It’s my birthday and the house had Been buzzing with tiny clones of me jumping all around and singing me birthday song.
I call them, my tiny clones because they are like four spitting image of me which is one thing I’ll forever be grateful for. Thank Goodness they’ve nothing in common with their father. Only Gianna had her father Biege hair colour but I tinted it to black. So nothing reminds me of the person whom I hate so much. “Mom, I’ve a gift for you…” Gianna the 3rd and my only girl among my quadruplets shrill like a Siren as we are all having breakfast. Her immediate younger brother Griffin also adds, “me too mommy!” I breaks into a cheeky grin like a kid on Christmas, as I watch them flee the table. They leaves the dining and comes back with their gifts. Gianna hands me a very beautiful sketch. A portrait of me in chef attire holding a spatula. My heart flusters as I stares at the sketch. I had never loved my new career as a chef this much as I’m feeling right now! For the past five years, I’d studied culinary art and I became CEO to one of Tristian’s continental Resturants here in LA. It’s part of my Revenge Plan against Carlton. I became a chef and a master in the Feild. I had won several award here in L.A but none could amount to this painting made for me by my little princess. “This is so pretty Gianna!” I flush hard as I pull my baby girl into a hug. I ruffles her hair and place multiple kisses on her cheeks. Griffin’s Gift Is a pretty wrist bead. “Aww Thank you so much Griffin, this is so pretty!” I pull him into a hug and ruffles his face with several kisses making him chuckle and giggle. I let go off him to follow Gianna back to their seats. Since Gavin and Grayson, my eldest kids has no gifts. They offers me a spoonful from their cake. I eats it with so much joy and give them both a perk on their cheeks. After eating, I leave the kids at the dining to go prepare for the mall since today is a Saturday. “Mom, I’m going with you to the mall.” Gianna begins to whine as I arrives back at the living room with a brush, dressed in a casual jean and hoodie. “Oh, please Gianna. Not now—-“ I Barely finish before the others joins in, screaming. “Mom, I’ll also go with you.” “Me too mom.” “Mom, please grant us this one wish, it’s your birthday.” They all pull an apologetic, puppy face that you’ll mistake them for saints. It funnies but I know better than to laugh when trying to be stern with them. “No, you are going to stay at home.” I declared, wearing a good measure of sternness as I continue brushing my hair but that doesn’t deter my kids. “Mum, Please. We promise, we won’t run around.” Thankfully, The blasting of my phone puts a stop to their noisy whining. Gianna reach for the phone since it’s beside her and as she peeks at the screen, she Hollers like a siren. “Uncle TRISTIAN!!!!!” The boys faces lits up instantly as they immediately flew off their seats and gathers around Gianna. Gianna doesn’t bother to pass me the phone, she proceeds to punch the answer bottom and Tristian’s Face appears immediately on the screen. “Uncle Tristian!”, they all yell at the same time, their tiny voices capable of getting someone deaf. A small smile makes its way to my face as I watch Tristian beams with a Bright smile at the sight of my kids, “Yo, what’s up. How had you all been?” Tristian greets them like a fellow guy, bubbling with a smile. For the past five years, Tristisn had been a Very Good friend to me and he’d been like a father Figure to my kids. My kids used to think he’s their Dad But I didn’t want to lie to them. So I told them the truth. Not the entire truth though. I made them believe that their real father is dead and Tristian is just their uncle. Because really, Carlton is dead to me. The only dealing I’ll be having with him, is to make him pay for what he did to me. On the video call, my kids all begin talking to Tristian at the same time. “Mom Doesn’t want us to follow her to the mall!” “It’s Mommy’s birthday today, I made chocolate.” “When are you coming back?” “I Miss you so much uncle Tristian.” “C’mon kids, Don’t stress your uncle Tristian out. Can’t you see he’s tired already.” I try to intervene, rolling my eyes but still Tristian goes ahead to reply him one after the other even though he looks really drained. “Leave them alone Dahlia, I’m fine.” He frowns playfully. “I miss you too my princess,” he replies to Gianna, making baby groan. “I don’t know when I’m coming since I’ve lot work here at the office but I promise I’ll be back soon.” He replies griffin. “Guess I really miss A lot today huh! Hope you will make chocolate cake for me when I comes back Greyson?” He feign a puppy face and we all burst out laughing. . “Yes” Greyson cheers. “Now, why won’t Mummy let you go with her to the mall?” He arch his brow at me and I rolls my eyes shaking my head. “Oh please Tristian, the least thing I want today is a search party organized for my kids. You know how stubborn they are.” Tristian burst into laughter, while my kids start groaning. I takes my phone away from the table and stands up so that I’m the only one on the video call with Tristian now. As we are now the only ones on the call, Tristian wishes me a happy birthday which is the main reason he called. “I’m sorry, I’m not there now to celebrate your day with you but I’ll make it up to you when I gets back.” “C’mon, it’s fine, Tristian. You’ve done enough already.” We Discuss alittle about his Restaurant here which I’m over-seeing. Then his expression goes serious as he says, “Hope you are prepared. Because pretty soon, you’ll be meeting Carlton Stewart once again.” My pulse quickens and I smirk, “ of course more than ready!” We says our Goodbyes but as I’m about to hang up, my kids resumed whining and groaning. Pleading with Tristian to convince me to allow them come with me and I just know I’ve no choice. I had always had no choice anyway. After the call, I made them promise to behave once we gets to the mall but who am I kidding? As soon as we all Arrive at the spacious City Mall, they begin their usual gallavanting. As usual they serves as central of Attention due to their striking remembrance and it’s not everyday you randomly see Quadruplets around. Not to mention their matching outfit. And the fact that I keep screaming at them as they touch several stuffs asking me to buy it for them, is enough to get everyone’s Attention. I keeps barking different warnings as we thaw the busy mall getting various stuffs into the trolley. “Gavin, drop that. We don’t need it!!!” “Grayson, stop dragging items with your sister.” “Griffin, stop running around!!!!” “Gianna stop moving ahead of me!!!” Shouting, shopping and keeping eye on my kid isn’t such an easy combo. This is exact reason I never wanted them here. And just when I takes my eyes away from them for a moment, I look around me to only find three of them instead of four. My heart thumb and thumb even faster as It dawns on me that I’m not mistaken, they are now three. “Oh God, where’s Gianna? Where’s your sister, Gavin?” I raise an Alarm, screaming at the eldest among them. Without waiting to hear from them, I become frantic. I ask an attendant to help me watch the kids while I go in search for Gianna. I skid through different sections, my heart beating rapidly. But I finds no trace of her. Not giving up, I keeps searching until I spot a little female carbon copy of me at one of the shelves trying to reach for a draw-book. “Gianna!” I scream, I feeling an instant relieve. My nerves relax and I can finally breath now. But as I proceed to meet her, I halt abruptly as I watch a man grabs the draw-book from the top shelf and squats to Giana’s level. That physique… Blue eyes and biege ruffle hair which he occasionally runs his hand through. Gianna is in the company of the last person I ever wanted to meet so soon and now. CARLTON STEWART Oh no, this is bad. Really bad. I am witnessing my greatest fear happen right before my eyes. Why did Carlton stop to help Gianna? Did he notice her resemblance with me? What the hell is he even doing in L.A? I can’t meet him this way after five whole years. I don’t want to meet him now. My reappearance to him should be in grand style not like this. And while I’m still staring, Gianna and Carlton begins to talk. Gosh what are they talking about? What is Carlton asking my daughter? Sudden rage bolts through my veins and suddenly, Gianna sharply turns to my direction. My heart skips a beat because Carlron follows her gaze too...CARLTON’S POV Few moments ago, my entire world damn near came to a stop as my eyes came in contact with the little kid I just helped get a draw-book. She has beautiful cyan eyes that twinkled brightly as she stared at me with a gleeful smile. Her lips are plump and pink. Her short curly hair, raven black. In fact everything about her, immediately reminded me of a memory that had been hunting me through the past 5 years. “Thank you Mista!” Her tiny but loud voice made me jolts out of my daze. Hearing her voice and having her stare up at me, filled me with something I haven’t felt for a long time - Warmth and Pure bliss. And I don’t know why but felt this strong connection towards her. Which immediately dissolves as it dawns on me that I might be hallucinating.... Again. It’s not the first time I’m mistaking a random Female for Dahlia. ever since she disappeared after her release, I’ll be damned if I say I never regretted my action at some point. I don’t know if it’s guilt b
When Marcus called, he told me Andre had a seizure, which nearly gave me a heart attack. It’s not like it’s the first time this is happening but it happened when Andre was all alone in the Mansion. As usual, Mari-gold had Abandoned him in the house to go to God-knows well. If not that my mother visited the mansion today, I wonder what could have happened. According to Marcus, My mother was the one who rushed him to the hospital. And when Andre had woken up, he began fighting with the nurses and demanding to leave. My mother already left to attend to some important business. They had to call Mari-gold but she took none of their calls. Marcus had to call me when the racus was still going on. After the call with Marcus, I had to call Mari-gold. After a million unanswered calls, she finally picked up and her response towards everything I told her, was ‘I’m caught up with something right now Carlton, I can’t come’ Then she hung up! Of course I know the ‘something’ she was talking abou
Dahlia pov Tristian company, branded as TRIST DELIGHT is hosting a food festival and as it’s usually done, I’ve to give a speech addressing the Audience, introduce some healthy Food recipes, new products and Heath Tips. And so, we’ve done parts of them, the hall is bustling with life as Several Exotic food are placed on thousands of Tables. Yes, Thousands, and I’m not exaggerating! Tristian company is the Top one Food company around the world so it’s no surprise that we commands crowd. Right now, I’m standing elegantly on the podium, Addressing the vast Audience. And before I proceed, I pass the Audience one finale look - then my eyes caught him. Those striking Emerald eyes. The man who’d practically rescued me out of the ruins, my bastard Ex-husband put me. The man who’d made me who I am today. A successful chef and a co-ceo. Tristian Martinez. As our eyes meets, there he goes giving me a wink and his signature smile of Approval and support. I smile back before I continue
Carlton's POV “Do whatever it takes Alex, just make him stay! We can’t loose any more client!” This is the untempt Time I’m yelling at my P.A this morning over the phone. Well would you blame me? Stewarts Foods Co is inder A terrible bankruptcy. Investors are opting out and I don’t want to talk About the brutal backlashes on the internet, Bad reviews from our Top customers all of which are pointing to me. Of course it has to be on me. I’m the Acting CEO After-all. “But Sir...” “No buts Alex. Make Mr, prem stay and that’s finale. Just get something right for once in your life! I’m already on my way.” I thundered rashly and hung up, throwing the phone on the desk. My fingers worked furiously as they knots my Tie around my neck. After knotting it, I quickly slide off my brief case from the table. Took my phone and I walked out of the room. I was prodding down the staircase when I over here marigold yelling. And at the dinning Is she and Andre. She’s trying to force him to e
Tristian’s POV It’s been four days now since the event where I talked with dahlia regarding her revenge plot for that bastard ex husband of hers. And finally, The Stewarts Foods co will finally be launching their new product tomorrow. At Long Last! But right now I’m literally shaking in rage as I clenched hard to the photo frame in my hand. I’m trying so hard to deadened the pain ripping through me as I glares hard at it but it’s proving impossible. My blood is a mix of rage and intense pain. It has always been like this each time I lays my eyes on the photo of my mother... The sudden buzzing of my phone, jolts me back to reality. I pulled out my phone from my pocket and answered the call. “Hel...” “Just go Straight to the point.” I growled into the phone, sparing No time for patience. I was visibly shaking with rage. “The deal is done sir. It’s going to be one hell of a remarkable day for the Stewarts Foods co. Tomorrow.” “Good...” I deadpanned. A smirk curved th
Dahlia's POV I finished cooking in like the duration of thirty minutes. Grayson’s little assistant was really an advantage. Since Tristian would be here soon, I needed to hurry. I dished out the meals and Grayson joined me to pack everything to the dinning. Tristian came right on time. Just when I had finished setting up the table. “Woah, I can already tell by the Aroma that these meal are incredibly delicious.” Tristian appraised as he gets to the table. “Of course it is, I and mom made it.” Grayson enthused proudly. Tristian chuckled and I rolled my eyes. “Grayson when someone compliments your work, you should say Thank you.” “Thank you uncle Tristian!” “you are welcome, my little guy.” Tristian winks at him and assumes his position on a seat opposite of me. “Uncle Tristian did you get my toy?” Gianna attacked Tristian as soon as he sat down. And that earned her a frown from me. So typical of Gianna to never forget things especially when you promise her a gift. A
“About the pre-Launch of your new product at the company, Carlton, how did it go?” My father asked, breaking the silence on the dinning table. We were currently having dinner with my parents. Me, marigold and my son. And it has been an awkward one as no one was talking. My had tried initiating conversation with Andre but then Andre wasn’t the talkative kid. Infact he hated talking and mingling with people so he didn’t responded well to mom and mom just left him alone. My parents sure as hell never been the pampering parents anyways and won’t suddenly start doing that with Andre. They believe so much in being strict. Mari-gold on the other hand don’t, or no longer get along with my parents. She sure as knew she’d be embarrassing herself if she tries starting a conversation so she knew better to just shut up. And my parents doesn’t bother to ask me anything about life with me or my family cause they already know the answer. It’s been nothing but hell and I want a bloody out! We a
Dahlia’s pov This is it. It's all happening. The day I finally have my revenge. Stewart's Foods Co. are holding their launch party today, where they'll be releasing their new product to the public. And Tristian and I will be attending. Everything was coming into play. Taking one last glance at myself, I carefully put on the venetian style mask, adorned with feathers, lace and gemstones that compliment my dress. I walk into the living room where Tristian is already waiting for me. As I prudently walk down the stairs my heart begins to pound against my chest from the way Tristan stared at me. That intensive gaze of his which sends chills down my spine, never turn a moment away from me until I reach the bay of the stairs. He lazily drops his eyes down the length of my body, tracing the elegant lines of my dress. His gaze is soft yet intense, as he travels up my body, lingering in certain places, causing my heart to beat more rapidly. He meets my eyes again and what I
I shoot up from my chair to break his fall. “Hey! Look at me!” My hands grip his shoulders to shake him but his eyes are unfocused. The severity of the situation dawns on me; he's not faking this.I don't think. I just move. I drag him up, practically carrying his weight as I rush out of the bar. Opening my door is stressful but I manage barely. Thankfully, a guy jumps to his feet and pushes it open. I get him into the car, my hands shaking as I start the engine.“Stay with me,” I snap, stepping harder on the gas. “Just breathe.” I don't even remember parking. The next thing I know, I'm yelling for help, nurses rushing toward us to wheel him away. Minutes stretches into hours and soon, the doctor and I walk out of his office where he's giving me advise on his to manage Tristian's health. As we approach Tristian's ward, a nurse steps out. “He's stable,” he tells us with a clipboard in his hand. My legs nearly give out with my heart slamming against my ribs. I exhale sharply, forc
DAHLIA'S POVThe air in the courthouse is suffocating with anticipation. I sit stiffly, hands clasped together to ward off anxiety and force myself to focus. Still, nothing prepares me for what happens next.Spencer. I feel my stomach plummet down several heights as he's brought forward. The moment our eyes meet, something cold slithers down my spine. I knew it. My gut has screamed his name all along, his involvement being a suspicion I didn't let take root in my heart.But here we are now to attend his trial.Marigold is at the podium too with her face as pale as death. There's a glimmer of hope in her eyes like she knows she doesn't belong here.Technically, she doesn't. Spencer does.The prosecutor wastes no time. “Spencer Callaghan, you are charged with attempted murder. Do you deny those accusations?”Silence stretches for a beat too long. Then, to my shock, he lets out a low chuckle which the entire room hears. “No,” he says with an eerily calm tone.A murmur ripplds throughout
NEXT CHAPTERCARLTON POVThe news about Marigold getting out should be a relief for me and Andre but it doesn't feel like one. I grip the steering wheel hard enough to break it in half as the car goes down a small slope.I'm irritated. No, that's an understatement. I'm agitated, anxious, hell I'm disgusted. It's probably wrong to be feeling this way at the news of your wife's arrival from jail. I can't help it. Not if it involves the happiness of my son because the truth is, he's been happy. Genuinely happy these past few weeks.With Dahlia in our lives, everything feels so easy and natural. There's no second-guessing, no manipulation or the weight of anything suffocating me. Andre has been living his best days, blending into Dahlia’s world like he belonged in it. Even though it shouldn't be happening.I exhale sharply to force the thoughts away to pull into the beach parking lot. This is the spot where Dahlia had picked so we could work on the cookbook. I must admit, I couldn't h
“I'm just saying—”“Well, don't. I don't need you slandering him.”He exhales deeply and I watch his knuckles whiten against the steering wheel. “You're defending him like he's some kind of saint. Dahlia, I'm just trying to look out for you.”“He might be no saint but at least he didn't kick me out to the curbs when he knew I had no one else to lean on.”His breath hitches in his throat like I've stuck a nerve. Good. I don't relent as irritation climbs to the surface. “Tristian is a better man than anyone would ever be.” And by anyone, I mean Carlton. “He didn't just show up when things were easy. He was there when my life was falling apart, when I was at rock bottom. Do you know what that's like? To have nothing? Not even a relative you can trust?”Of course he stays quiet. “He's the reason my kids and I are alive today. He came through for me when everyone's else turned their backs. So, no, I don't need you questioning him.”He flinches at my words as a shadow of guilt crosses his
DAHLIA'S POVFrom the moment his face freezes, I can tell something's off with him. His face closes off like a blank canvas, blocking any emotion from seeping to the surface. “What's wrong?” I ask. Sunny steps into the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel with a raised eyebrow. “Yeah, you look like you've seen a ghost that just walked through this room.”He bends to pick up his phone and slipping it into his pocket, refutes dodges the questions. “It's nothing. Just a minor issue at the company. I need to head out and deal with it.”I narrow my eyes in suspicion. He doesn't meet my gaze even as he speaks. “Minor? Are you sure about that? Because you don't look like it's minor.”“I said it's fine!” His outburst is sharp and it startles us, including Carlton. He moves towards the door. “I'll be back later.” He calls over his shoulder and then he's gone. Sunny clicks her tongue, tossing the towe onto the counter. “There's something wrong with him. You see how he couldn't even keep
MARIGOLDI pace the suffocating cell, reading the bold lettering on the newspaper. In rage that sets my blood boiling, I crumple and fling it to the floor. Still the headline remains burned into my brain: Carlton Stewart spotted dining with Dahlia Campbell.The details portrays them as business partners. As if. They can fool everyone but me. “Snake. She's been waiting for this. Waiting for the perfect moment to slide right in and play the Martyr. Thirsting for that which is no longer hers.” The entrance door to the cells corridor buzzes open and I've been in here long enough to know that a visitor just entered the premises. “You have visitors.” The gruff voice of the jailer says and I raise my head just in time to see my parents. The door slides open and they step in. They don't look happy to see me in such a sorry state. I don't even let them take another step before I bombard them with questions.“What are you doing about this?” I snap before they can open their mouths. “Have yo
NEXT CHAPTERDAHLIA in hospitalIn a little while, Carlton comes to call me and together, we head to his mother's ward. The moment we step inside, her eyes flit between Carlton and me. Then that faint, knowing smile plays on her lips. Even in her frail state, her eyes glint with mischief. “So,” she say, her voice coming out very weak. “Are you two finally together?”My stomach knots but I keep my focus on wiping my palms on my dress. I can feel Carlton tense beside me, his silence heavier than words.“Mom,” he chuckles carefully, avoiding my eyes. “You need to rest.”She waves him off like his words are nonsense. “I'll rest when you two stop dodging my questions.” Her smile widens and then her focus zeroes on him. “Did you divorce that Marigold yet? That woman…I never liked her for you.”I'm tempted to scowl at her words. The exact words she said when Marigold framed me for pushing her down the stairs. Now she thinks that's enough to win me back.Not even in a million years.When I
DAHLIAIn a little while, Carlton comes to call me and together, we head to his mother's ward. The moment we step inside, her eyes flit between Carlton and me. Then that faint, knowing smile plays on her lips. Even in her frail state, her eyes glint with mischief. “So,” she say, her voice coming out very weak. “Are you two finally together?”My stomach knots but I keep my focus on wiping my palms on my dress. I can feel Carlton tense beside me, his silence heavier than words.“Mom,” he chuckles carefully, avoiding my eyes. “You need to rest.”She waves him off like his words are nonsense. “I'll rest when you two stop dodging my questions.” Her smile widens and then her focus zeroes on him. “Did you divorce that Marigold yet? That woman…I never liked her for you.”I'm tempted to scowl at her words. The exact words she said when Marigold framed me for pushing her down the stairs. Now she thinks that's enough to win me back.Not even in a million years.When I glance at Carlton, he loo
TRISTIAN'S POVIt isn't what I had in mind but we end up in the beach and it's to my advantage because the kids absolutely love it here. The momentt we step foot on the beach sand, they kick off ther shows and take off with energy. Gianna spins in the sand with her curls bouncing as she throws her arms out wide. “The water’s so big! I can't believe it,” she yells, full on astonishment.Grayson races ahead. His eyes never leave the water and I can almost tell what he's going for. “I'm going to find seashells.” He declares, legs pumping as if the ocean might disappear if he doesn't get there fast enough. Behind them, Gavin and Griffin are locked in a sprinting contest, their laughter ringing out like music. As I watch them play, I can't help but smile. I'd give anything to have this carefree nature once more. This is what kids are supposed to feel. Pure joy. No boundaries. Just freedom. “They're so excited.” Oh, it's Sunny and her voice grates on my nerves. She keeps her eyes crosse