The first rays of dawn crept through the heavy hotel curtains, casting faint golden lines on the plush carpet. Rachel stirred awake, her mind already buzzing with the anticipation of seeing her kids. She glanced at the other bed where Ethan lay, his face relaxed in sleep, unaware of her plans to leave without him.She slipped out of bed quietly, careful not to make a sound, and began gathering her belongings. Every movement felt deliberate, a mix of guilt and determination. As much as Ethan had been supportive, this reunion with her children was something she needed to do alone.Once her bag was packed, Rachel scribbled a quick note, leaving it on the nightstand for Ethan: “Had to leave early. I’ll explain later. Thank you for everything.”With one last glance at him, she slipped out of the room, her heart pounding. The rain from the night before had eased to a soft drizzle, and the airport terminal was already bustling. It didn’t take long to catch a cab to Mia’s apartment.---Mia’s
The grocery store was busier than usual, with the hum of shopping carts and the soft chatter of customers filling the air. Rachel pushed her cart down the cereal aisle, checking her list. Dante wanted the chocolate-flavored kind, Damian insisted on the healthy oats, and Danielle couldn’t decide. Typical. As she reached for a box, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. “Rachel?” She turned to see Max standing at the end of the aisle, his dark hair slightly tousled, and a warm, slightly surprised smile on his face. Dressed casually in a leather jacket and jeans, he looked every bit as confident and charming as she remembered. “Max,” she said, her voice tinged with equal parts surprise and awkwardness. “Hi.” “Hi? That’s all I get after you ghosted me?” he teased, walking closer, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Rachel felt a flush creep up her cheeks. “I didn’t ghost you. Things… got busy.” Max arched a brow. “Too busy to reply to a single text?” She sighed, placing the cere
Rachel stepped off the elevator and into the buzzing hum of her office. The scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air as employees hustled past, their arms filled with files and tablets. Her heels clicked against the polished floor with each step measured and purposeful, but the weight in her chest grew heavier as she approached Donna's desk.Donna looked up, her expression softening into a mix of relief and trepidation. "Morning, Rachel," she said, standing and smoothing her skirt nervously. "Good morning, Donna." Rachel shrugged off her coat, draping it over her arm. She tilted her head, reading the flicker of uncertainty on Donna's face. "What's going on? You look like you're about to tell me someone set the building on fire."Donna gave a nervous chuckle, her eyes darting to make sure no one was listening in. "Not exactly, but… there's something I need to tell you. Something strange." Rachel raised an eyebrow, her fingers clenching on the coat. "Go on." Donna leaned
The sound of children’s laughter filled Rachel’s home as she walked in, the familiar noise washing over her with a mix of comfort and exhaustion. Dante was sitting at the kitchen table, absorbed in a game on his tablet, while Damian and Danielle played with their toys on the living room rug. The whisper of a lullaby played through the speakers, enveloping the room in a cocoon of sound. Rachel took a deep breath and sank onto the arm of the couch, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on her.“Hey, Mom! Can you help me find the dragon? Dante called, not looking up.A message from Max.“Just a reminder about dinner tonight. Hope you’re ready!”Rachel looked at the screen, the feeling of warmth in the response battling the coldness of the internal vacuum of confusion. It had been a long day filled with too many questions and not enough answers. The thought of leaving the kids at home made her hesitate. What if something happened? But she pushed the worry aside. She needed a break,
The conference room was dimly lit, the morning sun filtering through the blinds in muted stripes. Ethan sat at the head of the table, his jaw tight, eyes sharp as he looked around at the gathered team. Danny, his secretary, adjusted her blazer as she took her seat beside him, her expression unreadable but her eyes alert. Lucas and Liam stood off to the side, their postures tense. Greg, the tech manager, shifted his weight nervously, glancing at Danny, who had a no-nonsense look on her face.Ethan’s voice cut through the silence. “The leak during my trip with Rachel almost cost us a major deal, and I want answers.Greg swallowed, eyes darting to Lucas and Liam before landing back on Ethan. “We’re working on it, Ethan. I'm looking for the leak's source," says Greg“You’d better, Ethan said, his tone low, the room’s atmosphere heavy with his frustration. “We can't afford another hit like that. We need to know how our systems were breached.”Lucas, who had been silent until now, stepped f
Ethan sat at his desk, reviewing the latest reports from the design team, his sharp gaze scanning every line. His focus was interrupted when his phone buzzed beside him. He glanced at the screen: Sophia Greenwood,His Fiancée.For a moment, he considered ignoring it. He wasn’t in the mood for another one of Sophia’s dramatic conversations. But when the phone rang a second time, he sighed and picked it up. “Sophia,” he said curtly. “Ethan,” her voice was sharp, demanding. “We need to talk. Now.” “I’m in the middle of work, Sophia. Whatever it is, it’ll have to wait.” “Work?” she scoffed. “Is your work more important than planning our wedding? Or are you avoiding me again?” Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m not avoiding you. I’m handling critical matters for my company.” “Well, this is critical too,” Sophia snapped. “I’m coming to your office.” “No, Sophia,” Ethan said firmly. “I don’t want this conversation to turn into a scene. Let’s meet at the Azure Lounge in a
Ethan reclined back in his chair and fixed his gaze on his computer while reviewing the quarterly reports. The office was quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning and the occasional typing sounds from Danny outside. He was fully absorbed in what he was doing when the sound of heels clicking on the tile floor shattered his immersion.“Mr. Ethan?” Danny’s voice filtered through the intercom.“Yes?”“There’s someone here to see you.”“Do I have an appointment? Ethan asked, already annoyed at the interruption.“No, but it’s Rachel.”Ethan straightened, and a sudden flicker of surprise appeared on his face. He quickly schooled his features into neutrality. “Send her in.”The door opened, and Rachel stepped inside, her presence immediately filling the room. She was dressed in a fitted green blouse and black trousers, her hair loosely tied back. She carried a confident air, but Ethan noticed the faint tiredness in her eyes.Rachel," he remarked calmly, and his voice did not reve
The sun was low over the skyline, daubing it with slivers of the setting sun. Rachel had emerged from Ethan's office with a cocktail of feelings, relief that he had spared her pitch, mixed with worry about the hurricane of complications that Sophia 's mere presence might unleash. Nevertheless, because Ethan had compelled her to partake of a meal, she had been somewhat relieved.Walking to her car, parked a few blocks away, Rachel was unable to stop the suspicion that she was the target of surveillance. Her heels made a sound upon the pavement as the streets became calmer. She looked about, scanning shadows for the unusual.“You’re just being paranoid, " she muttered to herself, quickening her pace.It was colder out than she had thought, and a chill ran down her spine as she walked towards her car. But as she approached the driver's side door, a figure emerged from behind it.Excuse me, miss," a voice said in a deep and grating tone.Rachel stopped dead in her tracks, her heart racing
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