Lilian POVI woke up slowly that morning, the sun shyly coming through the window. The bed was warm and comfortable, and the smell of the pillow still brought me a feeling of security. I looked to the side and saw Jensen, still asleep. He was lying protectively with his arms around me, not realizing I was waking up. For a moment, I stood there, simply watching him, trying to organize all the thoughts that were crowding in my mind. I knew that the moment of clarification could no longer wait. We needed to talk.He stirred a little, shifting his head on the pillow, and then opened his eyes. His gaze met mine and a soft smile appeared on his face. “Good morning,” he said, with the hoarse voice of someone who was still in the middle of sleep.“Good morning, Jensen,” I replied, but my voice had a more serious tone, and I knew he would notice.He soon felt that something was different, as if there was a weight in my expression. "Are you okay? What happened? You seemed… thoughtful.”I sighed
Lilian POVThe bedroom door opened unceremoniously, revealing April with a cup of coffee in her hand and a curious expression. Jensen was sitting on the bed, his elbows resting on his knees, while I remained with my back against the headboard, trying to ignore the discomfort of the moment. “Am I interrupting?” she asked, tilting her head with a curious smile. “No,” I replied too quickly, adjusting my posture. “We were just talking.” "Talking?" She raised her eyebrows and took a sip of coffee. “Well, whatever it is, the coffee is ready. And yes, I made pancakes. You guys should get down before Finn eats everything.” “We're heading down,” Jensen replied before I could say anything. April nodded, but her gaze passed from me to Jensen, clearly registering the scene as something more than simple conversation. Before leaving, she added: “Don’t linger. You won’t want to miss the spectacle of Finn being himself.” When she left, Jensen sighed, running his hands through his hair.
Lilian POVAfter the children left for school, the house became calmer, but no less tense. Jensen went to the living room, playing on his cell phone, while Finn remained in the kitchen, finishing his coffee. I knew that conversation with Finn couldn't be postponed. The time was now. I took a deep breath before calling him, “Finn, we need to talk. Can it be in private?” He looked up in surprise and hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. “Of course, Lilian.” I led him to the back garden, where the fresh air helped calm my nerves. I leaned against the porch railing as he stood a few steps away, hands in his pockets. “Finn,” I began, choosing my words carefully. “I want to understand why you lied to Jensen about the baby. Why did you say you are the father?” He looked away, clearly uncomfortable. He ran his hand through his hair before answering. “Lilian, I did this to protect you.” "Protect?" My voice was louder than I intended, and I crossed my arms, trying to remain calm.
Lilian POVThe garden was silent, but my mind was anything but. Jensen was sitting next to me, visibly excited today after my talk with Finn."Good God, that guy doesn't get real, right," he was commenting. "Why doesn't he realize straight away that he's never going to have anything to do with you? You don't even like him, he acts desperate, he even went so far as to lie that he was the father of the baby you're expecting. See if he can do that!" He laughed with a shrug, as if he finally felt like he had the upper hand now."Well, you've also done a lot of crazy things to be able to be with me," I reminded him. Jensen wasn't innocent, right? He had done so much to have me in his control. I still vaguely remembered Rustburg...He was giggling awkwardly now. "You're right, Lilie. I did a lot, yes, but it was all because I always knew you loved me, that's why you never gave up." He looked at me with a charming smile. "That's why to this day I don't give up on you."I sighed, feeling the
Jensen POVDriving home after talking to Lilian was like going through a storm. My hands on the steering wheel were tense, and my thoughts were a mess. I respected her decision, but that didn't mean it was easy to accept. I still loved Lilian deeply, and the idea that she no longer saw us as a couple cut me to the core. As soon as I got home, I threw my keys on the counter and sat on the couch for a moment, trying to collect my thoughts. Lilian needed space, and I would do whatever it took to give her that. But giving up on her? Never. After a few minutes, I went up to my room. All I wanted was a hot shower and the chance to erase this day from my mind, even if just for a few hours. But as soon as I pushed the door open, I stopped in place, my entire body tense. "Kate?" My voice was low, but filled with disbelief. She was lying on my bed, wearing nothing but red lace lingerie, clearly waiting for me. His smile was calculated, almost predatory. "Hi, Jensen," she said, her voice
Kate Nash POVThe door to my house slammed behind me with such force that it made the entrance frame rattle. The sound echoed, accompanying the throbbing in my head. I was on the verge of a breakdown. Jensen had dared to reject me once again, as if I meant nothing. I hurried across the room, throwing my bag on the couch, not caring where it landed. The normally spotless space felt oppressive at that moment. It all felt like a reminder that despite all my effort, nothing was working as it should. The bar was my immediate destination. My hands shook as I reached for the bottle of whiskey. The golden liquid glistened in the lamplight, almost mocking me. "After everything I've done," I muttered as I poured the alcohol into the crystal glass. The feeling of failure was suffocating. From the beginning, my goal was clear: to get Lilian away from Jensen and make sure he finally saw that I was the only one for him. But he remained blind, trapped in a ridiculous idea of morality and loy
Jensen POVIn the last few days, my routine has completely changed. After work, I went straight to Lilian's house. I went there for the kids and also because being there gave me a sense of normalcy that I hadn't felt in years. Something about seeing the three of them running around the room, laughing and fighting, brought me a peace I didn't even know I needed. When I parked that afternoon, Ruby was the first to greet me. She opened the door before I even knocked, as if she knew I was there. "You're here, Daddy!" he exclaimed, jumping into my arms with so much energy that I almost lost my balance. "I'm here, my sunshine," I replied, laughing and lifting her into the air. "How was your day?" "Well... but Rory ate almost all of Mom's cookies, and now she's mad at him." "Really? Is he hiding again?" Ruby nodded with a knowing smile and pointed down the hall. "There in the room. I think he knows what he did wrong." Ryan appeared soon after, crossing his arms like a little ju
Lilian POVI was in the bridal room, holding hands with April, watching her with a look full of affection and admiration. She looked stunning in her wedding dress, with the veil delicately falling over her shoulders and the radiant smile that only she had. I felt a pang in my heart. We were there, together, in that special moment, but there was a touch of melancholy in her words."I really hoped you and Jensen were getting married too," April said, her eyes shining with a mix of joy and sadness. "You know, how we agreed... on Christmas Eve, together... I dreamed about this so much."I knew that the episode in Rome had ruined a lot of what we had planned. All of us, April, Phillip, Jensen and I, had been arguing for years about how much it would mean to get married together, but life had other plans. I wanted to say something to comfort her, but the words didn't come easily. Instead, I hugged her tightly."I know, honey. I know... But you and Phillip are here, and that's what matters r
Months had passed since the moment Lilian and Jensen had united forever, and the mansion, already full of life and joy, now seemed to be living a new chapter of great happiness. The afternoon was calm, but the atmosphere inside the house was buzzing with anticipation. Lilian, in labor, was preparing to give birth to the couple's fourth child, and emotions were running high.Jensen, visibly nervous, paced back and forth. His feet tapped the floor with a constant rhythm, a reflection of the whirlwind of thoughts that wouldn't settle. He paused briefly, looking at the door of the room where his wife was being assisted by the nurses. His mind couldn't find peace, thoughts of what might happen spread, even though he knew Lilian was in good hands."You need to calm down," said Philip, the couple's friend, who stood by Jensen's side. He knew how anxious Jensen could be, and his calm had always been a pillar of support. "She's strong. And you'll be an incredible father, no matter what happens
Lilian's POVI returned to the garden where Jensen was waiting for me, his attentive gaze fixing on me as soon as he saw me. He had a way of noticing when something wasn't right, and this time was no different. He had gone to check on the children, but now, he was there, as if he knew I needed him more than ever."Hey, love," he said softly, kneeling beside me. "Is everything okay?"I looked at him, and the answer just escaped me. "I'm so happy for her, but at the same time so sad. She was a part of all this, of us, and now... she's leaving..."Jensen looked at me with silent understanding, as if he knew exactly what I was feeling. He extended his hand, and with a serene smile, he pulled me close, wrapping me in his embrace. "I understand, Lilian. I felt it too, and I know how important she was. But life goes on, and people need to take new steps. And you... you've always been wonderful with her."I gave a faint smile, the weight of his words enveloping me in a comforting way. I knew
Lilian POVThe night was calm and pleasant, with a gentle breeze caressing my face and soft lights illuminating the garden. I was there, sitting with Jensen, enjoying the tranquil moments of the party. The laughter of children and the soft sounds of celebration still echoed through the house, but for a moment, the world seemed to shrink to just the two of us.Jensen held my hand and smiled. "It was a perfect day, wasn't it?""Yes, it really was," I replied, resting my head on his shoulder. "I feel so happy that we managed to pull all this off."We sat in silence for a few minutes, simply enjoying each other's company. But then, a familiar figure approached from the garden. It was Sadie, with that wide smile that always accompanied her."Hi, Lilian! Mr. Grimes! Congratulations, really, your wedding was wonderful," she said, smiling sincerely as she approached. "Everything was impeccable, and the kids were so happy. I've never seen them so excited.""Thank you, Sadie. I'm very glad you
Lilian POVIt was an ordinary day. The sun came through the windows of the house, illuminating the room with a golden light. Children were playing in the yard, their laughter filling the air. I was in the kitchen, tidying up some things, while Jensen seemed mysteriously busy somewhere in the house. "You're very quiet today, Jensen. What are you up to?" I asked, half joking, while washing some fruit. "Me? No big deal." He replied, appearing in the doorway with a mischievous smile. "You're terrible at keeping secrets." I laughed, drying my hands. He just shrugged. "Trust me. Just come with me." "Now?" I asked, surprised. "Now." He took my hand and led me to the conservatory. When we entered, I noticed the atmosphere was different. Flowers were scattered across the floor, forming a path to a small table where there was a velvet box. My heart started to race. "Jensen..." I started, but he interrupted me with a tender look. "Let me speak first, Lilian." He took a deep bre
Lilian POVDays after everything that happened, we were back in Richmond, at our home. Or rather, in Jensen's mansion. I knew things would never be the same, but I also knew we no longer had to carry the weight of Kate or any other threat. She was tried and sentenced to many years in prison for killing Finn and screwing Jensen and me. It was a relief, but not a cure for everything we went through.The children and I, to my surprise, were more excited than I imagined, despite all the turbulence we had experienced, we returned to the mansion, because it was what felt right. I didn't want to be away from Jensen again. He was always in my thoughts, and more than ever, I knew that our family needed to be together.When we arrived at the mansion, Jensen was there, waiting at the door, with that comforting smile. He seemed more relaxed now, maybe because we'd finally gotten through the storm. When he saw us, his face lit up, and he stepped forward, arms open to welcome the children."Welcome
Sadie POVI woke up to the sound of my alarm clock, but to be honest, I had literally barely slept. I spent the night tossing and turning, thinking about Micah. How was he? Was he alone? Had he eaten anything? I need to see you.I looked at the clock. It was still six in the morning, but I couldn't stay in bed. With a heavy sigh, I got out of bed and went straight to the bathroom. I washed my face, trying to shake off the tiredness that seemed to be clinging to me, and got dressed quickly. Nothing too elaborate: jeans, a t-shirt, and a sweater. In the kitchen, I made some toast and a cup of coffee. My stomach was upset, but I knew I needed something to eat to get through the day. As I nibbled on the toast, my mind continued to wander. The image of Micah that night never left my head, his expression of pain mixed with determination. Micah had done a lot of stupid things, but he had also put himself at risk to protect us. It didn't erase his mistakes, but it was a gesture I couldn'
Jensen POVThe hotel where we stayed seemed like a perfect refuge, a relief after so much tension. Me, Lilian, Sadie, and the children needed this rest. Ruby, Rory, and Ryan were visibly shaken, and after all the tension, it was difficult for them to relax. The shadows of fear were still present in his eyes, and it made my heart sink. I knew I couldn't let fear rule their night.After they had a quick snack and settled in, we managed to get them into bed, although it wasn't easy. They were scared, not only of the situation with Finn, but also of everything they had experienced. The simple act of sleeping seemed to frighten them, as if their dreams might be interrupted by something darker.Lilian and I stayed beside them for a while, speaking quietly, trying to make the environment as comfortable and calm as possible. When Ruby finally closed her eyes, I covered her with the sheet, kissing her forehead softly. Rory and Ryan were calmer, but they still exchanged nervous glances. I sat o
Kate POVWhen I found out Finn was in New York, a fire came over me. Every cell in my body was on fire. He didn't deserve to live in peace after what he had done. Not only because he ran away with Lilian, but because he stole everything I had. Every penny I had earned, he took. But I knew. I knew this had to end. I would find him. And when he did, he would pay.Anger wouldn't let me rest. I followed him, without hesitation, for every step he took. Like a shadow, I entered the city, my hands shaking with anger and anxiety. I didn't know exactly what I would do when I found him, but I knew it would be something he would never forget.That night, fate gave me an opportunity. I saw Finn's car approaching the deserted road, its headlights illuminating the darkness of the night. I stopped my car halfway and got out, the cold wind hitting my face. It didn't matter. I was ready.Finn stopped the car when he saw me. He came down, looking surprised. He was probably thinking it wouldn't be that
Finn Sawyer The sound of sirens echoed in the air, getting closer and closer, like a relentless predator in search of its prey. I pressed hard on the accelerator, feeling the vibration of the engine roar beneath me as the speedometer rose. The car rocked slightly on the uneven asphalt road, but I couldn't waste time."Finn Sawyer! Stop the vehicle immediately!" The metallic voice came through the speaker of the police car behind me."Dream on," I muttered under my breath, turning the steering wheel sharply to enter a dirt road. Rocks flew against the windshield, but I didn't slow down."Finn, Sawyer, this is your last chance! Park your car now, or we will use lethal force!"I laughed, but there was no humor in it. Did they think a warning like that would make me stop? All I knew was that getting caught was not an option.Police car lights shined brightly in the rearview mirror. "Come on, come on..." I murmured, my eyes searching for an opening, an exit.The road narrowed further, be