When Sia and Leon arrived at the Hart house, it was late. Almost midnight and the house was quiet. Everyone had gone to bed. Sia felt a wave of guilt for not coming earlier but as they stepped inside, they were surprised to see Anne and Nicholas sitting in the living room and yawning as if trying to fight sleep.Sia froze for a moment at the sight of them.Leon, noticing her hesitation, asked, “Mom, Dad, why are you still awake?”Anne smiled warmly and said, “We called Sia home. How could we sleep without seeing her first?” She stood and walked over to Sia, taking her hand. “Welcome to our family, Sia.”Sia stiffened slightly, but then she moved to hug Anne. The gesture was a bit awkward but she tried her best. “I’m really sorry for coming late, Mrs. Hart.”Anne waved her hand dismissively while a smile played on her lips. “Nonsense! I’m just happy you’re here and safe.”Nicholas, who had been standing by, stepped forward with a grin. “It is so nice to see you, Sia. And thank you for a
The next morning, Leon’s eyes fluttered open, his senses alert as he felt someone warm glued to his side. Without looking, he grabbed the intruder’s hand and grumbled, “Sia, baby, I’m really mad at you.”Sia’s sleepy voice whispered, “I’m sorry, Leon. I forgot we were at your parents’ house. I got too excited to see Charlotte. It’s been months!”Leon groaned dramatically, turning his head to glare at her. “Excuses, excuses. I will forgive you, but only if you make it up to me right now.”Sia, rubbing her eyes, nodded enthusiastically. “I will!”Grinning mischievously, Leon guided her hand under the blanket, pressing it against his very evident morning situation. Her eyes shot wide open as she yanked her hand back.“Leon!” she whisper-shouted. “We are at your parents’ house!”He leaned closer while his lips grazed her ear as he murmured, “Baby, do you think my parents produced four kids by being shy?”Before Sia could retort, he flipped their positions with impressive speed and pressed
Holding the plate of treats, Sia followed Anne to the kitchen where she was treated to more delicacies. Muffins, tarts, pastries, Anne pulled out all the stops. Sia tried everything with childlike enthusiasm. An hour later, Anne and Sia finally reappeared, both looking incredibly pleased with themselves. Sia had crumbs on her shirt and a satisfied glow, while Anne looked very happy. Leon and Nicholas were seated at the dining table and deep in discussion about some business deal. Leon glanced up and smirked at Sia. “You have been gone so long, I was starting to think Mom adopted you as her official taste-tester.”Sia plopped down beside him while rubbing her full stomach. “If she did, I wouldn’t complain. Your mom is a genius in the kitchen.”Nicholas chuckled, taking a sip of his coffee. “Careful, Sia. She will keep feeding you until you can’t leave.”Anne smiled smugly. “That is the plan.”Leon shook his head, laughing as he reached for a muffin. “Great. Now I’m competing with my ow
Sabrina caught Sia’s eye and with a playful smile, said, “How are you doing, dear?”Sia turned toward her while giving a polite nod. “Hello, Miss Sabrina. It is very nice to see you.”Sabrina raised an eyebrow. “How formal! Come here and hug me.”Sia hesitated for just a moment before stepping forward and hugging Sabrina. It was a bit awkward at first, but soon enough, Sia found herself relaxing in the embrace. They held the hug for a moment, and then Sia pulled back, her smile warm. “How was Africa?”Sabrina smiled back, a faint trace of exhaustion in her eyes. “Tired but very fulfilling.”Sia nodded with a soft smile. “That is good to hear.”Sabrina leaned back with a teasing grin. “Well, I must thank you for taking the worry of our sappy Romeo off our heads,” she said, eyeing Leon with a playful smirk.Leon groaned, rolling his eyes. “Not you too, Sab.”Sabrina huffed dramatically. “What? You were like a sad little boy who got left behind. Finally, I see the old Leon back. You were
Ellora watched Charlotte with dreamy eyes as the latter adjusted the hem of her elegant white dress while preparing to leave. “Sia, I was just telling Charlotte how amazing her new hairstyle suits her,” she said with enthusiasm, glancing at the brown waves that framed Charlotte’s face perfectly. “What do you think?”Sia’s gaze swept over her best friend, noting every detail, the wavy, shoulder-length hair left loose, the subtle but striking lipstick, the dress that accentuated her figure, and the pair of graceful heels replacing her usual boots.Before Sia could respond, Abella clapped her hands together and exclaimed, “Coco looks so pretty! Like a princess!”Charlotte grinned at the little one. “Thank you, Belly Bear,” she said, her voice warm and affectionate.Sabrina said with a hint of pride. “My daughter really does look like a princess. I have never seen you dress up like this, Charlotte. Whoever you are meeting must be someone special for you to put in this much effort. Good jo
"Where is Leon?" Sia asked, looking around. She hadn’t seen him anywhere, and the evening was settling in. She suddenly realized she had spent the entire day with the Hart family without noticing. She realised that she was worried in vain for meeting his family. This whole trip to his family had calmed her nerves and it had made her so sure about their relationship. It felt so good to know that the man she loved a lot, and his family loved her too. They were very supportive of their relationship and what more could she ask for? Ellora smiled kindly. "Oh, his father and grandfather dragged him off with them. He wanted to tell you himself, but I said I would let you know.""Oh," Sia replied, nodding quietly.Ellora gave her a curious look. "Is everything okay?"Sia hesitated for a moment. "Actually, I wanted to visit Mr. Cooper, the man who hit my car. He is in the hospital. I sent my driver home because Leon said he would drive me there."Anne jumped in before Ellora could respond. "T
Anne and Sia exchanged a knowing glance before heading out for the hospital. Once they were in the car, Sia’s expression grew serious. "Ma, I’m really worried about Rhys."Anne raised an eyebrow, curious. "Why?"Sia let out a sigh, her worry evident in her voice. "He is spoiled, but that’s okay because he is not a brat. He is respectful, but his nonchalant attitude is going to get him into trouble one day. He is just never stressed. I mean, I try to give him tough work, hoping he will learn to take things seriously, but he never does... And don’t get me started on his womanising. I banned office romance in my company the day he joined."Anne knew what Sia was saying. Among Rhys all the habits, she did not like that he always had multiple girlfriends each month. It was as if he had no respect for the emotion named love. She wanted to sit with him and have a talk about the relationship. But each time, he would deduce what she was going to talk about, he would use just any opportunity an
When they arrived at the hospital, Sia asked, “Ma, would you like to come with me or wait in the car?”Anne responded with a smile, “I will join you.”The two of them walked toward the ward where Mr. Cooper was admitted. As they approached, Sia noticed Nash sitting alone in the waiting room. The cold winter air had set in yet Nash wore nothing but a worn-out T-shirt and plain old jeans. He was visibly shivering but showed no intention of moving from his spot. The boy loved his father too much that he would rather freeze to death than leave his old and sick dad. Sia walked up to him and greeted him. “Hey, Nash.”Nash looked up, his brows furrowing. “Miss Swift, what are you doing here?”Last night, he googled Alessia Swift and found out that she was a billionaire and a business woman. She was known for her foul personality but he did not feel that she was having any foul personality, just too stubborn. Feigning offence, Sia said, “Oh, I thought you would be happy to see me.”“Why wou
"Sebastian King. Pleased to meet you," Sebastian introduced himself, his voice smooth as he extended his hand to the Hart brothers."Likewise.”Sebastian smiled an enigmatic expression with no hint of malice or curiosity but still carrying an unmistakable poise that made it hard to look away.The introductions concluded just as more guests began to trickle in. Alessia, Leon, and Callum made their way to their designated table, while Charlotte excused herself to take a call. “So?” Leon asked, glancing at his brother. “What do you think?”Callum leaned back slightly, his sharp eyes flickering with thought. Unlike Rhys and Leon, Callum had an uncanny ability to read people. He was the observer, blending into the background while Rhys commanded attention and Leon’s charisma drew people in. It gave him the advantage of seeing what others often missed.“He’s... something,” Callum admitted, his tone measured. “Even I’m a little starstruck, to be honest. The guy isn’t just handsome, he is be
Today was the day of Carter King’s birthday party. Along with Charlotte, Sia was invited too, and since she decided to attend, Leon was her plus one. It was not a big event but a very intimate birthday party. Still the guests surpased a few hundred. Charlotte was nervous the whole way. Thankfully, she was attending with her brother and best friend. She dragged Callum as her plus one since she didn’t want to appear alone.Sia and Leon entered first.All the while, Sebastian’s gaze was on the door as if he was waiting for someone to enter. When that person arrived, his eyes lit up, but it soon diminished as he saw her holding a man’s arm. The man looked younger, but he couldn’t tell much.When Charlotte appeared to greet Carter, she intentionally didn’t look at Sebastian, but she could feel his gaze bore a hole into her head. As Carter saw Charlotte, he forgot all the guests.He didn’t bother with formalities and hugged Charlotte. “My girl. How are you? It has been months since I last
From across the room, someone was watching the entire scene unfold with an amused glint in his stormy grey eyes.Sebastian leaned back as his lips curled into a half-smile, clearly enjoying the drama, but there was something else in his gaze. Something deeper and darker.“Mr. King, what are you watching?” one of his business partners asked, noting Sebastian’s lingering attention.Sebastian’s eyes never wavered from the group. “Mr. Jones, I hope you don’t mind, but I just spotted an old friend. Would you mind if I went over and said hello?”“Not at all, we are done here,” Mr. Jones replied, excusing himself as he walked away.Meanwhile, Charlotte, having just made her point to Ronan, turned to rejoin her girls. But as she did, she froze. Her gaze met a pair of stormy grey eyes. Eyes that seemed to burn with a quiet intensity.For a moment, Charlotte thought it was just another mirage, a trick her mind was playing on her. She moved as her steps were hesitant, but those eyes followed her.
Tonight, the Hart girls had planned a much-needed night out. Charlotte and Abella took the lead, guiding Sia, Kate, and Estelle to one of their favourite clubs. Over the past few days, Estelle had been spending time with Abella, and despite their age difference, the two had become fast friends. So, when Abella invited her to join the group, Estelle didn’t hesitate.Estelle had a naturally chill personality. Even though she was a bit more reserved, she knew how to let loose when the moment called for it.“Boss, I missed you!” Kate exclaimed as she threw her arms around Sia, hugging her tightly and refusing to let go.“Come on, Kate, I’m not your boss here,” Sia said, laughing as she tried to pry Kate off, but Kate clung to her like glue.“I know that! But calling you by your name still gives me the shivers,” Kate grinned mischievously. “You are scary.”Charlotte raised a brow and teased, “How can Sia baby possibly be scary?”The girls burst into laughter as Sia shot them a glare. Normal
“Where are you taking me, Leon?” Sia asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and amusement. He had covered her eyes with his hands and was carefully guiding her along the path. From the moment they met that morning, she could see the anticipation in his eyes. There was excitement, almost boyish, but beneath it there was a hint of nervousness, as if he wasn’t entirely sure how his secret plan would unfold.“Just a minute,” Leon replied his voice brimming with eagerness. “Once we are there, you will see.”They walked along the winding and uneven path, Sia grumbling at every step. Finally, after what felt like an eternity to her and just a blink to him, he stopped.“We are here,” he announced softly. Then, his voice took on a deeper and more heartfelt tone. “Before you open your eyes, I want to tell you—I love you so much, and I can’t wait to start this new chapter of our life together.”Sia felt her heart skip a beat at his words. Slowly, Leon removed his hands, and she opened her eyes.
“What do you want to know about her?” Carter asked, his tone measured as he observed his son’s restless demeanour. He wondered if his son recalled anything about her? As much as he knew that stubborn yet kind woman, she would not come to him again. “Who is Charlotte?” Sebastian asked directly, his voice tinged with both curiosity and apprehension.Carter leaned back in his chair, folding his hands together. “She is your wife. Or rather, she was your wife.”Sebastian frowned. “Our divorce isn’t finalized yet,” he corrected.“Great,” Carter said with a small satisfied smile.Sebastian raised an eyebrow, surprised by his father’s reaction. “Are you happy that we are still married?”“You bet I am,” Carter replied with a nonchalant shrug.Sebastian leaned forward, his confusion evident. “As much as I know you, you are an overprotective man. How on earth did you approve of a woman who married me after what was, by all accounts, a drunken mistake?”Carter chuckled, his expression softening.
“What’s up?” Sia asked, leaning casually against the doorframe. Charlotte was sitting quietly in her room, staring at nothing in particular.“I met Sebastian,” Charlotte said flatly, her voice devoid of any emotion.“Oh?” Sia raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. “How did that go?”It was as if she was not sitting with Anne and scheming about Charlotte. Charlotte gave her a look. “Knock it off. I know you already know everything. Whatever you are thinking, it’s not going to happen. He asked me to sign the divorce papers, not to be his wife.”Sia stepped into the room, sitting across from her. “The real question is, do you want to be his wife?”Charlotte’s gaze faltered. “He doesn’t even remember me, Sia. And don’t forget—he loves Emily. Always has, always will.”“Did you ask him if Emily is still in his life?” Sia pressed, tilting her head.Charlotte shrugged. “How does it even matter?”“Coco,” Sia said, “How does it not matter? Why are you being such a coward? We both know you still
“So, Saturday night at Apollo’s? It’s a date,” Andrew said, taking a chance with the woman of his dreams. They were standing on the porch of the café. With Charlotte’s high-heeled boots, she stood an inch taller than him.Before she could respond, a smiling hunk with his arms crossed over his chest approached and said, “No, it’s not.”Charlotte froze at the sound of the deep, husky voice that had haunted her dreams. She didn’t dare turn around. What if it was him? What would she do? And if it wasn’t him, how would she handle the crushing disappointment?Andrew frowned at the interruption and asked, “Who are you, man?”“Why don’t you ask the lady?” the stranger replied, cocking an eyebrow.Andrew turned to Charlotte. “Do you know him?”Without even glancing at the man, Charlotte said firmly, “No.”Andrew wasn’t convinced. There was an undeniable tension between them with her avoidance and his unwavering stare. It was as if an unspoken history filled the space between them.“Well,” And
“Mr. King, welcome,” Kate said with a professional smile. “My boss sent me over with the revised agreement. If everything looks good to you, we can proceed with signing the contract.”“Miss Swift certainly lives up to her name,” Sebastian remarked as he skimmed through the document.Kate chuckled softly. “Her last name is Swift for a reason,” she quipped.Sebastian let out a low, rich laugh, his grey eyes glinting with amusement.Kate felt her ears heat up as her heart started pounding unexpectedly. What’s happening to me? she wondered, trying to focus. She had a boyfriend—a perfectly nice one who might even propose soon. So why was she reacting like this to a man she had just met?“Miss Kate,” Sebastian said, pulling her attention back. “I have reviewed all the clauses. I’m ready to sign.”Kate blurted out in surprise, “So quick?”Sebastian leaned in slightly, his voice playful. “I’m quite swift even without the last name, Miss Kate.”Her cheeks flushed crimson as she realized he had