The penthouse was oppressively quiet. The uncomfortable silence that followed our confrontation seemed to magnify every creak of the floors and every muted sound of the city beyond. Now that we were strangers, Nicholas and I were cautious not to cross paths with one another.However, his remarks continued to weigh heavily on me."You broke my trust."When he said it, I couldn't help but notice the expression in his eyes—a mixture of betrayal and an unidentified emotion. Trust wasn't given lightly to someone like Nicholas Scott. And I had broken it.The days that followed were a blur of tense civility. We didn't talk unless we had to, and even then, the words were cold and cut. With his office door closing behind him and his brief, silent dinners as the only reminders of his presence in the penthouse, Nicholas lost himself in his work.Even though I pushed myself to prepare for the art center's next display, the guilt returned. I could feel the pain of my decisions every time I saw him
The tension in the penthouse was evident the following morning. Since our altercation the night before, Nicholas had hardly spoken to me. I tried to keep myself occupied, but the quiet was like a burden on my chest.His face was unreadable when he eventually left his office; it was stoic, but there was a storm building beneath it.His voice was forceful and quiet as he stated, "We need to talk."I nodded and swallowed hard. "All right."We sat opposite each other as he pointed to the living room; the distance between us felt like an invisible wall.He started by leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees, saying, "I've had time to think." "Almost everything."I prepared myself because I had no idea what would come next. He stared at the floor and said nothing for a minute. Then his gaze rose, and I saw in his eyes a vulnerability I had never seen before.The words "I'm annoyed Cassie," he said. "I'm angry that you failed to inform me earlier because you underestimated me com
Nicholas proposed a journey to the Scott family estate in the morning following Sophia's unexpected arrival. Although he didn't elaborate much, it was obvious from the clipped tone of his voice that he didn't have much of an option.As we entered the expansive property's gates, Nicholas remarked, "They should hear the news from us." "If I'm there to... control the narrative, they'll react better."Even for someone like me who had spent enough time in Nicholas's world to feel its pain, the mansion's majesty was intimidating as it loomed ahead. There was a group of well-dressed people inside, including his mother, Lillian, who was ruling the room like a queen, and his siblings, who appeared to be the shadows of her disdain.As Nicholas introduced me, Lillian's sharp eyes went over me. "This is Cassie," she whispered, her voice as icy as the marble floors below.She did not await a response. Let's move forward, Nicholas. Why have you brought us all here at such short notice? What's so ur
In the nursery, Cassie sat with her fingers grazing the edge of a small crib that Nicholas had ordered a few days prior. Once brimming with potential, the creamy cream walls now appeared to enclose her. Her rising uneasiness blended with the smell of fresh paint.Nicholas had been more aloof than normal for the past week. He had either vanished inside his office or immersed himself in work since his mother's unexpected visit. Tension permeated every exchange between them as though they were precariously balanced.Cassie felt a flutter of movement that was both comforting and frightening as she looked down at her expanding belly. How could she introduce a child to this world of calculating, chilly power struggles?She didn't want to be a pawn in anyone's game, especially not Nicholas.Later that night, her mind was racing like a storm as she paced the apartment. She couldn't stop concerns from whispering in the back of her mind: What if Nicholas wasn't truly interested in this? What if
Cassie's phone was buzzing nonstop in her pocket as she was instructing one of her employees in the main gallery of the art center. A quick look revealed a barrage of texts and multiple missed calls, all from unidentified numbers.She looked at one of the texts, bewildered. It was a link to an article on the internet. The headline, which read in huge letters, "Billionaire Nicholas Scott's Secret Marriage and a Baby on the Way?" made her heart drop as she clicked on it.She gasped. A picture of her exiting Nicholas' apartment with her baby bulge barely visible under a flowing coat was featured in the article.Cassie felt wobbly on her legs. As the surroundings became hazy, she staggered over to a neighboring chair and sank into it. The text that went with the picture made assumptions about their marriage, wondering if it was a sincere union or a shrewd business deal.Her phone rang once more before she had time to register the shock. It was Nicholas this time.He asked right away, "Cas
The pounding of the rain on the glass walls of Nicholas's penthouse was indistinguishable from the distant commotion of the city below. He approached the walls of windows and looked out at the foggy horizon while holding a tumbler of whiskey. But his thoughts were far from the scene.Cassie.Her name was a thread that ran through his jumbled feelings, a mute echo in his mind. He was unable to reconcile her contradictions—she was strong yet weak, aloof yet alluring to him with an irresistible charm. But like a wound he couldn't heal, the secret she had held onto regarding the pregnancy persisted. It was what the act stood for, not simply that she had concealed it. A lack of confidence. And in his world, trust was crucial.Nicholas laid the glass down on the edge of the next table and downed the whiskey in a single, quick drink, his jaw tensing. He needed to clear his mind. There was an excruciating pressure that he couldn't get rid of in his chest.Cassie watched Nicholas from a distan
Light from the early morning filtered through the curtains of the penthouse, casting soft reflections on the walls. Cassie rested at the base of the bed, clutching her stomach with her hands. For the very first time in a while, she felt a gleam of resolve, and her thoughts were more coherent than they had been for weeks.She had felt little and bruised from the storm of her marriage to Nicholas, but something had been ignited inside her by their conflict last night and his unresolved feelings. She could no longer wait for him to make up his mind about her, the child, and their future. She had to be in charge of her life.Cassie looked at her bedside table, where her business plan was folded neatly. It was a blueprint for her art center's expansion, something she had been envisioning for years. Too preoccupied with adjusting to her new situation, she hadn't looked at it since the marriage. But now that she had the plan in her hands, it brought back memories of her previous self—a drive
The rain hammering rhythmically against the glass was the only sound in the penthouse. Standing near the kitchen counter, Cassie had her arms folded and her face strained. Nicholas sat across the room, elbows resting on his knees, hands clutched together as if trying to calm the tempest brewing within of him. The bitterness from their most recent dispute was still very much there, and they were both too tired to keep spouting profanities at each other.A dispute over Lillian's meddling had given way to a full-fledged argument about trust, accountability, and the deteriorating rift in their already shaky relationship.At last, Nicholas murmured, "You don't get it," in a quiet but sharp voice.Cassie looked at him with a disbelieving expression. "You don't understand, Nicholas?” That I've been trying to work this out by avoiding you for the past few months while your mother treats me like a pawn in her scheme? Or that you should be okay with me being locked out all the time?Nicholas's
On the balcony of their family estate, Nicholas and Cassie stood gazing out over the vast countryside they had created together, the evening air heavy with the aroma of roses in blossom. Inside, the celebration was illuminated by lights that twinkled like stars underneath them. Love and tradition were woven into every note of the music and laughter that floated up to where they stood.After breathing, Nicholas relaxed his arm around Cassie's waist and absorbed everything. Years of commitment, tenacity, and everlasting love had resulted in the magnificent palace that had once only been in a dream.Every stone and meticulously maintained garden had the mark of their voyage, which had been everything but simple but well worth every obstacle they encountered.With her head resting on his shoulder, Cassie leaned into him. "Remember the first time we stood here?” She whispered, a soft smile pulling at her lips. "All we had were ambitions and an awful lot of fear."Nicholas laughed, his tone
Anticipation filled the conference room. The foundation and the company's top executives were waiting for their decision while Emma and Ethan stood near the head of the long, polished conference table with their parents seated beside them. This was not just another board meeting but the start of a new era in their family's history.Leaning back in his chair, Nicholas proudly observed his kids. Emma listened carefully, her poised confidence radiating across the room, while Ethan was immersed in conversation with one of their important advisors, his keen mind already planning the next moves. They were prepared—more than prepared.Under the table, Cassie, sitting beside him, gave his hand a light squeeze. He looked at her and saw the knowing smile in her eyes, the wordless recognition that they had done their duty.This resulted from the sacrifices, the late hours, and the difficult choices.They had invested years in creating this legacy grounded in purpose as much as an empire of influ
The golden glow of lanterns illuminated the large yard where the family had gathered, and the estate laughed. A big table with fresh flowers and flickering candles was arranged beneath the starry canopy. The family was celebrated tonight, far more significant than accolades or public recognition.As Emma and Ethan entered the brightly illuminated room, there was a chuckle and the sound of glasses breaking. Nicholas and Cassie, their parents, were sitting behind the opulent fireplace, their hands joined together in a silent moment of satisfaction. Their love remained steady even though they knew the marks time had left on their faces.This commemorated the pursuit they had all taken together, not simply a party. It was about the victories, defeats, risks, and constant belief that they were making something bigger than themselves.The outside world could wait for once. The warmth of shared memories and the promise of a future they had all built together replaced the burden of responsibi
The meeting room was filled with activity, and the air was thick with expectation. Journalists, donors, and global leaders filled the enormous room, all gazing at the excellent platform where Emma and Ethan stood.Strong words were projected onto a massive screen behind them: The Future of Change: Expanding Our Legacy to New Horizons.Emma inhaled steadily before moving forward. She said in a determined, duty-driven voice, "Today is beyond just a declaration.” “It's a statement of our dedication to the planet and those neglected for far too long. Our endeavor is based on the principle that opportunity should not be limited, which we are bringing to reality.”She looked across the room, meeting the eyes of the advocates, leaders, and visionaries who had come to see this historic event. "We have spent years providing resources, creativity, and education to underprivileged communities.”However, the task is far from finished. Today, we are taking a daring step forward that will permanent
Ethan and Emma, Cassie's twins, were ready to continue the mentorship program that Cassie and Nicholas had always wanted to establish. The project started with a few chosen youths from underprivileged backgrounds. Still, it quickly gained momentum and caught the attention of forward-thinking entrepreneurs prepared to change the world.Emma's speech weighed significantly on her shoulders. Standing before a large assembly, she inhaled deeply as she spoke. The mentees were young individuals with ambitions that would change the course of history, and her sharp yet empathetic eyes ran across their anxious faces."Leadership isn't about control," she said with a stern yet determined tone. “It's about accountability—the type that demands integrity rather than fame. It's about making decisions that will impact others who turn to you for direction, change, and hope, as well as on your journey for a long time.”“And that journey—your journey—starts here, with all of you. The question is, what k
Each item in Cassie's last collection was reverently presented in the vast gallery filled with gentle golden light. As people wandered around, taking in the essence of a lifetime of talent, the room hummed with silent adoration, and the air was heavy with expectancy. Every brushstroke conveyed a tale of hope, suffering, and love. The series, appropriately named Eternal Threads, captured moments too profound for words by weaving her family's trip into rich colors and textured textures.Standing in the show's center, Cassie traced the margins of a significant canvas—a painting of entwined hands that was an abstract yet clear symbol of her family's strong tie. Nicholas stood next to her, acting like a silent anchor, as she prepared to address the crowd.Cassie took a deep breath before stepping onto a small platform at the bottom of the hall to speak when it was finally time. As she gazed out at the faces before her—critics, dealers, associates, and most importantly, family—the audience
The sleek lines of the contemporary furnishings and the glittering skyline beyond were illuminated by the golden streaks that the early sun poured over the tall windows of Nicholas Scott's rooftop office. With his mind racing thoughts, Nicholas sat at his desk, tapping absently with his fingers on the gleaming wood. He had never gotten an email like the one that was open on his computer.An invitation.This was not merely an invitation but an opportunity to become a member and leader of a global alliance aimed at incorporating sustainable business practices into all sectors of the economy. The United Nations and several world business leaders supported the project looking for someone with expertise, influence, and creative thinking. Nicholas has been creating legacies and influencing industries for the previous few years, but this? This presented a chance to reshape the future globally.He felt his heart thumping more than it had in a long time.He had spent years trying to balance hi
Under an arrangement of golden chandeliers, the enormous auditorium of the global gala glistened with warm, dazzling waves of light radiating off its marble-polished floor and crystal-clad decor. A beautiful orchestra of hope was in the air as philanthropists, creators, and entrepreneurs worldwide came for the annual Global Philanthropy and Arts Award. The Scott-Hart Foundation eventually received this award, which is granted to institutions that have improved artistic innovation and social effect after years of tenacious efforts.A dining area decorated with luxurious turquoise satin shining in the chandeliers' gold light in the center of the award hall. The expressions on the faces of Cassie, Nicholas, Emma, and Ethan were a combination of pride, excitement, and the unshakable faith that had carried them this far. They sat quietly but firmly. What had begun as a daring notion—a daring wager on the power of art and altruism—had grown into a project that significantly impacted several
There was tension in the Scott Foundation's headquarters boardroom. The twins Emma and Ethan sat at the table with stiff expressions and implied contempt. Consultants, department supervisors, and other significant stakeholders were crammed into the conference room, looking at one another as they discussed the subsequent phase of the work they had put so much effort into.Emma stated, "This expansion is necessary," calmly yet assertively. "We possess the means to expand our sustainability initiatives globally. Beyond our existing reach, we can truly make an effect. Why are we hesitating at all?""Emma, it's no hesitation. It's a tactic. We may become susceptible if we grow too quickly without strengthening the basis. Before going too far, we must ensure our current programs are stable."As the advisors exchanged cautious looks, a murmur echoed around the room. There was tension between the twins, who had never argued so openly.Emma bent over. Ethan, “We aren't weak. We've established