On the other side of the church building, Coco walked through the brightly lit corridors, her small footsteps echoing softly against the walls. As she rounded a corner, a shadow suddenly loomed over her, casting a dark silhouette across the floor. However, instead of feeling fear, Coco's face lit up with joy. "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" she exclaimed, her voice ringing out in the empty hallway.A warm chuckle cut through the silence as her father emerged from the shadows, his arms outstretched to form a hug. "How did you know it was Daddy?" he asked, bending down to her level and planting a playful kiss on her nose.Coco giggled happily, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Daddy, I felt you. I knew you were comingI" she replied, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. The simple joy of being reunited with her father filled her with an unspeakable happinessHe affectionately pinched her nose once more, teasing, "Miss big words."Coco pouted in response. "Daddy, I'm not lying," she prote
As Emery was standing on the altar, holding hands with Luke, everyone in the Hart family was going through their individual struggles, waiting for their chance of happiness to come. Nikolai was bitterly looking at her happy daughter, cursing himself for failing. Ellora was worrying about all of her children, and her husband's betrayal was breaking her heart. Little Coco had turned silent as she was sitting in Nicholas' lap, her head resting against his chest while he was stroking her head. Leon was staring at Nicholas with unspeakable emotions. He was longing to be pampered by Nicholas like Coco did, but he was unable to speak it. Taking his chance, he scooted near him since their chairs touched each other and put his head on his father's arm. A sad smile played on Nicholas' lips as he experienced this moment. He controlled his emotions, and not wanting to make Leon awkward, he used his other hand to stroke the latter's hair. Since Roseanne informed the children that they were leav
The wedding ended. Emery left with her husband for their honeymoon. Only a few guests and the Hart family were left there. A car stopped outside the venue, and Mr Taylor came out. Her red heels rattled against the floor as she marched inside the church. A frown was marring her perfect face. She stopped at one point and looked at everyone in the crowd. Her eyes were trying to find Sabrina, but since she wasn't seeing her stepdaughter, her eyes kept wandering. At one point, it stopped at Roseanne, who was talking to Nicholas, and he was listening to her while Coco was trying to pull his arm. Nicholas leaned down to hear what Coco had to say, and Leon ran in the other direction while Roseanne ran after him to catch her. It was a perfect family scene, which made her eyes soft for a moment, and the next moment, they wandered again. This time, her eyes, which were hidden under sunglasses, stopped when she noticed a red light falling on the crowd. She recognised that it was a sniper hiding
After Roseanne emerged from a critical state, she slipped into a coma. The doctors were uncertain when she would awaken—five days passed with no indication of her regaining consciousness. Nicholas struggled to function for those five days. Others in the family were not in worse condition than him.The open shooting at the wedding disturbed the entire family, especially the children who were the most affected.The Hart family launched an investigation into the perpetrator of the attack. The assailant who shot Roseanne was discovered dead in an alley shortly after the incident. The individuals who eliminated the assailants belonged to a local gang and were hired by an anonymous individual via phone. They operated solely for monetary gain and were indifferent to the identity of their clients, focusing only on the price offered.In the midst of the investigation, Mrs. Taylor's active participation stood out as a fascinating element. Nicholas found himself deeply impressed by her extensive
Five more days passed, each one a painful reminder of Roseanne's unchanged condition. She remained in a deep sleep, unable to wake up. During the day, Nicholas tirelessly pursued her culprit, determined to find the person responsible for hurting Roseanne. At night, he stayed by her side like a silent guardian in the dim hospital room. Occasionally, he would find moments away to visit their home and check on the children.The impact of Roseanne's absence weighed heavily on the children, especially Leon. He retreated into himself, shutting out the world and refusing to talk. Nicholas felt sorrow every time he saw Leon's silent suffering.He was Desperate to connect with Leon and so he encouraged Leon to join him for morning runs, hoping the fresh air and exercise might help him feel better, even if just a little.Meanwhile, Coco's grief was discernible. She spent her days crying for her mother. Nicholas found comfort in the fact that Coco still expressed her emotions, even though it wa
Roseanne's sudden awakening shocked everyone in the room. With a strength that seemed to come from nowhere, she removed her oxygen mask and fixed her gaze on Nicholas."What happened to Nathan?" she demanded, her voice filled with urgency.Nicholas felt a lump form in his throat. How could he bring himself to tell her the devastating truth? He feared that the weight of the news would crush her fragile state and push her back into unconsciousness.But Roseanne saw through his hesitation. "Don't lie," she insisted, her determination unwavering. "I heard you."With a heavy heart, Nicholas took a deep breath and forced the words out. "He's gone," he whispered, his voice barely audible.Roseanne's eyes hardened as his words sank in. She remained silent, her expression betraying no emotion as she processed the devastating news. In that moment, it seemed as though she could no longer feel anything, the numbness enveloping her as the reality of Nathaniel's loss settled in.Nicholas recounted t
Coco looked up at her with tear-filled eyes, and Roseanne continued, her own voice choked with sorrow. "But even though Daddy isn't here with us physically, he will always be here in our hearts. He loved you more than anything in this world, Coco. And even though he's not here, his love for you will never fade."Coco buried her face in her mother's chest, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I miss him so much, Mommy," she sobbed."I know, sweetheart," Roseanne whispered, her own tears mingling with Coco's. "We all miss him. But we have each other, and we'll get through this together. And Daddy will always be watching over us, keeping us safe and loving us from wherever he is.”Emery's wedding would come back to her mind every night and she would cry for her father but she would always be thankful that he came to meet her. She was scared that she was going to forget the details about her father and their time together. Thus, everyone night she would write their conversation in her notebo
"Nicholas," he heard his mother's voice from the doorway."Yes?" Nicholas turned to face her."Did you see Roseanne?" Ellora asked, her tone tinged with worry."Not yet," Nicholas replied. "What happened?""Nothing. I went to her room and she wasn't there. The children aren't there either," Ellora said, her panic evident."Mom, she might be out somewhere," Nicholas reassured her. "She wouldn't leave home without telling you."Ellora sighed. "I'm sorry for making you panic, but lately my heart has been unsettled. Until I see them every morning, I cannot rest in peace."Nicholas nodded understandingly. She took a deep breath before continuing, "What will we do when they have to go back to Italy?"Truth be told, Nicholas hadn't thought about it. He didn't wish to think about it. Just the thought of Roseanne and the children being away from his sight was enough to cause him anguish. If it were up to him, he would beg her to stay with him always. However, he didn't know if he could do this
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