently cradled her twins, Dante and Dimitri, to her chest, their tiny hands grasping at her as they fed. The quiet hum of the room was interrupted only by the occasional contented sigh from the babies.Dominic stood nearby, his expression distant and troubled. He watched Evelyn with their sons, his love for them evident, but the worry in his eyes was unmistakable. Evelyn noticed his demeanor and softly called his name. “Dominic?”He looked up, snapping out of his thoughts, and she signaled for him to come closer. He obeyed, leaning in to peck her lips gently before kissing each of his sons on their tiny foreheads.“What’s wrong? Why do you look so stressed?” Evelyn asked, her voice filled with concern.Dominic shook his head, attempting a smile. “It’s nothing, Evelyn. Don’t worry about it.”Evelyn frowned, knowing him too well to be fooled. Before she could press further, there was a k
The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over Evelyn and Dominic’s home as they arrived with their newborn twins, Dante and Dimitri. The driveway and front porch were filled with family and friends, eager to welcome them back. Balloons, streamers, and a banner that read “Welcome Home, Evelyn, Dante, and Dimitri!”decorated the entrance.As the car pulled up, everyone cheered and clapped. Dominic carefully helped Evelyn out of the car, her legs still weak from the ordeal. Kylie and Ethan rushed forward to take the twins' car seats, each one beaming with pride and excitement.“Welcome home, Evelyn!” Lilah called out, her voice filled with joy.Evelyn smiled, feeling overwhelmed by the love surrounding her. “Thank you, everyone. It’s so good to be home.”Seeing Evelyn’s difficulty in walking, Dominic scooped her up into his arms effortlessly, carrying her across the threshold. “I’ve got you,” he whispered, kissing her forehead.Inside, the house had been transformed into a
Evelyn's hands gripped the edges of the hospital bed, her knuckles white from the effort. Pain surged through her body in waves, each contraction more intense than the last. Her breathing was ragged, and beads of sweat formed on her forehead. She let out a pained scream, her voice echoing down the sterile hallways.In the waiting area, friends and family had gathered, their faces a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. Lilah, Alex, Jack, Sia, and even Ethan and Kylie were there, exchanging worried glances each time Evelyn’s screams pierced the air. The tension was palpable, each of them silently willing her strength and comfort.A nurse opened the door to Evelyn's room, allowing Dominic to enter. His heart raced as he approached her bedside, taking her hand in his and squeezing it gently. "I'm here, love," he whispered, his voice filled with concern and reassurance. "You’re doing amazing."Evelyn’s eyes met his, and despite the pain, she managed a small, grateful smile. "Dom... i
Evelyn winced slightly as she shifted her weight, a reminder of the lingering pain from the previous night. But today was about joy and celebration, not her discomfort. The hotel buzzed with activity as everyone busied themselves with preparations for Lilah and Alex’s wedding. Despite the chaos, Evelyn found herself at Alex's side, knowing he had no family of his own to rely on.Alex stood nervously in front of a full-length mirror, adjusting his cufflinks for the hundredth time. Evelyn watched him with a fond smile, holding up the wedding outfit she had carefully chosen for him. "I think this will look perfect on you," she said, handing him the suit.Alex took the outfit, his anxiety momentarily replaced with a grateful smile. "You really think so? I’m not sure about the fit."Evelyn nodded reassuringly. "I got it tailored to your size. Trust me, you'll look amazing."As Alex changed into the suit, Evelyn arranged the final touches, smoothing out wrinkles and adjusting the tie
Evelyn sat on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The room was dim, the only light coming from a small bedside lamp that cast long shadows on the walls. Dominic stood across from her, his posture rigid, and his eyes filled with a mix of anger and concern."Why did you go to see Angelina?" Dominic's voice was low but edged with frustration. He hadn't taken his eyes off her since she walked into the room, and his intense glare made her feel like she was under a spotlight.Evelyn took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. "I had to see her, Dominic. I had to know if she was okay.""You had to know?" Dominic's voice rose slightly, his irritation evident. "Do you have any idea how dangerous that was? You didn't tell me anything, you just went behind my back!"Evelyn's frown deepened, her own frustration bubbling to the surface. "I didn't go behind your back to hurt you. I went because I needed to. She's my friend, Dominic. I couldn't just sit here and d
Evelyn sat in the cozy living room, her eyes fixed on the window as the world outside moved at its own pace. The sun cast a gentle glow across the room, highlighting the warm tones of the wooden furniture and the soft, inviting cushions of the sofa. She couldn't shake off the thoughts swirling in her mind, especially when the name Angelina surfaced. If Dominic had killed Mateo, Matthew, and Lucian, where was Angelina?Her contemplation was interrupted as Dominic entered the room, his presence immediately comforting yet bringing a new wave of questions. He approached her with concern, sitting down beside her, his eyes searching hers for any sign of distress.Evelyn turned to face him, her expression a mix of curiosity and worry. "Dominic," she began, her voice steady but insistent, "what happened to Angelina?"Dominic's eyes widened slightly, taken aback by the question. He remained silent for a moment, his jaw tightening as he weighed his response. Evelyn's persistence broke t