~Helen’s POV~Dinner had been peaceful. The kids helped me cook, and when Marcus and Mom finally got home, we all sat together, eating and laughing like any other night. It was the kind of normalcy I craved—simple, warm, safe.But when night fell and the house grew quiet, I found myself lying awake, staring at the ceiling. The "prank" Liam had pulled earlier still gnawed at me."What if it wasn’t him? What if next time it’s real?"I rolled onto my side, shaking my head. You’re overthinking, Helen. Go to sleep.The house was silent. Everyone was asleep.Then, a sound.A faint thud from outside.I sat up, heart hammering.Liam.I let out a sigh, rubbing my temples. Oh, come on. You have to do this again?Grabbing my phone, I squinted at the screen—1:14 AM.Wait…My stomach twisted. Would Liam really be playing games at this hour?Then I heard it again—another noise, closer this time.I slid out of bed as quietly as possible, tiptoeing toward the door. The floor was cool beneath my feet.
~Ruby’s POV~"Hey, Ruby… I'm here now." Liam’s voice came through the phone.I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. "Oh… thanks, Liam. I really appreciate you doing this.""It's alright, Ruby. Anytime."I glanced at the time on my phone—almost 3 AM. I ran a hand through my hair, trying to calm the storm in my chest."What about the kids?" I asked, my voice softer now."They're here with us in the living room. They couldn't fall asleep," Liam replied.My heart ached at the thought. "Oh dear, they must be scared.""Yeah… I guess so."There was a pause, a heavy silence stretching between us. I could feel the questions waiting on Liam’s tongue, but he held back."Is Helen there with you?" I asked."Yeah… she's right here.""Alright… good." I exhaled slowly. I had to do something. The kids weren’t safe there, not after what had happened. "I think you'll have to bring the kids over, Liam."There was a brief silence."Oooooookay… when?" Liam asked."First thing tomorrow morning."
~Ruby’s POV~The moment I saw my kids, everything else faded."Mom!" Their voices rang out, high-pitched and filled with excitement as they sprinted toward me.I barely had time to brace myself before they crashed into my arms. My hands roamed over their backs, checking for injuries or anything unusual."How are you two doing?" I asked."We're fine," they chorused.Little Ruby tilted her head up at me, her dark curls bouncing. "It's been a while, Mom.""Yeah... I really missed you two." I squeezed them tighter, as if that would make up for lost time.Helen’s presence caught me off guard. "Helen? How—why did you come too?" I stammered.She nodded, a knowing look in her eyes. "I had to. Marcus can take care of Mom."I swallowed down my gratitude and hugged her too. "Good to see you."Then, I turned to Liam. He was standing there, arms crossed, waiting. He looked the same as always—casual, composed—but I knew him well enough to see the flicker of questions in his eyes."Liam," I said, st
~Roman’s POV~Hours earlier…The day's burdens felt overwhelming. My office was a mess of scattered files, unfinished reports, and half-empty coffee cups. I was exhausted, my brain fogged from hours of staring at documents that never seemed to end.With a sigh, I shoved the last folder aside and leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples."Enough."I needed a break.Dragging myself out of my office, I made my way to the living room. The couch welcomed me like an old friend as I sank into it, grabbing the remote and flipping through the channels mindlessly.Nothing caught my interest.That’s when my gaze landed on the iPad sitting on the coffee table.I hesitated.For a second, I debated whether to check or not. But curiosity won over restraint.I reached for the device and tapped into the camera feed linked to Ruby’s house.And what I saw made me sit up straighter.Liam.Helen.The kids.All walking into Ruby’s house.I stared at the screen, trying to process it. The kids weren’t sup
~Roman’s POV~I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling sharply.Oh my god.This changes everything.I turned my gaze to Rhett. If he already had this kind of strength at his age… it could only mean one thing.The prophecy might be true.I stared at him, my mind racing through possibilities. His innocent face held no idea of what he had just done, what it could mean. If he was already showing signs now, then there was no more time to waste.Before I could even process my next thought, the front door swung open.Ruby.I’d already heard her coming, already bracing myself for this conversation.“Hey, Mom!” The kids ran toward her, their voices light, innocent—completely unaware of the storm brewing between us.Ruby barely had time to acknowledge them before I stepped forward.“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked with a firm but low voice.She barely spared me a glance, her focus shifting. “Where’s Aunt Helen?”“At the back,” Rhett answered.Ruby let out a breath and then looked at the kids. “G
"And the award for Best Fashion Designer goes to... Ruby Blackwood!"My heart stopped. I heard the applause, but it was distant, muted, as if I had momentarily detached from the present. Me? Ruby Blackwood, Best Designer of the Year? It felt surreal.I stared at the stage in disbelief. The host smiled brightly, waiting for me to claim the award. The room, full of clapping and cheering people, seemed to blur as I tried to process what was happening.Suddenly, a small hand tugged at mine, snapping me back to reality."Mummy!" Rhett’s excited voice pulled me back to the present as he grinned up at me, pointing toward the stage. "Aren’t you going? They’re waiting!"I blinked, my pulse quickening. "Oh my God," I whispered under my breath, shaking off the daze. How could I forget? I had won! I had won.With shaky hands, I stood up from my seat, smoothing down the fabric of my black gown as I tried to compose myself. I could feel the eyes of the entire room on me, but amidst the sea of fa
If you're wondering how it all led to this moment, where Roman is staring at the twins with wide eyes and confusion, it’s time to revisit the past. The story that began not with love, but with a fateful marriage of convenience, where neither Roman nor I could have foreseen what would come next.SEVEN YEARS AGO"Do you, Ruby Blackwood, take Alpha Roman Wilder D’Angelo as your loving husband...?" The priest's voice echoed in my ears.My heart skipped a beat as he read out the vows, each word drawing me deeper into a reality I had not chosen.How did I end up in this situation? Marrying someone I'm meeting for the first time today, a man I know only by reputation—powerful, ruthless, and feared by all.The truth stung even more because it should have been my cousin, Esperanxa, standing here today, not me.She was meant to be the one sacrificed as a bride to secure my uncle's alliance with the D’Angelo pack."Ruby?" The mention of my name snapped me back to the present. The faces around me
I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came. My throat felt tight, and my brain scrambled to make sense of the chaos spinning inside me. The dull pounding in my head grew louder, syncing with the frantic beat of my heart.How did this happen? The last thing I remembered clearly was his lips on mine, and then—my gaze drifted down to where the sheets barely covered Roman's body.Oh God. What had we done?"What the hell are you doing in my bed?" Roman repeated sharply as he pushed himself up. His emerald eyes were no longer hazy with alcohol but hardened with confusion—and maybe regret."I—I don't know," I stammered, instinctively pulling the sheets up to cover myself. Heat flooded my cheeks as flashes of last night hit me like a freight train. The kiss, the roughness of his touch, the hardness of his member in me, the feverish way we collided into each other, desperately seeking something neither of us could define. And now this—the cold, harsh reality of daylight exposing everythin
~Roman’s POV~I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling sharply.Oh my god.This changes everything.I turned my gaze to Rhett. If he already had this kind of strength at his age… it could only mean one thing.The prophecy might be true.I stared at him, my mind racing through possibilities. His innocent face held no idea of what he had just done, what it could mean. If he was already showing signs now, then there was no more time to waste.Before I could even process my next thought, the front door swung open.Ruby.I’d already heard her coming, already bracing myself for this conversation.“Hey, Mom!” The kids ran toward her, their voices light, innocent—completely unaware of the storm brewing between us.Ruby barely had time to acknowledge them before I stepped forward.“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked with a firm but low voice.She barely spared me a glance, her focus shifting. “Where’s Aunt Helen?”“At the back,” Rhett answered.Ruby let out a breath and then looked at the kids. “G
~Roman’s POV~Hours earlier…The day's burdens felt overwhelming. My office was a mess of scattered files, unfinished reports, and half-empty coffee cups. I was exhausted, my brain fogged from hours of staring at documents that never seemed to end.With a sigh, I shoved the last folder aside and leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples."Enough."I needed a break.Dragging myself out of my office, I made my way to the living room. The couch welcomed me like an old friend as I sank into it, grabbing the remote and flipping through the channels mindlessly.Nothing caught my interest.That’s when my gaze landed on the iPad sitting on the coffee table.I hesitated.For a second, I debated whether to check or not. But curiosity won over restraint.I reached for the device and tapped into the camera feed linked to Ruby’s house.And what I saw made me sit up straighter.Liam.Helen.The kids.All walking into Ruby’s house.I stared at the screen, trying to process it. The kids weren’t sup
~Ruby’s POV~The moment I saw my kids, everything else faded."Mom!" Their voices rang out, high-pitched and filled with excitement as they sprinted toward me.I barely had time to brace myself before they crashed into my arms. My hands roamed over their backs, checking for injuries or anything unusual."How are you two doing?" I asked."We're fine," they chorused.Little Ruby tilted her head up at me, her dark curls bouncing. "It's been a while, Mom.""Yeah... I really missed you two." I squeezed them tighter, as if that would make up for lost time.Helen’s presence caught me off guard. "Helen? How—why did you come too?" I stammered.She nodded, a knowing look in her eyes. "I had to. Marcus can take care of Mom."I swallowed down my gratitude and hugged her too. "Good to see you."Then, I turned to Liam. He was standing there, arms crossed, waiting. He looked the same as always—casual, composed—but I knew him well enough to see the flicker of questions in his eyes."Liam," I said, st
~Ruby’s POV~"Hey, Ruby… I'm here now." Liam’s voice came through the phone.I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. "Oh… thanks, Liam. I really appreciate you doing this.""It's alright, Ruby. Anytime."I glanced at the time on my phone—almost 3 AM. I ran a hand through my hair, trying to calm the storm in my chest."What about the kids?" I asked, my voice softer now."They're here with us in the living room. They couldn't fall asleep," Liam replied.My heart ached at the thought. "Oh dear, they must be scared.""Yeah… I guess so."There was a pause, a heavy silence stretching between us. I could feel the questions waiting on Liam’s tongue, but he held back."Is Helen there with you?" I asked."Yeah… she's right here.""Alright… good." I exhaled slowly. I had to do something. The kids weren’t safe there, not after what had happened. "I think you'll have to bring the kids over, Liam."There was a brief silence."Oooooookay… when?" Liam asked."First thing tomorrow morning."
~Helen’s POV~Dinner had been peaceful. The kids helped me cook, and when Marcus and Mom finally got home, we all sat together, eating and laughing like any other night. It was the kind of normalcy I craved—simple, warm, safe.But when night fell and the house grew quiet, I found myself lying awake, staring at the ceiling. The "prank" Liam had pulled earlier still gnawed at me."What if it wasn’t him? What if next time it’s real?"I rolled onto my side, shaking my head. You’re overthinking, Helen. Go to sleep.The house was silent. Everyone was asleep.Then, a sound.A faint thud from outside.I sat up, heart hammering.Liam.I let out a sigh, rubbing my temples. Oh, come on. You have to do this again?Grabbing my phone, I squinted at the screen—1:14 AM.Wait…My stomach twisted. Would Liam really be playing games at this hour?Then I heard it again—another noise, closer this time.I slid out of bed as quietly as possible, tiptoeing toward the door. The floor was cool beneath my feet.
~Helen's POV~Shopping with two energetic kids and a man-child like Liam was an adventure in itself."Uncle Liam, are you here to also get us something?" Little Ruby asked, her eyes shining with hope.Liam placed a hand on his chest, feigning offense. "Of course! What do you take me for? Anything you want."Little Ruby gasped dramatically. "Really?""Yep, pick anything you wish," Liam confirmed.Rhett grinned. "Nice… double permission.""I'm so loving this day," Little Ruby added, practically bouncing in place.Liam and I exchanged amused glances, chuckling as we continued down the aisles.A few minutes later, after what felt like an eternity of indecisiveness, we were finally done."Is that all you want?" I asked, glancing at the overflowing cart."Yeah, it's all we want," Little Ruby said, nodding confidently."You sure about that?" Liam asked, arching an eyebrow.Rhett shrugged. "For now, though." He reached into the cart, holding up a familiar-looking package. "I also bought Mom’s
~Helen's POV~"SURPRISE!"A voice came from behind me, and I froze, my entire body stiffening. My heart pounded as my fingers curled around my phone. "Uncle Liam?" Rhett’s voice was barely audible, filled with disbelief."Uncle Liam!" he and Little Ruby chorused in excitement.I slowly turned; my breath caught in my throat, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. But as soon as I laid eyes on him, I felt the tension in my chest release."Liam?" I breathed out. "How is this even—?"Yet, there he was, crouched to the kids' level, his arms wide open, a grin on his face."How you doing, kiddos?" Liam asked, ruffling Rhett’s hair as they tackled him in a tight hug."We missed you!" Little Ruby said, her small hands gripping onto him like she’d never let go."What took you so long?" Rhett pouted."Sorry, kids. Been so, so busy with work. But I’m here now. How have you both been?" Liam said."We’ve been good!" they chorused."Thanks to Aunt Helen," Little Ruby added, looking up at me with
~Helen's POV~I adjusted my grip on the steering wheel as I glanced in the rearview mirror, watching little Ruby and Rhett chatter away in the back seat. The excitement in the car was a pleasant break from the tension that had been weighing on us all lately.I could have left them home with Mom or Marcus, maybe even asked them to make a list of what they wanted, but having them with me felt… safer. They’d be in a public place, surrounded by people. Less chance of anything going wrong."Make sure they don’t leave your sight." Ruby’s words echoed in my head.I swallowed the lump forming in my throat and forced a smile. Everything will be fine.As we drove to the store, the kids fired off random questions, their curiosity relentless as always."Aunt Helen, when is Mom coming back?" Little Ruby asked, her voice soft yet hopeful.For a moment, I hesitated. I hated lying to them. What am I supposed to say? That we have no idea when their mother will be back? That she’s tangled up in things
~Ruby's POV~"You’re leaving already?" I asked, watching Roman as he shifted his weight slightly."Ummm… perhaps soon. But I can stay if you want me to," he said, his gaze meeting mine.I waved a hand dismissively. "Naaaa… it’s alright."Roman studied me for a second. "You sure? Or are you scared Abel’s gonna return?"I exhaled, leaning against the couch. "Not really. Besides, if he was going to harm me, he wouldn’t have wasted time.""So you think he wants something else?" Roman asked, his voice dipping into a more serious tone."Yeah… but let’s wait and see first."Roman gave a slow nod. "Okay, if you say so."That caught me off guard. "You’re just… okay with that?" I asked, slightly surprised."Not entirely," he admitted. "But if your instincts tell you so, I’ll trust it… for now."I studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright… and about how it ended.""What ended?" Roman asked, a crease forming between his brows."Esperanza. Following her home?" I trailed off, waiting for re