“You are very close to your daughter, aren't you?” Mrs Taylor asked the question. When she asked this question, Roseanne had a weird feeling ignited in her heart. Why would someone ask these silly questions? Aren't mothers and daughters supposed to be close to each other? She had been suspicious of Mrs Taylor always, and because of this lens on her eyes, she would always see the latter in a bad light. Every time, her heart would be telling her that she should stay away from this woman as she was looking for an opportunity to cheat or take advantage of her. Then again, what did she possess that Nrs Taylor could take advantage of? “Which mother is not close to their daughters?” Roseanne asked the question when she realised that she made the woman wait for too long. However, this time, Mrs Taylor surprised her with the answer. Instead of saying something sarcastic, she gave her a very vulnerable answer, “Well, some are not given the opportunity.”Roseanne chuckled. “That's bullshit. T
“What's wrong with our stepmother? Why is she talking to that woman? Where does her loyalty lie?” Beatrice whispered. Just because they were following Emery and Ellora didn't mean their attention was not on Roseanne. In reality, it was Roseanne who had taken all of their attention. All they could focus on the entire building was her. They didn't know if it was jealousy or curiosity; they were watching her entire moves. With every movement, they would wonder why Nicholas chose her over Sabrina, who was more elegant, beautiful and influential. If it was Beauty that Nicholas was after, Sabrina possessed more of it. Even a blind could see the latter's worth, but why did Nicholas throw her far and choose someone like Roseanne? It was not that Roseanne was not beautiful; she was. She could give a competition to Mrs Taylor, but it was not beauty that was needed to survive in their circle. As if Nicholas’ subject was challenging to digest for the two of them, they saw their stepmother givi
A wicked idea entered Emery's mind. It was a perfect time to introduce Luke to everyone. She thought she was taking advantage of Mrs Taylor, but it was the other way around. When the latter said her piece, she had everything predicated–especially Emery's reaction. Emery turned to Roseanne and her mother. Holding their hands, she tried to convince them, “Yes, Mom and Roseanne. We should definitely go. I like Bella's parties. They are fun. Trust me, Roseanne, you will love them. And she always takes care of the children, too. You will not be troubled.”In the end, Roseanne and Ellora could not escape. Emery had fallen prey to someone's twisted games.Although the Hart family was at the top of the food chain, there were some boundaries for them. First of all, they could not act superior in their circle, or they would end up portrayed as tyrants. Even if they were tyrants, they had to maintain a positive outlook. Otherwise, all the other wealthy households could join together and overthr
The entire Hart family went to the party organised by Mrs Taylor. The party was lavish, with guests from the elitist section of the country. Everything looked so grand. Mr Taylor and Mrs Taylor were using this party to gain as many allies as possible since the elections were close, and he needed the support of more and more people. Since there were many important people present, everyone was trying to make conversation with people in case the connection come helpful them further. However, Roseanne was standing in the middle of the hall, quiet. Nicholas could sense her reservation. She had not been talking much since the time they left home. Seeing her like this made him uncomfortable, too. Nicholas told her, “If you don't want to be here, we can return.”To him, this party has no use. If she said she wanted to return, he would leave instantly with her and the kids. She shook her head, “No.” To be honest, she was scared about him. She wanted to protect him from any harm that was co
“Who is this little angel?” Mrs Taylor cooed the little girl when she met Nicholas and his children. “Isn't she cute, husband?”Mr Taylor, who was trying to stare at the little girl, nodded. “She is.”Coco hid behind her mother as she saw two unknown people interested in her. She was shy and uncomfortable in their presence. “Hello,” Mr Taylor extended his hand to the little girl. Coco looked at Nicholas, who nodded with a smile, giving her some reassurance. When she saw his gesture, she felt a little courageous and shook the older man's hand. Holding the soft and tiny hand, Nr Taylor couldn't help but feel emotional. “I'm Vance. What's your name?” Mr Taylor asked the little girl. “I'm Charlotte,” Coco whispered. Mr Taylor scrunched up his nose. It was a typical Hart family name. He didn't show his feelings about the matter though. He tried to talk more with her but it didn't seem she was interested in answering him more. Nicholas and Roseanne greeted the couple who were throwin
She heard Mrs Taylor say, “This is my baby. I don't let anyone touch it.``She added, “Although I never get to drive it. I kept it in pristine condition. I haven't changed it a bit since the time I got it almost two decades ago.” Roseanne's palm didn't stop caressing the car's exterior until her skin touched the familiar scratches. “It's beautiful,” Roseanne whispered. “Where did you buy it from?”Mrs Taylor said, “No clue. My husband gifted me this on our wedding anniversary that year.”“It is one of a kind,” Roseanne whispered. “There is no piece like this in the world. And my dad happened to modify it with his hands.”Mrs Taylor stared at Roseanne. Roseanne looked into her eyes and asked, “Mrs Taylor, why do you own the only car my father spent decades modifying? It was his beloved project. He loved it like his child. I still remember when he finished his dream project and gave me the first ride in the car. However, after some days, a capitalist forced him to sell it. So, it was
As Nicholas consoled Roseanne, a sudden message interrupted their moment, causing his expression to shift from comfort to conflict. Sensing his inner unrest, Roseanne asked with concern, “What’s going on?”“I need to leave,” Nicholas revealed, his voice laden with urgency.“Is everything okay?” Roseanne inquired, her worry visible. “I’m not sure,” Nicholas confessed. “I’ve been searching for someone, and now, I’ve received a message saying I need to meet them immediately for crucial information. It’s not far from here. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”Roseanne nodded, though anxiety crept into her features. “Please, be careful.”Nicholas offered her a reassuring smile, appreciating her concern. He embraced her tightly and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I’ll return before you know it,” he promised before reluctantly leaving Roseanne behind with children. Roseanne watched him leave, a knot of worry tightening in her stomach, fearful of the dangers that awaited him and the lurk
“He is messing up with you again, isn't he?” Sabrina laughed. “I could see from your helplessness that he had you where he wanted you to be. Under his thumb!”She burst into a fit of angry and manic laughter once again. Her laugh made him feel inferior. It made him think that he was never good enough. He had to constantly live under the shadow of Nathaniel because no matter what happens, the latter was the protagonist of the story while he was just a suffering side character. Even if something were not about Nathaniel, it would end up becoming. All the incidents that hit his self-esteem came to surface one by one. The anger that he was trying to surprise cracked and began to overpower him. With angry and dark eyes, he said, “Cut the bullshit, Sabrina.”Sabrina still didn't stop and went on to probe hik further. She knew that under no condition he would hurt her. She pointed out, “You hate him. Don't you? He outsmarts you all the time.”“What the hell do you want?!” Nicholas asked he
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