Two days later...“You're being discharged today, Thalassa. You can go home now,” the doctor announced.Thalassa sat up with a sigh. Was she crazy for wishing she could spend a few more days at the hospital? It seemed so much better than going out to face her new reality. But she knew she eventually had to.She forced a smile for the doctor's sake. “Thank you, doctor. I'm so happy that I'm finally being released."The doctor's expression dropped a little, and she bit her lip before adding, “Uh... So, since nobody has been here to sign you out, you'll have to take care of the bills before leaving.”Thalassa let out another sigh. Did they think she was helpless without her ex-husband?“I know that, doctor. Like I said, I'll take care of the bills.”When she was ready to leave, she was taken to settle the accounts. Her eyes widened when she saw her total bill. The amount she had to pay for her three-day stay in the hospital was simply outrageous, even with insurance.She took a deep brea
“Your...your daughter?” Thalassa blinked, staring at the woman with her brows furrowed in confusion. “Ma'am, are you looking for your daughter? Is that why you're wandering alone?”But her questions seemed to fall on deaf ears. The woman began running her hands all over her—her face, her arms, her hair.“It’s you. It’s really you. Oh, thank you, God. I knew you would bring her to me.”Thalassa was increasingly weirded out by the woman's touches, but that was the least important thing right now. She needed to call the police to take the kidnapper away.She endured the old lady’s odd touches as she pulled out her phone, but before she could dial 911, the kidnapper suddenly jerked up from the ground with a groan.Thalassa immediately pulled the old lady behind her, posing defensively as she narrowed her eyes at the man.“I called the police while you were passed out. They're going to be here any moment, so you don't have time,” she warned.She fisted her hands, expecting the man to attac
Zeke took in the tense posture of Thalassa and her fisted hands, immediately realizing that she was afraid that he was going to hurt her.“Hi." He said it calmly and casually, hoping that would calm her tension.It didn't.“What do you want? How did you know that I was staying at this motel?” She questioned me gruffly.“Damn, relax. I'm not here to cause any trouble.” Zeke said, raising his arms in a peace gesture. “I just came here to apologize for how I behaved with you last night. I was very rude to you, even though you didn't deserve it. My grandma told me about how you saved her from a kidnapper, and I wanted to thank you for that. I'm so sorry for how I behaved.”The tension in Thalassa's shoulders eased a bit. “Well, I'm glad you realized your mistake, but next time, try not to project your own irresponsibilities on other people."The man stiffened, and for a moment, Thalassa thought he was offended, but a smile soon tipped the corners of his lips. It was a beautiful smile.“Yo
At the same time that evening, Kris was at The View, a popular nightclub where he and his friends, Henry and Alden, often went to talk over drinks. Henry and Alden had just returned from a business trip to the news of Kris's divorce from Thalassa.“So you finally made her sign the divorce papers and kicked her out? I'm so happy for you, man.”That was Henry, a dirty blonde guy in his late twenties who had no filter whatsoever when it came to the things he said and slept around with no intention of settling down.Alden glared at Henry. “Do you really think saying all that will make him feel better? Can't you see he looks miserable as it is?”Alden, also in his late twenties, was tall with dark hair and easily the most handsome among them. He was usually the voice of reason.“Oh, please,” Henry rolled his eyes. “He's going to get over it soon. The fact that that lowlife is finally out of his life is so much better. She never deserved to mingle with people like us anyway.”“Lowlife? Henr
“Karen...what are you doing? Put your clothes back on.” Kris chided sternly despite his drunk voice as he looked away.Karen refused, stepping closer to him. “Kris, I can make you forget, I promise. I can make you feel better.”She took his face between her hands, trying to kiss him, but he shoved her away. Karen would’ve fallen if she hadn’t held on to the edge of the bed for support.Kris was glaring at her as he shook his head. His vision was becoming blurier and blurier as sleep beckoned. “Karen, I appreciate that you helped...me see the kind of woman Thalassa truly was, but nothing like this can happen between us again.”Straightening, Karen was frustrated. She’d thought in this state, he would be so vulnerable that he would take what she was offering him. Yet he wasn’t even looking at her.“Please...put...on your clothes...Karen.” Kris’s voice slurred.He bent down, trying to pick the dress up from the floor for her, but the world spun in front of his eyes. He felt like shit. No
Zeke Mathews was a businessman. Not just any businessman, but one of the youngest bachelors to establish such a successful empire in New York.Thalassa had heard about him in business conversations but had only seen a picture of him once. Perhaps that was why she didn't recognize him immediately.The morning after their agreement, Zeke came to pick her up to take her to his house to meet his grandmother.On the way, he tried to make conversation, but Thalassa wasn't in the mood. She gave him one-word answers until he gave up trying to get her to speak.The car pulled past automatic steel gates, and Zeke drove until he parked somewhere in the compound.“Let me get your door," he said as he got out.He intended to open her door for her, but Thalassa quickly got out by herself. Her brows creased as she stared at the house in front of her.“Is that your house?” she questioned.“Yeah. Why?”Thalassa frowned. “I thought you said you'd only be in Baltimore for a month.”She looked back at th
“Aren't you the woman who's all over the news? The gold-digger who betrayed Kris Miller and stole from the Miller family?”“Brandon!” Luisa chastised her boyfriend in horror. “What is wrong with you?”“What? I'm only telling the truth!” Brandon shrugged.“I've always said that you speak without thinking, and you've never proven me wrong," Zeke gritted out.Thalassa, on the other hand, was still and stiff, her eyes blazing coldly as she turned them towards Brandon.“Bro, I'm not lying. She even has the same name: Thalassa. Don’t you guys read the news? It's definitely her. She was married to Kris Miller, and he divorced her because he found out she was embezzling money from his family company. She–”Thalassa cut him off, her voice as frigid as her eyes. “The only thing you know is their side of the story, which the media is perpetuating, but there are always two sides to a story. You don't know anything about me.”She felt bitter that the Miller family had destroyed her name so much th
“You stupid bitch! How dare you lay a hand on me?” Brandon growled furiously as he clutched at his burning cheek.He leapt forward, obviously ready to bounce and attack her, but before he could get to her, Thalassa picked up the knife on the kitchen counter, aiming at him.“Don’t you dare take another step forward, or I won’t be blamed for what I will do. If you think I’m some weak bitch who can’t defend herself, then think again.” She warned furiously.Her breathing had become ragged, and her body was shaking from sheer anger and adrenaline as she remembered the night she was attacked. Tears burned her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. If she had been able to defend herself that night, then her unborn child wouldn’t have been killed.She was never going to allow herself to be that defenseless woman again.“You’re going to regret this, you stupid woman.” Brandon gritted out, but he didn’t dare take another step forward.Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps could be heard
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