EVA'S POVI couldn't help but notice Matt's changed behavior ever since Quinn went on that trip with Bryan.He'd always been friendly, but now he’s so attentive, thoughtful, and even charming.I realized my heart never made a mistake when it chose Matt.As I sat at my counter, Matt walked in, carrying a small gift box. "Hey, Eva! He walked up to me smiling.“What you up to?” I giggled whilst trying to peep. He revealed a tiny box behind his back.“I saw this and thought of you," he mentioned, his eyes sparkling.I unwrapped the box to reveal a beautiful silver necklace with a tiny pendant sitting on top."Matt, this is gorgeous! Thank you!"He beamed, leaning in to kiss me openly.I fidgeted. “We’re at work”, I reminded him, but he didn’t seem to care.Some colleagues glanced over, raising eyebrows. I felt a flutter in my chest. Never has he ever been this open in our relationship."Welcome back, Eva," Matt whispered, his breath tickling my ear.Throughout the day, Matt continued to st
QUINN’S POVI slowly opened my eyes to find Bryan's gentle face hovering above mine, his soft lips brushed against my forehead in a tender kiss.Continuously."Hey, it’s time to leave," he whispered, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine.Drowsily, I asked, "What happened?"My voice was mixed with sleepiness and a hint of disappointment.Bryan's hands enveloped mine, his fingers intertwining with mine in a comforting hold. He patted my hands gently, his touch very soothing."I have an urgent meeting to attend to," he explained, his eyes apologetic. "But don't worry, we'll come back to Paris soon. I promise."I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant, but my heart ached at the thought of leaving this enchanting city. The past few days with Bryan had been nothing short of magical, and I wasn't ready for it to end."This trip has been...amazing," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.Bryan's smile fell for a moment, and I sensed a flicker of emotion in his eyes."They've already
I stepped into my cozy home, the warmness and the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the house. Eva and her excellent baking skills.The moment she saw me, she flung her arms around me. “I’ve missed you, love” and we shared a heartfelt hug, both of us giggling as we chatted about everything and nothing.I handed her a box overflowing with outfits Bryan had bought for me, urging her to pick up whatever caught her eye. "I couldn't possibly wear all of these," I said with a grin on my face."Bryan's shopping sprees are legendary. See this "I pulled out a stunning red dress, holding it up against myself. Eva's eyes widened in approval."Quinn, you'd rock that!" she exclaimed.I chuckled, and for a moment, everything became normal again.As we delved into the box's treasures, I couldn't skip telling Eva about the mysterious woman in Paris. “Eva, there’s something bothering me,” I added, my voice almost in a whisper.“ I need to tell you about this woman in Paris." Eva's expr
As I stepped into my childhood home, I was surrounded by the familiar faces, yet I was still feeling out of place. Everyone was dressed in mourning attire, their faces filled with grief. My heart ached as I spotted my stepmother, her eyes red-rimmed, standing beside Anna's dugged grave.Anna's grave nestled closely to my mother's and it brought back memories.I wrapped my hair carefully into the black linen scarf that laid on my shoulders. My mind wandered, at the same time, observed the minute silence given to Anna_ and mama. For me.I took a deep breath for what felt like the hundredth time and joined the rest of the family, ready to say goodbye to Anna.At that moment, everything was over and everyone was busy offering condolences.I moved to the other side of the cemetery where my mom was buried.And I was shocked to my bones. My mom's ashes were staring back at me. I knelt down, eyes teary. Speaking to her as I held the ashes. Mom, I don't know what's happening in my life anymor
As I walked into the club, I felt like a spectacle. Everyone's eyes were fixed on me, their whispers and pointing fingers were unmistakable.I tried to ignore the stares, but my face burned with embarrassment. Eva approached me immediately with concern written on her face. "Quinn, honey, you look horrible. What happened?"She guided me to a quiet corner, away from the prying eyes."I had a fight with Clark," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.Eva's expression became pitiful "About Bryan?"I nodded, and Eva's eyes widened."But I insisted to accompany you and you refused. Quinn, people are talking. They know you're dating him."I sighed, confirming her suspicions. "It's true."“Especially our co workers, they feel you’ve been away for so long and over using the privileges you have.”Her voice dropped to a whisper. "All I can say is, you really need to Be careful, Quinn. Bryan's reputation... it's complicated."Just then, our boss, Mr. Jenkins, emerged from his office. "Quinn
QUINNS POVJasper's eyes sparkled with amusement as I approached. "Took you long enough," he teased.I smiled, taking the seat across from him. "Sorry, I was busy."He chuckled. "I had to plead extra with Eva to get you here. You know I don't ask, I make it happen."My skepticism must have shown, because Jasper held up his hands in mock defense. "Just joking, Quinn. Don't look so serious."He gestured to the empty chair across from him. "Sit, please."I looked around, searching for his security guards. But they were no where to be found. Looks like he came alone today. I hesitated for a moment before taking a seat next to him."So," he continued, leaning back in his chair."As friends, since that's what we agreed to be. Why haven't I seen you around in a while?"His tone was casual, but I sensed a hidden undertone."I've been busy," I repeated.Jasper's eyes crinkled at the corners. "Busy avoiding me?" He asked.I laughed, trying to ease the tension. "Maybe."His gaze fell on me as he
I had spent that evening lost in my favorite novel, curled up on the couch with a warm cup of tea. The words on the page blurred together as my mind wandered to the upcoming school resumption.My phone buzzed, breaking the silence. I hesitated, wondering who could be messaging me at this hour.It was Bryan's assistant."Hello, Ms Quinn, The boss would like to invite you to a special evening event. He'll pick you up at 7 PM. Dress code, informal."I frowned, unsure.Was this another date? I was actually tired of going on dates with Bryan. You can never tell how it's going to end.Or could it be another business event?The uncertainty made me uneasy. I tried to push the thoughts aside, focusing on finishing my book. But my mind kept drifting back to Bryan and what he had planned. Before I knew it, 6:45 PM arrived.I set aside my book, taking a deep breath.Time to get ready.I slipped into my little black dress, smoothing out the fabric. A quick glance in the mirror confirmed I looked po
BRYAN'S POVI watched Quinn's reaction, her eyes wide with concern as Matt stumbled in the ring. My plan was unfolding perfectly.It started months ago, when I discovered Matt's boxing talent. I saw potential, not just in his skills, but in his connection to Quinn.My Quinn.The one person who'd never seen me for who I truly was.I manipulated Matt's career, pulling strings to get him this fight. He was a fighter, so I picked a stronger opponent, the venue, the timing – all carefully planned out.My goal was to break Quinn's resistance and, most especially, teach him a little lesson due to the way he totally ignored me during our last encounter.She'd been slipping away, drawn to Jasper's charm and Matt's kindness. But I wouldn't let that happen.Tonight, Quinn would see Matt's vulnerability, and I'd be the one to comfort her.As the referee counted down, Matt's eyes met Quinn's. I saw the spark of recognition, and the desperation.But my grip on her hand tightened, reassuring her th
BRYAN'S POVI walked out of the hospital room, bumping into Doctor Lee. He was a familiar face from my previous visit to his hospital when one of my workers had an emergency."Ah, Mr. Braxton! Good to see you again," he called in a friendly tone.I nodded curtly, my mind still reeling from the emotions that had overwhelmed me in Quinn's hospital room. "Doctor Lee.""What brings you here?," he asked."Oh, my girlfriend Ms Quinn. She was admitted here.""Oh really? I didn't know that." He remarked as he leaned in closely, giving me a brief update on her condition. "In that case, I have to share something with you, Mr. Braxton. Something that I think you should know."My gut tightened, seeing that he looked off. "What is it, Doctor?" I asked in a calm tone.Doctor Lee hesitated for a moment before dropping the bombshell. "Ms. Quinn is two months pregnant. Mr. Braxton."My world stopped.Pregnant? Quinn is pregnant?The doctor's words hung in the air, refusing to compute. I felt like I ha
MATT'S POVI rushed back to the hospital as soon as I got Eva's text saying Quinn was awake. My mind traveled back to when the doctor had shared the news about her pregnancy. The room went silent. I grew numb for a few seconds, my eyes fixed on her pale face. We all knew who the baby belonged to, and the thought of it pierced through my chest. I could feel Eva's eyes on me watching my every move, but I just couldn't bring myself to look up at her.I have no chance with Quinn now that I think of it.And maybe that's okay. I'm just glad she is awake and safe.I approached Eva, who was standing by the door with worry on her face. "Where's Quinn?" I asked while scanning the room."She's asleep," Eva managed to mutter.I nodded, feeling a bit relieved. "I had to finish up some work, but as soon as I was done, I rushed over here," I explained, though Eva didn't seem to be interested."It's fine, Matt," Eva cut in, her eyes fixed on Quinn's sleeping form. "It's been four hours, and she's bee
QUINN'S POVI walked into the living room, carrying a tray with a fresh drink for Matt. He had stopped by unexpectedly, and we chatted for a bit till I got thirsty and disappeared to get water.When I returned, I noticed that Matt and Eva were engaged in a heated discussion. They were speaking in hushed tones, but their body language told me something was wrong. Eva's arms were crossed, and Matt's looked all tensed.I set the extra cup of water on the table, turning to them, "What's going on?" I asked.They paused, looking at each other uncertainly. Matt opened his mouth to speak, but Eva quickly covered it with her hand.Matt looked at Eva, then back at me. I could sense his frustration."Okay, Eva, enough. Let Matt speak." I said whilst folding my hands. Eva finally removed her hand, and Matt took a deep breath of relief.Eva and Matt exchanged another glance, and then Eva nodded. The room fell silent for a moment before she spoke up."We found your dad's former secretary," she anno
I tapped my foot impatiently on the dusty floor, my eyes fixed on the entrance of the abandoned warehouse. Lucas was running late, and I was starting to lose my patience. I glanced at my wristwatch for what felt like the hundredth time."Five more minutes, and I'm leaving," I muttered to myself, already mentally preparing to walk away from this whole ordeal. But as I looked at my watch again, I realized that those five minutes had flown by faster than I expected, and Lucas was still nowhere to be found.I let out a deep sigh of frustration. "This is ridiculous, what was I even thinking believing all that bullshit" I said aloud, shaking my head. I pulled out my cell phone, signaling to my assistant that it was time to leave.Just as I was about to turn away, my assistant spoke up, "He's here, Sir." I turned to see Lucas hurrying towards us with an older man behind him. The man looked weak, with an emaciated face and sunken eyes that seemed to hold a very deep sadness.Lucas apologized
BRYAN'S POVMy mind was traveling as I tried to process the information Lucas had just dropped on me. I thought back to my childhood, to the countless times I asked my mother about my father's death. She always told me the same story: Sutherland had betrayed my father, and his death was no accident. She would whisper it to me in hushed tones, her eyes always filled with tears, sadness and fear whenever she remembered. It became a really difficult topic that I dreaded ever mentioning to her.But now, Lucas is telling me that Sutherland wasn't responsible? It didn't add up. I felt this sudden feeling of anger and confusion. I was supposed to have a meeting with fucking Jasper, but anything could wait right now.I quickly picked up the phone and dialed my assistant's number. "I need you to come to my office right away."As I waited for him to arrive, I paced back and forth in my office, trying to make sense of everything. Lucas's words kept echoing in my mind. Shortly after, there was a
LUCAS'S POVWe were able to get the directions to Bryan's floor and office number. I turned to my dad, who was busy hovering anxiously beside me. "Dad, could you please wait outside for a minute? I'll just go and... uh... drop off these documents."My dad nodded, though his eyes betrayed him. He still looked scared. "Okay, son. Be careful."I watched as he stepped outside, then I turned my attention back to the receptionist. She looked up from her desk with a polite smile on her face. "Hi there, can I help you?""Hi," I replied, trying to sound confident. "I'm here to drop off urm... some documents from City Audit Services."The receptionist's eyes lit up with interest. "Oh, great. Let me just take those from you."I hesitated, realizing that I didn't actually have any documents to hand over. Due to my find-outs, I noticed his company had a thing with the city audit service, and didn't even know when I blurted it out. Luckily, it worked for me."Uh, actually... I think I might have le
MATT'S POVI quickly grabbed my phone and dialed Eva's number, my mind on edge with anticipation. When she answered, I could hear the faint sound of chatter and music in the background."Hello, Eva. I need to see you right away," I said, trying to convey that it was urgent without alarming her."I'm in the middle of an event, Matt. Can we reschedule for later?" She asked, almost screaming into the phone.I hesitated for a moment before responding. "I'm afraid it can't wait, Eva. Is Quinn with you?" I asked, in hopes that Quinn's presence might make her more willing to leave."No, she stepped out a while ago, saying she had somewhere to go. What's going on, Matt? You're beginning to get me worried," she asked, her tone laced with concern.I took a deep breath before responding. "There's someone I want you to meet, Eva. Someone who has information that might be...enlightening. Please, just trust me on this. I'll text you the address. Can you get here as soon as possible?"Eva hesitated
LUCAS POVI sat in the dining room, surrounded by papers and files. Vic had managed to get his hands on some documents, but not everything I had asked for. I was amazed as I read through the papers - every detail, every story I had been told, was true.But I knew I had to be careful. Vic had warned me that if I presented this evidence, I could be in trouble for trespassing. I didn't want to risk it, so something else had to be done. I sat there, lost in thought, as my dad walked into the room. "What's going on, Lucas?" he asked, when he noticed the look of concern on my face."I have been trying to get in touch with B. Bryan for weeks now, but I just can't seem to get an appointment," I said, expressing my frustration.My dad raised an eyebrow. "Oh well, I can't help you with that," he added, as he proceeded to pour himself a glass of water.I nodded, trying to appear cool. "Yeah, I was thinking, maybe you would know someone who could help me get an appointment?"He shook his head. "
I walked back into the hospital, my feet just moving on autopilot. I approached the nurse's station where a friendly face disclosed that the children were awake.My heart skipped as I followed her to the children's ward. As we entered the room, my eyes landed on two tiny bundles of joy, sitting up in their beds and looking around with curious eyes as Maya made descriptions in the air like she was telling them a story. My eyes welled up with tears just from watching them.Maya caught my gaze and said, "Okay, kids, I want you to meet someone special. This is your Aunt Quinn." The little boy, with his messy brown hair, looked up at me and grinned. "Hi, Aunt."Avery, with her big brown eyes and curly pigtails, looked up at me and said, "Aunt Quinn, Mama says you're a fighter."I chuckled, taking a seat between their beds. "Well, I try my best to help people feel better and you guys have to be strong, okay?."They nodded as I took Avery's hand in mine. "I'll do my best to make you feel bet