Alden was annoyed but forced a smile as he looked at Zeke. “No problem. You can sit anywhere you like.”As much as he would like to tell the man off for his interference, he knew he needed to be wise. Zeke was still Luisa’s brother, and if he was going to pursue Luisa, he needed to get on the man’s good side.Luisa was also fuming as she sat down in the chair Alden had pulled back for her. She couldn’t believe that Zeke was interfering even after promising he wouldn’t. Thalassa and Millie both rolled their eyes.“So how long have you and Millie known each other?” Alden asked Zeke.“Since she began working for Kris two years ago. We’ve been close.”Zeke’s eyes narrowed, not liking the way he said it. What did he mean by ‘close’?“I see,” he said simply while glaring intensely at Alden.An awkward silence settled over the table, but they were saved when a waitress approached them.“Hello, are you guys ready to order now?”“You can order anything you want. I’ll take care of everything,”
After leaving the table, Luisa hadn’t even gotten past the hallway leading to the washroom when Alden suddenly grabbed her arm and held her back. “Luisa, please let me explain.”Luisa stiffened, then jerked her arm from his hold. “Explain what? You don’t owe me any explanation.”She tried to appear aloof, but she couldn’t keep it up for long before she hissed. “You told Millie to invite us here because of Kris, didn’t you? He made you bring Thalassa here because he was going to be here, didn’t he?”Seeing the need for honesty in her eyes, Alden couldn’t bring himself to lie. He ran his hand through his hair as he admitted, “Yes.”Luisa took a step back. She couldn’t believe she’d been foolish enough to think he’d sent the invite because of her.She knew she was being unreasonable because Alden never told her he was organizing this hangout for her. It was she and Thalassa who had assumed his intentions, so she had no right to feel this way—so betrayed.She felt even more foolish becau
Gasps echoed across the room at the man’s declaration. Even Zeke was shocked and confused because the women hadn’t told him any story about the pictures. He turned to Thalassa, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Naked pictures? What pictures is he talking about?” No one attempted to answer him. Thalassa’s gaze was fixed on the man who might have raped her, too focused to even spare Zeke a glance. Kris finally let go of the man and stepped in front of Karen. “I’m going to give you one chance to defend yourself. Just one.” His voice was cold. So cold that it sent a shiver of panic down Karen’s spine. “That man is lying!” she quickly said. “How could I have paid him to do anything when I’ve never even seen him before?” Kris’s lips curled wryly. “So now you don’t know him? I thought you were the one who took the pictures when you caught Thalassa…” He used his index fingers to air-quote the next word. “...‘cheating.’” Karen panicked, realizing she’d messed up, but quickly thou
Their eyes locked. For several seconds, they stared at each other—Kris’s eyes filled with all the desperation in the world, while Thalassa’s eyes were filled with... nothing. She hadn’t said a single word since he exposed Karen, and every second of her silence made him feel like he was dying inside, desperate for her to say something—anything. The moment was broken when Luisa suddenly stormed over to Karen. “You stupid bitch!” Two violent slaps landed on Karen’s face, causing her to stumble as Luisa continued to fume. “What kind of woman are you? How could you pay a man to do something like this to another woman? Someone who loved you and considered you her best friend? You’re despicable.” Another slap landed on Karen’s face, followed by another, and another. Karen’s ears were ringing and her head spinning from the pain radiating through her. She felt too overwhelmed to even attempt to hit Luisa back. All she could do was grab onto Kris’s arm and cling to it. “Kris, save me.
Kris stared at Karen incredulously, his lips curling with rage. “How dare you?! How dare you try to involve my mother in this?”“But I’m not lying. She was the one who suggested the plan to me,” Karen insisted.“My mother didn’t even know anything about the pictures until you gave them to her on my wedding day to pass on to me!” Kris hissed.“That’s what she told me to tell you. She wanted you to believe that,” Karen said bitterly.Looking back, she realized Linda Miller had made her do all the dirty work so that if the plan failed, she wouldn’t be implicated.She sniffed. “I didn’t want to do it, but Linda convinced me. You know she never liked Thalassa and always thought she wasn’t good enough to be her daughter-in-law. That’s why she hatched the plan.”“Keep my mother’s name out of your fucking mouth!” Kris snarled, his voice ringing with a savage warning. “If you tell another lie about her, you’re going to be even sorrier.”Thalassa felt bitter as she listened to it all. She knew
“Let go of my sister right this minute!” Zeke’s harsh voice cut off the confession Alden had been about to make as he grabbed Alden’s hand and tore it away from Luisa’s arm. Luisa gasped. “Zeke, what are you doing?” “Keeping this bastard away from you,” Zeke hissed. “Luisa, can’t you see that he can’t be trusted? He deceived all of you because his friend asked him to, just to get Thalassa here.” Alden clenched his jaw, frustrated, but tried to keep his voice calm. “You saw what happened here yourself, Zeke. I did it for a good reason.” “That doesn’t make you any less of a liar and a user,” Zeke scoffed disdainfully. “You still used my sister to get to Thalassa. How do I know you’re not trying to get close to her only because Miller asked you to?” Luisa felt her cheeks warm with embarrassment and quickly clarified, “Zeke, Alden never asked me out. He didn’t even speak to me personally.” Zeke huffed. “Sister, don’t try to defend this man. Please understand that he can’t
“Thalassa, please, can we talk?”Zeke instantly grew annoyed and stepped forward belligerently. “Lassa doesn’t have anything to talk to you about.”Kris gnashed his teeth. The bastard hadn’t had enough with controlling his sister’s life; now he wanted to control Thalassa’s life too.“I don’t remember you being her spokesperson,” Kris gritted out before looking at Thalassa again. “Thalassa, it will only take a few seconds, please.”She made no attempt to move away from the car. “If it will only take a few seconds, then you can say it from where you’re standing.”Her voice lacked everything—no coldness, no warmth, nothing. Kris swallowed hard.“I just... I just wanted to remind you that you have to go down to the station to file charges since you’re the one who was assaul—treated that way,” he said, skipping over the word because even the thought of it filled him with so much rage and pain.Thalassa looked at him. “Okay.”That was it. Just “okay.” Maybe Kris was losing his mind, but he
“The love birds are finally here!” Aunt Cynthia exclaimed excitedly the moment Kris walked into the house. His family were gathered in the living room, and they all had smiles on their faces, but their smiles dimmed when they noticed the gloomy look on Kris’s face as well as the fact that Karen wasn’t with him. “Kris, where’s Karen?” His aunt questioned. “Nephew, where’s your wife? You two went out to enjoy some quality time together, didn’t you?” His uncle supplied. His daughter, Tessa, was sitting on the floor in front of the nanny playing some Lego. Without answering his aunt and uncle, Kris sank down on the floor beside his daughter. “Hey baby.” He said and pressed his lips to her forehead. She stopped playing temporarily to look at him. “Dada.” The sweet, innocent smile she flashed him made his heart squeeze painfully. He knew the things that happened today were going to be hard on his daughter, but he hoped he was making the right decision. “Kris, why aren’t you
“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