Rachel POV:Rachel repositioned the portfolio in her grasp before entering Ethan's office. He was sitting in front of his impressive desk, with his brows furrowed reading some papers. As soon as he raised his eyes and saw her, his face became more mellow, and a faint smile emerged on his lips.“Rachel,” he greeted. “Right on time. Let’s talk about the designs for the fashion walkway.”She settled into the chair opposite him, spreading out her sketches. “I was thinking of incorporating more vibrant colors—something bold, something that screams confidence.Ethan leaned closer, studying the sketches. “I like it. This could be the highlight of the event. By the way," he said, looking at her, "what about your business?Rachel smiled hesitantly. “It’s... going well. There are hiccups, but I’m managing.”Ethan could not answer, as Rachel's cell phone buzzed on the table. Picking the receiver up, her features blanched as she heard the person on the extension cord. “What? Are you serious? I’ll
Sophia POV:The morning sunshine streamed through the large windows of the cafe, bathing the table in a warm light. Sophia delicately sliced into her croissant, her movements precise and poised, while Michael sat across from her, stirring his coffee with a little too much force.Michael, Sophia said, her tone as soothing as honey, "I already have a guy in Ethan's company. That's just a matter of time," it is stated here.Michael paused, his spoon clinking against the porcelain cup. “Who?”Sophia smiled, taking a slow sip of her tea. “Mark. You remember him, don’t you? Ethan’s father’s little lapdog who couldn’t resist a good bribe?Michael sneered, grabbing the basket of loaves and pulling out a loaf. “I’m surprised he’s still useful. What’s his role in all this?”Sophia relaxed into her chair, relishing the strain she was creating. “He’s feeding me insider details. Their current designs they are developing, their future releases, and all of that. All we've gotta do is fall once, and
Sophia POV:The response of the sun beating down as Sophia stepped from her sleek black car was a click of her heels on the pavement at Mavericks & Co. headquarters as she readjusted her sunglasses, taking in the grandeur of the building before striding confidently inside, head held high.The receptionist hall was abuzz. Employees walked briskly, their murmurs culminating into a hum of corporate urgency. Sophia's gaze swept the room, resting on Rachel, who sat stiffly in one of the plush chairs near the receptionist's desk. A smirk curled at the corner of Sophia's lips as she neared her. "Well, well, look who we have here," she said with mock sweetness.Rachel looked up, her eyes narrowing. "Sophia.""What are you still doing here?" Sophia asked with mock concern as she leaned against the counter. "Haven't they shown you the exit yet?"Rachel set her jaw, willing herself to remain calm. "I'm here because Ethan asked me to be.Sophia let out a short, mocking laugh, drawing the attenti
Rachel POV: The early morning sun filtered through the windshield as Rachel drove the triplets to school. The rising hum of the car engine permeated the quiet, interspersed with the noises of maneuver, which led to the click of Damian's pen or flick of Daniella's tiny fingers made into the glass. The perceptive Dante slid forward in the backseat.“Mommy, why is that car following us? He asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.Rachel’s chest tightened as she glanced in the rearview mirror. The black car was still parked and keeping a fixed distance. It hadn’t overtaken her, despite her slowing down earlier to give it room.Could be that they're heading the same way," she spoke, keeping her voice cool, but she clenched the wheel in a death grip.Dante scoffed. Or they're watching us like in one of those detective films!“Don’t be silly, " Rachel replied, forcing a laugh, but her heart pounded harder with each passing moment.As soon as she got to the school's parking lot, she grabbed h
Rachel POV:The schoolyard was busy with the sounds of children's giggling, and adult voices calling out to their children as parents got their children out of the schoolyard and teachers directed the final cohort of students down the road to theirs. In this ordinary flurry, Rachel's heart beat wildly as she sprinted toward the administration building, the sound of her foot striking the road floor echoing the speed of her mind.She froze when she saw Ethan standing tall near the bench, Daniella nestled in his arms. Damian and Dante hovered close, their small hands gripping Ethan’s sleeves as if seeking his protection.“Why are you here?” Rachel asked out of breath, her gaze narrowing suspiciously as she walked up.Ethan’s calm gaze met hers. “The school called me. They said Daniella was sick.”Rachel’s eyes darted to the nanny, who looked nervous, her hands fidgeting. “Why would they call Ethan?” Rachel demanded.The nanny hesitated, casting a guilty glance at Daniella. “Well… Daniell
Rachel POV:The hospital corridor hummed with muted activity. Nurses stalked from room to room, beneath the quiet glide of their rubber-soled shoes over the gleaming surfaces. The hum sound of a monitor or avatar voice of a doctor filled the hall. Rachel braced herself against the chill wall outside the children’s room, battling for every ounce of strength. A faint odor of antiseptic filled the air, strong, clean.Her eyes moved to the pale blue door, shut behind which rested her three children, her whole universe. She had tucked them in moments ago, their small faces still flushed from the events of the day. Daniella’s fever had gone down, leaving her cheeks rosy and damp with sweat. Rachel had combed their hair, offered them soothing words, and kissed the top of their heads, before going out to take some fresh air.The cool air in the hallway wasn’t enough to calm her pounding heart. She looked around and saw that he was gone, where he had been only a moment before. Panic crept up h
Rachel POV:The doctor took a step into the room with a clipboard at his side, his smile friendly and soothing. They're okay," he said, looking at Rachel and Ethan. “You’re free to check out whenever you’re ready. I’ll leave these prescriptions for you.”Rachel sighed with relief, her shoulders finally relaxing. “Thank you, Doctor, " she said, taking the papers from him.Ethan nodded. “We appreciate it,” he added.As the doctor left, Rachel turned to Ethan. “I think it’s best to take them home. They’ll be more comfortable there, and I can get back to work.Ethan gave her an approving nod. “Makes sense. Let’s get them packed up. He scooped up Dante and Damian effortlessly, despite their half-hearted protests. “I can walk! Dante huffed, kicking his legs in mock defiance.Rachel chuckled as she carefully carried Daniella. You don't mind getting carried around as much as you act, Dante.Ethan grinned. “He’s enjoying the royal treatment.”When they arrived at the car, Rachel stopped and ob
Ethan came out of the car and into the large driveway of his father's home. The hot noon sun glinted off the perfectly smooth glass, the sharp images projected all around by the edges of the meticulously shaped hedges. He adjusted his suit jacket, his jaw tightening. Conversations with his father never left him unscathed.Inside, the air was heavy with the smell of old wood and leather. Ethan saw his father sitting in the study with a straightened body tense with power. A glass of brandy sat untouched on the mahogany desk beside a neatly folded newspaper.“We need to talk, his father said, his voice as sharp as the ticking of the ornate grandfather clock behind him.Ethan remained standing, his shoulders square. “What now?”“The Greenwoods want to meet. They're just desperate to get the wedding sorted out," his father chimed in, no room for disagreement. “You’ve wasted enough time.”Ethan clenched his fists at his sides. “Sophia and I had a misunderstanding. We’re trying to resolve it
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