The next day, after a busy day at work, Tasha made arrangements for Ethan to stay with Claire for the evening. She trusted Claire, who had happily agreed to keep him entertained, mentioning something about movies and pizza. With Ethan settled, Tasha prepared herself to meet Daniel, unsure of what the evening would bring. As she arrived at the small, upscale café Daniel had suggested, Tasha took a moment to steady her nerves. The space was intimate, with dim lighting and soft jazz playing in the background. She spotted Daniel sitting at a table in the corner, his posture relaxed yet commanding as he sipped from a glass of water. When he saw her, he stood up, a faint smile gracing his lips. “Tasha,” he greeted, gesturing toward the seat across from him. “Thanks for coming.” She nodded, taking her seat. “You didn’t really leave me much of a choice,” she replied lightly, though her tone held an edge of seriousness. Daniel chuckled softly. “Fair enough. I wasn’t sure if you’d show.
“No,” Daniel said firmly, his voice tinged with desperation. “I don’t expect anything, Tasha. I just need you to know the truth. I’ve spent these years pretending I was okay when I wasn’t. I couldn’t even bring myself to live in this house because it wasn’t home without you. Do you know how pathetic that feels? To have everything but still feel like you’ve lost it all?” Tasha’s breathing quickened as his words struck a chord deep within her. She wanted to push him away, to walk out and never look back, but there was something in his eyes a vulnerability she had never seen before, that made her pause. “I kept everything, Tash,” Daniel continued, his voice breaking slightly. “Your things, your memories... even this house. I kept it all because I couldn’t bear to let go of you completely. And now, seeing you again, being near you and... it’s brought everything back. I know I don’t deserve it, but I need you to understand that you’ve always been on my mind. Always.” Tasha closed
Tasha's POV I sat in the quiet, sterile room of the hospital, the faint smell of antiseptic filling the air as I clutched the envelope in my hands. My heart pounded against my chest as I stared at the results. The test I had taken only a few days ago had confirmed it, but seeing the official confirmation from the hospital made it all real. I was pregnant. One month pregnant. A mixture of emotions swirled inside me, excitement, fear, and relief. I ran my hand over my flat stomach, imagining the life growing inside me. I was carrying Daniel’s baby. The thought made my heart swell with joy. This was the news that could change everything. After all the distance between us, after all the arguments and tension, maybe this would be what finally brought us back together. I imagined his reaction, the way his eyes might light up when I told him he was going to be a father. Daniel, the strong, confident billionaire, heir to the Sterling family empire, with all his power and wealth, would
I felt a sharp pain of dread settle in my stomach as I grabbed my coat and keys. I had hoped tonight would be different, that I’d finally be able to tell him about the baby. But instead, I was heading to the hospital again for her. The woman who had turned my life upside down since the moment she came back from London. The woman who had taken Daniel's attention, affection, and now, once again, his loyalty. As I arrived at the hospital, the fluorescent lights flickered above me, a sterile reminder of the countless times I had been here before. The moment I walked into the waiting room, I saw Daniel pacing back and forth. His face lit up when he saw me, but it wasn’t the kind of relief that came from seeing his wife. No, it was the relief that came from knowing I would help Vanessa again. “You need to donate your blood now,” Daniel said quickly, pulling me toward the nurses’ station. “Daniel, wait,” I said, trying to slow him down, but he barely glanced at me. “She needs you,
His words hit me like a punch to the gut, but I stood my ground, refusing to let him see just how much it hurt. I didn’t say a word. I simply turned on my heel and walked out of the hospital, the weight of my decision pressing down on me, but for the first time in a long while... I felt free. I walked towards the parking lot, the world around me spinning slightly. My hand instinctively went to my stomach as a wave of dizziness hit me, my heart racing from the confrontation. I pulled out my phone, my fingers shaking as I scrolled through my contacts. Stanley, Daniel’s friend and best man. He’d always been kind to me, a rare source of comfort when Daniel was distant. He never judged, just listened. Right now, I needed that more than ever. The phone rang twice before he picked up. “Tasha? Everything okay?” “Hi, Stanley,” I said, my voice weak. “Are you free? Sorry to bother you, but I’m at Central Hospital. I’m not feeling too well, and I don’t think I can go back home myself.” T
Tasha's POV The world around me was dark, heavy, as if I were submerged deep underwater. A sharp, distant beeping cut through the fog, pulling me up from the depths of unconsciousness. I groaned softly, my chest aching with every shallow breath I took. Where am I? The sterile scent of disinfectant hit me first, followed by the soft hum of machines. Slowly, I forced my eyes open, the harsh fluorescent lights above me blurring into focus. The white walls, the medical equipment, the stiff sheets under my fingers—it all came rushing back. I was in a hospital. I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain in my chest made me wince. A woman in a white coat stood at the foot of the bed, checking my chart. Her blonde hair was pulled back neatly, and her sharp gaze softened when she noticed I was awake. “you’re awake,” she said in a calm, professional voice. “I’m Dr. Walsh. How are you feeling Ms..?” I swallowed, my throat dry. “Tasha, tired… what happened?” “You collapsed on the street,”
I couldn’t answer. The pain was too intense, radiating through my abdomen like a wave crashing over me. My vision blurred as panic surged through me. I doubled over, clutching my stomach, gasping for air. Robbin was at my side in an instant, his hands hovering as if unsure whether to touch me or call for help. “Tasha, talk to me! What’s happening?” His voice was filled with urgency, but I couldn’t form the words. I tried to breathe through it, but all I could think about was the baby. Something was wrong.Terribly wrong. Robbin’s face was pale, his hands finally reaching out to steady me as I struggled to stay upright. “I’m getting the doctor,” he muttered, and before I could stop him, he rushed toward the door, shouting for help. Everything seemed to happen in a blur after that. Nurses rushed in, followed closely by Dr. Walsh. They lifted me onto the bed as the pain continued to tear through me. The doctor’s face was a mask of concentration, her hands moving swiftly as she b
Daniel's POV As I left the house with my signature on the divorce papers, I felt a strange weight lift off my shoulders. This was it the clean break I'd been waiting for. The chance to be with Venessa, the woman I’d always wanted. Thoughts of her filled my mind as I drove toward the hospital, the memory of our time together before she left for London replaying in my head. I couldn’t deny that I’d always loved her. Tasha, well, she was introduced into my life by my father. Our marriage had been more about business and less about love, the love was there but just less. I parked the car and headed straight to Venessa’s hospital room. This was my chance to rebuild what we had lost. But as I approached her door, I noticed it was slightly ajar. I paused, and that’s when I heard voices. “Don’t be so greedy,” Venessa replied, her tone sharp and not at all like someone who had been bedridden. “Now that your plan has worked.” a voice said. I recognize it as the doctor's." Before I could
“No,” Daniel said firmly, his voice tinged with desperation. “I don’t expect anything, Tasha. I just need you to know the truth. I’ve spent these years pretending I was okay when I wasn’t. I couldn’t even bring myself to live in this house because it wasn’t home without you. Do you know how pathetic that feels? To have everything but still feel like you’ve lost it all?” Tasha’s breathing quickened as his words struck a chord deep within her. She wanted to push him away, to walk out and never look back, but there was something in his eyes a vulnerability she had never seen before, that made her pause. “I kept everything, Tash,” Daniel continued, his voice breaking slightly. “Your things, your memories... even this house. I kept it all because I couldn’t bear to let go of you completely. And now, seeing you again, being near you and... it’s brought everything back. I know I don’t deserve it, but I need you to understand that you’ve always been on my mind. Always.” Tasha closed
The next day, after a busy day at work, Tasha made arrangements for Ethan to stay with Claire for the evening. She trusted Claire, who had happily agreed to keep him entertained, mentioning something about movies and pizza. With Ethan settled, Tasha prepared herself to meet Daniel, unsure of what the evening would bring. As she arrived at the small, upscale café Daniel had suggested, Tasha took a moment to steady her nerves. The space was intimate, with dim lighting and soft jazz playing in the background. She spotted Daniel sitting at a table in the corner, his posture relaxed yet commanding as he sipped from a glass of water. When he saw her, he stood up, a faint smile gracing his lips. “Tasha,” he greeted, gesturing toward the seat across from him. “Thanks for coming.” She nodded, taking her seat. “You didn’t really leave me much of a choice,” she replied lightly, though her tone held an edge of seriousness. Daniel chuckled softly. “Fair enough. I wasn’t sure if you’d show.
Tasha returned to her office, a space she was slowly reacquainting herself with. The desk was neat, but the folders she had been reviewing were beginning to pile up. With her laptop open, she started typing up notes on the mismanagement issues she had observed earlier in the day. Later on the sound of her phone vibrating on the desk broke her concentration. She glanced at the caller ID: Daniel. Answering, she placed the phone to her ear. “Hello?” “Hey, Mom!” a small, cheerful voice replied. Tasha smiled instantly, leaning back in her chair. “Hey, sweetheart. Are you having fun?” “Yes, Mom!” Ethan’s voice was brimming with excitement. “Dad and I went to this huge toy store, and I got to build my own model car!” “That sounds amazing, Ethan. Did you let Dad pick the colors, or did you choose them all yourself?” Ethan giggled. “I chose them! But Dad said my car’s design was better than his.” Tasha laughed softly, imagining the scene. “Well, of course it is. You’ve always
Tasha straightened, maintaining her composure as Venessa's gaze settled on her. Claire, sensing the tension, glanced between them, choosing her words carefully. “Good morning, Venessa,” Tasha said with a polite smile, her voice calm yet assertive. “Anything urgent on your desk today?” Venessa raised an eyebrow, her smile more of a smirk. “Just making sure all the loose ends are tied up. It’s easy for things to slip through when people are… away from the office.” Tasha noted the implication, but she remained unfazed. “Well, it’s good to know things stayed on track. Let’s keep up that momentum, shall we?” Claire stifled a laugh, caught between amusement and nervousness. Venessa’s expression hardened, as if looking for something in Tasha that would crack. But when nothing came, she finally turned on her heel. “By the way,” Venessa said, pausing, “I hope you’re aware of the upcoming presentation. There’s a lot riding on it. Wouldn’t want anyone underprepared.” With that, she st
"Ethan wants to hang out with you," Tasha said, glancing at Daniel with a gentle but hopeful expression, her eyes searching his. Daniel's face softened as he looked at Ethan, who was practically bouncing in anticipation. "Yes, Dad, can we?" Ethan asked eagerly, his face lighting up. Tasha, noticing the moment, quickly added, "But if you’re too busy, we can just..." "No, it's fine. I'm all free," Daniel cut in, giving Stanley a side-eye as he added, "Stanley was just leaving." Stanley raised his hands in a mock surrender, grinning. "Alright, alright. I can take a hint." He turned to Tasha with a warm smile. "Guess we’ll all head out together." As they walked toward the door, Stanley leaned closer to Tasha. "Oh, before I forget," he said, a hint of excitement in his voice, "I wanted to let you know... well, I’m getting married!" Tasha’s face lit up. “That’s amazing, Stanley! Congratulations!” “Thanks! And I expect you both to be there,” he added, nudging her playfully. “N
Tasha read Daniel's message one more time, feeling somewhat okay with it but choosing not to reply just yet. She slipped her phone into her bag and continued with her day, balancing meetings and planning sessions with Claire. The work felt steady and purposeful, grounding her as she set her sights on her future here. Later, back at her apartment, Tasha was setting dishes on the table for herself and Ethan. The warm aroma of the meal filled the cozy space as she plated the food and called Ethan over. He hopped up onto his chair with a big grin, digging in eagerly. As they ate, she looked at him with a soft smile. "Sweetheart, would you like to see your dad tomorrow?" Ethan's eyes lit up. “I get to see Dad?” he asked, a bit of surprise mixed with excitement in his voice. “Of course,” Tasha replied gently. “He misses you, and I thought it might be nice for the two of you to spend some time together.” Ethan nodded enthusiastically, “I miss him too, Mom! Can we go somewhere fun?”
Claire, holding back a smirk, shrugged. “I guess you’ll find out soon enough.” Venessa rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. “I just hope they don’t waste everyone’s time with the whole pomp and circumstance thing. Anyway,” she added, turning her gaze toward Tasha, “Well Tasha. Try to keep up, The current Belvoir Couture, it’s not for everyone.” Tasha nodded politely. “Thanks Venessa. I’ll do my best.” Venessa gave a brief nod and continued on, entirely unaware. Tasha exchanged an amused glance with Claire, who gave a subtle thumbs-up. Once Venessa was out of earshot, Tasha chuckled. “Looks like it’s going to be an interesting first day.” Claire laughed. “You don’t even know the half of it. Let’s get you settled in.” As they settled into the
The next evening, Tasha dressed simply yet elegantly for the dinner with Vivienne. She was both curious and cautious about meeting Vivienne, woman who had such close ties to Mr. Belvoir and, as she recently learned, to Venessa as well. Would this dinner bring an ally or another layer of complexity? “Mom, do you think Aunt Vivienne will like me?” Ethan asked, adjusting his small tie in the mirror. Tasha knelt beside him, smiling. “She’s going to love you sweetheart. Just be good, okay?” Ethan nodded, but there was a little sign of nervousness in his eyes. He was still adjusting to all these new faces and places, and the dinner added a layer of importance that even he could sense. As they arrived at the upscale restaurant, Vivienne was already waiting at a cozy corner table. Her presence was commanding, and she gave Tasha and Ethan a warm smil
“Hey, Claire, I need you to set up an apartment for me,” Tasha said, her tone low. There was a pause on the other end before Claire replied, “Alright, but… you really don’t want to be here?” Tasha sighed, glancing at Ethan, who was happily playing with his toy. “No, I don’t want to be there, Claire.” “Is it because of…?” “He owns the building,” Tasha replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Claire took a breath, choosing her words carefully. “Well, why not stay in one of the Belvoir estates here? It’d be private, and there are plenty of security options.” But Tasha shook her head, even though Claire couldn’t see her. “I don’t need attention, not yet. I need everything off the media in the best way I can. It’s what’s best for Ethan,” she said firmly. “I don’t want his life disrupted more than it already has been.” Claire was quiet for a moment. “Alright. I’ll set something up. A nice, quiet place. Low profile.” “Thank you, Claire,” Tasha replied, relief flooding her v