“Karen...what are you doing? Put your clothes back on.” Kris chided sternly despite his drunk voice as he looked away.Karen refused, stepping closer to him. “Kris, I can make you forget, I promise. I can make you feel better.”She took his face between her hands, trying to kiss him, but he shoved her away. Karen would’ve fallen if she hadn’t held on to the edge of the bed for support.Kris was glaring at her as he shook his head. His vision was becoming blurier and blurier as sleep beckoned. “Karen, I appreciate that you helped...me see the kind of woman Thalassa truly was, but nothing like this can happen between us again.”Straightening, Karen was frustrated. She’d thought in this state, he would be so vulnerable that he would take what she was offering him. Yet he wasn’t even looking at her.“Please...put...on your clothes...Karen.” Kris’s voice slurred.He bent down, trying to pick the dress up from the floor for her, but the world spun in front of his eyes. He felt like shit. No
Zeke Mathews was a businessman. Not just any businessman, but one of the youngest bachelors to establish such a successful empire in New York.Thalassa had heard about him in business conversations but had only seen a picture of him once. Perhaps that was why she didn't recognize him immediately.The morning after their agreement, Zeke came to pick her up to take her to his house to meet his grandmother.On the way, he tried to make conversation, but Thalassa wasn't in the mood. She gave him one-word answers until he gave up trying to get her to speak.The car pulled past automatic steel gates, and Zeke drove until he parked somewhere in the compound.“Let me get your door," he said as he got out.He intended to open her door for her, but Thalassa quickly got out by herself. Her brows creased as she stared at the house in front of her.“Is that your house?” she questioned.“Yeah. Why?”Thalassa frowned. “I thought you said you'd only be in Baltimore for a month.”She looked back at th
“Aren't you the woman who's all over the news? The gold-digger who betrayed Kris Miller and stole from the Miller family?”“Brandon!” Luisa chastised her boyfriend in horror. “What is wrong with you?”“What? I'm only telling the truth!” Brandon shrugged.“I've always said that you speak without thinking, and you've never proven me wrong," Zeke gritted out.Thalassa, on the other hand, was still and stiff, her eyes blazing coldly as she turned them towards Brandon.“Bro, I'm not lying. She even has the same name: Thalassa. Don’t you guys read the news? It's definitely her. She was married to Kris Miller, and he divorced her because he found out she was embezzling money from his family company. She–”Thalassa cut him off, her voice as frigid as her eyes. “The only thing you know is their side of the story, which the media is perpetuating, but there are always two sides to a story. You don't know anything about me.”She felt bitter that the Miller family had destroyed her name so much th
“You stupid bitch! How dare you lay a hand on me?” Brandon growled furiously as he clutched at his burning cheek.He leapt forward, obviously ready to bounce and attack her, but before he could get to her, Thalassa picked up the knife on the kitchen counter, aiming at him.“Don’t you dare take another step forward, or I won’t be blamed for what I will do. If you think I’m some weak bitch who can’t defend herself, then think again.” She warned furiously.Her breathing had become ragged, and her body was shaking from sheer anger and adrenaline as she remembered the night she was attacked. Tears burned her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. If she had been able to defend herself that night, then her unborn child wouldn’t have been killed.She was never going to allow herself to be that defenseless woman again.“You’re going to regret this, you stupid woman.” Brandon gritted out, but he didn’t dare take another step forward.Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps could be heard
Zeke was completely taken off guard by his sister's demand. As far as he knew, Luisa and Thalassa had been getting along well for the past three weeks. He'd even thought they were friends, so where was this sudden decision coming from?“Luisa, what did you say?” he prompted, thinking he might have heard wrong the first time.“You heard me, Zeke. I want that woman out of this house.”“But why? What happened?” Zeke blinked in confusion.Thalassa was just as confused, though she had an idea about it. She stepped forward, but Luisa cut her off before she could speak.“Don't even speak to me!”“Luisa! Don't talk to Thalassa like that!” Zeke chastised. “What the hell happened to make you so angry with her?”“She’s a traitor! Everything the media is saying about her is true,” Luisa sneered.Zeke was even more agitated now. “Speak clearly, Luisa!”At that moment, Brandon approached. Luisa said, “Brandon, tell him everything that happened in the kitchen.”Zeke scrunched his nose. So this was a
"Babe... you hit me?" Brandon asked in a stunned voice as he clutched his burning cheek. Tears glistened in his eyes, but Thalassa knew it wasn't because of the slap. It was because he'd realized he had probably lost his money bank. "You're a despicable piece of shit!" Luisa was still raging as she slapped him on his uncovered cheek. "You dared to try to make me believe a lie about Thalassa." Brandon was panicking. "But babe, you can't possibly believe her. The recording is fake. That woman is nothing but a bitch who..." Before he could finish, a swift and hard blow connected with his mouth, sending him to the floor. "Another insult against Thalassa and you're going to see the worst I can do to you," Zeke growled. Brandon groaned in pain, clutching his mouth where a bit of blood was dripping. "Brother-in-law, please believe me. I don't know how she got that recording, but it's not real. She—" "Stop fucking calling me that!" Zeke hissed. "I knew there was something off about yo
Karen covered her beating heart with a short laugh. “Mum, what are you saying? You must’ve heard wrong. I didn’t say that. I said, ‘now that Thalassa is out of the way’-“”“That is not any better!” Her mother cut her off sharply. “Why would you even say something like that? And don’t you try to treat me like an idiot because I know what I heard. You said, ‘now that we’ve managed to get Thalassa out of the way.’ Who’s ‘we,’ Karen? Who were you talking to on the phone?”“It was just a friend,” Karen said, clutching her phone tightly in her hand as she feared her mother would snatch it away.“It always struck me as so strange what they were accusing Thalassa of. In all the years she came to our house, she never stole a single thing from us. I still find it hard to believe that she could do what they are accusing her of.”She paused, narrowing her eyes at her daughter. “Was it you, Karen? Did you have a hand in destroying Thalassa’s life?”“Mum!” Karen said it in horror. “I am your daught
Thalassa was taken aback, staring at Zeke. “What are you saying, Zeke? Go with you guys to New York?” The disbelief in her eyes made Zeke wince as he explained, “Hear me out, Thalassa. I see how unfairly you're being treated here in Baltimore. There's so much hate for you here, and it's going to be hard to continue your life here.” “You just said it yourself. It's going to be hard, not impossible. They shot me down, Zeke, but I won't stay down forever. I'm not going to let them win,” she gritted out, and the look in her eyes was so hateful that Zeke was scared for a second. He really hoped she wasn't thinking of going down the path he was imagining. He tried again. “Thalassa, there's also my grandmother. She's going to need you." Thalassa blew out a breath, having known that this would come up again. She should've known that once she accepted to help with Granny, it would be hard to walk away without affecting the old woman. But she couldn't continue living her life accordi
“What’s wrong with my wife, doctor? Is she okay?” Kris questioned at the hospital after the doctor was done examining Thalassa. The doctor offered a reassuring smile. “Mr. Miller, please calm down. Your wife is perfectly fine.” Kris’s heart slowed just a little. “Then why did she faint?” Thalassa was sitting up on the hospital bed. Her brow furrowed, and her lips pressed into a thin line. “Doctor, it’s probably menopause,” she said matter-of-factly. “I haven’t had my period in two months. I know it happens earlier for some women.” She wasn't exactly pleased that she was having her menopause at 40 years old, but she had been expecting it. The doctor shook his head gently, a knowing smile on his face. “Mrs. Miller, it’s not menopause, I assure you.” That didn't help to assuage Kris's worry. “Then…what is it?” The doctor looked between them, savoring the moment before delivering the news. “Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Miller. You’re three months pregnant.” For a long second, sile
THIRTEEN YEARS LATERIt was the thirteenth anniversary of Kris and Thalassa’s remarriage, and as had become their tradition, it was a time for celebration with loved ones.The familiar hum of laughter and clinking silverware filled the air, creating a cozy, joyful atmosphere.At the adults’ table, Thalassa sat with her chin resting on her hand, her smile gentle as her gaze lingered on the people who had become their family. Alden and Luisa were seated across from her.Their three children—Andrew, the 12-year-old charmer; Matthew, the mischievous 9-year-old; and Emma, their 5-year-old firecracker—were occupying their seats at the kids’ table.Beside Alden and Luisa were Zeke and Millie, who had flown in from New York with their boisterous 10-year-old triplets, Max, Mia, and Miles.Alex and Tessa were sitting at the adults' table. No longer children, they'd blossomed into young adults. Alex had grown into a tall, broad-shouldered, and cool-headed teenager, much like his father. While Te
The car pulled into a luxurious beachfront resort, its white walls gleaming against the backdrop of the turquoise ocean.Thalassa blinked, the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore stirring something deep in her memory.They were in Cabo San Lucas.The moment it clicked in her mind, her breath hitched. She glanced out at the golden sands stretching endlessly before her, the rugged cliffs towering in the distance, and the sparkling waters that seemed to stretch into infinity. This wasn’t just any place.It was the place she'd thought she and Kris would be going for their first honeymoon while getting married five years ago. But of course, right after their wedding, Kris had cancelled their honeymoon.Her chest tightened as a surge of emotions threatened to overwhelm her. She turned to Kris, her voice barely above a whisper. “You remembered.”Kris’s lips curved into a soft smile as he reached for her hand, brushing his thumb over her knuckles.“Of course I remembered,” he said
After his aunt disappeared from sight, Kris made his way back to Thalassa on the dance floor. She stood there, her eyes soft and grateful, watching him approach. Her expression said everything—how much his unwavering defense against Cynthia meant to her. When he reached her, she tilted her head and whispered, "Thank you."Kris cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb against her skin. “You don’t have to thank me, love,” he murmured.Straightening, Kris raised his voice to the room, announcing, “Alright, everyone! Let’s get back to celebrating!” The guests cheered, and almost immediately, the jovial atmosphere returned, laughter and clinking glasses echoing in the air.As the music played on, Kris slid his arms around Thalassa’s waist, pulling her close. Before she could react, he dipped his head, nuzzling her neck with deliberate passion. The soft tickle of his lips against her skin sent a shiver down her spine, and she let out a surprised laugh.“Kris,” she whispered, her laughter bub
Kris’s fingers trembled slightly as he slid the delicate band onto Thalassa's finger, his gaze locked onto hers.Her lips quivered, tears glistening in her eyes, and when she looked down at her hand adorned with his promise, she sniffled and quipped through her tears,“Now how am I supposed to top that vow?”A ripple of laughter echoed through the guests, softening the intensity of the moment. Kris chuckled along with them, his own eyes wet as he mouthed, I love you.Zeke stepped forward with the second ring, offering it to Thalassa with a small nod of encouragement. She took a deep breath, steadying her emotions as she began her vows.“Kris,” she started, her voice trembling but firm. “We’ve been through more than a lot of couples ever have since we fell in love. We've experienced more heartaches than a lot of couples have. We've cried more tears than a lot of couples have. But we’ve also survived more than most couples could ever dream of surviving. Despite everything, every obstacl
ONE MONTH LATER... The beach was transformed into a paradise, a breathtaking blend of romance and nature. Rows of white chairs with soft blue ribbons faced an altar made of driftwood, wrapped in delicate white fabric that fluttered in the breeze. Seashells and flowers adorned the aisle, their fragrance mingling with the salty ocean air. Lanterns filled with candles were set along the path, their flames flickering gently despite the sunlight. The waves whispered as they lapped the shore, a soothing background to the laughter and murmurs of the gathered guests. Among the guests sat a healthy Juana, her face radiant with happiness. Though she now had to walk with the help of a cane, her physiotherapist had assured her that she would soon be walking on her own two feet. Kris stood at the altar, his fingers clasped tightly in front of him. He adjusted his tie for the umpteenth time. “Dude, you're acting like you haven't done this before." Alden chuckled, standing to his left as his
Tessa pulled back from the hug first, her little hands clasped together as she looked up at Alex with wide, curious eyes. "Do you want to play with my dollhouse?" she asked, her voice light and full of hope. Alex tilted his head, thinking. "Okay," he said, then quickly added, "But we will play with my toy cars after. Okay?" "Okay!" Tessa agreed with a grin. "Let’s go!" The two children turned and, hand in hand, skipped off together, their laughter echoing. Kris and Thalassa watched them go, a shared warmth blooming between them as they stood side by side. Rising to his feet, Kris turned to Thalassa, noticing the shimmer of tears in her eyes. His brows knitted together in concern as he stepped closer. "What’s wrong?" he asked softly, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. Thalassa smiled, but it was tinged with a bittersweet emotion. "It’s just… Alex has always wanted a little sister. Ever since he was old enough to understand what that meant. I never thought I’d be able to give
Kris and Thalassa both knelt as Alex barreled into their arms, his small frame colliding with Thalassa first. His tiny arms wrapped tightly around her neck as he exclaimed, "Mummy! I missed you, Mummy!"Thalassa’s arms encircled him, her voice trembling as she whispered, "I missed you too, sweetheart. So much." Her fingers gently stroked his hair as their joy filled the room. Despite himself, Kris suddenly felt a slight wave of anxiety.He had only spent a few days in New York with Alex weeks ago. Sure, they spoke on video calls almost daily, but what if the boy didn’t greet him with the same joy? What if Alex still felt distant toward him?But as if sensing his hesitation, Alex, while still hugging Thalassa, stretched one small arm toward Kris.“Daddy, come!” he said, his voice warm and inviting.Kris felt his chest swell with emotion. A grin broke across his face as he leaned into the embrace, his arms encircling both Thalassa and Alex. Together, the three of them shared a family h
Kris was in Tessa's room, leaning against the doorframe, his gaze fixed on the small figure curled up in bed. Her breathing was soft and even, her chest rising and falling rhythmically under the fluffy pink comforter. Moments ago, she had clung to him, her small hands gripping his shirt as she begged him to promise over and over again that he was her daddy, her only daddy, and that he would never let the bad man take her away.Now, she slept peacefully, her expression serene, as though the weight of her fears had finally been lifted after his promises.The sound of soft footsteps behind him pulled Kris from his thoughts. He turned to see Thalassa standing in the doorway, a faint smile on her lips.“It’s done,” she said simply. stepping beside him. “That coward is in jail.”“Good." Kris gritted his teeth together, feeling a surge of relief. That scoundrel was finally where he belonged. But he was confused about one thing.“Why now?” he asked. “You had evidence against him all this tim