Except for the little hum of activity coming from down the hall, Liam's waiting room is silent. With his arms crossed over his chest, he paces close to the window. Evelyn taps lightly on the armrest while sitting with her legs crossed. Fred leans against the wall, looking at the door and then at his phone. As they all wait for Louisa, tension pervades the air. A sense of relief fills the room as Louisa eventually enters, appearing worn out but neat. She brushes a hand through her hair and greets, "Morning," with a slight smile. "Mom!" Liam rushes over to her, his anxiety obvious. "What happened? Are you alright? We've been quite anxious.” "I’m fine, Liam," Louisa reassures him while putting a hand on his shoulder. She looks up at Evelyn and Fred saying, "I apologize for worrying you all. I was so worn out after leaving the hospital yesterday that I just dozed off and didn't wake up until this morning. I swear, nothing is wrong.” Evelyn looks at her for a ti
John becomes more and more uneasy as he goes back and forth in his living room. His phone's call log, which shows innumerable outgoing calls and unanswered texts to Evelyn over the previous few days, reveals his growing despair. She doesn't reply to any of his messages, which is a startling concern given her custom of responding promptly. He had visited her home twice and knocked repeatedly, but each time there had been no answer. The fact that a neighbor had casually said that he had seen her leave early in the morning did little to calm him. Seeing no other recourse, he decides to go see her at her office. He needs answers, but it seemed invasive. After a few hours, John arrives at Palmer Tech building, bubbling with a hive of activity, with staff and guests mingling in its modern lobby area. John tries to hide his anxiety as he walks up to the receptionist. He declares, "I'm here to see Evelyn Mayers." The receptionist gives him a quick look. “Do you have an ap
“Evelyn, please rest,” Louisa replies sarcastically, swirling the pen in her hand. “No badass men are all over me.” “Then, you're probably blind. Wait, why do you think Fred has been so good to you and your son?” Evelyn asks, her eyes narrowing in genuine curiousity to her friend's view. “We're friends and also neighbours.” Louisa states, leaning towards Evelyn to emphasize her point. Evelyn let out a low sarcastic laugh, “how naive can you be girl? Even a blind person knows Fred is very much into you?” “Dream on Eve, I personally do not see him that way, besides, he has never asked me out to–” Louisa's voice trails off as a realization hits her like the butt of a gun. She was supposed to go somewhere with Fred two nights ago! Although he didn't say where, he had asked her to go somewhere with him and she agreed. How did she totally forget, only to remember after two whole days! Fuck! She blinks severally and her mouth refuses to close, which catches Evelyn's attention. Sh
A while later, Liam drifts to sleep and Evelyn prepares to leave. “See you tomorrow,” she says, rising to her feet and grabbing her hand bag. Louisa rises as well. She follows Evelyn out the door. As they walk silently through the hallway to the parking lot, Evelyn suddenly nudges Louisa, “are you worried about how to face Fred?” Louisa heaves a sigh, “that too, but my major worry is how to tell Liam about his father. Kingsley wants me to do it as soon possible.” “You’re supposed to do that at will Louisa. You're a strong woman but let down your guard easily around Kingsley. He can't keep bullying you with what happened five years ago. You shouldn't let him. And most importantly, he shouldn't dictate to you when or what to tell Liam. It should be your decision.” Evelyn comments slowly, as they continue walking side by side. “He settled the bills. We will be going home next week.” Louisa says, her tone neutral. “That's only natural. Just don't get intimidated, am
High above New York City's busy streets, the penthouse is a gem of contemporary luxury. A continuous view of the skyline is provided by the floor-to-ceiling windows that run the length of the walls. The city below is a hive of activity but within the suite, everything is quiet. Wearing a sharply fitted suit, Kingsley Wills sits in a sleek leather recliner by the windows. A steaming cup of coffee is in his hand, and his dark hair is neatly styled. Richness and power are evident in the atmosphere, which is heavy with the aroma of espresso and polished wood. A few steps away, Hardy stands, holding a tablet and carrying a notepad under his arm. Although he has a professional stance, his expression has a tinge of doubt. Kingsley brakes the silence by leaning back in his chair and narrowing his eyes. He says, "Hardy, I need you to arrange for a house," with a tone of determination in his voice. “Something appropriate. spacious, contemporary, and in a desirable area. My s
As Fred sits at his desk looking through a patient's paperwork, there is a faint knock on the door. He looks up, startled to see Louisa standing there. He blinks and calls, "Louisa? You should have called me. Is everything okay?” With her arms folded and an undecided expression on her face, Louisa replies. “Yeah, but I thought it would be more convenient to speak here.” “Come in and sit,” Fred waves her over, glancing around the room. Luckily, other doctors are not present in the room. Louisa sits opposite Fred and he reclines in his seat, motioning for her to go on. Silence falls between them for a moment, awkward and heavy. Louisa avoids his stare by shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Despite his furrowed brow, Fred waits calmly. Louisa finally starts, "I simply want to express my gratitude," She speaks steadily yet softly. "For all that you have done for Liam and me. I don't think I've expressed how wonderful you have been enough.” Fred's s
The only sounds in the hospital room are the delicate rustle of pages and the soft beep of the heart monitor. With a storybook perched on her knee and her legs crossed, Louisa sits by Liam's bedside. Her sonorous voice brings the story to life as she reads it aloud. Liam, is leaning against a pile of cushions, listening carefully, his pale face focused on the story being read. "And the gallant knight was about to—" The door creaks open, and Louisa pauses in the middle of the story. Surprised, she looks up as Fred enters the room. His attitude is a mix of hesitation and determination as he holds a sleek boutique bag in his right hand. With a hint of humor in his deep voice, he says, "I hope I'm not disturbing story time?" “Uncle Fred!” Liam calls. He is always happy to have Fred around. Louisa straightens and thumps the book shut. "Fred, I thought you left?” “Yeah, I thought so too.” Fred replies jokingly. “Anyway, come on in, we just finished an adventurous dragon
There is a quiet hum of activity in the Wills Corporation halls, but the sharp click of Louisa's heels breaks the silence. She storms towards Kingsley's office with an unrelenting speed and a thunderous look. Helen, the receptionist's voice rises in alarm as she scampers after her, "Miss Emerson, you need an appointment—" But Louisa doesn't even reduce her speed. She shots back, "No! I don't." From around the corner, Hardy emerges, his expression a mask of worry. "Please, Ms. Louisa, Mr. Kingsley is in the midst of—" Louisa cuts in with a scathing, cutting voice, as she walks along, "I don't care. He doesn't expect me to sit still after sending that ridiculous text." "Please, Ma'am, just—" Helen and Hardy say at once, almost in a chorus.However, it is too late. Louisa is already in front of Kingsley's office.She hurls the double doors open without knocking and rushes inside. With the floor-to-ceiling windows framing the expansive city view, Kingsley sits majestically behind
Kingsley's lavish mansion is illuminated by the golden rays of the setting sun, creating a fascinating atmosphere for Liam's fifth birthday celebration. Music, laughter, and the vivid hues of balloons and streamers fills the garden. With endless energy, a few children run around, their laughter mingling with the gentle murmur of adult conversation. With his arm loosely around Louisa's waist in a romantic manner, Kingsley steps close to the imposing fountain. They share a look that says it all: years of hardships, miscommunications, and heartache has brought them to this point, stronger and more in love than ever. Their entire world revolves around their baby, Liam, and this day is a celebration of both his life and their family's tenacity. As she watches Liam blow out his candles in front of his young buddies, Louisa murmurs, "Look at him," in a proud tone. "He's very happy. So deserving, he has been a strong boy.” Kingsley answers with a gentle kiss on her temple. "Just
"Martha?" Louisa calls in a scarcely discernible whisper. Martha stands there with a serene face and inquisitive gaze. "Louisa," she says quietly. Louisa feels fear take hold of her chest. How did Martha even know her house? Yeah well, she probably asked Evelyn. But why did she have to visit now of all times? Kingsley is inside her house, even though she had assured Martha that she would let go of him only a few hours earlier. Martha may misinterpret things if she sees him with her. But before Louisa can come up with an excuse, to dismiss Martha or go out with her, Kingsley speaks. "Who is it?" The sound of Kingsley's footsteps approaching was followed by his voice coming from behind her. Louisa's face becomes pale as she turns slightly. "It is….” When Kingsley comes into view, he spots Martha standing at the door, and his eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Martha?" Martha's expression is unreadable as her eyes darts between them. Now knowing the reason for Louisa's sh
Kingsley's heart races in his chest as he stands outside Louisa's apartment. He had been pacing his living room for hours, struggling with his feelings. Ultimately, though, he knows he has to speak with Louisa. They have to be together, no matter what happens. Louisa's face changes from surprise to a kind of reserved resignation as she opens the door. Silently, she moves out of the way to let him in. "Daddy!" Before Kingsley can speak, Liam's voice calls excitedly, his face lighting up with unbridled excitement as he rushes into Kingsley's legs. Kingsley kneels down and embraces Liam tightly. "Hey son. You were missed.” "I also missed you! Will you be here for dinner? Liam questions, hope glimmering in his eyes. With a gentle giggle, Kingsley runs a hand through Liam's hair. "No son, not tonight. But you need to go spend some time playing in your room, okay? I must speak with your mother.” Liam pauses, looking from one parent to the other. "All right, but promise y
Fred had been getting ready for the evening all day. He had selected one of the best bars in the city, renowned for its quiet jazz, cozy atmosphere, and wine selection that would please even the pickiest connoisseur. He had gone above and beyond by placing an advance order for Linda's favorite meal and a bottle of wine that she had mentioned in passing months prior during a conversation at work. Fred is early, straightening his tie and gazing around the table he had reserved at the window, which overlooks the lights of the city. It has to be flawless. Fred's breath sticks in his throat as Linda enters, looking stunning. She accessorized her figure-hugging black dress with subtle jewelry that gleams in the low light. Fred's pulse skips a beat as her hair falls over her shoulders and she walks with assurance. Her voice is pleasant, yet tinged with suspicion as she says, "Fred. It looks so good in here, " as she looks around, admiring the bar. Fred gets up and drags her
Standing before Martha's hotel suite door, Louisa pauses. She knocks softly after her knuckles briefly hover over the glossy wood. The door opens as the faint sound of footfall nears, and Martha appears, her face instantly changing from one of surprise to one of cautious mistrust. "Louisa?" Martha's hand tightens on the doorframe as she speaks sharply. "How are you aware of my lodging arrangements?" Louisa smiles slightly, disarmingly. "Martha, you're my friend. Even if you don't want me to, I would be aware of your location. Martha pauses, obviously surprised by the answer, but her skepticism remains unshaken. Reluctantly, she moves aside to let Louisa in. It is a tidy, impersonal room, the sort of transitory place that is less like a home and more like a waiting room. Louisa calmly and deliberately sits down in one of the window-facing chairs. Martha crosses her arms and stays upright. "Louisa, why are you here?" Martha speaks in a clipped tone. "You're wasting
Although Louisa is hardly aware of it, the R&D department at Palmer Tech is bustling as usual. The cursor on her computer screen is blinking impatiently as she sits at her desk and stares blankly. Her team is busy around her, talking about testing plans and prototypes, but their voices are muffled by the flurry of ideas racing through her head. "Miss Emerson?" A hesitant voice pierces her fog. One of her less experienced developers, Carter, is clutching a tablet. "I want to present the project's revised design specifications to you. I believe we've resolved the—” "Have you checked it again?" Louisa abruptly interrupts him with a snap. Carter blinks in surprise at her tone. "Yeah, but I figured you'd like to—" "Why bring it to me if you think it is good enough? Carter, do your job. I don't have time to obsess over every little thing.” There is silence in the room. Carter takes a step back, holding the iPad as her crew exchange suspicious looks. “I apologize. I'll che
With her mind full of unrelenting thoughts, Louisa frantically packs Liam's school bag as the morning light streams through the curtains. Simultaneously, her hands tucked in a folder of his drawings, a lunchbox, and a water bottle. With his unlimited enthusiasm, Liam, who is already wearing his school uniform, dances about the living room behind her. "Mom! I'm ready!” Liam yells. Louisa looks at the clock and says, "Just a minute, sweetheart." They are late. The doorbell rings as she zips the bag closed and sets it on the table. "I'll get it, Mom!" Liam shouts and runs to the door. "Hold on, Liam!" Louisa begins, but he has already flung it open. "Uncle Hardy!" Liam shouts, his voice full of happiness. "You're here!" Louisa's forehead furrows as she turns. Hardy's towering body fills the entryway as he stands there. There is a glimmer of something in his eyes that Louisa can't quite identify, but he is grinning as usual. "Hey, Liam!" Hardy ruffles his hair. "Ho
Evelyn rests her head on John's chest as she nestles up against him on his soft sofa. Soft music hums in the background and the room is filled with the warmth of the fireplace. John put an arm around her, his fingers idly making patterns on her shoulder while they laughed quietly at a ridiculous story from the day before. However, when the laughing subsides, John becomes aware of Evelyn's aloof expression. He tilts his head to gaze at her and remarks, "You're quiet tonight," gently. "Are you still concerned about us? Or is it about my family again?” With a slight smile on her lips, Evelyn shakes her head. "No, John, you are everything I desire, and regarding your family, I have already made up my mind. I will do whatever it takes to defend our love. That matter has been resolved.” John's hand moves to tuck a stray hair behind her ear as his lips form an excited smile. "That's my girl. As courageous and unyielding as ever.” His voice lowers to a playful whisper as he plants
The rumpled blankets are evidence of Kingsley's restless night as he sleeps, sprawled over his bed. Except for the dim golden light that filters through the borders, the room is dark and subdued, due to the closed drapes. The floor is littered with empty champagne bottles, a silent reminder of his fruitless attempts to block out his thoughts. His tie dangles loosely from the bedpost, and his suit jacket is crumpled in one area. He is startled out of his wits by a knock on the door. Unwilling to confront anyone, he moans, but the knock is louder this time. "Boss? It's Hardy. Are you inside?” Kingsley rubs his hand over his scruffy face and mumbles a curse. "Come in," he rasps at last. With a creak, the door opens, and Hardy enters, his worried features inscribed on his face. He looks around the room right away, soaking in the commotion. The bottles, the messy bed, and his boss's rumpled appearance present a picture that is very different from the calm and authoritat