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
When the hug went on for too long, Thalassa shifted, which finally made Clark break the hug. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry if I’m acting all clingy,” he immediately apologized. “It’s just that I’m really happy to see you again.”“You weren’t exactly happy with me the last time we talked,” Thalassa recalled, adjusting herself in her seat.Clark cringed. “I was a bit of an ass, wasn’t I?” He chuckled lightly. “Well, to my credit, you’d just told me that you were going to choose Kris over me because he was the one you loved and not me. That really hurt.”Confusion marred his face. “Only for me to hear just a few minutes ago that the two of you aren’t together anymore. What happened?”Thalassa gave him a hard smile. “Am I really supposed to believe that Kris hasn’t already told you what happened or that you never heard it on the news?”He shook his head. “No, he refused to tell me anything. As for the news, I returned to Europe a few months after your rejection. I’ve been there all this time
“Yes!” Clark grinned, immediately placing his hand on her waist and pulling her into the fray of writhing bodies on the dance floor.Alden had his eyes glued on Luisa, feeling his body warm as he watched the way she swayed to the beat.She really seemed to be having fun, and he felt so damn tempted to walk onto the dance floor and dance with her, but he was afraid that she would be rude to him again like the last time at her office. He had to force himself to continue sitting.Kris’s gaze darkened even more as he watched how Thalassa had allowed Clark to hold her close to him while they danced.Alden noticed his dark gaze and let out an amused chuckle. “Why are you looking at Clark like you want to kill him? They’re just dancing.”“Just dancing?” Henry scoffed. “Isn’t she supposed to be with Zeke Mathews? So why is she allowing another man to dance so intimately with her? How much cheaper can she be?”Alden glared at him. “You know, sometimes it’s better to just keep your thoughts to
Thalassa let out a snort as she stared back calmly at him despite her suddenly racing heart. “Unlike what you might want to convince yourself of, I don’t live my life with you in mind.” The familiar woody, spicy smell of his cologne wafted into her nostrils, trying to entice her to sniff it in, but Thalassa shoved away the stupid urge. Kris let out a mirthless chuckle. “If that were true, then you wouldn’t be targeting me and my family so much. You came to the charity function somehow already knowing that we were going to be there.” He paused. “If you knew that you were going to donate 50 million dollars anyway, then why did you let my mother win the bid for 30 million?” “What was I supposed to do when she was trying so hard to outbid me? It was obvious just how much she loved the painting, so I just had to let her win it.” Thalassa said sweetly, then shrugged. “Perhaps you should advise your mother to be a little wiser next time and not just spend her money however she likes.”
Their first kiss in three years was explosive—at least for Kris. As soon as his lips touched hers, sensations he’d only ever experienced with her surged through every pore of his body.If only it had lasted a while longer.But it didn’t. Just a few seconds later, Thalassa pushed against him with all her might, and when he stumbled back, her palm connected with his cheek in a fierce slap.“Don’t you ever do that again. Ever again,” she spat, fury blazing in her eyes.Kris took another step back, running a frustrated hand through his hair. “If you didn’t want me to kiss you, then why did you say all those things to me? Why did you provoke me?”“Because I wanted you to see just how pathetic you are. But you have no right to kiss me ever again in your life. No right! Is that clear?”Glowering at him one last time, she made her way to the washroom door and opened it before stepping out.“Fuck!” Kris slammed his fist into the wall, furious with himself.She was right. He was pathetic. How h
It was Alden, his eyes blazing as he glared at Victor. Luisa’s heart soared the moment she saw him.Victor was offended that another man was trying to tell him what to do. He turned his head to glare at Alden.“Don’t butt your nose into other people’s business. Just get back inside the bar. This doesn’t concern you.”He began trying to push Luisa into the car again while she resisted. Alden’s whole body tensed up, his eyes narrowing, jaw clenching, and the muscles in his arms bunching and straining against the body-hugging shirt he was wearing.Luisa knew this was the worst time to be thinking this, but she couldn’t help but notice how hot his anger made him look.“I said let her go,” Alden said in a voice that was too calm not to be dangerous.“Fuck off, motherfucker,” Victor snapped, flipping him the finger. “She’s my girlfriend, so stop bringing your presence where you’re not needed. Just leave us alone.”“She might be your girlfriend, but she clearly doesn’t want to go with you, s
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. “Oh my God…” 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. “Alex,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea she was that kind of woman.” He shook his head. “It’s okay,” he said, his voice calmer, his expression blank. “You were just trying to look out for me. But don’t do it again, Tessa.” 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.“Girls!” Tessa called after them as they ran past, giggling. “Don’t bother grandpa Zeke!”Too 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. “Hey!”The twins burst into laughter and ran away before he could catch them.Gendry, sitting next to Tessa, shook his head. “Your daughters indeed.”Tessa turned to him with a dry look. “Excuse me?”“The mischief? That’s all you. I'm sure that's exactly how you were at their age.”She huffed, crossing her arms. “And
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
Tessa’s 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. I—" 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 was… something between Gendry and me. When we were in Jamaica." Her father's frown only deepened. "I don’t understand. Since we left Jamaica, I haven’t seen you two together until yesterday. How could there be something between you when–” 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 don’t seem surprised." Thalassa shrugged. Kris’s 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.“Missed me that much, huh?” he teased, the corner of his lips lifting in amusement.Rita huffed and pulled back, immediately smoothing down her hair. “You're ruining my hair,” she grumbled, glaring up at him.“My bad,” 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 father’s eyes. There were unspoken questions swimming in his gaze.“Good e
“Marry me, Tessa.”Tessa stared at him, her lips parting as she tried to process what he had just said. Her voice came out in a breathless whisper. “What?”Gendry didn’t hesitate. He looked straight into her eyes, his expression open and sure. “Marry me, Tessa.”She felt like her heart had stopped. Her mind raced, but no coherent thoughts came. “You—” 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.“Hear me out,” he murmured. “I know it sounds crazy. Maybe it is. But I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.”Tessa’s breath hitched, her pulse drumming in her ears.“We just made things official, like, yesterday,” he admitted, his lips curving into a small, sheepish smile. “But it doesn’t feel new, does it? It feels like I’ve known you forever. We’ve been through so much. Hell, even we were against each other at some point. And yet, here we
“Don’t worry. You’re not the first couple to ask that, and you definitely won’t be the last.” 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.“That should be all for today,” The doctor said warmly. “As 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.”She began rearranging the equipment. “Please wait outside for a few minutes. Your ultrasound pictures and the recording will be ready soon to take with you..” 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. “I'll always be early for you, princes.” 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