they are so cute, arent they?
Just as Leon had thought, he felt too empty heading back to his apartment alone, so he drove to his parents' house instead. When he stepped into the living room, he was greeted by the sight of his parents still awake and sitting on the couch with a movie playing. His mother, Anne, was casually munching on popcorn while watching the movie, while his father, Nicholas, had his arm around her, and both of them looked too cozy with each other. Nicholas raised an eyebrow at him, feigning surprise and said mockingly. “Dear, doesn’t our eldest son have his own place? Didn’t he move out a long time ago?”Anne, barely looking up from her popcorn, nodded. Oh, she liked the drama on the screen and did not care about the one her husband was causing, “Yes, honey, he did.”Nicholas continued, “Then why is he here?”Without missing a beat, Anne replied, “Maybe he is too sad to sleep alone now that he has a girlfriend.”Nicholas let out a dramatic sigh. “So, he is planning to crash here until she let
Nicholas was too elated to care as he was already daydreaming. He turned to Anne with a gleam in his eye. “Sweetheart, where should we hang Callum’s doctorate degree when he gets it? I want it in a big frame, right in the living room.”Coco leaned over to Leon, whispering in feigned sadness, “Dad is so biased.”Leon just shrugged with a resigned smile. He said, “What can we do? We had our chance. You became an artist and I chose business. Now we can only sit back and watch Callum soak up the spotlight.”Rhys suddenly stood tall and announced, “I will do a Ph.D. too!”He could not bear Callum taking all the attention. Well, it was a kind of big deal that his twinwas pursuing a Ph.D at twenty one. But so what? He would follow his twin on the path of greatness too. Everyone burst out laughing as they unable to contain their amusement.Rhys looked around as he was hurt. He responded, “What? Why are you laughing?”Coco smirked, crossing her arms. “Do you even know what a Ph.D. stands for?”
The siblings congratulated Abella and retreated to their respective rooms. It was close to midnight, but Leon sat down at his study desk and dialed a familiar number. As the call connected, he couldn’t help but smile as he saw her face appear on the screen. He was a little surprised to find Sia, like him, still awake at her own study desk.“Hey,” she greeted him with a soft smile. “You are still up?”He returned the smile, a hint of happiness evident in his eyes. “How could I sleep without wishing you goodnight?”She chuckled. “You know, it is not really that important.”But his tone turned serious. “How is it not? I want you to know when I’m sleeping and when I’m awake. What if you are waiting for me at night, and I’m asleep? Isn’t that wrong?”Sia looked at him, a bit confused. “Is it?”She did not know that it was wrong. She was planning to go to bed if he has not called in the next five minutes. She was just checking some last minute reports. She had never been in a relationship an
Sia then asked, “Were you working?”He shook his head. “I was with my family.”“Do you live with your family?” she inquired. Actually, she did not know much about his current life. Yes, she did not know where he boyfriend lives and how he even take his coffee. She had to know a lot about him. As for him living at Hart mansion, she would not be surprised. The mansion was so big that he would stay there without ever needing privacy. Leon answered him, “Not exactly. Right now, all my siblings are home, and even my grandparents are visiting. So, I didn’t feel like going back to an empty apartment when everyone is here. It feels like a festive season at home.”She smiled at the thought. “That is good. Why be alone when you have family? Trust me, living alone isn’t that fun.”He laughed and nodded. He also knew what she was thinking so he said, “Yeah, you are right. But family can be exhausting too. My dad overwhelmed all of us earlier. He made me realize a lot of things that could have be
In the shadows of a dimly lit basement, a group of masked men sat around a heavy wooden table filled with weapons and blueprints. The air was thick with tension and the faint scent of oil and sweat. On one wall, a massive map of New York City was hung. A particular location was marked with a bright red circle and there was a date scribbled beside it ominously. It was the focal point of their sinister plan.“Commander, we are all ready for our goal,” one of the masked men announced, his voice low and cool that was betraying none of the anxiety they all were facing. Another man leaned forward and said, “We will blast the city so the government can hear us. We have been suppressed, our voices muted for far too long. This explosion will not just destroy one building but it will send shockwaves through the entire world. The whole world will have to listen to our cries for justice!”The commander, a tall figure draped in dark clothing, surveyed his soldiers with a fierce intensity. “We w
When Sia arrived at the gala venue, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and the clinking of glasses. Scanning the room, she spotted Leon immediately. He was engaged in conversation with a client. Her gaze lingered on him as he was looking quite dashing in his black suit and Charlotte did not fail as Leon had added a pocket square that was red in colour and matched her dress. But as she entered, a subtle shift occurred as his gaze locked onto her with an intensity that sent a thrill through her. It was as if he could sense her presence even from across the room, his attention unwavering as she navigated the crowd the entire night.With a playful twinkle in her eyes, Sia decided to tease him a bit as she deliberately avoiding his gaze while engaging with the guests who approached her. For an entire hour, they did polite conversations with clients and associates, yet all they could truly feel was the magnetic pull between them. Even on opposite sides of the room, it felt as if they we
The couple exited the restroom and they returned to the gala to enjoy the rest of the evening. They agreed to meet after the event as they were caught up in their respective conversations and business alliances. The night carried on, drinks kept flowing and deals were being made. Meanwhile, across the room, an interesting scene was unfolding. Olivia sat at a table while her hand were resting lightly on her stomach. She winced as a wave of nausea passed over her while making the food in front of her seem unappealing. Matthew looked at her with a furrowed brow. “Olivia, that is why I was telling you to stay home. You are heavily pregnant. And little Jake misses you at home.”Olivia shot him a sharp look while her annoyance was clear. “Matthew, just because I am pregnant and ugly doesn’t mean you can keep me at home. Did you forget how many times I have charmed your clients into giving you deals? You can’t just dispose of me because I look like this. I am ruining my body twice over jus
“Matthew!”Olivia shouted, her voice trembling, but she didn't stop. The guard was already pulling her away from the entrance while urging her to move and to stay safe. She was barely aware of her own movements as she reached the hallway while her hand still clutched protectively around her stomach. "The guards will take care of you," Olivia muttered, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes not once returning to Matthew. She had no choice but to keep moving as her mind fixated only on her baby’s safety and too overwhelmed with fear to consider what she was leaving behind.Meanwhile, Matthew stood frozen in place as the flames were getting intens. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched the entrance grow smaller and the space between them widening. He could see Olivia being escorted safely, but he was trapped and surrounded by the fire, the chaos, and with no way out.His gaze flickered to the others who were still inside, but it was evident that the fire had spread so quickly t
Charlotte walked into the room and noticed only a grand piano, nothing else. She looked around, confused. Did not he say that he wanted to show her the birthday gift for his father? Or was he saying it just to spend time with her? Then again. Why would he even want to spend time with her? "Where's the gift you wanted to show me?" she asked Sebastian after a while when she could not control her thoughts.He pointed at the piano with a soft smile. "There."Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "You want to give your dad a piano?"She could not think of another explanation of why would he want to bring her to a room that only had a piano in it. Sebastian chuckled and shook his head. "No," he said, walking toward the piano. He sat down on the stool and placed his fingers on the keys.The music started, and Charlotte stood frozen. The sound was so beautiful and emotional like the piano was telling a story all on its own. She couldn’t describe how it made her feel, but it was like a deep sadness m
"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