“How are you feeling?” Leon asked, his voice gentle as he looked at Sia.“Better,” Sia replied softly. “Sit with me.”Leon quietly settled next to her. His patience and care had been constant since the night before, his every action showed how much he wanted to shield her from any pain.Sia hesitated before speaking. “You must be wondering why I reacted so badly yesterday when I saw Matthew Kennedy.”Leon could sense her struggle to approach the subject. “If it’s too hard to talk about, we don’t have to,” he said, his tone reassuring.Sia shook her head. “Leon, if I don’t come clean, I can’t move forward with you. I need to tell you about my past, about the things that have shaped me. I need you to understand.”“Okay,” he said with a nod. “I’m here. I will listen.”Taking a deep breath, Sia said, “Ask me questions, Leon. It might be easier for me to explain if you ask.”Leon’s brows furrowed slightly as he thought, then finally asked the question that had lingered in his mind for year
Leon hugged Sia tightly and said, "I will never let you suffer again. Whatever happened before, it won’t happen again. I promise to fill your life with happiness, Sia."Sia looked up at him, her eyes soft. “I trust you, Leon. I know you will.”Leon’s voice grew firm. “The people who hurt you, they will never have peace.”Sia felt a weight lift from her heart. For the first time in a long while, she could breathe freely. Leon knew everything about her now and he still stood by her. With him, she felt safe, cared for, and no longer alone.Determined to make the most of their time together, they didn’t let past pain ruin their vacation. They explored all the places they had dreamed of while laughing and enjoying every moment. On the last day of their trip, they were in Kashmir. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the valley. Leon asked Sia to get ready for their dinner date. When she stepped outside, she was awestruck.The green meadows stretched as far as she could see, with a
“Sir, there is a young lady here to see you,” Carter King’s secretary announced hesitantly.Carter glanced up from his papers, brow furrowing. “I don’t recall having any such appointment.”“She wasn’t exactly scheduled,” the secretary admitted, fidgeting nervously. “She... forced her way in. We tried to stop her, but—”Carter’s sharp tone cut her off. “Insolent! What kind of security am I paying for?”The secretary winced. “Sir, she didn’t come alone. She brought... reinforcements. And she insists she won’t leave until you meet her.”Carter’s expression darkened. “Where is she now?”“She is outside your office,” the secretary replied, glancing toward the door. “She said she wouldn’t disrespect you by barging in without permission.”Carter’s lips twitched with both disbelief and annoyance. Breaks into my building by force but claims to respect me by waiting outside? What a paradox.“Fine,” he said curtly. “Open the door.”The heavy office doors swung open, and Carter’s eyes immediately
“Charlotte Hart! This is your last warning, get your butt back home, or I will be on the next flight to Paris tomorrow!” Anne’s voice was sharp over the phone.Charlotte tried to reason, “But, mommy, I have work…”Anne cut her off, her tone firm. “Do you really want me to shut down all the art galleries in Paris? Because trust me, I have the power to do it.”Charlotte pouted, rolling her eyes, “Mommy, you are threatening me now?”She was not taking her mother lightly right now because she knew that Anne Rose Swift Hart had enough influence to do what she said. She was seriously scared of this woman who was no less than a force of nature. While Anne looked soft while Sabrina looked strict, Charlotte was still more scared of Anne than Sabrina. “Oh, I haven’t even started yet,” Anne replied with a chuckle. “I want you home for dinner tomorrow. Be there.”Charlotte hesitated, “Is it really that important for me to come?”Anne’s voice softened with a hint of concern. “Sia is coming over f
“Sia, when will you get here?” Leon asked, trying to sound calm evn though the excitement in his voice was very high. Tonight was a big deal as Sia was finally meeting his family for dinner. His mother had spent days planning every little detail to make the evening special.There was a pause on the other end of the line before Sia sighed. “Leon, I’m so sorry. I’m stuck in traffic. I didn’t mean to be late, but Kate wasn’t feeling well so I went to drop her off. Honestly, I don’t understand why she insists on living all the way in Brooklyn when I pay her so generously.”Leon frowned slightly. “Wait, Sia, are you driving?”“Yes,” she admitted. “Kate started off driving but she wasn’t feeling up to it so I took over. She needed to rest.”Leon’s tone softened instantly. “Don’t worry about being late, baby. Just drive safely, okay? That’s all that matters. Everyone here will understand.”“But Leon,” Sia said, her voice trembling slightly, “I don’t want your parents to think poorly of me for
“Sia,” Leon began gently, his hand wrapping around hers, “I know we are supposed to go to my parents’ place for dinner…”She hesitated, guilt clouding her eyes. “Leon, I... I just want to check on him. The man I—” Her voice faltered.Leon gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “You want to see how he is doing, don’t you?”She nodded, her expression heavy with regret. “I know my team is handling everything, but I don’t want to be that rich woman who almost kills someone and then throws money at the problem through her people. That’s not who I am. I feel awful, Leon. I haven’t driven in so long. I should have known better. This wouldn’t have happened if I had just let someone else drive.”She did not wish to be someone who hurts people and yet be prideful. Someone could have lost his life because of her mistake. She knew that she was taking Leon for granted but right now she was not seeing any other person. Leon cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing away a lone tear threatening to fall. “
The boy nodded with pride shining for his dad in his eyes. “My dad is an army veteran. He fought in many wars for this country and won them.”Sia’s gaze darkened with understanding but there was a hint of bitterness in her voice when she asked, “And when he got injured, they just dropped him like he didn’t do anything for this great country?”The boy’s lips curved into a small smile while his blue eyes reflected both pride and sorrow. “You see, Miss Swift, my dad’s duty was to protect our country because he took the oath. When he became a soldier, he didn’t care about benefits or anything like that. He was a true patriot. He did what he felt was right. Even when he got injured, he didn’t mind. He did what he wanted, and he did it until he couldn’t anymore.”He stared at his father’s sleeping face through the glass and said, “The physical injuries didn’t break him... it is the emotional wounds that did.”Sia replied gently, “Whether you agree or not, I injured your father, and I’m resp
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
"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