Lilian POV Jensen kept giving me vodka as I asked for it. The two of us sat on the floor in a corner of the room next to the drinks bar and drank while talking about banal things and memories from the past. “Ugh, I already forgot how good this feels,” I commented in a voice slowed by the alcohol. “I had forgotten what it was like to just drink until I lost count.” “Just like we used to do in the past at the parties you threw?” He remembered, and I laughed. “Those parties are totally out of place, but don’t blame me, okay? We were in college, and when we're in college, we feel like the world belongs to us, and we're free to do all kinds of reckless things,” I commented, bringing my glass to my lips to drink some more. I remember we were the most famous couple on campus,” he said, as we had a nostalgic look, reliving those images from our memories. “Everyone wanted to be our friend, and all the guys wanted you.” “Just like all the girls wanted you too,” I told him. “Most of them ap
Lilian POV One moment, Jensen and I were kissing, and the next moment he was walking up the stairs to the top floor, with me in his arms while we were still kissing. The way to my room was so quick that I felt sick when I realized, he was laying me on the bed and getting on top of me while we kissed like two drunk crazy people. “Oh, my God… this is so addictive.” I stuttered with ragged breaths as I felt his mouth kissing my neck and jaw, his hands caressing my back and thighs. That was exactly what I was talking about—this physical and sentimental attraction that I felt for him, that any kiss or any touch from him could completely dismantle me and make me crazy for him. I hated the fact that only he could make me feel like this, but that was a fact, and it was almost impossible to resist. My fingers were looking for the buttons on his pajama shirt to open and undress him because I wanted to have that intimate contact between my hand and his skin, but our actions were not at al
Lilian POV When I woke up the next morning, I thought I had had a very realistic dream—so realistic that I even felt my body hurting. Which left me confused since dreams didn't really make the body hurt in reality. I had dreamed that Jensen and I had made love all night, and now my body was hurting…? I opened my eyes quickly, looking scared. Had that been real? But when I took a look at the bed and saw that I was alone, I realized that it had actually all been a dream and that Jensen Grimes hadn't slept with me the night before. I sighed in silence. I should have been relieved, but there was a hint of sadness that I couldn't understand, maybe it was because of the cold I was feeling. Furthermore, I pulled the blanket off and covered myself, feeling sad and alone. If only that dream had been real, I would have him hugging me now and chasing away the cold. But at that moment, I heard his voice saying, “Holly crap, it’s freezing in here, that window was open all night.” I looke
Lilian POV “I can't believe I actually asked for more children yesterday. I don't know where my head was,” I commented as Jensen and I were still lying in bed, cuddling. The cold was starting to leave us little by little as his body felt so warm and attractive. “You said it was because the triplets were growing up and that you missed taking care of babies,” he said to me. His fingers caressed my back slowly and lazily, sending goosebumps so good on my skin. “Oh my God… so you mean we did it without a condom?” I said it with trepidation. “We were drunk, honey. A condom would have been the last thing we would have thought about using,” he said, and I sighed, nodding. “That's bad… What if I really get pregnant, Jensen?” Good heavens, I already had three children. I had no idea what I would do with more children. Jensen's hand ended up on my belly, where he caressed it. “If you get pregnant, then we will take care of the baby the way it deserves to be taken care of,” he said wi
Lilian POV “I'm going to break up with Finn, yes. Because I don't want to have to hurt him,” I said to Jensen. “But that doesn’t mean I’m going back with you.” I was looking at him, and he looked at me confused because of my words. “What do you mean?” He asked, looking annoyed. “Why all other options are valid except the option of you coming back to me? Am I really that bad and don’t deserve you, Lilian?” He looked slightly upset now. “Jensen, we’re not going to talk about this again. I feel like lately we've just been arguing about this, I already told you it just won't work,” I told him, with a sigh. "Why not? Can I know?" He asked, looking annoyed. “Because we’re kind of incompatible, you know. We never work out, Jensen,” I told him, which was obvious. He and I had already tried twice, and both times everything had been a mess. “But even so, I am still in your bed, Lillie. Just like I was in your bed in Rustburg,” he objected, putting me against the wall. “You just can't
Lilian POV "What? Did you sleep with Jensen Grimes?” April practically screamed in surprise. I was in the studio's office room sorting out the last things I had to resolve before doing the opening that would be that night. April, who knew me so well, noticed that I was a bit hesitant and nervous when she approached me, so she automatically realized that I was hiding something. She had insisted that I reveal to her what I was hiding, so I ended up telling her about what had happened between my ex-husband and me. At this moment, I was almost in panic. “For God's sake! Don’t scream, April. Please…!" I whispered in desperation, going to close the curtains on the glass walls of the office room that led to the studio, where the employees were working. I clearly didn't want any of my employees to know about my intimate life. “Don’t make a fuss, okay? This kind of thing shouldn’t be talked about in the workplace.” I sighed, sitting back in my chair and placing my hands on my desk. “I'm
Lilian POV “So, tell me about your night of love with your billionaire ex-husband,” April asked with a mischievous look. She was my best friend, and of course she would want to know how my night with a romantic partner had been. I gave an embarrassed laugh. “Actually, I was pretty crazy, because I was drunk,” I told her, ashamed of it. “Oh my goodness! How were you drinking before all this happened?” April was laughing. “Maybe I actually needed courage to finally kiss him since my conscience wouldn't let me,” I told her with a mischievous smile. “Well, the drinking trick never fails. Did you see that? It worked out for you,” she said, giggling. “The drinking made me act reckless, actually,” I told her. “Can you believe I went so far as to cry, begging Jensen to get me pregnant?” I told her, and she laughed. “I can’t believe you actually did that. Lilian, you crazy woman, did you make love to him without a condom?” She was wide-eyed as she asked. “That was the first thin
Lilian POV Finally, the opening moment of my studio had arrived. I wore a beautiful, long and elegant wine-colored dress that left my back exposed and was tight at the waist and loose to the floor. I had straightened my hair earlier today just to maintain a difference with almost imperceptible, natural and elegant makeup. April, who was there with me in the dressing room where I went to get ready, squealed when she saw me ready. “You look so beautiful, Lilie! I'm so proud of you, girl,” she said with a huge smile, hugging me. “Thank you, April. You look so pretty, too!” I praise her. She also looked beautiful in a short, textured golden dress that reached the middle of her back. Her dress was strapless on one side, and on the other side it had a strap, which was quite elegant. She was wearing black high-heeled shoes, and she had also arranged for her hair to be tied into a bun on top of her head, with makeup that was a little flashier than mine, but it looked really good on her
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.