"As for what you said about thinking I was there, I’ve always been with you. I’ve never left you alone. I’ve always watched over you from the shadows. I know you’re an amazing photographer. I know you study business, and you always neglect your career for your hobby. I know that when you feel overwh
Serenity remained silent after hearing Peter’s last words. She settled into his embrace, a dream she had always held in her heart, imagining what it would have been like if her father had lived. Now that he was there, the hug felt wonderful. Life was giving her a chance, but that opportunity came wi
Peter climbed into his truck, and Marcus and Serenity could only watch as the man drove away. Serenity still couldn’t believe everything that had just happened. She was lost in her thoughts when a warm hand took hers."Sweetheart... Serenity..." Marcus said nervously.Serenity turned to him, tears i
"You don’t know how much I needed to do this!" Peter said, pulling his lips away from hers.Celeste was stunned. She never imagined he would show up at this hour to find her. She noticed something odd about him—he was sweating cold, his hands were shaking, and his face was pale. They both entered th
Peter was holding Celeste, his nose buried in her unruly curls. The scent of this woman brought him a sense of calm. As he hugged her, for a moment, his hand moved from her waist to her lower abdomen. As soon as he did, a memory flooded his mind—the scent of rosewater, that warm belly—he had experie
Peter dropped Celeste off at the door, and several of the teachers whispered when they saw the handsome gentleman helping her out of the car. Most of the teachers at the school knew Peter Palmer. The charming man had an irresistible physical appeal, and when they saw Celeste holding his hand, jealou
"What did the director say?""She just asked me to be more discreet. Please, Peter, help me with that. I know we’re just starting something, but this is my job, and I’ve worked hard to get it. I don’t want to lose it because of my colleagues’ gossip.""Celeste... I don’t want to cause you any proble
Celeste was in a sort of trance, her mind consumed with worry for the children, not realizing that she was the one most affected."Director, please, check... check on the kids... the kids..." Celeste kept repeating, unable to get up."Celeste, calm down, everything’s going to be okay. Help is on the
“Maximus, I know you’d sacrifice yourself for Peter—you’ve always been that way. But would you do it for Marcus?” Diana asked, her tone pointed.“He’s about to become the father of twins. I don’t want Mary to end up alone again.”“You have four children and a grandchild on the way. Two of your daugh
After a few minutes of silence, watching the city lights, Diana and Maximus got back in the car. Their conversation continued, casual and light, like two old friends catching up. Diana was trying to understand the new life of the man she had waited for over six years. After driving for a while, they
“How are you, Diana?” Maximus asked, a trace of nostalgia in his voice.“Much better now that I’m seeing you!” she replied cheerfully.“Let’s go grab some dinner—I’m starving…”“Of course!”“Where will the great Maximus Palmer make a reservation?”“We’re going to The Russet Garden. You’ll like it—th
Maximus glanced at the time on one of his watches and realized he was already running late. He quickly grabbed the outfit his daughter had meticulously picked out for him and even put on the cologne she’d chosen. When he stepped out of the dressing room, he had an audience—both of his daughters were
“You’re my biological father, so yes, I can tell you exactly what I see. Now, let’s take a look at what you’ve got here. Where are your scissors?” Serenity said, walking into Maximus’s wardrobe without hesitation.“Scissors?”“Yes, for your hair! When I was little, I used to cut Marcus’s hair. He le
It was late Sunday afternoon. Laura had gone to her room after lunch, and the kids were holed up in their rooms, rushing to finish last-minute homework. Maximus had warned them that the punishment would be severe if they didn’t complete their assignments or missed any responsibilities at school. Mea
Maximus had returned from Germany, but his life had changed after that trip. The man came back with more questions than answers, and the only one who could provide those answers was in Slovenia.“Peter… you son of a bitch. Why the hell do I have to follow through with your stupid plan?” Maximus said
“I already know all of this, Mom!”“No, you don’t know everything… Leonardo isn’t your father!”“What?! Say that again!”“You heard me. Leonardo isn’t your father. I have to be honest: at first, I thought you might be his. But I did a test before you were born and found out you were Maximus’s son. I
While Maximus traveled back from Germany, in Switzerland, Lucius was grappling with the only choice his mother was giving him. He refused, but every day she reminded him that she wasn’t well and that it would be better if he let her go.“Lucius, think carefully about what you’re doing, son… You’re t