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
That evening, the house was calm, the kind of peace I’d come to treasure lately. Bridgette was curled up on the couch, flipping through a baby name book with a focused look that could rival any boardroom negotiation. I was in the adjacent study, catching up on work while keeping an ear out for her.Suddenly, I heard her gasp, a sharp intake of breath that sent me bolting out of my chair.“Bridgette?” I called out, rushing into the living room.She was clutching her belly, her face pale and tense. “Thiago, I—I think I’m having cramps.”My heart stopped for a second before surging into overdrive. I dropped to my knees in front of her, my hands hovering near hers as panic crept into my voice. “Cramps? How bad? Where exactly?”“It’s... not unbearable, but it’s sharp,” she said, her voice trembling. “I don’t know what’s happening. Is it normal?”“I’m not taking any chances,” I said, grabbing my phone. “We’re going to the hospital. Now.”The drive to the hospital felt like an eternity, even
The next day began with sunlight streaming through the curtains. Bridgette was still curled up in bed, her hair a cascade of soft waves across the pillow. I slipped out quietly, determined to make her morning special.In the kitchen, I found myself chopping fruit for a smoothie—mangoes, strawberries, and a hint of mint, just the way she liked it. Cooking was never my forte, but for Bridgette, I’d learned.As I brought the tray into the bedroom, she stirred, her eyes fluttering open.“Good morning, sleepyhead,” I said, placing the tray beside her.She blinked at me, then at the tray. “Breakfast in bed? What did I do to deserve this?”I grinned. “For putting up with me, mostly.”Her laughter was the sweetest sound.Later in the afternoon, I had a surprise planned.“Where are we going?” she asked as I led her outside.“You’ll see,” I said, guiding her to the car.We drove to a property just outside Monaco, where I’d been secretly working on something special—a nursery designed specifical
The jet cut through the night sky, its engines humming beneath us like a beast biding its time. I sat stiffly in my seat, staring out the window at the endless black void below. The reality of what was happening still hadn’t fully settled.My mother was alive.And she was in Spain.I turned my head, watching Thiago from the corner of my eye. He had leaned back, fingers tapping against his glass in slow, measured beats. His eyes were on me, as if he was waiting for me to break the silence.I refused to give him that satisfaction.Instead, I asked the one question that had been burning in my mind since we took off.“How long have you known?”Thiago’s tapping stopped. He didn’t look away, didn’t flinch. “A few weeks.”A sharp breath left my lips. “A few weeks?” I repeated, my voice cold. “You let me believe she was dead for weeks?”“I didn’t let you believe anything,” he corrected. “I was gathering proof. If I had told you too soon, you would have gone straight to your father and gotten
The private jet hummed softly beneath us, a stark contrast to the storm brewing in my chest. Spain. My mother. The words still didn't fit together in my mind. For years, I had assumed she was dead, lost in the wreckage of my father’s games. And now, she was suddenly alive? Hiding in another country?I gripped the armrest, my nails digging into the leather. “How long have you known she was in Spain?”Thiago didn’t hesitate. “A few weeks.”A sharp, bitter laugh escaped me. “And you just decided to tell me now?”He swirled the last of his drink before setting the glass down with a soft clink. “I told you when it mattered.”“When it mattered to you.”His jaw flexed, but he didn’t deny it. Of course, he wouldn’t. Thiago Bermudez wasn’t the kind of man to offer apologies.I crossed my arms, my body tight with frustration. “You should have told me the moment you knew.”His dark eyes settled on mine, unreadable but heavy with something that made my breath catch. “Would it have changed anythin
Thiago’s words lingered long after he pulled away, their weight settling like lead in my chest.You should have let me handle it.I clenched my fists, refusing to let his voice take root in my head. I had spent years fighting my battles alone, carving my own path despite my father’s suffocating grip. And now, for the first time, I had won. I had backed him into a corner, forced him to sign away what he had stolen.So why didn’t it feel like a victory?I forced a deep breath, turning away from Thiago. “I need a shower.”“Of course you do.” His voice was smooth, calculated. He leaned against the suite’s bar, watching me with an unreadable expression. “You always run when you don’t want to deal with something.”I froze mid-step but didn’t turn around. “I’m not running.”“No?” I heard the ice clink in his glass as he poured himself a drink. “Then look me in the eye and tell me you don’t feel it.”Feel what? The suffocating tension? The invisible noose tightening around my throat? The way
My heels clicked against the polished marble of the lobby, my heart still hammering in my chest. The rush of adrenaline hadn’t worn off yet, but the weight of what had just happened was starting to settle.I had won. I had finally backed my father into a corner, made him sign away the power he had stolen.So why did it still feel like a hollow victory?I pushed the thought away and focused on the present.Thiago followed a few steps behind, silent but watchful. I could feel his gaze on me, tracking every breath, every twitch of my fingers. He was still angry. No, not just angry—furious.And I wasn’t in the mood to deal with it.The moment we reached the car, I yanked the door open, but before I could slip inside, his hand shot out, slamming it shut again.I turned to him, fire flashing in my eyes. “Don’t.”Thiago stepped closer, his body blocking mine from the street, from the world. “You’re shaking.”I clenched my fists. “I’m fine.”His gaze swept over me, slow and calculated, readin
The silence stretched between us, thick and suffocating. My father’s fingers tapped against the rim of his whiskey glass, his mind working through the implications of what I’d just said. He was a master manipulator, but this time? He had backed himself into a corner.“You don’t have proof,” he said finally, but there was something uncertain in his voice.I leaned against his desk, forcing a smirk. “Oh, but I do.”Lucia’s voice crackled in my earpiece. “We have everything, Bridgette. His authorizations, timestamps, and even the IP addresses he used. All trace back to him.”I didn’t break eye contact. “I have enough to bury you in court. Fraud. Embezzlement. You’d be finished.”His jaw clenched, and for the first time, a flicker of unease crossed his face.Thiago, standing just behind me, chuckled lowly. “She’s not bluffing, Martinez.”I felt the heat of his presence at my back—solid, unwavering. And I hated that some part of me found comfort in it.My father exhaled slowly, setting his
I stormed through the ballroom doors, my heels clicking against the marble as I pressed a hand to my earpiece."Lucia, where’s Victor?" My voice was sharp, betraying none of the unease curling in my gut."Already on it," she replied. "He's pulling up transaction records now. But, Bridgette—""Just tell me."Lucia hesitated. "It looks internal."I froze mid-step.Internal?A chill swept through me. This wasn’t just some competitor hacking our accounts. This was someone inside Martinez Holdings.I pushed forward, ignoring the glances thrown my way as I made my way toward the exit. I needed to get to my office. Now.But then—A hand closed around my wrist.Firm. Possessive. Familiar.I turned sharply, my gaze colliding with Thiago’s. His eyes—dark, unreadable—searched mine."Let go," I said, my voice colder than ice.He didn’t. Instead, he studied me like I was a puzzle he was piecing together."Someone stole from you," he murmured. It wasn’t a question. He already knew.I yanked my wris
The world still saw me as Bridgette Martinez, the woman who clawed her way to the top, but behind closed doors, I was fighting battles that no one could see.Thiago's encroachment wasn’t just financial. It was personal. Everywhere I turned, he was there—at high-profile investor meetings, in the whispers of board members questioning my next move, in the shadow of every deal I tried to secure.And worst of all?He was still in my head.I sat at the head of the table, my expression unreadable as Lucia and Victor debriefed me on the latest developments.Lucia tossed a report onto the table. "Thiago's now the second-largest shareholder in Martinez Holdings."Victor leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "At this rate, it won’t be long before he’s in a position to demand a seat on the board."A chill crawled up my spine. I had spent years making sure no one—not my father, not Cynthia, not any man—could take my power away. And yet, Thiago was tightening his grip without ever raising
I woke up tangled in silk sheets, the ghost of Thiago’s touch lingering on my skin. The city skyline stretched beyond the glass walls of the penthouse, bathed in the pale hues of dawn. For a moment, I let myself savor the illusion of peace.Then reality sank its claws back in.Cynthia was gone, but her words still echoed in my mind. You’ve only traded one cage for another.I turned my head slightly. Thiago was still asleep, his features relaxed in a way I rarely saw. But even in sleep, he exuded control—one arm draped possessively over my waist, his grip loose but firm.Carefully, I slipped out of bed, moving toward the floor-to-ceiling window. The city buzzed below, alive with possibilities and dangers.I wasn’t naive.Thiago’s offer of a merger was strategic, but it wasn’t just about business. He wanted control. Over the empire I had fought to build. Over me.And the worst part?I wasn’t sure I minded.A soft rustle behind me made me tense. “You’re thinking too much.”I turned to fi
…me a knowing look. “Doesn’t matter. It’s about perception.”I sank into the chair across from him, exhaling sharply. “So, what’s our move?”He smiled.That slow, dangerous smile that always meant trouble.A Week LaterCynthia was gone. Her empire, shattered. Her name, tarnished.But the world didn’t pause for my victory. The moment she fell, new threats emerged—rival companies trying to swoop in, investors questioning my leadership, and whispers in the dark from people who had once feared Cynthia but now saw an opening to take me down.And then there was Thiago.Always watching. Always waiting.It was late when he finally cornered me in my office, his presence stealing the air from the room.“You’ve been avoiding me, Wifey.” His voice was smooth, but there was something sharp underneath it.I didn’t look up from the contract I was reviewing. “I’ve been busy.”Thiago chuckled, low and knowing. “Bullshit. You’re running, and we both know why.”I exhaled slowly, finally meeting his gaze