Lilian POV I couldn't believe what I saw. Jensen was literally threatening to take custody of the children. Every word that came out of his mouth sounded like a sharp blade, cutting through the hope that still remained in my heart. What once seemed like a nightmare was now becoming reality. I realized that Jensen's goal was never Rustburg or greed for the money he would earn from that city hall project. What he really wanted was to destroy my life. He would leave me homeless, jobless, friendless, unarmed, and use the children as weapons, cornering me and making me feel like I had no choice but to return with him to Richmond. Either I lost the children, or I had to go with him to Richmond to keep them. The irony was not lost on me: he was literally claiming me back. My heart raced with the pain of this reality. “You are wicked, Jensen Grimes,” I said, my voice shaking but steady. I felt the adrenaline pulsing through my veins, but also the weakness that was beginning to infiltrate
Lilian POV It all happened so fast that I barely had time to process it. Suddenly, I was back in that mansion in Richmond, next to Jensen and the kids. It felt like a dream—or maybe a nightmare, depending on how I looked at it. The plan to continue fighting in Rustburg, to try to stop the mayor, had been abruptly interrupted. I knew that, in some ways, I had no choice. Jensen was persuasive and insistent, as he always was. When he decided that the triplets and I should return with him, there was no room for argument. Not that I was the type to argue or create trouble. I never went. My way has always been more... passive. I wasn't one of those women who raised their voices or stamped their feet to get what they wanted. On the contrary, I have always tried to find peace and harmony in situations, even when life seemed to be falling apart around me. And now, here I was again, returning to a life I had left behind. The children, on the other hand, were delighted. On the plane, Rory,
Lilian POV The mansion was huge and imposing, and every hour it seemed bigger to my eyes. Since we got back to Richmond, everything was more or less as I remembered it. The same silk curtains hanging across the windows, the elegant furniture scattered throughout the rooms, and the soft rugs beneath my feet. It was as if time had stopped while I was gone, as if Jensen had kept everything intact, waiting for me to return. He was visibly happy to have us back. I saw it in his every gesture. From the moment the plane landed, he couldn't hide the joy of having the children and me under the same roof again. It was even comical to see him like this after that horror show he put on in that small town where the children and I lived, he was the devil himself, and here, he seemed like just a father and an ex-husband worried about getting his family back. Jensen talked about it all the time, always reminding me how much the house had missed me and how much he himself had missed it. "You h
Lilian POV The morning was cool and silent when I got out of bed. The house, as always, was monumentally peaceful. It was difficult to get used to so much space and so much silence after years of living in much smaller and noisier environments. The children were already awake and, as always, excited about the new life they were leading here. For them, Richmond was a paradise. For me, however, it was a gilded cage. I dressed quickly, determined to follow through with my plan. What I wanted was simple: a job—something that would allow me to rebuild my life from scratch, away from Jensen's shadow, and look for things that brought back memories of Rustburg. I couldn't, I didn't want to depend on him forever. And what's more, this was the only way to guarantee my independence and, eventually, that of my children. “Good morning, my little angels,” I said to the three as I entered the kitchen, going to kiss them on the cheeks. They were too busy with their games and conversations to not
Finn POV The days seemed to drag on like an endless nightmare. Arrested in the Rustburg police station, I felt like I was buried alive. The weight of helplessness suffocated me, every second that passed reminded me of the life I had lost and of what was taken from me without warning. The cell was small and claustrophobic, with only a narrow, barred window through which a sliver of light entered. I spent hours looking at the sky outside, but at the same time, I didn't have the energy to get up. I knew that things were literally falling apart on the outside. My mother's house... destroyed. Everything I had left of her, everything I had to remember our moments together, was now nothing more than rubble. And me? I was here, locked up, unable to do anything while everything around me was torn to pieces. This feeling of helplessness was what hurt the most. Knowing that if I had been out there, maybe I could have done something. Maybe I could have prevented that brutal demolition. But no.
Lilian POV The days at Jensen's mansion had passed like a haze. Everything was different now. Ever since I left Rustburg and came to Richmond with the kids, it was like I was living a borrowed life. I had a home there, yes, and Jensen was doing everything he could to make me feel comfortable, but something inside me was still broken. I couldn't forget what happened, and no matter how hard he tried, it wouldn't change so easily. Still, I couldn't ignore the effort Jensen made to please me. Every morning, he surprised me with romantic gestures—simple things that had meaning. Like breakfast in bed. I would wake up to the soothing aroma of coffee, fresh fruit, and warm bread, and there he would be, smiling as he placed the tray in front of me. I pretended everything was fine, forcing a smile, because, in a way, it was difficult not to be affected by him. Jensen was magnetic, I couldn't deny that. His presence filled the space, and even if I tried to move away, he always found a way t
Lilian POV A week had passed since our children and I moved into Jensen's mansion. Time here ran strangely. Even with all the tranquility and comfort, I couldn't help but feel like I was living in a place that wasn't mine. It seemed like every second I spent there took me a little further away from who I was and everything I had built in the time I spent in Rustburg. I was trying to adapt, but the change had been too quick and drastic for me and, especially, for the children. They still weren't dealing with all of this well, and I knew that every time I saw Rory and Ryan's lost look or when I saw Ruby with her doll, whispering softly, asking to come home. They missed the routine and the security we had before, no matter how simple it was. And most of all, they missed Sadie. The nanny had been a constant in their lives since they were born, and now, with everything turned upside down, I knew her presence would make all the difference. That morning, I woke up determined to talk to
Lilian POV The constant sound of the sewing machine was something that gave me peace. Each time the needle pierced the fabric, I felt like I was slowly stitching together the broken pieces of my life. Since I was able to rent the studio with the compensation money, I dedicated myself entirely to this project. It was my refuge, my escape from the chaos that had become my life recently. Being there, among the fabrics, needles and threads, gave me a sense of purpose. I knew that if I could make the studio work, I would be able to give my children a new life. We could leave Jensen's mansion and build something of our own. A small but welcoming home, far from the wounds of the past. That night, I was particularly tired. I had spent hours working on a collection of dresses, and the day seemed to have no end. When I looked at the clock, I realized it was after eight, and, as usual, Jensen was outside waiting for me. It was like this every night since I opened the studio. He would arrive
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.