My face shows an utter surprise when I see Maya, my stepmother. I wonder if she’s genuinely concerned about me.
The last time I saw Maya and my father was two years ago. They stopped me from visiting, and I still don’t understand why. I’ve always believed it was Maya who turned Dad against me. But now, seeing her with a hint of concern in her eyes, I feel a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, I can finally share everything that’s happened. “Good day,Mother. I—" My voice trembles, but I’m cut off by Maya’s sudden burst of laughter. I look at her, bewildered, trying to understand what’s so funny. Maya’s eyes flash with something I can’t quite place. anger or just cold disdain? She crosses her arms and leans against the doorframe. “I’m not and will never be your mother, Selene. Do you know how glad I am to finally see you this pathetic and miserable?” She leans in, crossing her arms again. “You tried so hard to weasle your way into the Hemsworth family. Well, too bad you’ve been thrown away. Now, Jess can recover all that she lost while you were with him.” “What?!” Her words leave me blinking in disbelief, my face pale and stunned. “You and father asked me to marry him when Jess disappeared!” I can hardly believe my ears. Why did I ever think she might love me? Jess is her daughter, after all. A deep ache settles in my chest, and tears pool in the corners of my eyes. No one likes me. Not even my father. The only person who ever cared for me has divorced me, and now here I am, standing miserable, with a child growing inside me. “What’s going on, Maya?” A husky voice echoes through the room. I turn to see my father slowly entering with his hands tucked into his pockets. A rush of emotions floods over me, and I nearly burst into tears. I’ve missed him so much! “Father!" I shout, trying to rush toward him with excitement. But before I can even take a step towards him, Maya steps in front of me, blocking my view. I can still catch glimpses of my father, and I desperately hope he’ll stop Maya or at least scold her. But instead, his face is etched with pure disgust. “You really have the audacity to come back here? After cruelly keeping Jess away from her husband for three years?” My mind goes numb at his words. The world seems to close in around me. I know my father doesn’t like me, but I never imagined he’d believe I was responsible for Jess’s disappearance. “I didn’t do it, Father! She left on her own!” I cry, clutching the hem of my garment in anger. “Why don’t you believe me? Why do you even hate me so much? Why?!” “Hate?” He scoffs so loudly it sends shivers down my spine. “No, I don’t. I abhor you, Selene. You’re nothing but a cruel person! Get the hell out of here, and never return.,” he says coldly before turning away. Tears burn in my eyes, but I fight to hold them back. I glare at Maya as she moves toward the door. “Go to hell!” She spits and then slams the door shut behind her. Jess. That asshole has filled their heads with lies. I wonder what awful things she’s even told Maximus. The tears I’ve been holding back finally stream down my cheeks as I pound on the door, desperate for someone to hear me. “I have nowhere to go, Father! Jess left on her own!!” I scream until my voice is hoarse and the veins in my neck bulge, but there’s no response. It feels as though the entire world is against me. I can’t believe I’m the same Selene who dreamed of becoming a doctor just three years ago. Now, I feel utterly lost. The cold air stings my face as I trudge my feet to nowhere in particular. My thoughts are a tangled mess, and I continue to wander aimlessly down the street, not noticing the blaring horn until it's almost too late. I see a vehicle speed towards me, and the next thing I know, I’m on the ground, my vision dimming as darkness closes in. **** Light seeps through the curtains, and my eyes fly open. I look around, confused and disoriented, trying to figure out where I am. The sharp smell of antiseptic fills my nose. I’m in a hospital. What happened to me? “My baby.” Panic sets in as I quickly move my hands to my belly, hoping nothing has happened to my baby. My heart races with fear until I notice a woman sitting beside me, a wide smile on her lips. “Wh-who are you?” I stutter, but she simply picks up her phone and begins texting someone, which makes me even more anxious. She immediately tucks her phone into a bag after a few seconds and then glances back at me. “Don’t be scared, okay?. I’m Angela. I rescued you after you were hit by a reckless driver.” She gives me a reassuring smile before gently squeezing my hands into hers. “Are you feeling a bit better now?” I stare in shock, tears welling up in my eyes. I never imagined that someone I didn’t know would come to my aid and help me. “Thank you so much, Angela,” I choke out, struggling to hold back my sobs. Little did I know, meeting Angela will change my life in ways I never expect. If someone had told me that meeting a stranger could become one of the best moments of my life, I would have said it was impossible. Angela, who’s in her early fifties, ended up showing me more care and love than anyone ever has, despite her own pain. Sadly, she lost her daughter and husband just a few years ago. Angela is incredibly wealthy, with several successful businesses to her name. But what’s even more surprising is how she did something no one else has ever done—she gave me the life I deserved and made me feel loved, like a princess. Hell, not even my ex-husband ever did that for me. Now, it’s time to live the life I deserve and make them all pay for what they did to me.Five Years Later As I drain the last of my coffee and set the cup down, I pull my phone from my pocket. The moment I see the time, my heart skips a beat. It’s already past eleven! “Mummy, we’re ready! Let’s go!” a tiny, excited voice squeals. I glance up to see Asher, my adorable little boy, beaming at me with boundless enthusiasm. I can’t help but smile back at him. “Come here, baby Ash,” I call out, holding out my arms. He bolts toward me, and I ruffle his messy hair affectionately. “Where’s Anna?” “I’m right here!” Anna’s sweet voice chimes as she runs into the room, her bag slung tightly over her shoulder. Her long brunette hair frames her round hazel eyes—a striking contrast to her brother’s short hair and vivid forest-green gaze. Five years have passed in what feels like the blink of an eye. I’d been expecting just one baby, but life had other plans. I ended up with two. Kneeling down to their level, I gently pat their backs and plant a kiss on each of their cheeks. “
Selene: I never imagined I'd find myself facing Maximus Hemsworth. The man who turned my world upside down. The one who broke my heart and left me feeling abandoned and alone. He's stunned, speechless, as he sees me. But I’ve already built my walls. I was a fool once, but I won’t make that mistake again. I promised myself that when fate brought Maximus and me back together, I wouldn’t let my heart betray me. I won’t be that naive girl anymore. The one swept up in an arranged marriage, falling in love with him while he gave nothing in return. I’m stronger now, more determined than ever. And what I want? It’s no longer Maximus Hemsworth. When I hear that his mother is in the hospital, I’m tempted to walk away, to refuse to treat her. After everything, I have no obligation to help. This woman made my life a nightmare. She never accepted me, always seeing me as nothing more than a gold digger. She constantly threw it in my face, reminding me that the only reason I was with Maxi
Maximus: She looks so different. She’s not the woman I was married to years ago. Selene was timid and shy, barely speaking out, and when she did, it was always in a soft, low tone. But the woman standing before me, checking up on my mother, is sophisticated, confident, and radiates an undeniable strength. I feel like I’m looking at a complete stranger. If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was dreaming, trapped in another dimension—a world where Selene is someone completely different. She doesn’t even acknowledge me. She barely glances in my direction. I catch the look of hate in her eyes when she looks at my mother. She speaks to her with cold detachment. She can’t fool me. There’s no way Dr. Andrea isn’t Selene. I miss her more than I ever realized. I made a terrible mistake. I was blinded by anger and jealousy, pushing away the best thing that ever happened to me. Every day, I wake up, and it's a constant reminder that Selene is no longer with me. I don’t wake up bes
Maximus: I watch him as he topples over in laughter, clutching his stomach. He adjusts his tie when he notices I’m not laughing with him, clears his throat, and sits up straight. "Are you done? I don’t know what’s so amusing, but I’m not finding this situation funny. I told you that my ex-wife is back, and instead of sympathizing with me, you’re here laughing at my downfall.” I roll my eyes at his obvious mockery. “Seriously, I’m starting to rethink our friendship, Raymond." With how red his face is, I know he’s trying to hold in his laughter but is failing miserably. I don’t understand why he’s laughing. This situation isn’t funny. I’m in crisis here. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry." He pouts, raising his hands before letting them fall. "You know you’re my best friend. It’s just that it’s extremely funny that the woman you kicked away five years ago is back and she’s no longer a nobody." "Who would have thought she owns that big hospital? It’s one of the largest in the city, with
Jess POV "What are you doing here? I thought I said that I didn't need any visitors. Didn’t my staff tell you I’ve just been discharged from the hospital?" Maximus’s mother grumbles under her breath. "The last thing I need is visitors. I didn’t have a cardiac arrest, I just passed out from exhaustion." I almost roll my eyes as I glance at my mother. If it wasn’t for her forcing me to visit the old woman, I wouldn’t even have shown up. I couldn’t care less if she passed out and died. She’s the least of my problems. Her death would just stop her from breathing down my neck. She’s really annoying for an old woman. I don’t know what’s happened over the years, but now, I find her unbearable. I thought she would finally treat me like a daughter, but I guess I was wrong. The only reason she tolerates me is because of my child. Whenever I come over with Maximus, she always throws snide remarks my way. At least I convinced Maximus for us to move out of his parent's house. I don’t
Selene's POV I’ve always loved being a doctor. It’s been my passion for as long as I can remember. I can't imagine doing anything else, no matter how emotionally and physically drained it leaves me at times. It’s been a few days since Maximus and his mother visited the hospital. Things are slowly returning to normal, but I can feel the whispers behind my back. My staff is clearly talking about me, especially after what happened with Maximus. They’re all curious about how I know the most powerful man in this city. They can't seem to stop marveling at his looks, and honestly, I can't blame them. The Hemsworth family is known for their striking features, after all. I keep my distance. I have to be careful. I can’t let Maximus get too close. I don’t want him recognizing anything. If he sees Anna, just one look at her would be enough. The resemblance is undeniable. He would know. And I can’t let that happen. I won’t lose them—not to him, not to anyone. Not even if he takes legal
Jess POV I’m tired of going through this every day, but if I stop, I’ll be the one who looks like the bad wife. Maximus has been getting on my nerves lately. He’s been coming home later and later, always with the same excuse: “Too much to do at the office.” As if I’m buying that nonsense. When we first got married, there was always that love-filled look in his eyes when he looked at me, but now… It feels like his love for me is starting to fade, and I need to figure out why. Why isn’t he looking at me the way he used to? "Do you seriously have to come back so late?" I snap, my anger boiling over as I glare at Maximus. "You don’t even give your child a goodnight kiss anymore. You don’t read her bedtime stories. I don’t know what kind of father you’re becoming, but I’ve had it up to here, Maximus!” I can’t help but wonder if the only reason he’s still with me is because of our child, or because he can’t handle another divorce. The bad publicity would be too much for him.
Jess's POV: "Why are we all just sitting here? Some of us have businesses to run. My store hasn’t even opened yet, and here I am, wasting time, waiting for our dear princess " Martha grumbles, her face twisting into an annoyed scowl. "I’m sure she’ll waltz in soon," another mutters. "But if I were you, I’d watch what I say. You know how she gets—bossy and unbearable if we don’t shower her with attention. She’ll throw one of her famous tantrums and act like she’s better than us. What a stuck-up b*tch" I stand back, peeking through the door and listening, barely hiding my smirk. These girls? I used to call them friends. Honestly, it’s no surprise they feel that way about me. I’ve never felt a real connection with any of them, anyways. They’ve always been more like... tools. Useful when I need a dirty job done. Nothing more. At least I had the sense to choose a private room for this lunch. Let them grumble all they want. "If it weren’t for her husband, she’d be nothing. H
Maximus’ POV"Asher, slow down! The ice cream isn’t going anywhere," I grunt, watching my son sprint ahead like he’s in some kind of race. "If you fall, I swear I won’t feel bad for you this time. I’m serious—get back here!"Of course, he doesn’t listen. If anything, he runs even faster, making me chase him like some desperate lunatic.I give up. I’m already exhausted, and the last thing I need is to pass out because my kids are being their usual mischievous selves.Beside me, Raymond chuckles, clearly enjoying my suffering. I shoot him a sharp look, and just like that, his laughter dies."I don’t think you’re in any position to laugh," I scowl, crossing my arms. "This is your fault. You had one job, Raymond. One. Look after them till I got back. I don’t need you to be the ‘cool uncle’—I need you to be the responsible one. No wonder Avery doesn’t like you.Please, for the love of everything good, remind me never to let you babysit again. You’re the worst."He grins, completely unfazed
Maximus: My heart skips a beat. “That bomb explosion was meant to take out everyone, including Benjamin, whom I sent. That’s right, Maximus, I’m the one behind your sabotage,” he continues, grinning widely. “The orphanage, the construction worker, Henry O'Hara, sending you those threatening messages—it was all me. And I must say, I had fun, but now the fun is over. My sidekick is dead. I told him I don’t like loose ends, so I had to end his life. Benjamin is practically useless to me.” It’s one shocking revelation after another. First Jess, now this?! What’s next? “You’re lucky Raymond survived. I don’t know how he got out of the building on time, but that’s not my business. My fight isn’t with him.” Mason steps closer “Now come over here, let’s go, Selene. I’ve already arranged a plane to take us anywhere you want. We can get married and live however we want.” Selene takes a step back as Mason points a gun at us. I move her behind me, determined not to let my brother hurt th
Maximus POV It’s been over an hour since the police took Jess away, and the weight of it all still hasn’t fully hit me. She’s finally going to pay for what she’s done. Her words echo in my head, and I can’t seem to shake them. I can’t believe all these years I’ve been lied to—Kylie isn’t even my daughter. Jess has been deceiving me all this time. But I won’t let that define how I see Kylie. I will prove Jess wrong. When I look at my child, I won’t see someone else’s daughter. I’ll see my daughter, and nothing Jess says will change that. If she thinks that I’m going to hate Kylie because of her lies, she’s sorely mistaken. Kylie has always been the light in my life. She’s the reason I’ve been able to endure this broken marriage for as long as I have. Every morning, seeing her smile makes everything worth it. The thought of ever telling her she wasn’t mine is unthinkable, especially with the anxiety issues she’s been battling thanks to Jess. I would never put that on her—she’
Selene: I take an involuntary step back as panic courses through my veins. "What are you doing here? How are you out?" My voice comes out shaky, my mind racing. How is he not behind bars? He poisoned me. He almost killed me. I can’t comprehend how he’s standing in front of me, free. He must see the confusion in my eyes, because he immediately starts talking, as though he’s read my thoughts. "I know what you're thinking," he says, his tone hesitant but strangely apologetic. “What am I doing out of jail? Well, I can't tell you how I got out. I didn't escape if that's what you're thinking. I just... I wanted to apologize." I feel an odd sense of dread twist in my gut. "Apologize?" I repeat, incredulously. I take another cautious step back. I don’t trust him. Not after what he did to me. Not after what he almost did. His eyes are desperate, almost pleading, as he moves closer, and I instinctively take another step back, my body going tense. "I lied," he continues, his voice low. “I
Selene: My life feels like it's spiraling, like a country song with all its ups and downs. I'm drowning in the weight of it, but there's no time for wallowing in despair. That’s exactly what Jess wants, and I'm not going to give her the satisfaction of seeing me broken. When Anna and Asher get back from their outing with Maximus, the first thing they do is run straight looking for Nelly. My heart tightens, knowing the truth that they can’t yet understand. How do I explain to them that the woman they trusted—who took care of them, played with them, and protected them—was the same person who orchestrated their kidnapping and tried to take my life over the past few months? How do I explain that? It hits my mom the hardest. She’s known Nelly for years, taken her in like family. To find out that the woman she trusted was behind this all… it’s breaking her. She doesn’t say much, just quiet and distant. But I can see the sadness in her eyes. She tells me she’ll heal, just needs time
Selene’s POV: Without thinking, I slam her door open, my anger boiling over. How dare she?! After everything, after I took her in, trusted her, and let her live under my roof like family. I feel like a fool. How could I not see that something was off about Nelly all this time? She’s been my enemy this whole time, and I didn’t even realize it. "Selene, I’m fine. I’m just frustrated," Nelly says, her voice trembling slightly. "I wanted to go to the bathroom, but then I remembered that I can't walk. I almost hurt myself, but I’m fine. Really." I can’t even look at her. How does she act so innocent, so pretentious, when I know what she's done to me? How does she stand there, pretending like nothing happened? Every instinct tells me to slap her, to make her feel the weight of what she’s done. But I know it wouldn’t be worth it. I’ve already called the cops. It won’t be long now before she’s where she belongs. I can't hold it in any longer. The words spill out of me, bitter and furio
Selene: If life had a spinning wheel, mine would be spinning out of control. Chaos. That’s what my world feels like. One disaster after another, piling on top of each other until I can barely breathe. First, I got hit by a car. Then, I barely survived being poisoned. Not long after that, my children were kidnapped from school. And now? Now Nelly is stuck in a wheelchair, with no clear answer on when—or if—she’ll ever walk again. Whoever ran her over wasn’t just reckless. They were brutal. She’s devastated. She barely leaves her room, convinced that her life is over. That she’s useless to me now. Nothing I say seems to get through to her. She keeps insisting that I’ll fire her—abandon her—because she can’t take care of Anna and Asher anymore. As if she’s just some employee. She’s family. My mom adores her. My kids love her. I wish she could see that. I wish she could understand that she’s not alone in this. At least the driver was arrested. A drunk driver. In the m
Maximus POV His eyes flick to Anna, then back to me, a smirk playing on his lips. "You do have kids elsewhere," he says, his tone laced with something unreadable. "And might I say, your daughter is your exact copy. So? Aren’t you going to introduce me to my niece and nephew?" I don’t respond. I can’t. He studies my expression, his smirk deepening. "Why are you looking at me like that? You seem… tense. What’s going on?" I force myself to mask my shock, but my mind is racing. What the hell is Mason doing here? And more importantly—how does he know about Selene and the kids? I get that Anna looks exactly like me, but why does Mason automatically assume Selene is their mother? There are plenty of women he could have considered—so why her? My stomach twists. He’s obsessed. And I don’t like it. It’s like he thinks Selene belongs to him. Like she’s some prize he missed out on. Did he follow me here? I didn’t even notice if someone was tailing me. That’s what bothers me th
Maximus’ POV For the first time in days, I feel a sense of relief. My kids are safe. That’s all that matters. Even though Anna sprained her wrist and has to wear a bandage for now, I can’t help but feel a strange sense of pride. Turns out, she was the one riling up their kidnapper, protecting Asher from getting hit. I guess whoever took them doesn’t like quick-witted kids. Anna may have my looks, but she’s got Selene’s sharp tongue. And while that might have made things worse for her in that hellhole, I’m glad she never backed down. She’s strong. What I don’t feel good about is Selene still believing I had something to do with this. No matter what I say, no matter what I do, she refuses to let go of the idea that I was involved. And honestly? I’m getting tired of proving my innocence. But nothing could have prepared me for the shock I got this morning. Selene called me—early. Good thing I spent the night at the office. If I’d been home, Jess would have started nagging