It is a long long chapter
When Sia came out of the meeting room, she expected to see Callum waiting, but instead, it was Leon. She tried to walk past him, but as soon as the others left, he stepped in front of her.“Let’s talk,” Leon said firmly.This man… what made him think that she would give him face? Huh! “What is there to talk about?” Sia shot back. “You have your own life, and I have mine. You even have a girlfriend now…”Leon interrupted, “Sia, Sarah was never my girlfriend.”She scoffed. “Oh, you remember her name but still insist she wasn’t your girlfriend. That’s rich.”Leon sighed. “She is just someone my mom and grandma set me up with.”Sia looked away, frustrated. “Why are you telling me all this, Leon? What difference does it make? We are practically strangers now. You can go on dates with anyone you want. Sarah can be your girlfriend; you can even marry her one day and have kids with her. Who am I to say anything?”Leon looked around and noticed Rhys and Callum standing a bit farther away. Rhy
After a simple meal, Leon asked, “Shall I drop you home?”Sia raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile on her lips. “So, you can kidnap me again?”He scratched his head, a sheepish look crossing his face. “I’m sorry.”Now that he thinks that he had kidnapped this woman, he felt stupid and impulsive. Yet, he did not think that it wad wrong of him to kidnap him. If he had not hidden her away, would she have even beared to look at him? No. They would never be comfortable with each other like right now. She gasped in mock disbelief. “Are you seriously apologizing? I never thought I wouldd live to see this day.”“Well…” he started, but she rolled her eyes.“I’m leaving. Good night, Leon.” She turned to walk away. She was not going to stay with him for long. When she does not leave, things start sitting inside her. She did not want to get too comfortable with him. Why was she breaking down all the walls that she had build? He could only nod, “Good night, Sia.”Just as she reached the door, she
Sia was in her office when a force of nature barged in, knocking down all the walls and fences. “Sia!!!!” Charlotte yelled, bursting through the door like a whirlwind. Sia looked up and found Charlotte grinning at her but. And a bad premonition brewed in the pit of her stomach. This girl was up to no good. She could sense it from here. “I’m busy... I have a meeting in ten minutes…” Sia tried to protest. She knew that Charlotte had planned an entire day and was here to take Sia out to play. Charlotte shot a glance back at Kate, who stood there with a knowing smile. “Miss Swift, all your meetings today were canceled on the clients' side. So, it just happens that your schedule is wide open today.”Sia shot Kate a look, but the girl kept her gaze steady and her smile even steadier. This look was too infuriating for Sia today. “Who signs your paycheck, Kate?” Sia asked, raising an eyebrow.“For your, mine, and the whole office's well-being, we would like to take care of your mental hea
As the words he had dreamed of hearing finally reached his ears, Leon's world seemed to halt. His heart raced while breath caught in his chest. For a mone,t he felt as if he had died and came back to life. Slowly, he broke their embrace as his gaze dropped to meet the woman standing before him. She was tearful yet smiling but her eyes were filled with the same emotions that surged within him. Oh god, they were in love. They finally confessed their love for each other. It took them more than a decade to live this momet. Before either of them could process the moment, Leon leaned forward and pressed his lips softly to hers. The kiss was gentle yet everything as it was etched on their hearts and souls. When he finally pulled back, his voice was a whisper, filled with a certainty. “I love you, Sia.”This love.. She had no idea how long he had loved her. It was her. Only her. Who could move his heart. No one else has the power to move his heart. Her eyes widened, breaking free from th
“Mr. Smith, is everything alright?” one of his big bosses asked, noticing his distraction. Archie forced a polite smile and shook his head. “It is nothing. I just thought I saw someone I knew.” His voice held a trace of nostalgia, though. How could it possibly be her? She was the type to be wandering around the world, rarely settling in one place for more than a week. She was certainly not one to stick around a quiet corner café.As they continued down the sidewalk, another man in the group came to a stop as he was fixed by the same spectacle where the man who had hoisted his laughing girlfriend into the air. The sunlight framed her features as she laughed, her beauty so striking that it was almost ethereal, like a goddess who had stepped into the earthly realm for just a moment. Who was she? He couldn’t shake the feeling of recognition, yet he couldn’t place her. There was a strange familiarity in her smile that tugged at his memory, lingering with a sense of something almost forg
Sia turned to Leon, curiosity etched on her face. “Where are you taking me?” Leon flashed a playful grin while his eyes were sparkling with mischief. “Can’t I even take my girlfriend on a date?” She groaned while rolling her eyes at his enthusiastic use of the word “girlfriend.” As adorable as it was, hearing it in every sentence was starting to wear her down just a bit. He didn’t even call her by her name anymore, but the title felt both sweet and slightly overwhelming. After a short drive, Leon helped her into his car with excitement radiating from him. When they arrived at their destination, Sia was taken aback by the stunning setup. They were on a beautiful boat, the gentle waves lapping against the sides was creating a serene backdrop with a setting sun. She marveled at how he had managed to arrange such a perfect dinner date, just the two of them, far away from the world.They enjoyed a delightful meal together while laughter mingling with the scent of the ocean air. Each bi
At the Hart House breakfast table, the soft morning light filtered through the windows while casting a warm glow over the scene. Anne awoke early as her heart was light happy since her ids were at home and so she was eager to make breakfast. Usually, she di dnot cook but when aloof her family was at home, it gave her an opportunity to use her skills. As she entered the dining room, she was greeted by the sight of her sleepy son, Leon, standing in his lounge clothes and looking adorably disheveled.It was as if she was transported to twenty years ago. Without hesitation, he hugged her tightly while rubbing his face against her neck like a small child seeking comfort of his mother. Anne smiled realizing that he had spent the night here without her knowledge.In a soft voice, she asked, “Little Lion, I thought you went to your apartment.”Leon, still half-asleep, simply hummed in response. “Mommy, I am hungry,” he mumbled, his eyes barely open.Anne's heart swelled with affection as sh
Coco was right. As Nicholas led his daughters toward the door, he cast one last look at Anne and Leon who remained locked in their own world. Frustration churned within him but he pushed it aside as he focused instead on the laughter and excitement of his little girls and two stinky brats.As the kids headed out for breakfast with Nicholas, the atmosphere was lively with Rhys laughing as he remarked, “Callum is such a middle kid.”Callum shot back, playfully tossing a piece of fried potato at Rhys’s face. Without missing a beat, Rhys caught it and took a bite. He said, “Leon is Mom’s favorite son. Charlotte is Mom’s favorite person. I’m Dad’s favorite son. What about you, Callum? Did Dad pick you up from the trash?”Nicholas said, trying to hide his amusement. “You are mistaken. I am your mom’s favorite person. And parents don’t have favorites. As for Callum, no, he wasn’t picked from the trash. You can’t hurt your brother's feelings. He is older than you, so you should respect him.”
EpilogueThree Years Later“Dr. Hart?”Abella turned around to see a nurse hurrying toward her.“The patient in the NICU is responding to the medication,” the nurse informed her. “Could you check on her?”Without hesitation, Abella rushed to the NICU, her heart throbbing fast. That morning, the baby girl’s condition had been critical, but now, as she looked into those tiny, bright eyes, she felt a wave of relief.“Hey there, sweetheart,” Abella cooed, smiling warmly. “You’re such a fighter. You fought so hard to be here with your mom and dad.”The baby stared up at her, and Abella’s heart melted.“Yes, you’re such a strong, big girl,” she whispered, gently touching the baby’s hand.Outside the NICU, the parents expressed their gratitude; their tearful smiles reminded Abella why she had chosen this path. In moments like these, she was reminded of how beautiful it was to help save these little angels. But there were also the heartbreaking days, the ones where some angels didn’t make it.
Meanwhile, Kate and Rhys were sitting with Anne.“Why is Aunt suddenly changing colors?” Rhys asked.“Because she knows she was wrong and wants back what she lost,” Kate said matter-of-factly.Anne chuckled. “Kate, as much as I love your straightforward attitude, I’d appreciate it if you toned it down in front of Emery. She is… well, very touchy and fussy.”Kate shrugged. “MIL, I have a complaint. Coco and Sia had a girls’ day without me! Can you imagine? I’m trying to be as cool as them, but they left me out!”Rhys suppressed a chuckle. “Yes, Mom, they left my dear Kate out.”Anne played along. “That’s terrible, I’ll scold them,”“Yes, scold them well,” Kate agreed, then added mischievously, “but don’t tell them I snitched. Just say it was Rhys.”Anne smiled. “Alright, dear.” Then, she glanced at Kate. “I saw you have been spending time with Abella. How’s that going? I know you two weren’t close.”Kate sighed. “Everyone coddles her too much. She is living in disillusionment. Coco and
It was a beautiful day that was filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Anne and Nicholas’s wedding anniversary had brought the entire family together, and the house was buzzing with warmth and joy.Nicholas turned to Anne as his eyes were soft with affection. “We have been together for forty years,” he said, a gentle smile on his lips.Anne smiled back, a touch of nostalgia in her gaze. “Yes, we made it this far.”Leaning in, Nicholas pressed a tender kiss to her lips. “Thank you for giving me the chance to be your husband.”Anne’s voice was barely above a whisper as she responded, “Thank you for fighting for us.”Just then, Leon and Coco appeared out of nowhere while wrapping their arms around their parents in a tight hug. “If anyone deserves the credit, it’s us!” Leon declared with a grin. “We made sure you two ended up together.”Nicholas and Anne exchanged amused glances before nodding. “Yes,” Nicholas agreed, “and we’re very thankful for your scheming. Turns out, it w
“Did you match into your preferred branch of residency?” Madam Facci asked, excitement filling her voice.Abella swallowed. “Ma, I’m still checking the results,” she admitted. “I’m scared.”“You have nothing to be scared of, my dear. Just look,” she heard. With a deep breath, Abella entered her credentials for the residency match. Her eyes darted across the screen as the words appeared before her.“I…” Her voice caught in her throat.“What is it?” Madam Facci asked eagerly.“Pediatrics…” Abella whispered in disbelief.A joyful gasp came from the other end. “Oh my god! I am so happy for you, dear!”Abella’s chest tightened as she read the rest. “With NYU…” she murmured. “If I accept it, I will have to stay in New York.”Was she ready for this?Madam Facci’s voice was warm and reassuring. “Whatever you choose, we are proud of you. You’ve worked hard for this. Don’t overthink it, just enjoy this moment. You did it, Abella. I’m so, so proud of you.”That evening, the entire family gather
Augustus Hart was born a healthy, chubby baby with a bald head, looking absolutely perfect in every way. His arrival was so sudden that only Callum and Estelle were present at the hospital when her water broke. They barely had time to inform anyone, but Abella rushed over as soon as she found out.The moment Callum stepped out of the delivery room and saw his sister waiting outside, a wave of emotions hit him all at once. Without hesitation, he pulled her into a tight hug.“Congratulations, brother. I’m so proud of you,” Abella whispered, pressing a kiss to his cheek.Callum let out a shaky breath, still overwhelmed. “When did you get here?”“Just now,” she said with a smile. “How’s Estelle?”“Tired,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “Still cursing me.”Abella chuckled. “And the baby?”“Just perfect,” Callum said, his eyes softening. “Come inside. She is going to be so happy to see you.”When Estelle saw Abella, she let out a small gasp before pulling her into a long, tight
After her divorce, Abella didn’t leave the country. Cillian had given her a staggering sum in alimony, even going as far as naming half of his assets to her, but she refused to take a single dime. She had her own inheritance. More money than she could ever need. But what could wealth do? It couldn’t buy her happiness. It couldn’t fill the void in her heart.Cillian knew her too well; he didn’t push her to accept anything. He let her go, even when it shattered him.When her mother lived in Italy with Coco and Leon, alongside her uncle Nate, she had bought a beautiful bungalow. It had never been sold, left untouched over the years. When Abella married Cillian, Leon had given her the key to that house as a quiet token of their family’s past. There were two bungalows beside each other, one where her mother had raised her two older siblings, and the other where her father had stayed, the place where her parents had met and reunited. One had been passed down to Charlotte, the other to Leon.
Cillian stared at her, his throat tightening as he heard the finality in her voice. He had imagined this conversation a thousand different ways, but none of them had prepared him for the calm and almost serene acceptance in her eyes.“Abella…” He whispered her name like a prayer, like a plea. “Can we please rethink this?”Abella smiled. It was a soft, bittersweet smile that made his chest ache.“Cillian, there is nothing to rethink,” she said gently. “Alessandro came to see me. He told me that he was leaving the country with his mother. He said he doesn’t want to come between us, that he would be happy if you called him once in a while and only if it was okay with me.” She let out a humorless chuckle. “That’s too big of a burden for me to carry. I mean, I don’t care how you navigate your relationship with your son. But I will give you one piece of advice: don’t be a jerk. Don’t hurt one more person. You have already hurt me, you have hurt him, and you have hurt his mother. Stop making
Cillian reached for her hand, his grip firm but trembling as well. “Abella, please listen to me. I’m sorry. I made a mistake by not telling you the truth. Can you please forgive me?” His voice cracked with desperation.She looked at him, her expression unreadable. “I don’t know,” she said softly.Cillian’s breath hitched, and he tried again. “Please, I’ll change. I’ll work on myself. Just give me a chance.” His hands clenched at his sides as if willing himself not to break apart. “I don’t want to see you like this, so shattered. You mean so fucking much to me. Please.”But to Abella, his words felt like echoes in an empty room. They were hollow and weightless. Once upon a time, she had longed to hear them, had dreamed of a moment where he would look at her like this, beg for her, choose her. But now? Now, they felt unimportant. They meant nothing.She exhaled, rubbing her temple. “I heard you. But my head is splitting apart, Cillian. Can you please just go back to your house? I just w
Madam Facci looked at her son, her expression undecipherable. She had seen Cillian walk through storms without flinching, but today, he stood before her looking utterly wrecked. His usually sharp eyes were bloodshot, his arm wound had reopened, staining his sleeve with fresh blood, yet none of that seemed to matter to him or anyone at this point.“What do you want, Cillian?” she asked, her voice firm but not unkind.“I’m here to see Abella,” he said. His voice was hoarse, almost desperate.Madam Facci crossed her arms. “I’m sure you have no idea what happened last night.”“I know,” he admitted, running a hand through his already disheveled hair. “I just want to explain things to her. She is overthinking this, and there is nothing much to overthink. I just—” He exhaled sharply. “I just want to make everything okay.”A wry smile tugged at Madam Facci’s lips, but there was no amusement in her eyes. “Son,” she said, “we can never tell someone what is worth overthinking or not. For you, th