The Miller mansion was glowing with lights as guests began streaming in, dressed in their finest attire. Inside, the grand hall had been carefully decorated for the evening.Linda Miller walked around, a smile etched on her face as she greeted and welcomed guests, her eyes scanning the room to ensure everything looked as perfect as it could.Spotting a small group of women standing near a corner, she smirked as she made her way towards them. She had been closest with them, but ever since her company's crisis got worse, they'd begun avoiding her because she apparently wasn't on the same level as them anymore. Tonight, she wanted to show them."Ladies," she greeted warmly, offering brief hugs to each of them. "I’m so glad you could make it."One of the women, an older brunette in an emerald dress, gave Linda a polite smile, but there was something mocking in her tone. “The decorations are beautiful, Linda. But it does feel... different from what you used to do. Quite a change.”Linda’s
“Thalassa.” Linda nodded slightly after several tensed seconds, her smile returning as she extended her hand. “I’m very glad you could make it.”“I’m sure you are.” Thalassa’s lips stretched into a smile as she took Linda’s hand for a handshake.The handshake lingered a bit too long, so tense that everyone in the hall could feel it as the two women stared into each other’s eyes.Linda was the first to break the stare, pulling her hand back from Thalassa’s grip. Thalassa’s lips twitched in amusement.“I’m happy you decided to do the right thing by clearing my name,” Linda spoke evenly.“Oh, I had to,” Thalassa replied, her gaze sharpening despite her smile. “After all, that’s what just people do. They expose the truth for everyone to see. Wouldn’t you agree?”Linda’s smile faltered slightly, her eyes narrowing. “Yes, I agree.”They stared at each other again, the tension building until Susan and Cynthia appeared behind Linda. “Welcome to our party, Thalassa. We hope you have a good eve
“Kris...” Thalassa swallowed, trying to keep her expression neutral. “Were you speaking to someone?” he asked again. “Uh... no... I was just talking to myself," Thalassa quickly said, praying he hadn't heard what she had been saying. Thankfully, he didn’t press further. His eyes lit up as they scanned her from head to toe. “You look gorgeous,” he whispered. His closeness was unsettling Thalassa. She needed him away so she could do what she’d come to do without any second thoughts. “Kris, we’ve already talked about this, haven’t we?” Kris stared at her, his eyes squinting in confusion. “You said you didn’t want people to see that we’re together again, but we’re not doing anything, Thalassa. We’re just talking. Surely, nobody will suspect we’re a couple just because of that?” “You’d be surprised how some people think. I don’t want to take that risk, Kris. Please understand.” She saw the hurt flash across his face before she turned and walked off, forcing herself to return to the
“Kris,” Thalassa whispered, her heart pounding inside her chest. Kris took slow steps toward her, his expression utterly broken as he stared at her. “I should've known this was too good to be true.” His breath hitched in his throat, his heart squeezing so painfully that he thought it was going to implode. He wanted to believe his eyes were deceiving him, but the evidence was right in front of him. His fingers twitched at his side, his jaw clenching painfully. “Getting back together with me...everything you said about letting the past go and giving me a second chance... I should have known it was all a lie. You lied to me. Why?” Despite her racing heart, Thalassa glared at him. This wasn’t how she wanted him to find out about her plans, but she refused to let herself feel guilty. “What did you believe, Kris?” she hissed. “Did you really think I could ever forgive your mother after everything she did to me? After she had me assaulted to make you believe I cheated on you? After she
“Kris, what is wrong with you?” Susan demanded as she stormed toward her brother. “How can you tell them to arrest Mum?”“Yes, Kris. How can you even think your mother is capable of something like that?” Aunt Cynthia added.“I said she's no mother of mine,” Kris hissed.Linda's heart was pounding as panic surged through her. No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening.“But... but... Kris...” Her lips trembled as she took hesitant steps closer to him. “Son, how can you say something like that? How could you even think I would ever do something like that?”Baring her teeth, she turned her hateful gaze on Thalassa. “All because of that woman!”She slowly returned her gaze to Kris, desperation filling her eyes. “I can’t believe you trust her over your own mother. She made a fool out of you. She made you believe she’d forgiven you, but it was all a ploy to exact her stupid revenge on me. She used you. How can you trust anything she says after all this?”Hesitantly, she reached up to cup his fa
Thalassa hadn’t spoken a word all this time or even moved an inch. Her mind was frazzled, as if she were in a dream, unable to believe that any of this was real.But when Kris stepped in front of her and she saw the pain in his eyes, it confirmed that she wasn’t dreaming.“Will you come along to the police station?” he asked, his voice devoid of emotion. “You’re the one who has the right to file the report about the attack.”Still feeling numb and in disbelief, Thalassa nodded almost mechanically. They headed toward the door, all eyes on them, the murmurs of the guests echoing behind them.Once outside, Kris turned to her. “Will you come with me?”Thalassa shook her head. Despite her scattered thoughts, she wasn’t ready to be alone with him. “No. I brought my car.”Kris nodded, saying nothing more as he headed to his car. Thalassa also went to her car.When they arrived at the police station, a crowd of reporters was already waiting outside. As soon as they saw Kris step out of his c
Remembering the broken expression on Kris's face when he found her in his mother’s room, Thalassa’s heart squeezed painfully. She couldn’t bear his silence any longer.She blurted out, “What? Are you upset with me because I did what I had to do to bring your mother to justice?”“Upset?” A humorless chuckle left his mouth. “In what world could I be upset with you? No, I’m not upset. I’m ashamed.”Pain flashed in his eyes. “You told me. You told me so many times that it was my mother behind the attack on you and the death of our child, and I still refused to believe you. I called you a liar. How can I be upset with you when I know I don’t even deserve your forgiveness?”A self-deprecating look settled on his face. “I knew it. I knew I didn’t deserve your forgiveness or your love, and yet like a fool, I allowed myself to dream. I dreamed that you still loved me and that we could finally be happy together.”He pursed his lips, the hurt in his eyes intensifying. “But I didn’t deserve your
That evening, Zeke had gone to the cinema to watch a movie. Alone. He had never been a movie fanatic, but whenever he did go to the cinema, it was always with someone, usually his sister.But he hadn't spoken to Luisa since he left Thalassa’s office yesterday. Nor had he spoken to Thalassa. The thought of Thalassa made his heart ache painfully.He wasn’t upset with Luisa, just disappointed. Her telling him some time ago that she wasn’t going to choose him over Kris as the one who deserved to be with Thalassa had hurt enough. But the fact that she hadn’t bothered to tell him Thalassa had gotten back with Kris felt even worse.If he had known, he would’ve been better prepared before going to see Thalassa at the office. Instead, he’d walked in on Thalassa and Kris kissing—a scene that shattered him.As for Thalassa, he wasn’t upset with her either. How could he be? It wasn’t her fault he’d been too much of a coward to tell her about his feelings all these years.But that didn’t mean it d
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