Whew! Hope you enjoyed these four chapters! Off to bed now, lol. Thank you so much for reading! I hope you're still enjoying this story despite how these characters are frustrating you. It is not intentional at all. *wink wink*
It took Thalassa a couple of seconds to recover from the shock of Clark's unexpected kiss. When she finally did, she braced her palms against his chest and pushed him back as gently but firmly as she could.“Clark, what are you doing?”“I'm sorry, I just had to. I've been dying to do that since we met again." Clark said, but his expression was far from apologetic. “Isn't it obvious that I still have feelings for you? I'm sure it's written all over my face every time I'm with you because that's just how much you affect me."“Clark..." Thalassa tried to say, but he cut her off.“I wish I hadn't stepped away when you told me you wanted to be with Kris. I genuinely thought you were going to be happy with him. If I'd known he would only make you suffer, I would have never let him have you.”Thalassa pursed her lips into a grim line. “That wouldn't have been up to you to decide."“Yes," Clark nodded in agreement. “But I wouldn't have stopped fighting for your love. That's what I mean.”He s
The following morning, Thalassa was awakened by gentle knocks on her bedroom door. Since she had been drifting between consciousness and sleep, she easily woke up and called out, “Come in."The door opened, and Luisa stepped into the room. “I can't believe you're still asleep."She walked forward and sat on the bed beside Thalassa. “You and Clark sure took your time last night. I was Netflix-ing while waiting for you, but I got so exhausted that I don't even know when I climbed the stairs to my bedroom. I'm sorry. I should've called to check up on you."“It's okay," Thalassa assured her, forcing back a yawn.“What kept you two so long anyway?” Luisa asked, her eyes narrowing slightly with a mischievous smile. “Don't tell me you finally got laid after starving your pussy for more than three years.”Thalassa rolled her eyes. “No, I'm still quite celibate, I assure you. I was attacked outside the restaurant."The smile on Luisa's face vanished. “Wait! What? How can you just drop that on
There wasn’t just one article; there were several, along with videos spread across multiple news outlets, gossip magazines, and social media accounts.Clark was instantly apologetic. “Forgive me, Lassa. I should’ve listened to you when you stopped me the first time. I shouldn’t have tried to kiss you again, especially in such a public place. I promise to have all of this taken down as soon as possible. I’m going to pull every resource I can to—”“Clark... Clark... Clark!” Thalassa called out firmly to cut off his rambling. “It’s okay.”“What? I thought you would be upset with me.”Thalassa pursed her lips. “I’m not. And you don’t have to bother having anything taken down.”“But... you’re not upset that people are saying we have a relationship when it isn’t true?”“I knew the consequences that would come with finally revealing my identity to the world, Clark. I know that the paparazzi are always going to be in my space,” Thalassa said calmly.This wasn’t the first time she’d had pictur
The incessant ringing of his penthouse doorbell jolted Kris out of his sleep. He'd ignored it for a while, hoping it would stop, but the ringing only got worse until he couldn't ignore it anymore.“This building better fucking be on fire," he cursed under his breath as he shot out of bed and made his way out of the bedroom, down the stairs, and to the door.His annoyance grew when he yanked the door open and saw that it was Alden.“Wow, I still can't believe you moved out of your house."Kris gritted his teeth. “And you woke me up this early in the morning just to tell me that?"“Early?" Alden scoffed and pulled out his phone, turning the screen toward Kris.Kris mellowed a bit when he saw that it was already 8 in the morning. He'd spent the night tossing in bed and must've only drifted to sleep around 4 a.m. As such, he felt exhausted.“Come in," he said with a sigh as he stepped aside.“Who said I was asking for your permission?" Alden rolled his eyes as he walked inside, causing Kr
Zeke wasn’t in a very bright mood. No, that was an understatement; he was in a very shitty mood.How could he not be after seeing the trending news about Thalassa and Clark’s supposed relationship?With a grim expression, he made his way into the foyer of TT Fashion Company and headed to one of the elevators. Just as the door was about to close, a young man in a delivery uniform, holding a bouquet of white lilies, rushed in.Zeke didn’t think much of it until he realized the young man hadn’t punched in another floor. His suspicions were confirmed when after they reached the top floor and the elevator's door opened, the young man began stepping out.“Hey,” Zeke called out in a low voice but the guy heard and stopped.“Yes?” The young man replied, looking a bit impatient.“Who are you bringing those flowers to?”The delivery man checked the card tucked into the bouquet. “Thalassa Thompson. It’s from Clark Morgan. Am I on the right floor?”Zeke’s jaw clenched. How long had this been goin
Tempers flared. Tension thrummed through the air. The two men looked like they were ready to pounce on each other. Not wanting that to happen, Thalassa quickly inserted herself between them.“What is going on here?" she demanded, her questioning gaze on Kris.“Why don't you ask that guy?" Kris sneered, waving the bouquet of pink lilies in his hand. “He’s not satisfied with just controlling his sister's life. He also thinks he has the right to make decisions for you."Thalassa was confused. She turned to look at Zeke. “What is he talking about?"Guilt mixed with anger on Zeke's face, but he didn’t say anything.“What? Cat got your tongue?” Kris snickered. “Since you won't tell her, I will. Thalassa, I sent some flowers to be delivered to you, but this bastard sent away the delivery man and even threatened to call security on him, all while claiming that it was by your instructions.”He was so glad he had stayed in his car after sending the delivery man to deliver the flowers.Thalassa
The Fashion Awards show was fast approaching, and the fashion industry and the internet at large were abuzz with anticipation.It was an event that was organized by top fashion gurus every two years. Several designers would be invited to witness the event but only five were selected to be part of the exhibition and stand the chance of winning the ultimate title.Having lead the most successful fashion house in the last year, Thalassa Thompson’s name was easily among the top five along with other designers. This was the first time she was being nominated. Another name that also rang loudly was the name of Linda Miller.Despite the decline in her company’s sales, especially in the last year, Linda Miller had held the title of ‘Queen of Fashion’ four times, two of which were won consecutively. She was still the reigning Queen of Fashion, so it was no surprise that she was also nominated despite all the controversies.It was no secret that the Miller Fashion House had some of the best des
The excitement in the air was palpable as fans and aspiring designers who hadn't been invited lined up behind metal barriers overlooking the red carpet. Cameras flashed, and cheers erupted as luxury cars pulled up, each carrying a famous face from the fashion world. Celebrities stepped out, dressed in plush gowns that flowed with every step they took. Reporters hustled to get interviews.Linda Miller's arrival caused a similar uproar. As expected of the Miller family, almost all the members attended such events together: Kris, Susan, Tyler, and Cynthia. Karen Miller was nowhere in sight.Kris was driving, dressed in a sleek black suit as he got out to open his mother's door. Linda stepped out with her head held high, wearing a stunning emerald green gown. Her fans chanted, "Queen of Fashion!" as Linda and her family made their way down the red carpet.The reporters instantly had their mics ready. One asked, "How are you feeling tonight, Linda? Good, or nervous?"Linda forced a confi
Karen paced the living room like a storm brewing in a too-small teacup, her arms folded tightly across her chest. She shot a glare toward her mother's lawyer who sat calmly with his briefcase beside him, waiting.“I don’t understand,” Karen snapped. “You’re already here, so why aren’t you reading the will? In fact, why do we even need to read it? I was her only daughter. I'm sure she's giving everything to me anyway.”Mr. Sawyer adjusted his glasses. “Ms. Blade, I ask for your patience. There is one more person who needs to be present before I proceed.”Karen’s nose wrinkled as she tilted her head. “What are you talking about? Who else could possibly need to be here?”As if on cue, the doorbell echoed through the house. Karen’s lips thinned, her irritation clear.“I’ll get it,” Bridget murmured, hurrying toward the door. Moments later, the click of heels and a deep, familiar voice caused Karen to freeze.Kris stepped inside first, his hand resting protectively on Thalassa’s lower back
As Thalassa stepped down, the room was filled with sniffles and silent tears. Though she wasn't crying, the devastated look on her face and her touching words brought tears to everyone's eyes. All except for Karen, who was glaring at her from across the aisle.The somber mood in the chapel persisted as Bridget stood up and walked to the altar.“You were my boss,” Bridget began, her voice breaking slightly, “but also my best friend. A person with the rarest heart—one who could make anyone feel seen and valued.”She paused, swallowing back the lump in her throat. “You loved with your whole being. That’s who you were. To lose you… is to lose a light in this world. But I take solace in knowing you're at peace now, somewhere you can finally rest after all the pain life threw your way. You'll never be forgotten, dear madam.”The room was silent, save for the occasional muffled sobs of mourners. When Bridget sat down, the priest returned to the altar, gesturing for everyone to bow their head
“You signed Mum’s death sentence. It’s your fault she’s dead!”Karen’s tear-streaked face twisted in raw pain as she turned to Thalassa, her voice rising like a jagged knife.“That's not true!” She shouted, her hands shaking. “I didn’t know this would happen! How could I have known?”Thalassa’s eyes narrowed, her body trembling with barely restrained fury. Before she could speak, Kris stepped behind her, his jaw tight.“So it is true, Karen?” he asked, each word laced with disbelief. “You told Linda it was your mother who gave me the evidence? What the hell were you thinking?”Karen’s lips quivered, and she stumbled over her words. “I didn’t mean to! It just… slipped out while we were talking. I couldn’t take it back!”Thalassa let out a bitter laugh that was chilling to the bone. “Oh, I’m sure that’s the excuse you told yourself to sleep at night,” she snapped. “But we both know the truth. You knew exactly what you were doing. You were scared Linda would come after you, so you decide
Karen gripped the steering wheel tightly as she drove, her frustration building with every mile. It had been three days since her mother last called her.Since the day she told her mother that she didn't want anything to do with her, the woman would call at least twice a day. But she'd gone three days without doing so, and it was grating on Karen's nerves.Had she given up already? Karen was damned if she would allow that.Right now, she was driving to her mother’s house, but she wasn't going there to reconcile. She just wanted to remind her of her betrayal and make her beg for her affections again.Pulling up to the gate, she frowned. The gate didn’t open like it always did. She waited a moment, growing impatient before honking the horn. Nothing. Annoyed, she picked up her phone and dialed Bridget’s number. “Why is the gate locked?” she demanded when Bridget answered. “And why isn’t anyone opening it?” Bridget’s voice was quiet, but the exhaustion in it was evident. “Because no
The room was quiet for a moment after the doctor’s announcement. Juana’s eyes glistened with tears as she looked up at him. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “Thank you so much.”Upon waking up and being unable to move her legs immediately, she'd truly been terrified, but this had given her so much hope.The doctor gave her a kind smile. “You’re a fighter, Ms. Juana. But remember, no stress. Rest if your head feels heavy. If it worsens, inform us immediately.”Juana nodded as tears spilled down her cheeks. Thalassa and Luisa exchanged a glance before speaking in unison, their voices filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Doctor.”He nodded again and excused himself, leaving the three women alone. Luisa and Thalassa moved to either side of Juana’s bed. Luisa gently placed her hand over hers. “I’m so happy to see you awake and well,” she said softly, her voice filled with relief.Thalassa bit her lip. “Juana, I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you saved my
Thalassa’s hands trembled at her sides as her furious words hung in the air. The weight of what she had just said, what she had admitted she wanted to do, filled the room with shock.Luisa placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, her voice trembling with worry. "Thalassa... please don’t talk like that. You don’t mean it." But Thalassa’s cold, unwavering gaze shot through her. "I mean every word," she bit out, her voice low and steely. "I want to kill her. I would be doing the world a favor by getting rid of someone as vile as Linda Miller. She’s a waste of a human being." Luisa swallowed hard, unease crawling up her spine. She had seen Thalassa enraged before, but never this murdurous rage. It scared her. "I know you’re upset," Luisa said, her voice soft but firm. "You have every right to be angry, but this isn’t you. You’re not a murderer, Lassa. You’re nothing like Linda Miller." Thalassa shrugged off Luisa’s hand with a sharp jerk. Her jaw tightened, and her eyes burned with fu
Thalassa buried her face in Kris’s chest, her sobs muffled against his shirt. His arms wrapped tightly around her.She clung to him, trembling, her mind screaming against the reality she didn’t want to accept. Rita was truly gone. The door creaked open, and Kris lifted his head. The doctor entered, followed by a nurse. This time, he didn’t ask them to leave. Instead, he approached Rita’s still form, his expression solemn as he checked her vitals. After a moment, the doctor straightened and glanced at the nurse. His voice was steady as he said, "Time of death: 7:21 AM." The words felt like a punch to Thalassa’s chest, knocking the air from her lungs. Her knees threatened to buckle, but Kris tightened his grip, holding her upright. The doctor turned to her, his face filled with sympathy. "I’m very sorry for your loss," he said softly. "It happened quicker than I expected. I’ll prepare the death certificate and arrange for her body to be transferred to the morgue whenever you’re
At Rita's revelation, Kris swallowed hard against the tightness in his throat. He thought he should feel shock or anger, but he didn't feel that. Not even disappointment. All he felt was a crushing sadness and a hollow ache in his chest that made it hard to breathe. Deep down, he'd known. He'd known his mother was behind it.But had it been too much to wish for his mother to prove not to be a monster for once? How far was Linda going to go? His jaw tightened as he looked down at Rita's frail form, her skin pale and her breaths shallow."I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice cracking under the weight of his guilt. He stepped closer to Rita, his hand hesitating before lightly brushing against hers. "I’m so sorry. You didn’t deserve this. None of this." His throat burned as he forced the words out. "I promise you, I’ll get justice for you." Rita’s eyes fluttered open slightly, her gaze cloudy yet still warm. She gave him the faintest smile, her voice a faint rasp as she whispered, "Wha
Thalassa sat in the hard, plastic chair by the wall in Rita’s ICU unit, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The sterile scent of disinfectant filled her nostrils, but she barely noticed it anymore. Her eyes were fixed on the frail figure lying in the hospital bed. Rita was surrounded by machines—a heart monitor that beeped steadily, an IV drip that fed her weakened body, and a nasal cannula that provided oxygen through thin, clear tubes resting against her pale face. She had always been so strong, so full of life. Seeing her like this, so still and vulnerable, made Thalassa’s chest ache. The machines keeping her alive felt intrusive, cold, and mechanical—so unlike the warm, loving woman who had been her pillar through so much. She rubbed her tired eyes. She hadn't slept a wink since last night, but sleep was the last thing on her mind. Her gaze darted back to Rita every few moments, desperate for any sign of movement. Nothing. A soft knock came at the door, pulling her from