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. “Let’s go, you two. We don’t want to miss our flight.” With our bags in hand, we head to the airport. Before long, we’re soaring through the sky, bound for New York City. Returning to NYC after four long years feels surreal. Those years of motherhood have transformed me. I’m no longer the Selene Norman I once was. As I’m now seated in the back of the car taking us home, I glance at my kids. They’re completely absorbed in their games. Merely looking at them makes me remember their father. Well, He’s nothing but a ghost of the past. A scumbag I’ve vowed they’ll never meet. As far as I’m concerned, he doesn’t exist anymore. The chauffeur’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. “We’re here, ma’am,” he says with a polite smile. We unload our luggage and make our way into the house. Angela greets us with a beaming smile, and the kids lit up with joy at seeing her again. Having lived in Georgia for four years, Angela decided it was time for us to come back home. She visited often during those years, and the kids adored her. Her presence was a blessing, distracting them from questions about their absent father. "I'm proud of you, Selene. Welcome back," Angela says as she pulls me into a tight hug. I can feel my heart swell with immense joy. It’s so incredible how a once dire situation had turned out so well. Angela has helped me achieve more than I ever thought possible. With her unwavering support, I didn’t just become a doctor—I became a recognized and respected one. My dream is no longer just a dream; it’s my reality, and it’s all because of her belief in me. “Thank you, Mother,” I say softly as I pull back from her warm embrace, leaning in to kiss her cheek. She giggles, and then turn towards the children, opening her arms wide. “Did you both miss me??” "Yes, we missed you so much!" Asher and Anna squeal in unison. Their faces glow with excitement as they dart into her open arms. She kneels to meet them, and wraps them in a tight hug. Soon, night falls, and I lead Asher and Anna to their room, helping them settle in. “Sleep tight, my loves,” I whisper, kissing them both on the forehead and tucking the blankets snugly around them. Yet, as I step back to leave, I catch the faint shadow of sadness on their little faces. My heart clenches. Did I miss do something wrong ? Or Were they not happy to be back in NYC? “What’s wrong, babies?” I ask gently, as I sit on the bed. They exchange a glance before Anna sits up and her big hazel eyes bore into mine. "You told us we’re going to meet Daddy soon. How soon is it?" At her words, I forget how to breathe. Even though her question feels like a dagger to my heart, I force a soft chuckle to mask the pain. Every time they bring up their father, it feels like reopening an old wound. Maximus doesn’t deserve them, and they deserve better than the truth. "Yes, Mom! Our friends have papas that hug them and tell them how much they love them. Where is ours?" Asher adds. My smile only grows wider as I lock my gaze with theirs. "Babies, you’ll meet your father soon," I say softly, brushing a strand of hair from Anna’s face. "Don’t you trust Mama?" "We do," they chorus and then settle back into their pillows without another word. Each time they asked about their father, I crafted a lie to soothe them, but as weeks passed, their questions grew more insistent. I walk to my room with a heavy heart, knowing that no matter how many lies I tell, the truth will eventually have to come out. *** The next morning, I was greeted by the sight of someone I had never seen before. She stood at my doorstep, looking a bit out of place but insistent. I'm Nelly," she says, holding out her hand. I hesitate and then my gaze flickers between her and the bags of what appear to be homemade goodies. My pulse spikes. How does she know I have children? I lean against the door, confusion knotting in my stomach. "I don’t know you, Nelly. You must have the wrong house," I reply as I can my feel voice tight with unease. Before she can respond, Grandma’s voice rings out from behind me. "Nelly, is that you?" I turn, surprised to see Grandma walking briskly towards us. "Nelly, welcome. Come on in!" I freeze and my heart pounds. I’ve never heard of this woman, and Grandma has never mentioned her. But before I can ask, Asher and Anna dash forward and practically launch themselves into her arms, their faces lighting up with joy. My confusion deepens. "Aunty Nelly, we missed youuu!" Asher and Anna’s voices fill the room. Grandma turns to me with a warm smile on her face. “Selene, this is Nelly, my helper.” I nod but remain unsatisfied. There’s still a nagging question at the back of my mind—how does she know my kids? Seeing the look of curiosity on my face, Grandma continues. “She knew Asher and Anna through the video calls when I babysat them in Georgia. You were busy at the hospital, so you probably never met her.” I process the information. It makes sense, but something doesn’t sit right. I hum in response, surprised that Asher, so chatty about everything, never mentioned her. Still, I turn to Nelly and force a smile. Despite the uneasy feeling that’s been growing in me, I push it away. What really matters now is that Anna and Asher seem to like her. That might finally put an end to their endless questions about their father, and that thought brings a sense of relief. “Nelly, it’s nice to meet you,” I say, pulling her into a brief hug. She smiles warmly and immediately hands each child a bag of goodies. “Thank you, Aunty Nelly!” Asher and Anna squeal, tearing into their bags. I can't help but chuckle as I watch them twirl around. Days pass, and calling Nelly a godsend barely scratches the surface. She's more than that—she effortlessly fills the gaps I didn’t realize were there. Of course, I still spend time with my kids, but Nelly handles everything else with ease. She even reassures them about their father, something I can’t bring myself to do without that aching in my chest. ***** “Dr. Andrea, we have an emergency!” I hear my secretary’s voice through the intercom, sharp and urgent. It's 6 AM, and I was supposed to be enjoying a much-needed break. “Dessie, I’m on leave,” I mutter, rolling out of bed and stretching my tired limbs. “I only came in yesterday for the inspection, and you know that. There are plenty of other doctors who can handle it.” Grandma had insisted I take a two-week break to rest. As the head of the hospital, I had more than enough qualified staff to cover things while I was away. “Dr. Andrea, the patient’s family insists that you handle it.” Dessie's voice is steady but pleading. I can’t help but smile. I’d changed my name years ago to keep a low profile, to avoid being recognized, but hearing her say my name still feels strange. “Fine, I’m on my way,” I say, cutting Dessie off before hanging up. A few minutes later, I’m dressed and rushing to the hospital. As I enter, the staff step aside, bowing slightly in respect. Dessie quickly leads me to the patient’s room. Room 302. I fling the door open and step inside, only to freeze when I see a man pacing anxiously in circles, his head bowed. I step forward, trying to soothe him. “It’s okay, Mr. We’ll get this done,” I say with my calm and reassuring tone. But as soon as he hears me, he whips around, his eyes wide in disbelief. “Y-you’re Dr. Andrea?” The moment our eyes lock, my bag slips from my hand and falls to the floor with a soft thud. Time seems to stop as my heart skips a beat.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
Selena's POV I have always loved being a doctor. It has been my passion. I don't think I can ever do something else besides my medical profession, no matter how emotionally and physically drained I am. It has been days since Maximus and his mother visited the hospital. Things are slowly returning to normal, even though a lot of my doctors keep whispering to each other. Apparently, we caught everyone's attention when Maximus was trying to talk to me and I was ignoring him. Everyone is wondering how I know the most important man in this city. They’re all awestruck by Maximus's looks, and I can’t blame them. It’s no secret that the Hemsworth family has striking features. I have to be careful, though, to ensure that Maximus doesn’t see his children. One good look at Anna, and he would know that my children must be related to him somehow. I am not going to lose them, even if he chooses to get them through legal means. I don’t know how long I can keep this secret. What if my children
Jess POVI am tired of doing this every day but if I don't, then I will look like a bad wife.Maximus has been getting on my nerves lately. He was now making it a habit to come back late, always claiming that he had too much to do in the office as if I was buying that s***** excuse.I didn't look dumb like my step-sister who was so stupid to believe his lies when he told her that he had some things to take care of at the office. She believed every bit of his lie even though he was coming to meet me every day.I always loved it when he reassured me that he was going to divorce her very soon and get married to me.Whenever I remember his happy look when I reached out to him after my return, I can never forget how ecstatic he looked when he saw me that day. How he embraced me in a tight hug, not letting go, afraid that if he left me I would slip from his fingers again. Even when I told him that I would reach out to him, Maximus wouldn't take that for an answer.He wanted to know where I
Jess Pov “Why exactly are we all sitting down here? Some of us have businesses to get to. I haven't yet opened up my store but here I am, sitting down, waiting for our dear princess." I watched as one of them grumbled. "I think she'll be here soon so if I were you, I would mind what I say. You know how bossy she tends to get if we don't give her all the attention she craves. She will throw a tantrum and act like she is better than us. What a stuck-up b****." I can't believe I called these girls my friends. It is a good thing I chose a private room for our lunch. I can't say that I am surprised they all felt that way about me. I have never really felt any connection with these girls. They were nothing more than my sidekicks. People who I used when I needed to get a dirty job done. "If it wasn't because of her husband, she isn't anything. Sometimes I wonder what that handsome billionaire saw in Jess. She is nothing but a b**** thinking that she is better than everyone else. Th
Selena's POV"Until how long were you planning on hiding them from me? In case you are forgetting Selena, I own this city. Getting information is not that hard."I scrunched my face in disgust and watched as he kept on rambling."You lied to me. I kept on insisting that you are Selena but you said you are Dr. Andrea. Why is that? Did you seriously think I wouldn't find out? I am quite disappointed that you didn't learn anything about me when we were still together.""I have always looked at you as a smart woman but you have disappointed me in a very big way."I kept quiet because I had no idea what he was talking about.I don't even know what Maximus was doing here or how he found out where I lived. He has been stalking me ever since he saw me at the hospital and it was making me uncomfortable."I have no time for your riddles, Maximus. What the hell are you talking about? I have not hidden anything from you and even if I was, which means it is none of your business!” I blurted out in
Maximus POVIt has been over a day since I found out that I had children with Selene but it still felt like a movie for me. I felt as if I was watching a stage drama and I was the main character. How could it be possible that Selene was pregnant and I didn't know? Could it have been just before I divorced her or weeks before I started treating her so badly?I felt so bad. I felt like a complete jerk. My children were grown up and the same age as Kylie and yet they didn't have the presence of a father in their life.I knew Serene was lying when she told them that so that they would stop worrying so much about me being their father. I missed five years of my children's life. I wasn't there when Selene went to her first ultrasound. I wasn't there with her when she gave birth. I saw how agonizing birth pangs can be. I was there when Jess gave birth to Kylie. I knew how agonizing it was and I let Selene go through that all alone.I now understand where all her hate was coming from. It was
Selene's POVI have been feeling quite overwhelmed ever since Maximus discovered that he had children with me. I know I have been acting differently. I was constantly on edge, wondering when he would barge into my house, demanding me to hand over his children to him, or one day when he would take it to court for child custody. I didn't want to put my children through that trauma. I was certain that Maximus was the one threatening to take my children away from me. The same number that called me when I was looking for Anna and Asher at the mall called Nelly as well.I was convinced that Maximus was doing all this to spook me. There was no other person that knew about my children right now besides Maximus. I was worried that he would tell his family and they would harass my children and me. I didn't want Cecilia Hemsworth anywhere near her grandchildren. She was the one who tormented me every day, calling me barren and that she was a disgrace to the Hemsworth family and couldn't give b
Mr Ben's POVI picked up the golden ring with a dragon and gold-blue design, and an onyx stone embedded in it. I knew it belonged to the boss so what was it doing here? Could it be that one of the Hemsworth family members was the man I was working for? It couldn't be Maximus, he was too uptight for that. And why the hell will he ever want to sabotage his own company? Mason was too much of a coward to even come up with such a brilliant plan. He wasn't really the brightest in the bunch which was why I was surprised he actually graduated from law school and owned a firm. I knew that the ring wasn't sold in jewelry stores, it was customized. My boss has a thing for making his belongings outstanding. He always had a symbol that indicated what was his. He said that's always made him iconic but to me, I thought it was stupid.It was easy to find him with such a symbol. I just needed to know who the ring belonged to, then I could finally know the psychopath who was under the mask and whom I
Selene's POV"Just look at how happy they are. I can't believe they didn't want a party, that is so unlike them. Do you remember their last birthday?"Nelly chuckled beside me and I glanced at her. She was smiling widely while staring at Anna and Asher. I was glad she loved my kids as much as I did."How could I forget? They almost gave Mom a heart attack. When they were bouncing off the trampoline, I thought Mom would have passed out in fear," Nelly and I chuckled as we reminisced.She smiled, walking away with my children towards the toy section. The ringing of my phone made me stop in my tracks. I furrowed my brows at the unknown number.I swiped to answer but the person kept quiet, only their loud breathing was what I could hear."Selene Norman, leaving your kids unattended was a mistake. Now watch me take them away from you. They are mine to keep. I can do whatever I want with them. Time is ticking. Can you save them or would you forever not see them again? You choose. Your count
Jess POVWhat was taking her so long? Doesn't she have any idea how cold the weather is? I can't believe I have to leave the comfort of my bed to come out in this stormy weather. The rain was just too much. I should be back at home, watching Netflix. Instead, I'm out here, brainstorming ideas on how to bring down Selene and I know the only person who could help me do that. I couldn't hurt her directly myself anymore, not with Mason breathing down my neck and watching me like a hawk. I was making sure to keep my end of the bargain. I couldn't hurt Selene even though I was itching to do so. I wanted to inflict so much pain on her.When I saw her a few days ago, she was looking nice and healthy, no longer limping. I am tempted to hire heavy artillery or even a sniper just to put a bullet through her head, but that will be an easy death. I want Selene to look at me as she takes her last breath. That would be the most satisfying. So that she will know that even in her miserable life, even
Selene's POVFor the fifth time, I rejected the call, deciding to switch off my phone. Mason has been blowing up my phone with calls and text messages. I don't even know what to tell him. This is so awkward. He is my best friend, he cannot be my lover. I did not see him that way. I never even pictured in my mind that I would date Mason and he would take care of me.Mason was handsome, don't get me wrong and any woman will be lucky to have him. I know that he would love and care for me if I gave him a chance but I just didn't view him that way. I only saw him as a brother and a best friend. I don't understand why he is pushing it so much with me to date him. I don't have any romantic feelings towards him.What was he hoping for? He couldn't give me a good reason why he wanted to date me. He didn't tell me what he saw in me either. The only reason he told me was that he was in love with me. I don't know why I found that very hard to believe. And he wasn't even thinking about how awkward
Maximus POVMason kept on staring at me, looking confused. Things had been weird between us for the past few weeks, especially since I found out about the little stunt he pulled with Selene. I knew he was avoiding me as if I had a deadly disease on me. I have no idea what kind of game Mason was playing but I was not interested in finding out. I specifically told him that Selene was off-limits. I didn't know when Mason became so daring. I know he didn't propose to her but with the sly gestures he made in those videos and pictures, a lot of people have been misunderstanding the whole situation and it annoyed me every single time to see everyone talking about that.I wonder how Selene was taking all this. Was she happy? She has never been someone who loved public attention."Both of you have been staring at each other for a while now and there is too much male testosterone right now in this room. Maximus, if you have anything to say to Mason, now is a time to do so.” Raymond uttered, ma
Selene's POV"I can't believe that this is the beginning of summer. We are going to have so much fun. Avery, you don't look too excited. You always say this is your favorite holiday, so why the gloomy face? Don't tell me you are missing me too much. It is just a one week conference and besides, you are the one who volunteered to go instead. Who knows, maybe you will make new friends there. Just try to make the best out of it and don't be so stuck up b****, okay?"Avery opened her mouth in disbelief then she covered the camera with her palm.I stifled my laughter when I heard her screaming into her pillow in the background."I am not a b****! People just don't know when someone is polite and jovial. Those are two different things, Selene, come on. I wish you were here with me. Dr. Riley is no fun. She has had her head buried in books ever since we arrived at this conference. Why did this have to be for a week? When I get back, I'm going to spend my three days at the beach, sunbathing a
Maximus POV"Is there a reason why my daughter is staying with your parents for more than a week? It's been a while and I haven't seen Kylie. Why did you take her out? Are you trying to separate my daughter from me, Maximus? What is next? Are you going to give her to Selene, your ex-wife or are you going to also make me look like the bad guy again? What is it going to be this time? Come on, tell me! She should be with us right now, having breakfast like a normal family should but instead, you shipped her off to her grandparents. Do you expect me to be okay with that?"Jess complained, fussed, and questioned all at once.It was too early for her to start her whining. I had enough problems on my mind and I don't need her adding to it."I don't need to make you look like a bad guy. You are already evil. And besides, your daughter is the one who suggested that she wants to take a little holiday at her grandparent's house. Since when do you treat Kylie like your own child? She is constantly