Lilian POV When I rang the doorbell of that mansion, I felt a little odd doing that, it must have been because I had never needed to ring the doorbell of the house. After all, I was always the lady of this house, but today things have changed, in fact, things have changed since yesterday when I divorced my husband. The divorce had been so sudden that it took me by surprise, Jensen suddenly showed up at home demanding a divorce, and that caught me off guard. He had even packed my suitcase and everything, just waiting for me to get home so he could send me away. That had been humiliating, but I was going to stay strong like I always had. I sighed, adjusting my sweater to ward off the cold outside, and waited a little longer. I had looked in the garage and noticed that the cars were still there, indicating that Jensen was still at home, I had come there with the excuse that I needed to get something personal of mine that he had left out when he hurriedly packed my bags, anxious fo
Lilian POV "Excuse me, lady. I would like to know how much this flower costs,” a smiling five-year-old girl with beautiful light eyes asked me, pointing to a bunch of red flowers in one of the rustic vases on the shelves of the flower shop. I smiled big at her, my heart melting with love. "Aw...! You are such a lovely girl. You don't need to pay, I'll offer you the flower,” I said, taking the bouquet of red roses and giving it to her, who returned the gesture with a big smile. “Thank you, beautiful lady. I'm going to offer these flowers to my Mommy because I love her so much,” she said, still smiling, extending her hand to me, and offering me the roses. “Aw… thank you, my little angel. You are so lovely." I took the flowers and kissed her on the forehead, caressing her light hair. My little daughter was adorable and so kind, sometimes I wish she never grew up so I could always have her so cute and loving for me. She and her two brothers were the triplets I had after my marri
Jensen Grimes I was in a business meeting with the person in charge of Rustburg and investors. As my company worked in the construction sector, the investors, together with the mayor, wanted to remodel the city to become a more attractive and powerful economic center, so they hired Grimes companies. “This plan is really brilliant, we are all moving towards progress,” said my assistant Philip, agreeing with the mayor and investors. On the table in the mayor's meeting room were blueprints of buildings and a model showing what the new city would look like. “Have you warned the people of Rustburg that you are going to demolish their little town and build another one in its place, Mr. Mayor?" I asked glumly. With a glass of whiskey in one hand and a cigar in the other, my distant gaze was aimed at the window of the mayor's office. That small town was very precarious, but the air was pure and good to breathe. Instead of the extreme noise pollution of Michigan, I could hear the sound
Lilian POV In that unlikely moment when he entered the flower shop, it was as if the universe was playing a trick on me. After so long, he was there. Shocked, I backed away, almost falling to the ground. I was so focused and worried about my boys that the last thing I could think about at that moment was him. "Lilian…?" He spluttered, looking shocked to see me as well. "You…? What are you doing here?" I asked, still not understanding. The boys ran towards me, holding on to my leg. “We brought him for you, Mommy. He's your boyfriend now,” they said, all excited. "Oh, he's handsome," Ruby said, also smiling at the man. Oh my God… What was going on…? I didn't know what to do or how to react. “I saw them up on the hill, I thought they were lost, so I brought them back here. They are your children, right?” Jensen asked, his voice sounding calm, although he was still visibly surprised. "Yes, yes. They are my kids…” I replied, arranging my hair behind my ear, still in awe of the
Jensen POV It was really hard to believe that I had just met Lilian Smith, after I had been thinking about her and looking for her all this time. But there she was, as beautiful and adorable as ever, and despite being away from her for so long, she still made my heart almost fail just by looking at her. Five years had passed, but she didn't seem to have changed at all, her black, wavy hair still fell heavily over her shoulders, and her penetrating dark almond eyes that always looked at me with such scrutiny were the same—every detail of her face. The small nose and full but small mouth, the angelic and natural face that made me fall in love with her from the moment I met her. But I had lost it because of nonsense… I had lost my treasure. “I didn't know you moved to Rustburg,” I commented as she and I were alone in that flower shop after her kids and the kids' nanny had gone upstairs. “I had to start over somewhere, right?” She responded in a simple way, shrugging her shoulders.
Lilian POV "What? Was your ex-husband here? The one who demanded a quick divorce and kicked you out of his life like you were a bitch?” April Monroe, my best friend, asked loudly, sounding scandalized. It was already evening and I had already closed the flower shop, my children were in the small living room of my flat house drinking milk and eating their cookies while watching TV. April and I were in my room and I had finally told her that. But I hurriedly ran to close the door of my room so that neither my children nor the nanny could hear the insane screams of this crazy woman. “Stop shouting! The kids might end up listening to you,” I told her. She sighed heavily and threw herself into my seat. “I'm sorry, girl, but a situation like this is so sickening. What does he want with you, anyway? Hasn’t he hurt you enough?” she looked disgusted. I sighed, sitting in front of my dressing table. I had just taken my shower, and now I was brushing my long, heavy hair in front of the
Lilian POV I stood still for a while as I looked at the man in front of me, standing there at my door. It was so random that I kept thinking about the possibility that one day, suddenly, Jensen Grimes would appear right here on my doorstep. He was watching me go to Finn with a bit of a frown on his face. “Jensen? What a surprise to see you here, I really didn't expect that,” I commented, giggling nervously at that event. “First at the flower shop and now here, it seems like today we don't stop bumping into each other, really,” Finn commented while looking at Jensen. “If I were a little bolder, I would even say you were following me,” Jensen commented, being polite. I looked from one to the other, curious about their interaction. “Do you already know each other?” I asked. “This gentleman ended up crashing into me earlier today while I was on my way to your flower shop,” Finn replied shortly, but not rudely. “Oh, okay. That's funny.” I nodded, reminding myself that it real
Lilian POV The drive to the restaurant that Finn had reserved for him and me was somewhat silent and a bit uncomfortable, as my ex-husband was sitting by my side while driving his car and my suitor was sitting in the backseat. I didn't even know exactly how to interpret that, I didn't understand how things ended up in this state. Even this morning, if somebody told me that I would be between two gentlemen, feeling courted by them, I would probably laugh about it. I was the one who said I didn't want anything to do with men or have a relationship again, and now here I was, being courted by two knights. Milo’s wasn’t really a restaurant or anything like that, it was more like a snack bar, but it was very well known, and everyone went there. “I'm going to make an order,” Finn said as soon as Jensen and I walked into that pub. “Okay, thanks.” I smiled at him, and then he went to the counter of the place. “Was this the place he was actually taking you out to dinner?” Jensen
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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.