Bella’s response was unexpected. “No, Coco. I’m not here to convince you. I’m here to support you.” Coco looked up, surprised and a little confused. “I want you to end your protest but only after you put down your demands,” Bella continued. “Shall I call my lawyer for you to frame an agreement?” Coco blinked, taken aback. “What?” She thought Bella would not understand her feelings like everyone else. They think that she was just a stubborn child throwing a tantrum against her mother. “You’re protesting against Sabrina, right?” Bella asked calmly. Coco hesitated but then nodded. “And where did you get the idea to do this?” Bella inquired, her voice gentler now. She knew that she could not treat Coco like a small child with no reason or rationality. “Gandhi,” Coco explained. “I heard his story from my teacher. He said we can achieve anything through Satyagraha. I’m using his technique. He said with that we can change anyone’s heart. I’m trying to do that.” Bella couldn’t help
Later that evening, Anne returned home from the hospital. She was still a bit weak but determined to get back to her routine. Nicholas hovered around her, trying to mask his worry but Anne could sense something was off.As they settled into bed, Anne turned to him, her eyes searching for something. “Are you hiding something from me?” she asked, her voice gentle but probing.“No,” he responded, a little too quickly, avoiding her gaze.Anne frowned, not convinced. Nicholas was usually open with her and this sudden evasiveness made her uneasy.The next morning, Nicholas remained unusually close, not letting her out of his sight. He even delayed leaving for the office. “Don’t you have to go to the office?” she asked, noticing how he kept finding excuses to stay near her.“No,” he replied, trying to sound casual, but the worry was clear in his eyes. Even though Bella had reassured him that Coco was fine, he couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at him. If Anne found out about Coco, he
With a nod that seemed more for herself than for Anne, Sabrina turned and left without another word. The sound of the door closing echoed in the silent hallway, leaving Anne standing there, still clutching the paper but her mind in a haze. She did not understand what just happened. Coco’s small hand tugged gently at her mother while breaking through the fog that had settled over Anne’s thoughts. “Mommy, I’m famished. Can you make me something to eat?” Her voice was so familiar and so full of life that it almost jolted Anne back to reality. However, she was still wondering if it was even reality? Shaking off the shock, Anne allowed Coco to pull her inside. She moved on autopilot and her heart racing as her mind struggled to process what had just happened. How long had it been since she last held Coco in her arms? When was the last time her daughter’s laughter filled the house? It felt like an eternity, a lifetime of yearning and heartache compressed into those agonizing months of sep
“Mommy!” Leon yelled as he dashed into the house with Nicholas hurrying behind him. Without missing a beat, Leon ran straight to the kitchen and wrapped his arms around Anne’s legs. He said like a spoiled son that he was, “Mommy, I missed you all day! Daddy’s no fun anymore.”“Give me a moment, Leon,” Anne said, glancing down as she stirred a pot on the stove. She didn’t want oil splatters to reach him. She added with a frown, “Why are you in the kitchen? Did you wash your hands after being outside? And you are still wearing your shoes! I have told you before, the kitchen needs to be kept clean. We all have weak immune systems and I don’t want any germs coming in here. Go wait in the living room until I’m done.”Leon’s eyes widened as he took in his mother’s stern tone. It was different from her usual coddling self. Lately, she had been indulging him and treating him like he was the center of her universe. Now, he felt like he was being treated just like any other child and it didn’t s
The next morning, Anne arrived at Sabrina’s mansion with Coco quite ready to drop her off before school. Coco had insisted that Anne come inside but Anne hesitated as she was feeling uneasy about entering Sabrina’s home. Despite her reservations, Coco eagerly dragged her mother inside.As they entered, Sabrina was already waiting. She greeted Coco with a smile. “Good morning, Charlotte. How was your weekend?”Coco beamed. “Pretty amazing. Thank you for sending me to Mommy’s house.”Sabrina nodded but was at a loss for words. “Would you like to have breakfast?” she offered.Coco’s eyes lit up. “Yes, please! Mom, can I show Mommy my room?”“Of course,” Sabrina said, managing a smile. “Get ready and show your mommy your room while I ask the kitchen to prepare breakfast.”Anne watched as Coco led her to her room, her small face beamoing with excitement. Sabrina’s demeanor was surprisingly warm which left Anne feeling unsettled. When they returned, breakfast was already laid out on the tab
Bella was waiting outside the school as Leon and Coco walked out together. Leon immediately noticed her and frowned seeing her there. He assumed that she was only there to pick up Coco. He tried to walk past her as he hoped to avoid any conversation. In his mind, Bella was just his sister's grandmother and he had no reason to engage with her.But Coco, was delighted to see her grandmother and ran straight into Bella’s arms. “Bella!” She exclaimed with joy.Bella chuckled as her eyes twinkling and she hugged Coco back. “How’s my favorite granddaughter?”Coco smiled up at her and responded brightly, “Too good!”Meanwhile, Leon continued to walk ahead as he was determined not to interact. Just as he thought he was in the clear, Bella reached out and grabbed his school bag and pulled him back with a tug. “Where do you think you are going, young man?” Leon pulled against her grip and shot back, “Let go, or I’ll scream and tell everyone you are a child thief!”Bella rolled her eyes. “Too
Nicholas and Anne sat side by side and the test reports lying unopened between them. Nicholas who was sensing her hesitation gently urged, "Rose, it's just paper. There's no need to be scared. If it was something serious, the doctor would have said something."But Anne who was resting her head on his shoulder whispered, "Nicholas, I'm too nervous. I can't open it."Seeing the fear in her eyes, Nicholas offered, “Let me check them for you?”Reluctantly, Anne nodded and handed him the reports. With a deep breath, Nicholas opened the papers and began to read. For a moment, everything went still.Suddenly, his hands trembled and the reports slipped from his fingers, falling to the ground. His usually calm face was frozen in shock.Anne's heart raced. Panic surged through her as she watched him and her voice came out trembling, "Am I… am I terminally ill?"Nicholas snapped out of his daze as he pulled her into a tight embrace. He tightened his grip over her. "Nicholas?" Anne whispered, t
The parents were over the moon as they were barely able to contain their excitement. They couldn’t believe the news and were still processing the reality of it all. After taking a moment to calm themselves, they proceeded to meet the doctor who then referred them to the gynecologist for further check-up. The gynecologist welcomed them in the office with a reassuring smile as she seemed to know that Nicholas Hart, the owner of the hospital that was handled by his sister Emery Hart, and began to patiently explain. “All the weakness and symptoms you have been experiencing are related to your pregnancy. Although we won’t know the baby’s health until the ultrasound, it’s clear that your body is quite weak at the moment which is likely due to the fact that you are not eating enough. This might continue to affect you until the end of the first trimester. But don’t worry, by the second trimester, you should start feeling much better. You may still lose some weight, but we will make sure you g
The birthday party had ended and the Hart family gathered to leave. “Mr. King, we will take our leave now,” Leon said respectfully. Carter frowned slightly at the prospect of their departure. His gaze softened as it rested on Charlotte, “Why don’t you all stay the night?” he suggested, though even he realised how impractical it sounded. He wasn’t ready to let Charlotte leave just yet.Charlotte’s lips curved into a kind smile. “We will come to see you again someday,” she promised. “You better,” Carter replied. He stepped forward, pulling her into a hug that was long enough to draw a few curious glances from those nearby.Not far from the scene, Emily stood with Seraphina with her arms crossed and her expression clouded with irritation. Her brows furrowed as she watched Carter’s unusually affectionate behaviour. “Why is Carter being so affectionate with her? Even Seb seems to be revolving around her all evening. Just who is this girl?” she asked her tone filled with frustration.Se
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