After finishing Miss Smith's design, I took a short break before my next appointment. Donna popped her head in. "Rachel, your next client is here. Miss Rosalina Franchez."I smiled, standing up to greet my cousin. "Rosie! It's so great to see you!"Rosie rushed into the studio, enveloping me in a warm hug. "Rach, darling! I'm so excited to be here. Mama told me all about your latest collection."We sat down, chatting like old times. "So, tell me about Ana's wedding. What's the theme?"Rosie's eyes sparkled. "It's a vintage-inspired garden wedding. Ana wants something elegant and whimsical."I nodded, taking mental notes. "I have just the thing. Let's create a custom gown that reflects Ana's personality."Rosie grinned. "That sounds perfect. Ana will love it."As we discussed the design, Rosie's eyes kept darting to the fabrics. "Rach, I love that lace. Can we incorporate it into the dress?""Absolutely," I said, pulling out the lace. "This French Alençon lace will add a touch of sophi
As I stepped into my cozy apartment, the soft glow of the evening lights enveloped me, casting a warm ambiance that seemed to melt away the stresses of the day. I couldn't shake off the excitement of the evening's events, though - Ethan's proposal, the charity auction, and the potential collaboration with Emma Stone swirled in my mind like a tantalizing cocktail.I kicked off my heels, sinking into the plush couch with a contented sigh. My phone buzzed with texts from Ethan, reiterating the plan and assigning tasks. I scrolled through the messages, my mind racing with ideas and possibilities.As I drifted off to sleep, visions of red-carpet glamour and fashion icons danced in my head, the soft hum of the city outside my window a gentle lullaby.The next morning, I woke up to a sunny Saturday, the warm rays of sunlight streaming through my window. No design meetings or client appointments today - just a relaxing day with the girls.I arrived at Ana's house, greeted by the sound of laug
Sophie glided into the office, her gaze scanning the room until it landed on me.Her emerald eyes flashed with distaste, a hint of jealousy simmering beneath."Rachel,i have heard so much about you," she said, her voice laced with venom."I hope it's all good thoughts," I askedEthan's expression darkened, his jaw clenched. "Sophie, what are you doing here?"Sophie's smile was saccharine. "I hoped to surprise you, darling."Ethan's tone was icy. "You're interrupting."Sophie's gaze lingered on me before shifting back to Ethan. "Am I?"Ethan's arrogance faltered for a moment, replaced by irritation."Sophie, we discussed this. I have work to do."Sophie's smile never wavered. "I won't keep you long."The tension between them was palpable.Sophie's face fell, her eyes flashing with anger. "Fine. Keep your secrets, Ethan."Ethan's expression remained unyielding. "This is business, Sophie. Not personal."Sophie's gaze shifted to me, her voice dripping with venom. "I'm sure Rachel understa
"The past few weeks have been a whirlwind. Between juggling pop-up projects, parenting, and keeping my life from imploding, I'm exhausted. And let's not forget the drama-filled cherry on top - Max's confession and Ethan and Sophia's never-ending soap opera. Honestly, I want no part in it. I've worked too hard to build my reputation and meet my deadlines to let their drama derail me. That old mantra, 'Fake it till you make it,' has been my survival motto for years. So, I put on a brave face and push through. Today was a marathon. I spent hours at the office, lost in spreadsheets and reports. Before I knew it, the day had slipped away, and it was already mid-afternoon. As I packed up to head home, Ethan appeared, requesting my presence at a quaint cafe near his shop. 'Follow me,' he said, his expression cryptic. My mind began to wander - what now? That afternoon, Ethan and I sat across from each other in a cosy café near Mavericks & Co. The tension between us crackled like electr
I thought it was about time we learnt about Ethan a little bit more? It was hard to give him more character development,when Rachel doesn't want to have anything to do with him except for their partnership. But as the book progresses you will get to understand why he is like this.********************************************************************************************************ETHAN'S POV: People think being born with a silver spoon guarantees a life of ease. But they're wrong. My life as the heir to a million-dollar corporation has been a never-ending struggle.My father, the corporation's ruthless leader of Maverick's & Co, has made my life a living hell. He's constantly reminded me that I'm not guaranteed the company, that he can give it to someone else if I don't meet his expectations.But that's not even the worst part. My father's verbal and physical abuse has scarred me. I've witnessed him beating my mom, justified by his twisted belief that "women are meant to be submi
Rachel’s Pov.I woke up this morning with the heavy weight of memory pressing down on my chest. It's been fifteen years, but every year on this day, it's like nothing has changed. I still feel them, all around me—their absence. I guess grief doesn’t ever really go away; it just gets a little quieter, a little more manageable. But today, February 18th, it feels like the world has stood still, just like that moment when the phone call came, shattering everything.I didn’t want to be anywhere but there, at their graves. So I packed up the car with the flowers—golden daisies for Mom, because they were her favorite. She loved how bright they were, how they always seemed to stand tall, even when everything around them seemed to fall apart. And purple orchids for Dad. He had a thing for orchids, a quiet admiration for their grace, their elegance. He always said they were like people—you had to nurture them, but once you did, they bloomed in ways you’d never expect. I didn’t understand that u
Ethan's POV - Club MirageI don't usually do this, but tonight something was different. It’s not like I ever needed to put myself out there—women came to me. That’s the way it’s always been. I’m Ethan Grey, after all. I don’t need to chase. They know what I bring to the table, and if they’re smart, they come to me. Simple as that.So when I saw her, I didn’t make a move right away. Nah. I stayed put, like I always do. She was across the dance floor, lit by the neon lights, her figure moving with that kind of grace that turned heads. No rush. Let her come to me.But she didn’t.It was like I wasn’t even there. She was surrounded by other guys, flirting, laughing. Every time she caught my gaze, she’d turn away with that damn playful little smirk like she knew exactly what she was doing. It wasn’t that she didn’t notice me—it was that she was playing the game. And, like always, I hate being played.Liam and Grayson were beside me, making small talk, but I wasn’t listening. My eyes were o
ETHAN'S POV:I wasn’t used to feeling this... restless. But the closer I got to her, the more it gnawed at me. Something about the way she moved—calm, cool, like she knew exactly how to make me wait for her. She wasn’t the kind of girl who needed to rush. She was making me chase her, which, to be honest, I hadn’t planned on.But fuck, I liked it.Her steps were measured, deliberate, like she was savoring the space between us. Each click of her heels against the stairs was like a countdown. I could hear her breathing, even if it wasn’t heavy. And I wondered—just for a second—if she was feeling the same way I was.But I wasn’t about to ask. That wasn’t how I played.We reached the top of the stairs, and she stopped right before turning the corner, just long enough for me to catch up. The hallway stretched out in front of us, dimly lit, the air thick with something I couldn’t quite put my finger on.She turned toward me, her eyes meeting mine. No words. Just that look. The kind of look t
Back in the house had never been louder—not with three teenagers filling the halls with their banter, late-night music, and endless debates over whose turn it was to use the car. But amidst the usual chaos, Rachel found herself sitting in the quiet of the living room, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the small curve of her stomach.Ethan walked in, loosening his tie, his gaze immediately landing on her. “You look suspiciously peaceful,” he teased. “What’s going on?”Rachel bit her lip, her heart racing in anticipation. “Come sit,” she said, patting the space beside her.Ethan raised an eyebrow but obeyed, settling next to her. She took his hand and guided it to her stomach, watching as realization dawned in his eyes. His fingers tensed slightly before he exhaled, a slow smile forming.“Rachel…?”She nodded, her voice soft but filled with joy. “We’re having another baby.”For a moment, Ethan just stared at her, emotions flickering across his face—shock, awe, then unmistakable love. T
The ballroom of the Gray estate was alive with activity. Decorators rushed to arrange floral arches, caterers set up endless rows of champagne glasses, and the wedding planner barked last-minute instructions into her headset.Rachel sat at the head of a long table, flipping through final details, trying not to lose her mind. Across from her, Ethan sat back in his chair, arms crossed, watching her with an amused smirk."Tell me again why we need five different cake flavours?" Ethan asked.Rachel sighed, massaging her temples. "Because your mother wants something ‘refined,’ my mother refuses to have vanilla, and the triplets will start a rebellion if we don’t include chocolate."Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Remind me again who’s actually getting married? Because it feels like we’re just extras in their grand event."Rachel shot him a look. "We’re getting married, Ethan. In front of at least five hundred people, in a wedding so perfect they’ll talk about it for years."Ethan leaned
Sophia's world was shattering In front of her.She found herself in a hospital room, the machines beeping in her ears. The smell of antiseptic mixed with the hint of fresh lily perfume from a vase sitting on the edge of the window. The lights pained her eyes, and as she tried to move, she felt pain all over her body from her neck to her shoulders.Her fingers twitched. Bandage wrapped tightly across her wound. A reminder of Michael's deception, her stupidity, and the fact that she had lost.No.She couldn't lose. She was Sophia Greenwood. The heiress. The queen.She Kept telling herself Her breathing was erratic, her chest rising and falling in rapid spasms of air. "No… No, this isn't happening," she whispered, her voice cracked from crying. Her fingers tightened on the sheets wildly, as if she could tear a gap in her nightmare and flee.A nurse rushed in, distressed. "Miss Greenwood, you must calm down."But Sophia wasn’t listening. She thrashed, her movements wild, her mind spinni
Three Months Later The steady beep of the heart monitor resonated through the silent hospital room. Sunlight streamed through the sheer drapes, bathing Rachel's pale face with a warm, golden glow. Her fingers twitched, her breathing slowed, and then—her eyelids fluttered open. Vague images into focus, her head struggling to get it together. The acrid scent of antiseptic, the touch of a warm palm cupping hers, and the soft hum of voices beyond. And then she saw him. Ethan. His head rested next to her hand, weariness in the dark circles under his eyes. His neatly styled hair was mussed, his shirt slightly wrinkled—signs that he had not departed from her bedside. Rachel's mouth opened, her throat dry. "E-Ethan…" His head snapped up instantly, his deep blue eyes widening in disbelief. For a second, he just stared, as if questioning whether he was imagining things. Then, in a breathless whisper, he said, “Rachel?” Tears pricked the corners of her eyes. “I… I’m here.” Etha
The gentle hum of machinery dominated the hospital room, interrupted only by the constant beeping of Rachel's heart monitor. The room was thick with unspoken words, emotions suffocating all who were there.Ethan sat next to Rachel's bed, his fists together, his jaw set. His usually piercing blue eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, his disheveled hair a testament to sleepless nights spent in the chair. He hadn't left Rachel's bedside since she'd been wheeled into surgery.She still hadn't woken.The triplets sat beside him, little hands grasping Rachel's like her touch would bring her to life. Mia sniffled, nose buried on her sleeve."Why won't Mommy wake up?" Daniella quivered.Ethan's heart tightened. He breathed in slowly before succeeding in producing a weak reassuring smile. "She will, baby. She's just healing.".Mia swallowed hard, her big brown eyes welling up with tears. "But what if she doesn't?"Ethan ground his teeth together, fighting down the lump in his throat. "She w
Michael fired a shot into the air, the sound echoing in the ears as it bounced off the warehouse walls. The crowd outside screamed, the media surging forward to capture every second of the unfolding chaos."Put down your gun!" one of the officers commanded, his own gun trained on Michael.But Michael barely heard him. His face twisted in anger, his knuckles white as he gripped the gun in his fist.Sophia, feeling herself losing control of the situation, slowly took a step back. "Michael, listen—" she tried, but her voice shook.Michael's head snapped around, his lip curling in disgust. "Where do you think you're going, Sophia?""I-I need to get out of here," she stammered. "We—this wasn't the plan!"Michael laughed, his head shaking. "You were ready to sacrifice me a moment ago, and now you want to run? No, darling, you're not going anywhere." Sophia's breath caught. "Michael, don't—" The sound of the gunshot rang out before she could finish.Sophia screamed, stumbling backward as b
Screeching tires echoed through the night as Ethan's vehicle skidded to a stop in front of the warehouse. The flashing red and blue lights of the police vehicles illuminated the scene in an eerie glow. The officers moved into position, guns drawn, but Ethan had one focus—Rachel.His heart clenched at the sight of her. She was statue-still, her body weak and unsteady, her eyes drugged from whatever Michael had thrown into her system. A gun was pressed to her temple, Michael's hand steady as he sneered at the approaching group. The three children trembled in the corner, silently crying as Sophia stood near them, her expression unreadable.Ethan stepped forward, his hands raised in a soothing gesture. His voice was rough, entreating. "Michael, don't do this. Let Rachel go. This doesn't have to go bad."Michael let out a cold, humorless laugh. "End badly?" His jaw clenched, and his fist around the gun tightened. "She deserves worse! After everything I did for her, she threw me away like g
Rachel's fingers trembled as she stepped into the dim warehouse, the air thick with the odor of decayed wood and gasoline. Her heart pounded in her chest, a fear beat that intensified even more when she caught sight of her children. Daniella, Damian, and Dante were sitting together in a corner, their small hands bound up with rough ropes. Sobs streamed down their faces, muffled cries that pierced straight through Rachel's heart.A slow clap echoed across the warehouse, and Rachel whirled to see Sophia slouching against an old metal beam, a cruel smile twisting on her lips. Michael stood beside her, his cold eyes flashing with cruelty.Rachel gulped hard, trying to remain calm. "Please, let them go," she pleaded, her voice shattering. "They're only children."Sophia walked over to her, high heels clicking against the concrete floor. She reached out and slapped Rachel sharply on the face. The burning slap crossed Rachel's cheek, and she gasped, stepping back. Sophia was laughing, blue e
The Maverick headquarters buzzed with activity, the air electric with anticipation. The live TV show was on, showing the company's latest creations to the world. Models glided along the runway, their movements smooth and confident, as the audience sat in complete attention.Rachel's heels clicked on the marble floor of the Maverick headquarters as she glanced at her phone. The live celebration was in progress, and she should have been at the center of it all, raising a glass to the company's latest success. But a sense of disquiet churned at her chest. Something was wrong.Her assistant, Donna, rushed toward her, breathless. "Rachel, there's a problem. The triplets. they're missing."Rachel's universe came to a standstill. "What?"Ethan and I were with our nanny at the event, but she turned around for a moment, and now they're missing."A sense of panic choked Rachel's throat. "Find them! Go through the security cameras. Now!"Donna couldn't respond in time before Rachel's phone buzze