Peter turned to look at his friend Theodore, who was sipping his coffee. Feeling Peter’s gaze, Theodore looked up to meet his eyes.“Wait, you didn’t know her? This is the first time you’ve talked to her, isn’t it?” Theodore asked, clearly picking up on something.“Yes!” Peter replied, a bit nervous
-[Clearmount International School]Ethan skipped along toward the school’s exit, clearly in much better spirits than when he’d arrived that morning. It turned out he had confused the due date for his art project—it wasn’t due until the following Friday. With that weight off his shoulders, his day h
At exactly 6:00 pm, Theodore and Ethan were already waiting in the living room. To their surprise, a stunning bouquet of freesias was resting on the coffee table. Theodore had forgotten the boy’s request to buy flowers, planning to grab some on the way to the event. But as he descended the stairs, t
The two dashing men and Ethan walked through the exhibition. The boy was amazed by the sheer number of paintings, each one more beautiful than the last. However, when they entered the room displaying Miss Celeste’s work, Ethan immediately recognized the pieces. She had already shown him some photos
“Grandpas, I’m getting sleepy. I think I want to go to bed,” Ethan interjected, rubbing his eyes.“Ethan! I expected more fight from you,” Theodore said with a resigned sigh.Theodore knew exactly what that meant: all three of them would be leaving the event, and no progress had been made between hi
Peter, Theodore, and Ethan returned home. Peter carried Ethan in his arms, the boy completely knocked out from the long day. He brought him to his room, gently laid him on the bed, and covered him with a blanket. Though he didn’t change him into pajamas, he managed to remove his shoes and blazer. Pe
I learned she eventually married my best friend. I know she spent some years alone after I was presumed dead, but it wasn’t enough time for me to reconnect with her. So, the healthiest option was to remain “dead” to her and him. After looking into their lives, I found my daughter was in good hands.
Peter and Celeste drove along the highway, heading toward a dark and isolated area. Celeste couldn’t shake her growing unease as the city lights faded into the distance. Internally, she cursed herself for accepting his invitation. She barely knew the man behind the wheel, and a flood of scenarios ra
“Well, I don’t, Serenity. My life changed completely when I found out I was going to be a father. One day I was a broke kid, and the next, I was managing absurd sums of money, getting paid, and changing diapers.”“Sorry…” Serenity murmured, her tone softening."Sorry… what?" Alden asked, raising an
Alden and Serenity exited the Palmer Group building, the tension from their earlier “altercation” significantly eased. Serenity felt more comfortable around him now, while Alden, with his trademark charming smile, continued to catch the admiring glances of every woman they passed in the hallway. Ser
Maximus sighed. “Emma, I know I’m inexperienced. I’ve avoided hiring anyone because my younger kids have spent years in boarding school. I didn’t want them to be raised by nannies anymore. Besides, my eldest is 15, and Maurice is 8. They’re not little anymore.”“I’ve been thinking… I want to come ba
Maximus returned home after a long day, his thoughts weighed down by the countless decisions he had to make. As he walked through the house, he noticed his younger children quietly doing their homework at the dining table. Laura, as always, had stepped in to keep them on task. When he found her rest
“Peter… What else are you planning to do?”“Nothing. Just wait. My time, and Marcus’s time, is coming. He and I will have to pay for what we’ve done. But that, dear brother, won’t affect you,” Peter said, placing a hand on Maximus’s shoulder.“Damn it, Peter! What the hell are you going to do?” Maxi
“What kind of nonsense is this? Of course, I loved Mary! I still love her!”“Do you? Then why did you let Marcus take her? If you loved her, why didn’t you fight for her?”“Because it was what was best.”“For who, Peter? For you? For her? For Marcus? Because it sounds to me like you sacrificed your
Maximus arrived in Slovenia, where Peter’s driver was already waiting to take him to his brother’s grand estate. As they approached the enormous house, Maximus couldn’t help but admire its majesty, but he chose not to comment.“I hope your visit is short and that you’re not here to punch me in the f
After Maximus left for the airport, Alden began showing Serenity around the various floors of Palmer Group. Though Serenity typically carried herself with poise and confidence, she found herself faltering every time Alden looked her way. There was something about his presence, his composed demeanor,
“Serenity, at the office, I’m not your dad—I’m the boss,” Maximus said, frowning slightly as he downed his coffee in one gulp.“I know, Maximus! Now let’s get going, or I’ll be late for my first day as your assistant.”“Miss Bartz, today is your induction day. No one starts working without completin