Tasha's phone buzzed, and she glanced down to see Robbin’s name on the screen. She hadn’t heard from him in so long especially with everything that had happened lately, his absence had been puzzling.
She stepped aside, answering with a cautious “Hello?” “Tasha, hey… it’s been a while.” “Robbin,” she replied, her tone mixed with relief and curiosity. “Where are you? I thought you’d be in London by now, you said you’d be here last week.” A slight hesitation filled the line before he spoke. “I know, and I’m sorry. I’ve been tied up with some… kinda family issues in Paris. Something came up last minute, and I couldn’t get away like I’d planned.” “Family?” Tasha questioned, surprised. “You’ve never mentioned any family in Paris.” Robbin’s voice sAfter the Visit to Mr Belvoir's house, Tasha relaxed in her room as her phone buzzed, and she glanced down to see Claire’s name flashing on the screen. She smiled, picking up as she walked back inside. “Hey, Tasha!” Claire greeted, her face filling the screen with a warm smile. “I’ve missed you! How are things over there in London?” Tasha relaxed, her smile widening. “It’s been a lot, Claire. But good, I think. Mr. Belvoir, 'Daddd' wants me to step into this big role in his company. Can you believe it?” Claire's eyebrows shot up. “Belvoir Couture’s queen in the making, makes total sense to me! You’ll handle it beautifully.” Tasha laughed softly, shaking her head. “I don’t know, Claire. It’s a lot. But hey, how’s New York treating you?” “Oh, New York is... well, it’s never dull, that’s for sure.” Claire hesitated, her tone shifting. “There’s actually something I wanted to talk to you about. It’s… odd.” “Odd?” Tasha’s curiosity piqued. “Go on.” Claire leaned closer to the
“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
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
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
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?”
"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 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
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
Daniel let out a small, stressful smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “How’s Tasha?” he asked, his voice strained but steady. Mr. Belvoir stepped closer, his hands clasped behind his back. “We haven’t seen her yet,” he admitted. “She’s still under observation. Dr. Ahmed said the next 48 hours are critical.” Daniel’s expression tightened briefly before he exhaled and leaned back against the pillows. “She’s strong,” he said quietly, more to himself than to Mr. Belvoir. “She’ll pull through.” Mr. Belvoir regarded him carefully, noting the weariness etched into Daniel’s features. “What you did for her…” he began, his voice trailing off for a moment. “It’s more than anyone could have expected.” Daniel shook his head faintly. “It wasn’t a choice. Not for me.” Mr. Belvoir gave a slight nod, a flicker of respect in his gaze. “Rest now. She’ll need you when she wakes up.” Daniel closed his eyes again, the faint tension in his body easing slightly. Mr. Belvoir stood quie
The ride was long, and Robbin’s mind raced with worry as he finally arrived at the hospital. The bright lights and faint scent of antiseptic did little to soothe his nerves. He made his way straight to the nurses’ station. “Tasha Belvoir?” he asked, his voice strained. “She’s in surgery right now along with Mr. Sterling,” one of the nurses responded, her tone calm and professional. She gestured down the hall. “You can wait in the family area through those doors.” Robbin nodded tightly and followed her directions. When he entered the waiting room, he immediately noticed the man sitting there, his posture composed but tense. Mr. Belvoir looked up as Robbin entered. “Robbin, right?” he asked, rising to his feet. Robbin paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Yeah.” Mr. Belvoir extended his hand, his voice steady but with a hint of warmth. “Tasha and Ethan have said much about you.” Robbin hesitated for only a moment before shaking the man’s hand firmly. “I hope it was all g
The door to Tasha’s room swung open, and a nurse stepped out. "We’re ready to transport her," she said, her voice professional yet gentle. Daniel and Robbin exchanged a brief glance, the tension between them unspoken but palpable. "I’ll follow in my car," Robbin said, stepping back. Daniel nodded, then followed the nurse inside. Tasha lay on the bed, her complexion pale but her chest rising and falling in steady rhythm. He leaned over, his voice soft but filled with conviction. "Tasha, you’re going to be okay. Just hold on for a little longer." The medical team moved efficiently, transferring Tasha to a stretcher. Daniel stayed close, his hand briefly brushing against hers as they secured her. Outside, the hospital staff guided the stretcher toward the waiting helicopter. The wind from the spinning blades whipped at Daniel’s suit, but his focus remained on Tasha. Robbin stood a few steps behind, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. As the stretcher was loaded in
They stood in silence for a while, the unspoken tension still thick between them. But when a nurse called Daniel back for the next phase of testing, Robbin stayed behind, leaning against the wall and staring at the floor. The final tests were completed, and Doctor Harris entered the room where Daniel and Robbin waited. His expression was serious but composed. “We’ve confirmed the results,” Doctor Harris said, setting a file down on the table. “Daniel is a perfect match. We can move forward with the transplant as soon as possible.” Robbin exhaled sharply, tension visibly leaving his shoulders for a moment. “Thank God.” He glanced at Daniel. “I’ll let Mr Belvoir know.” Daniel remained quiet, his face calm, though his mind raced. He looked to the doctor. “How soon can we proceed?” Doctor Harris adjusted his glasses. “We’ll need a bit
The doctor raised a brow, clearly taken aback by Daniel’s sudden resolve. "We appreciate your willingness, but this isn't a simple process, Mr...?" "Sterling. Daniel Sterling." he replied curtly, his gaze unwavering. "How soon can you run the tests?" The doctor nodded, flipping through the chart. "We’ll start with blood type compatibility and proceed with the necessary tests. It’ll take some time, but every second counts.” Before the doctor could leave, Robbin stepped forward. “Hold on,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “You should test me first. I’ve known Tasha for years, and if anyone’s going to be of help, it’ll be me.” Daniel’s jaw tightened as he turned to Robbin. "This isn’t about who’s known her longer. It’s about who can actually help her." Robbin stepped closer, his expression unwavering. "Exactly. And I’m sure I can." The doctor glanced between them, clearly caught in the tension. "We can test both of you. The more options we have, the better." “I’m not leavin
Ethan’s small sneakers squeaked against the hospital floor as Claire led him into the room. His wide, brown eyes darted to the bed where his mother lay, pale and hooked up to monitors. He hesitated for a moment, gripping Claire’s hand tightly. “Mom?” His voice was small, hesitant, and it broke Tasha’s heart. She managed a weak smile, her voice soft but steady. “Hey, baby. Come here.” Ethan didn’t need to be told twice. He bolted to her bedside, wrapping his small hands around hers. “You look tired. Are you okay?” Claire hovered near the doorway, her face a mixture of worry and relief. Robbin stood on the other side of the room, his arms folded tightly, watching everything. “I’m okay, sweetheart. I just need some rest,” Tasha assured him, brushing a hand over his cheek. She caught Claire’s eye, nodding her thanks for bringing Ethan. E
Daniel’s lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn’t argue. The tension in the room was palpable as the doctor waited for someone to take the lead. Due to the tension in the room, the doctor awkwardly stepped aside, sensing the weight of unspoken words. Robbin hesitated for a moment before looking at Tasha, his eyes filled with worry. He glanced at the doctor, then at Tasha again. "I'll go with the doctor to sort things out," he said softly, leaning down to brush a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Rest, Tash. I’ll take care of it.” Tasha nodded weakly, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment. Robbin followed the doctor out, his shoulders stiff with protective energy. As the door clicked shut behind them, Daniel moved closer to Tasha’s bedside. He stood there for a moment, watching her. Her face was pale, her breathing shallow but steady. The sight of her like thi
“Help!” Robbin shouted, dropping to his knees and cradling her limp form. “Someone call for help!” A nearby security guard rushed over, already reaching for his radio. “What’s going on here?” “She fainted,” Robbin said, his voice trembling as he brushed the hair from Tasha’s face. “She needs medical attention now!” The guard nodded, quickly calling for backup. A crowd started to form, whispers filling the air, but before the situation could escalate further, Daniel appeared, his sharp, commanding presence cutting through the chaos. “What the hell is going on?” Daniel demanded, his eyes narrowing as he saw Tasha unconscious in Robbin’s arms. “She collapsed,” Robbin replied, his voice taut with worry. “We need to get her to the hospital.” Daniel’s gaze darted to the growing crowd. “Not here,” he muttered, already stepping forward. “I’ll drive. Help me get her to the car.” Robbin hesitated, glancing at Daniel before nodding. Together, they carefully lifted Tasha, her arms draped
The morning sunlight streamed through the floor to ceiling windows of Tasha’s office, highlighting the faint bags under her eyes as she sifted through the mountain of paperwork in front of her. She took a deep breath, pressing her fingers to her temples, trying to ease the dull ache that had been building since she woke up. Claire, popped her head into the room, carrying a tray with a steaming cup of coffee and a small pastry. “Morning, boss. You look like you need this more than I do.” Tasha looked up, offering a tired smile. “You’re a lifesaver, Claire.” “Flattery gets you nowhere,” Claire teased, setting the tray on the desk. “But seriously, you’ve been here since six. Did you even eat breakfast?” Tasha waved her off. “I’m fine. There’s too much to do to worry about food right now and besides, I don't even have the appetite for food right now.” Claire folded her arms, unimpressed. “Tasha, skipping meals isn’t heroic; it’s stupid. At least eat this pastry while it’s still