Karen’s face twisted in disbelief as she sputtered, “You can’t do that.”Kris tipped his head. “Oh, I can. And I will.”Karen shook her head vehemently. “Tessa isn’t even your real daughter.”For a moment, Kris felt a rush of pain flicker, but he pushed it down, hardening his expression as he looked at Karen.“I'm still her father by law. And trust me, the fact that she isn’t my blood won’t matter once I prove just how unfit you are to take care of her.”Karen opened her mouth to argue, but Kris had already turned away, moving toward Boatemaa and Tessa. He leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to Tessa’s forehead. “I have to go, sweetheart, but I’ll come see you very soon.”Tessa’s face fell, her small fingers clutching his sleeve. “You promise, daddy?”“I promise.” Kris smiled, trying to ease her worry, his heart aching as he pulled away. Tessa waved, her gaze shifting to Thalassa.“Bye-bye, pretty lady,” Karen’s eyes narrowed in irritation as she glared at Thalassa.Kris walked back
“Would it bother you if I did have feelings for him?”Zeke’s mind buzzed at Millie’s question, his mind pulling up a blank initially. Finally, he looked at her and said softly, “Of course, I would’ve been bothered.”Millie’s heart raced as she stepped closer, her voice almost a whisper. “Why, Zeke? Why would it have bothered you?”“Because… I wouldn’t want Kris to hurt you. Not the way he hurt Thalassa.” Zeke answered. The words fell flat, and he knew it. Why wasn't he satisfied with his own answer?“Oh,” Millie murmured, stepping back with a forced smile. “Of course.” Her shoulders slumped just slightly as she glanced down, hiding the sting of disappointment. Zeke cleared his throat, trying to shake the odd sensation in his chest. “You know I care about you, Millie.”She looked up, her heart heavy. “Yes.”'Just not the way I want you to,' she thought bitterly. Out loud, she replied, “Thank you for caring, Zeke.”Zeke nodded, but his chest still felt tight. Why had the thought of Mi
The sound of the lillies falling made Kris and Thalassa break the kiss. Thalassa pulled away from Kris, her eyes widening as she rose to her feet. “Zeke.”Zeke stared at her in disbelief, his face a mask of hurt and confusion. “You are… back together with Kris?” His voice was quiet and pained.Thalassa’s steps were hesitant as she moved toward him. “Yes… Kris and I were together again.”Zeke’s hands curled into fists by his sides, his knuckles white as he whispered, “Why?”She stopped, frowning slightly. “What do you mean?”He swallowed hard, fighting to keep his voice steady. “Did Kris guilt-trip you into this? Did he tell you that you had to make up for keeping Alex from him by being with him? Or did he threaten to take Alex away from you? Is that it?”Kris stiffened, his jaw clenching with fury, but before he could say anything, Thalassa stepped forward, her voice firm. “Do you think I’m a puppet, Zeke? That I could just be manipulated into this? No,” she shook her head, holding
Millie sat on the edge of the couch in the living room, her gaze fixed on the new phone Zeke had bought her just a few days ago. She chewed her lip, worried. It was late, and Zeke still wasn’t home. He’d mentioned having dinner at Thalassa’s, but he hadn’t said he’d be staying out this long—or that he wouldn’t answer her calls. She’d tried dialing his number several times, and each time, her stomach had clenched when he didn’t pick up. She couldn’t exactly call Thalassa or Luisa for reassurance, either. They still didn’t know she was staying here or about everything with Francis. So, she was left alone with her restless thoughts, glancing at the time every few minutes.Finally, the door clicked open, and she jumped to her feet. Relief flooded her as she saw Zeke walk in. But that relief quickly faded when she noticed the lost, weary look on his face. His hair was disheveled, his shoulders slumped, and his eyes looked far too heavy for someone who'd left in such high spirits.“Zeke,
As soon as her lips touched his, Zeke became as stiff as a board. Millie's heart pounded inside her chest, but she didn't pull away, her lips moving subtlety against his.Then it began to happen; his lips started moving in sync with hers. It was a slow, hesitant response, but to Millie it meant the world. His tongue slid over her lips, but just when Millie thought he wanted to deepen the kiss, he suddenly tore his lips away from hers.“Millie...” he breathed, gazing at her with stunned, confused eyes.Millie's heart lurched painfully as she placed her finger over his lips and shook her head. “No. Please don't reject me, Zeke. I beg you.”Taking her finger off his lips, she thought he was going to get up and move away from her. Instead, his palm fell on her cheek, caressing it lightly as he gazed into her eyes.“You're so... gorgeous, Millie. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen,” he said, his voice raspy.The words hit her like an embrace. She placed her palm over the back o
Zeke's eyes opened with a start, the faint morning light slipping through the curtains and casting a soft glow across the study. He blinked, disoriented. Then he froze. Beside him, still nestled under his arm on the couch, was Millie. Memories from the night before flooded his mind, and he immediately felt a pang of regret tighten in his chest. How could he have let this happen?Millie began to stir from his movement, her eyes fluttering open, and she looked up at him with a soft smile, which faded as she took in his expression. "Millie..." He pulled his arm back gently, sitting up and running a hand through his hair, which was still slightly mussed from sleep. "Oh, fuck Millie. I'm so sorry. This... last night... it shouldn't have happened. I'm so sorry."Millie slowly sat up, brushing her hair back, as she swallowed back the stab that went through her chest. This was exactly what she'd expected to happen. She knew he would regret it, and yet it still burned."Good morning to you
Zeke sat at the head of the long mahogany table, staring blankly at the screen where the presentation slides clicked on and off. Figures and graphs danced across the screen, but none of it registered. His mind was elsewhere—stuck on Millie’s soft voice as she’d whispered, 'I love you, Zeke. I've loved you for a long time. I know you'll never look at me the way you look at Thalassa, and I've accepted that. But last night... it was the best night of my life.'He clenched his fists under the table, barely aware of his surroundings as the memory of Millie’s words played in his head. In love with him. How could he not have noticed? Had she really been that good at hiding her feelings, or had he just been too blind—or worse, too unwilling—to see it?Before last night, everything had been so good. He remembered her smile yesterday as they cooked together in the morning, the way she’d laughed, the ease between them. It had felt…right. And now he’d ruined it.Why hadn’t he stopped himself?
Zeke bolted down the hallway of his office, ignoring the startled glances from employees as he made his way to the elevator. He jabbed at the button, tapping his foot impatiently until the doors finally opened. Once inside, he pressed the ground floor and leaned back, running a hand through his hair, his heart hammering in his chest. How had he not seen it? How had he missed something so painfully obvious?Thoughts of Millie swirled through his mind, one memory tumbling after another. He remembered the sinking feeling he’d had months ago when he realized there was something seriously wrong with her relationship with Francis.The pain he'd experienced the first time he’d seen bruises marking her pale skin, even when she'd tried to make excuses for it. And yet, each one had made his blood boil and his heart ache.His overwhelming need to protect her, to shield her from anything and anyone who might hurt her. The helpless feeling whenever she looked even a little sad and the sheer joy h
“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