The day had arrived, three months after the harrowing incident that had brought their lives to the brink. The grand baby shower was a celebration of life, a testament to the strength and resilience of their bonds. Brixlee stood in her room, a radiant smile gracing her lips as she admired her reflection. Her baby bump had grown substantially.Nathan's voice pulled her from her reverie as he entered the room. His eyes were filled with admiration as he looked at his wife. "You look absolutely stunning, Brixlee."Brixlee's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue as she met his gaze. "Thank you, Nathan. I'm excited for today."He gently took her hand, his touch reassuring as he led her downstairs. The sight that greeted them was breathtaking — the house adorned with beautiful decorations, a testament to the love and care their friends had poured into organizing the event.The party began in full swing, laughter and joy filling the air as friends and loved ones gathered around Brixlee. Each gi
"The greatest battles of life are fought not with fists, but with resilience, strength, and the power to say no."The music pulsed through the air, filling the dimly lit room with electric energy. Bodies swayed and moved in rhythm, lost in the allure of the night. Brixlee Cyrup found herself amidst the crowd, her red dress shimmering under the disco lights. But her heart raced not with excitement, but with unease.He suddenly tightened his grip on her, pulling her closer, and his lips crashed onto hers with force. His rough kiss sent tremors down her spine, but she knew, even in their drunken state, that she hadn't consented to this invasion. His cold grip on her shoulder made her shudder as he trailed his lips along her neck and collarbone, his fingers tracing the straps of her dress.Rage welled up within Brixlee, and she clenched her fists, gathering all her strength. With a burst of fury, she pushed him away, her palm striking his cheek with a resounding slap. The impact sent him
Chapter-2"The past is a place of reference, not residence."Brixlee Cyrup had just finished her interview in less than ten minutes, and she wasn't feeling good about it. She knew she wasn't going to get the job. Figures, she wasn't qualified; she was just a high school graduate, after all.At that moment, regret flooded over her for not going to college. She had faced an identity crisis in high school after a terrible breakup, and she had thought college would be a waste of time. Her grandpa, the only family she had, had tried to stop her, but she had told him there was no need for her to work because she was pretty and could easily find a rich guy to marry.Well, she wasn't wrong. She was indeed pretty, a stunning young woman in her early 20s with a beautiful face and a graceful figure. She had sparkling eyes, full lips, and a warm smile. Her long silky hair complemented her brown skin.But even with all this, she still hadn't found a rich guy to marry. It turns out she was too naiv
"Welcome to the team. We're glad to have you on board," Nathan Grey said with a warm smile as Brixlee stood before him.Her eyes widened in shock, her racing heart and shivering body revealing her inner turmoil. She tightly clenched her fists, grappling with the realization that he didn't remember her. Was he pretending, or had the memory truly faded?Though their previous encounter had occurred in a drunken haze, she needed this job desperately and chose to set aside her past grievances.Brixlee slowly raised her head, meeting Nathan's innocent gaze. A sense of relief washed over her, replacing her initial fear and doubt."I'm happy to be on the team, boss," she muttered, her voice filled with mixed emotions, still locked in his eyes.Nathan, the CEO, introduced himself with a seductive smile, which captivated Brixlee.Unconsciously, she found herself mirroring his smile. He handed her a file, and as she examined its contents, his schedule for the week, she couldn't help but apprecia
Chapter-4"In the shadows, secrets stir, awaiting the light of truth to reveal their hidden depths."Finally, the seminar concluded around 8:49 PM, leaving Brixlee feeling exhausted. Eager to leave, she hurriedly stormed out of the hall, making her way through the building. As she reached the ground floor, she accidentally bumped into a lady wearing a hoodie and dark sunglasses."Watch where you're going!" the young lady snapped at her, clearly agitated."Why do I keep bumping into people?" Brixlee murmured to herself, annoyed by the situation."I'm sorry," Brixlee quickly apologized, attempting to make peace. However, the young lady with black hair, long lashes, and Irish blue eyes seemed uninterested in resolving the situation."Do you know who I am?" she asked, almost challenging Brixlee.Brixlee was taken aback, wondering who this person could be."I'm sorry, I don't...""I'm Talia Mendez, and you bumped into me!" the young lady exclaimed as if that should explain everything.Brix
Next day…Nathan Grey's patience was tested as he paced back and forth, waiting impatiently for Tyler and Brixlee to arrive for the crucial meeting. Although he had instructed them to come early, they seemed to have defied his request. The meeting meant everything to him, and it was the only thing standing between him and becoming the largest tech company in the world. Nathan was ready to settle for anything to achieve his goal.Finally, Tyler walked in, staring intently at his phone. It was clear that something about him was different. He was dressed in an overall red tuxedo and was smiling more than usual. Nathan was taken aback by his appearance. Tyler had always been a casual guy, always wearing jeans and hoodies. Nathan's initial reaction was to attack Tyler in a low tone for being late, but he held himself back and waited for Brixlee to arrive.Minutes later, Brixlee walked in, and Nathan frowned. She was the last to arrive, but she smiled, unlike Nathan's flared nostrils. Brixl
Brixlee walked into the office, deep in thought about the deal she had made with Xavier. She had finally agreed to do the fashion show if he would help them with the riddle. She had mixed emotions about it, but if that was the only way to help Nathan then it was worth it. Dropping her bag on her desk, she noticed Nathan with his head resting on the table, fast asleep. She quietly took a seat at her desk, trying not to wake him.Suddenly, Tyler walked in, loudly announcing his presence and disrupting Nathan's sleep. Nathan looked at her for a few seconds and smiled wryly."When did you get here??" he asked."Just now," Brixlee replied back.Tyler rested on Brixlee's desk and let out a sigh of frustration. "I found nothing! Maybe we should try finding new investors," he said."You don't think I've tried?" Nathan replied, annoyed, "Jessica Lopez is the only one interested in investing in the new smart patch. Sorry to burst your bubble, but we're stuck with her.""It's okay. We still have
"Fear is not the enemy. It is a compass pointing you to the areas where you need to grow.""Don't leave," Nathan pleaded, his grip on Brixlee's hand tightening. She turned to look at him, and his face was so close to hers that she could feel his breath on her skin. For a brief, dizzying moment, her heart raced faster than ever before. Was he always this attractive? She quickly pulled her hand away and pressed her palms to her racing heart. "I think you should get some sleep now," she said softly, her tone gentle. Helping him back to the couch, Brixlee watched as Nathan dozed off. When she was convinced he was deeply asleep, she silently slipped out of the door and into the big lawn outside the gate.It was almost midnight, and the streets were eerily quiet as Brixlee tried to hail a cab. Her anxiety grew as she noticed a car with black tinted windows slowly tailing her from behind. She quickened her pace, knowing all too well about the dangers of walking alone at night. The car contin
The day had arrived, three months after the harrowing incident that had brought their lives to the brink. The grand baby shower was a celebration of life, a testament to the strength and resilience of their bonds. Brixlee stood in her room, a radiant smile gracing her lips as she admired her reflection. Her baby bump had grown substantially.Nathan's voice pulled her from her reverie as he entered the room. His eyes were filled with admiration as he looked at his wife. "You look absolutely stunning, Brixlee."Brixlee's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue as she met his gaze. "Thank you, Nathan. I'm excited for today."He gently took her hand, his touch reassuring as he led her downstairs. The sight that greeted them was breathtaking — the house adorned with beautiful decorations, a testament to the love and care their friends had poured into organizing the event.The party began in full swing, laughter and joy filling the air as friends and loved ones gathered around Brixlee. Each gi
Nathan's heart raced as he was finally freed from the chair he was tied to, his thoughts consumed by the sight of Brixlee, wounded and in pain. He rushed to her side, his arms wrapping protectively around her trembling form. Panic and desperation surged through him as he saw blood seeping from her stomach, his voice a mixture of fear and urgency. "Brixlee, stay with me. Help is on the way. You're going to be okay."Brixlee's breaths came in shallow gasps as she clung to Nathan's presence. She fought to stay conscious, her gaze locked onto Nathan's as she whispered, "I... I'm scared, Nathan."Nathan's voice trembled, his emotions laid bare as he held her close. "I know, Brixlee. I'm here with you. You're strong, and we'll get through this together."Soon, the ambulances arrived. Paramedics swiftly took charge, attending to Brixlee's injuries and stabilizing her condition.With gentle but hurried movements, they placed Brixlee and Fredia onto stretchers, securing them carefully. Nathan'
Just as their hiding spot was about to be exposed, Nathan's swift action shattered the tension. He leaped out of their hiding place, his determination to protect his family evident in his every movement. Brixlee watched in a mixture of terror and admiration as Nathan confronted the masked man.Nathan's bravery did not go unnoticed, and he was swiftly captured by the masked man. Brixlee's breath caught, her grip on her emotions slipping as she watched her husband being led away. Her heart screamed with a mix of worry, helplessness. As the masked men secured Nathan and the others, Brixlee's mind raced, she needed to protect her family. As the masked men's attention was occupied, she seized the moment. With trembling hands and a racing heart, Brixlee stealthily crept out of the kitchen, her footsteps light against the floor. Her heart pounded in her chest, her thoughts consumed by the image of Nathan and the safety of their unborn child. Brixlee ascended the stairs, her steps careful a
“Say hello to my shitty friends” Six masked men stood at the door, their menacing presence causing the room to fall silent. Brixlee's heart raced as her eyes widened in shock. Beside her, Nathan's expression hardened, his protective instincts kicking in. Among the masked men, a figure stood out — Ronnie Anne, a friend who had suddenly turned to a foe. The air grew thick with tension as she locked eyes with Brixlee, her gaze cold and unyielding."Get on your knees!" Ronnie Anne's voice was sharp, her words cutting through the room like a blade. Brixlee's knees trembled, and a shiver ran down her spine as fear gripped her. She sank to her knees, her mind racing to process the unfolding nightmare."Why are you doing this, Ronnie Anne?" Nathan's voice was steady, a pillar of strength amidst the chaos. His attempts to keep Brixlee calm were evident in the gentle squeeze of his hand on her shoulder.Ronnie Anne's lips curled into a sinister smile as she spoke, her voice laced with bitt
Patty's mind raced, and in a split second, she concocted a lie. "Oh, Talia, I was just trying on Brixlee's robe," she said with an attempt at nonchalance, her cheeks flushed.Talia's gaze flickered between Patty and the robe, her expression a mix of disbelief and incredulity. "Trying on Brixlee's robe?" she repeated, a hint of skepticism in her tone. "Why?"Patty shrugged, feigning casualness. "I saw it earlier and thought it might look good on me. You know, I was thinking of getting a similar one."Talia's skepticism lingered, but she seemed to accept the explanation. "Well, okay then. Just... remember to ask next time, alright?"Patty nodded, her heart still racing from the near miss. "Of course, sorry about that," she replied, attempting to appear contrite.With a lingering glance at Patty, Talia turned and left the room, the door closing behind her. Patty let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her pulse gradually returning to normal.After a moment to collect hersel
“Brixlee said we should stop by th…the…errr… fortune village to get our fortunes read so we should probably start going” Fredia stammered.Nathan furrowed his eyebrows, “Why should we get our fortunes read?” he asked, confused.“I mean your fortune. She said…by knowing the father’s fortune, you can predict the baby’s future” Fredia explained, hoping Nathan had bought his lie.Surprisingly, he did, “That tracks, that sounds like something Brixlee would say” he said with a smile. “We should get going, i don’t want to miss the movie”As Nathan and Fredia made to leave, Ronnie Anne stopped them.“You’re leaving without finishing the potrait?” She asked, her face suddenly stern.“Yeah, maybe some other time” Nathan replied.Ronnie Anne suddenly scoffed, “Do you always leave everything just like that because you got tired of it?!” she asked as Nathan and Fredia exchanged glances at her suddenly outburst.“Excuse me?” Nathan asked, still surprised.Ronnie Anne quickly cautioned herself, “I’m
Two Weeks Later… The early morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. It was a tranquil Sunday morning, and a sense of excitement filled the air as Brixlee carefully held a vibrant balloon and a small, wrapped present in her hands. She stood beside Nathan's bed, a warm smile playing on her lips as she watched him sleep peacefully.As the gentle rise and fall of his chest indicated that he was starting to stir, Brixlee's heart fluttered with anticipation. She took a quiet step closer to the bed, her eyes fixed on Nathan's serene expression. Today was a day of celebration, a day to shower him with love and joy.Nathan's eyelids fluttered open, and his gaze met Brixlee's, surprise evident in his eyes as he registered her presence. Brixlee's smile widened, and she held the balloon higher, the colorful ribbon dancing in the air. "Happy birthday, Nathan!" she greeted, her voice infused with genuine warmth.Nathan blinked, momentarily
Nathan sat in his office, going through some files. He was engrossed in reviewing a stack of documents when the door swung open, and Paige walked in. Her eyes were fixed intently on her phone, a small smile playing on her lips. Curiosity piqued, Nathan looked up from his work and raised an eyebrow. "Paige, what's got you so captivated?" Paige's gaze shifted from her phone to Nathan, and her smile widened. "Oh, hi Mr. Grey. Sorry to interrupt, but I'm just watching your wife’s show. I'm a big fan of hers." Nathan's interest was piqued, and he leaned back in his chair. "Brixlee's show, huh? What's today's episode about?" Paige's eyes gleaned as she replied, "It's really interesting. She's helping her friend Emily find clarity about her husband." Nathan's curiosity deepened, and he couldn't help but ask, "Clarity about her husband? How so?" Paige's grin grew wider, this was it. Her role was to make sure Nathan watched the podcast or at least learn about it in order to set their
With the shirt still in Brixlee’s hands, she walked out of the bedroom and down the hall to the living room. Nathan was sitting on the couch, engrossed in reading a book. He looked up and smiled warmly as he saw her approach. "Brix, everything okay?" he asked, sensing her unease. Her heart pounded in her chest as she hesitated, unsure of how to bring up the topic. Taking a deep breath, she finally spoke up, her voice tinged with concern. "Nothing, I just wanted to know if you needed anything” she lied, hiding the shirt behind her flowing gown. Nathan's brows furrowed as he looked at her in surprise,"I’m fine, Brix," he replied, going back to the book he was reading. Brixlee's heart sank, her mind racing with possibilities. She wanted to trust Nathan, but the sight of the lipstick stain stirred doubts in her. She couldn’t bring herself to question him also even though it bothered her. She didn’t want anything to come between them or cause any misunderstanding. She made her way