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
“Daddy! Daddy!”Kris was jolted awake by a small, soft body crashing hard onto his chest. Groaning, he opened his eyes, only to be assaulted by the bright lights in the room.“Daddy! Daddy!” Tiny hands began hitting him repeatedly on the cheek.“Ow, ow, Tessa,” Kris groaned as he finally managed to open his eyes and saw his daughter lying on his chest.Placing his hand on her back, he tried to sit up, but a violent ache streaked through his head, making him groan again.“Are you sick, Daddy?” Tessa asked, her forehead creased in a frown.“No. Daddy is fine, baby,” Kris said, despite the headache that made him feel like his head was going to split in two.Remembering the events at the club last night and how he had ended up drinking himself into a stupor, he nearly cursed-until he remembered his daughter was close by.“Tessa, there you are, you stubborn girl,” Tessa’s middle-aged nanny breathed in exasperation as she entered the room through the open door. “Didn’t I tell you not to bot
“There’s nothing I want more in this world than for you to forgive me... Lassa.” Thalassa’s heart squeezed painfully at the affectionate name he’d used. It was a nickname many close to her called her, but there had been something special about the way he said it—a certain raspiness and breathiness that made her weak in the knees. The last time he’d called her by that name was four years ago when they’d been happy, before they got married, and he changed into a completely different man. Glaring at him, she gritted out coldly, “Do not call me that again, Mr. Miller.” Kris swallowed, feeling the frostiness in her tone, knowing this was going to be just as hard as he had expected. But at least she’d given him some kind of reaction. Her anger was far better than her indifference. He risked a step forward. “Thalassa, I know that I’ve hurt you more than any man ever has, and...” “Any man?” Luisa scoffed. “Try anybody.” Now Kris knew this was going to be ten times tougher with Lu
“If you loved me as much as you claim, then my word and my love should’ve been enough to convince you that I could never betray you!”Kris winced at the sharpness in Thalassa's voice, each word cutting into him like a knife. The fact that she was doubting the sincerity of his love from years ago twisted the knife even deeper. He knew he had messed up in more ways than one, and he expected her to be tough on him, but at the same time, he felt like she wasn’t trying to understand him or put herself in his shoes.His voice heavy with emotion as he said, “I’m sorry, but don’t you think you’re being a little too hard on me?”Her eyes flashed with disbelief, her lips curling into an incredulous sneer. “I’m sorry, you think I’m being too hard on you?”“Please hear me out,” Kris said, his tone pleading. “You know I didn’t just blindly believe any evidence against you. I tried everything I could to prove it wrong because I desperately wanted it all to be a lie.”He paused, searching her face
Kris felt as if a bucket of ice-cold water had been dumped over him, his eyes widening in shock at Thalassa's words. He searched her face, hoping this was some kind of cruel joke, but the fire in her eyes told him she was deadly serious.“What are you waiting for?” she snapped, breaking the silence. “If you truly want our dead child, wherever they are, to see that you cared, then make their murderer pay. Have your mother arrested!”Kris’s stomach churned with bitterness; he couldn't believe she was demanding such a thing of him. As much as he knew she wasn't going to like his next words, he knew he had to say them.“Thalassa, I understand that my mother can be prejudiced and hard to please sometimes. She can be anything you want to accuse her of, but she is not a murderer. She would never wish harm on anyone, especially not her grandchild."Thalassa let out a bitter chuckle as she wiped the tears from her face. “Especially not her grandchild? Kris, she was the one who convinced you th
Earlier, as soon as Kris had chased Thalassa outside and Linda was granted permission, she wasted no time making her way to Karen’s cell.Karen was still pacing the length of her holding cell but froze when she saw Linda.“Mrs. Miller…”Linda stopped in front of the bars, a hard look on her face, but before speaking, she first glanced at the bed behind Karen, where her cellmate was lying.“She’s asleep,” Karen assured her before pleading, “Mrs. Miller, please tell me you came to get me out of here. I can’t stand—”“Lower your voice,” Linda hissed, not wanting Karen’s cellmate to overhear the impending conversation.Once Karen quieted down, Linda began her lashing out in a low, harsh voice. “So now you want me to get you out of here after you tried to implicate me in front of my son?”Karen instantly grew nervous, seeing the dark look in Linda’s eyes. “Linda…”“Shut up,” Linda snapped. “What the hell were you thinking? How could you tell Kris that I had something to do with those pictu
When Kris returned, he found his mother sitting in a chair in the waiting area. She stood up as soon as she noticed him.“Kris, what took you so long? I was beginning to think you’d already left.” Concern filled her expression. “Is everything okay? Why do you have that look on your face?”“It’s nothing,” Kris replied, not in the mood to elaborate. “Can we go see Karen now? I need to be at the fashion house soon.” His mother asked.Nodding, Kris approached the female officer at the front desk. “We’re here to see Karen Blade. She was brought in yesterday.”The woman raised an eyebrow and turned her gaze to his mother. “Both of you?”“Yes. Is there a problem? I know it’s allowed,” Kris pointed.“Yes, it’s allowed, but…” The female officer trailed off, her words causing Linda’s heart to skip a beat. She hoped the woman wouldn’t reveal to Kris that she had already visited Karen.“It’s just that…” The officer began saying again, then shrugged. “Sorry, you can both go ahead.”Linda could ba
Mum, can you leave us alone? I need to speak to Karen about something, then I’ll drop you off at the office,” Kris finally said, surprising them both.“Leave you two alone?” Linda asked nervously. “Why?”“There’s just something I need to discuss with her, and I’d prefer if you left us alone.”“Okay,” Linda nodded. “I’ll be in the waiting area. Don’t take too long.”She looked at Karen. “Goodbye, Karen.”To Karen, that goodbye held a thousand warnings, making her swallow nervously as she watched Linda leave.“What did you want to talk to me about?” she asked Kris.Kris stepped closer to the bars, his gaze intense and his voice dangerously low as he spoke. “Thalassa recorded the conversation you had when she came to see you. You told her that my mother was behind everything that happened to her. What evidence do you have to prove it?”Even though Linda wasn’t present, her earlier threats were still engraved in Karen’s mind, making her shake her head.“I have no evidence because it was a
“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