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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
Linda Miller had always thought she was shrewd enough to sense a betrayal before it came her way, but Karen’s treachery caught her off guard.She gritted her teeth, fuming silently, unable to believe that Karen had dared to betray her. What had that foolish girl been thinking?“Mum,” Kris prompted grimly after several seconds of silence. “You haven’t answered my question.”Immediately, Linda summoned the most pitiful, heartbroken look she could conjure. “Why would I answer such a question? I refuse to believe that my own son would think me such a monster as to even consider that I could be behind something like that.”Kris pursed his mouth into a tight line. “Mum, I’m not trying to accuse you of anything. I’m just looking for answers here. I know you never liked Thalassa, so I just want you to be honest with me.”“I never liked Thalassa? You know that’s not true. Yes, in the beginning, I didn’t approve of her because I thought she was only trying to take advantage of you, but once I r
Linda felt her blood pressure rising, unable to believe the turn of events. All the machinations she’d done to get that lowlife out of her son’s life now seemed to be amounting to nothing. The woman obviously had Kris back under her thumb, and she had to do something about it.“What are you trying to say, Kris?” she demanded, the hurt in her voice carefully cajoled. “Are you saying that I also faked the evidence against that woman?”Kris let out a frustrated breath. “Mum, that’s not what I’m saying. I–““Then what are you saying?” Linda cut him off. “The day we caught her with that man in the hotel suite, she accused me of being the one who gave her the fraudulent documents to have them signed. If you’re saying you now believe her, then you’re accusing me of framing her.”She dissolved into tears. “What outrageous crime are you going to accuse me of next simply because Thalassa says so? That I’m the one who sent someone to attack her and her unborn child?”The mention of the unborn ch
Right after leaving his house, Kris called Alden to meet him at their usual club. Alden was exhausted after the long night, but he reluctantly agreed, fearing Kris would go crazy if he had no one to talk to.“So, did you ask your mother about what Karen said?” Alden asked after they had sat in silence for a bit, observing Kris taking shot after shot of vodka.“Yes.”Alden raised an eyebrow. “And?”Kris looked annoyed. “What do you mean by ‘and’? There’s nothing else to say because Karen is nothing but a manipulative snake. My mother is innocent. She isn’t capable of doing the vile things Karen did to Thalassa. She was just as shocked as I was to discover the truth.”Alden nodded slowly, feeling a bit relieved. He’d had his doubts after hearing what Karen said, but he was glad Kris had been able to clear it up.Kris poured himself another shot of vodka and downed it in one gulp. As he was about to pour another, Alden spoke up.“Dude, don’t you think you’ve had a little too much to drin
The next morning, in her holding cell, Karen was going crazy as she paced up and down. Every once in a while, she screamed, “This is an injustice! Get me the fuck out of here! I don’t belong here! This is an injustice. I haven’t done anything!” She was sharing the cell with two other women. It disgusted her so much that she had to share the place with actual criminals. “Sweetheart, shut your mouth, or I’ll shut it for you,” one of the women finally snapped. “Can’t you see we’re trying to think?” “But I’m innocent!” Karen protested. “They’re framing me.” The other woman rolled her eyes. “That’s what we all say. It’s like a game we know we can never win, yet we still keep playing.” “No, I’m serious. I’m innocent. They’re framing me for something I didn’t do. Haven’t you seen how they’ve even refused me the phone call I’m entitled to?” “We don’t give a fuck, princess,” the other woman hissed, eager for Karen to shut up. “You might be wearing fancy clothes, but in here, we’re
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