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
Lilian POVMy hand instinctively rested on my 9-week-old's belly as I admired the party. The dance floor was an organized chaos. The colored lights flashed over everyone, reflecting on the polished floor, while children ran from side to side, trying to imitate the adults' steps. Ruby led the steps, spinning with a smile of pure joy, and Rory tried hard to follow, imitating everything she did but with exaggerated animation. Ryan, of course, was in his own world, doing acrobatics and improvised dance moves with his arms raised as if he were preparing for a big show. "Ms. Lilian, have you ever thought about signing them up for a dance group?" Sadie commented from beside me, smiling as she watched the three of them. “If I can convince them to rehearse and behave at home, maybe,” I replied, with a soft smile. "Or at least Ryan," Sadie added, watching the boy with an amused expression. "He definitely seems like he has uncontrollable energy." “No doubt,” he said, laughing. "But it's
Sadie POVThe wedding party was incredible. Everything seemed like something out of a fairy tale. The lights, the soft sound of music, people's laughter... It was as if everyone there was having the best day of their lives. I was busy, as always, taking care of the triplets. Ruby, Rory, and Ryan were so excited, running around.“Ms. Lilian, they are running again!" I warned, trying to keep my voice controlled, but she just smiled. “Sadie, you're doing an amazing job. Just relax a little and enjoy the party too, okay?”I nodded but remained attentive. Working for Mrs. Lilian was more than just a job. I liked them like they were my family. But that night, something different happened.As I ran after Ryan, who was trying to reach one of the sweets on the dessert table, I noticed a boy looking at me. He was standing on the other side of the room, with a smile that seemed a little shy and full of curiosity. He wasn't much older than me, maybe my age, or close to it.I felt my face heat up
JensenThe restaurant was small and discreet, with soft lighting and the unmistakable smell of Italian food wafting through the air. I sat there, my head spinning and my nerves on edge. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the invitation gave me no choice: “I need to talk about Rome. Come alone; let's meet at Mamma Zu.”When she walked in, I couldn't hide the anger that rose in my throat. That red-haired woman. The woman I only knew as the one responsible for making my life hell. I stood up immediately, the table shaking with the impact of my abrupt movement. The other customers in the restaurant looked on curiously, but I didn't care. I just wanted to know what she had to say.I stared at her, not knowing what to feel. The anger, the disgust, everything seemed mixed up inside me. I had no idea how to react, but anger prevailed.“You!” My voice was louder than I wanted, drawing the attention of those at the surrounding tables. “You're the damn woman who destroyed everything!”She didn't
Finn POVThe night was stifling, the air cold and heavy like a warning. April's party was still lively, but nothing there could distract me. The sound of laughter and muffled music barely reached me; my mind completely focused on Jensen. When he hurried away, something inside me lit up. An instinct. He knew something. I waited a few minutes before leaving, trying not to arouse suspicion. My hands were firmly on the steering wheel, but my mind was racing. I knew something wasn't right—that the pieces didn't fit together the way we planned. I parked the car a safe distance from the Mamma Zu restaurant, turned off the engine, and waited. Jensen stormed in, his steps stiff, his shoulders rigid, and his face a mask of suppressed anger. And then she appeared. Alessia Romano. The redhead walked with that irritating air of superiority, as if she were untouchable. She always looked like that, as if she had the power to bother, an unwanted and, at the same time, magnetic presence. I felt
Finn POVAlessia's head hit the wall with a loud thud. She fell to the ground, motionless. My body froze for a moment. There was no pulse; there was no movement. Her body was there, inert, and I knew I couldn't go back. She was dead. The anger that consumed my mind now turned to despair. I looked at her, not knowing what to do. "Goddamn..." What had he done? It was your fault, Alessia.I took my cell phone out of my pocket, my fingers were almost shaking, but I had to remain calm. And the only person who could help me now was Kate. She always knew what to do. I never thought things would come to this, but here I was, in a situation I couldn't control. Once again, Kate would be my only salvation.When the phone finally rang, the sound of the call seemed longer than usual. Kate answered shortly after the third ring. “Finn. What happened? Everything is fine?"I tried to stay calm, but my voice was strained. “She… Alessia… isn't here anymore,” I said, trying to hide the tremor in my tone.
Lilian POVThe warm water fell gently on my skin, and I allowed myself to take a deeper breath. It was the only time I could put the worries of the day aside, even for a few minutes. The smell of soap in the air and the feeling of relief as I let go of all the tension was comforting, but somehow I couldn't escape my thoughts. After turning off the shower, I wrapped myself in the towel with automatic gestures. I looked in the mirror and stared at myself for a few seconds, trying to process the conflicting feelings that were arising. The party, the discomfort, the moment he walked away without even saying goodbye... All of that left me with an emptiness in my chest. I still felt a pang of longing for him, but I didn't know what to do with it anymore. I left the bathroom and headed towards the children's room. As I approached the door, I could hear their voices, little laughs and screams of excitement. I peeked through the crack in the door. "I said it! The dragon will win!" Ruby sa
Lilian POVI was still stunned. Olivia's words echoed in my mind like incessant echoes, but it was impossible to organize them. They felt like pieces of a puzzle that refused to fit together, leaving me in a state of absolute confusion. I didn't know what to do with that information. I didn't know how to react. What she had just told me was so big, so unexpected, that it seemed impossible to process. Jensen. He had been responsible. He had brought those women, those influential figures who changed everything, at the opening of my studio.My heart was racing, and my mind couldn't stop going back to that day. Now, upon hearing the truth, I felt like I was reliving every detail, every emotion as if it were yesterday. It was as if a curtain had been pulled back, revealing something I had never noticed before. And yet, at that moment, months ago, I had no idea. All I saw was the chaos that consumed my mind.The inauguration had been one of the most tense days of my life. From the early ho
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