Chapter One
Sofia stood at the top of the grand staircase, her heart fluttering with overwhelming joy. She cradled her stomach, a radiant smile lighting up her face as she gazed at her older sister, Chloe. “Chloe,” she whispered, voice trembling with excitement. “I’m pregnant... with triplets.” The words spilled from her lips like a precious secret. Chloe’s face twisted, her eyes narrowing into slits. Without warning—without a single word—she lunged forward and shoved Sofia, hard. The force was brutal, unexpected. Sofia’s feet slipped off the edge. The ground disappeared. She tumbled backward, her body crashing violently against the sharp marble steps. Pain exploded through her head. Her back. Her stomach. Thud. Thud. Thud. She came to a crushing halt at the bottom, her body sprawled across the cold floor. Blood. Warm, sticky blood was soaking through her pale dress, trailing from her head and seeping from between her legs. Her belly ached, twisting with sharp pain that made her want to scream. Chloe’s heels echoed on the staircase as she descended, slow and deliberate. Sofia blinked up at her, vision blurred by tears. “W-why?” she whispered, her voice breaking, weak. Chloe’s arms folded across her chest, her expression dark and unforgiving. “Because you don’t belong here, Sofia,” she spat. “Get out of this house before Aaron comes home. I’m his real wife. Not you.” Sofia’s lips parted, trembling with disbelief. Pain pulsed deep in her abdomen as she forced herself to sit up, clutching her stomach. “No... you’re lying. I married him. I’m his wife... Chloe, please.” Chloe’s face twisted with mockery, a cruel smile playing at the corner of her lips. “Don’t play innocent! You were nothing more than a pity case. Everyone knows you only married him because you were forced. Remember? I was supposed to marry Aaron. Me!” Sofia shook her head, tears blinding her as she gritted through the pain. “You refused him,” she whispered, voice ragged. “You said he was... a disgrace. You didn’t want to marry a blind man. You left him when he needed you.” Chloe’s eyes narrowed, venom dripping from every word. “Of course, I did! Why would I ruin my life by marrying a blind heir? But look where we are now, Sofia! Aaron had his thirteenth surgery. He can see again! He’s the CEO now—wealthy, powerful. And you? You were just his temporary nurse. His charity case. A replacement.” Sofia’s heart cracked at the cruelty of her words. Her trembling hand pressed harder against her aching belly. “You weren’t there when he struggled. When he felt worthless. I was. I stayed. I loved him... not his wealth.” Chloe’s expression soured, her lips curling. “Love? Don’t make me laugh. Aaron deserves better than a pitiful girl like you. Now, get out before I have security drag you out.” Sudden pain shot through Sofia’s stomach, sharp and unbearable. She gasped, doubling over. “Chloe... p-please... something’s wrong,” she whispered, her voice cracking as fresh blood pooled beneath her. A shadow appeared at the entryway. “Mrs. Knight?” Daniel. The family driver rushed forward, eyes widening in horror as he saw Sofia collapsed in a pool of blood. “Ma’am! Oh my God—what happened?” Sofia’s head lolled back, her face pale. “Daniel... please... take me to the hospital. My baby... I think I’m losing my baby.” Chloe scoffed from the staircase, rolling her eyes. “She’s faking it, Daniel. Don’t let her fool you. This is just her desperate attempt to trap Aaron with a fake pregnancy. Look at her.” Daniel’s face twisted with disgust as he glared at Chloe. “I’m not leaving her like this,” he snapped. He scooped Sofia gently into his arms. Sofia whimpered, her head resting against his shoulder, pain spreading like wildfire through her body. Her last sight before the door closed was Chloe standing there, arms crossed, smirking. The hospital was cold. The antiseptic smell made her stomach churn as she lay on the examination bed. Her dress was still soaked in blood. The nurse’s hands were gentle as she checked Sofia’s vitals, but the worry in her eyes was unmistakable. “Please... my babies,” Sofia whispered weakly. “Are they... okay?” The nurse offered a small, sad smile but her expression remained serious. “Mrs. Knight, you’re pregnant with triplets. But the fall caused significant trauma. You’re at high risk of losing all three. You need complete bed rest or the pregnancy won’t survive.” Triplets. A sob caught in Sofia’s throat. Three babies. Aaron’s babies. “I’ll do whatever it takes. Just... please, save them.” Two days later, Sofia returned to the mansion. Weaker. But hopeful. She had to tell Aaron the truth. He deserved to know. The moment she stepped inside, her heart stopped. Aaron was there. Holding Chloe. Their lips were pressed together in a deep, lingering kiss. The love of her life. The father of her unborn children. Kissing the woman who had nearly killed her. Sofia felt her heart break all over again. Aaron finally pulled away, gazing at Chloe with such tenderness that it crushed her even more. “Thank you, love... for staying with me all these years,” he whispered. “I couldn’t have made it through the surgeries without you.” Sofia’s hands trembled. “Aaron?” He turned. His eyes. Clear. No longer blind. But they looked at her with nothing but confusion. Chloe stepped closer, clutching his arm. “Oh, look. The gold digger is back,” she sneered. Aaron’s brows furrowed. “What is she doing here?” Sofia felt her chest tighten. She took a step forward, voice shaking. “Aaron... it’s me. Sofia. Your wife.” Aaron’s face darkened, his expression hard. “No... you’re not. My wife—my real wife—is standing right here. Chloe.” Sofia felt her breath leave her. “No. She abandoned you! I was the one who stayed! I held your hand after every surgery. I took care of you when no one else would! Please, Aaron... can’t you hear my voice? Remember me?” Chloe clung tighter to his arm, fake tears shimmering in her eyes. “Aaron, don’t let her confuse you. Your mind is still adjusting from the surgery... It’s common for patients to have memory distortions.” Sofia pressed a trembling hand to her stomach. “I’m pregnant, Aaron. With your children... triplets.” Aaron’s gaze dropped to her bloodstained dress. His lips curled in disgust. “Pregnant? Look at yourself! You’re a mess. You expect me to believe you’re carrying my children like this?” Chloe snickered. “She’s probably trying to pin some random man’s babies on you. Desperate, isn’t she?” Sofia sobbed, shaking her head. “No, Aaron! Please, I’m telling the truth—ask Daniel! He took me to the hospital after Chloe—” “Enough!” Aaron’s voice thundered. His face was stone. “Stop this madness. Get out of my house. And take your bastards with you.”Chapter TwoRain poured heavily outside the grand Kingston estate, the dark skies echoing the chaos inside. Sofia’s trembling fingers clutched the hem of her soaked dress as she stood in front of Aaron Kingston—the man she had once loved so deeply. But tonight, his icy glare held nothing but disgust.“You’re nothing but a liar and a gold digger!” His voice sliced through the air like a blade, each word sharper than the last.Sofia flinched, her heart hammering against her chest. The man she had nursed, comforted, and sacrificed everything for was now treating her like a stranger. No—like an enemy.“Aaron, please,” she whispered, voice cracking. “You know me. You know I would never—”“Stop!” he roared, shattering her words. His once-blind eyes, now piercing and filled with anger, bore into her as if searching for a lie. “Chloe told me everything. You lied about being pregnant for my money! Pretending to care while waiting for me to regain my sight and wealth? How low can you sink, Sof
Chapter ThreeThe hospital room felt like a void. Silent. Cold. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor was the only sound, a cruel reminder that she was still here, breathing… while her baby wasn’t.Sofia lay motionless, her body weak, her heart shattered into pieces so small she wasn’t sure they could ever be whole again. The ache in her chest was unbearable, deeper than physical pain. It was a raw, endless grief, pressing down on her like a crushing weight.Her hand rested on her stomach, where life still stirred. Two precious souls remained. But it felt wrong. How could she feel the gentle flutters of her surviving children and know that one had been taken?A boy.Her son.Gone.A sob crawled up her throat, but she forced it back, pressing her trembling lips together. She was too broken to cry. Too hollow.The door creaked open softly.“Sofia?”Daniel’s voice was gentle, hesitant. She couldn’t look at him. Couldn’t face the pity in his eyes.She felt the bed shift slightly as he
The air felt different in Paris. Colder, sharper. The rain that had followed Sofia from Aaron’s estate had long since disappeared, replaced by the muted chill of winter sweeping through the narrow streets. Yet, the ache in her chest remained.She stood by the window of her modest apartment, a far cry from the lavish Kingston mansion she once called home. It was smaller, quieter, but it was hers. And for the first time in months, she felt a flicker of peace—fragile but present.Her gaze dropped to her swollen belly. The twins. Her boy and girl.She ran a gentle hand over the curve, feeling the soft movement beneath her palm. They were her reason now. Her anchor.But the hole left behind by the son she lost… that ache hadn’t faded. It gnawed at her in the silent moments, a relentless whisper reminding her of all she’d failed to protect.A knock echoed through the small space, jolting her from her thoughts.Sofia turned, heart pounding for a reason she couldn’t explain.She opened the do
Chapter FiveThe chandelier overhead bathed the grand ballroom in golden light, shimmering against the high ceilings and walls draped in sheer elegance. Paris’ elite buzzed with excitement as champagne flutes clinked and laughter echoed through the vast space. Tonight, the Kingston Foundation’s charity gala was the event of the season—lavish, exclusive, breathtaking.But none of that mattered to Sofia.She stood at the top of the sweeping staircase, a vision in emerald silk. The dress clung to her curves like a second skin, elegant yet daring, the plunging neckline hinting at power rather than vulnerability.Her hair was swept back into a perfect updo, diamond earrings glistening against her neck.But it wasn’t the dress or the jewels that made heads turn.It was her presence.Fierce. Unyielding.The girl Aaron Kingston had thrown away was dead.And the woman standing there—La Reina—had returned.Sofia’s heart pounded, but she kept her expression calm, her breathing steady. Elise’s
Chapter SixThe cool night air brushed Sofia’s face as she stepped out onto the terrace, the distant hum of Paris filling the silence she so desperately needed. The soft glow from the ballroom spilled onto the marble floor, but out here, the world felt quieter.Calmer.But not her.Inside, her chest was a storm—rage, pain, memories she’d buried clawing back to the surface. The confrontation with Aaron had shaken her more than she wanted to admit. Her hands still trembled faintly, even as she gripped the stone railing for supp by ort.She had told herself she was stronger. That she was over him.But standing so close to him again, hearing that voice—the one that used to be her comfort—had stirred too many ghosts.He doesn’t deserve your pain.And yet, the ache remained.Behind her, the soft click of heels echoed, breaking her thoughts.Elise.Of course, she had followed. Always watching. Always assessing.“You’re unraveling,” Elise said softly, stepping beside her. No judgment, just f
Chapter Seven Aaron sat frozen at his desk, the words echoing through his mind like a relentless drumbeat. “La Reina Holdings is owned by Sofia Laurent.” Sofia. His Sofia. No—she wasn’t his anymore. The woman he had seen at the gala was nothing like the soft-hearted wife he had once known. That Sofia had been fragile, gentle. The woman he had just crossed paths with? She was something far more dangerous. And now, she had come for his empire. The France deal was supposed to be a done deal—Kingston Enterprises’ biggest luxury expansion into Europe in years. Millions in projected revenue. Exclusive partnerships with elite designers. Ruined. By her. Aaron clenched his jaw, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the edge of his desk. The door to his office burst open, and Lucas, his younger half-brother and head of PR, stormed in, holding a tablet. “What the hell happened, Aaron?” Lucas demanded, tossing the device onto the desk. The headline was brutal. KINGSTON ENTERPRISE
Chapter SevenAaron sat frozen at his desk, the words echoing through his mind like a relentless drumbeat.“La Reina Holdings is owned by Sofia Laurent.”Sofia.His Sofia.No—she wasn’t his anymore.The woman he had seen at the gala was nothing like the soft-hearted wife he had once known. That Sofia had been fragile, gentle. The woman he had just crossed paths with? She was something far more dangerous.And now, she had come for his empire.The France deal was supposed to be a done deal—Kingston Enterprises’ biggest luxury expansion into Europe in years. Millions in projected revenue. Exclusive partnerships with elite designers.Ruined.By her.Aaron clenched his jaw, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the edge of his desk.The door to his office burst open, and Lucas, his younger half-brother and head of PR, stormed in, holding a tablet.“What the hell happened, Aaron?” Lucas demanded, tossing the device onto the desk.The headline was brutal.KINGSTON ENTERPRISES LOSES MULTI-
Chapter EightThe morning light filtered through the tall windows of Sofia’s penthouse, casting soft shadows across the marble floors. The city below was just beginning to stir, but Sofia had been awake for hours.She stood at the large kitchen island, her untouched cup of herbal tea growing cold as she stared at the open file Elise had left on the counter the night before.Kingston Enterprises – Internal Stability Report.Page after page detailed the cracks forming within Aaron’s empire. Board members questioning his decisions. Stocks showing slight instability. Whispers in the financial world of his grip loosening.Sofia had inflicted the first wound.And yet, she felt nothing.She had imagined this moment for years—when Aaron would begin to crumble under the weight of his own mistakes. She had pictured the satisfaction, the triumph.But all she felt was… hollow.Her hand drifted to her stomach again, protective. The twins stirred softly beneath her touch, grounding her.You’re doin
The early morning sun streamed through the large windows of the beachside villa, painting the walls with golden light. The sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore created a peaceful backdrop as Sofia stirred in bed. Aaron lay beside her, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist. She smiled softly, savoring the warmth and security of his presence.“Morning already?” Aaron mumbled, his voice husky with sleep.“Yes, and your little warriors are probably up by now, planning their next ‘adventure,’” Sofia teased, gently nudging him.Aaron groaned playfully. “They’re relentless. Who knew kids could have this much energy?”“You did promise a boat ride today,” Sofia reminded him, planting a soft kiss on his cheek before sitting up.Aaron sighed dramatically. “Why do I make these promises again?”“Because you love them,” Sofia said with a grin, slipping out of bed and grabbing her silk robe. “And because you can’t say no to them.”Aaron chuckled, following her out of bed. “Fair enough.
Chapter One Hundred and Fifty: The Beginning of Forever The warmth of the Mediterranean sun wrapped around Sofia and Aaron as they sat on the terrace of their summer estate in the south of France. It had been two weeks since their magical family trip to Disneyland, and life had settled into a peaceful, almost dreamlike rhythm. The twins played in the distance, their laughter echoing through the air as they chased each other along the sprawling gardens. Sofia rested her head on Aaron’s shoulder, their fingers intertwined. The soft breeze carried the scent of lavender and roses, and the serene sound of waves crashing against the nearby cliffs calmed her soul. “This feels perfect,” Sofia murmured. “Like we’re finally… home.” Aaron kissed the top of her head, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “It does. We’ve fought so hard to get here. It’s strange to think we don’t have to fight anymore.” Sofia turned to face him, her eyes filled with warmth. “We’ve built this life together. We des
Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Nine: A Magical Day at DisneylandSofia stood in the doorway of the villa, laughing softly as she watched Aaron struggle to keep up with Aria and Liam, who were racing around in excitement. The word Disneyland had barely left Aaron’s lips that morning before the twins exploded with energy, dragging their father around the villa to hurry him along.“Slow down, you two,” Aaron called, but there was no hiding the amusement on his face. “The park isn’t going anywhere!”“Disneyland, Dad! We have to get there now!” Aria squealed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I want to see the castle and meet the princesses!”“I want to ride all the roller coasters,” Liam added, already strategizing which rides to hit first. “And get ice cream. Lots of it.”Aaron chuckled and shook his head. “I think you two have the whole day planned already.”Sofia walked over and looped her arm through Aaron’s. “Don’t worry. You’ll survive.”“Easy for you to say,” Aaron teased, giving
Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Eight: Honeymoon in GreeceThe gentle breeze carried the scent of salt and flowers as Sofia stepped onto the villa's balcony overlooking the Aegean Sea. The crystal-clear water sparkled under the midday sun, stretching endlessly beyond the horizon. Below, white-washed buildings with blue-domed roofs clung to the cliffs of Santorini, their vibrant colors glowing in the sunlight. It was a paradise unlike any Sofia had ever seen.Aaron wrapped his arms around her from behind, his chest warm against her back. He pressed a kiss to her bare shoulder, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine.“Is this what you pictured when I said I’d take you somewhere unforgettable?” Aaron asked softly.“It’s even better,” Sofia whispered, leaning into him. “It’s perfect.”The villa was an exclusive hideaway on the quieter side of the island. No paparazzi, no business meetings—just them, alone and free from the world’s demands. Sofia exhaled slowly, feeling a rare sense of pea
Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Seven: The Wedding of the Century The grand estate gleamed like something out of a fairytale. Acres of lush gardens stretched as far as the eye could see, decorated with millions of white roses, lavender accents, and cascading crystal chandeliers. Guests from around the world, including royalty, billionaires, celebrities, and the most powerful figures in business and politics, gathered for what was being hailed as the wedding of the century. Helicopters hovered at a respectful distance to capture aerial shots of the scene for exclusive media coverage. The security was discreet but airtight, ensuring the privacy of the event. Aaron and Sofia had become global icons of power and resilience, and today was their day to celebrate love—not politics, not alliances—just love. Sofia stood in one of the estate’s grand dressing suites, surrounded by her closest friends and the wedding team. Aria flitted around excitedly, her flower girl dress shimmering in the lig
Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Six: The Proposal Plan The morning sun streamed through the large penthouse windows, casting a golden glow over the room. The city skyline stretched beyond the glass, a breathtaking reminder of how far they had come. Aaron lay awake, his arm wrapped around Sofia, who was still curled up peacefully against his chest. Her soft breaths were steady, her dark lashes resting against her cheek. But while she slept, his mind raced. He had been thinking about this for weeks, running every possible scenario in his head. Sofia was his forever. He had always known that. Through war, chaos, and now, finally, peace, she had been his anchor. His partner. His love. But there was one thing he wanted to do before proposing. It wasn’t just Sofia he was committing toit was their entire family. Aaron wasn’t the type to seek approval from anyone, but there were two people in this world whose opinions mattered just as much as Sofia’s: their twins, Aria and Liam. If he
Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Five: A Night of Heated DesireThe moon hung high over the city as Sofia lay sprawled on the bed, her body still humming from their earlier passion. She was barely catching her breath when she felt Aaron’s hand slide along her bare thigh, his touch igniting a fresh wave of heat that spread through her like wildfire. Her skin prickled in anticipation as he leaned down, his lips grazing her ear.“I’m not done with you yet,” he whispered, his voice a deep, seductive growl.Sofia’s breath hitched as she turned to face him, her emerald eyes darkening with desire. “You’re insatiable,” she teased, her voice breathless.“For you? Always,” Aaron replied, his eyes roaming over her as if he were memorizing every inch of her. He gently traced the curve of her hip, his touch sending shivers down her spine.Sofia arched her back, pressing her body against his. “Then show me,” she challenged, her voice soft but filled with hunger.Aaron needed no further invitation. He
Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Four: The Inferno of LoveSofia's skin tingled with lingering heat as Aaron's fingertips traced a slow, maddening line along her thigh. Every touch sent jolts of fire through her, sparking a need she could no longer control. She lay on the soft sheets, her breaths uneven, her body attuned to his every move. Aaron hovered over her, his dark eyes blazing with unrestrained desire.“You’re not going to sleep anytime soon,” he murmured, his voice husky and dripping with promise.Sofia’s lips curved into a teasing smile. “Who said I wanted to sleep?”Aaron’s mouth descended on hers, capturing her lips with a raw hunger that made her pulse race. The kiss was deep, sensual, and all-consuming. Sofia moaned softly, her body arching into him as his hands roamed with increasing urgency. He took his time, savoring her reactions, as though committing every sound and movement to memory.Their tongues tangled in a dance of desire, each kiss deeper and more demanding than
Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Three: Consumed by PassionThe warmth of Aaron’s hand lingered on Sofia’s skin as they returned to the penthouse after the enchanting evening. The drive back had been quiet but charged with unspoken tension, the kind that simmered and built with every glance, every subtle touch between them. Sofia’s body was already aching for his, her heart racing as anticipation coiled tightly inside her.The moment the elevator doors opened to their private suite, Aaron’s restraint shattered. He pulled her into his arms, his lips crashing onto hers with a hunger that sent a shockwave through her entire body. Sofia gasped into the kiss, her fingers threading through his hair as he pressed her against the wall, his body firm and commanding.“I can’t wait another second,” Aaron murmured against her lips, his voice low and rough with need.“Then don’t,” Sofia whispered breathlessly, her eyes blazing with desire.Aaron didn’t hesitate. He lifted her effortlessly, her legs w