Kris couldn't take his eyes off Alex, mesmerized by every giggle, every smile. His heart swelled as he played with his son, savoring the simple joy of pushing toy cars back and forth. For hours, they sat there, Kris losing himself in the world of his child. He cherished each small moment as Alex’s childish laughter rang out, bright and innocent. It made him forget, even if briefly, the storm raging inside him. Betty’s voice broke the peaceful bubble. “Time for dinner,” she said softly, her tone almost apologetic for interrupting the moment. Kris looked up, blinking as reality returned. "Good," he said, standing up with Alex in his arms. “I want to feed him.” Betty raised a brow. “Have you done this before?” Kris smiled, the sadness behind his eyes briefly masked. "I have a daughter... she's only two months younger than Alex. I used to feed her all the time." Betty’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “I didn’t know that.” “It’s a long story.” “Well, Alex usually likes to
Hours later, Thalassa lay in her bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling, unable to sleep. After dinner, Kris had continued playing with Alex until their son grew tired. Betty had taken over, putting Alex to bed and showing Kris his room. The evening had passed in a strange haze, leaving Thalassa feeling like a stranger in the house she'd lived in for years. She hadn't spent much time with Alex since she arrived because interrupting his time with Kris always felt like a crime. Maybe that’s why she couldn't sleep. She needed to spend some time with her son, even if he was asleep now. With a sigh, she slipped out of bed, heading toward Alex’s room. Quietly, she opened the door and stepped inside, only to come to a stop. There, beside the small toddler bed, was Kris. He was crouched low, his hand gently resting on Alex’s blanket as their son slept peacefully. Kris turned at the sound of the door, his eyes meeting hers. "I’m sorry," Thalassa whispered, her voice barely audible. "I di
The collision of their lips felt as magical as it always dif. At least to Thalassa. It took her some seconds of moving her lips against Kris’s to realize that he wasn’t responding to her kiss.She broke the kiss and slowly moved her head back to look at his face. He looked stunned, but other than that, she couldn’t guess what was going through his head.“I’m sorry,” she whispered, stepping away from him.Shame burned her face. What had she expected? That he would just agree to be with her again after she deceived him twice?“I’m sorry.” She repeated, turning to leave to save herself from further embarrassment, but Kris held her back by the arm.“Kris, I said I’m sorry.” Thalassa said pleadingly while still facing away from him.“Why are you apologizing?” Kris questioned, confusion mirrored in his voice.“Because you probably didn’t want me to kiss you and—”“Didn’t want you to kiss me?” Kris let out an incredulous chuckle before slowly turning her to face him once again. “Lassa, there
It didn’t take long before an earth shattering orgasm tore through Thalassa.“Kris.” She screamed his name just as he’d promised, her knees shaking due to the intensity of the pleasure.It was too much. Thalassa could barely stand. Kris pulled his fingers out of her and swept her off her feet again. And while her body still trembled from her orgasm, he slowly walked and laid her on her back on the bed.He kissed her again, soft at first, then hard. Then he broke the kiss, his lips beginning to travel down her body again when Thalassa grabbed his head.“No,” she shook her head, staring down at him. The ache inside her was too intense. It couldn’t be soothed by just his tongue. “I need you. I can’t stand it anymore.”Looking into her eyes, Kris was almost taken aback at the point to which her desire had flared. Dick twitching painfully, he crawled his lips back up and pulled his boxer briefs down, tossing them aside. Grabbing her by one of her thighs, he hoisted the mound up and poised
The light streaming through the blinds slowly woke Kris up. Groaning from all the delicious aches in his body, he stretched blissfully, reaching out to wrap his arm around the woman beside him—until his hand landed on a pillow instead.His eyes snapped open, panic zinging through him as he realized Thalassa wasn’t in bed. She was standing at the foot of the bed, one of the sheets wrapped around her body.A sense of déjà vu washed over him. This was exactly how things had played out the last time they made love, when she told him that what happened between them meant nothing and would never happen again.Dread coiled tight in his stomach. He braced himself on his elbows, raising his body, his desperate eyes taking her in. He held his breath, waiting for her to tell him to get dressed and leave, but those words never came.Instead, a slow, sexy smile curved her lips as she sauntered toward him, crawling across the bed.“I thought you’d never wake up.”Relief rolled through Kris. She was
After taking her to heaven and beyond, Kris prepared a bath in the bathroom, where they washed and cleaned off the sweat and grime from their countless rounds of lovemaking.Of course, Kris didn't miss the opportunity to give her another orgasm with his fingers.Once they were freshened up and dry, Thalassa went to her room to get dressed, while Kris headed to the guest room he'd been given to change into one of the outfits he had ordered and received the night before.They met up in the hallway and went together into Alex's room, but finding it empty, they made their way downstairs.As soon as Betty laid eyes on them, the older woman broke into a knowing smile. She was sitting on one of the couches in the living room while Alex sat in front of her, using crayons in a coloring book.“Good morning, Betty,” Kris greeted.Betty scoffed. “It's already some minutes past twelve. Not that you two would know, being so busy up there.”Thalassa flushed, narrowing her eyes at her. “Betty!”Betty
While he was still hugging his son, Kris's phone rang. Annoyed by the interruption at such an important moment, Kris reluctantly released Alex and pulled out his phone. Seeing that it was his lawyer, he excused himself, stood up, and walked a short distance away to answer the call.Thalassa also noticed the caller ID, and her eyes followed him. She could see the tension building in his expression as he spoke to his lawyer.When the call ended, she stood and met him halfway, concern etched on her face. "Is something wrong?"Kris sighed. "It's my mother. My lawyer has been trying to arrange for her transfer to prison and to push her cases to court, but he's been meeting resistance. I have to go back to Baltimore to sort it out."Though his voice was emotionless, Thalassa wasn’t fooled. She could see the pain in his eyes. This was affecting him more than he wanted to admit.She gently cupped his face in her hands, looking into his eyes. "Kris, I can have my lawyers handle it, or I can g
Karen’s heart thumped inside her chest, each beat growing louder as she stared at her mother. “Mum, what do you mean you have the bag? You had no right to take it from where it was locked!”Rita descended the stairs slowly, her eyes never leaving Karen. Her calmness only made Karen’s panic worse. “Why are you so upset?” Rita asked, her voice soft but tinged with disappointment. “Didn’t you tell me last time you had nothing to do with hiding the evidence against Linda?”Karen swallowed hard as her mother stopped right in front of her. Her face was lined with bitterness, her eyes cold as she continued. “When you came here and I asked if you were involved, you tried to guilt me into dropping the subject. But it left me even more suspicious.” Rita’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “So today, when Bridget mentioned the bag you brought in that day, I knew instantly what it was.”Karen’s head whipped around, eyes narrowing as she hissed at the maid. “You fucking gossip!”“Don’t you dare t
“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