My gaze drifts over the delicately arranged furniture in the nursery, my fingers tracing the intricate patterns on the crib’s wooden frame. I inhale deeply, the soft scent of lavender and freshly laundered baby clothes filling my lungs. I look over at both Lukas and Alinn, a proud look on their faces. “It’s lovely, isn’t it?” Alinn asks. “Our very best is not so bad, ain’t it?” Lukas adds. I smile, feeling warmth spreading over my body. “Rest assured, you two,” I start. “This surprise is very nice.” Hearing my approval, Liam gently places his hand on my shoulder, warm and steady. “Hmmm, everything’s coming together beautifully,” he remarks. “I also need to thank you for this,” I say, leaning into his touch. “This is the initial design,” Alinn says and reaches for my hand. “But if you want to change something else, feel free to tell us.” I squeeze her hand in response. I guess her friendship with Lukas is doing good for both of them. “I don’t think I still have something I want
The next day, my phone lit up with Asta’s name on the caller ID. I answer it in an instant. “It’s happening!” Her words tumble out of her mouth in a rush of excitement. “My manager approved my collaboration with Champion Music!” “Oh! That’s really amazing to hear, Asta.” “Can we meet with Director Liam the soonest? To discuss the contract details?” I nod along with her enthusiasm, even if she can’t see it. “Yes, that sounds really good. When can we set something up?” “As soon as possible!” she exclaims. I laugh, and she giggles in response. “You sound excited.” “I am!” “Let me just call my husband, prepare the contract and let’s see if we can send the initial contract to you by tomorrow. Will that be okay?” Asta’s reply is quick, “Yes, perfect. Thank you so much for your help. I’m really grateful.” After hanging up the phone, I can’t help but feel a flutter in my heart. Working with Asta will be a great first step. I can’t wait for this to be official. And so, smiling all thr
My fingers dance over the sleek surface of my phone. My focus is razor-sharp as I pour over profiles of potential new artists. I am in Liam’s office — the walls are covered with posters of Champion’s successful musicians. The door opens. Liam strolls in and walks directly towards me. He places a kiss on my cheeks and asks, “How’s everything? You okay? Not feeling overworked?” I smile at him, touching his cheeks gently. “I am very much okay, Liam,” I answer and place a quick kiss on his lips. He beams. “It’s getting late now and my meeting is done. Want to head home? Lukas might be waiting for us.” I grin. “Before that, I’d like to say that we signed another artist earlier,” I announce with delight. “Really?” he says, his face lighting up at the news. “Who is it?” “Jake.” “The balladeer?” he asks and when I nod, “Amazing work, Cassie! I don’t know what you do that persuades all these hidden gems to sign with us!” “I guess it’s the reputation of Champion Music.” “I don’t think t
I watch as the ten singers perform on stage. Their voices are a delight to hear. The audience is enthralled — their eyes glued to the performers. There is a kind of energy in the entire arena as each of the singers delivers a powerful performance. And it is a tangible sign of their success–our success. “That’s impactful, alright,” Liam whispers in my ear. He is sitting beside me on one of the VIP seats. “They are all amazing performers.” “They are,” I whisper back. “They all prepared really hard for this.” Liam reaches for my hand and squeezes them. “Seriously, my dear wife, why don’t you take at least some credit for this.” I grin at him. “The brilliant showcase is because of their hard work,” I insist. Yet, I can’t stop feeling proud and satisfied. “Besides, it feels incredible to work on this.” “Indeed,” he agrees. This time, he intertwines his fingers to mine, as if it’s natural, as if our hands belong to each other. “I can’t wait to see more of you.” “I told you—” “That it’
I shift my weight on the couch, trying to find a comfortable position, but somehow, nothing feels right. “Are you okay?” Liam asks. His voice is soft and his eyes are fixed on my protruding belly. “I am fine,” I assure him. “Besides, I think I am having an easy pregnancy compared to all the women I know.” “Still, if there’s anything I can help, just tell me, okay?” he says, gently touching my belly and tracing circles around it. I grin at him. “I really am okay, Liam.” He leans down and presses his lips to my forehead. “Okay.” “And what about you? You must be worried about your tabloid appearance,” I ask, referring to a piece of news saying that the CEO of Champion Music is with an ordinary woman who happens to be his wife. “Why would I worry about that? At least the entire world knows that I am with you. They did me a favor.” “But I’m the one seen with you.” He frowns. “And?” I frown back. Can’t he really understand the situation he’s in? “Liam, I am no one. As the news sai
As planned, I, together with Liam, Lukas, and Alinn, prepare a special dinner to celebrate Lukas’ success in passing his University exam. We all work together in the kitchen, filling it with laughter as Lukas continuously teases Alinn. Once we are done, I realize that we have prepared a feast fit for royalty. I lean towards Liam and whisper, “I think we overdid the dinner.” Liam chuckles softly as he places his hands on my waist. “It’s alright, wife. Everyone deserves a proper celebration now and then.” I nod in agreement, my eyes scanning the table filled with all sorts of dishes — from succulent roasted lamb to creamy lobster bisque. It is an indulgent spread that would put most five-star restaurants to shame. “I guess Lukas has another talent, huh?” I ask, noting how it was Lukas who did most of the cooking. “He got it from his mother,” Liam whispers back. Not wanting to talk about his ex-wife, I watch Alinn and Lukas set the table. Lukas catches my eyes, and he smiles, his ey
The park is bathed in a warm golden hue. I feel the lush grass beneath my fingertips while I sit on a red and white checkered blanket. I watch Liam and Lukas as they play frisbee. Liam throws and Lukas makes a pose as he catches it. I grin at Lukas’ antics while Liam places his hands on his hips and shakes his head. After a while, they return. Lukas slumps on the blanket and takes a sandwich from the food container. Liam sits beside me and kisses my cheeks. “You okay?” he asks. I smile at him and shift my attention to Lukas, who is now on his second sandwich. “Hey, slow down, Lukas,” I scold. He grins at me and still continues. I feel when Liam places his hand over mine. I shift my attention to him before he asks, “What do you think of setting our marriage again, Cassie?” Lukas chokes on his food, and I turn to him. “What did I tell you?” I give him a cup of water. He coughs a few more times before drinking. “I’m out of here. See you at home,” he says, getting his bag and almost
“Are you ready?” Alinn asks, wide-eyed. We are in front of the baby’s room because Alinn mentioned that she and Lukas are finally done with all the final touches on the nursery. “Because you don’t have any preference for the design of the room, Alinn and I decided on one,” Lukas interjects. “Don’t complain!” “Shut up, Lukas!” Alinn scolds. Lukas is beside her, clutching the doorknob towards the nursery that they both designed. As Lukas pushes the door open, my eyes widen in delight. The room is painted lavender, with little white clouds and stars scattered across the ceiling. The crib is adorned with fluffy blankets and stuffed animals, while a matching rocking chair sits in the corner next to a bookshelf that’s already filled with children’s books. “It’s perfect,” I whisper. Alinn grins. “We’re glad you like it. We wanted to make sure it was ready for Cassandra’s arrival.” I walk over to the crib and run my fingers along the soft sheets. There is also a stunning mural painted o