Valerie and Marcus arrived home after a short flight. She had been longing to get back and hug her children. As difficult as it would be, she knew she needed to have an honest conversation with her daughter. Just as she had opened up to Marcus, she now needed to explain everything to her daughter, l
Serenity released her and nodded silently, her tearful eyes wide with anticipation.Valerie took a deep breath and began. “I told you I fell hopelessly in love with Maximus Palmer, but things didn’t work out. After my suicide attempt, I was discharged from the hospital and went to his grandmother’s
“Serenity, he adored you. Even though he wasn’t your biological father, he loved you. If he had stayed with us, I know he would have loved you more than your real father ever could.”Valerie recounted every detail of her life with Peter. Serenity listened quietly, wishing that one day she might find
Marcus chose not to interrupt his girls and instead went to tuck John in. Afterward, he headed to the master bedroom, took a shower, changed into his pajamas, and lay on the bed. The past few days had been exhausting.When he first entertained the idea of returning to Valentia, he never imagined it
Peter, understanding his son Alden’s intentions regarding Alexia, felt it was wise to stay close. Knowing how impulsive his son could be, he had no choice but to return to Valentia. He entrusted the arrangements to Darius Richards, who secured a central house in Westhaven and enrolled little Ethan a
After kidnapping Serenity, Leonardo and Lucius fled to Davos in the Swiss Alps. It was the ideal place to rest and strategize, not to mention the seat of the World Economic Forum. Their choice wasn’t random; Leonardo already had a plan. With the money secured and the truth about his relationship wit
The next day, Valerie and Marcus shared the news with their children about taking a week off for a trip to unwind. The past few days had been stressful, and they needed a break. To their surprise, both Serenity and John flat-out refused to miss school. Serenity explained that she had already missed
“Oh, I see. That’s what’s been on your mind?” Marcus asked gently.“Yes, back then Catherine forced us to come here. Maximus and I made a pact to get along, and it worked—at least until Alexia arrived,” Valerie said nervously.“My love, you should’ve told me. We could’ve gone somewhere else,” Marcus
"If you’re asking me if I’m scared—yeah. I’m terrified. This has never happened to me before… at least, not that I remember."When I was 25, I won’t lie to you—I wasn’t a saint. Not even close. Money and pleasure were my priorities. Back then, I had a toxic, messed up relationship with Alden’s mothe
"Tell me more about us," Peter said as he drove.Celeste stared at him, momentarily stunned. But she understood—he was trying to connect the missing pieces of his memory.So, she told him.She talked about everything they had lived through in Valentia and Slovenia. The memories brought out a mix of
On the way, just like Peter had said, he stopped by a bakery and bought a cheesecake with berries. Then, he picked up some strawberries and other berries—something to help Celeste get through the trip. As for himself, he only had coffee, but strangely, even though it was the same coffee he always dr
After that brief conversation, Peter wrapped his arms around Celeste. She could feel the warmth radiating from him as his strong embrace surrounded her. It had been months since she had felt anything like this.And yet, the man holding her now was nothing like the Peter she remembered. His warmth, h
This kiss was full of longing, desire, and passion—an intensity that, if left unchecked, could lead to something much more."Peter… you don’t remember me. You don’t even feel comfortable around me," she reminded him, trying to create some distance.Peter simply smiled, his expression calm—almost amu
Peter stood in the doorway, watching Celeste. He lingered there for a moment, exhausted from the long day. Slowly, he stepped inside, unsure of what to say or do. Luckily, she was asleep, lying on her side with her back to him.He moved closer, at first intending to wake her and have a long conversa
Theodore reappeared in Peter’s room shortly after, carrying a set of clothes. Peter looked at them and couldn’t believe the man’s terrible taste. Everything looked outdated—or at least, that was his impression. But he didn’t say anything."Alright, Theodore. Let’s go home."Dr. Wagner, upon seeing T
Valerie sat at the small garden table outside the house, the baby monitor resting on the table beside her. She sipped her coffee, lost in memories, replaying over and over the first time she and Marcus had spoken. She remembered that moment so vividly—Marcus had given her a coat and a little money t
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