Luisa felt her stomach churn, covering her mouth as though she was going to puke. "How much more despicable can that woman be? She's a woman herself. How could she get involved in something so horrific against other women?" Thalassa’s expression remained impassive. After all the things she knew Linda was capable of, this was just another one to add to the list. "Do you have any evidence to back up these claims?" she asked. Mr. Frey offered a regretful smile. "Yes, there is. Unfortunately, I don’t have it with me. But I have reliable information that all the evidence is hidden by Linda Miller herself. I believe she keeps it in a place no one would suspect. And I bet that place is none other than her own home." Luisa frowned in disbelief and confusion. "Why would she keep incriminating evidence against herself instead of destroying it?" "To protect herself," Mr. Frey explained. "When she met James Miller, she realized she could have the wealth she craved without resorting to il
“Thalassa, security just called. There's a man at the door asking to see you,”Having her breakfast, Thalassa was about to put a piece of pancake in her mouth, but her hand froze midair. Since her return to New York had been abrupt, she'd told no one about it. The only one who knew was Luisa. Unless Luisa had told Zeke.But Zeke wouldn't need permission to get into the house since the house was his. So it couldn't be him.Frowning, she asked, “Did he give a name?”“Kris Miller.” Betty answered.Thalassa sucked in a breath, dropping her fork onto her plate. What the heck was he doing here?Gritting her teeth, she snatched her phone and quickly dialed Luisa’s number.“Thalassa?” Luisa answered, surprised. “We just spoke a few minutes ago. What’s up?”“Did you tell Kris I was in New York?” Thalassa questioned.“Why do you ask?” Luisa gasped, her voice suddenly alarmed. “Don’t tell me he’s there?”“Oh, he’s here, alright. Outside the house.” Thalassa huffed. “You gave him the address, did
A smile tugged at Betty's lips as she listened to the exchange between Kris and Thalassa, but when Thalassa shot her a sharp glare, she quickly wiped it away, replacing it with a stern expression.“What were you thinking, young man? You could catch pneumonia standing in that storm,” she scolded, shaking her head.Kris shrugged, his teeth still chattering. “Wouldn’t have had to if this stubborn woman here had just come out to talk to me once.”Thalassa’s nostrils flared. “You wouldn’t have had to stand there if you’d just accepted that you’re not needed here.”Sensing the rising tension between them, Betty interrupted, glancing at Kris with concern. “You're shivering. I’m going to get you a blanket. You should probably take off your shirt to warm up quicker.”“Thank you." Kris smiled gratefully as he watched the woman leave, then he turned to Thalassa, hesitantly pointing at his shirt."Mind helping? I may not be wearing the sling anymore, but I'm not allowed to overwork my shoulder."
“What the hell do you think you're doing?!”Kris quickly withdrew his hand, clearing his throat “I thought I heard something,”"So you thought that gave you the right to just enter the room? This is not your house, Kris." she fumed, her voice low but still laced with fury.Kris raised his hand in surrender. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I got curious, but I shouldn’t have tried to enter. It won’t happen again.”“Yes, it won't happen again because you're getting out of this house right now!"Kris was taken aback by the sheer anger in her voice despite the fact that she was speaking in a low tone, and how her voice was shaking. And once again, he saw the fear in her eyes.He took a step closer. "Thalassa, I said I was sorry. I-"“Why can’t you just leave me alone, Kris? Did you have to invade my life here too?”Kris could only stare back at her in shock. "Thalassa, why are so agitated simply because I tried to enter this room?"What didn't she want him to see? He stared at her, waiting for
Thalassa’s heart pounded inside her chest so fiercely she thought it might burst. She wanted to tell him. She so badly wanted to tell him he was wrong, that she felt nothing for him. But the lie refused to leave her throat. Because, hell, she wanted him. She still loved him, and no matter how much she wanted to rip him out of her system, her heart refused to cooperate. But could they ever truly be happy together? She didn’t know. All she knew was that tonight, she wanted to forget everything that happened three years ago. She wanted to pretend they were back five years ago, when everything between them was so perfect. She knew it was dangerous. She knew she was going to regret it. But regret could come later. Before she could stop herself, she smashed her lips against his again. Their kiss was just as intense as the first time, but this time, they began moving along the hallway while their tongues battled. Before long, they were in a room. Thalassa didn't care which room it was a
The cold morning air rushing over her skin jolted Thalassa awake. Snapping her eyes open, the first thing she realized was that she was lying on a hard, warm, and familiar chest.Memories of the previous night flooded her mind. It felt like a dream, but Thalassa knew better than to fool herself into thinking she hadn't been fully aware of her actions.Bracing her palm against the bed, she carefully lifted herself off Kris's chest, moving slowly to avoid waking him. She froze when he shifted and turned his head, but thankfully, he remained asleep.Quietly slipping out of bed, she stared down at him—at his beautiful, peaceful face as he slept, the naked expanse of his body, and the erection that had done things to her last night only he had ever been able to do.A sharp pang of guilt pierced her chest.What would he say if he knew the real reason she had kissed him last night?She had kissed him out of sheer desperation and fear. She had done it to distract him, to stop him from asking
Composing herself, Thalassa glared at him. “Then I'll have the security guards throw you out.”Before Kris could respond, Betty's voice rang out from behind her. “Oh, you two are awake! Hope you had a good night. What am I even saying? Of course, you must've had a *magical* night!”She giggled, earning a sharp glare from Thalassa, while Kris flashed a faint smile, noticing that she was holding a black plastic bag.Turning to Kris, she continued, “Last night, after preparing your dinner, I came to call you down to eat, but the two of you seemed quiet... preoccupied.”Thalassa’s face flushed with embarrassment as she realized Betty had probably witnessed their heated kiss. She clenched her jaw as Kris looked at her, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.“I'm sure you didn’t eat at all yesterday, and that’s not good. Come on, let me warm up the food so you can eat something. I don’t want you passing out.”“There’s no need for that because Kris is leaving now,” Thalassa interjected quickly
As soon as the little boy set eyes on Thalassa, his face broke out with pure delight. "Mummy!"“Sweetheart,” Thalassa croaked, moving toward the bed and pulling him into a tight embrace. She held him close until he wriggled in her arms.“Mummy, let go!” he giggled.Thalassa chuckled softly and loosened her hold, pressing a gentle kiss on his forehead. “I’m sorry, baby. Mummy’s just feeling a bit emotional today.” She wiped away a stray tear and glanced at Betty. “Why was he crying?”Betty smiled warmly. “You know how he gets when he doesn’t see anyone after waking up.”Thalassa sighed and met Betty’s gaze. “You don’t seem surprised.”Betty scoffed lightly. “That Kris is the father of Alex?" Betty scoffed. "Oh come one. I knew it the moment I saw him on the CCTV. Even a blind person won't fail to see how much the boy looks like his father. I assumed it was a lovers falling out thing and now he's trying to make amends.""What surprised me," she continued. "was when he didn't even once a
My dear supercalifragilisticexpialidocious readers, I won't ever get tired of expressing my gratitude for all the support you guys have given to this book. I know the way I write isn't always similar to the most popular books on the app, but I'm so glad you guys love it nevertheless. This is my most successful book yet, and it's all thanks to you guys. Love you so very much. Now, for those interested in what I plan to write the next, we're done with these characters. The next book will be about completely different characters. It's so hard to let these characters go, but we need a fresh start. No, wait. I was only joking. Don't bite my head off! Haha. (Really wish this app allows emojis so I can show you how I'm grinning like an idiot, lol) I don't intend to desert Alex like some of you fear. The next story will be about him and his lovestory. Will he ever get over the betrayal and allow himself to love and trust again? After some discussions with my editor, we came to the agreeme
Tessa stood frozen for several seconds before her hands flew to her mouth in shock. “Oh my God…” she whispered. She didn't even have to ask if he was sure because she could tell he was. Guilt clawed at her chest. Alex had told her before how most of the women who came onto him were only after his wealth which was also part of the reason he'd always been so careful about dating. And now it seemed he had been proven right. Tessa felt like it was her fault because she was the one who had set Alex on that blind date with Hillary. “Alex,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea she was that kind of woman.” He shook his head. “It’s okay,” he said, his voice calmer, his expression blank. “You were just trying to look out for me. But don’t do it again, Tessa.” There was no anger in his tone toward her, but she could sense the bitterness. Tessa swallowed hard, guilt still pressing down on her. She watched as Alex turned toward one of the cabinets, moving like he already knew exactl
After breakfast, the whole family moved to the shores to enjoy the beach. the whole family moved to the beach where a variety of games and fun had been set up.Tessa took a deep breath, feeling at peace.But peace never really lasted long when when her mischievous twins were around.The four-year-olds were balls of energy, running up and down the sandy shore, splashing water at people, and playfully disturbing anyone who looked too relaxed.“Girls!” Tessa called after them as they ran past, giggling. “Don’t bother grandpa Zeke!”Too late.Zeke had been lying on a lounger, sunglasses on, probably dozing off, until a handful of sand landed on his chest.His head snapped up. “Hey!”The twins burst into laughter and ran away before he could catch them.Gendry, sitting next to Tessa, shook his head. “Your daughters indeed.”Tessa turned to him with a dry look. “Excuse me?”“The mischief? That’s all you. I'm sure that's exactly how you were at their age.”She huffed, crossing her arms. “And
FIVE YEARS LATERThe morning sun peeked through the white curtains, casting golden light across the bedroom. Tessa stirred, instantly feeling the warmth pressed against her back, a familiar arm draped over her waist. A smile crept onto her lips as she blinked sleepily.She didn't have to turn around to know Gendry was awake. His slow, steady breaths against the nape of her neck gave him away.A soft kiss landed on her bare shoulder."Happy anniversary, Mrs. Graham," he murmured, his voice husky from sleep.Tessa hummed, pressing back against him. "Happy anniversary, Mr. Graham."Gendry tightened his hold on her, rolling her onto her back so he could hover over her. The intense look in his dark eyes sent a familiar shiver down her spine."Last night wasn't enough," he whispered, running his fingers down her side. "I need more."Tessa let out a soft laugh. "Didn't we exhaust ourselves already?"His lips brushed against her neck. "Not even close."They made love again, slow and deep, as
Tessa’s heart thudded as her father stared at Gendry, his brows furrowing deeper by the second. "Of course I figured that out already." her father finally scoffed, shaking his head. "It's just... Tessa is two months pregnant. Two months. I—" He blinked rapidly as the realization dawned. "Unless..." Tessa took pity on him. She sighed and decided to just put him out of his confusion. "Dad," she said carefully, "there was… something between Gendry and me. When we were in Jamaica." Her father's frown only deepened. "I don’t understand. Since we left Jamaica, I haven’t seen you two together until yesterday. How could there be something between you when–” Beside him, Thalassa let out a small chuckle and placed a hand on his chest. "Leave them alone, Kris," she said, eyes twinkling with amusement. Kris turned to her, narrowing his eyes. "You don’t seem surprised." Thalassa shrugged. Kris’s jaw dropped. "Lassa. You knew?" She gave him an innocent look. "I had my suspicions." "And yo
All eyes turned towards Tessa and Gendry as they entered. In the living room were her parents, Alex, Rita, Maya, Jace, Aunt Luisa, Uncle Alden, and their youngest 17 years old daughter, Tessa's cousin, Emma.The moment Rita spotted Gendry, she gasped. "Gendry!" she squealed, jumping up from her seat and rushing toward him.Gendry barely had time to react before Rita crashed into him. He let out a soft chuckle, crouching slightly to meet her height as he ran a hand through her hair.“Missed me that much, huh?” he teased, the corner of his lips lifting in amusement.Rita huffed and pulled back, immediately smoothing down her hair. “You're ruining my hair,” she grumbled, glaring up at him.“My bad,” Gendry said, his voice dripping with fake remorse. His amused gaze flicked toward the others, and laughter rippled through the room, even from Alex.Despite the lighthearted moment, Tessa caught the curious look in her father’s eyes. There were unspoken questions swimming in his gaze.“Good e
“Marry me, Tessa.”Tessa stared at him, her lips parting as she tried to process what he had just said. Her voice came out in a breathless whisper. “What?”Gendry didn’t hesitate. He looked straight into her eyes, his expression open and sure. “Marry me, Tessa.”She felt like her heart had stopped. Her mind raced, but no coherent thoughts came. “You—” She swallowed, utterly flustered.Gendry chuckled at her shock, rolling onto his side so that he was partially on top of her. His fingers traced lazy circles on her arm, his touch soothing.“Hear me out,” he murmured. “I know it sounds crazy. Maybe it is. But I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.”Tessa’s breath hitched, her pulse drumming in her ears.“We just made things official, like, yesterday,” he admitted, his lips curving into a small, sheepish smile. “But it doesn’t feel new, does it? It feels like I’ve known you forever. We’ve been through so much. Hell, even we were against each other at some point. And yet, here we
“Don’t worry. You’re not the first couple to ask that, and you definitely won’t be the last.” The doctor said with a teasing note in her voice.She pulled out a disposable wipe and began wiping the gel from Tessa's belly. Tessa sighed in relief.“That should be all for today,” The doctor said warmly. “As I said, for the first few months, it would be best to be checked monthly, so please when you're ready, let me know when to schedule the next appointment.”She began rearranging the equipment. “Please wait outside for a few minutes. Your ultrasound pictures and the recording will be ready soon to take with you..” Gendry helped Tessa sit up and adjust her clothes before they stepped out. They waited in the reception area, their happiness and excitement tangible. Ten minutes later, a nurse handed over the envelope containing the picture and the USB. Gendry took it as if it was the most precious thing in the world. They made their way out of the hospital and back to Gendry's car. Aft
In the afternoon, when it was a couple of minutes to get an appointment, Gendry arrived a few minutes earlier than he promised to pick her up.Gendry leaned against the doorframe, looking relaxed yet effortlessly gorgeous in his button down shirt. His eyes swept over her in that way that always made her feel like the only woman in the world. "You're early," she teased, walking toward him. He beamed. “I'll always be early for you, princes.” Her heart did a little flip at that, but she rolled her eyes to keep her cool. "Such a smooth talker." He grinned and reached for her, pulling her close and covering her lips with his. When they finally broke the kiss, he took her hand. She let him take it without hesitation, their fingers interlocking. It felt so right.As they walked through the office, she felt the weight of dozens of eyes on them. Conversations momentarily halted, only to resume in hushed murmurs once they passed. She knew exactly why. One, no one had ever seen her h