After six intense years, I have transformed my company into a formidable competitor in the market and I can proudly say I have poured my heart and soul into this journey and I… my trail of thought was cut short when Donna barged into my office like she was on a mission from the fashion gods. “Rachel! You won’t believe this!”
I barely looked up, squinting at the numbers. “Did you finally figure out how to use the coffee machine? Because I’m this close to hiring a barista.”
“No! Even better! Mavericks & Co wants to partner with us!”
My head shot up, my heart racing. “Mavericks? The ruthless empire of Ethan Grey? What do they want with us?” I couldn’t help but picture Ethan in that dark suit, with his piercing eyes and that cocky smile that made my stomach flip—mostly in a bad way.
Donna shrugged, practically bouncing on her heels. “They’re looking for brands that share their uniqueness. They want an interview with the CEO of Elegance & Style!”
“Great,” I said, rolling my eyes. “I can already hear the ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ music playing in the background.”
“Seriously, Rachel! This could be huge!” Donna’s excitement was contagious, but my mind was racing in the opposite direction. What if Ethan found out about the kids? I’d have to keep them hidden, like little fashion secrets I didn’t want anyone to know about.
“Okay, let’s say I’m intrigued,” I said, trying to sound more professional than panicked. “What’s the catch?”
“No catch! Just an interview,” she said, waving her hands like a conductor. “You’ve got this!”
I sighed. “Right. Just a casual chat with the most dangerous man in the industry. No pressure.”
After a few minutes of brainstorming, I decided to play it safe. “I think I’ll need to keep the kids out of sight during this meeting.”
“Smart move. No need for Ethan to have a meltdown when he finds out he’s a father,” Donna quipped, snickering.
“Don’t remind me!” I laughed, though the thought sent a shiver down my spine. I quickly arranged for my friend Mia to watch the twins during the meeting.
As the day approached, I transformed my anxiety into focus. I pulled out my best power dress—something sleek that screamed confidence. I looked at myself in the mirror and thought, “You can do this, Rachel. Just think of it as an awkward first date where you have to talk business instead of discussing N*****x shows.”
The day of the interview arrived, and I was a bundle of nerves, pacing the floor like a caged lion. “Just keep it professional,” I muttered to myself. “No crying, no shouting, and absolutely no remembering how charming he is.”
When I walked into the Mavericks & Co office, the atmosphere was electric. I was greeted by a stern receptionist who looked like she could bench-press a truck. “Do you have an appointment?” she asked, eyeing me like I was a stray cat.
“Uh, yes. I’m here to see Mr. Grey,” I said, channeling my inner CEO.
“Name?”
“Rachel Thompson.”
She typed away, glancing at me with barely concealed skepticism. “You’re on the list. Go right in.”
As I entered the conference room, I took a deep breath and froze. There he was. Ethan Grey, looking even more formidable than I remembered. My heart raced. He was like a movie star and a CEO rolled into one, and here I was—about to pitch a partnership while hiding my entire life.
“Rachel,” he said, that infuriating smirk appearing on his face. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Well, I didn’t expect to see you either, but here we are,” I shot back, trying to sound casual.
He leaned back, assessing me with that intense gaze. “So, you’re the visionary behind Elegance & Style.”
I nodded, feeling a rush of confidence. “And you’re the man behind the ruthless empire. Nice to meet you.”
We exchanged pleasantries, the tension crackling like static. I launched into my pitch, trying to keep my mind off the fact that he was the father of my kids. It was like presenting at a fashion show while knowing your ex was in the front row.
Just as I was getting into the groove, I accidentally mentioned our recent collection’s theme—“Motherhood Meets Haute Couture.” Ethan’s eyebrows shot up.
“Interesting angle,” he said, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Are you speaking from experience?”
I cleared my throat. “Uh, yes! Well, sort of. I mean, you know… the concept.” I mentally kicked myself for almost spilling my secrets.
As the meeting progressed, I managed to keep it professional, cracking jokes about trends and consumer behavior. Ethan played along, but I could tell he was still curious about my personal life. The man had a way of making every word feel like an invitation to spill my secrets.
“Let’s get to the point,” Ethan said, leaning forward. “I think we can work together, Rachel. A contract to share resources and design a line that captures our brands’ uniqueness.”
My heart raced at the prospect. “This sounds promising. But what are the specifics?”
He raised an eyebrow, that signature smirk back in place. “On one condition. We’ll work together on this project, side by side.”
I froze, my mind racing. “You mean… I’d have to see you every day?”
He leaned closer, his voice low and teasing. “Oh, I think it’ll be more than interesting. I have a reputation for making things… unforgettable.”
“Is that so?” I shot back, trying to maintain my composure. “Or maybe you just like playing with fire.”
Ethan’s grin widened, and I felt my resolve waver. “I’ll let you in on a secret, Rachel. I thrive on it.”
I took a step back, crossing my arms. “Well, you better keep your fire contained, because I’m not getting burned.”
“Are you sure about that?” he said, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Because this could be a partnership that changes everything.”
Just then, the door swung open, interrupting the charged atmosphere. A colleague popped his head in, oblivious to the tension, and Ethan straightened up, his expression shifting to businesslike.
“Looks like we have more to discuss,” he said, giving me a look that promised this wasn’t over.
As I turned to leave, my heart racing with a mix of anticipation and dread, I heard Ethan’s voice behind me. “Oh, and Rachel? I’ll find out everything. You can count on it.”
I paused, a chill running down my spine. What did he mean by that? Was he really going to dig into my life?
As I stepped out of the office, my thoughts raced. I was entering a partnership with the man I’d been trying to avoid, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was about to change. Would he uncover my secrets before I was ready to share them?
And as I walked away, I realized I had just stepped into a game I wasn’t sure I could win.
The next few weeks passed in a whirlwind of meetings and brainstorming sessions. Ethan and I interacted daily, and each encounter left me exhilarated yet anxious, with the knowledge of my secret lingering just beneath the surface. One afternoon, as we reviewed design concepts in his office, I felt the tension building. “Rachel, these sketches are... disappointing,” Ethan said, barely masking his disdain as he tossed one aside. “You can do better than this.” I blinked, taken aback. “Disappointing? I thought we agreed on a bold approach. These designs are fresh and innovative.” “Fresh? They’re just a rehash of trends. You’re playing it safe,” he snapped, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed. “If you want to compete at this level, you need to push boundaries, not reinforce them.” I clenched my jaw, feeling anger flare. “Excuse me? I put a lot of work into these designs. Just because they don’t fit your narrow vision doesn’t make them rubbish.” “Don’t take it personally,” he
The next morning, I woke up to the sounds of my kid’s laughter echoing through the apartment. Stretching and blinking away sleep, I smiled at the thought of a weekend free from work stress. As I brewed my coffee, my phone buzzed on the counter, pulling me back to reality.“Are you ready to tackle the office again?” came the message from Donna.I chuckled to myself and quickly typed back, “Actually, I’m taking a little time off this weekend. Need to recharge with the kids!”Moments later, my phone pinged again. “Nice! You deserve it! But if Ethan calls...”I rolled my eyes and typed, “I’ll ignore him! Unless it’s an emergency, I’m off the clock girl. He can wait!”Taking a sip of my coffee, I savoured the rich flavour. Just then, Dante came racing into the kitchen.“Mommy! Can we have pancakes?” he exclaimed, his wild curls bouncing as he jumped up and down.“Pancakes it is!” I replied with a grin. “How about we make them together?”Daniella peeked around the corner, her big brown eyes
As I walked into the office, Ethan was standing with two guys I'd never seen before. They looked like they belonged on the cover of a fashion magazine - tall, lean, and impeccably dressed."Rachel, I'd like you to meet my friends," Ethan said, his tone a little softer than usual. "This is Liam" - he gestured to the taller one with piercing brown eyes and chiselled features - "and Grayson." He nodded toward the other, with brooding Green eyes and jet-black hair.Liam smiled warmly and extended his hand. "Hi, Rachel. It's great to finally meet you."Grayson nodded curtly, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in my appearance."Nice to meet you both," I replied, shaking Liam's hand.Ethan gestured to the empty chairs. "Please, have a seat."Liam sat down beside me, his eyes sparkling with interest. "So, Rachel, Ethan's told us a lot about your work."I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "All good, I hope?"Liam chuckled. "Mostly. Although Ethan did mention you can be a bit... stubborn."As
As we walked into the mall, the cool air-conditioned atmosphere enveloped us, providing a welcome respite from the tension between us. Ethan's strides were long and purposeful, and I struggled to keep up, my palms still tingling from the touch of his hands. We entered a high-end shoe store, and the sales associate greeted Ethan with a warm smile. "Mr. Ethan, welcome back! What can we help you find today?" Ethan's eyes scanned the shelves, his gaze lingering on the designer labels. "Find her something suitable," he instructed, his voice firm but polite. The associate nodded, presenting me with several options. Ethan rejected each pair, his criticism biting. "Those are ugly. Show her something better." I intervened, choosing a simple yet elegant pair of black pumps. Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Those are acceptable," he said. As the associate rang up the purchase, Ethan's phone buzzed. He answered, his expression darkening. "I'll handle it," he said, his voice low and menac
I stepped into my sun-drenched design studio, surrounded by racks of exquisite fabrics, vintage patterns, and the soft hum of sewing machines. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of silk and lace. This was my sanctuary, where creativity knew no bounds.As a renowned fashion designer, my passion was crafting garments that made women feel like the best version of themselves. My eponymous label, "Elegance &Style," had gained a loyal following among style enthusiasts and fashionistas alike. My designs were a masterful blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication, with intricate details that told a story.My own story was one of perseverance and dedication. Growing up, I spent hours sketching dresses and watching my mother, a talented seamstress, bring my designs to life. After completing fashion school, I honed my skills working under top designers in New York and Paris. Five years ago, I took the leap and launched my own label,
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
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