Chapter Two
Rain 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, Sofia?” Sofia felt the floor shift beneath her feet. Chloe. Of course. The perfect sister, the one who had abandoned Aaron when he went blind. The same sister who had returned just weeks after his eye surgery—when he became a billionaire CEO overnight. And somehow, she had twisted everything. “Aaron, I am pregnant. I would never lie about something like that. You know how much I—” “Enough!” His voice dropped to a deadly whisper, venom dripping from every syllable. “You disgust me. Pack your things. I don’t ever want to see you again.” Her breath caught. “You’re throwing me out? After everything—after us? What about our vows, Aaron? For better or worse—” He took a menacing step forward, towering over her. “That was before I knew the truth. You trapped me. Manipulated me when I was vulnerable. There was never an us—only your greed.” Sofia’s chest caved, and her trembling hand rested on her lower belly. She felt the faint flutter of life inside her. Their baby. His baby. But no matter how hard she tried, he wouldn’t listen. “Chloe is lying to you,” she said, her voice steadier now. “She wasn’t here when you were blind. I was. I took care of you. She left you!” Aaron’s jaw clenched, his face hardening like stone. “You’re the liar here. Leave, Sofia. Before I have you dragged out.” The final blow struck deep. Sofia’s heart shattered, tears blurring her vision. This wasn’t the man she had married. The man she had stayed awake for, reading to him at night when he couldn’t see the words. The man she had fought for. But he was gone. And so was her place in this house. Turning on trembling legs, Sofia walked toward the grand double doors. Every step felt heavier, the ache in her chest unbearable. When she reached the entrance, she paused, looking back one last time. Aaron had already turned away, as if she were invisible. And that was when she made a silent vow. You will regret this, Aaron Kingston. One day, you will beg for what you just threw away. But for now, she was leaving with nothing—except the two fragile lives growing inside her. The rain hadn’t stopped. It soaked through Sofia’s thin dress as she stumbled down the mansion’s stone steps, her vision blurred by both the downpour and the tears she refused to let fall. Each breath came sharp, painful, as if her chest was caving in under the weight of heartbreak. He didn’t believe me. Aaron, the man she had loved more than life itself, had cast her aside like she was nothing. His cruel words echoed in her mind—liar, gold digger, manipulator. The ache in her chest twisted deeper, but it wasn’t just her heart breaking. A sharp pain jolted through her abdomen, making her gasp and clutch her belly. No. Not now. My babies. Her trembling hands pressed protectively against the life growing inside her as she stumbled onto the sidewalk. She couldn’t break. Not when two innocent hearts depended on her strength. A blinding set of headlights appeared in the distance, and Sofia shielded her eyes as a car slowed beside her. The driver’s door opened, and a tall figure rushed toward her. “Sofia? My God, what happened to you?” It was Daniel, his face paled as he took in her soaked state, his gaze dropping to her stomach as she winced again. “He threw me out,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding rain that kept mixing up with her blood that suddenly started bleeding again. Daniel’s face twisted in anger. “He what? Get in the car. Now.” “No… I can’t… I need to—” “You’re not going anywhere like this.” He gently guided her into the passenger seat, his protective nature taking over. “You’re freezing. And you’re pregnant, Sofia. Let me help you.” The heat from the car barely touched her shivering body. Pain twisted deeper inside her, the ache unbearable now. She gritted her teeth, holding back a cry as Daniel sped through the rain-soaked streets. “We’re going to the hospital,” Daniel said firmly, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. “You’re not okay.” Tears finally slipped free, hot against her frozen cheeks. “He didn’t even listen, Daniel. He just… believed her. Chloe made me the villain, and he—he hates me.” Daniel’s jaw tightened. “Aaron’s a fool. He’ll realize the truth. But right now, focus on staying calm. For the babies, okay?” But Sofia wasn’t calm. The pain was spreading, unbearable now. A new wave of cramps seized her, and a strangled sob escaped her lips. “Daniel… something’s wrong.” The hospital lights were harsh, blinding, as Sofia lay on the cold examination table. The sterile scent made her stomach twist. Nurses moved quickly around her, hushed whispers filling the room while Daniel stood outside, pacing like a caged animal. Her body trembled violently as she clutched her belly. The pain had dulled, but the emptiness… the fear… A doctor entered, his face carefully neutral, but Sofia felt the shift in the air. “Sofia Kingston?” She nodded weakly, voice shaking. “Please… tell me they’re okay.” The doctor knelt beside her, his face somber. “We did everything we could. Your body experienced severe stress… I’m so sorry. You lost one of the babies, a boy.” Her world collapsed. A sharp, broken sob tore from her throat. She didn’t even hear the rest of his words. Something about her body protecting the other two, but none of it mattered. Her baby was gone. She was only vaguely aware of Daniel rushing in, his face contorted with grief when he saw her expression. He knelt beside her, holding her hand tightly as she broke apart. “I lost him, Daniel,” she choked. “I lost my son.” His grip tightened. “I’m so sorry, Sofia. I’m so—” But sorry wasn’t enough. Aaron had abandoned her. Chloe had stolen her life. And now… now she had lost a part of herself forever. Grief turned to something darker—stronger. Anger. Pain. A promise formed in her heart as she cradled her belly, feeling the faint movement of her surviving babies. They will never suffer like I have. One day, Aaron Kingston and Chloe will pay for every tear I’ve shed.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
Chapter Ten The rain tapped softly against the glass of Aaron’s office window, matching the relentless pounding in his chest. He stood at his desk, staring out over the London skyline, but his mind was far from the city beneath him.It was back in Paris.Back in that penthouse where Sofia had stood before him, powerful yet broken, furious yet wounded.And she was lying.Not just about the deal.There was something deeper. Something she hadn’t said.The way she had stopped mid-sentence—“While I was…”Aaron couldn’t shake it.And now, as Lucas barged into the office with a thick folder, Aaron braced himself.“Well?” Aaron demanded, his voice rougher than he intended.Lucas set the folder down, his expression grim. “I found her. Chloe.”Aaron’s stomach tightened. “And?”Lucas hesitated, then exhaled, leaning against the desk. “You were right. She’s been lying to you. About everything.”Aaron’s chest felt like it caved inward.“Say it clearly, Lucas.”Lucas opened the folder, revealing a
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