At exactly 12:30, Daniel’s car pulled up in front of Tasha’s house. She watched from the window for a moment, gathering her thoughts before heading outside. Her heart was a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, the emotions from last night still lingering in her chest. Daniel stepped out of the car as she approached, his usual composed demeanor softened by a warm smile. “Right on time,” he said, opening the passenger door for her. She slid into the car, her gaze briefly meeting his before she looked away. “Thanks, I needed this.” As they drove, the atmosphere in the car was surprisingly light. Daniel kept the conversation casual, asking her about Ethan, her health, and little things to ease the tension. Tasha found herself relaxing despite her initial apprehension. They arrived at a cozy Italian bistro tucked away on a quiet street. The ambiance was intimate but not overly formal, a perfect setting for their lunch. “This place looks nice,” Tasha said as they were seated at a
Daniel exhaled, his grip tightening slightly on the steering wheel. “Tasha,” he began, his voice measured but firm, “I need you to know something. I’ve got evidence on Vanessa, enough to ruin her completely.” Tasha’s head whipped toward him, her brows knitting in surprise. “Evidence? Then why isn’t she already in jail?” Daniel sighed, his gaze fixed on the road. “It’s not that simple. Vanessa’s not just some opportunist; she’s someone who’s made a career out of playing with people’s weaknesses. If I pull the trigger on this, it’s not just about sending her to jail. There’s collateral damage, things she could use to hurt people I care about. I’ve been working to ensure there’s no room for her to retaliate.” Tasha frowned, a mix of curiosity and frustration bubbling within her. “What could she possibly have on you or anyone else that’s stopping you? It sounds like you’re giving her too much credit.” Daniel hesitated for a moment, his jaw tightening. “Vanessa… she wasn’t always l
Vanessa sat in a dimly lit motel room, far from the city center. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was private, exactly what she needed. The faint hum of the mini-fridge filled the silence as she stared at the array of files and photos spread out on the bed. Images of Daniel and Tasha smiling, walking together, and her blood boiled holding hands. On the small desk in the corner sat her phone, which buzzed with a message. Kieran: I’m in place. Just say the word. She smirked. “Not yet.” Vanessa leaned back against the headboard, her mind calculating every angle. She didn’t just want to hurt Daniel; she wanted to break him. Destroying Tasha was step one, but it wasn’t enough. The room phone rang, jarring her from her thoughts. She hesitated before answering. “Yes?” “It’s me,” cam
Hours later, Tasha and Robbin sat in the hospital waiting room, the silence between them thick with unspoken tension. Tasha’s hands trembled as she thought about the events of the day, questions flooding her mind. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. A doctor stepped into the room, his expression calm but serious. “Are you for Mr. Sterling?” Tasha immediately stood up. “Yes. Is he okay?” The doctor gave a small nod. “The bullet missed any major organs. We’ve removed it and stabilized him. He’s very lucky. He’ll need rest, but he’s out of danger.” Relief swept over her, and she sank back into the chair, exhaling deeply. “You can see him now, but keep it brief. He needs rest,” the doctor added before walking away. Tasha hesitated, glancing at Robbin. “Go in,” Robbin said softly, his tone gentle. “I’ll be here waiting.” She nodded, swallowing hard before making her way down the corridor. Tasha stepped into the dimly lit hospital room, h
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,”
Hours later, Tasha and Robbin sat in the hospital waiting room, the silence between them thick with unspoken tension. Tasha’s hands trembled as she thought about the events of the day, questions flooding her mind. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. A doctor stepped into the room, his expression calm but serious. “Are you for Mr. Sterling?” Tasha immediately stood up. “Yes. Is he okay?” The doctor gave a small nod. “The bullet missed any major organs. We’ve removed it and stabilized him. He’s very lucky. He’ll need rest, but he’s out of danger.” Relief swept over her, and she sank back into the chair, exhaling deeply. “You can see him now, but keep it brief. He needs rest,” the doctor added before walking away. Tasha hesitated, glancing at Robbin. “Go in,” Robbin said softly, his tone gentle. “I’ll be here waiting.” She nodded, swallowing hard before making her way down the corridor. Tasha stepped into the dimly lit hospital room, h
Vanessa sat in a dimly lit motel room, far from the city center. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was private, exactly what she needed. The faint hum of the mini-fridge filled the silence as she stared at the array of files and photos spread out on the bed. Images of Daniel and Tasha smiling, walking together, and her blood boiled holding hands. On the small desk in the corner sat her phone, which buzzed with a message. Kieran: I’m in place. Just say the word. She smirked. “Not yet.” Vanessa leaned back against the headboard, her mind calculating every angle. She didn’t just want to hurt Daniel; she wanted to break him. Destroying Tasha was step one, but it wasn’t enough. The room phone rang, jarring her from her thoughts. She hesitated before answering. “Yes?” “It’s me,” cam
Daniel exhaled, his grip tightening slightly on the steering wheel. “Tasha,” he began, his voice measured but firm, “I need you to know something. I’ve got evidence on Vanessa, enough to ruin her completely.” Tasha’s head whipped toward him, her brows knitting in surprise. “Evidence? Then why isn’t she already in jail?” Daniel sighed, his gaze fixed on the road. “It’s not that simple. Vanessa’s not just some opportunist; she’s someone who’s made a career out of playing with people’s weaknesses. If I pull the trigger on this, it’s not just about sending her to jail. There’s collateral damage, things she could use to hurt people I care about. I’ve been working to ensure there’s no room for her to retaliate.” Tasha frowned, a mix of curiosity and frustration bubbling within her. “What could she possibly have on you or anyone else that’s stopping you? It sounds like you’re giving her too much credit.” Daniel hesitated for a moment, his jaw tightening. “Vanessa… she wasn’t always l
At exactly 12:30, Daniel’s car pulled up in front of Tasha’s house. She watched from the window for a moment, gathering her thoughts before heading outside. Her heart was a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, the emotions from last night still lingering in her chest. Daniel stepped out of the car as she approached, his usual composed demeanor softened by a warm smile. “Right on time,” he said, opening the passenger door for her. She slid into the car, her gaze briefly meeting his before she looked away. “Thanks, I needed this.” As they drove, the atmosphere in the car was surprisingly light. Daniel kept the conversation casual, asking her about Ethan, her health, and little things to ease the tension. Tasha found herself relaxing despite her initial apprehension. They arrived at a cozy Italian bistro tucked away on a quiet street. The ambiance was intimate but not overly formal, a perfect setting for their lunch. “This place looks nice,” Tasha said as they were seated at a
His hands slid to her waist, pulling her closer, and one hand found its way beneath her shirt, moving upward. As his fingertips grazed her skin, a cold sensation trailed upward toward her chest. Tasha froze, the reality of the moment crashing down around her. She pulled back abruptly, breaking the kiss and creating distance between them. Her breathing uneven as she adjusted her shirt. She avoided Robbin's intense gaze, her heart pounding in her chest. “I— I can’t do this, Robbin,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s not right.” Robbin’s chest rose and fell as he struggled to steady his breath. “Tasha, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to push you. I just… I couldn’t help myself.” She shook her head, her arms wrapping around herself protectively. “This is too much, Robbin. I’m still figuring things out. I can’t… I can’t give you what you want right now.” He stepped closer but stopped himself, sensing her need for space. “I’m not asking for everything, Tasha. I j
”Robbin and I…” she started, her voice trailing off as her phone buzzed loudly in the small space. She glanced at the screen, relief flashing across her face as she answered the call. “Yes?” she said, her tone neutral. The conversation was brief, her words curt but polite. When she hung up, she placed her phone back in her bag and turned to Daniel. “I’ll get going now,” she said quickly, avoiding his gaze. She opened the door and stepped out. “Goodnight, Daniel.” He watched as she closed the door behind her and walked toward the gate without looking back. A mix of frustration and curiosity churned within him, but he didn’t press further. “Goodnight, Tasha,” he murmured to himself, watching until she disappeared inside. Then, with a sigh, he started the car and drove off into the night. When Tasha got in, she headed straight to Ethan’s room, her steps quiet as she approached the door. She opened it slowly, the soft creak revealing Robbin already there, tucking Ethan’s sheets
Tasha: How about we meet at that little café near Main Street? 5 p.m.? Daniel smiled at her suggestion. It wasn’t a big, dramatic location, just a simple spot, much like Tasha herself grounded and unpretentious. Daniel: Sounds perfect. I’ll see you there. At precisely 5 p.m., Daniel arrived at the café, his sharp suit setting him apart from the relaxed, cozy atmosphere of the place. He scanned the room and found Tasha sitting in a quiet corner by the window. She was stirring a cup of tea, her gaze distant as if lost in thought. When she noticed him, she straightened and offered a small smile. “Right on time.” “Always,” Daniel replied as he approached, pulling out the chair across from her and sitting down. “You look like you just walked out of a boardroom,” T
Daniel leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze fixed on Vanessa as she stood with an air of feigned confidence. His office, typically a place of order and control, seemed to shrink with her presence. The secretary lingered nervously by the door. “Sir, I tried to stop her—” “It’s fine,” Daniel said curtly, waving her off. “Close the door.” The moment the door clicked shut, Vanessa crossed her arms and faced him. “We need to talk.” Daniel’s jaw tightened. “Have you made your decision?” Vanessa took a step closer, her heels clicking against the floor. “I need money, Daniel. And if I’m going to leave, I think I should be leaving with something… substantial.” Daniel didn’t flinch, his expression cold and calculating. “Substantial?” He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk. “What exactly do you think you’re entitled to, Vanessa?” Her lips curled into a sly smile. “I know what I’m worth, Daniel. You want me gone? Fine. But I’m not leaving empty-handed. After everything I’ve
Later that Evening Tasha stared at the screen for a moment, her finger hovering over the keyboard. She hadn't expected a message from Daniel tonight, especially not after everything that had happened. But there it was, the simple "Hey" that sent a ripple of emotion through her. She bit her lip, uncertainty flooding her. Was this the right time to respond? Did she even know what to say? But before she could overthink it too much, her fingers moved on their own. "Hey," she typed back, her message short and neutral, but it was enough to let him know she was still there. A few seconds passed before his reply came through. "I know we haven’t talked much, but I wanted to check in. How are you doing?" Tasha's heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in his words. It was small, but it felt like a bridge between them, something they hadn't shared in a while. She let out a breath, sitting back against the couch, her phone still in her hands. Was it possible to answer honestly, to let him s