“What?” Serenity exclaimed, her face a mix of shock and offense.“Don’t take it the wrong way. No one doubts your paternity. But my father wants proof that you’re the child your mother was carrying when she disappeared. I’ve tried to convince him it’s unnecessary, but he refuses to remove the clause
After Serenity handed over the lock of hair, she returned to class while Maximus headed straight to the clinic. On the way, he called the director, Dr. Rivers, from his phone, requesting that the DNA test be expedited as soon as the sample was handed in. He didn’t want to waste any more time on this
Valerie had started her morning as she always did since their arrival—following the same routine. Despite having staff for the daily chores, she loved preparing breakfast for her husband. Marcus, for his part, cherished her homemade breakfast, especially her signature latte. It was his preference at
-Marcus had intended to accompany Valerie to her meeting, but Maximus’s sudden absence from the office that morning disrupted his plans. With Maximus untraceable and a full schedule of important meetings awaiting him, Marcus had no choice but to step in as a substitute. Though he felt guilty cancel
Valerie stared intently at the envelope Maximus had just placed beside her. The man standing before her exuded a cold aura, and she watched as he loosened his tie with those long fingers. He looked at her and gestured toward the envelope with his hand before saying:"Mary, open that envelope, please
"Mary, tell me… why?"Mary could see how hard he was trying to control his anger. She knew the truth would eventually come out, but she had always avoided thinking about it."Peter knew, didn’t he?""Yes."Maximus took a deep breath, exhaling slowly to keep calm. It was something he had learned to d
Valerie sat still for a long time, unable to move or say a word. She couldn’t believe Maximus’s reaction to the news, much less that he had kissed her. Her hands and legs trembled. With a shaky hand, she touched her lips—lips that had been kissed in a way only he knew how. For a moment, she got lost
After crying for what felt like hours, a small, delicate hand touched his. Their eyes met, as if fate had orchestrated the moment. Valerie stood before him, her hand holding his. She had witnessed the raw vulnerability of a broken man, and guilt weighed heavily on her. Years ago, he had shattered he
As soon as Maximus left the hospital room, Peter sank into his thoughts, trying to figure out what to do next. It was clear that his life had completely changed, and Maximus was right—whether he liked it or not, he was a father and a grandfather. And soon, he’d be a father again. There was also a wo
Peter had his eyes closed. His brother was still sitting next to him, curious about what he might be thinking. He didn’t want to pressure him, so he waited for him to speak."What do I do about Celeste?" Peter finally let out, his voice filled with worry."What? What do you mean?" Maximus asked, int
Two weeks had passed, and Peter still showed no interest in speaking to or seeing Maximus or Celeste. The hospital, which had once been filled with family and friends waiting outside his room, was now only visited by Alden—and occasionally, Marcus.Celeste tried to stay calm and positive, but in thi
"But he is right—your mother asked us to take care of your education and finances. We know you don’t want contact with your family, and if you stay in Valentia, you won’t just run into them—you’ll also be at risk from any enemies your grandfather may still have out there.""So you’re saying… I have
"Where the hell am I?" Lucius muttered, waking from his forced sleep."You’re in my house. And you better behave, because I’m not a very patient man. I promised to look after you, but your mother isn’t here anymore, so she won’t know if something happens to you," Anthony Moriarty said, his piercing
And then—"Daddy!"Maurice bolted toward him, his little feet barely touching the ground.After a few steps, Maximus crouched down to scoop up his youngest son, who looked noticeably bigger than the last time he had seen him."My boy, how are you, my love?""Daddy! Daddy! We’re back!""Yes, my boy,
After leaving the hospital, Maximus drove home, the only thing on his mind being the need to have his family together again. Things with Peter hadn’t gone well, but at least this time, he had something to keep him grounded—his family and Diana.Diana hadn’t accompanied him home; she had stayed behin
Throughout their conversation, Alden had asked his father multiple times if he wanted to see Celeste, but Peter refused every time. He even seemed irritated whenever her name was mentioned. However, whenever Alden spoke about his mother, there was a glimmer in Peter’s eyes—something Alden kept to hi
Celeste and Alden exchanged looks. They were the two closest people to Peter, yet neither of them knew how to handle this situation. A Peter who only remembered being in his twenties was something they hadn’t expected."Alden, go in. He’s your father, and I’m sure he’ll be happy to see a copy of him