Kris didnโt even flinch as the cold metal of the handcuffs clicked around his wrists, despite the strain that was put on his shoulder joints by how violently the officer pulled his hands back. He felt nothing except the dull, aching void where his heart was supposed to be. He was subconsciously aware of the phones on him, but he could barely pay any of it any mind.A minute later, the other police officer emerged from the elevator walking towards them.โConfirmed? Is he dead?โ The officer holding on to Kris's arm asked.The other officer shook his head. โNo, but it's not really looking good for him." He indicated with his chin at Kris. โWonder if his fists are made of steel because damn. The guy is barely breathing with his broken nose and his pulse is very weak.โโYou think he will make it?" The officer shrugged. โI'm not a doctor, but I've already called the paramedics. They're on their way to get him. In the meantime, you can send this one to the station and lock him up. I'll sta
Aunt Cynthia's eyes widened in disbelief at her audacity. "Youโre shameless, Karen. After everything youโve done, you still have the audacity to claim that title for yourself?โSusan crossed her arms on her chest. โDon't worry aunt. She can blabber or she wants." She turned her steely gaze to Karen. โIf you and your daughter aren't out of here by tomorrow, then prepare to be kicked out.โBefore Karen could respond, a quiet voice interrupted them. "Karen."They all turned to see Rita approaching them, her face pale but composed. Cynthiaโs gaze immediately shifted to Karenโs mother, her anger rekindled."Rita," she snapped, her voice full of contempt. "Do you know what your daughter has done? Do you know how sheโs humiliated this family? She made fools of usโ" Her voice rose, but Rita cut her off, speaking softly."I know," she said, her voice strained, eyes locking onto Karenโs tear-streaked face.Cynthiaโs eyes narrowed. "You knew? You already knew about your daughter's deception?" Sh
Linda paced her small cell, her hands clenched tightly at her sides, her mind racing with thoughts. Every second she stayed in that stink cell, the more she felt like she was losing her sanity. And the stupid judge had also denied her bail just that morning.She could hear the faint footsteps of the guard approaching."Visitor," the guard called out.Lindaโs face lit in expectation hoping it was her lawyer bringing her good news, but the moment she saw who it was, her expression soured. Karen stood on the other side of the bars, her face pale and drawn.If Linda cared even a little bit about her, she would've asked how she was doing."What are you doing here?" Linda questioned, pressing her hands against the bars as she stared through at Karen. "Did you come to gloat about your so-called advantage over me? The one thatโs going to be very short-lived, I assure you."Karenโs eyes were red, her body trembling slightly as she shook her head. "I donโt have an advantage anymore, Linda. Kris
The next morning, Kris was sitting on the cold, narrow bed in his holding cell, staring blankly at the floor.He hadnโt slept a wink last night, but he didnโt feel the effects because he still felt numb. However, he knew it was his bodyโs mechanism to keep him from feeling the immense pain again, even if just for a while. โYou have your first visitor, Miller.โ The voice of a cop cut through the silence.Kris looked up and saw Alden standing on the other side of the cell bars, his face a mixture of concern and disbelief. โI was here last night but they wouldnโt let me because it was late.โHe put his hands against the bars. โWhy didnโt you call me, Keis?โKris exhaled, looking back down. โHow did you find out?โAlden hesitated, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. โYouโre all over the news, Kris. People are talking about it everywhere.โ He paused, then added, โYouโve got some supporters, butโฆ most people are comparing you to your mother. Saying crime runs in the Miller fami
Thalassa woke up with a start, her hand instantly reaching for her phone on the nightstand. The screen lit up, and she scanned it for any missed calls or messages from Kris. There were none.She sighed heavily, sinking back against the pillows, disappointment settling in her chest. Why hasnโt he called yet? Almost the whole of yesterday, sheโd waited for him to call her or even text her. At first, she didnโt want to bother him by calling, knowing heโd said heโd be spending some time with his daughter, Tessa. But later, when she tried to call, his phone had been unreachable. Why hasnโt he contacted her? She placed a hand over her heart, a strange unease brewing in her chest. He'd told her that he would call, and he couldn't have just forgotten.Something felt off. She glanced at her phone again, the time revealing it was already mid-morning. She tossed the covers aside and slipped out of bed, her feet padding quietly across the floor.Downstairs, the aroma of breakfast greeted her. B
โMiller, your lawyer is here to see you." A guard informed Kris before he walked away. Kris barely reacted, remaining seated until the familiar figure appeared in front of his cell.โMr. Miller,โ his lawyer said, sounding both horrified and mortified. โWhy didnโt you call me earlier?โKris slowly stood, approaching the bars, his expression void of emotion. โDid Alden give you the bag?โ he asked, ignoring the question.The lawyer nodded, still looking shocked. โYes, he did. Itโs already being processed. Within a few days, your mother will be transferred to prison to await trial.โKris merely nodded, his face a mask of cold indifference, though the mention of his mother sent a painful squeeze through his heart. Linda was finally going to face justice, and yet, all he felt was a numbing emptiness.His lawyer sighed, changing the subject as he tried again. โMr. Miller, seriously. Why didnโt you call me? You know I couldโve had you out of here within an hour. Instead, youโve spent the wh
Thalassa's heart stuttered at his words. He was still looking away, but she forced him to look at her, cradling his face between her hands. "What are you talking about?" she asked, searching his tired eyes.His gaze dropped to the floor, and his voice came out in a hoarse whisper, barely audible. "This is my punishment. For everything I did to you years ago."Thalassa froze. "Kris..."Kris pressed on, his voice thick with regret. "I betrayed you. I put everyone else above you. I believed Karen. I believed my mother. Henry... But I refused to believe you, the woman I loved." His eyes squeezed shut, the pain seeping out of him. "When you told me you were pregnant... I called you a liar. I didn't trust you. I... I pushed you away."Thalassa's breath hitched as she remembered the ache, the heartbreak of that time. Kris's voice cracked as he continued, "We lost our child because of me. I am as much responsible as my mother was. And then I married Karen for a child I thought was mine. The
Karen stood beside Henryโs hospital bed, her stomach churning as she looked at his bruised, swollen face. His skin was an ugly mix of purples and blues, a stitched wound ran above his eyebrow, and his eyes were so swollen they seemed glued shut. His nose was heavily bandaged after the realignment surgery, and the sound of his labored breathing filled the sterile room. Guilt pricked at her heart. She knew kris would be angry but she hadnโt expected Kris to get so violent, to nearly kill Henry in a rage. She needed Henry aliveโfor now, at leastโuntil she figured out how to get Kris back.Henry stirred, groaning awake, his face twisting in discomfort. Karen leaned over, her voice soft. "How are you feeling?"Henry grunted, trying to shift in the bed but clearly regretting it. "How do you think I feel?" he muttered, his voice gravelly. "I feel like shit. That bastard broke my nose. I can barely breathe, and I can't even open my damn eyes."Karen tried to sound reassuring. "The doctor sa
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. โOh my Godโฆโ 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. โAlex,โ she whispered. โIโm so sorry. I had no idea she was that kind of woman.โ He shook his head. โItโs okay,โ he said, his voice calmer, his expression blank. โYou were just trying to look out for me. But donโt do it again, Tessa.โ 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.โGirls!โ Tessa called after them as they ran past, giggling. โDonโt bother grandpa Zeke!โToo 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. โHey!โThe twins burst into laughter and ran away before he could catch them.Gendry, sitting next to Tessa, shook his head. โYour daughters indeed.โTessa turned to him with a dry look. โExcuse me?โโThe mischief? Thatโs all you. I'm sure that's exactly how you were at their age.โShe huffed, crossing her arms. โAnd
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
Tessaโs 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. Iโ" 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 wasโฆ something between Gendry and me. When we were in Jamaica." Her father's frown only deepened. "I donโt understand. Since we left Jamaica, I havenโt seen you two together until yesterday. How could there be something between you whenโโ 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 donโt seem surprised." Thalassa shrugged. Krisโs 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.โMissed me that much, huh?โ he teased, the corner of his lips lifting in amusement.Rita huffed and pulled back, immediately smoothing down her hair. โYou're ruining my hair,โ she grumbled, glaring up at him.โMy bad,โ 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 fatherโs eyes. There were unspoken questions swimming in his gaze.โGood e
โMarry me, Tessa.โTessa stared at him, her lips parting as she tried to process what he had just said. Her voice came out in a breathless whisper. โWhat?โGendry didnโt hesitate. He looked straight into her eyes, his expression open and sure. โMarry me, Tessa.โShe felt like her heart had stopped. Her mind raced, but no coherent thoughts came. โYouโโ 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.โHear me out,โ he murmured. โI know it sounds crazy. Maybe it is. But Iโve never been so sure of anything in my life.โTessaโs breath hitched, her pulse drumming in her ears.โWe just made things official, like, yesterday,โ he admitted, his lips curving into a small, sheepish smile. โBut it doesnโt feel new, does it? It feels like Iโve known you forever. Weโve been through so much. Hell, even we were against each other at some point. And yet, here we
โDonโt worry. Youโre not the first couple to ask that, and you definitely wonโt be the last.โ 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.โThat should be all for today,โ The doctor said warmly. โAs 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.โShe began rearranging the equipment. โPlease wait outside for a few minutes. Your ultrasound pictures and the recording will be ready soon to take with you..โ 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. โI'll always be early for you, princes.โ 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