Marcus and Valerie had agreed to share their big news with the family during dinner. To make it special, Marcus left the office early and drove home. When he arrived, he found his beautiful wife already prepared for the announcement.Seeing her standing there, Marcus couldn’t help but let out a soft
After dinner, Marcus walked Valerie to their bedroom. They strolled arm in arm down the hallway, his embrace comforting her. She’d already tucked John into bed and had a quiet chat with Serenity. Together, they agreed that the timing of their news couldn’t have been better.As they entered their roo
After helping Valerie in the bathroom and holding her until she fell completely asleep, Marcus found himself unable to rest. He decided to head to his study to tackle some pending work. While diligently sorting through emails, his phone lit up with an incoming call from Frederick. Without hesitation
“I’ll get to work immediately,” Frederick assured him.Marcus ended the call, the weight of the revelation settling heavily on him. If Peter was alive—or if someone had gone to great lengths to impersonate him—this could unravel everything Marcus thought he knew.“Marcus, I know you’re thinking abou
After hanging up, Marcus returned to his bedroom and found Valerie sleeping peacefully. The sight warmed his heart. She wore a beige silk nightgown, her growing belly evident now. He couldn’t take his eyes off it, imagining their two little ones nestled inside. Six months still lay ahead, but Marcus
Dr. Monroe hesitated but complied. After all, Marcus’s financial support kept the nursing home running. Once Marcus was sure the doctor was out of earshot, he approached what was left of the once-dominant Judge Frank Levett.“Hello, Frank…” Marcus said coldly.“So, you’ve finally deigned to come see
"Marcus, you surprise me," Frank said with a sly grin. "I thought you were smarter than the others, but now I see even you’ve been fooled. I have to admit, when you came to visit me in Switzerland, I thought it was my end. I didn’t expect you to leave me alive. I had a decent three years after that…
"After a little over three years, my money had dwindled so much that I couldn’t afford to stay in that damned house anymore. So, I returned to Valentia. That’s when I asked my granddaughter for help. She didn’t want me back at Palmer Group, but you know me, Marcus."I can be very persuasive. I got b
"Celeste, there’s nothing to worry about. Look, all of these symptoms are completely normal.""What do you mean, Dr. Kensington? Normal? I don’t feel normal at all...""Celeste, my dear, your situation is very normal. Congratulations! You’re pregnant!"Celeste’s face turned pale. Just when she had d
“Valerie! What are you doing up so early and on your feet?”“Hi, Emma! I was a little hungry and came for some milk and cake. By the way, Serenity should be having breakfast by now, but I don’t see her. Maybe I should go wake her up.”“No, sweetheart, don’t worry. Serenity didn’t sleep here last nig
Valerie got out of bed, woken by the insistent hunger of her babies. Her head felt like a tangled mess. She was dizzy, confused, unable to make sense of what was happening. How had her marriage ended up hanging by a thread? And why did she keep seeing Peter?Years ago, she had accepted that he was g
'“I’ll never forget you, I promise. But I want to spend the rest of my life with someone. And if life smiles on me with children, I’ll always tell them about you, and I’ll ask you to watch over them. I know you’ll agree that it’s time for me to move forward. It’s been so many years, and I think I’ve
[Celeste's P.O.V]Celeste sat by the window, gazing outside. Her legs ached slightly, though the medication she was receiving dulled most of the pain from her injuries. For a moment, she focused on the sky, letting her thoughts wander to her life and the struggles that had shaped it. She often felt
Peter left the hospital to meet with Darius. His plan was to make all the necessary arrangements to ensure he wouldn’t have to return to Valentia. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, especially now that his memories were slowly coming back. He couldn’t afford to leave any loose ends—he needed to o
Before long, Peter arrived at the hospital where Celeste was being examined by a doctor Peter trusted."Peter," the doctor said, "I’ve checked on Celeste. Her wounds are healing well. If things continue like this, we can consider discharging her. After all, I know you’ll take good care of her. There
Peter took a bath and a short nap. He woke up when he felt someone tugging on his hair—a small hand playing with his curls."Ethan, aren’t you going to school?" said Peter, groggy, with his eyes still closed."Yeah, but I want you to take me. Where have you been, Grandpa?""I’ve had a lot of work, a
Camille, having seen Marcus storm out, went to find the girl she considered her daughter. She found Valerie in tears, embraced her, and said:“Valerie, my love, I don’t think this is going to work. Have you thought about whether it might be better to end things?”“What?”“Valerie, darling, I’m not b