The days of chaos felt like years, but it all came down to this—a final showdown with the Syndicate that had haunted our lives. The safe house was silent as we prepared, each of us locked in our own thoughts. Thiago stood at the window, his gaze hard as steel, while Raven briefed the team on the plan.“We’ve isolated the Syndicate’s main server,” Raven said, her voice steady. “It’s housed in an underground facility beneath their headquarters. We take it down, and their entire operation collapses.”“And the leadership?” Thiago asked without turning.Raven hesitated. “They’ll be there. If we’re lucky, we can take them alive.”“No,” Thiago said firmly, his eyes finally meeting hers. “We’re ending this for good. No loose ends.”The room fell silent. No one dared to challenge him.I stepped forward, my voice cutting through the tension. “What’s my role?”Thiago turned to me, his expression softening slightly. “You’re staying back. This is too dangerous.”“No,” I said, my resolve unwavering
One evening, thiago suddenly asked me to join him for dinner on the terrace. The table was set with candles and flowers, the soft sound of waves in the distance creating a romantic ambiance.“You went all out,” I teased, taking in the sight.“Only the best for my wife,” he said with a smile, pulling out my chair.The dinner was perfect—delicious food, easy conversation, and the glow of the setting sun painting the sky in hues of pink and gold. But as dessert was served, Thiago grew quiet.“Bridgette,” he began, his voice steady but laced with emotion. “There’s something I need to say.”I looked at him, my heart skipping a beat.“When we first met, everything between us was... complicated. Contracts, deals, and obligations clouded what should have been simple. But through it all, you showed me something I didn’t know I needed. You showed me love—real, unconditional love.”Tears filled my eyes as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.“I don’t want contracts or co
The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. I woke to the feel of Thiago’s steady heartbeat beneath my ear, his arm wrapped protectively around me. For the first time in a long while, I felt at peace—truly at peace.I shifted slightly, lifting my head to look at him. His face was relaxed in sleep, his features softened, a faint trace of a smile still playing at his lips. It was a rare sight to see Thiago so at ease, and it made my heart swell with affection.He stirred, his eyes slowly opening, and a sleepy smile tugged at his lips when he saw me gazing at him.“Good morning, my love,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.“Good morning,” I replied, my hand tracing the outline of his jaw. “I could get used to this.”Thiago chuckled softly, his hand finding mine, interlacing our fingers. “We’ve earned it. All of it. We’ve fought too long for peace, Bridgette. It’s time to enjoy what we’ve built together.”I nodded, a warmth spreading
The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains of our bedroom, casting a soft, golden glow on everything it touched. I stirred, feeling the warmth of Thiago’s body pressed against mine. His arm was draped possessively over my waist, and even in sleep, he seemed reluctant to let go.I turned to face him, marveling at the peaceful expression on his face. It was a rare sight—Thiago without his usual commanding aura, just a man completely at ease. I reached up to brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead, and his eyes fluttered open, the dark brown depths locking onto mine.“Good morning, Mrs. Bermudez,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep but filled with affection.I smiled. “Good morning, Mr. Bermudez.”He shifted, propping himself up on one elbow as his other hand trailed lazily down my arm. “I could get used to waking up like this.”“You should,” I teased, leaning in to press a kiss to his lips. “You’re stuck with me now.”His lips curved into a grin against mine. “That’s
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of our bedroom, casting a soft, warm glow over everything. I stirred slightly, feeling the comforting weight of Thiago’s arm around me. My hand instinctively rested on my stomach, the thought of the tiny life growing inside filling me with a mix of awe and happiness.Thiago was already awake, his fingers idly tracing circles on my belly. He looked at me with a boyish grin, the kind that made me fall in love with him all over again.“Good morning, Mama,” he said teasingly, leaning in to kiss my forehead.“Good morning,” I replied, laughing softly. “Someone’s in a good mood.”“Why wouldn’t I be?” he said, his eyes lighting up. “I’m about to become a dad. I already feel like the luckiest man alive.”I shook my head fondly, sitting up. “You’re going to spoil this baby before they’re even born.”Thiago’s grin widened, and I noticed a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Speaking of spoiling…” he began, standing up and walking toward the closet.
Bridgette’s request wasn’t just a craving—it was a quest. And if my wife wanted dumplings from Hong Kong, then by God, she’d get them.I wasted no time. Within the hour, I’d arranged for a chartered plane and coordinated with my team overseas. The chef at the restaurant Bridgette loved was more than happy to whip up a fresh batch of her favorite dumplings.As the jet roared through the night sky, I couldn’t help but smile to myself. Bridgette didn’t realize the lengths I’d go to for her. For most people, this might seem excessive, but to me, it was just another way to show her how much she meant to me.By the time I returned to Monaco, the city was still asleep, the first light of dawn just beginning to creep over the horizon. I stepped into our home, carrying the carefully packed dumplings like they were treasure.I expected to find Bridgette asleep, but instead, I was greeted by the faint sound of sniffles.“Bridgette?” I called, my voice gentle as I followed the sound.I found her
(Thiago’s pov)It started as an ordinary day in the Monaco mansion. I had just finished preparing Bridgette’s morning smoothie—strawberries, bananas, and a hint of almond milk, exactly how she liked it. As I handed her the glass, the doorbell rang.I frowned. “Expecting someone?”Bridgette shook her head, taking a sip of her smoothie.I opened the door and was greeted by my new secretary, Ava. She held a wicker basket overflowing with fresh fruits. “Good morning, Mr. Bermudez,” she said with a polite smile. “I brought these for Mrs. Bermudez. I thought they might help with her cravings.”Her gesture was thoughtful, and I appreciated the effort. Ava had been efficient and professional since she started, but I hadn’t expected her to take an interest in Bridgette’s wellbeing.“Thank you, Ava. That’s very kind of you,” I replied, taking the basket.Bridgette, who had moved closer to the door, peeked over my shoulder. The moment she laid eyes on Ava, I saw her expression shift. Her brows fu
As I blended the mangosteens with the coconut milk and honey, I couldn't help but glance toward the living room where Bridgette sat, looking like a curious child waiting for her treat. Her swollen belly peeked out slightly from under her shirt, and a small smile played on her lips despite the tear stains on her cheeks.The sound of the blender roaring to life made her jump slightly. She leaned over the back of the couch to watch me.“You really flew all the way to Thailand for this?” she asked, her voice soft with disbelief.“Would you expect anything less?” I replied, pouring the smoothie into a glass. “When you married me, you didn’t just get a husband. You got a personal butler, a chef, and apparently, a world-traveling fruit hunter.”She giggled, her mood already lifted. “You’re ridiculous, Thiago.”I walked over and handed her the smoothie. “Taste it and tell me if it was worth it.”She took a small sip, and her eyes lit up immediately. “Oh my gosh, this is exactly how I remember
The weeks following Emilia’s birth were filled with tender moments and sleepless nights, but it was a rhythm Bridgette and I quickly embraced. She was thriving in her new role as a mother, and seeing her light up whenever she held Emilia made everything we had gone through feel worth it.But peace never seemed to last in our world.One afternoon, as I was working in my study, Lucia burst into the room without knocking—a sure sign something was wrong.“What is it?” I asked, putting down my pen.Her face was pale, her usual confidence replaced by unease. “Thiago, there’s a situation.”My stomach tightened. “What kind of situation?”She hesitated before replying. “It’s Victor. He’s back, and he’s making noise about challenging your position in the company.”Victor. My former right-hand man turned adversary. He had been ousted years ago after betraying my trust and attempting to sabotage a critical project. I thought I’d seen the last of him, but apparently, he had other plans.“What’s hi
With the chaos behind us, our days slowly found rhythm. Bridgette’s health continued to improve, and her confidence grew stronger with each passing day. Though we had overcome so much, the weeks leading up to the baby’s arrival were filled with new challenges, albeit ones we welcomed.One afternoon, Bridgette stood in the middle of the nursery, her hands resting on her belly. She’d chosen soft greens and whites for the room, accented with woodland animal decals along the walls. The crib sat under the large bay window, sunlight spilling over its polished wood.“It’s perfect,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.I stepped behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist and resting my chin on her shoulder. “It’s not just perfect—it’s ready for our little miracle.”She smiled, leaning back against me. For the first time in months, her laughter came easily, like music filling the quiet of the room.As we moved forward, an unexpected visitor brought a reminder of our past. Victor arr
Despite the glimmers of hope and progress, Cynthia and Justin refused to back down. Their next move came in the form of a court summons—an audacious lawsuit claiming defamation and damages from the public fallout after Bridgette’s pregnancy announcement.“They’re claiming we ruined their reputation?” Bridgette exclaimed, pacing the living room. Her hand rested protectively over her belly as her frustration mounted. “They’ve been the ones spreading lies about us!”“They’re bluffing,” I reassured her, though I couldn’t hide my own irritation. “This is a scare tactic. They want to distract us from the real fight.”Victor, seated across from us with a stack of legal documents, nodded in agreement. “Their case is flimsy, but we’ll need to counter it aggressively. If we can prove malice and falsehood in their claims, we could turn this into a significant win.”We decided to take control of the narrative once and for all. I arranged a press conference where Bridgette and I addressed the rumo
{thiago]The pressure was relentless, and even with our best efforts, the weight of Cynthia and Justin’s schemes loomed over us like a storm cloud. Bridgette, always so composed and strong, had been working tirelessly, determined to protect her family's legacy. But as the days dragged on, I began to see the toll it was taking on her.One evening, I found her in the studio, staring blankly at her unfinished sculpture. Her hands trembled as she tried to work the clay, but it crumbled beneath her touch.“Bridgette,” I said softly, stepping closer. “You’ve been pushing yourself too hard.”She shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. “I can’t stop, Thiago. If I let up even for a moment, they’ll win. They’ll take everything.”I reached for her, gently pulling her into my arms. “We’re fighting this together. But you have to take care of yourself too. What happens to all of this if you burn out?”She didn’t answer, just buried her face in my chest, her body trembling with suppressed emotion
The calm after the exhibit was short-lived. Bridgette’s triumph was celebrated in Monaco’s circles, her sculpture making waves beyond the event. But success had a way of drawing out old ghosts, and soon enough, whispers began to circulate—whispers that hinted at the return of someone neither of us wanted to deal with: Cynthia.It started with a simple call from Lucia.“She’s back,” Lucia said, her tone sharp. “I overheard her talking at a private luncheon. She’s been asking about you and Thiago.”Bridgette was seated across from me at our breakfast table, savoring a fresh croissant when I put the phone on speaker. Her relaxed expression turned icy at the mention of Cynthia’s name.“What does she want now?” Bridgette asked, her voice steely.“Leverage,” Lucia replied. “From what I gathered, she’s trying to position herself back into Victor’s favor—and that means dragging your name through the mud.”Bridgette clenched her jaw, her fingers tightening around her coffee mug. “She never kno
The days in Monaco had settled into a rhythm—a quiet lull before the baby arrived. Bridgette seemed more content, her fire still present but tempered by the anticipation of motherhood. Yet, our peace was interrupted one brisk morning when a knock on the door echoed through the penthouse.I wasn’t expecting anyone. Neither was Bridgette, who sat cross-legged on the couch, flipping through baby name books. Her head lifted, curiosity flickering in her eyes.“I’ll get it,” I said, moving toward the door.When I opened it, I was met with a face I hadn’t seen in years—Alonso Serrano, an old business rival. His polished suit and calm demeanor belied the sharp edge he’d always carried.“Thiago,” he greeted with a smooth smile. “It’s been a while.”“What are you doing here, Serrano?” I asked, keeping my tone neutral but guarded.“May I come in?” he asked, his gaze flickering past me, likely catching sight of Bridgette.I hesitated for a moment before stepping aside. Whatever this was, it wasn’
Bridgette was restless, pacing back and forth in the grand living room of the penthouse in Miami. The faint glow of city lights illuminated her determined expression. I leaned against the doorway, watching her silently. She was consumed by this—her father’s company, the stolen assets, the legacy she wouldn’t allow to crumble.“They’re not just thieves, Thiago,” she said, finally stopping to face me. “They’re parasites. Feeding off years of my father’s hard work and dedication.”“And you intend to hunt them down,” I replied calmly, stepping closer.Her eyes blazed with determination. “Yes. Someone has to. My father is too kind—too trusting. But I won’t let this slide.”I admired her fire, but I also knew it would take more than passion to solve this. “We’ll do it together. But we have to be smart about it. We’re not just dealing with thieves; we’re dealing with professionals.”We started by reviewing the financial records Bridgette managed to retrieve from her father’s office. Late nig
[THIAGO’S POV]Bridgette was scrolling through her tablet one quiet morning while lounging on the couch. Her relaxed demeanor suddenly shifted as she frowned at the screen, her fingers rapidly tapping to navigate through a series of news articles."Thiago," she called out, her voice tight with concern.I emerged from the study, coffee mug in hand. "What’s wrong, love?"She looked up, her face pale. "It’s my father’s company. There are reports of financial troubles. They might be on the brink of bankruptcy."I set my mug down and approached her. "Bridgette, I know this is worrying, but you’re in no condition to take on stress right now. Let someone else handle it."Her brow furrowed, and I could see the determination in her eyes. "No, Thiago. I need to go back to Miami and look into this. If the company goes under, it’ll ruin everything my father worked for."I sighed, already sensing where this was headed. "You’re pregnant, Bridgette. Traveling, dealing with business stress—it’s not s
As Bridgette's pregnancy progressed, I became increasingly worried about leaving her alone while I went to work. Though she insisted she was fine, I knew better. She was stubborn but vulnerable, and I wasn’t about to take any chances.So, I decided to hire someone to look after her—a personal maid who could help with errands and chores, making Bridgette’s life easier while I wasn’t around.The morning I introduced the new maid, Clarisse, things didn’t exactly go as planned.When I brought Clarisse to the house, I was all smiles. "Bridgette, this is Clarisse. She’ll be helping out around here so you can rest more."Bridgette’s eyes narrowed as she took in Clarisse, who, admittedly, was strikingly beautiful. Tall, blonde, and perfectly poised, Clarisse looked like she’d just stepped out of a fashion magazine.Bridgette’s lips pressed into a thin line. "I don’t need a maid.""It’s just to help you," I said, trying to ease the tension. "She’ll handle everything—cleaning, errands, cooking—