The sound of children’s laughter floated through the air as they ran and chased each other around.“Children, I told you to stop running around,” the event organizer, who was the owner of the foundation, chastised. But his words fell on deaf ears as the children continued to play.One of the children was so excited that he didn’t realize someone was approaching until he crashed into the person.It was Linda, who immediately had a scowl on her face. Opening her mouth to say something scathing, she stopped herself when she realized the number of people present who were all staring at her for her reaction.Immediately, she put on a smile and crouched a bit, patting the boy on the cheek. “Careful, boy. We don’t want you getting hurt.”Kris watched on with an approving smile, but he wasn’t the only one who’d accompanied his mother. Karen, his siblings, and his aunt had also come along.“Mrs. Miller, you came!” the event organizer exclaimed in surprise as he approached them. “The Miller fam
Linda was so upset that she was beginning to hyperventilate, gritting out under her breath, “What the hell is she doing here? How did she...”“She’s obviously here to bother us as usual. She just won’t leave us alone,” Karen said as she held onto an irritated Kris’s arm.Linda turned to her children and Aunt Cynthia. “Did you tell anyone that our family would be coming to this function?”Tyler’s face scrunched with disgust as he also said quietly, “Tell our friends that we’re going to a charity event? How boring!”“Then how did she know that I would be here? Because I know this isn’t just a coincidence!” Linda silently fumed some more.Kris, on the other hand, was scowling for a whole different reason, watching how Thalassa’s hand was so intricately wrapped around Zeke’s arm and how close their bodies were.The event organizer had his eyes wide, but he soon frowned, not believing that anyone would be willing to pay so much for the painting.“And you are?”Before Thalassa could respond
“Mum, what have you done?”“How can you buy that ridiculous painting for that amount?”While the other family members chastised Linda, Kris only fumed silently as he stared at Thalassa. Ironically, he felt more upset about her being so close to Zeke than about his mother losing such a large amount of money.“Mrs. Miller, the foundation cannot even begin to express how grateful we are for your immense generosity,” the organizer said. “Please, I believe we would all like to hear a word from you.”Everyone was staring at her, so Linda plastered a smile on her face even though she felt like crying. She got up and walked to the stage. She knew she could withdraw her bid, but if she did, she would be even more humiliated.Forcing an even wider smile, she began speaking. “Ladies and gentlemen, this donation is from the heart. There’s nothing more important than these children. I’m glad that I’ve made the biggest donation, which can go a long way to support them.”Thalassa rolled her eyes. Tr
Linda’s face contorted with anger, the mere sight of Thalassa making her blood boil.Thalassa tipped her head to the side, shaking her head with an unsurprised look on her face. “I always knew you were a wretched woman, but you’ve reached an all-time low. Threatening a man who’s only politely asking for something you promised to give?”Linda shot to her feet and faced Thalassa. “You stupid girl. You tricked me! You tricked me into bidding that amount.”“Tricked you?” Thalassa couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t be so dense, Linda. I didn’t point a gun at your head to bid that high. You did it because you were too proud to lose to me. It’s your own stupidity that cost you.”Fury flashed across Linda’s face as she stepped forward and threw her hand, but Thalassa saw it just in time and grabbed her wrist, squeezing tightly.“You don’t learn, do you, Linda? I already warned you not to throw hands at me because I’ll throw it back at you.”“Let go of me,” Linda groaned in pain, trying to free h
Kris was so upset that the veins in his neck were popping from how hard he was clenching his fists.“Brother...Kris, I was just putting this bitch in her pla—”“Shut up, Susan,” Kris hissed, staring daggers at his sister. “Is it true? Everything you just said?”He felt so conflicted. Was this truly how his family had treated Thalassa three years ago? He’d known his family didn’t like her, especially his mother, but had it been that bad?“Kris, she attacked Mum in the organizer’s office. Look what she did,” Susan said, taking his mother’s hand to show the red marks on her wrist.“Just answer my question,” Kris gritted out, his anger and anxious need for an answer overshadowing his worry for his mother.Susan didn’t speak. Instead, it was Thalassa. “Why are you so surprised by what you just heard, Kris? How else did you expect them to treat me when you never treated me with respect?”Thalassa scoffed as she turned to Susan. “And you, what did you think you were going to achieve by bring
As Zeke drove Thalassa to her and Luisa's house, the ride was silent all the way. The few times he'd tried to initiate conversation, she'd instantly killed it with short, disinterested answers.Some time later, he pulled the car into the driveway of her house. Killing the engine, he turned to her, concern etched on his face.“Lasaa, are you okay?”She raised an eyebrow. “Why wouldn't I be?”Zeke bit his lip, wondering whether to probe. Since the day she broke down in his arms at her office, she'd gone back to never sharing her thoughts or emotions with him. He knew she wouldn't tell him what was on her mind if he asked, but he was certain it had something to do with Kris Miller.“You shouldn't let him get to you,” he finally risked saying.Thalassa stiffened. “What are you talking about?”“I’m talking about Kris and his claims that he didn’t know how his family mistreated you. You shouldn’t let him deceive you. He’s obviously only trying to free himself from his guilt and—”“I’d rathe
On the other side of the city, the Millers weren’t in the best of moods by the time they arrived home. Susan was the most upset, immediately storming up the stairs to go to her room. Tyler followed shortly.“See how upset you’ve made Susan? You treated her—us—like we were strangers while you defended that woman,” his mother accused.“Mum, what Susan did was uncalled for,” Kris pointed out, his mood souring further.“Uncalled for?” His mother stared at him in disbelief. “Even after that woma attacked me in the organizer’s office and said she would help them sue and disgrace me?”“What you did wasn’t right either, Mum. What were you thinking, trying to use threats to withdraw your bid?”“But how do you expect me to pay that amount for that ridiculous painting?”“Then you shouldn’t have bid for it, Mum,” Kris snapped, much sharper than he’d intended to.Seeing the hurt look on his mother’s face, he let out a sigh. “I’m sorry, Mum, but it’s the truth.”Karen stepped forward. “But it was T
“You’re going to make her yours?” Kris gritted out. “Thalassa is not an object to be owned. She makes her own choices.”Clark stared at him. “Of course I know that. But don’t pretend you don’t know what I mean. I’m just planning to win her over.”“Sure. Good luck,” Kris said sarcastically.Clark leaned towards him. “Come on, why don’t you help me out? You had better luck than me the first time. So tell me, what do I do to win her over? What are her likes and dislikes? What makes her weak in the knees?”Alden, who was taking a sip of his whiskey, nearly choked on his drink when he saw the murderous look in Kris’s eyes as he glared at Clark.When Kris didn’t bother to respond after a few seconds, Clark shrugged. “Even if you don’t help me out, I’ll figure a way to make her mine myself.”“Dude, chill, no?” Alden said, not liking how possessive the man sounded. “You just saw her again after a couple of years, and you haven’t even talked to her.”Clark sighed. “The truth is I never stopped
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