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
The room fell into a suffocating silence after Thalassa pressed play on her phone and the voice recording started.*THALASSA: Do you remember when I was arrested? You and your accomplice framed me and had me jailed. I spent three days in the same cold, bare cell. Not a single person came to visit me. KAREN: I had nothing to do with your arrest! That was all Lindaโs doing. THALASSA: Just like what you did to me on my wedding night was also Lindaโs plan?KAREN: Yes. Youโve got to believe me, Lassa. I didnโt want to do it because I never wanted to hurt you, but she made me. I donโt know how she convinced me. Thalassa, I could have let that man rape you. Thatโs what Linda wanted, but I didnโt. I strictly warned him not to because, despite everything, you were still my friend, and I didnโt want to harm you.The room grew Impossibly colder as the recording played on. Henryโs eyes darted between the two women his expression as tense as Karenโs.Thalassa stood tall and resolute, her voice
Henry looked at Karen, his mind racing. Karen stared back, her eyes pleading, her face twisted in fear and desperation.Thalassa waited patiently, her expression calm, confident, and completely in control.Henryโs teeth ground together, and through gritted teeth, he spat, โYou bitch.โThalassa rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm. โYou already called me that, Henry. Try something new next time.โ She crossed her arms, her gaze never leaving his battered face. โNow hurry up and make a decision.โKaren stood frozen beside the bed as she stared at Henry. Why was he taking so long to decide? โHenry?โHe looked at her, his jaw clenched. โWhat? What do you want me to do, Karen? Just let Kris go scot-free after he did this to me?โ He pointed at his bruised face. His voice rose, filled with anger and frustration. โI can barely breathe. He destroyed my face. You want me to just let that slide?โKarenโs hands trembled as she clenched them into fists at her sides. โBut theyโll put me
Henry curled his hands into tight fists, feeling trapped with Thalassa gaze on him.โY-yeah,โ he stammered, his eyes darting between Officer Swartz and Thalassa. โShe... she can stay.โKaren opened her mouth to protest, but a sharp, pointed look from Thalassa made the words die on Karen's tongue. Begrudgingly, she turned and walked out of the room. Thalassa smiled with satisfaction. โYou can go on taking his statement officer.โThe officer cleared his throat and looked at Henry. "Mr. Fitz, could you describe what happened in your office?"Henry felt a surge of irritation rising in him, his fists clenching even tighter. Thalassa stood just behind the officer, her eyebrow arched, her gaze piercing into him. He gritted his teeth, but remembering all the information she had that could ruin him, he knew he had no choice."I don't plan to press charges," he muttered.The officer blinked in surprise. "Really? I was told you were nearly killed.""That's an exaggeration.โ Henry said. โKris an
โWhere are you taking me? Your house?โ Kris questioned as he sat in the front passenger seat of Thalassaโs car while she sat behind the wheel.โNope.โ She shook her head. โI have never seen your penthouse so your penthouse it is.โKris smiled. Even though it was something small, it reminded him of the day she kicked him out of her house. Only Luisa had accompanied him to his penthouse because Thalassa had wanted nothing more to do with him. The fact that things were so different now pleased him so much.After Thalassa had parked in one of the two underground parking spots reserved for Kris, they made their way into the elevator.Thalassa had every plan of pinning Kris against the elevator wall, but her plans were derailed when they found an older woman already in it. And to make it more annoying, the womanโs floor was only two floors beneath Krisโs penthouse.She couldnโt wait for them to be all alone again.She managed to hold herself back long enough, but as soon as Kris unlocked hi
โOh fuck, Lassa.โ Kris gasped from the sheer pleasure of her heated tongue.Encouraged, Thalassa wrapped her mouth around him and let him slide into her mouth. As she expected, she could only get half of his dick in without gagging, so she decided to work within her limits, pulling back and letting him back in, letting her tongue caress the underside of his dick.It had been years since the last time she did this, so she wasnโt sure she was doing it right, but Krisโs moans with every move she made gave her her answer. Krisโs hips bucked slowly and hesitantly. Thalassa looked up to meet his dazed eyes, giving him an encouraging smile.Kris tangled his fingers in her hair as he began to thrust lightly, hitting her throat every time he went in. Thalassa could sense that he was making a conscious effort not to go too hard, and she appreciated that.โFuck, I canโt take this anymore.โ Kris groaned after some seconds.Within a heartbeat, his dick was out of her mouth, and she was pulled ont
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