Inside the doctor’s office:When Sia looked at the doctor, she almost didn’t recognize him. But on a second look, she realized who he was. It was Uncle Luke, Leon’s uncle and Emery Hart's husband. And he turned out to be one of the best burn specialists in the country. Woah, what a coincidence.It made sense that Leon would bring him to the best doctor even if he was a relative. She yet a little awkward in meeting his family but she also knew that it was not something that she could avoid easily. “Ah? My dear nephew, am I seeing things?” Luke asked. “Are you my important appointment today? And you brought a lady?” He added with a laugh, “Stand there with her. Yes, good.” He took out his phone and snapped a picture. “I will send this to Emery. Maybe she will let me sleep in the bed tonight.”Sia stifled a smile. Just as she recalled, the couple were as loving as ever. Leon’s lips twitched. “I’m sure you deserve it.”Luke said, “Hey, kiddo! I’m your favorite uncle!”Leon rolled his eye
It had been a week since Sia started at the office. Leon had been upset the entire week because he had to return to his place and could no longer sleep in her bed. He had stayed with her for two weeks to take care of her, and every night, he slept by her side, holding her in his arms; it was the best feeling in the world. Now, he had to return to his cold apartment, which didn’t feel like home. Many days, he would either return to the Hart Mansion or his own apartment.Abella had started college and become busy with it, she was rarely finding time to come home. Once a week, she would visit, and once a week, her parents would go to see her. Callum was also staying in his university dormitory, as Sia had finally agreed to fund his project, and he was practically living in his lab. Charlotte was in Paris, gathering inspiration for her new project. She needed to present some artwork, but with the exhibition only a few months away, she still had nothing ready.Rhys was busy interning for Si
In the city of love, a young woman sat on the half wall while watching the tourists around her. They were all so in love, expressing their affection, exchanging smiles, and everything in between. In the past hour alone, she had witnessed four proposals, several babymoons, and gazillions of honeymooners. She cursed under her breath. She should never have listened to her agent and come here. What was she thinking, sitting in front of the Eiffel Tower, hoping to find inspiration for her new exhibition?Instead of inspiration, she was getting frustrated. The sight of all these couples was starting to annoy her.Suddenly, her attention was drawn to a tall, attractive man. The reason he stood out was simple, he was strikingly handsome, almost as if he had stepped out of a fashion magazine. His hair was slightly longer than usual, casually combed back. But it wasn’t his style or his face that caught her eye. It was the dimple on his cheek that appeared as he smiled genuinely, and the way his
Charlotte stood by the doorway while watching the scene unfold with growing curiosity. She had barely stepped outside to catch her breath when the exchange between the man and woman caught her attention.“Why are you alone?” the woman asked, her voice sharp but tinged with questions. “I thought you would be happy to see me,” the man replied. The woman was clearly upset and raised her voice. “Sebastian Gray! Don’t argue with your mother! I told you that you are not allowed to appear in front of me if you don’t have a wife!” In the next moment, the woman appeared to lose control, her breathing became shallow and rapid. Panic flashed in her eyes and Charlotte saw the man’s expression shift immediately from frustration to concern.“Mother!” he exclaimed, rushing to her side.But the woman waved him off. “Don’t touch me, Sebastian,” she snapped, her voice trembling. “Just go.”The man’s face fell, and Charlotte could see the guilt and helplessness written all over him. He stood there fo
“I think we need to take a seat,” the old woman said, and her family followed her. Sebastian remained standing while Charlotte confidently followed the woman, but he grabbed her arm and pulled her back.He growled. Yes, literally growled at her. “What do you think you are doing?”Charlotte casually adjusted his tie while her smile unshaken. “Come on, I’m saving your ass.”He raised an eyebrow. “Do I need saving?”Charlotte glanced at the family walking ahead, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I think you do.”Sebastian's face hardened. “Leave. I can handle my own life, and you have no right to interfere. You’re a psycho.”Charlotte shrugged nonchalantly. “You need me, whether you like it or not. That brother of yours is using your misfortune to sabotage you. And his wife? She is just looking for any chance to look good in front of your mother. I’m not entirely sure about your family dynamics, but it is clear you are in deep trouble. Your mom wants you married, which means there is a
At this time, Charlotte’s phone rang, and she said, “Excuse me.”As she went to take the call, Elizabeth’s fake smile faded, and a disgusted expression took its place. “You are not marrying this girl!”She hated everything about Charlotte. From her job to her peasant family to her clothes and mannerisms! This girl looked so wild and not elegant at all. They were rich people with noble backgrounds. How could they accept this woman? The society would laugh at them! She looked at Daphney was the perfect daughter-in-law, her maiden family’s heritage is connected with a royal family as the latter’s mother was the daughter of a prince. Although Daphney had no title, she still was considered blue-blooded as her grandfather was a prince. But this wild girl who had neither looks nor family… eww. Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “What is wrong with her, Mother?”Aside from being a weirdo and stupid, there was nothing wrong with the woman. She looked quiet beautiful and shall he say cool? Elizab
As they left, Charlotte felt a shiver run down her spine. She had encountered many bad people, but they were worse. When she turned around, she saw Sebastian standing there, a hard look on his face. Once again, she felt a twinge of sympathy for him. Maybe it was his pretty face that was tugging at her heart.Before she could speak, he said, “Don’t say a word.”She fell silent.A while later, Pierce appeared, calling out, “Charlotte, I told you not to disappear!”Charlotte replied, “I didn’t leave. I’m still here.”Pierce looked at the handsome man standing next to Charlotte and asked, “Who is this eye candy? I would say he is even more handsome than your brother!” Then, with a teasing grin, he added, “Is this your new boyfriend?” He laughed. “Better than the one who dumped you in the city of love! Pitiful Charlotte got dumped in Paris!”Charlotte grabbed Pierce by the neck and twisted it. Sebastian shivered. How much training had this girl done in martial arts to be this skilled?“Apo
“What will we do?” Charlotte asked with wide eyes. Her hands were shivering as she looked at Sebastian. Panic surged inside her as she realized the whole situation. She felt like jumping from the building and dying right now. Sebastian scoffed, looking at her like she was a frightened rabbit. With a cocky raise of his brow, he said, “Who was it that said, ‘Scared of what?’”Charlotte made a face. She closed her eyes, and the image of the villainous Sabrina Taylor appeared, making her shiver. She closed her eyes again, and this time, Anne Rose Swift Hart’s face appeared, the woman was seemingly beating her with a spatula. Overwhelmed, Charlotte sat on the ground, buried her head in her knees, and wept loudly.Sebastian was caught off guard. He didn’t know how to console a weeping girl. Scratching his head awkwardly, he finally said, “Look, there is nothing wrong here. We can get an annulment.”Charlotte suddenly looked at him, her eyes widening in realization. She jumped on him while
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