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
Rachel. Rachel held tight to Daniella's small hand as they went through the crowded shopping mall. The ceiling reached far above them, a glassy expanse of shiny steel that brought golden rays of light. Glittering chandeliers hung in rows. The low buzz of conversation, background music, and the occasional swish of shopping cart wheels filled the room.They went into the children's toy shop, a kind of self building store and gadget. Shelves stacked with plush toys, action figures, and puzzles stretched endlessly, their bright packaging shimmering under the fluorescent lights. Children dashed back and forth along the aisles, some chuckling, some holding on to their newly acquired valuables. Rachel’s heart softened as Dante’s eyes widened at the sight of a row of toy cars, his small fingers brushing against the shiny packaging.“Pick what you want, " she said with a warm smile, bending down to his level.Daniella tugged on her skirt. “When is Ethan coming to see us?” she asked, her voice
Ethan sat at the head of the table, his gaze unwavering as the reporters shouted questions at him, their words sharp and accusatory. The media conference was only halfway through, but it felt like hours. His hands clenched at the sides of his podium as the relentless barrage of questions continued.A reporter from the Daily Times stood up first, microphone in hand. “Mr. Grey, it’s clear that you’ve made a fool of yourself in front of the world. You’ve ruined a promising business deal, jeopardized your father’s legacy, and now you’re abandoning a well-established engagement with Sophia Greenwood. How do you explain this?” The words hit like a slap across his face. Ethan’s jaw tightened, but he kept his voice even. “I didn’t ruin anything. I made a decision based on my personal values. The business will continue to operate as usual.” The room erupted with murmurs, but before he could continue, another reporter cut in. “Is this what it takes to get your attention? A media circus? You
Ethan was calm but insistent, his eyes meeting Rachel's in the soft light of early evening. "We have to meet with the Greenwood family-the Sophias. There is some business that we need to attend to." There was an undercurrent of tension in his gaze, a promise of resolution.Rachel frowned, her face traced with doubts. "Why their house, Ethan? This, I don't like at all," she returned, an echo of concern and incredulousness mingling within her tone as her fingers strayed absently to twirl the end of her sleeve and rummaging into his face for reassurance.Ethan leaned in closer, laying his hand gently over hers. "I'll be with you, every step of the way. I promise you, nothing's going to happen to you." A soft smile tugged at his lips, and in that moment, Rachel felt a flicker of trust. Leaning in impulsively, she pressed a light kiss to his cheek. "You're my Superman," she whispered, her eyes brightening with affection.Emboldened, Ethan pulled her closer. The swift, tenderness of the mov
Ethan sat at the head of the conference table, his sharp gaze sweeping over his team. The atmosphere was thick with tension. Danny had just finished his report, but it wasn’t the news Ethan had hoped for."So you're telling me," Ethan said, his voice steady yet tinged with frustration, "that after all this time, we still don’t have solid evidence against Sophia and Michael?"Danny shifted uncomfortably in his seat, rubbing the back of his neck. "We’re close, Ethan. But every lead we’ve followed so far keeps going cold. Somebody is covering tracks. I tried speaking with some of their staff but nothing came out from them"Greg continued. " I also tried checking her fundings and that of Micheal but it was clean. No foreign invested but the company is running a billion dollar project. Impressive I must say”Ethan let out a sharp breath, pressing his fingers to his temples. He despised this—the waiting, the uncertainty. Every moment that ticked by without action was another moment for Soph
Michael sat in his car, gripping the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white. His heart pounded as he stared at the tall glass building in front of him—Rachel’s company.She has moved on.The words echoed in his mind, filling his chest with an unbearable ache. He had been torturing himself for many years with the idea that she would one day be back with him, that what they had is important. However, now she was drifting off, and he wouldn't allow that to continue.He made a sigh, stroking down his face before getting out of the car.As he approached the entrance, Donna, Rachel’s assistant, immediately blocked his path, her arms crossed over her chest.You're not welcome in here, Mr. Micheal," it said, a firm voice tone masking a concealment of emotion on the woman's face.Michael forced a smile, though his jaw was clenched. "Donna, I just need to talk to Rachel. Just five minutes."Donna didn’t budge. "She’s busy."Micheal squeezes his hands trying to mask the annoyance. "
The smell of the bar reeked of booze, cigarettes, and desperation. Dimmed lights danced against the dark wood, casting long shadows as Sophia sat at the far end with a half-empty whiskey in front of her. The amber liquid swirled absently in her glass before she took another sip; the burning did little to soothe the storm inside. People of different colors and shapes move around each other like two poles of a magnet..the smell of sweat, perfume, and cum made the room slightly darker, more drawing. She noticed two male men pleasuring each other's cocks. One was moaning a little louder than the background song, but they didn't give a single fuck if anybody saw them or heard them.She was running out of time.She needed Michael to take action. Just then, some men came sauntering up to her table, guffawing loudly. One of them, with a slicked-back haircut and a confident smirk, pulled a chair out for himself."Mind if we join you, sweetheart?"Sophia didn't even turn toward him. "I do min
The cool evening air brushed against Rachel's skin as she came out of her house, holding a garbage bag towards the trash bin. She inhaled deeply, trying to clear her mind, but no sooner had she turned around than she froze. Michael. He was standing a few feet away from her, his hands inside his pockets, his eyes dark with something unreadable.Rachel huffed loudly. "What is it, Michael? Hurry up. Really, I don't have time for your rubbish." Michael moved another step closer to her, the corners of his lips curling into a bitter smile. "You really played me, didn't you?" he said, low and dangerous. "You knew those kids weren't mine. You let me chase after them, trying to win their trust-wasting my damn time!”Rachel crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. "I was telling you the truth, but you refused to listen. That is on you, not me." Michael's jaw clenched. The next thing she knew, he clutched her wrist, his fingers hard into her skin. Rachel winced, struggling to free her hand."
The morning was cold, but he felt none of it as he stepped from his sleek black car into the towering Mavericks & Co building. His hair was a little tousled, the dark circles around his eyes evidence enough of the sleepless night. His workers, who otherwise looked forward to his arrival, hesitated at the sight of today's wrinkled shirt, and the tension in the square of his jaw flickered in their eyes.He ignored them. His footsteps were quick, his face hard as he entered the private elevator. The moment the doors slid shut, he let out a sharp exhalation, leaning his head against the cool metal wall. What the hell is going on?Rachel, the kids, Michael, SSophiain one big web of lies and deceptions, and he was right in the middle. By the time the elevator finally reached the top floor, his fists were clenched. The elevator doors slid open, and he strode into his office, slamming the door shut with a little too much force. No more than a second or two passed before his phone went off.
Ethan leaned back against the plush leather seat of his car, his fingers drumming absently on his knee. His mind reeled with the contradictions that had surfaced tonight. Rachel had told him that the kids' parents were abroad, but tonight, Daniella had looked him dead in the eyes and said, "Our daddy is dead. We want you to be our daddy."Ethan let out a sharp hiss, exhaled, and raked a hand through his hair. “Were they lying, or was Rachel?”He turned his gaze toward the city lights blurring past the tinted windows and asked, "John, do kids lie?" His chauffeur, with graying hair and wise eyes, glanced once in the rearview mirror at him. "Not really, sir. Kids are too honest for their own good. They lie if they're told to by an adult, or trying to protect someone." Ethan's jaw clenched tight. Protect someone…Without another word, he reached for his phone and typed a text to Liam.Ethan: Need to see you first thing tomorrow.Liam: That serious?Ethan: Just be there.He let out a
The moment Rachel stepped into her apartment, she let out a shaky breath, leaning against the door for support. The night had been a disaster-humiliating, painful-but as she unlocked her phone, her fingers trembling, the news headlines flashing across the screen made her heart stop. "Ethan Greenwood Defends Rachel at the Investor's Gala!" "Billionaire Ethan Greenwood Shakes Down Bullies in Defense of Mystery Woman!"Her eyes scrolled down the articles, her breathing hitching at the videos. Ethan, in front of a crowd, voices sharp and commanding, glare promising to send anyone shivering down their spines. He had defended her. Publicly.Rachel swallowed hard and turned to him. He was already heading to the door, his broad shoulders tense. Without thinking, she called out, "You can stay, you know." Ethan paused, his fingers on the doorknob, and he turned slightly toward her, his expression unreadable, but something, maybe a flicker of hesitation, crossed his features. "The kids are
Ethan fixed the cuffs of his suit as he closed the door on Rachel, trapping her inside. Her tear-stained face and shaking hands had kindled something dark within him, anger so sharp and cold, which seemed to curl around his ribs like a vice. He breathed out, straightening, and then turned back toward the entrance of the gala, his polished shoes tapping against the marble floor.The moment he was inside, the murmurs began. Eyes followed him, whispers rippling through the crowd like wildfire. At the center of it all, Sophia stood arms crossed over her chest, her lips curled into a self-satisfied smirk. Beside her stood the women who had tormented Rachel, basking in their supposed victory.In one moment, upon seeing him, Sophia's face changed. The smirk smoothed out into a small pout; her eyes, shining with water, made her head bob up in false innocence. "Ethan," she cooed, sliding toward him. "I was just saying—Rachel does not belong in events like these. You know how she can get … unst