With a broad smile on his face, Kingsley stands outside Louisa's apartment complex. He is excited to witness his son's reaction when he decides to surprise him with dinner and cake. Riding the elevator to the third floor, he enters the door code Louisa had given him previously and the door swings open.With a large chocolate cake and bags of food in his arms, he enters and calls, "Hello? Liam, daddy is here." However, no answer comes. He calls around the apartment, “Bem! Liam!” But still no response. He realizes that the flat is vacant, causing his smile to waver. When he reaches for his phone and tries to call Louisa, his call is directed to her voicemail. She doesn't answer when he tries again. A little deflated, Kingsley sighs. All day, he had been anticipating his time with Liam. However, he chooses to wait just in case Liam or Louisa, or, by good fortune, both of them return soon.He doesn't fancy the idea of the food and his effort going to waste, and the good part, a
Before Kingsley can get out of the way, he gets the brunt of it. Cake, fudge, frosting, and a whole tiger lily plastered themselves in front of his shirt.Louisa stands there, between the coffee table and the couch where her phone has now stopped ringing, mouth agape, staring at the mess.Kingsley's countenance is one of utter shock as he stares at his white shirt.Louisa finally regains her self-composure, “Oh my goodness! I am sorry, I am so sorry. I hope the shirt is not too expensive?”“Expensive or not, it's the only one I have at the moment,” he replies, slowly picking the lily out of the chocolate mess in his front pocket. He set it by the remains of the cake.“Do you perhaps have something I can wear, just long enough to clean this one?” Louisa makes for her closet immediately, “Probably, let me check….I think I should”Kingsley stays put at the table and carefully removes his shirt. He uses the once-white linen to brush off the front of his pants. “So messed up,” he mumble
As if they'd been caught in the act of committing a crime, both of them leaped back in shock as if jolted by an electric shock. Startled, their eyes meet but they both look away instantly. Kingsley scratches the back of his head uncomfortably. Before he can say another word, Louisa blurts, “I'll get it!” and hurries to the door. With a trembling breath, Kingsley sits down at the edge of the couch and runs a hand through his hair. The kiss–or near kiss–whatever it was, still pounds in his heart. Nervously, Louisa straightens her baggy sweater and peers through the peephole. When she sees the person waiting outside, her stomach turns over. Fred. Of all people! She doesn't like the idea of Fred knowing that Kingsley has passed the night at her place again. She doesn't want drama or unnecessary explanations so early in the morning. But she can't very well ask Kingsley to hide himself without seeming suspicious. Taking a calming breath, she decides to put up an act. Sh
Cordelia groans softly, her head thumping like an unrelenting drum, as the early light streams through her curtains. The previous night's events continue to replay in her head, each one more damning than the last. Anxiety and regret had kept her restless, and she had hardly slept at all. Marie Craig, of all people, had caught them in the act. Got them! She feels nauseous again at the thought of Marie's cold voice. Cordelia doesn't know what Alan would say or do next, or what Marie would do. Doubt gnaws at her, causing her stomach to turn. She knows that although she likes Alan a lot, he does not feel the same about her. She only serves as a little diversion from his otherwise perfect life.She detests how much she wants Alan to like and value her because she knows it's a pipe dream. But still, she can't help her feelings.Cordelia sluggishly gets up, forcing her body to move, telling herself that lying there will not change anything. She staggers to the restroom, spraying her
Now," Kingsley utters, in an almost whispery voice, "she has a child. My son, Liam.” He hesitates, staring off into space. "I love him. I adore him, he's just a replica of me when I was his age. Because of him, I can't avoid Louisa anymore.”His poise breaks as he shakes his head. "It is intolerable. I no longer have control over my emotions.Even when I was avoiding Louisa like a plague, she never left my mind and my heart aches whenever I see her.I had to seek Professor Wesley for a check, but he certified me as medically fit. He suggested that I seek counseling and he recommended you.Now that I see Louisa often, I am confused about my emotions.”His eyes are full of pain and uncertainty as he glances up at Tyler. "Is it possible to love someone and hate them at the same time?" For a minute, Tyler looks at him intently. His words, "It’s not uncommon, love and hatred are strong emotions that are frequently connected by memories and closeness. However, Mr. Wills, harboring animo
The few other doctors in the office exit, leaving Fred alone with the fallout from his outburst.He heaves a few times and then settles into the chair behind his desk, the storm inside him starting to subside. The mess of the toppled desk reflects his jumbled thoughts, and the silence is deafening. After a moment, he goes to the nearby water dispenser to collect a cold cup of water. He takes a gulp and returns to his seat.Swallowing hard, closes his eyes and allows the cool feeling of the water to ease his troubled mind.His rage seems to be drained away with each gulp of water he takes, making space for understanding—and remorse. His defenses are sliced like a sharp blade when he recollects the sight of Linda's angry face. He remembers her saying, "That isn't like you at all. What's the matter with you?”She was right. His actions had been unusual—cruel, even. In an attempt to stop the self-loathing, he pinches the bridge of his nose. Fred rewinds his thoughts, trying to untan
Louisa leaps back, startled by Evelyn's loud voice and the bang to her table. “Eve!”“What? The guy is getting annoying.” Louisa opens her mouth, genuinely surprised and offended by Evelyn's comments about Fred. “You speak as if you don't know how much Fred has done for me.How would I have managed without his help with Liam? Both medically and financially.Whether I'm in the hospital or here, who do you think took care of Liam like his own?You used to be so appreciative of him as well. What changed?”Evelyn scoffs at Louisa's defense of Fred and says slowly, “Girl, don't be so naive and indulging. You said it just now; I used to appreciate him. Well, I still do. But who says you have to grovel or put your life on hold to show your appreciation? Girl, you don't like him but someone else, and most importantly, this someone else seems to like you as well….”Louisa shakes her head at Evelyn's last statement, trying to cut in but Evelyn holds up her index finger to stop her.“I know
With floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the metropolitan skyline, CEO Ashby's office is spotless as usual.He sits in his chair and stares at Louisa and Evelyn, who are seated across from him.The air is fraught with an implicit awareness of the seriousness of their meeting. Ashby leans forward, his face calm yet grim. With a controlled tone, he starts, "I regret to notify you that Aurora's largest investor has just withdrawn.We are in a vulnerable situation because it is an unexpected event. We urgently need fresh investors.”The buzz of the air conditioner is the only sound to break the ensuing silence as Louisa and Evelyn exchange glances.It is Evelyn who speaks first. “Are there any leads we have? Or must we begin all over again?” Ashby responds, pointing to a blank notepad on his desk, “Let's start from here. Let's come up with ideas." Using their combined expertise, the three of them spent the next hour compiling a list of possible investors who could be
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