Chapter Nineteen: Unraveling the Past The rain had slowed by morning, but the tension clinging to Sofia's chest hadn't eased. She stood by the kitchen window, watching the pale sun struggle to break through the gray clouds. The twins were still asleep, curled safely in their beds. But she wasn’t safe. Not from the storm raging inside her. Aaron’s words haunted her—*I didn’t know. I can’t change the past, but I can be here now.* Why did his voice still have the power to affect her? Why did she feel like she was losing control when she had spent so long building herself back up? Her phone buzzed on the marble counter. Elise. Sofia hesitated before answering, forcing her voice into a steady calm. “Morning.” Elise didn’t waste time. “I saw the press releases. Kingston’s legal team hasn’t responded to the custody hearing updates yet. That’s either a sign he’s rethinking his strategy or…” “Or he’s planning something,” Sofia finished, her jaw tightening. Aaron Kings
Chapter TwentyAaron stared at the photo on Lucas’s phone, his pulse pounding in his ears. Sofia, standing in front of the prestigious private school, her hands resting protectively on Liam and Aria’s shoulders. His children. A part of him. And yet, in that moment, he realized just how far away he really was from them. The tightness in his chest grew, fueled by the raw ache of regret. “She’s cutting me out,” he muttered, more to himself than Lucas. Lucas crossed his arms, his expression cautious. “She’s protecting them, Aaron. Can you blame her?” Aaron clenched his jaw, his grip on the whiskey glass tightening until it cracked beneath his fingers. “I should’ve fought for them sooner,” he admitted bitterly. “I should’ve fought for *her.*” Lucas sighed. “Then fight now. But you can’t just storm in and demand your rights. You need to *earn* them, and you know it.” Aaron’s eyes darkened. Sofia was determined to keep him out. But she had underestimated him. La R
Chapter Twenty-OneThe next morning, Sofia sat in her car outside the twins’ private school, watching as Liam and Aria disappeared through the gates with their teacher.They had only just started attending, and though they seemed happy, she couldn’t shake the heaviness in her chest.Aaron’s voice still echoed in her mind.“I deserve to know my children.”Her grip tightened around the steering wheel.This was the life she had built. Carefully, perfectly. She had shielded her children from his world—his mistakes—and yet now, everything felt like it was slipping from her control.The ache in her chest refused to ease.Was she protecting them?Or punishing Aaron?The sound of her phone buzzing shattered her thoughts.Elise.Sofia exhaled and answered, forcing calm into her voice.“Good morning, Elise.”The clipped voice on the other end wasn’t as composed as usual.“We have a problem, Sofia. The media caught wind of your custody battle. The press is already circling. Someone leaked the co
Chapter Twenty-TwoThe soft murmur of Aaron’s voice filled the living room, gentle and steady as he read aloud from Liam’s bedtime book.“…And the brave fox crossed the river, knowing his family was waiting for him on the other side.”Liam blinked sleepily, head nestled against Aaron’s shoulder, his tiny fingers clutching the corner of the book.Sofia stood at the edge of the room, arms crossed, heart hammering painfully in her chest.This wasn’t how tonight was supposed to go.Aaron wasn’t supposed to look so… natural.Comfortable.Like he belonged.But he didn’t belong.Not after everything.Did he?The moment Liam’s eyes finally fluttered shut, Aaron closed the book carefully, his large hand lingering protectively on his son’s back.For a heartbeat, he just sat there, watching Liam sleep, the weight of six lost years heavy in his gaze.Sofia felt the ache twist deeper.When Aaron gently lifted Liam and carried him to his room, she followed, staying silent as he tucked their son int
Chapter Twenty-Three: The Cracks DeepenSofia sat alone in the dim glow of her bedroom hours after Aaron left, the silence pressing heavily against her chest.The ache wouldn’t go away.His voice. His words.“I’m not going anywhere this time.”For six years, she had convinced herself that Aaron Kingston was nothing but a ghost of her past. A man who had abandoned her when she was at her most vulnerable.But now?Now he was everywhere.In her home.In her children’s hearts.And worst of all, back in her mind.Her fingers brushed the edge of the ultrasound photo tucked away in her bedside drawer—the last reminder of the child they had lost. The child he never got to meet.You can’t trust him.But hadn’t he proven her wrong tonight?The way he had comforted Liam, spoken so gently to Aria… it wasn’t an act.And it was terrifying her.Because if Aaron was capable of being a good father—What did that mean for the walls she had built?A soft knock at the door interrupted her spiraling thoug
Chapter Twenty-Four The next morning, Sofia stood in the kitchen, sipping a cup of chamomile tea she barely tasted. Rain drummed lightly against the windows, matching the storm swirling inside her chest. The call with Aaron lingered like an open wound, raw and aching. “I miss them. I miss you." His voice wouldn’t leave her. She had told herself for years that she was immune to his words. That she could face him without the sharp sting of emotion creeping back in. But she was wrong. And that terrified her. I can’t afford to feel like this. Not again. A sudden knock on the door jolted her from her thoughts. Her heart leapt. Aaron? No. It was Elise. And she looked furious. Elise stormed in, tossing a folded newspaper onto the marble countertop with a grim expression. "Have you seen this?" Sofia blinked, setting down her mug carefully. The headline made her stomach twist. “Aaron Kingston’s Emotional Plea: ‘I Miss My Children.’" The article painted Aaron a
Chapter Twenty-Five: The Ghost ReturnsThe rain had stopped by morning, but Sofia’s world still felt like it was caving in. Aaron’s words from last night echoed endlessly in her mind. “Chloe is back."It felt like a nightmare she had only just started to escape from, dragging her right back into the darkness she had fought so hard to climb out of. She sat in the nursery, quietly watching Liam and Aria play with building blocks on the soft carpet. Their laughter was gentle, innocent. They didn’t know. They didn’t feel the weight pressing on her chest. And she would do anything to keep it that way. But Chloe’s return had changed everything. She had destroyed Sofia’s life once before. Lies. Manipulation. Turning Aaron against her. I won’t let it happen again.A soft knock at the door made her flinch. She stiffened, half-expecting Aaron again— But it was Elise. Her face was serious, a manila folder tucked beneath her arm as she stepped into the room. "We ha
Chapter Twenty-SixThe press release had barely aired for an hour when the media storm ignited.Headlines blazed across every major outlet.“Sofia Laurent Accuses Chloe Kingston of Manipulation and Fraud.”“The Custody Battle Explodes—Sofia Laurent Breaks Her Silence.”“Chloe Kingston’s Lies—A Scorned Mother Fights Back.”Sofia sat in her penthouse living room, the TV muted but the breaking news banner still flashing at the bottom of the screen.It should’ve felt like victory.But all she felt was exposed.The twins were at school. Elise had insisted on extra security for the week, just in case Chloe or the paparazzi tried anything reckless.And now, the silence felt suffocating.A sharp knock echoed at the door.Sofia stiffened.Elise wouldn’t knock.The security team had been instructed not to disturb her.So when she opened the door and saw Aaron standing there—Soaked from the rain.His suit disheveled.A storm brewing in those icy blue eyes.She nearly slammed the door shut.But
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