Lilian POV The drive home was strangely quiet. Jensen drove with a focused expression, while I stared out the window, watching the city lights flash by. The night still resonated in my mind: the laughter, the conversations and the contagious joy of the opening of my studio. However, inside the car, the atmosphere was different. The conversation fluctuated between small comments about how cold it was, a typical winter night in Richmond, and how much the kids probably missed us already. It was normal that, with the temperature dropping, I felt a little more reflective. But the tranquility didn't bother me. Instead, I reflected on what had happened at the inauguration. Jensen had been so present and protective, and this new side of him left me in awe. That man, who once believed that I didn't need a studio to be happy, was now a fundamental presence in making that dream come true. Once the conversation got a little more personal, I couldn't resist. "You know, Jensen, I really apprec
Lilian POV When we arrived home, Jensen's grand mansion was lit up, the bright lights reflecting a welcoming atmosphere. The heat and laughter were coming from upstairs, and as we climbed the stairs, I noticed that the triplets were still awake. At just five years old, their energy seemed inexhaustible. “Mommy is here!” Rory, the oldest among them, shouted, running towards me with a sparkle in his eyes. The other two followed behind, laughing and jumping. “Please don’t send us to sleep! We have a surprise!” begged Ruby, the girl, her curly hair bouncing with every movement. "Surprise?" I asked, arching an eyebrow and trying to hide my smile. “What do you have in mind?” They crept into the living room, and I followed them, full of curiosity. The nanny, who was in the corner, smiled at me, signaling that she had intentionally left the children awake. When I entered, a table was filled with small gifts: colorful drawings, a bouquet of roses made from paper, and even a sparkly ti
Lilian POV After such a special night with the kids, my mind was full of sweet memories, but my exhausted body was asking for rest. Even so, there was something stronger than tiredness: the desire to be close to Jensen. I didn't want to sleep alone that night. I wanted to feel the comfort of his arms around me, especially after a day full of emotions. Furthermore, I left the bathroom with my bathrobe on and my hair, still damp, falling over my shoulders. I walked with silent steps to Jensen's room. The hallway was dark and silent, except for the faint hum of the heaters and the muffled sound of the wind outside. A shiver ran through my body, but it quickly dissipated as I thought about how much I wanted to be close to him. I took a deep breath, hesitant for a brief second, and knocked lightly on the door, as if the gesture also needed to be careful, not just the intention. When Jensen opened it, that soft smile that always comforted me appeared on his face. His tired but warm eye
Lilian POV I woke up to the sun gently filtering through the bedroom curtains, illuminating everything around me. The room was silent, with the only sound coming from Jensen's light breathing beside me. For a few seconds, I observed his face relaxed in sleep, his serene expression, the features that I knew by heart, and the thin beard he forgot to shave yesterday. There was something so comforting about the sight of him there with me. As I got up, I heard small footsteps rushing down the hall. It was Ruby, my little one with bright eyes and curly hair, that seemed to have a life of its own in the morning. Then Rory and Ryan appeared close behind, rubbing their still sleepy eyes. With their colorful pajamas - Ruby in pink pajamas with star designs, Rory in blue pajamas printed with rockets, and Ryan in green dinosaur pajamas - they looked like clumsy little angels, who quickly came to crawl into bed. "Good morning, mommy!" Ruby exclaimed in her soft voice, snuggling into my side
Lilian POV The weekend had been perfect. Spending time with my family, without worries or commitments, brought a sense of peace that I hadn't felt in a long time. Seeing the kids playing around the house, sitting with Jensen on the couch to watch movies, sharing laughter and quiet moments — it all felt as it should be. It was almost as if we lived in a bubble of happiness, away from everything, enjoying every second. However, even with all the calm, I couldn't help but take a look at social media during some moments when the house was quieter. The opening of my studio had been a landmark event, and I was curious to know how things were being received. And to my surprise — or perhaps relief — everything seemed to be going very well. Publications about the event were full of praise. Photos of the space, my latest collections, and even the little details I had planned with so much care were everywhere. The local media was full of good words, describing the studio as a sophisticate
Lilian POV I could still feel the soft touch of Jensen's lips on mine as I climbed the steps to my studio building. I couldn't stop smiling. That unexpected kiss still reverberated through my body, and the feeling of happiness was almost palpable. What seemed like just another Monday had turned into something much more significant. It was as if everything was falling into place, both personally and professionally. When I finally walked through the glass door of the studio, I was surprised by a wave of applause. I stopped for a moment, taking in the scene. All my employees were there, smiling, clapping and welcoming me. "Surprise!" shouted Mavis, my personal assistant and the person who was always one step ahead of me in terms of organization. I was speechless for a few seconds, just absorbing the warmth of that welcome. I smiled, feeling immense gratitude. "Thanks, guys!" she said, a little emotional. "I don't even know what to say. You're amazing, all of you. I'm so happy w
Lilian POV That night, after a long and tiring day of work, I had already finished everything I needed to when Jensen showed up to pick me up. Seeing him leaning casually against the side of the car, a relaxed smile on his face, my heart skipped a beat. “Hi, Lilian!” he said, with that smile that had the power to light up any room. “Hi, Jensen!” I replied, trying to hide the joy I felt at seeing him. He hugged me, and the warmth of his body was comforting. It was good to know that, even with everything that had happened, there was still this connection between us. His perfume, that woody scent that I liked so much, enveloped me, bringing back pleasant memories. When I got in the car, I noticed that the route was different. Instead of heading straight home, Jensen took a path I didn't recognize. “Where are we going?” I asked, my curiosity piqued. “Trust me,” he replied, with a twinkle in his eye. The path seemed longer than usual, but the anxiety and anticipation made th
Lilian POV The days were passing, and little by little, my life seemed to align again. It was strange to realize how things finally fit together. Each morning, as I watched the triplets getting ready for school, I felt a quiet joy. They had adapted incredibly well to their new school and life in the big city, which brought me immense relief. “Today we are having a performance at school!” Ruby told me, while putting on her uniform, with her usual excitement. "And even?" I asked, helping her with her hair. “And what are you going to do?” “I'm going to sing! And you know what else? Ryan and Rory will also participate, but they will stay in the back. They are ashamed, mother.” Ruby laughed, giving me a tight hug. Ryan and Rory exchanged glances, feigning disinterest, but I knew they were also excited. It was new for them, being surrounded by so many people and activities, and I was grateful to see the happiness on their faces. In my studio, things were also in a prosperous phas
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.