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
Rachel pulled her car into the driveway, her mind reeling with what happened that day. Her encounter with Michael had left her shaken, and the thought of him interrupting her life again seems certain. She had overcome the fear but seeing him again made the pain in her raw and the memories of that night fresh.Laughter filled her ear, welcoming her out of her mind. The triplets were lying in the living room, on the floor, with colouring books and crayons."Mommy's home! Daniella shouted, leaping to her feet and running toward her.Dante and Damian followed close behind, their little faces lighting up. Rachel knelt, catching them all in her arms. Their comfort reduced a bit their tightness inside of her chest.“How are my babies?” she asked, forcing a smile.“We’re fine, Mommy! Daniella replied, pulling back to look at her. “Guess what?”“What, sweetheart?”“We met a man today! Dante exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.Rachel froze, her arms still around them. “A man?” she repe
RachelAs soon as I exited the taxi and entered the office building, I sensed the air of tension. From the lobby, I could also perceive agitated shouting and the sound of a person yelling. My heart sank.What now? I mumbled to myself while I ran for the elevator.As soon as I reached the floor, clamor rose to its peak. A middle-aged woman was seated in the center of the reception room, with several staff trying unsuccessfully to calm her. She was running a piece of fabric in the air as if it were a witness in a courtroom.“You people are thieves! The woman screamed, her voice shrill and furious. Do you think you can come and get away with it? I trusted you, and this is what I got?”“What’s going on here?” I asked, stepping forward. Each and every one of them turned around and gazed at me, relieved and with a look of terror on their face.“Rachel, thank God you’re here,” said Emma, my assistant. “This woman claims we scammed her, but”“I don’t claim anything! the woman interrupted, gla
Rachel walked into the café, her head held high and her emotions firmly in check. She spotted Michael sitting in the corner, his shoulders tense as he stared out the window. For a moment, she almost turned around and left, but then she reminded herself why she was here. This wasn’t about him; it was about putting the past to rest. As she approached, Michael looked up, his expression softening. He rose to his feet, his movements hesitant. “Rachel,” he said, almost pleadingly. “Michael,” she replied curtly, sliding into the seat across from him. “Let’s get straight to the point. What do you want?” Michael sighed, running a hand through his hair. “We need to talk about the kids. I’ve been patient, Rachel, but I can’t stay away any longer. They’re mine, and I deserve to be part of their lives.” Rachel raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a bitter smile. “Yours? Really, Michael? That’s interesting, considering the last time I checked, you were busy sneaking around with your sec
Sophia POV: I've always lived a life that others could only wish for. Born into the Greenwood clan, my father, Greenwood is the wealthiest in New York, a tycoon in real estate and luxury. From waking up, the world was at my fingertips. Private school, designer clothes, lunch dates with Paris, it all just happened effortlessly.Hard work? Struggle? Those were foreign concepts. My father always told me, "You don’t work for what you deserve; you command it.". I've lived by that motto every day of my life.It’s no surprise that Ethan fell for me. We’re both products of power and prestige, two halves of a perfect dynasty in the making. Together, we’ll be unstoppable.My phone buzzed on the nightstand, interrupting my thoughts. I grabbed it, smiling, when I saw a text message from Marcia, my wedding gown designer.Marcia: “The dress is ready! Can you stop by the studio today for the fitting?" and so on.I quickly replied, eager to see the gown I’d been dreaming of for months.Me: “Absolute
Sophia POV:That afternoon, I stormed into Ethan's office, my heels clicking against the marble floor, like severing calls to action. His secretary could barely even utter a hello before I pushed it open. Ethan sat behind his massive mahogany desk, his expression calm as he glanced up from the stack of papers."Sophia," he said with a faint smile as if I hadn’t spent the morning fuming over him.I crossed my arms slamming the door shut with exact force. "We need to talk."He leaned back in his chair, his brow arching. "I figured. Go ahead."I walked closer, placing both hands on his desk. "What’s going on with you and Rachel? And don't kid me now that it's nothing since the whole internet is hooked on your so-called ‘chemistry.’.Ethan sighed, getting up and walking around the desk to face me. His height and calm demeanor usually made me feel safe, but now it only fueled my frustration.Sophia," he started, touching my shoulders, "Rachel and I are just good friends. Business partners,
Sophia POV :The morning sunlight filtered through the tiny curtains of my penthouse, casting a warm glow over the pristine living room. I sat on the velvet chaise, sipping my black coffee, flipping absentmindedly through a glossy fashion magazine. The faint noise of the TV in the background created a nostalgic background hum of comfort.“…Ethan Gray and Rachel Thompson spotted together again…”The phrases cut through the air like a razor. I turned to the TV, my eyes narrowing as images of Ethan and Rachel walking out of a grand event played on the screen. Paparazzi flashes reflected in their faces as Ethan led Rachel toward a car waiting for them and his hand rested as a shield on the small of her back.Rachel smiled at something he said, her expression warm, almost glowing. Ethan’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than it should have.My grip on the coffee mug tightened.They looked snug, didn't they?, chirped, the joyful voice of the entertainment broke on the air went on.
Rachel POV:I got the text from Ethan about a dinner party, and, of course, I am a huge fan of staying out of the spotlight and events, where we (more like me) dont like to socialise with the Rich and Powerful.I quickly scanned the email he sent to him:“Hi Rachel good morning, congratulations on our collaboration and also this is a reminder that I forgot to tell you yesterday that we are having a Media gathering to spread more visibility to the designs. Having a small party at Manor Hotel. Ensure you come. Thank you” I sent him a text message with a mention of coming later after I was through…The grand ballroom was full, and the air was heavy with expectation. Crystal chandeliers dotted the high ceilings overhead, showering the masses in golden light. Businessmen, investors, and journalists filled the space, all on the edge of the news of the official launch of Mavericks & Co Couture.Ethan stood beside me at the entrance, looking every bit the charismatic CEO in his tailored bla
RachelThe sound of shuffling papers filled the conference room as Ethan slid the final draft of the contract across the table. His sleeves were rolled up, and his sharp navy suit hinted at the kind of effortless confidence he exuded.“This is it, he said, his voice steady, yet something in his tone carried weight. If we just sign here, we are finally in collaboration, ” said LHP Junior Fernandez’s, Mavericks &Co Lawyer.I nodded, gripping the pen a little too tightly. Who would've thought we'd be standing here? I'm in shock," I said, doing my best to ignore the pile of papers in front of me and not the way the guy's eyes, like blue glass that vibrated, kept wandering into my skin. “It feels surreal.”Ethan relaxed in his chair, his lips turning into a partial smile. “Surreal, maybe, but we’ve earned this. You’ve earned this.”Icing over the flutter in my chest, I looked over at the contract. “Let’s get it done, then. I scribbled my name on the dotted line, feeling a mix of triumph an
There was something about the atmosphere in Ethan's office that was peculiar as Rachel approached. His piercing blue eyes were focused on his laptop screen, but the moment she entered, his gaze softened. Rachel, in a fitted pencil skirt and an emerald-toned blouse that displayed her hazel eyes, stood nervously by the entrance.“You wanted to see me? she asked, her voice steady, masking her unease.Ethan threw back in his chair and gave her the gesture to sit down. “Yes, Rachel. We are still finalizing plans for the launch photoshoot of Mavericks & Co Couture. I’ve booked a top-tier studio for tomorrow.”A photoshoot? Rachel raised an eyebrow, her “business as usual” appearance unshakable.“Yes,” Ethan said, his tone firm but gentle. “This campaign needs us to lead by example. As co-creators of this project, we’ll be part of the shoot. Think of it as showcasing the strength of the partnership behind this brand.Rachel hesitated. The idea of being so publicly tied to Ethan unnerved her.
Rachel stood outside the elegant restaurant, her heart racing. She twirled the bag strap, toying with curiosity about why she felt so worried. It was just a business dinner. Ethan had been clear about wanting to discuss the collaboration between their brands.But the memory of his protective words at the party and the intensity in his eyes kept replaying in her mind. She brought herself back from the edge of a nervous breakdown by adjusting her blazer, going through with it too, determined to bear down the emotions billowing in her chest. This was work, nothing more.The doorman greeted her with a polite nod as she stepped inside. Ethan was already sitting at one of the small tables in the corner. He rose when he saw her, a smile spreading across his face.“Rachel,” he said warmly. “I’m glad you came.”She nodded, her throat suddenly dry. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss it.”He waved her to sit down and pulled out her chair. His gentlemanly behavior was both charming and unsettling. Rache
The playground was alive with the sounds of laughter and joy. Rachel sat on a bench, her gaze never straying far from her triplets, Dante, Damian, and Daniella, who played with uncontainable energy. For once, her mind was at ease. All of it faded, from the mystery of the box, the party gossip, to her work troubles. Here, she could just be Mom.“Dante, no climbing too high! Rachel called her voice a mix of warning and affection.“Okay, Mommy! Dante called back, waving before running off to fetch the ball he had been tossing around.Rachel exhaled and leaned back, enjoying the moment. But the peace was short-lived.Dante’s ball, propelled with more force than intended, went flying across the playground and hit someone square in the chest.“Oof!” came a familiar voice. The man reached out for a moment then recovered and took the ball again.Rachel’s heart froze when she looked up. Ethan.He looked about, searching for the owner of the ball, and came to a complete stop when his eyes met R
The morning began with an unease Rachel couldn’t shake. With a crack of the door she let the fresh air into her flat and her gaze fell on a box standing by the door. It was plain, unmarked, and oddly foreboding.Her brows furrowed as she crouched to retrieve it, tiptoeing it inside. Sitting at her kitchen table, she opened it. As soon as she lifted back the lid, her stomach churned.Inside were photographs, each more unsettling than the last.A picture of her and Ethan during their trip to Italy. One of her triplets playing at the park. Wedding photo with Michael, a memory of a scene which felt now thousands of years distant. Several photographs contained candid images of her, some obviously taken without her consent.As she touched the note between the photos, the notes of her hand trembled. It read:You'll never be able to completely hide who you are," The world will always remember you.Rachel’s heart pounded in her chest. The idea of a person meticulously collecting her life's bel