When the time his mother had given him was up, Kris drove to her company, The Miller Fashion House.It wasn't exactly a separate company from the Miller Group; while his company dealt mostly in textiles and the like, the Miller Fashion House dealt in clothes, jewelry, and other beauty accessories.His mother had wanted to set up the fashion business side of the Miller Group for so long, but his father had refused, believing it would be a waste of money. When his father died, and his mother took over the Miller Group fifteen years ago, she set up the Fashion House and managed to turn it into one of the most successful ventures in Baltimore, raking in billions every year. It was part of the reason why their family was so powerful.It was so dear to her that even after Kris took over the Miller Group five years ago, she refused to step down from the Fashion House for someone else.Kris shook his head with a small smile as he reached the parking lot. His mother was already waiting there
Thalassa felt like a bucket of ice-cold water had been poured over her head. She stood frozen for a few seconds—Kris and Karen? Karen and Kris? Kissing?She couldn't look anymore. She couldn't keep staring.Immediately, she turned and began to walk away, saying, “I don't feel like trying on the dresses. Let's just pay and go.”Neither Millie nor Luisa protested. When they got to the cash counter, Thalassa didn't protest when Luisa insisted on paying. Her mind was too numb to think.After paying, they were about to leave when Linda Miller stopped in front of them.“I hope you had fun in my boutique, Thalassa. Remember, I don't hold any grudges despite what you did to my family.”Thalassa just stared at her, feeling so much rage bubbling inside that she was afraid of what she could do if she stayed a second longer.Without honoring Linda with a reply, she walked out of the boutique, her friends following behind her. None of them said anything as they walked towards Luisa's car with thei
Three Years Later“Mrs. Miller, our stocks have dropped again.”“What?!” Linda Miller shot to her feet, her cold gaze directed at her CFO, who began quivering on her heels.The CFO was afraid of going on, but she knew the news had to be delivered. “Our stocks dropped by 8% just this morning.”Kris was sitting in the chair across from his mother's desk. Seeing the stricken look on her face, he feared she was going to have a heart attack. He quickly rushed to her side.“Mum, are you okay?”“Okay? How can I be okay, Kris? Didn't you hear what she just said? Our stocks have dropped again. 8% in less than a day!” Linda complained.Kris pursed his lips into a grim line, also knowing how serious this was. Within just one year, the stocks and sales of his mother's fashion company had fallen by a whopping 50%. An additional 8% meant they were close to 60% depreciation.And it was all because of a new rival company called TT Fashion.That company hadn't even existed until three years ago, yet i
Thalassa sat on the couch in her bedroom, flipping through pictures of an old, wrinkled woman, her face adorned with a beautiful laughter and warm, welcoming eyes. Some of the photos were of the two of them together, capturing moments of shared joy and laughter.She was so absorbed in the memories that she didn't notice Luisa's presence until she placed a hand on her shoulder.“You really miss her, don't you?” Luisa asked softly.Looking back at the picture on the screen, Thalassa felt her eyes sting with tears. They'd lost Granny six months ago to dementia, which had worsened significantly in her final year.On her deathbed, the old woman had taken Thalassa's hand in her frail ones and confessed that she had realized, somewhere along the years, that Thalassa wasn't truly her daughter, Agnes. Yet, she was still so grateful for all the love and light Thalassa had brought into her life in her last few years on earth.Right after that, she had passed away, still holding Thalassa's hand.
Kris froze. That voice... it sounded familiar. Too familiar. It sounded like the voice of the woman he'd tried his hardest to get out of his heart and mind for the past three years without any success.Suddenly, he was anxious to put a face to the voice, to see the face of the masked woman.“Wow, what an entrance!" His sister, Susan, gushed but instantly shut up when his mother gave her a hard glare.“Meet again?"“What does she mean by that?” the guests whispered among themselves.“Oh, my apologies," the masked woman on the stage said. “You must be confused by what I said. All I meant was that you don't know who I am yet, but I already know most of you.”This got the guests even more curious. Who was this woman who was the owner of TT Fashion? What was her name?“Please, enjoy yourselves at this party," the woman on stage said before the lights finally turned back on.Kris noted that she hadn't even mentioned her name.As soon as she stepped down from the stage, the guests surrounded
It had been three years, and yet when Kris grabbed her by the arm, Thalassa felt the same current as before. It irritated her because she wanted nothing to do with it.“I don't appreciate being touched without my permission, so let go of me, Mr. Miller. And what did you call me?” she said calmly.Kris narrowed his eyes at her. He'd felt her tense up when he called her Thalassa, but now he wasn't so sure, hearing the nonchalance in her voice. He wished he could see the expression on her face, but the damn mask she was wearing made that impossible.Reluctantly, he let go of her arm. “I don't like how you spoke to my mother.”“And how did I speak to her?” she asked.“You were rude,” he pointed out.Thalassa gritted her teeth. He knew the kind of woman his mother was and yet still defended her.“Well, good thing I'm not here to cater to what you like or don't like," she stated. “Besides, I wasn't rude to her. I merely told her what I would tell anyone who wants a meeting with me. She need
“I didn't threaten you with it," Karen sniffed. "I was just scared. I didn't want to give birth out of wedlock and watch our daughter grow up without the stability of a family.”“You know what, let's just end this conversation. It won't—" Kris was still speaking when a soft, sweet, tiny voice cut him off.“Daddy, why are you fighting with Mommy?"Kris turned to find his daughter standing in the doorway, realizing they'd forgotten to close the door. He immediately went to her and dropped to his knees, feeling his chest swell with love as he cupped her small face in his hands.“No, sweetie. Mommy and Daddy aren't fighting. We're just talking.”“Tal...king?”“Yes," Kris nodded with a smile, kissing her on the forehead.His baby. His Tessa. His little bundle of joy. She was the best thing that had happened to him in the past three years. There was no one he cared more about than her.She was the reason why he couldn't call what happened between him and Karen three years ago a mistake. Tha
When it was time for the appointment, Kris fetched his mother and drove to the Baltimore branch of TT Fashion. The building was magnificent, with stunning interiors and exteriors. They took the elevator to the top floor, where the CEO's office was located.They stopped by a desk in the most sophisticated area of the floor, and his mother asked, “Is this the CEO's office?”“Yes," the secretary responded. “How may I help you?”But his mother didn't wait. She turned and tried to open the door when the secretary rushed to stop her.“You can't just enter as you wish!”Indignation filled his mother's face. “How dare you speak to me in that tone? Don't you know who I am?”“Mum!" Kris quietly chastised her, feeling like she was frustrated with everything going on. His mother had always been a proud and self-sufficient person, so having to seek the help of someone else was hard for her.He turned to the secretary. “We have an appointment with the CEO.”“Of course. You must be the Millers. Plea
Gendry shook his head. “No, it's not that. It's just... I'm scared we might hurt the baby.”“No, we won’t. I heard it's safe to do it even when pregnant,” Tessa said, chasing his lips again.It had been too long. Too fucking long. And God knew how much she wanted him inside her again.Initially, Gendry kissed her back hesitantly, but his reluctance soon vanished. His lips trailed from hers and ran down her neck while he wedged his hands between them to fondle her breasts. His hard dick was pressing against her thigh, filling her with even more anticipation. But before they could undress each other, the jarring ring of her cellphone shattered the moment.Tessa tried to ignore it, but the sound was too grating. Gendry broke the kiss, and they both sighed as she reached for her phone. It was her brother calling. She answered.“Tessa!” Alex’s relieved sigh came through the phone. “Mum and Dad called me this morning and told me what happened yesterday. Are you... Okay, we know you're safe
Taking in the earnest, almost desperate look in Gendry's eyes, Tessa felt warmth spread through her chest. But she couldn't help but mess with him a bit.“Did I?” She shrugged, turning her gaze away from him. “I don't remember saying that. I must have been really tired.”“Oh.” She saw Gendry's expression sink from the corner of her eye. “I... you said... I thought…” He pursed his lips, struggling for words. “Tessa, you... I...”Tessa couldn't hold it in any longer. She burst into laughter. “Oh, Gendry...” She chuckled, finally looking back at him. “Of course, I remember, and of course, I meant every word.”The smile that crossed his face was the most beautiful thing Tessa had ever seen.“You evil woman,” he growled playfully. “Did you want to give me a heart attack?”And then he pounced, tickling her until she was on her back, peals of laughter vibrating through her.“Gendry, stop,” she pleaded between gasps, but he didn’t listen, dipping his head to nuzzle her neck and using his lips
After Tessa drifted off to sleep, Gendry slowly lifted her head from his shoulder, moving carefully so he wouldn’t wake her.Then, he gently scooped her up in his arms, carrying her bridal style to his bedroom. He laid her down softly, ensuring she remained undisturbed. She stirred slightly, scratching her chin for a second, but she didn’t wake up. Her breathing soon returned to its deep, steady rhythm.Smiling at how adorable she looked, he reached down and carefully removed her heels. She had, hands down, the most beautiful feet he had ever seen. He felt a sudden urge to suck on her toes.But not while she was sleeping. Maybe later.He let out a quiet chuckle at his own ridiculous thoughts. Was there anything about this woman he didn’t find attractive?He could worship every inch of her body for days, especially now that he knew she felt the same way.A heady thrill zapped through him.Oh, God. She loved him.She’d told him she loved him. It was the last thing he had expected. At le
When Tessa didn't respond after some seconds, Gendry pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her protectively as he guided her to the couch. The worry in his chest deepened with every shaky breath she took."Please, tell me," he urged gently, his voice low, coaxing. "What's wrong?"Tessa hesitated for a brief moment, then let it all out.She told him everything—meeting her biological father, the horrible lies he had spun about her parents, and the devastating truth that he had once tried to sell her. Her voice was steady at first, but as the words left her lips, it became raw, filled with emotions she had been holding back.By the time she finished, Gendry sat there in stunned silence. His fingers twitched as he clenched his fists on his lap. “Jesus Christ, Tessa…” His voice was hoarse with restrained anger. He inhaled deeply, forcing himself to calm down. “If you hadn’t just told me all that, I would’ve never guessed Kris and Thalassa weren’t your biological parents. You guys a
The moment her eyes landed on Wendy, standing so close to Gendry, dressed in a sleek, skin-tight black dress that left little to the imagination, Tessa felt like she had walked into something she wasn’t supposed to see. Her stomach twisted painfully, and her throat suddenly felt tight.“I...I’m sorry,” she stammered, taking a step back. “I didn’t know you had company.”Gendry’s brows furrowed. “Tessa, wait—”But Tessa was already retreating toward the elevator. It had obviously been a mistake coming here.Just as she turned, Wendy’s voice stopped her.“There’s no need for you to leave,” she said, reaching for her purse on the couch. “The one who will be leaving is me.”Tessa stopped mid-step, glancing back warily. Wendy walked toward the door, her heels clicking softly against the floor. As she reached Gendry’s side, she turned her gaze to Tessa, her sharp eyes scanning her from head to toe.Gendry tensed, hoping that Wendy wasn't planning to say something that would offend Tessa.The
Gendry tossed the empty pizza box into the trash, rubbing a hand down his face. He was just about to grab a beer from the fridge when the doorbell rang.Frowning, he strode out of the kitchen and made his way to the front door. Pulling it open, his body tensed up when he saw who it was.Wendy.She was leaning against the doorframe, her lips curling into a slow, sultry smile. Dressed in a deep red, body-hugging dress that barely reached mid-thigh, with a plunging neckline that left little to the imagination, she was the picture of seduction. "Hey, baby," she purred, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.Gendry shut the door and turned to face her. “I went by your apartment today.”Wendy barely glanced at him as she walked deeper into the room, swaying her hips deliberately. “I was out.”He folded his arms. “Did you leave your phone? I called you several times.”She spun to face him, tilting her head playfully. “I know.”Gendry raised a brow. “And you didn’t pick up becaus
Kris dragged in a deep breath, his features softening slightly, but there was still an emotion that looked like remorse in his eyes.He took a step forward. “I won’t stand here and pretend I’m perfect, sweetheart.” He exhaled slowly, shaking his head. “But I never mistreated Karen. The only woman I ever mistreated—” his gaze shifted to Thalassa, and his voice grew quieter, “—was her.”He pursed his lips. “It’s not something I’m proud of. I let myself believe horrible things about her, and I treated her in ways she never deserved.” His throat worked, his voice thick with regret. “That’s why it took me more than three years to finally have her back in my life.” His eyes darkened with emotion. “And I’ll never stop making it up to her.”A smile curved Thalassa's face. She reached out and gently stroked his face. “You’ve more than done that, baby.” she whispered.Kris turned his face into her palm, closing his eyes briefly.The moment was so tender that Tessa’s chest squeezed at the obviou
Tessa gripped the steering wheel, staring blankly at the closed door of their home. She had driven onto the driveway but had not turned off the ignition, so the engine was still on. Yet, she barely heard it over the chaotic thoughts pounding in her head.Henry.Her father.No; her biological father.The words felt foreign. She repeated them in her mind, trying to make them feel real, but they didn’t fit. They didn’t belong to her. They couldn’t.Her hands trembled in her lap, her knuckles still tight around the steering wheel. She should go inside. She should push this evening far, far away. She should act like it never happened.But how?Her father, the only father she’d ever known, was Kris Miller. And now, suddenly, there was this man. This stranger, claiming to be the one who had been robbed of her.Tessa squeezed her eyes shut.A sharp knock on the window made her jerk upright. She turned her head to find one of the security guards standing beside her car, his face creased with c
Tessa’s breath hitched. Her heart pounded so hard it drowned out the noise of the cars around her.No. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be real.She stared at the man before her—the man who had just called himself her father. Her mouth felt dry, but she forced herself to speak. “No. That’s not possible.”The man let out a shaky breath, his eyes shining with unshed tears. “It is, dear. I know I must look different now, but it’s me. I swear it.”Tessa took a step back, clutching the car door for support. Her mind whirled, her pulse racing.She knew Kris and Thalassa weren’t her biological parents. They had never hidden that from her. But this man, this stranger... he couldn’t be telling the truth.As far as she knew, her biological father had never been in her life. She'd assumed he was deceased. Otherwise, why would he have been out of her life for so long without ever trying to find her?The man took a hesitant step forward. Tessa flinched, her body tensing.“I don’t want to scare